Best NERD Zealand Podcasts (2025)

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The Shark That Swims in Rivers: Protecting the Winghead Sharks of Papua New Guinea with Yolarnie Amepou 59:06

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7h ago59:06

59:06

A turtle that looks like a pig, and a shark that looks like a plane...in this episode, we're heading to the colourful, diverse lands of the Kikori River in Southern Papua New Guinea to meet researcher and director of the Piku Biodiversity Network (www.pikubionet.org.pg). In 2018, Yolarnie expanded the PBN - which originally focussed on the communit…

1
Give us your Pin 31:27

3h 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…

1
My Birb of the Year 2025 31:26

43m ago31:26

31:26

It's that time of year again! BOTY is back! As is tradition, I've picked a bird to tell you all about and hopefully pick up your vote. This year we are discussing the ngutu pare, the wrybill! birdoftheyear.org.nz Check out the website and shownotes! Become a Patron! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Astronaut Oxygen Scam 31:06

12d 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…

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170 - Will They, Won't They 32:04

3d ago32:04

32:04

We return to May 1769 where the quadrant, a vital piece of equipment for observing the Transit of Venus, was stolen and then recovered. In the course of this, Tutaha had been arrested against Cook’s orders, being handled rather roughly and in such a way to cause great insult. Today we see how this affected the pair's relationship. Check out the web…

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Studying Ancient Sharks at the End of the Earth: How Sevengills Are Responding to Climate Change in New Zealand’s Fiordland with Dr Alice Rogers 59:20

5d ago59:20

59:20

Dive into the deep, remote waters of New Zealand's Fiordland with us as we meet the mysterious broadnose sevengill shark and the scientist who is trying to study them: Dr Alice Rogers. Alice's research aims to discover how these ancient creatures are responding to climate change - will the fiords provide vital refuge for the species as our waters g…

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Too Many Dead Bodies 30:19

18d 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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169 - Twice as Nice 28:07

10d ago28:07

28:07

Tupaia is trying to navigate his way through the ever changing and deadly world of Tahitan politics as the two major leaders of the island clash. Can he come out the other side unscathed? Check out the website and shownotes! Become a Patron! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Cyborg Cockroaches 33:37

26d 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 …

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168 - Game of Thrones 25:50

26d ago25:50

25:50

Tupaia has escaped to Tahiti and soon realises that if he wants to survive he needs to make himself useful. The island is going through a rather chaotic time politically and Tupaia is known to be a smooth operator, in more ways than one, so he hitches his wagon to Purea. Check out the website and shownotes! Become a Patron! Hosted on Acast. See aca…

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Eyes in the Sky: Using Drones to Gain Insight Into White Shark Behaviour with Carlos Gauna (The Malibu Artist) 1:00:05

19d ago1:00:05

1:00:05

We're taking to the skies to find out what great white sharks get up to when no-one's looking... From his drone’s vantage, Carlos Gauna — AKA The Malibu Artist — has captured previously unrecorded behaviours of one of the ocean’s most captivating predators, the great white shark. His footage has fascinated viewers from across the globe, challenged …

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Tooth Eyeball 29:58

1M 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…

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167 - Tupaia 34:33

1M ago34:33

34:33

James Cook has now met Tupaia, high priest of Tahiti and advisor to the chief Purea. He is going to become very important to our story so it is worth going back a few years in the timeline to talk about his early life as well as the culture and history of the Society Islands through his eyes. This will set us up nicely for the next episode where we…

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Wildlife and Wild Places: Nate Wilbourne’s New Zealand Mission 30:50

1M ago30:50

30:50

In this episode, we sit down with Nate Wilbourne, one of New Zealand’s most passionate young conservationists, to talk all things wildlife. From bird relocation projects to predator trapping, Nate shares his experiences working hands on in conservation across Aotearoa. We explore the challenges of protecting native species, the success stories that…

1
Fish Fire 28:19

1M 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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166 - The Quadrant Catastrophe 32:25

1M ago32:25

32:25

Final preparations are underway for the Transit of Venus as the equipment is calibrated only to find shock a vital instrument is missing! Where did it go?! We also meet the other power player that Tutaha is competing against for control of the island of Tahiti; the supposed queen herself, Purea. Check out the website and shownotes! Become a Patron!…

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The Ups and Downs of Shark Movements with Dr Sammy Andrzejaczek 56:53

1M ago56:53

56:53

Tagging tiger sharks, seamount navigation, and a great white shark called Princess Sparkles... This week, we're diving into the fascinating world of shark movement ecology with research scientist Dr Sammy Andrzejaczek to explore how and why sharks move about the oceans - in particular zooming in on their vertical space use and asking why some shark…

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New Mineral Found 30:02

2M 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 …

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165 - Culture Clash 29:50

2M ago29:50

29:50

Now that they had made contact, Cook quickly sets to work establishing friendly relations with the Tahitians while also trying to assess who the movers and shakers are in their society. Check out the website and shownotes! Become a Patron! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Living Fossils: Richard Pearce on Japan’s Giant Salamanders 41:47

2M ago41:47

41:47

In this episode, we’re joined by Richard Pearce, founder of Bushido Japan and passionate conservationist, to uncover the mysterious world of the Japanese giant salamander one of the world’s largest and most elusive amphibians. Richard shares how he became involved with this ancient species, what makes it so unique, and the cultural and ecological i…

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Bearded Nerd 30:03

2M 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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164 - Tahiti 28:48

2M ago28:48

28:48

The Endeavour crosses the Pacific and arrives at her destination, Tahiti. However, pretty quickly Cook is concerned that his crew will run amok so he puts procedures in place to ensure everything goes smoothly between them and the local Polynesians. Check out the website and shownotes! Become a Patron! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mor…

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Hiatus Announcement 9:23

2M ago9:23

9:23

Hey Ruddlemaniacs, I'm going to be putting the podcast on ice for a currently undetermined length of time. The long and short of it is that I've been burning it at both ends for the past couple of months and the weekly nature of the podcast was beginning to grind me down. I've been sick as a dog for going on four weeks now and frankly I'm just knac…

1
Creepy Teddy Bear 29:38

2M 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…

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163 - Crossing the Line 31:59

2M ago31:59

31:59

Cook's expedition finally gets underway as they sail across the Atlantic bound for the South Pacific. But not before they get into a spot of bother in Rio along the way... Check out the website and shownotes! Become a Patron! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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In the Field: Monitoring Sharks and Manta Rays on a Remote Island (PART 1 - Manta Rays) 53:47

2M ago53:47

53:47

In this episode of World of Sharks: In the Field, we are learning what it’s like to live and work on a tiny, remote island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, and study sharks and rays in what can be considered one of the most pristine marine environments on earth today. In part 1, we meet the team of the Save Our Seas Foundation D'Arros Research Ce…

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In the Field: Monitoring Sharks and Manta Rays on a Remote Island (PART 2 - Sharks) 1:00:31

2M ago1:00:31

1:00:31

In part 2 of our 'In the Field' episode with the Save Our Seas Foundation D'Arros Research Centre, we are heading to the neighbouring atoll of St Joseph to tag juvenile sharks and take part in their long term mark-recapture study. We'll also be finding out more about the sharks of D'Arros, and heading out at night in search of bull, mako, silvertip…

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131. Musician Jeremy Redmore (formerly of Midnight Youth) 1:03:08

2M ago1:03:08

1:03:08

This is a HUGE get for the podcast, quite possibly the biggest guest I've had so far! Jeremy's a musician currently living in Holland but from NZ originally. Jeremy was in a band in 2009 called Midnight Youth who released some absolute bangers that I remember hearing all the time in high school. I heard one of them on the playlist at Little Androme…

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Peter Jackson Backs De-Extinction Project: From Fossil to Fantasy, the Giant Moa 9:29

2M ago9:29

9:29

In this episode, we dive into the cutting-edge science behind one of the most ambitious conservation experiments in history: the effort to bring back the giant moa. From ancient DNA and CRISPR technology to emu surrogates and artificial egg environments, William explores how scientists including those at Colossal Biosciences are rewriting extinctio…

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130. Mushroom Poisoning & Memphis Belle with Melissa Katherine 40:01

2M ago40:01

40:01

Today's guest is Melissa Katherine, a stand up comic from Auckland who's been gaining a bit of traction online lately after discussing an Australian true crime event where someone poisoned some people with a beef wellington, she even got a cease and desist letter from the Australian supreme court as it's actually illegal to talk about crimes while …

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WETIT 11:22

2M 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…

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The Shear Space 6:05

2M 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…

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The Angry Mexican 28:10

2M 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 …

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162 - The Nerds 40:18

2M ago40:18

40:18

Just as he was about to head off, James Cook was told that he had to take on a new group of people on his expedition, which caused a number of issues. However, the Royal Society were adament they come along. The leader of these late arrivals was none other than famed botanist Joesph Banks, who will become a key player in our story. Today, we talk a…

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RespondBio 11:55

2M 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 …

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129. Life's Curveballs with Richard Dryden 37:52

2M ago37:52

37:52

Today's guests is one of my favourite people, Richard Dryden. I know him primarily as a stand up comedian but he's lived a whole life before we even met. The long and short of Richard's story is that he had a kidney transplant at 17, and tongue cancer resulting in a very hefty muscle transplant. He's worked in radio, he does stand up and music, and…

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Wild Antarctica: A Researcher’s Life in the Coldest Classroom 33:47

2M ago33:47

33:47

Life on Ice: Jean Pennycook on Living and Researching in Antarctica In this fascinating episode, I sit down with Jean Pennycook, a scientist and educator who has spent over two decades living and working in the icy wilderness of Antarctica. Jean shares what it’s like to sleep in a tent on the frozen continent, conduct penguin research in extreme co…

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128. Tony Hawk & The 90s with Craig Westenberg 40:56

2M ago40:56

40:56

To coincide with the release of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4, I brought Craig Westenberg back onto the podcast and we reminisced about the 90s, skate culture, extreme sports, music, jackass and the like and Craig walked me through the history of the Tony Hawk video games and why they are so meaningful to him. Follow Craig Online: https://www.facebo…

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Mara Bio 7:55

2M 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 …

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Kiwi-Econet 5:45

2M 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…

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Kiwi Leather Innovations 9:34

2M 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…

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AI Going Rogue 30:02

3M 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…

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161 - Welcome to the Crew 30:06

2M ago30:06

30:06

Now that we have looked at the HMB Endeavour, it's worth introducing the colourful cast of characters that will be sailing her. From lofty lieutenants all the way down to salty seamen! Check out the website and shownotes! Become a Patron! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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GE Free 17:28

3M 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…

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Drone Trust 9:47

3M 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.…

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Bader Innovative Wellbeing 10:11

3M 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…

1
Behind the Camera: Alaska Through Tom Walker’s Eyes 37:44

3M ago37:44

37:44

In this episode, I’m joined by renowned Alaskan wildlife photographer Tom Walker, whose powerful images have brought the raw beauty of the north into homes around the world. We dive deep into what it truly takes to capture Alaska’s untamed landscapes and elusive animals from frigid nights spent alone in a photo blind to heart pounding encounters wi…

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The Inevitable AI, War & James Bond Episode | Hoss Town Podcast Ep. 9 50:45

3M ago50:45

50:45

Well folks it was inevitable, the geopolitical state of the world today was always going to come up on Hoss Town and so we've reached our inevitable episode about AI, War, Nukes, Geopolitics, and of course James Bond. Taylor got very briefly mistaken for Matt out in public again, so now the score is 2-1 to Taylor. We'll be honest this is probably g…

1
Belt Buckle Girl 30:03

3M 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…

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160 - Endeavour 29:59

3M ago29:59

29:59

We look more closely at the ship that will be taking Cook and his crew into the Pacific for his first voyage, such as how she was acquired by the Royal Navy, her overall physical characteristics and how she was modified to be fit for this expedition. Check out the website and shownotes! Become a Patron! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mo…