Paddy Gower’s TFN - The F#$%ing News

• British comedy legend Ben Elton on being the 'godfather of wokeness'

  He redefined British comedy with iconic TV shows like Blackadder and The Young Ones, has published 16 best-selling novels, and written smash-hit films and musicals. Now, Ben Elton is in New Zealand for a nationwide stand-up tour, and sat down for a chat with Paddy. The Pork Pie Charity Run isn’t just bringing noise and laughter to those taking part - it’s also just raised half a million dollars for KidsCan. How good is sucking up to Donald Trump? As much as he hates to admit it, Paddy says it’s actually working pretty well right now. This week’s Brainy Kiwi is Leighton Roberts from Sharesies. He says the economic chaos caused by Trump’s tariffs isn’t all bad news for New Zealanders. And finally, Paddy meets an outlaw driver who once broke the record for driving at illegal speeds across the United States.

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• Why NZ has to suck up to Donald Trump (even though it sucks)

  Everyone wants to be the hero and stand up to the schoolyard bully. But right now, New Zealand is flying under Donald Trump's radar - and we need to keep our mouths shut to keep it that way.

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• Cyberbullied and ignored, how the Young New Zealander of the Year stayed positive - and her message for Donald Trump and Winston Peters

  Nu‘uali‘i Eteroa Lafaele is an incredible young New Zealander. In fact she’s officially the Young New Zealander of the Year. She has overcome cyberbullying and an industry she says isn’t ready for diversity by finding positive solutions - including the power of the block button. What she really cares about is making the world better for Kiwi, particularly her Pasifika people. And she’s doing it with a big heart, a big laugh and a big smile on her face. Now wonder she's this week's Great Kiwi. Also, Paddy asks How Good would it be if the Government did get behind moves to host the next America's Cup in Auckland. And the story of Brainy Kiwi Philipp Sültrop, Kea Aerospace and their incredible solar-powered aircraft that they hope will revolutionise flight.

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• The Government's America’s Cup decision is a $1.9 billion epic fail

  Paddy doesn’t even really like yachting and doesn’t live in Auckland. But he reckons the Government’s refusal to help fund hosting the America’s Cup is lame-o and suckful, lacks vision, and is actually quite depressing.

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• The return of Rhys Darby: ‘AI could never replicate what I do’

  The champion Kiwi comedian joined Paddy Gower to talk about his first new comedy tour in eight years. The Legend Returns is a playful nod to the strange new world we're living in, where artificial intelligence looms large. Darby also shows a more serious side when discussing “the war on wokeness” and the impact that the hit Netflix show Adolescence had on him. It's a fascinating listen!

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