Best Chris Hanlon Podcasts (2025)

1
Broken Internet 28:07

Play Pause

2d ago28:07

28:07

Summary Chris is juggling an improv show, TEDx events, and a film festival, while Sam's busy giving out pumpkin seeds and updating his website. We hear about wild weather in New Zealand, a hilarious AWS outage that left smart beds stuck and beer factories offline, and a mum in Austria who let her 12-year-old help in brain surgery. There's also weir…

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Floating Wind Turbine 28:36

9d ago28:36

28:36

Summary China tests a floating wind turbine that harnesses air power, Brazil opens the world’s largest mosquito factory, and a lost train is discovered buried on a beach—plus Halloween mischief and a marathon podcast farewell. Links AI Mass Produced Podcasts China tests floating wind turbine Largest Mosquito factory opened in Brazil Tulsa King The …

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Episode 11: Crossing Barriers with Astronaut Hoot Gibson 40:50

10d ago40:50

40:50

Join us with astronaut and author Hoot Gibson on this Special Edition podcast. Here, we take an amazing ride as we fly in Top Gun, command space shuttles, and break records for speed! You won't want to miss this one as we hear about so many “firsts” astronaut Gibson makes throughout his multi-decade career. You can find his children's book, First F…

1
Work From Home Jail 29:48

16d ago29:48

29:48

Summary Chris and Sam are back in the studio after some remote recording and illness, diving into everything from scams and AI deepfakes to the unusual world of remote work—from prison! Share what happens when a coffee truck leans a little too hard into its graveyard branding. Plus, there’s a wild story about cough syrup gone wrong, squirrel huntin…

1
Blue Garden Bags For All 27:40

23d ago27:40

27:40

Summary Chris pitches his improv comedy night (and shares tales of on-stage embarrassment), while Sam uncovers the saga of blue garden bags mysteriously appearing all over Hamilton. We discuss questionable marketing tactics, the world’s highest bridge opening in China, and local happenings from night markets to live-action role-playing. There’s lis…

1
No Power 29:08

30d ago29:08

29:08

Summary Sam hits up the New Zealand Motorhome and Caravan Show, while Chris narrowly dodges a bout of sickness with questionable remedies. We hear about Sam’s epic six-hour power cut saga, a remarkable breakthrough in Huntington’s disease treatment, and the opening of a massive time capsule in Nebraska. There’s also talk of odd public statues, stol…

1
Cryptic Sudoku 32:46

1M ago32:46

32:46

Summary Chris has updates about improv combat, while Sam learns about the mysterious world of cryptic Sudoku and questions reality itself. We talk bizarre cheating in stone skimming contests, a walking tree that wins a national award, and new TV remote woes. There’s chat about AI hacking bosses, Jimmy Kimmel’s abrupt cancellation, and all the local…

1
Episode 10: An Unlikely Astronaut - Susan Kilrain 26:31

1M ago26:31

26:31

Join us as astronaut and author Susan Kilrain tells us about her amazing journey becoming an astronaut! On this Special Edition podcast, she discusses her story of moving from Navy Test Pilot to becoming the second woman, and youngest person, to pilot the space shuttle, logging over 470 hours in space! You can find her inspiring book for all ages, …

1
Give us your Pin 31:27

1M ago31:27

31:27

Summary Chris is cast as a problematic patient in a mock medical exam, while Sam’s on top of the latest scams and wild world news—think painted squirrels, shootouts, and Netflix docos in the making. We hear about Elon Musk’s eye-watering trillion-dollar pay proposal, the quirks of world record chasers, and a new AI-powered Coke machine that’s got w…

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Episode 147: Measuring What Matters with Rachel Block (Milbank Memorial Fund) 23:52

2M ago23:52

23:52

In this episode, Andréa Caballero of Catalyst for Payment Reform talks with Rachel Block—Program Officer at the Milbank Memorial Fund and longtime federal/state health policy leader—about cost growth targets: what they are, why they matter, and how states, employers, and consumers can use transparent data to bend the healthcare cost curve without h…

1
Astronaut Oxygen Scam 31:06

2M ago31:06

31:06

Summary Chris gears up for improv comedy while Sam and his team go all-in on an ET-themed quiz night. We hear about radioactive shrimp recalls, a Kiwi scammer with an impressively convoluted scheme, and the jaw-dropping tale of an astronaut oxygen scam. There's a look at presidential birthdays, viral yacht disasters, and the never-ending saga of un…

1
Too Many Dead Bodies 30:19

2M ago30:19

30:19

Summary Chris juggles TEDx deadlines, a new acting gig as a fake patient, and some serious calendar stress, while Sam uncovers funeral home horrors and the downside of car subscription services. We learn about pigeons smuggling mystery notes, a woman racing AI by writing 34 books in 34 weeks, and how New Zealand wool makes its way to the US Open. T…

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Episode 146: Starting Fresh: Swati Mathai on a New Era of Employer Healthcare 23:52

2M ago23:52

23:52

In this episode of Listening (With Permission), Andréa Caballero of Catalyst for Payment Reform sits down with Swati Mathai—CEO and co-founder of XO Health—to explore how employers can finally move beyond the limits of legacy health plans. With more than 25 years of experience advising Fortune 500 employers, leading strategy at UnitedHealthcare and…

1
Cyborg Cockroaches 33:37

2M ago33:37

33:37

Summary Chris turns up in a bandana as the guys dive into random stories from cyborg cockroaches and giant bees to America’s latest political circus. Chris shares insights from a nerdy wedding, while Sam is fascinated by Ukraine’s record-breaking snipers and Lithuania’s mass drone training program. They also chat about frozen embryos, bizarre acts …

1
Tooth Eyeball 29:58

2M ago29:58

29:58

Summary Sam returns from a Lower Hutt conference with tales of old hotel birds, dodgy bars, and delicious Malaysian food, while Chris has been hunched over his computer with a sore hand. We learn about Putin’s poo suitcase, cortisone injections, political river perks, and some wild Kickstarter gadgets that catch the guys’ attention. Chris shares th…

1
Fish Fire 28:19

3M ago28:19

28:19

Summary Chris is back from a trip to Wellington where he masters the art of heat pump repair, while Sam gears up for a work conference and navigates the mysteries of barber chairs. We hear about a toddler found in a bus luggage compartment, a LEGO show packed with impressive displays, and a cat named Leonardo da Pinchy with a taste for stealing und…

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Episode 145: Health Rosetta’s Blueprint for Transforming Healthcare with Dave Chase 26:18

3M ago26:18

26:18

In this eye-opening episode of Listening (With Permission), Andréa Caballero of Catalyst for Payment Reform welcomes Dave Chase—visionary founder of Health Rosetta, author, and champion for rebuilding healthcare from the ground up. Together, they explore how employers and benefits leaders can break free from status-quo health plans and reclaim qual…

1
New Mineral Found 30:02

3M ago30:02

30:02

Summary This week, the duo dive into the discovery of a rare mineral thanks to a decades-old letter, discuss NZ’s first smishing attack, and marvel at bananas taped to walls fetching millions. There’s also talk of atmospheric water harvesters, board game accolades, movie piracy with a twist, and Coldplay’s kiss cam fallout. All this randomness and …

1
Bearded Nerd 30:03

3M ago30:03

30:03

Summary Chris has been busy filming action scenes in Rotorua while Sam’s been getting bombarded with quirky Kickstarter ads, including a battery sorter and a robot chess coach. We hear about a man’s disastrous MRI mishap, why cat lovers are heading to cinemas, and how weak passwords can end a 158-year-old business. The boys break down the Late Show…

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Episode 144 - Oral Health is Healthcare with Caroline McLeod 19:04

3M ago19:04

19:04

In this episode of Listening In (With Permission), Andréa Caballero of Catalyst for Payment Reform sits down with Caroline McLeod, a practicing dental clinician and leader at CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, for a deep dive into the overlooked world of oral healthcare—exploring why it's far more than just teeth, and why health leaders need to p…

1
Creepy Teddy Bear 29:38

3M ago29:38

29:38

Summary Chris gets his tooth pulled and Sam battles “mummy thumb” in this week’s episode, as we dive into a marathon runner’s tragic end and a Guinness World Record jigsaw collection. We hear about a creepy teddy bear art prank that sparks police action, mysterious Amazon brush scams, and the biggest piece of Mars found on Earth is up for aucion. P…

1
WETIT 11:22

4M ago11:22

11:22

Summary Chris and Sam dive into the world of teat spraying technology with Matt and Trevor from Wetit at the Fieldays event. We learn why teat hygiene is crucial for dairy cows, how automation is changing the cowshed, and what makes Wetit’s solutions unique after 30 years in the industry. There’s chat about field days antics, technician woes, and e…

1
The Shear Space 6:05

4M ago6:05

6:05

Summary Chris sits down with Maddie from Iona College to talk about The Shear Space – an acoustically insulated pod made from New Zealand wool and designed for quiet study, work, or podcasting. We hear how the project started as a solution for a noisy school library and evolved into a potential business idea, plus the challenges of design, marketin…

1
The Angry Mexican 28:10

4M ago28:10

28:10

Summary Sam visits the Waikato Food Show and almost pays $210 for a food truck meal, while Chris recalls restaurant mishaps. We hear about permanent jewelry, a suspiciously glaring "Angry Mexican," and a Swiss startup putting solar panels between train tracks. There’s also a right-angle bridge in India, chemtrail bans in the US, AI-generated bands …

1
RespondBio 11:55

4M ago11:55

11:55

Summary In this episode from Fieldays 2025 we dive into the world of sustainable farming with Dugald Hamilton and Jeff Brown from RespondBio. Discover how they’re shaking up agriculture by bringing living ecosystems back into our soil — and hear why farmers are finally “leaning forward” to listen! If you’re passionate about innovation, science, or …

1
Mara Bio 7:55

4M ago7:55

7:55

Summary Chris and Mark explore the fascinating world of food biotech from the innovation tent at Field Days, where we hear all about how Mara Bio is turning dairy industry waste into sustainable mycoprotein. Mark explains the science behind their fermentation process, what makes their protein different from others on the market, and the challenges …

1
Kiwi-Econet 5:45

4M ago5:45

5:45

Summary In this episode of The Chris and Sam Podcast, Sam sits down with Grant from Kiwi Eco Net at Fieldays 2025 to talk about his game-changing invention: the world’s first edible bale net! 🚜🐄 Say goodbye to plastic waste and hello to safer, greener farming. Grant shares how years working on oil rigs inspired this eco-friendly innovation, the sto…

1
Kiwi Leather Innovations 9:34

4M ago9:34

9:34

Summary This episode from Fieldays 2025 Sam chats with Chris from Kiwi Leather Innovations – the visionary team turning surplus kiwifruit into high-quality, eco-friendly vegan leather right here in New Zealand. 🥝👜 Discover how Kiwi Leather Innovations is tackling food industry waste, collaborating with scientists at Scion, and pushing the boundarie…

1
AI Going Rogue 30:02

4M ago30:02

30:02

Summary Chris and Sam battle sore hands and relentless rain while diving into another week of tech-fueled randomness. This episode, AI goes rogue with some shockingly blackmail-y behavior, people spiral into "ChatGPT psychosis," and the perils of viral fame – including a comedian jailed for his jokes – are explored. There’s cicada chaos on rollerco…

1
GE Free 17:28

4M ago17:28

17:28

Summary Sam chats with Jon from GE Free New Zealand at Field Days, diving into the hot debate around gene editing, the new Gene Technology Bill, and what losing Aotearoa’s GE Free status could mean for our exports and farmers. We hear why the government’s changes are raising eyebrows, explore the loss of local protections and there’s some real talk…

1
Drone Trust 9:47

4M ago9:47

9:47

Summary Drones take centre stage in agriculture and beyond, as Chris talks with Peter from Drone Trust about certification, challenges, and the growing interest in drone tech—from crop spraying to filmmaking. Plus, can teenagers turn drone skills into careers? Links Drone Trust Website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Bader Innovative Wellbeing 10:11

4M ago10:11

10:11

Summary Chris talks to Mike about Bader Innovative wellbeing. Key points are: Innovation Meets Efficacy: Bader prioritizes formulation strength and therapeutic dosages, going product-first to deliver tangible results in sleep and focus—helping people even transition off pharmaceuticals like sleeping pills. Startup Grit: The journey isn’t without ch…

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Episode 143: Kristof Stremikis on Medicaid’s Future—and Why Employers Should Care 22:47

4M ago22:47

22:47

In this episode of Listening In (With Permission), Andréa connects with Kristof Stremikis, Director, Market Analysis and Insights at the California Healthcare Foundation, for a candid exploration of Medicaid’s evolving landscape and its surprising relevance to the employer-sponsored insurance market.…

1
Belt Buckle Girl 30:03

4M ago30:03

30:03

Summary This week Chris found a podcast with a very similar name and jacked up an interview with them next week. Can't wait to find out more about Sam & Chris the Podcast. We also learned about the stolen Mayonnaise we spoke about months ago. While Sam had an experience at McDonalds and also at Lonestar. The Ukraine war has brought a lot of innovat…

1
Country Trucker Caps 12:22

4M ago12:22

12:22

Summary Sam talks to Knuckles from Country Trucker Caps and finds out what makes their hats unique, all while finding out how big of a podcaster he is. Links Country Trucker Caps Proper True Yarn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episode 142: Beyond Pie Charts: Mike Hanlon on Real-Time Data, Carve Outs, and Employer Power 20:52

4M ago20:52

20:52

Episode 142: Beyond Pie Charts: Mike Hanlon on Real-Time Data, Carve Outs, and Employer Power by Catalyst for Payment ReformBy Catalyst for Payment Reform

1
New Shirts 28:57

4M ago28:57

28:57

Summary Chris and Sam are back from Fieldays with upgraded podcast shirts and hoodies, thanks to Marvin Smith Apparel. They chat about the chaos of Fieldays, the infamous Cybertruck, wild content creators, and robots on America’s Got Talent. There’s discussion of gun seizures in Gore, assassination drones, lackluster parades, and what’s happening f…

1
Fieldays 2025 23:44

4M ago23:44

23:44

Summary This is our yearly podcast from Fieldays, we cover how Fieldays was for us, plus we mix in our normal randomness, technology and life as well, which included: Sam and his trip to and from Fieldays, Spider Web 2.0 operation, a glacier collapse, robo centipedes and more. All the Fieldays interviews will be coming out individually very soon, s…

1
Broken Bike 29:12

5M ago29:12

29:12

Summary Fieldays is happening next week and we are gearing up for it. Chris won't be taking his bike as he broke that this week, while Sam had to deal with another rat. We talk about Final Destination Bloodlines, Ukraine and their Spider Web operation. A NZ Scientist is confident that the company they run can create a new type of reactor. While we …

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Episode 141: Don’t Mess with Texas Employers: Chris Skisak on State Policy for Affordable Healthcare 26:19

5M ago26:19

26:19

In this episode of Listening In (With Permission), Ryan Olmstead sits down with Mike Hanlon, founder and CEO of Abbet, to unpack some of the boldest ideas in health benefits management—and why they might not be so radical after all.Hanlon, whose company builds automation tools for large employer plan sponsors, offers a candid look at why traditiona…

1
Penny-farthing Speed 30:23

5M ago30:23

30:23

Summary This week, Sam returns from Christchurch with tales of super-bright phone screens, three-wheeled scooters, and a speedy penny farthing sighting, while Chris issues an apology after getting fact-checked about the next James Bond. We hear about wild "run it" sports, a Trump watch mishap, robots kickboxing, and the wild world of shopping cart …

1
Nuclear Moon 29:56

5M ago29:56

29:56

Summary Chris is battling a lingering sickness while Sam’s busy hunting down tiny plastic ducks hidden around the house. This week, the guys talk Barbie and Oppenheimer, binge HBO’s Chimp Crazy, and discover the wild world of milking snails for ancient purple dye. There’s tales of ocular cat bugs, a moon-bound nuclear plant courtesy of China and Ru…

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Episode 140: Shawn Gremminger on the Hidden Costs of the 340B Drug Pricing Program 28:33

5M ago28:33

28:33

In this episode of Listening In (With Permission), Shawn Gremminger, President and CEO of the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions, joins Andréa Caballero of Catalyst for Payment Reform to dive into a pressing but often overlooked issue: the impact of the 340B Drug Pricing Program on pharmacy costs for employers and healthcare purch…

1
Missing Inmate Found 29:55

5M ago29:55

29:55

Summary Chris has man flu this week, while Sam is back from the NZ Podcasting Summit. We learn that the Russian spy whale died this week, while an inmate was lost and a suspect had a crap hiding spot. In AI things, we learn someone is in a relationship with their AI partner, AI is causing problems for some while an AI victim impact statement is use…

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Meth Pipe Raccoon 30:14

6M ago30:14

30:14

Summary We watched a bunch of movies this week, while Sam sorted out the stupid parking ticket. We learn about a raccoon with a meth pipe, a long lost sausage dog is found and a weird guy keeps setting fire to his house. Just the usual really. Come have a listen Links The People We Love Movie Micky 17 The Long Walk NZ gets defense money Homegrown c…

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Robot Half Marathon 31:30

6M ago31:30

31:30

Summary Sam has beef this week with Pak N Save Clarence St this week with their crazy car parking ticket they gave him for 26 hours. Chris has a shoutout this week to Ellen, not his ex wife Ellen, someone else it turns out. Carnival with fart spray causes chaos. While a Turkish town decide to burn a lot of weed, and Saudi Arabia has made a thing ca…

1
Episode 139: Navigating PBM State Policy Changes in Tennessee with Kendra Gipson 20:43

6M ago20:43

20:43

In this episode of LIWP's Healthcare Highway, Ryan Olmstead of Catalyst for Payment Reform speaks with Kendra Gipson, Director, Vendor Services & Contracts at State of Tennessee. Kendra oversees health plans for over 300,000 employees, and in this engaging conversation, she delves into the impact of recent pharmacy and PBM (Pharmacy Benefit Manager…

1
Cat Flavoured Dog Pie 32:04

6M ago32:04

32:04

Summary This episode is filled to the brim with stories. From a Cat flavoured Dog pie, to unique flooding protection, a bookshop move, the world's most bitter compound and Chris being weird. More on the stolen golden toilet, a Kiwi woman gets a brain implant, a new colour has been found, what's up with Fyre Festival 2 and so much more. Links Cat fl…

1
Wrestling Church 28:56

6M ago28:56

28:56

Summary This weeks episode we cover a bunch of things, from Sam being stuck in Easter traffic and getting customer easter eggs. To the renaming of an aircraft carrier, a wrestling Church and the chaos that is hte Minecraft movie. What is going on with the naming of people by NZ Health? How did a first aid course go this week, and we spend way too m…

1
Episode 138: No Extra Care, Just Extra Costs: Facility Fees with Patricia Kelmar. 15:47

7M ago15:47

15:47

Patricia Kelmar, Senior Healthcare Campaigns Director for USPIRG, sits down with Andrea Caballero from Catalyst for Payment Reform to discuss one of the most pressing issues in healthcare affordability: facility fees. These hidden charges are adding significant costs to medical bills, even for routine visits and telehealth appointments. With her ex…