The Johnstone Podcast

Amber Hammill - An Australian at Large
Like Dane Clarke two weeks before, Amber is one of those rare Australian’s who have come to call NZ home.
In this warm and wide-ranging conversation, Amber describes growing up in rural Victoria, her research into radio as a form of companionship, motherhood, migration to New Zealand, her love of te reo and the subtle cultural differences that shape how we connect with one another.

Conversations with Interesting people about Life, Death and Other Things.

Seeking perspectives on death grief, god, the afterlife and assisted dying for the most recent series of Hospice Waikato’s Last Breath podcast, I asked several people if they would agree to an interview and among them was the general manger of Free FM Phil Grey.
As with Gary Verberne the week before last, my conversation with Phil starts with death and quietly morphs into a discerning treatise about how to be a decent human being.

Conversations with Interesting people about Life, Death and Other Things.

Dane Clarke is a rarity, an Australian who has decided to make NZ his home. A professional camera operator who has covered the Olympics, Wimbledon, formula one – well you name it, Dane has been there.
He was also one of the first to witness the aftermath of the devastating Port Arthur mass shooting – a life-altering event that would reshape his perspectives. Currently struggling with bladder cancer, in this insightful and often profound conversation, Dane talks about the things that give his life meaning.

Conversations with Interesting people about Life, Death and Other Things.

Seeking perspectives on death grief, god, the afterlife and assisted dying for the most recent series of Hospice Waikato’s Last Breath podcast, I asked several people if they would agree to an interview and among them was guitarist Gary Verberne. I only used a portion of his interview, saving the rest for now.
How should we live when we know that life is impermanent?
Insightful and humane, Gary reminds us about what’s really important in this age of social and political extremes.

Conversations with Interesting people about Life, Death and Other Things.

Nathan Smith is a piano restorer, craftsman artisan, gardener, herdsman... well let’s just say he’s a bit of a jack of all trades. In this interview he talks about his life, work and growing up gay in Hamilton when being gay was not as accepted as it is today.

Conversations with Interesting people about Life, Death and Other Things.