Share
The Dom Harvey Podcast
NZ’s Most Controversial Chef - Tony Astle on Banning Kim Dotcom, Helen Clarke & Partying with Elton
•
Tony Astle and his wife Beth opened a fine dining restaurant in Parnell, Auckland in 1972 called Antoines.
It remained one of New Zealand’s most iconic restaurants for almost 50 years until 2021 when Tony shut the doors for the last time after Beth became sick.
Unfortunately, in a shot time frame he lost the two great loves of his life.
This conversation is part of the Tony Astle and Antoines story. If you love this and want to learn more about Tony and the incredible business him and Beth created, buy his book “Let them eat tripe.”
In this conversation, we discuss his relationship with Beth and navigating such a huge loss.
The best and worst celebrity customers including Elton John, Rod Stewart, Phil Collins and Freddie Mercury who were big fans of Antoines. And why Kim Dotcom was banned for life.
Tony’s mid-life eating disorder. His incredible work ethic. The craziest excesses of the 1980s and so much more.
This is the story of a trailblazing cocky entrepreneur who had a huge impact on the hospitality and dining scenes in New Zealand.
***
Thanks so much to the sponsors of this episode, the epic team at the Generate KiwiSaver Scheme.
I actually got a DM recently from a podcast listener who has made the switch.
Dan said: “I would like to thank your sponsors. Switching my KiwiSaver to Generate has been a game changer. I’ve seen more growth in just a few months with Generate than I did my entire time with my previous fund through a big bank. It’s been a massive improvement, and I couldn’t recommend them more highly.”
I love this so much. Thanks Dan.
So why should YOU consider becoming a Generate customer?
Well for starters they win awards all the time for their chart-topping long-term performance.
They are a Kiwi-owned company with local advisers right across the country ready to help you. They’ll chat with you about your options and help make sure you’re maximising your KiwiSaver investment.
Head to https://www.generatewealth.co.nz/dom for a no-obligation chat with one of their advisers. The sooner you get advice, the better off you could be.
A copy of their product disclosure statement is available on their website. The issuer of the scheme is Generate Investment Management Limited and of course past performance does not guarantee future returns.
**The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guests and may not reflect the views of the show sponsors**
More episodes
View all episodes
Christopher Luxon on Public Criticism, Losing His Hair & Saving Himself for Marriage
01:07:42|In this very non-political conversation, Christopher Luxon shares insights into his personal life, family values, and career journey. Some of the ground we cover includes: + How his upbringing shaped him. And how his parents cope with the criticism he cops+ His friendship with Sir John Key+ Why he has never touched alcohol.+ The backstory of his relationship with Amanda and how they make it work.+ His best and worst habits according to his family and much much more!The goal with these podcasts is always the same- to try and get a better understanding of a person through long form conversations.Maybe it will change your opinion on the Prime Minister. Or maybe it won’t. And either of those outcomes are fine.I enjoyed the conversation, and I hope you do too. ****This episode is sponsored by Generate Kiwisaver.Choosing a KiwiSaver provider with strong long-term performance matters- and Generate is an award-winning KiwiSaver provider with a track record of delivering strong long-term returns.Start planning now—Book a chat with an adviser at:https://www.generatewealth.co.nz/dom/Because the choices you make today will shape the retirement you’ll have tomorrow.The issuer of the scheme is Generate Management Limited. To see their Product disclosure statement go to their website. Past performance does not guarantee future returns.**The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guests and may not reflect the views of the show sponsors**
Bay Dreams Co-founder Mitch Lowe - Controversy, Fisher In NZ & MILLIONS LOST!
01:55:32|Mitch Lowe is one of the key players in New Zealand's live music industry. His company Audiology has organized over 500 events across New Zealand and Australia with artists including Bryan Adams, Cardi B, T Pain, Fisher, Snoop Dogg and even The Wiggles. He is also the brains behind major festivals like Bay Dreams, Mardi Gras, Sound splash, and more.But that’s just the tip of the iceberg- Audiology is one of his THIRTY different businesses too!Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, he is a father and a husband who describes himself as a "Full time Dad. Part time Promoter" and this is a small part of the Mitch Lowe story!+The BTS of bringing massive musical acts to NZ and building Bay Dreams into an iconic festival.+The most incredible story about partying with T Pain in Christchurch.+How he operates with integrity in a business that is not always known for it.+His biggest adversities, including losing millions of dollars on numerous occasions and going through an acrimonious split with a business partner.+Why he will NEVER go back to Bali (this story is WILD)+How marriage and parenthood have reset his priorities and so much more!.Mitch Lowe is a big thinker and a do-er. He’s a guy who takes big swings and makes things happen. I really enjoyed connecting with him for this podcast and I hope you do too.
Pax Assadi on shocking NZ Racism: "After 9/11, I Pretended to be Tongan!"
01:42:59|Pax Assasdi is one of the most recognizable voice's in New Zealand comedy.If you are not familiar with Pax. Get ready- you’re about to meet an awesome human.He’s a very brief bio: he’s a stand-up comedian, writer, actor and TV host. He created and starred in a TV show loosely based on his life called “Raised by Refugees.” (which you can stream on Neon)He’s been on pretty much every TV show a comedian can go on: 7 Days, The Project, and Have You Been Paying Attention? He’s doing two crowd work shows as part of the 2025 NZ comedy festival. On Thursday 22 and Friday 23rd of May at the Q Theatre in Auckland:https://nz.patronbase.com/_QTheatre4/Productions/C523/PerformancesThis conversation is a small part of the Pax Asadi story.+ His experiences as a child of refugee immigrant parents in New Zealand. + How one viral stand-up moment changed his career.+ The piece of advice from Ursula Carlson has shaped his career.+ Why has he never had a drop of alcohol.+ His reflections on being fired from his breakfast radio show after 6 months and much much more.***********What do you see yourself doing in retirement?Moving to the beach? Exploring the world? Spending more time with friends and family?Whatever your dream, there’s one big question —how much will it cost?That’s why choosing a KiwiSaver provider with strong long-term performance matters.Generate is an award-winning KiwiSaver provider with a track record of delivering strong long-term returns- you can see their latest returns for yourself on their website. Because the choices you make today will shape the retirement you’ll have tomorrow.Start planning now—Book a chat with an adviser athttps://www.generatewealth.co.nz/dom/The issuer of the scheme is Generate Management Limited. To see their Product disclosure statement go to their website. Past performance does not guarantee future returns.**The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guests and may not reflect the views of the show sponsors**
He Ran the Length of NZ Twice - To Honour His Brother & Raise $250K for Men’s Health
01:13:56|Stefan Ozich is now part of a very small group of guests to make a return appearance on the podcast.ICYMI, Stefan first appeared on the podcast towards the end of 2024. At the time he was about to embark on a jaw-dropping run- the length of New Zealand on the Te Araroa trail. Twice. Cape Reinga to Bluff and all the way back again. That’s 6000km. A handful of people have run the T.A trail. Stefan is the only person to do it twice.And he did it with the goal of raising as much money as possible for a men’s mental health charity.In this episode, we explore the incredible journey of his 114 days.From the motivations behind his journey, including personal losses and mental health advocacy, to the physical and mental challenges he faced.Stefan shares insights into endurance running, recovery, and the importance of gratitude.The conversation also touches on the dynamics of crew support, the daily routines that kept him going, the profound interactions with others along the way, reflections on personal growth and much much more.Stefan is a unique individual. He can put him mind to daunting physical and mental challenges then accomplish them with a smile on his face.I loved connecting with him Again for the podcast and I hope you guys do too.Dom@Podlab.nz
Theo Shakes: From Drama Kid to VIRAL Sensation with 2 Million Followers
01:47:15|Theo Shakes is an insanely talented 23-year-old New Zealand-based actor, writer, director, and content creator who is living proof of what happens when some natural talent meets a lot of hard work.Theo has 2 million Tik-Tok followers and over 200 million likes. But I feel like it would be unfair to just call him a Tik-Tokker because there is so much more to this guy, and this is a small part of the Theo Shakes story:+ His recollections of moving from the UK to NZ at 4+His creative process with writing, filming and releasing a new Tik-Tok every 2 days+Making a movie with Elijah Wood+Getting love from Will Smith on Tik-Tok,+How he makes money on Tik-Tok and much more.At the time of releasing this, Theo is about to do his debut comedy show in Auckland called "Judging by the Look of Things."Here is the link with all the info for tickets and times:https://nz.patronbase.com/_QTheatre4/Productions/C545/Performances***Massive thanks to my friends at the Generate Kiwisaver scheme for sponsoring this episode.We know you’ve heard of FOMO but have you heard of FORO? Fear of running out, when it comes to your retirement savings.No one wants to be caught short, so do your future self a favour and get some KiwiSaver advice from Generate.Generate have a track record of delivering strong long-term performance for their members – which will really pay off by the time you reach retirement.And, they have advisers across the country to help make sure your investment is set up best for you.Don’t have FORO – plan for tomorrow!Head to generatekiwisaver.co.nz/domThe issuer of the scheme is Generate Management Limited. To see their product disclosure statement go to their website. Past performance does not guarantee future returns.**The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guests and may not reflect the views of the show sponsors**
Psychic Medium, Jesse Rose: “I Thought I Was Crazy – But The Voices Are Real!”
01:16:14|Jessie Rose is a psychic medium.Full disclosure- I am a skeptic! I don’t believe in this stuff at all. But I also have an open mind and am keen to talk to all sorts of different people on this podcast as a way that I can learn more and potentially change beliefs I have.So, when Jessie Rose messaged me about coming on the podcast, I said yes. And what you are about to listen to is that conversation.This chat will either reinforce what you already think, or it will change your mind. And both those outcomes are fine!This is part of the Jessie Rose story.+Who is she and how she discovered she could communicate with the dead.+Her journey from blocking her ability to embracing it.+What it looks like in her mind when she receives messages from the dead+ Her thoughts on the afterlife and reincarnation.+Some of the most mind-blowing stories from her readings and much more.After listening to this, if you are interested in getting hold of Jessie Rose, this is her link for IG:https://www.instagram.com/jessierosepsychicmedium/
David Lomas' Untold Story - Helicopter Crash with Paul Holmes & Becoming NZ’s Beloved Investigator
01:54:21|Today’s guest is someone whose name or voice you’ll definitely recognize- David Lomas.Reality TV always gets a bad rap, but for well over a decade this is the genre of TV David Lomas has been involved with, and he has been changing lives for the better.With shows like “David Lomas Investigates” he has helped hundreds of people track down long-lost family members.He has built a career out of finding answers, all while staying calm, kind, and genuinely caring through it all.This is a small part of the David Lomas story!+ His early years as a newspaper journalist including breaking the story about the Erebus plane crash.+Working with Sir Paul Holmes and surviving a helicopter crash into the ocean.+ His thoughts and perspectives on becoming famous later in life.+All the behind-the-scenes workings of his TV shows and much, much more.This was David's first ever long form podcast and it was a genuine honor that it was on mine. I hope you guys enjoy it as much as I did.*** Massive thanks to my friends at the Generate Kiwisaver scheme for sponsoring this episode.We know you’ve heard of FOMO but have you heard of FORO? Fear of running out, when it comes to your retirement savings.No one wants to be caught short, so do your future self a favour and get some KiwiSaver advice from Generate.Generate have a track record of delivering strong long-term performance for their members – which will really pay off by the time you reach retirement.And, they have advisers across the country to help make sure your investment is set up best for you.Don’t have FORO – plan for tomorrow!Head to: https://www.generatewealth.co.nz/domThe issuer of the scheme is Generate Management Limited. To see their product disclosure statement go to their website. Past performance does not guarantee future returns.**The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guests and may not reflect the views of the show sponsors**
Legendary Jockey Opie Bosson: Retirement, Death Threats & BRUTAL Weight Cuts
54:15|When it comes to horse racing, Opie Bosson is one of the best to ever do it. He is an absolute legend.Here are a few bullet point highlights:+ Over 2,000 career wins.+ The New Zealand record for the most Group 1 victories by a jockey. He won his first Group 1 race as an apprentice at just 16 years old.+ He’s won the prestigious New Zealand Derby several times.+ He’s in the NZ racing Hall of Fame. And he was appointed Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2023.In this conversation, which is Opie’s first ever podcast, we reflect on his incredible career, including his recent retirement decision. He shares insights into the emotional challenges of leaving the sport, the significance of his 99 Group One wins, the relationship between jockeys and horses, the challenges of weight management, how he would like to be remembered in the racing community and much more.I was left with the impression that Opie is much more comfortable on a horse than what he is in front of a microphone talking about himself so I appreciate him agreeing to do this and I hope you guys like learning a little bit more about this humble, low-key, unassuming kiwi legend.
Paralysed at 16 & Surviving Suicide — Lee Warn on Marathons, Advocacy & Purpose
01:54:51|Lee Warn broke his back in 1989 when he was 16 years old. For 5 years after that he became, understandably, a depressed and angry young man. Then after a failed attempt at taking his own life at 21, he changed his outlook and perspective on life. And what he has done in the three decades since then is pretty cool: + Last year he took part in the London and New York marathons…dressed in a squirrel suit, complete with the big squirrel head (because doing 42km in a wheelchair in activewear is not difficult enough!)+ He has done the Sky Tower stair climb challenge 5 times. That’s 52 flights of stairs each time.+ He has also done a wheelchair bungy and rode his chair the 160km round Lake TaupoThese physical challenges are an example of the sort of person Lee Warn is, but he is so much more than wacky endurance events. I’ve been inspired by Lee for years and I know you guys will be too. This is a small part of his story.****What do you see yourself doing in retirement? Whatever your dream, there’s one big question —how much will it cost?That’s why choosing a KiwiSaver provider with strong long-term performance matters. Generate is an award-winning KiwiSaver provider with a track record of delivering strong long-term returns.Start planning for tomorrow NOW—Book a chat with an adviser at https://www.generatewealth.co.nz/domThe issuer of the scheme is Generate Management Limited. To see their Product disclosure statement go to their website. Past performance does not guarantee future returns.**The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guests and may not reflect the views of the show sponsors**