Stand Up Again

Karen McMillan is a 25-book international bestselling author — but behind her success is a story of profound loss and resilience. After caring for both parents through cancer and navigating clinical depression, Karen later faced her own diagnosis and the shock of redundancy.In this episode, she reflects on grief, faith, survival, and the leap into full-time writing that reshaped her future.This is a Frank Podcast.

Hayley Holt’s career spans elite ballroom dancing, competitive snowboarding, and becoming one of New Zealand’s most recognisable TV presenters.But behind the highlights is a story of resilience shaped by sacrifice, public failure, and profound personal loss. In this episode, Hayley opens up about the realities of starting over, from stepping away from high-performance careers to navigating grief after losing her baby Frankie. She reflects on the conscious choice to move forward not by erasing the past, but by carrying it differently and redefining success on her own terms. From setting boundaries to embracing vulnerability and stepping into a new chapter of motherhood, Hayley shares the mindset that helped her rebuild.An honest conversation about identity, healing, and finding strength in life’s “golden cracks.”This is a Frank Podcast.

Joe Daymond is one of New Zealand’s most recognisable young comedians. From becoming the youngest comedian to sell out SkyCity to building a massive online following and starring in a Comedy Central sitcom, his rise has been fast and undeniable.But Joe’s path began far from the spotlight. Raised in a working-class community where nothing was handed to you, he learned early to fight for opportunity. After walking away from a corporate career that left him feeling out of place, Joe took a risk on stand-up. One moment of belief after his first gig changed everything.In this episode, Joe reflects on rejection, backing himself when others didn’t, and turning underdog energy into fuel.This is a Frank Podcast.

Leigh Hart’s career looks like a string of cult hits : Moon TV, SportsCafe, Late Night Big Breakfast, and the wildly successful Wakachangi beer and SnackaChangi snack empire.But behind the perceived highs is a story of never quite belonging. From a childhood spent overseas to feeling like an outsider at boarding school, Leigh learned early to rely on his own instincts rather than fitting the mould.In this episode, Leigh reflects on the years of unnoticed work that led to his success, the pressure of public expectation, and the importance of “not dying wondering.” From taking creative risks to building businesses by accident, his path has been anything but conventional.A candid, offbeat conversation about trusting your gut, embracing failure, and creating your own lane when you don’t fit the system.

Jess Stewart had everything that looked like success: a senior corporate role, financial security, and a life others admired. But beneath the surface, she was battling burnout and a growing sense that her life no longer fit.When a physical injury forced her to stop, Jess was confronted with what she calls “soul suffocation.” It became the moment she could no longer ignore.In this episode, Jess shares the courage it took to unravel the life she had built and rebuild one aligned with who she truly is. A powerful conversation about burnout, bravery, and redefining success.This is a Frank Podcast.