Author Bonivon Dyer spent 13 years bringing her fantasy series The Blood Maker Fables to life. What began as a vivid dream became a long creative journey marked by harsh criticism, self-doubt, and moments when she nearly walked away from writing entirely.

In this episode, Bonivon shares the emotional toll of rejection and the grief of questioning a lifelong calling. A conversation about perseverance, identity, and the quiet courage it takes to begin again.

This is a Frank podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Senior Constable Bryan Ward is one of New Zealand’s most respected police officers. A Queen’s Service Medal recipient and co-creator of the children’s series Bryan and Bobby, he has spent nearly three decades serving communities nationwide.

But his life of service began with heartbreak. At 24, Bryan was blindsided by the end of a five-year relationship that left him shattered and directionless. A simple piece of advice from an All Blacks doctor reframed his pain: when you face a setback, step back and get better.

Bryan chose discipline over despair, joined the police, and built a life defined by compassion and resilience.

This is a Frank Podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Matilda Green, we explore her passionate advocacy for the B416 (Before 16) movement and the growing health crisis of device addiction.

Matilda shares her own family's struggles with screen time, why social media platforms are designed to keep us hooked, and the alarming research linking excessive screen use to declining brain development and the emerging phenomenon of digital dementia.

Together, we discuss the impact on children, parents and society, from dopamine-driven behaviours and online harms to the challenge of raising resilient kids in a digital world.

This thought-provoking episode is a call for awareness, healthier boundaries, and collective action to protect the next generation.

This is a Frank Podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matilda Green became a household name after finding love on The Bachelor, transforming from a media sales professional into one of New Zealand's most recognizable content creators, broadcasters, and advocates.

But behind the public success came unexpected challenges. Overnight fame, online scrutiny, the pressures of social media, and the constant juggle of career ambition, marriage, and raising three young children forced Matilda to confront what really matters.

In this episode, Matilda opens up about mum guilt, balancing opportunity with family, and the lessons she's learned about boundaries, authenticity, and letting go of perfection. It's a powerful conversation about accepting life's seasons and finding peace in the choices we make.

This is a Frank Podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gloria Masters’ life is not defined by what happened to her, but by what she chose to do next. A survivor of severe childhood sexual abuse and human trafficking in New Zealand, Gloria spent years carrying the weight of silence, shame, and trauma.

But her story doesn’t end there.

In this episode, Gloria shares the moment she decided to come forward, confronting both her past and a system that often fails survivors. Through courage and relentless advocacy, she has become a powerful voice for change, helping to reshape laws and support systems for others.

Gloria reflects on the complexity of healing, the ongoing work, the setbacks, and the strength it takes to keep going. Her journey is not about overcoming and moving on, but about reclaiming power, finding purpose, and using her voice to create impact.

A deeply moving conversation about survival, justice, and the strength it takes to stand up again.

This is a Frank Podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Richardson’s career has unfolded across three distinct chapters, from representing the Black Caps, to becoming a mainstay in New Zealand broadcasting for over two decades, to now stepping into the world of financial advising.

But the transitions weren’t seamless. Behind the profile and perceived success were moments of burnout, pressure, and professional setbacks, none more impactful than his departure from The AM Show, which forced him to confront identity beyond the screen.

In this episode, Mark reflects on what it takes to pivot not once, but multiple times, and the resilience required to rebuild in the public eye. From embracing discomfort to retraining later in life, he shares a grounded perspective on letting go of what was and backing yourself to begin again, even when everyone thinks they already know your story.

This is a Frank Podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shara Lee Porter's son went missing and after national media attention and an 11 day community search he was found dead. How does someone stand up after losing their child

This is a Frank Podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mike Minogue’s career appears to be a steady ascent — from What We Do in the Shadows to Wellington Paranormal and national radio success. But behind the perceived highs were terrifying improv auditions, self-doubt, and years of chasing opportunities that could disappear overnight.

In this episode, Mike reveals the devastating moment he was fired from a long-awaited project only five days before filming. What felt like a crushing rejection became the turning point that reshaped his mindset. Instead of waiting for permission from others, he chose to create his own work, back himself, and live by a simple rule: if it scares you, do it.

A candid and deeply honest conversation about failure, resilience, and refusing to be average.

This is a Frank Podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.