There are moments in time where issues that have lurked in the shadows reach a tipping point and break into the public consciousness. Now is such a time for neurodiversity and ADHD. We are ready for healthier, more embracing conversations about how different brains work.

TV presenter and actor Sonia Gray is on a quest to make life better for neurodiverse children and their families since her own tempestuous journey with daughter Inez. Her experiences and research has also led to discovering some of the mysteries of her own brain and how she’s uniquely wired! This is personal.

Sonia opens a window into the difficulty of raising neurodiverse children in a world that often doesn’t value difference, and explores the pain of being misunderstood. Sonia shares her public journey as an advocate, as well as her private journey towards loving self-acceptance.

For more podcasts on the topic check out Sonia's own podcast series No Such Thing As Normal, as well as the ADHD episode of Are You Mental? by Mick Andrews.

Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.

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Open a refreshing window to the world of creativity with Dr. Selina Tusitala Marsh as we riff on creativity and poetry. Turns out you don’t have to give it up after high school.

Selina, an accomplished poet, academic, and illustrator, shares profound insights and captivating tales from her journey, which includes becoming NZ’s official poet (aka Poet Laureate), an unconventional marriage break up, and being honoured as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

From the physicality of marathons to the tranquillity of walking, we discuss the evolution of our creative lives and the surprises ageing invites us into. 

With her trademark wisdom and wit, Selina shares the transformational role of poetry in empowering Pasifika leaders and reflects on the expansive nature of creativity, such as making a cup of tea with love… does it taste any different?

Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.

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Hot on the heels of launching her new book Evolving, Judy Bailey sat down with Petra to talk all things ageing.

At 72 years old, Judy has a sparkle that's infectious. Her credentialed career as a journalist, along with her natural curiosity and sense of fun make her an ideal guide to navigate the landscape of ageing, and explore the latest research on how to do it well.

It’s exciting to hear that since leaving television, Judy is having some of the most fulfilling years of her life! Naturally, they haven’t been without trials, including navigating her husband Chris’s cancer diagnosis.

Be encouraged by Judy’s insights and enthusiasm and take meaningful action for your future now, knowing you can do it with a twinkle in your eye, throughout your golden years.

Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.

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We're kicking off Season 5 with our LIVE recording of a fun and fascinating panel discussion tackling pleasure, intimacy, and love in midlife and menopause with writer Niki Bezzant and relationship coach Meg Cowan.

Niki Bezzant is a trained journalist whose book This Changes Everything: the honest guide to menopause and perimenopause has, for thousands of New Zealanders, shed light on the oddly overlooked experience of women and ageing. Diving into sexuality, intimacy and desire in her upcoming book The Everything Guide Niki tackles a raft of ‘sex myths for grown-ups’ and shows us we’re not alone in navigating the highs and lows of our sexual journeys.

Meg Cowan is a sex & relationship coach who’s created The Couples Guide to Hotter Sex in 10 Days! and The Shame-free Sex Course, delivering empowering practical skills to people all around the world. Meg is pro-pleasure, practical and positive - and believes we can all find our way to magnificent sexual expression whatever our season.

The night also featured a special musical appearance from Aro - the creators of the Grey Areas waiata/theme song Korimako. Catch Aro's brand new album out 19th April!

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Kia ora! Petra here and we’re getting ready for Season 5!

5 feels like a milestone… off to school and all that, growing up literally - thanks for coming on this journey with me - hasn’t it been fun and also fascinating!?! 

We have built up quite the collection of stories and questions to travel with us into our next season - hopefully with more compassion, humour and  courageous can-do. Let’s keep going! 

Who would have thought we’d talk about vulval skin health, pelvic floors, boobs bones and all the things menopause! There is plenty left to yarn about, so many great stories to share and I hope that in sharing stories of our wonderful guests and their ‘grey areas’ - you feel more at home in your own skin, head and heart.

This season I’m joined by more fabulous guests including authors Judy Bailey, Niki Bezzant and Selina Tusitala Marsh, presenter Sonia Gray and sex coach Meg Cowan.

We go fossicking about in experiences of perfectionism and adult diagnosis of ADHD, take personal journeys into creativity, relationship changes like separation and even ageing on purpose, as well as a particular highlight of mine - talking about pleasure, intimacy and love in mid-life with two awesome wāhine - live on stage - that’s right we did a live event and I LOVED IT!

So join me for Season 5 of Grey Areas with Petra Bagust!

New episodes drop weekly from April 18th on rova, or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

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Film reviewer extraordinaire Kate Rodger joins Grey Areas for another laugh-filled chat about stepping outside of her ‘lane’, dealing with feelings of overwhelm, and the progress she's making on her personal goals.

Kate brings her trademark humour and wildly generous way with words to a conversation about new challenges, making time for what’s important, and never being afraid to have a good ol’ cry in the staff loos.

If you want to hear more from Kate check out her earlier episode The edges of menopause from Season 2!

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Iconic broadcaster Robert Rakete returns to Grey Areas, joining Petra for a candid and uplifting kōrero.

Robert has been discovering more of his whakapapa as he continues to learn Te Reo Māori, and shares his love of embracing the beginner's mind, facing fears and embracing failure.

Plus Robert catches Petra up on his recent prostate check-up! 👀

If you want to hear more scintillating stories from Robert check out his episode Recovering identity from Season 1!

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Two years on from her first Grey Areas appearance, Petra catches up with journalist and TVNZ's Sunday host Miriama Kamo as she's rounded out her fifth decade.

Turning 50 can invite introspection and casting new vision for your life. Miriama grabs this opportunity with both hands sharing the raft of intentions she has for this season from getting braces to studying te reo Māori.

In the midst of goal-setting, Petra and Miriama reflect on how to sidestep shame and resource ourselves, even when life's not going exactly according plan.

If you want to hear more of Miriama's heart and wisdom check out her and Robyn Malcolm's episode Menopause stories from Season 1!

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Annie Crummer and Betty-Anne Monga along with Julia Deans and Boh Runga will be forming a powerhouse ensemble at this year's Auckland Arts Festival performance, Hear Me Roar! on March 8.

Annie and Betty-Anne joined me for a korero all about creativity, collaboration and purpose.

We riff on the power of music to accompany us through every season - the summers and winters of life. Music offers us a kind of hope when life gets bogged down in the grey areas and we explore how as women we can move into our own confidence and taking up space.

Get your tickets to Hear Me Roar! at aaf.co.nz/event/hear-me-roar and check out the rest of the incredible events at aaf.co.nz.

This bonus episode was brought to you by Auckland Arts Festival.

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Add to your kete of understanding our bone health with this kōrero with Christine Gill, Executive Director of Osteoporosis New Zealand. 

The life cycle of these living tissues from birth to menopause and beyond is fascinating. Christine talks us through the process of bone turnover, the often misunderstood osteoporosis, the importance of achieving maximum bone strength by age 30, and the myriad factors that can influence our bone health throughout life. The good news is that it's never too early or late to care for our bones!

Resources -

• Bone Health New Zealand
• Nymbl app by ACC
• Home (livestronger.org.nz)

This bonus episode was brought to you by ACC.

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The magic of female friendships is pretty undeniable - as is the role they play in shaping us. Join us for an inspiring kōrero with long-time BFFs, broadcaster Stacey Morrison and fashion designer Kiri Nathan, who have been the epitome of friendship for over 25 years.

From their first meeting at the Smoke-Free Fashion Awards to navigating marriages, children, and their respective careers, their journey is a testament to the power of enduring, intentional friendship.

Stacey and Kiri also share their thoughts on the importance of boundaries with friends, and being mindful of our energy and capacity. We also discuss the challenges of being vulnerable and learning to let go of the pursuit of perfection.

P.S. Stacey was a guest in Season 2 of Grey Areas - check out her kōrero too!

Song credit: Korimako, Performed by Aro, Written by Emily Looker and Charles Looker and published by Songbroker.

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