We will be taking a show hiatus.

If you'd like to hear our other podcast:

>>>visit: https://pod.link/escapetheninetofive

or

Search 'Escape the nine to five" on your favourite podcast platform.

If you'd like to contact our host, Steve Oehley, his details are below:

e: steve.oehley@escapetheninetofive.net

ln: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-oehley-04076548/

This month Steve Oehley speaks to deputy leader and health spokesperson for ACT, Brooke Van Velden.

We discussed the balance between individual freedom and the safety of the population, why she thinks COVID restrictions imposed by the government are no longer necessary as well as touching on her work with the End of Life Choice Bill.

As always, Steve aim to remain neutral and allows our guests to actually speak.

You can find more about Brooke at https://www.act.org.nz/brooke_van_velden

One of the inspirations for the show is The Opportunity Party (TOP) whose policies are based on evidence of what works overseas, not what sounds good.

Steve interviews the founder of TOP, Gareth Morgan.

He's a businessman holds a doctorate in economics is a philanthropist and a temporary politician. He was one of the early investors in Trade Me and is probably most famous for saying that cats should be banned in New Zealand.

Ever wonder what a successful businessman does with his time and money?

You'll learn a bit about Gareth's career, why he started the TOP party, as well as what he'd do if he were elected prime minister. This includes his reasons for introducing a property tax, why universal basic income is better than the benefit, and how he'd reward eco-friendly businesses.

You can find out more about Gareth's work at: morganfoundation.org.nz

Pod Defend New Zealand as a political podcast for Kiwis who are sick of media bias, and want to hear informed conversation about issues affecting Kiwis.

Host Steve Oehley lets guests do most of the talking while remaining neutral.

In the first episode of 2022, Steve talks to Mary Holm about managing our finances. Mary is a financial journalist most well-known for her Q & A columns and the Weekend Herald She's also written two books for everyday Kiwis about money management:

Rich enough: A Laid-back Guide for Every Kiwi

A Richer You: How to Make the Most of Your Money.

Mary discusses financial issues, affecting a lot of Kiwis, how they can improve their financial literacy and be better with their money. She also gives tips you can take home to improve your own finances and make some goals for 2022.

You can find out more about Mary at her website: www.maryholm.com

This podcast was started with the aim of creating non-biased political conversation. Host Steve Oehley aims to remain neutral, but does challenge guests on certain issues.

This month we have Green MP, Golriz Ghahraman. She's the first refugee to be elected into government. Steve talks to her about early life in Iran and how she and her family settled into New Zealand.

We talk a bit about her career and then discuss immigrants and refugees settling into New Zealand, including whether they should assimilate into New Zealand culture or integrate.

We also briefly discuss religion in schools and whether or not the Hijab has a place in New Zealand.

Dr. Paul Wood was convicted of murder as an 18 year old, after a drug deal gone wrong. During his time in prison, he completing a degree in psychology and philosophy, before eventually gaining a PhD in psychology.

He is the first New Zealander to get a PhD in prison. Paul was released from prison after serving 11 years and now uses his experience in leadership and organisational development. He spends the majority of his time speaking at conferences and delivering workshops for organisations.

Steve spoke to Paul about the things that lead to his conviction and the lessons that we can learn in society. We also discuss his two books, How to Escape from Prison and Mental Fitness.

You can find more about Paul at:

www.paulwood.com

i: @drpaulwood

This month Steve spoke to Simon Bridges, National MP for Tauranga.

He is the former leader of the opposition and has been quite outspoken about crime in New Zealand lately, and the police's response to crime.

We spoke about crime as well as a number of other topics. This includes his rise in politics at the same time as Jacinda Ardern, his treatment by the media as leader of the opposition, National's recent struggles and about our identity as New Zealanders.

You can find his book, National Identity: Confessions of an Outsider at any good bookstore in NZ, or online at: www.paperplus.co.nz/shop/books/non-fiction/biography-memoir/national-identity

I: @nz_pod

This month, Steve spoke to Jarrod Kerr, Chief Economist for Kiwibank.

He talks about the economic outlook for New Zealand, the housing crisis and what the recent rule changes may mean for the NZ housing market.

Jarrod shares some financial advice and we get into a discussion about financial literacy.

You can find out more about Kiwibank and Jarrod Kerr at www.kiwibank.co.nz/business-banking/insights-tools-support/kiwi-economics/

To get in touch with Pod Defend New Zealand, visit our social media: @nz_pod