Best Robert Abba Podcasts (2024)

1
Anne Reid 58:08

23m ago58:08

58:08

Joining Gyles this week is is one of Britain's best loved actresses, Anne Reid. Anne's long career began when a teacher at school persuaded her to apply for RADA at only 16, and after a stint in weekly rep and appearances on The Benny Hill Show and Hancock's Half Hour, she became a household name as Valerie Barlow in Coronation Street in the 60s, a…

1
UK Comedian Ed Byrne on Kiwi Quirks, Awkward Robert Downey Jr Moment on Graham Norton & More! 1:27:18

19h ago1:27:18

1:27:18

Ed Byrne has been on the Graham Norton show numerous times, he’s been on the late-night talk shows in America, he’s been on the Celebrity Chase…twice. And now he’s on my podcast. Very exciting for me…not so exciting for Ed! At the time of recording this (August 2024) Ed is touring NZ with his show called “Tragedy plus time.” A heartbreakingly hilar…

1
Abbas Nazari - Escaping the Taliban, Life as a Refugee in Christchurch & The Tampa Affair 1:21:26

6h ago1:21:26

1:21:26

ABBAS NAZARI When the Taliban were at the height of their power in 2001, Abbas was 7 years old. By the time he arrived in New Zealand as a refugee almost a year later, he was 8. What happened in between is nothing short of incredible. The fact the Nazari family survived the journey was one thing. But they have done much better than that- they have …

1
Richard Ayoade 1:04:35

13m ago1:04:35

1:04:35

Richard Ayoade is Gyles's guest this week. A director, writer and actor, Ayoade is well known for his portrayal of Maurice Moss in cult sitcom The I.T. Crowd. He's also an acclaimed film director (the award-winning Submarine was his debut, and his next film The Double starred Jesse Eisenberg), a writer of books, and a TV personality. Gyles and Rich…

1
Dame Lisa Carrington - Will the Paris 2024 Olympics Be Her Last? Managing Self Doubt & More! 1:22:24

3h ago1:22:24

1:22:24

Dame Lisa Carrington is the Greatest NZ Olympian of all time- 5 gold medals and 1 bronze medal over the past 3 Olympic Games. And maybe she will add to that at the Paris Olympic Games. This podcast is a re-release. It first came out at the start of 2023. I decided to rerelease it in time for the Paris Olympics because it was such a cool conversatio…

1
Anna Mowbray on ZURU's Origin Story, Life in China, Parenting with Ali Williams, Auckland FC & More! 1:32:33

2h ago1:32:33

1:32:33

Anna Mowbray is a farm kid from the Waikato who has grown up to be one of New Zealand’s most formidable entrepreneurs and businesspeople. Her and her 2 brothers established Zuru and worked tirelessly to grow it into one of the biggest toy companies in the world. Now she is building another brand from the ground up- Zeil, an app for job hunters. htt…

1
It's our 50th episode! Dame Maureen Lipman 1:10:42

4m ago1:10:42

1:10:42

It's a big day for Rosebud, as it's our 50th episode. No, we can't quite believe it either! We started Rosebud in September 2023 with Dame Judi Dench, and so we wanted to bring you another theatrical dame for our 50th show. And so it's with pride that we give you one of our greatest actresses, and an old friend of Gyles's, Dame Maureen Lipman. Maur…

1
How have “traditions” in fiestas changed over time? 9:43

6h ago9:43

9:43

Download the PDF with the photo and text at https://www.robhextall.com/photos/how-have-traditions-in-fiestas-changed-over-time Listen to the audio, then answer the questions and do the activity. Hope you find this useful!By Robert Hextall

1
A Helmet Saved His Life - Sam Clarke was Shot in the Head During 2023 Auckland Shooting 1:21:02

14h ago1:21:02

1:21:02

SAM CLARKE On the morning of July 20th 2023, New Zealand was shocked by a shooting at Commercial Bay in Auckland’s CBD. A man on electronically monitored bail took a gun to the construction site where he was working. He killed two colleagues with a shotgun, wounded seven other people, including a police officer, and then killed himself. Sam Clarke,…

1
Teuila Blakely on Shortland Street, Snapchat Scandal, Relationship with Oscar Kightley & More! 1:36:57

19d ago1:36:57

1:36:57

Teuila Blakely is a total bad-ass and this was such a treat. You may know her from her work on the old music channel C4, or Shortland Street, Bro-Town, Sione's Wedding or even DWTS or a zillion other things. But this is less about her career and more about her journey- some pivotal moments that have shaped her personal and professional life. From t…

1
Omid Djalili 59:37

1d ago59:37

59:37

The comedian, actor, star of The Mummy, and activist Omid Djalili talks to Gyles about his life and memories. From his childhood, growing up in an unconventional home in Kensington surrounded by the Iranian convalescents his parents took in as guests, to discovering his skill for comedy at secondary school, to his days at university in Northern Ire…

1
Mike Chunn on Leaving Split Enz, Recruiting Neil Finn & Living with Agoraphobia 1:11:34

3d ago1:11:34

1:11:34

Mike Chunn is a national treasure who has devoted his entire life to NZ music. Mike was one of the original members of the band Split Enz with his intermediate school friend, Tim Finn. Then due to severe agoraphobia he stepped away right before the band blew up and went on to be one of the greatest NZ bands of all time. But he did go on to have an …

1
What sports used to be in the Olympics but aren’t now? 8:28

23d ago8:28

8:28

Download the PDF with the photo and text at https://www.robhextall.com/photos/what-sports-used-to-be-in-the-olympics-but-arent-now Listen to the audio, then answer the questions and do the activity. Hope you find this useful!By Robert Hextall

1
World Champion Boxing Coach - Isaac Peach on Training Mea Motu, Overcoming Alcoholism & More! 1:20:07

6d ago1:20:07

1:20:07

Isaac Peach is impossible not to like- a down to earth plumber from West Auckland with 4 kids under 10 who is producing a stable of world champion boxers from a shed in his back yard. In the conversation we chart Isaacs journey from struggling with alcoholism to establishing one of the country's most respected boxing gyms. We cover a ton of ground …

1
Kathleen Stock 1:08:02

9d ago1:08:02

1:08:02

This week's Rosebud guest is Professor Kathleen Stock, the philosopher and writer. As Gyles says in his introduction, Stock has, at times, been a controversial figure in the debate about gender identity, but in this episode, we aim to get behind the headlines and find out about her life. The conversation takes us from her early years, playing games…

1
Jay-Jay Feeney Reflects on Radio Career & Retirement, The Best Stories from 30+ Years On Air 1:12:04

10d ago1:12:04

1:12:04

Jay-Jay Feeney: On Friday July 5, 2024, NZ Broadcasting legend Jay-Jay Feeney will do her final radio show on More FM. Ending a career that has spanned 33 years and too many award wins to count. I have an obvious bias, but I genuinely believe NZ will never ever see another broadcaster (on music radio) of her caliber ever again. She is the Greatest …

1
Paul Henry Roasts “Incompetent” NZ Media, Reflects on Dikshit & Moustache On a Lady, Nudism & More! 2:01:37

1M ago2:01:37

2:01:37

PAUL HENRY: I have been a huge fan of Paul and his work for 20 odd years so to have the opportunity to sit down with him over a bottle of Red for a long chat was a genuine pinch myself moment. This was a real treat and I hope you guys enjoy it. Some of the stuff we discuss includes: The Traitors TV show His thoughts on the current state of media in…

1
Robert Lindsay 1:06:52

16d ago1:06:52

1:06:52

Robert Lindsay is Gyles's guest this week, and the conversation they have is brilliant: evocative, revealing, and funny. Robert takes Gyles back to his working class childhood, growing up as the son of a carpenter in a two-up-two-down house in Derbyshire; he reminisces about his parents' love for each other and for dancing and laughing together, an…

1
Marathon Runner, Lydia O’Donnell - Educating Female Athletes, Body Image Issues & More! 1:50:32

26d ago1:50:32

1:50:32

LYDIA O'DONNELL: I love running. But Lydia loooooooves running. And she is very fast too (not that she likes to share her times, PB’s or achievements). This is most definitely one for the running nerds…especially women. But for anyone else who gives this a listen- you are about to be introduced to a cool person who I am lucky to call a mate. Lydia …

1
How Suzanne Paul Went Bankrupt After Infomercial Fame - Resiliency, Sales Advice & More! 1:48:59

20d ago1:48:59

1:48:59

Suzanne Paul is maybe one of the most recognizable voices and faces in NZ- the Informercial queen. This is a story of perseverance and determination from a woman who has experienced huge highs and unimaginable lows. From selling vacuum cleaners door-to-door to starring on TV, to overcoming dyslexia and bankruptcy. Every part of her story emphasizes…

1
Björn Ulvaeus - ABBA legend 1:03:31

1M ago1:03:31

1:03:31

Björn Ulvaeus is pop music royalty, a founder member of one the most successful pop groups in history - ABBA. So when Gyles was given the opportunity to interview him at a special event in Bridlington, the Rosebud team hotfooted it up there to record it. What you're going to hear is a very special, wide-ranging and fascinating conversation about Bj…

1
Life as a Gang Member - Calen Morris (aka Uncle Ling Ling) on Prison, P, Issues with Police & More! 1:39:33

24d ago1:39:33

1:39:33

This is a podcast conversation with Calen Morris, a 501 deportee and patched member of one of New Zealand’s most notorious motorcycle clubs. Warning: This podcast discusses drug use, suicide, violence, self-harm and other sensitive topics. Viewer or listener discretion is advised. If you need help, a full list of resources is available below. An of…

1
Legendary All Blacks S&C Coach - Dr. Nic Gill on Strongest Players, Tips for Longevity & More! 1:40:13

2M ago1:40:13

1:40:13

Dr. Nic Gill is the All-Blacks strength and conditioning coach He got appointed in 2008 and has been in the role ever since- through 4 RWC campaign, 4 coaches and at the time of recording this, 212 test matches. To enjoy that sort of longevity at this sort of level you have to be one thing- the best! Worth a mention- in his spare time he participat…

1
Why do people jump over bonfires on Saint John’s Eve? 9:02

2M ago9:02

9:02

Download the PDF with the photo and text at https://www.robhextall.com/photos/why-do-people-jump-over-bonfires-on-saint-johns-eve Listen to the audio, then answer the questions and do the activity. Hope you find this useful!By Robert Hextall

1
Suzy Eddie Izzard 57:46

30d ago57:46

57:46

This week's guest is the stand-up comedian, actor, marathon-runner and political activist Suzy Eddie Izzard. Suzy tells Gyles about her new name, and why she's relaxed about what people to choose to call her. She then takes Gyles back into her childhood, spent in Aden, Northern Ireland and South Wales, until the sudden death of her mother changed e…

1
Michaela Sokolich-Beatson on Silver Ferns Career, Overcoming Two Achilles Injuries & More! 1:22:27

2M ago1:22:27

1:22:27

Michaela Sokolich-Beaton is the captain of the Northern Mystics netball team and a proud member of the Silver Ferns But Michaela's story is less about netball and more about resilience, determination and red-hot passion. Her journey is a masterclass in perseverance as she candidly shares the mental and emotional trials of battling setback after set…

1
Dion Nash Reflects on Business Journey, Cricket Career, Cannabis Controversy & More! 2:30:54

2M ago2:30:54

2:30:54

Dion Nash is a former NZ cricket captain and founder of the skincare brand Triumph and Disaster. And just an all round good guy. In this conversation we explore the highs and lows of small business ownership, the emotional toll of financial struggles, and the rewarding experience of building a brand. Dion shares heartfelt stories about family, pers…

1
What happened during the Battle of Vitoria? 8:43

2M ago8:43

8:43

Download the PDF with the photo and text at https://www.robhextall.com/photos/what-happened-during-the-battle-of-vitoria-in-1813 Listen to the audio, then answer the questions and do the activity. Hope you find this useful!By Robert Hextall

1
Chris McCausland 1:08:48

2M ago1:08:48

1:08:48

Gyles gets together with comedian Chris McCausland to record a really special episode of Rosebud. Chris takes Gyles back to his childhood days, playing football and messing about in the streets of West Derby Village in Liverpool, part of a close-knit family and friendship group. Chris talks about the beginnings of the problems with his sight, which…

1
How to Have Better Sex - Certified Sex & Relationship Coach, Melissa Vranjes 1:26:11

2M ago1:26:11

1:26:11

Melissa Vranjes is a certified holistic sex coach. This podcast is DEFINITELY adults only. Actually, if you are an adult who blush's at words like clitoris, masturbation, blow job and hand job- this is probably not for you. But if you can get past that- this episode could literally transform your current or future relationship in unimaginable ways.…

1
Dougal Allan - Multi Sport Champion on joining Team New Zealand & Racing with Richie McCaw 1:14:24

2M ago1:14:24

1:14:24

Dougal Allan is a kid from a place called Foxton who has now become an integral part of Team New Zealand for the Americas Cup. He etched his name in Coast to Coast record books with an incredible nine podium finishes in 10 attempts in the iconic south island event. Simply put- the man is a savage. This is a small part of the Dougal Allan story…and …

1
Why do we dance? And do animals join in the fun? 7:55

2M ago7:55

7:55

Download the PDF with the photo and text at https://www.robhextall.com/photos/why-do-we-dance-and-do-animals-join-in-the-fun Listen to the audio, then answer the questions and do the activity. Hope you find this useful!By Robert Hextall

1
Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal 1:03:26

2M ago1:03:26

1:03:26

Who is the cleverest person in Britain? When Gyles asked this question to readers of his columns last year, one name was mentioned more than any other; that of Martin Rees, Lord Rees of Ludlow, the Astronomer Royal. Lord Rees is one of the most distinguished scientists in the country, a former President of the Royal Society and a Cambridge fellow. …

1
The Dark Side of Being an Olympian - Black Sticks Legend, Brooke Hayde on Mental Health in Sport 1:25:25

2M ago1:25:25

1:25:25

Brooke Hayde (formerly Brooke Neal) will hate me saying this, but she is one of the GOATS when it comes to hockey in New Zealand. She played for the Black sticks an incredible 176 times! At the 2016 Olympics she finished in an agonizing 4th place. Then 2 years later at the commonwealth games she managed to bring home a gold medal. This podcast is p…

1
Matt Heath Reflects on TV, Music, Radio Career - Tackling Mortality, Philosophy & Grief in New Book 1:49:16

2M ago1:49:16

1:49:16

Matt Heath is an exceptionally talented guy who I am lucky to call a friend. You name the media job this guy has done it- breakfast radio, TV series, a movie, music, animated kids TV, newspaper columns and now a book- A Life Less Punishing. Thanks to Generate and Radix for sponsoring this episode. These awesome kiwi companies have been so good to m…

1
Alexander Armstrong 1:00:34

2M ago1:00:34

1:00:34

Gyles and Alexander Armstrong reminisce about Alexander's idyllic childhood in Northumberland, the son of a country GP. They talk about his school years, when he was an 'odd little boy' who sang in the school choir and was obsessed with Gilbert and Sullivan. They discuss the joy of Evensong, and the delights of PG Wodehouse, and Gyles finds out wha…

1
Can I complete a ‘No-buy Year’ successfully? 9:02

2M ago9:02

9:02

Download the PDF with the photo and text at https://www.robhextall.com/photos/can-i-complete-a-no-buy-year-successfully Listen to the audio, then answer the questions and do the activity. Hope you find this useful!By Robert Hextall

1
Casey Brady was Paralysed in a Motocross Accident - Now, She's Determined to Walk Again 1:06:05

2M ago1:06:05

1:06:05

CASEY BRADY On the 25th of June 2017 Casey was involved in a motocross accident in Taupo that changed her life forever. She has been unable to walk since then. And despite being told she is unlikely to ever walk again, she is refusing to quit. If you think this is a sad podcast, think again! Casey’s story is a reminder of the resilience that lies w…

1
How did the shipping container change commerce? 8:30

3M ago8:30

8:30

Download the PDF with the photo and text at https://www.robhextall.com/photos/how-did-the-shipping-container-change-commerce Listen to the audio, then answer the questions and do the activity. Hope you find this useful!By Robert Hextall

1
Eugene Bareman on Relationship with Israel Adesanya, Fighter Pay in UFC & Meeting Mark Zuckerberg 1:48:21

2M ago1:48:21

1:48:21

Eugene Bareman. If you google his business “City Kickboxing” the first question that pops up is “Why is city kickboxing so good.” Eugene and his gym have produced so many UFC stars- most notably Israel Adesanya, Dan Hooker and Kaikara France. He has even been recognized as the best MMA coach in the world in 2022. We talk about his early years and h…

1
Reverend Richard Coles 1:06:42

3M ago1:06:42

1:06:42

Gyles meets the writer, clergyman and former member of the Communards Reverend Richard Coles. Together they talk about Richard's childhood, growing up as the musically gifted youngest son in a family of shoe manufacturers in Kettering, about how he discovered his sexuality and became part of London's gay scene in the 1980s, and about how he found h…

1
Jay-Jay Feeney - RE-RELEASE of my most downloaded episode so far 1:18:26

3M ago1:18:26

1:18:26

This conversation with Jay-Jay Feeney, NZ broadcasting royalty, came out one year ago, back when this was still a podcast for runners. A lot of you may have heard it at the time, but there are a lot of brand new listeners to the podcast who may be hearing this for the first time. This was a strange episode...just because of the intensely personal n…

1
Rosie Overcomer, Former Gloriavale Member: “They Tried to Run My Husband Over” 1:37:07

3M ago1:37:07

1:37:07

Rosie Overcomer was born and raised in Gloriavale. She left 11 years ago at the age of 26 with her husband Elijah and their 3 young children. Since then, they have had three more children and life looks very different to how it did a decade ago- we talk about these adjustments to life outside. Including getting her first haircut, celebrating a birt…

1
Katherine Ryan 1:07:00

2M ago1:07:00

1:07:00

Gyles has fun talking to Katherine Ryan about her early memories and formative experiences, with added discussions about the rights and wrongs of plastic surgery, whether you should tell anecdotes during sex, and what, exactly, is phallic swagger. This is a frank, open, revealing and sometimes inspiring conversation that's possibly slightly more ad…

1
Dying an Assisted Death - Tracy Hickman on Deciding to Die, Cancer Journey & Message for Others 1:16:45

3M ago1:16:45

1:16:45

Warning! This episode of The Dom Harvey Podcast may be upsetting to some listeners or viewers, it centers around terminal illness and assisted dying. Please listen with caution. This is the Tracy Hickman story. In March 2019 Tracy, an ultra-marathon runner and accountant, went for a routine mammogram and was hit the devastating news she had an aggr…

1
James Marshall on Crusaders '24 Season, What A Lad Podcast & Lessons from Razor 1:45:32

3M ago1:45:32

1:45:32

James “Jimmy” Marshall is a man of many talents, with an unreal work ethic. After an epic rugby career that included winning a super rugby title with the Hurricanes then captaining Taranaki to an ITM cup title. He has turned to coaching and last year joined the Crusaders coaching crew after being shoulder tapped by Razor Robertson. Off the field, h…

1
John Cleese 1:01:43

3M ago1:01:43

1:01:43

This week, Gyles has John Cleese in the Rosebud hotseat. Gyles finds out about John's childhood, growing up in the Westcountry during the war, with a father whose surname was actually 'Cheese' and a mother who was suffering from post natal depression. John also shares stories about his school days, what it was like being the tallest boy in the form…

1
Tim Ross Reflects on Merrick & Rosso, Triple J, Teaching Kathy Griffin Aussie Slang & More 1:42:37

3M ago1:42:37

1:42:37

TIM ROSS (AKA Rosso): A lot of New Zealanders won’t know who Rosso is and that’s exciting- because it means you about to get to know a cool person. In the early 2000s when Rosso and I became mates, he was part of Australia’s number 1 radio show, “The Merrick and Rosso show.” In 2009, Rosso quit radio and since then has successfully combined his pas…

1
What is pollen and how does it cause hay fever? 8:09

3M ago8:09

8:09

Download the PDF with the photo and text at https://www.robhextall.com/photos/what-is-pollen-and-how-does-it-cause-hay-fever Listen to the audio, then answer the questions and do the activity. Hope you find this useful!By Robert Hextall

1
TREAT EPISODE: Dermot O'Leary 55:34

3M ago55:34

55:34

Dermot O'Leary and Gyles know each other from the This Morning sofa, but here they get the chance to sit down for a proper in-depth conversation. Dermot tells Gyles about his childhood, growing up in a warm and loving Irish family, and about how important his heritage is to him. He talks about his first communion, his love of poetry and Gyles finds…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Robert Abba Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide