Best John Maring Podcasts (2025)

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Maree MacLean: The no bullshit guide to getting sober 31:25

Play Pause

10d ago31:25

31:25

Maree MacLean is an author and publisher who has helped countless people with her guides to sobriety. Her first book, The No Bullshit Guide to Getting Sober, became an Audible bestseller in 2023. Maree lost her brother Stu to alcoholism at 37 - he died in her arms at Auckland Hospital. Her own drinking started in her twenties, masked by media work …

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Tractor Fun 41:05

16m ago41:05

41:05

This week’s podcast is presented by Jacqueline and Stephen. We hear from: · Grellan who has thoughts on what we actually hear and what we don't; · Love Jazzer's Singing, who has plot hopes for the year ahead; · and finally Witherspoon, who enjoyed the tractor run, and in particular Lynda's contributions; And we have emails from Edna Cloud, and Chri…

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S20E4: "Good King Wenceslas" by Vaclav Svoboda, trans. by John Mason Neale (S14 Encore) 10:57

3d ago10:57

10:57

As befits the time of year, we will be reading six poems of Advent and Christmas. This series is a re-airing of episodes from Season 14. We have selected certain familiar poems, which may yet contain certain surprises in their authorship and composition history, as well as some less well-known pieces which we hope will help you better enjoy the lat…

1
Dear John 1:01:12

4d ago1:01:12

1:01:12

This week’s podcast is presented by Stephen and Jacqueline. We hear from: · Jeff, who has thoughts on tractors and on John Archer; · Witherspoon, who is in a reflective mood; · Jade in Australia who has a Scottish plot prediction; · Jules from Brooklyn who is feeling sympathy for Josh; · Nathan, who is nominating Ed as his character of the year; · …

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S20E3: "Christmas Carol" by Sara Teasdale (S14 Encore) 9:57

11d ago9:57

9:57

As befits the time of year, we will be reading six poems of Advent and Christmas. This series is a re-airing of episodes from Season 14. We have selected certain familiar ones, which may yet contain certain surprises in their authorship and composition history, as well as some less well-known pieces which we hope will help you better enjoy the late…

1
Lurgy House 1:04:30

11d ago1:04:30

1:04:30

This week’s podcast is presented by Jacqueline and Stephen. We hear from: Amber Rage in Ambridge who is wondering what it would be like to wander around Ambridge; Michelle from Dorset, who wonders whether Leonard has a death wish; Leigh from Cookham, who is also concerned about Leonard; Claire in Northern France, who has been noticing outdated idea…

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Georgie Hanafin: Living with OCD, ADHD and intrusive thoughts 43:20

19d ago43:20

43:20

For years, Georgie Hanafin thought she was just a bad person. She struggled at school, couldn't maintain friendships, overthought every conversation. At 34, she realised she had OCD and ADHD. Getting help became its own nightmare. Emergency departments dismissed her. Crisis lines let her down. The system wouldn't listen. In October 2022, desperate …

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S20E2: "Mistletoe" by Walter de la Mare (S14 Encore) 11:12

18d ago11:12

11:12

As befits the time of year, we will be re-visiting six poems of Advent and Christmas during this twentieth season of the Well-Read Poem. We have selected certain familiar ones, which may yet contain certain surprises in their authorship and composition history, as well as some less well-known pieces which we hope will help you better enjoy the late…

1
Bye, George 1:06:34

18d ago1:06:34

1:06:34

This week’s podcast is presented by Stephen and Jacqueline. We hear from: · Jade in Australia, who wants to know about Oliver's past; · Amber Rage in Ambridge, who has some thoughts and predictions about the 75th Anniversary of The Archers; · Juliet, a first-time caller-innerer, who is wondering what has happened to Marky; · Globe-Trotting Richard …

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Ian Walker: Surviving two spinal cord injuries - and the voice that woke him from a coma 31:37

26d ago31:37

31:37

Ian Walker has survived two catastrophic spinal cord injuries - one in 2006 when his bicycle hit a truck, another in 2019 when a 4x4 dragged his hand-cycle 15 metres down the road. After 13 days in a coma, nothing woke him - until broadcaster Jason Pine started talking about his favourite football team, Liverpool FC, on Radio Sport. Ian clenched hi…

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S20E1: "The Magi" by William Butler Yeats (S14 Encore) 11:30

26d ago11:30

11:30

As befits the time of year, we will be reading six poems of Advent and Christmas during this twentieth season of the Well-Read Poem. This series is a re-airing of episodes from Season 14. We have selected certain familiar ones, which may yet contain certain surprises in their authorship and composition history, as well as some less well-known piece…

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Justin's Beavers 52:32

25d ago52:32

52:32

This week’s podcast is presented by Jacqueline and Stephen. We hear from: · Witherspoon, who might be feeling sorry for George; · Michelle from Dorset who has questions about George's drone and the village shop; · Nathan, a first time caller-innerer, at least when using his own name, who has not been enjoying the sounds of silence; · Witherspoon ag…

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Debbs Murray: Coercive control in relationships - what it really looks like 31:08

1M ago31:08

31:08

Debbs Murray endured nearly eight years of coercive control before her dad saw the knife-slashed bed where her ex-partner thought she'd been sleeping... that moment forced her to finally call the police and leave. Debbs is now the founder of Eclipse Family Violence Services, training over 6,500 frontline responders and practitioners. Her mission: t…

1
Scots Waylaid 1:08:23

1M ago1:08:23

1:08:23

This week’s podcast is presented by Stephen and Jacqueline We hear from: · Love Jazzer's Singing who, among other things, thinks we all need to be a bit more Natasha; · Grellan from London, who has not been enjoying Scottish Castle Week; · Kathleen, also from London, who has surprised herself because she has been enjoying it; · Nick in the Cotswold…

1
Lisa Reid: How meth addiction took over my life in just six weeks 33:59

1M ago33:59

33:59

Lisa Reid's first proper relationship breakup sent her spiralling. What started as weekend drinking turned into trying meth at a party - just to feel numb, just to forget. Within six to eight weeks, she was using daily. Within ten months, she'd lost $100,000, her dogs, her home, and nearly her life. At 3am one February morning, sitting on her bedro…

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Beavers Postponed 58:18

1M ago58:18

58:18

This week’s podcast is presented by Jacqueline and Stephen We hear from: · Casey in Vancouver, who has thoughts about Josh's sexuality; · Witherspoon, who has mostly been thinking about George; · An anonymous AirBNB owner who has had rather a lot of calls relating to a booking he has taken for next week; · David from Carmarthenshire who wonders why…

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Romy Lee: From addiction to recovery - how I used my experience as a Korean Kiwi to help others 35:42

2M ago35:42

35:42

Growing up as a queer Korean New Zealander, Romy Lee lived between two worlds with two different sets of expectations. The identity dissonance and isolation drove her to substances as a teenager - a solution that worked until it didn't. After moving overseas thinking a geographical change would fix everything, Romy had a realisation: it wasn't the …

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Funerals, Fireworks 1:09:59

2M ago1:09:59

1:09:59

This week’s podcast is presented by Stephen and Michelle We hear from: · Fiona, who is worried about a possible generational gap; · Tracy from California, who isn't very impressed with Susan; · Witherspoon, who sympathises with Henry; · Love Jazzer's Singing, who loved the scene in the Bull between Chris and Carly; · Glyn, who is hoping for conflic…

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Steve Devine & Jack Newman: Asking for help is the hardest thing a man will do 32:15

2M ago32:15

32:15

Former All Black Steve Devine spent two years bedridden with migraines after multiple concussions ended his rugby career. Jack Newman got to 142 kilos, hadn't exercised since 2015, and in 2014 came dangerously close to ending his life - a moment he didn't talk about for nine years. Both are now Movember ambassadors, speaking openly about the hardes…

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Rogue Heifer 1:13:33

2M ago1:13:33

1:13:33

This week’s podcast is presented by Theo and Stephen. We hear from: · Andrea in Beautiful Brittany who has a lot to say about Pip; · Helen - not the Bridge Farm one - who has a plot prediction for a 75th anniversary spectacular; · Witherspoon, who has opinions about Will Grundy; · Katherine, who doesn't like Pip but does like the Hare and Hounds; ·…

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Tom Robinson: The rugby star who walked away for his mental health 37:59

2M ago37:59

37:59

At the height of his rugby career, former Blues captain and cult star Tom Robinson walked away from the sport he loved. Behind the big tackles and big hair was a growing fear - anxiety over concussions and the long-term effects of head knocks. In this episode, Tom shares how his mind became his toughest opponent, what it took to step away, and how …

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Aldridge Apocalypse? 1:10:24

2M ago1:10:24

1:10:24

This week’s podcast is presented by Stephen and Jacqueline. We hear from: · Amber Rage in Ambridge - a second time caller-innerer - who is on #TeamGeorge in his dispute with Lilian; · Katherine, who is frustrated that so many inhabitants of Ambridge won't let George move on; · Claire from Clapham who has been enjoying people being told the truth th…

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Camille Keyte: From Mongrel Mob dealer to helping others out of addiction 29:33

2M ago29:33

29:33

In November 2020, Camille Keyte was arrested for dealing methamphetamine for a senior Mongrel Mob member. She'd been addicted since 14, using daily since 17. She'd lost her house, her business, her children. She had three pages of criminal charges and had tried to take her own life multiple times. On the run for a week with a warrant out, Camille f…

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Mourning Mulligan 1:04:43

2M ago1:04:43

1:04:43

This week’s podcast is presented by Jacqueline and Stephen. We hear from: · Witherspoon, who wants, among other things, to rescue Harrison from his current exile; · Love Jazzer's Singing, who doesn't think George has changed; · Globe-Trotting Richard, who doesn't think Oliver really understands the concept of job shadowing; · First-time solo caller…

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Jo Randerson: ADHD, autism and the creative mind 33:19

3M ago33:19

33:19

Jo Randerson was diagnosed with ADHD at 46, then autism this year - diagnoses that finally explained the parts of their life that never quite made sense. The theatre-maker and author talks honestly about how neurodiversity shapes both their creative work and their parenting. Jo wears a lot of hats. Their book "Secret Art Powers" makes the case that…

1
Georgie No-Mates 1:06:24

3M ago1:06:24

1:06:24

This week’s podcast is presented by Stephen and Jacqueline. We hear from: · Claire from Clapham, who isn't sure that the current arrangements at Home Farm are going to work out; · Ros in South Wales, who asks for a reminder about how long Mick has known George; · Witherspoon, who wonders how George and Amber will get on now that they can actually s…

1
Seán Barnes: 'Social fitness' and why men need their mates 31:07

3M ago31:07

31:07

Sean Barnes co-founded the Christchurch chapter of WNOW (When No One's Watching) - a global movement where men gather at 6am every Wednesday for exercise, conversation, and coffee. It's simple, but that's the point. The format includes 60 pushups together to honour the 60 men globally who take their lives every hour. Sean talks about "social fitnes…

1
Bartle Bye Bye 1:10:20

3M ago1:10:20

1:10:20

This week’s podcast is presented by Jacqueline and Stephen. We hear from: · Love Jazzer's Singing, who is enjoying the softening of George Grundy; · Witherspoon, no longer with Angus Haggis, who shares thoughts on the loss of much loved animals; · Helen, who has thoughts about the succession at Home Farm and the future of Justin's shares in BL; · O…

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Sand artist Wayne Webb: Finding hope on New Brighton beach 39:59

3M ago39:59

39:59

Wayne Webb was drowning in addiction and darkness when tragedy struck close to home. In his grief, his pain became visible to someone who asked if he was okay - that question changed everything. Now Wayne creates messages of hope in the sand at New Brighton Beach every day. After decades using alcohol and drugs to cope, he discovered that "busy han…

1
Kate's Kate 58:46

3M ago58:46

58:46

This week’s podcast is presented by Stephen and Michelle. We hear from: · Michelle from Dorset, who is looking forward to George's homecoming; · Richard, Biffo Prop, with thoughts on the last Sunday's readings in Church; · Globe-Trotting Richard, who wonders why Brian doesn't sell his shares in BL · Witherspoon and Angus Haggis, who has special per…

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Who cares for the carers? A story of duty, love and Alzheimer's 30:44

3M ago30:44

30:44

When Fiona Parrant's sister Charlene was diagnosed with terminal cancer, Fiona moved from Levin to Napier to help care for her - and for Charlene's husband, Alister, who had early onset Alzheimer's at just 60. After Charlene died, Fiona stayed in Napier to continue caring for Alister and help support his two sons. New Zealand's dementia care system…

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Geriatric toddlers 1:02:53

3M ago1:02:53

1:02:53

This week’s podcast is presented by Jaqueline and Theo with calls from Jules, talking about Amber Love Jazzers singing, with thoughts about dogs Katherine, thinking about the next generation of moneymakers Witherspoon, speculating on Paul and Ruaridh Richard, with more business questions . Plus emails from Laura and Gillian the Week in Ambridge fro…

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Nicola Colman: I recovered from 15 years of anorexia... then helped my daughter do the same 35:26

3M ago35:26

35:26

Nicola Colman lived with anorexia for 15 years, outwardly functioning through marriage, motherhood and immigration, while giving most of her life to the eating disorder. Her turning point came when her son asked why she never ate dinner with the family - she realised her children were learning this was normal. In 2019, her 15-year-old daughter was …

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Sizzling DumTeeDogs 57:25

3M ago57:25

57:25

This week’s podcast is presented by Glyn and Theo wth calls from: Globetrotting Richard, Casey Witherspoon and Angus Haggis, Leigh Nathan Plus the Week in Ambridge from Suey, a roundup of the Dumteedum Facebook group from Jacquieline, and the Tweets of the Week from Michelle. Please call into the show using this link: www.speakpipe.com/dumteedum Or…

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Chris Reidy & Di Langdon: Raising a child with FASD in New Zealand 27:30

4M ago27:30

27:30

Chris Reidy and Di Langdon have spent 20 years advocating for their son with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) - a journey that started with multiple diagnoses and school refusals before finally getting the umbrella diagnosis of FASD at age 15. Their son's struggles with developmental delays, sensory processing issues, and social difficulties …

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Cricketing Crisis 53:24

4M ago53:24

53:24

This week’s podcast is presented by Stephen and Theo. We hear from: · Leigh in Cookham, who has some questions about the arrangements at Home Farm; · Witherspoon and Angus Haggis, who have observations about Brookfield, Chelsea and Amber; · Globe-Trotting Richard, who has been quite impressed by the denizens of Ambridge this week; · And finally Vic…

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Linda Collins: What suicide really does to families left behind 39:07

4M ago39:07

39:07

Linda Collins lost her 17-year-old daughter Victoria to suicide in 2014, on the first day of a new school term before she was to catch her bus. The grief changed everything - not just the unbearable pain, but how people saw her family, how relationships shifted, and how she had to learn to navigate a world that didn't know how to handle their loss.…

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Emma Enmity 1:07:16

4M ago1:07:16

1:07:16

This week’s podcast is presented by Stephen and Love Jazzer’s Singing. We hear from: · Glyn, who foresees several disasters ahead; · Claire from Clapham, who has views on Pat, Lynda and smashing the patriarchy; · Witherspoon and Angus Haggis, who want to give Brad a big hug; · Globe-Trotting Richard, who is wondering about George’s game plan, as we…

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Waata Heathcote: How lived experience mentoring cut gang reoffending to 2% 32:35

4M ago32:35

32:35

Waata Heathcote spots a man in crisis at 8am in a coffee shop and has him connected to support within 15 minutes. It's just another morning for the Rangatira of Waiariki Whānau Mentoring, who leads a team that works 24/7 because "people have nowhere to go after 5 o'clock". After working for MSD and as a police officer, Waata saw how the system was …

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More Martyn 48:44

4M ago48:44

48:44

This week’s podcast is presented by Stephen and Jacquieline. We hear from: Claire from Clapham, who was almost Team Amber this week; David from Carmarthenshire, who thinks we are listening to the wrong stories at the moment; Witherspoon, who is thinking about the greatest Archers generation; and finally Globe-Trotting Richard, who has some thoughts…

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Wellbeing champion Tim Mehrtens: Why I'm grateful for even the worst things that happened to me 35:12

4M ago35:12

35:12

Tim Mehrtens is passionate about helping people thrive - but that passion was born from his darkest moments. After experiencing severe trauma in 2012, Tim spiralled into PTSD and multiple suicide attempts, before facing the brutal reality that suppressing emotions had nearly killed him. Today, Tim directs My Everyday Wellbeing, helping people to de…

1
Martyn. Eeek! 59:46

4M ago59:46

59:46

This week’s podcast is presented by Stephen and Suey. We hear from: · Globe-Trotting Richard, who has lots of questions about the governance of Home Farm; · Becky, a first-time caller-innerer, who wasn't entirely convinced by the harvest scenes; · Paul in Olney, who thinks that Amber might have been a bit tactless; · Globe-Trotting Richard again, a…

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Kayla Schwalger: How Samoan culture became my mental health medicine 29:59

5M ago29:59

29:59

Growing up between two worlds, Kayla Schwalger felt disconnected from her Samoan heritage while trying to succeed in New Zealand - a struggle many second-generation Pacific Islanders know well. Moving to Samoa at 14 helped, but it also brought challenges including undiagnosed Borderline Personality Disorder in a culture where mental health often wa…

1
Forbidden Harvest 1:06:30

5M ago1:06:30

1:06:30

This week’s podcast is presented by Stephen and Michelle. We hear from: · Leigh from Cookham, who is rather worried about Brian; · Ros from South Wales, who is wondering about where the power lies at Home Farm; · Love Jazzer's Singing, who enjoyed everybody coming together to help empty the shop; · Katherine, who has thoughts about housing and shop…

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Tui Taurua: How I used traditional Māori healing to get off countless psychiatric medications 36:38

5M ago36:38

36:38

Tui Taurua calls herself a "mental health warrior" - and after her journey, she's earned that title. From 1977 to 2001, she spent over two decades cycling in and out of psychiatric hospitals, hearing voices that doctors called "hallucinations" and taking up to 25 medications a day that left her sedated on the couch, watching life pass her by. When …

1
Petulant Man-Babies 55:34

5M ago55:34

55:34

This week’s podcast is presented by Jacqueline and Stephen. We hear from: · Witherspoon, who has thoughts on Adam and Alice; · Vicky, who is a bit more sympathetic towards Alice; · Claire from Clapham, who is fed up with "petulant man-babies"; · Globe-trotting Richard, who has views on the Borsetshire Land Board meeting; · and finally Alan from Ram…

1
Chris Ranui-Molloy: Recovering from addiction using drama therapy 38:38

5M ago38:38

38:38

Chris Ranui-Molloy's journey from a declining Bay of Plenty logging town to founding Recovery Street is a story of transformation through the most unlikely medium - theatre. Growing up with a 'FTW mentality' in Murupara, Chris nearly ended up in gang life before heading to drama school in Auckland where isolation, depression, and addiction left him…

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Scandinavian Bliss 55:07

5M ago55:07

55:07

This week’s podcast is presented by Jacqueline and Stephen. We hear from: · Andrea in beautiful Brittany, who has realised that she is Rosie; · Glyn, who is wondering what will follow our discovery that Chelsea may have bullied Amber at school; · Katherine, who has really enjoyed this week; · Marie from Winchester, who has finally caught up with Th…

1
Rhonda Hāpi-Smith: Surviving 20 years as a female prison officer 37:45

5M ago37:45

37:45

Rhonda Hāpi-Smith describes her career as a female prison officer in New Zealand as "wonderful, devastating, fantastic and heartbreaking" - and those contradictions tell the whole story. For 20 years, she walked among dangerous criminals at Rimutaka and Hawkes Bay men's prisons, loving the brotherhood, the resilience she witnessed, and the humour t…

1
Ring Worm 55:30

5M ago55:30

55:30

This week’s podcast is presented by Jacqueline and Stephen. We hear from: · Globetrotting Richard, who has advice for both Kenton and Justin; · Claire from Clapham, who has been impressed by Azra and by Neil; · Michelle from Dorset, who has thoughts about George's idea of a prison wedding; · Witherspoon, who has a lot of thoughts about George and A…