Best 1st Optimal Podcasts (2025)

1
Master Your Comeback with Dr. Basheerah | Celebrity Nutritionist to Steve Harvey 1:17:20

7d ago1:17:20

1:17:20

In this episode of the 1st Optimal Podcast, Dr. Basheerah Ahmad (@basheerah_ahmad), Celebrity Nutritionist to Steve Harvey, shares expert insights on mastering your comeback after 40! Discover how nutrition, movement, and mindset play a powerful role in achieving lasting health and vitality. Tune in for practical tips and inspiration to transform y…

1
Phil Duncan - Spring; predictably unpredictable 16:55

8h ago16:55

16:55

Dom talks with WeatherWatch CEO Phil Duncan about the September forecast, spring weather patterns and US/NZ weather comparisons. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.…

1
Kate Trufitt - The potato perception problem 14:10

8h ago14:10

14:10

Dom talks with Potatoes NZ CEO Kate Trufitt about new research which reveals potatoes are suffering from a perception problem, the overall decline in fresh produce consumption nationally and what's on the table to address the situation. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline…

1
REX Sep 3rd - Stu Davison from HighGround Dairy, Kate Trufitt from Potatoes NZ and Phil Duncan from WeatherWatch 46:46

10h ago46:46

46:46

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with Stu Davison from HighGround Dairy in Chicago about the latest Global Dairy Trade Event (-4.3%), what factors led to the drop and the inner workings of NZ's trade relations... He talks with Potatoes NZ CEO Kate Trufitt about new research which reveals potatoes are suffering from a perception problem, the …

1
Stu Davison - GDT drop 12:34

11h ago12:34

12:34

Dom talks with Stu Davison from HighGround Dairy in Chicago about the latest Global Dairy Trade Event (-4.3%), what factors led to the drop and the inner workings of NZ's trade relations. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and L…

1
Overcoming Incarceration, Homelessness, Hunger, and Poverty by Creating Skilled Youth Workers with Chris Devers 21:45

1d ago21:45

21:45

At Rancho Cielo, students learn in a safe, supportive environment that affirms them as individuals and builds self-esteem and belonging. CEO Chris Devers discusses the mission of Rancho Cielo to enrich the lives of young people and empower them to become accountable, competent, productive, and responsible citizens who will earn a sustainable living…

1
REX September 2nd - Andrew Hoggard & Marie Taylor 37:08

16h ago37:08

37:08

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Jo Grigg talks with Andrew Hoggard Act MP, about today's announcement on ACT's position on the NZ Emissions Reduction Plan, and how they want to review NZ's involvement in the Paris Agreement. From the archives, Dom George chats with Marie Taylor about her Hawke's Bay Nursey, her work with rescuing rare plants and the …

1
Act MP Andrew Hoggard on the Paris Agreement 10:46

16h ago10:46

10:46

ACT has just announced their position on NZ's Emissions Reduction Plans and they are campaigning to review New Zealand's targets in the Paris Agreement, with the line "Leave Paris if Paris won't change".Minister Andrew Hoggard talks with Jo Grigg about what the review might look like, what ACT wants to see happen with split gas measurement and the …

1
Amanda Collier - Ngata Farm and Garden 22:27

2d ago22:27

22:27

Amanda Collier talks with Jo Grigg about Ngata farm and garden. Amanda and Rob Collier are part of a farming venture called Spring Farms, with neighbouring farmers Mark and Rich Crystall. Together they manage six properties covering 3000 hectares, and wintering 30,000 stock units. Amanda has a huge project and passion - her Ngata garden - recently …

1
Brad Lake - The NZ hemp battle 21:44

1d ago21:44

21:44

Dom talks with The Brothers Green co-founder Brad Lake about its new distribution centre in Australia, the drop in this year's hemp harvest in NZ and why he's pessimistic hemp will be removed from the Misuse of Drugs Act 2006. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and…

1
REX September 1st - Brad Lake, Amanda Collier & Eric Roy 1:08:22

1d ago1:08:22

1:08:22

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom George talks with The Brothers Green co-founder Brad Lake, about the new distribution centre in Australia and the reduction in this year's hemp harvest in New Zealand. Jo Grigg talks with Amanda Collier, Ngata farm, Taihape, about her and Rob's farming venture Spring Farms, together with the Chrystall family. Colle…

1
Aaron Callaghan - Taking the first step 22:01

5d ago22:01

22:01

Dom talks with men's health and performance coach Aaron Callaghan about what it takes to begin making positive changes in your life, some hacks to get started and the importance of not chasing perfection. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagra…

1
#115: Long Time, No Speak 1:57:21

5d ago1:57:21

1:57:21

Jordan Cooper welcomes on Neil Orfield to discuss how to exploit your opponent's mistakes in season-long fantasy football, optimal drafting strategies for unique scoring formats or payout structures, and players to target or fade in casual home leagues. ➔ Subscribe to Neil on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flannelverse ➔ Follow Neil on Twitter: …

1
REX August 29th - Aaron Callaghan & Ian Brennan 56:42

5d ago56:42

56:42

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom George talks with Aaron Callaghan, mens health and performance coach, about what it takes to begin making positive changes in your life. And one from the archives, Dom talks with Waikato farmer and farm forestry award winner, Ian Brennan, about his vision for farming, forests and lifestyle blocks working in togethe…

1
Mike Perry - National Wild Goat Hunting Competition underway! 11:46

6d ago11:46

11:46

Mike Perry talks with Jo Grigg about the fantastic prizes for those hunters and landowners wanting to get involved in culling wild goats. With categories for landowners, hunters, junior hunters, best goat head and prizes for even 1 goat entry, there is something for everyone. Using the on-line Landowners Assist programme, keen hunters can get acces…

1
REX August 28th - Mike Perry & Emma Foss 42:43

6d ago42:43

42:43

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Jo Grigg talks to Mike Perry, DOC Wild Animal Manager, about the Wild Goat Hunting Competition that is underway. Over $70,000 worth of prizes for hunters and landowners. Dom George talks with Emma Foss, about her career path from shepherd to hypnotherapist, and work with helping rural mental health. Tune in daily for t…

1
Scott Rome - Lumina Lamb Finisher of the Year 19:05

7d ago19:05

19:05

Scott Rome - Lumina Lamb Finisher of the Year, talks with Jo Grigg about his lamb finishing operation on chicory, his stocking rate policy to get 250 grams/day average lamb growth rate while also matching the chicory growth curve. The Romes finish lambs all year round and grow arable crops and winter dairy cows. Scott talks about his wins and fails…

1
Sheryl Haitana - The legacy of NZ Dairy Exporter 22:52

7d ago22:52

22:52

Dom talks with NZ Dairy Exporter Editor Sheryl Haitana about the Centenary issue of the magazine, why it's the final publication and the legacy it leaves for NZ dairy farming. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for …

1
REX August 27th - Sheryl Haitana, Scott Rome & Lawrence Field 1:03:34

7d ago1:03:34

1:03:34

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom George talks with Sheryl Haitana, previous Editor of Dairy Exporter Magazine, about 100 years of dairy farming stories. Jo grigg catches up with Scott Rome, Southland farmer and 2025 Lumina Lamb Finisher of the Year, about his winning recipe for consistently good lamb growth rates on chicory, his stocking rate secr…

1
Professor Steve Morris - Twins in cows, faster growth? 18:28

8d ago18:28

18:28

Steve Morris - recently retired Professor of Animal Science at Massey University, reflects on beef breakthroughs over his career including measuring the buffering capacity of the cow, condition scoring and how good feeding and grazing management is key to getting the most from new technologies like wearables. And his work in helping small-scale bee…

1
REX August 26th - Professor Steve Morris & Emma Crutchley 46:54

8d ago46:54

46:54

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Jo Grigg talks with Steve Morris, recently retired Professor of Animal Science, Massey University, about his 50 year career in beef. Dom George talks with Emma Crutchley about her trip to Singapore and New Zealands food future. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming plat…

1
RIchard Hill - Flock Hill 26:42

9d ago26:42

26:42

Richard Hill talks with Jo Grigg about managing 14,000 hectares at Flock Hill, including moving to a finer wool sheep, improving animal health, and growing lucerne baleage for dairy farmers on the West Coast from 500 hectares of flats. The stunning Canterbury property is home to a luxury lodge, where visitors are welcome to get involved in farm act…

1
Judy Finn - A pioneer of NZ wine 19:14

9d ago19:14

19:14

Dom talks with Neudorf Vineyards co-founder Judy Finn about being awarded the NZ Winegrowers Fellow for 2025, why she and husband Tim decided to enter the fledgling NZ wine industry in the late 70's and her role in marketing both Neudorf wine and other NZ wine brands. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite str…

1
REX August 25th - Judy Finn, Richard Hill & Tom Sturgess 1:17:33

9d ago1:17:33

1:17:33

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom George talks with Judy Finn, Neudorf Wines about decades of marketing NZ products. Jo Grigg talks with Richard Hill, Manager of Flock Hill, a 14000 hectare Canterbury high country property, about changes to sheep genetics, baleage sales, the Flock Hill Lodge and tourism venture and pig trapping. To wrap up, Dom int…

1
An inside look at startup 7Air’s operational launch 23:56

11d ago23:56

23:56

Miami-based startup carrier 7Air Cargo is entering its third month of full commercial operations and gaining experience that is benefiting its parent, The Xtreme Group. 7Air Cargo, formed by The Xtreme Group (TXG), received FAA Part 121 approval in February and began air cargo service in May. It now operates two 737-800SFs and one 737-800BCF, and e…

1
Rosie Dowling - Rosie Dowling - Creator of the sheep-farming 'must-have' Kiwicrook and Thermokennel. 19:56

12d ago19:56

19:56

Rosie talks with Jo Grigg about the inspiration for the designs, the global markets for Kiwicrook and the benefits of having warm kennels. On-farm, Rosie is raising four calves per cow in a new nurse cow system, as well as growing Jersey bulls and lambing ewes. And taking the kids skiing thanks to the Make A Wish Foundation. Tune in daily for the l…

1
Wayne McNee - Profitable and productive methane solutions 18:56

12d ago18:56

18:56

Dom talks with AgriZeroNZ Chief Executive Wayne McNee about the $60m they've invested so far in companies and research initiatives in an effort to help farmers reduce livestock emissions, which products will soon be available for use on NZ farms and the establishment of the AgriZeroNZ Farmer Focus Group. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest RE…

1
REX August 22 - Wayne McNee, Rosie Dowling & Anna Flowerday 1:06:47

12d ago1:06:47

1:06:47

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom Geroge talks with Wayne McNee, AgriZero CEO, about the $60 million they've invested so far in companies and research initiatives to help reduce livestock emissions and what products will be available soon. Jo Grigg talks with Rosie Dowling, farmer and creator of Kiwicrook - ideal for lambing, and the Kelvin Thermok…

1
Dan Smith - What powers rural contracting? 14:52

13d ago14:52

14:52

Jo Grigg talks with Dan Smith, lecturer at Lincoln University, about his research into rural contractors - what powers their businesses and success, and their relationships with farmer clients. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook…

1
REX August 21st - Dan Smith & Laura Morrison 40:49

13d ago40:49

40:49

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Jo Grigg talks with Dan Smith about what powers rural contracting and his insights into success for contractors, from his Lincoln University research. Dom George talks with farmer Laura Morrison, on her trip to Singapore with AgriZero NZ and work with Federated Farmers. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rur…

1
Gut Health, Stress & Sleep: The Truth About Supplements and Real Detox with Dr. Deanna Minich 1:10:18

14d ago1:10:18

1:10:18

Most people think detox is about buying the right supplement. The truth? Your body already has a powerful detox system, but it only works if your gut, hormones, and sleep are in balance. In this conversation with Dr. Deanna Minich ( @foodandspirit ) and Joe Miller, dive into: ✅ Why gut health is the real foundation of detox and energy ✅ The hidden …

1
Professor Derrick Moot 25:10

14d ago25:10

25:10

Professor Derrick Moot - his fascination with legumes, legumes on dairy farms and regenerative systems, and why nitrate is helpful and misunderstood. And he shares where he would buy a farm for the best pasture production in NZ. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz a…

1
Paul Schneider - The science of gin 35:40

14d ago35:40

35:40

Dom talks with Paul Schneider, co-founder of the Coromandel Distilling Company, about winning the 2025 World's Best Matured Gin at the World Gin Awards in London for its Awildian Manuka Gin, why he and partner Daniela Suess decided to leave their respective science careers in favour of distilling and their commitment to conservation in the Coromand…

1
Leading the Fight Against Hunger with Monica White 30:01

15d ago30:01

30:01

Food Share of Ventura County is a leading example of how a community can successfully join together to address food insecurity and hunger. President/CEO Monica White joins SideBar to explain how Food Share of Ventura County distributes nearly 20 million pounds of food, providing over 16 million meals annually through its hunger programs and 175 pan…

1
Simon Millar - Pure Advantage screening premier 10:53

15d ago10:53

10:53

Jo Grigg talks with the Executive Director of Pure Advantage about the movie premier this Wednesday night, that should put some 'lightning in a bottle' for the quest to regenerate indigenous forest. The film features farmers doing just that, and Simon explains where exotic forest fits, and doesn't fit, into the vision of Recloaking Papatuanuku. Tun…

1
REX August 19th - Simon Millar & Polly Logan 44:24

15d ago44:24

44:24

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Jo Grigg talks with Simion Millar, Executive Director of Pure Advantage, about the movie premier this Wednesday night that should put some 'lightning in a bottle' for the quest to regenerate indigenous forest. The film features farmers doing just that, and Simon explains where exotic forest fits, and doesn't fit, into …

1
Hon. Tama Potaka 14:37

16d ago14:37

14:37

Jo Grigg discusses conservation land and Māori farming with the Minister for Conservation, Māori Development and Māori Crown Relations. What's driven the 50% increase in Māori horticulture since 2017? How have loans been raised against multi-owner businesses? Hear about sheep/beef success with the Ahuwhenua Awards and clearing the backlog of applic…

1
Jon Pemberton - Tales & observations from Nuffield travels 32:11

16d ago32:11

32:11

Dom talks with dairy farmer, Environment Southland councillor and Ag Proud NZ Chair Jon Pemberton about his Nuffield Scholarship travels in 2025, his observations from countries such as England, the US and Brazil and what aspects of farming could be applied in a NZ context. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favouri…

1
REX August 18th - Jon Pemberton, Hon. Tama Potaka & Ross Dowling 1:07:46

16d ago1:07:46

1:07:46

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom George catches up with Jon Pemberton about his Nuffield NZ Farming Scholarship, Jo Grigg talks to Hon. Tama Potaka, Minister for Conservation, Maori Crown Relations and Maori Development, about the 50% increase in horticulture on Maori land, wilding pine issues and clearing the backlog of Crownland grazing concessi…

1
Ep 44 Julia Jones Real Optimisms with Tim Deane - Changing the Fabric of the Game 45:10

19d ago45:10

45:10

Tim Deane is back and he's not just talking wool, he's reshaping how it's valued. From a viral open letter to the All Blacks to building a traceable supply chain, Tim shares how Norsewear is proving that quality New Zealand wool can win on product, price, and purpose. A real talk on risk, resilience, and leading with impact.…

1
James Jarden - Triple J Scanning, Wairoa 17:49

19d ago17:49

17:49

In-lamb and calf rates seen across his North island scanning beat, insights into bull breakdowns and observations on ewe numbers, breed trends and best morning tea for scanners. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn fo…

1
Julia Jones - Turn up curiosity, not outrage 23:09

19d ago23:09

23:09

Dom talks with Agri-Women's Development Trust GM Julia Jones about her recent opinion piece where she suggests doom-laden messages in the rural sector won't pay the bills, why we shouldn't jeopardise market access and the feedback she's had. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexo…

1
REX August 15th - Julia Jones, James Jarden & Kelvin Deaker 1:29:34

19d ago1:29:34

1:29:34

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom George talks with Julia Jones about why she thinks turning on curiousity is better than outrage, Jo Grigg chats with James Jarden, Triple J Scanning, about in-lamb and in-calf rates, bull breakdowns , ewe numbers and breed trends. Dom talks with rugby referee Kelvin Deaker on rugby, his role in the agriculture indu…

1
Patrick Davis - the Sure Yield system - who's it best for? 20:51

20d ago20:51

20:51

Jo Grigg talks to Patrick Davis, CEO Catalyst Performance Agronomy, about the company's approach to agronomy services, what Sure Yield offers and what type of crops it is best suited to. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Li…

1
REX August 14th - Patrick Davis & Lilly Newton 55:06

20d ago55:06

55:06

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Jo Grigg talks with Patrick Davis, Catalyst Performance Agronomy CEO, about the Sure Yield System - where farmers can sign up to have a crop grown and managed from wo to go. And we have a classic from Dom George - chatting with high flyer, helicopter pilot, horse rider and artist Lilly Newton, about her life ferrying f…

1
Hormone Myths, Birth Control Truths & Functional Medicine with FNTP & FDN Maddy Michielssen 1:21:46

21d ago1:21:46

1:21:46

In this episode of the 1st Optimal Podcast, we sit down with Maddy Michielssen (@madsmichiefitness), a Functional Nutritionist (FNTP) and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN), to reveal the truth about hormone health, weight loss, and how advanced testing can transform your well-being. Maddy shares her journey from struggling with sev…

1
Mark Zino - getting ducks in a row for a decent lamb cheque. 24:25

21d ago24:25

24:25

Jo Grigg talks with Canterbury farmer Mark Zino, about his trace element programme for ewes, feeding strategies around tupping on lucerne and through to lambing, the new plan at Flaxmere with set-stocking triplets and targets for two-tooths. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexo…

1
Thomas Bird - A deep dive into the agronomy world 21:59

21d ago21:59

21:59

Dom talks with Central Otago-based Catalyst Agronomist Thomas Bird about winning the Catalyst Supreme Award recently, his top tips for winter crops and his advice for spring plantings. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Link…

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