Best Index Studios Podcasts (2025)

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Choosing Between Property And Managed Funds In New Zealand 11:31

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2h ago11:31

11:31

Ready for a real-world showdown on where to put your next dollar? We dive into the tug-of-war between buying property and investing in managed funds, unpacking the trade-offs most people skip: cash versus equity, time versus hassle, and how your money story shapes every choice you make. We start by sizing up the current New Zealand landscape, where…

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How To Choose A Better KiwiSaver Provider 9:28

4h ago9:28

9:28

Think your bank’s “low fees” mean better results? The five-year data tells a different story. We pulled back the curtain on KiwiSaver performance after fees and found a consistent pattern: generalist bank funds often lag, while specialist providers deliver stronger net returns that compound meaningfully over time. Even more surprising, many of the …

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Mix #6.30: Snakes Groups, Job Passion, and Flood Complaints 52:20

42m ago52:20

52:20

TT's: We talk about the Cebu projects/floods (04:55) ODDiba?: A Snake ID Facebook Group (20:10) Where you bean?!: Rica talks about passion for her new job (29:01), and JC talks about some TV shows he watched (40:50) Follow Rica & JC on IG: @ricaggg @itsmejaysee Leche-Fan Mail: [email protected] Recorded using the ELGATO WAVE 1 Microphones, …

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Choosing Between Shares, Index Funds, And Managed Portfolios For Real Goals 10:03

14h ago10:03

10:03

Want a clear way to choose between stock picking, index funds, and managed portfolios without getting lost in jargon? We bring Elizabeth back to map three investing paths to the outcomes real people care about: learning with small stakes, building long-term wealth at low cost, and hitting a specific dollar goal on a specific date. We start with dir…

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Quest Hand Tracking 2.4 & Disney+, Third-Party Horizon OS Headsets Canceled 3:19:08

1h ago3:19:08

3:19:08

We discuss reports that third-party Horizon OS headsets, including the one from Asus, have seemingly been canceled. We also cover Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth's response to the speculation, the new Disney+ app on Quest, and the Hand Tracking 2.4 update. Here's the full topic list, in order: 1. Best Buy's $250 Quest 3S Deal Is Back 2. visionOS Update Im…

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From Five Dollars To A Future: How Tiny Investments Build Wealth 10:08

3h ago10:08

10:08

Think you need a big lump sum to start investing? We’re taking a sledgehammer to that myth and showing how tiny, repeatable steps can build real wealth. With Elizabeth back on the mic, we break down practical ways to begin with as little as five dollars, then map a path to diversified managed funds with achievable minimums. No jargon. No shame. Jus…

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From Side Hustle To Studio Homes 29:15

5h ago29:15

29:15

A budget roadblock turned into a design career, a studio, and an award-winning project. Meet Sam MacArthur of Wild Bird Interior Design, who transformed a DIY necessity into a business built on clarity, calm, and clever coordination. We dig into how kitchens and bathrooms get designed for real life first, with function leading finishes, and why pho…

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588- Heart Health and ADHD Treatment: Implications of Stimulant Use for Adults 58:07

3m ago58:07

58:07

How does long-term ADHD medication use impact heart health? In this webinar, Samuele Cortese, M.D., Ph.D., presents the latest research on cardiovascular problems and ADHD medication use, including considerations for older adults. Heart Health and Stimulant Use: Resources Free Download: What You Need to Know About ADHD Medication Read: Change of He…

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Budget Hacks For Smarter Renovations 12:53

6h ago12:53

12:53

Renovating or building doesn’t have to drain your wallet to deliver a home you love. We sit down with interior designer Sam MacArthur of Wild Bird Interior Design to unpack the smart, simple moves that stretch your budget without sacrificing style or function. The conversation starts with a mindset shift: your existing space holds real value. By ca…

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EQC Claims, LIM Surprises, And Getting A Mortgage In New Zealand 11:55

4h ago11:55

11:55

Ever seen a “bargain” home that comes with an EQC claim, missing insulation, and a nervous insurer? We dig into real listener scenarios and show how fast a dream deal can unravel when banks, insurers, and lawyers aren’t aligned. From first-home jitters to investor calculus, we break down what to probe, when to pause, and how to protect your approva…

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From Sales Plans To Smart Homes: The Real Value Of An Architect 17:20

4h ago17:20

17:20

Ever stepped out of the shower and realised your front door frames your bedroom to the street? We start with that jolt of real-life design failure and build toward a simple claim: the right architect can save you stress, money, and long-term regret by aligning your home with how you actually live. We dig into what architects really do beyond pretty…

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Reverse Mortgages, Explained Clearly 9:27

11h ago9:27

9:27

Too many families face the same quiet stress: parents are rich on paper but short on cash, while adult children plan around an inheritance that may never arrive. We dive into reverse mortgages with clear, practical advice on when they help, when they hurt, and how to protect vulnerable borrowers while preserving choices later in life. We talk throu…

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How Planning Ahead Eases Grief For The Ones You Love 12:49

7h ago12:49

12:49

Grief arrives fast; chaos doesn’t have to. We open up about a recent loss and the unexpected relief that came from one simple gift: everything was organised. From who speaks at the service to where the documents live, clear choices turned a brutal week into one held together by dignity, love, and less guesswork. We talk through what thoughtful plan…

1
Meta's Future Headset Strategy, Android XR Likeness Avatars, Xreal Project Aura Tease 3:00:45

4d ago3:00:45

3:00:45

We discuss Meta confirming a funding shift from the Metaverse toward AI glasses, reports of a delay for its ultralight headset, and work starting on a gaming-focused Quest 4. We also cover Samsung Galaxy XR getting realistic avatars, the first clip of Xreal's Project Aura device, and Valve's comments on the blurring lines between VR and non-VR cont…

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AI, Architecture, And The Human Touch 12:03

4h ago12:03

12:03

Fear about AI replacing architects is loud, but the reality is more nuanced and far more useful. We sit down with architect Micah Ricards to map where AI makes the work better—clearer emails, cleaner briefs, sharper questions—and where it hits a hard wall, like carrying responsibility for design decisions that affect how people live day to day. Fro…

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How A Tiny Wellington House Became A Smart, Award-Winning Home 26:42

3h ago26:42

26:42

What if your home could do more with less? We sit down with architect Micah to unpack the craft of designing compact spaces that feel generous, from clever room swaps and foldaway beds to ventilation that keeps things comfortable without energy-hungry cooling. His path through French Beaux-Arts training and life in dense European cities shaped a si…

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S1 E103 STEVE YORK - Bitten by the radio bug and then the entertainment bug 46:24

2h ago46:24

46:24

Steve York and Tim Larson met through Ted Gorden Smucker in Joliet, Illinois at the Illinois Rock n Roll Hall of Fame induction concert. He was representing WCFL radio along with Chuck Knapp and Bill Taylor. Tim knew there was more to Steve's story after hearing about Tony Bennett. Recorded on Decembe 5, 2025 at Saz's Steak House in Milwaukee, Wisc…

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OCR Outlook And Your Mortgage Now 11:11

6d ago11:11

11:11

Big headlines say the OCR fell, but your bank rate barely budged. We open the bonnet to show why: lenders price off wholesale markets and move ahead of Reserve Bank calls, which is why retail rates don’t always mirror the cash rate. From there we get practical—how do you choose between a sharp short-term fix and the peace of a five-year rate around…

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587- The Empathy Playbook for Parents: Helping Kids (and You) Navigate Unfair Treatment and Tough Relationships 1:01:14

13d ago1:01:14

1:01:14

Sharon Saline, Psy.D., helps parents understand how to talk with our kids about ADHD in a supportive, empowering way; establish boundaries and protect their self-esteem; and help them navigate unfair treatment from family members, teachers, and peers. Explaining ADHD: Resources Free Download: Questions to Get Your Child Talking Read: How to Explain…

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Episode 182 - Matan Yungman's Show-and-Tell of Rapido 40:40

10d ago40:40

40:40

Matan Yungman is our special host for today, who came especially to talk about his special project called "Rapido", which is capable of automatically tuning SQL queries at scale. Perhaps there is some inspiration in it for us? Relevant links: Matan Yungman | LinkedIn Matan Yungman (@MatanYungman) / X SQL Server 2025 is Now Generally Available | Mic…

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FluxPose Tracking, GravityXR Ultralight Headset Chip, Meta Talent Hire & Budget Cut 2:35:12

12d ago2:35:12

2:35:12

We discuss FluxPose potentially becoming the spiritual successor to Lighthouse body tracking, GravityXR building a chip to enable ultralight headsets, reports that Meta Reality Labs is facing a budget cut, and Apple's Head of UI leaving to lead design at Meta. Here's the full topic list, in order: 1. Quest Gets Second Exclusive 'Avatar: Fire and As…

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S1 E102 MELINDA HAGERMAN - Stories about Rockford, Illinois from the center of the city 1:32:49

13d ago1:32:49

1:32:49

Melinda Hagerman and Tim Larson have been friends for decades and it was high time to capture some of their stories centered around Rockford, Illinois. They have always learned something new from each other and neither have no idea where any conversation will go. Today's episode at Benson Stone and Hearth Rock Cafe is no exception. Recorded Decembe…

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586- Movement As Medicine: How Music, Movement, and Dance Transform the Neurodivergent Brain 51:52

5d ago51:52

51:52

Research shows that a body in motion engages a diverse network of brain regions. Movement, and dance in particular, improves mood, focus, emotional regulation, social connections, and decreases social anxiety and depression. Learn more from Julia C. Basso, Ph.D., including simple routines you can do at home. Movement and the Neurodivergent Brain: R…

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Mix #6.29: Police Costumes, Shrek Musicals, and Typhoons 1:07:48

12d ago1:07:48

1:07:48

TT's: We talk about Typhoon Kalmaegi in Cebu (02:37), and a Police Halloween costume gone wrong (13:15) Where you bean?!: JC talks about watching 'Shrek The Muical' (25:03) and watching 'Predator: Badlands' (32:33). Rica talks about watching a dope Drag Show (40:11) Follow Rica & JC on IG: @ricaggg @itsmejaysee Leche-Fan Mail: thehalohaloshow@gmail…

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Next Pico Headset Specs, Meta Horizon Hyperscape Social Update 2:41:30

14d ago2:41:30

2:41:30

We discuss the best Black Friday XR deals including steep Quest 3S discounts with Horizon+ perks and PS VR2’s limited-time price cut, as well as Meta’s new smart glasses trade-in program that even gives credit for AirPods. We also cover Godot’s upgraded XR support with a universal OpenXR APK, the latest Horizon OS v83 features like system-level pos…

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How To Navigate Mortgage Stress And Debt With A Clear Plan 9:10

23d ago9:10

9:10

Money pressure builds quietly—then feels impossible. We open up about what we’re seeing across New Zealand households right now: families juggling higher refix rates, patchy incomes after layoffs, and the creeping stress of arrears on essentials like rates and insurance. Rather than waiting for a final notice, we walk through practical moves that l…

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Why Switching Banks Now Could Put Thousands In Your Pocket 6:30

24d ago6:30

6:30

Want thousands back when you switch or buy? We break down the rare 1.5% cashback offers rolling out across major New Zealand banks and show how to capture the benefit even if your settlement won’t land until the new year. The key is understanding the power of “documented” before the lender’s December cutoff and using that window to lock in your dea…

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Credit Defaults, Wrongly Lodged 9:58

24d ago9:58

9:58

The scariest words in a mortgage journey aren’t “interest rates rising.” They’re “default recorded.” We walk through a real case where a couple kept up with their repayments, only to discover a large default wrongly sitting on their credit report. That single entry triggered declines across lenders and almost derailed their dream to buy a home—unti…

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585- The Social Costs of (and Solutions to) Productivity Struggles 58:47

22d ago58:47

58:47

ADHD makes it harder to get things done and to meet others' expectations — but at what point is the stress not worth it? Ari Tuckman, Psy.D., MBA, discusses how you can decide which tasks to take on while avoiding people-pleasing and burnout. Productivity Solutions: Resources Free Download: 19 Ways to Meet Deadlines and Get Stuff Done Read: Self-Sa…

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OCR Preview: Will Rates Finally Ease? 7:38

25d ago7:38

7:38

A quarter of a point can feel tiny until it touches your mortgage, your savings plan, and your next move on the ladder. We break down the looming OCR tweak, the real reasons banks push cashbacks instead of cutting fixed rates, and how wholesale swap rates quietly call the shots. It’s a practical map for anyone deciding whether to fix short, float, …

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How NZ Pension And Australia’s Super Stack Up For Your Future 17:05

27d ago17:05

17:05

Think NZ Super guarantees an easy retirement? The safety net is real, but comfort requires more than a minimum KiwiSaver contribution. We sit down with Elizabeth to map the practical differences between New Zealand’s universal pension and Australia’s means-tested age pension, then dig into why higher compulsory super rates across the Tasman transla…

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From Loss To Long-Term Security: A Guide For Young Widows Managing Life Insurance 12:46

28d ago12:46

12:46

A life insurance payout can feel like a lifeline and a landmine at the same time. We open up a candid case study of young widows navigating sudden financial responsibility, the weight of grief, and the fear of doing the “wrong” thing with what feels like the last piece of their partner’s legacy. Our goal is to replace panic with a plan that respect…

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Banks Read Your Power Bill, So Maybe Don’t Bounce It 9:12

29d ago9:12

9:12

Missed payments aren’t always about low income; they’re often about bad timing. We dive into the practical steps that keep your credit score clean and your home loan humming, even when payroll runs late or a provider insists on debiting the 20th of every month. Drawing on real client stories, we show how a one-day buffer after payday, a dedicated b…

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Black Friday Deals, Lynx Loses Android XR, TCL's High-Density OLED 3:07:33

27d ago3:07:33

3:07:33

We discuss the best Black Friday VR deals including Quest 3S bundles at Costco and Best Buy, and PS VR2 dropping to $300, as well as Lynx’s next headset reportedly skipping Android XR while aiming for the widest standalone field of view. We also dive into TCL’s high-density OLED displays and how they could enable the midrange headsets VR needs, the…

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100: Season 6 wrap up 17:00

15d ago17:00

17:00

Una and Bramus recap the season! They share some new updates and re-visit some of their favorite tips and tricks.Season 6 covered inline if() statements and custom functions, scroll state queries, carousel APIs, view transitions updates, anchor positioning, command invokers and interest invokers, customizable select, and a whole bunch of other CSS …

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What A 2027 Capital Gains Tax Could Mean For Buyers, Renters, And Investors 9:08

30d ago9:08

9:08

Headlines say capital gains on investment property could arrive from 1 July 2027. We dig into what that timing might do to behaviour: investors bringing sales forward, first-home buyers seeing more stock, and renters caught between short-term sell-offs and longer-term holds. Rather than debate politics or deep tax law, we focus on practical consequ…

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OCR Call: Why A 0.25 Cut Matters Now 7:10

1M ago7:10

7:10

Rates are moving, budgets are stretched, and the clock is ticking toward the 26 November OCR call. We dig into why a 0.25 cut is back on the table, how unemployment at 5.2 percent shifts the Reserve Bank’s calculus, and why falling mortgage rates might still feel like standing still when power, insurance, fuel, and council rates climb. The story is…

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584- All You Can Be with ADHD: How to Uplift Kids Who Think Differently 1:00:45

17d ago1:00:45

1:00:45

Members of the ADHD Club are wildly creative, passionate people who think differently. Join Penn and Kim Holderness to learn how to help kids recognize the awesomeness in ADHD, identify their strengths, and approach ADHD-related challenges with resilience. Resources: Building Confidence in Kids Free Download: 19 Questions That Build ADHD Metacognit…

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How To Buy Your Parents’ House With Gifted Equity 7:24

1M ago7:24

7:24

Want a faster, cleaner path onto the property ladder without scraping together a 20% cash deposit? We dive into the growing strategy of buying your parents’ home at market value while using gifted equity to supercharge your approval odds, cut low‑equity costs, and keep the whānau home in the whānau. Across a real‑world $1m valuation scenario, we wa…