Stand Up Again

Born with cerebral palsy and told his greatest challenges would be walking and talking, Cam Calkoen has gone on to inspire audiences around the world as an internationally renowned motivational speaker.In this inspiring episode of Stand Up Again, Cam shares what it was like growing up with cerebral palsy, navigating the challenges of school life, and the mindset that helped him turn adversity into opportunity. He reflects on the unwavering support of his parents, the resilience that shaped his biggest life transitions, and why your environment can influence your future. Cam also reveals how embracing challenge led him to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, proving that possibility often begins with perspective.This is a Frank Podcast.

How does a barefoot Kiwi kid become the entrepreneur behind some of New Zealand's biggest business success stories? In this inspiring episode of *Stand Up Again*, Sophie and Nick Rado sit down with Grant Baker—the businessman behind 42 Below Vodka, Turners Auctions, Ecoya and other multimillion-dollar ventures. Grant shares how humble beginnings, relentless ambition and a willingness to take calculated risks helped him build billion-dollar businesses. But behind the Ferraris and headline-making deals are stories of crushing financial pressure, leadership under fire, a battle with cancer, and the mindset that kept him moving forward.Packed with practical insights on entrepreneurship, investing, resilience, leadership and business growth, this is an unmissable conversation for anyone chasing big goals or navigating life's toughest setbacks.This is a Frank Podcast.

From convicted murderer to internationally respected psychologist, resilience expert, keynote speaker, and bestselling author, Dr Paul Wood shares one of New Zealand's most extraordinary stories of redemption.In this powerful episode of Stand Up Again, Dr Paul takes Sophie and Nick back to his troubled childhood, the devastating loss of his mother, addiction, gang culture, and the choices that led to spending more than a decade in some of New Zealand's toughest prisons.But this isn't just a story about prison. It's a conversation about ownership, identity, resilience, and the remarkable power of education to transform a life. Paul explains how shifting from a victim mindset to one of personal responsibility became the foundation for rebuilding his future. While in prison, he earned an undergraduate degree and a Master's degree, and began his PhD before completing it after his release.Today, he is an internationally recognised resilience expert, keynote speaker, and author, working with major brands and global organisations to help individuals and teams build resilience, unlock potential, and perform at their best.A deeply honest and inspiring conversation about hope, healing, second chances, and what it truly means to stand up again.This is a Frank Podcast.

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.

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.

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

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

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