Podcasts · Kids & Family

Parents We've Met

rova | Parenting Place New Zealand

47 episodes

Kia ora and welcome to Parents We've Met, where we wade into the magical, messy depths of parenthood to uncover the moments and learnings that keep us coming back for more.

More about the show

We're your hosts, Jenny Hale and Dayna Galloway, and together we share candid and inspiring conversations with well-known New Zealand parents - and experts - who, just like us, are navigating the wild and wonderful terrain that is parenthood.

With Jenny 's 'Parent Coach' hat on, we delve into a wide range of topics, from neurodiversity, to co-parenting, tricky teen behaviours, sleep struggles, grief, loss, big emotions and SO much more.

While most of these chats are light-hearted, at times we also dip our toes into some big topics of conversation that are aimed at a parent audience – and not suitable for little ears!

Parents We’ve Met is brought to you by Parenting Place – a charity with a heart for New Zealand families. Explore our self-guided online courses and hundreds of free parenting articles and ideas at parentingplace.nz

Episodes

  1. Matt Brown: Breaking cycles and building good men

    · 46 min · S3 E19

    This week we’re joined by special guest Matt Brown (MNZM) - pāpā, husband, co-founder of She is not your rehab, author, communicator and internationally acclaimed barber (yes, really!) - for a powerful conversation…

  2. Coaches’ couch: What to do when your teen pulls away

    · 25 min

    Dayna and Jenny are joined by Parent Coach Sheridan Eketone for a deep dive into what teens really need from us during this important developmental stage. They chat about the importance of helping teens build a sense…

  3. Coaches’ couch: How to calm the morning chaos

    · 24 min

    Are mornings tricky or stressful? Need to get to work on time and your kid’s distracted by carpet fluff? Parent coach Kristin Ward joins us on the coaches’ couch this week with some hot tips and tools to help you leave…

  4. DJ Forbes: The sport we call parenting

    · 37 min · S3 E16

    This week we're honoured to have one of our sporting and dad heroes, DJ Forbes, on the Parents We’ve Met couch. A husband, super proud dad to two teens and a legend of the game, DJ was captain of the All Blacks Sevens…

  5. Coaches’ couch: Kids and chores – have we left it too late?

    · 29 min · S3 E15

    How do you get your kids to do things around the house without nagging or bribing - and does pocket money help or hinder your efforts? Parent coach Kristin Ward joins Jenny and Dayna to talk through the whys and hows…

  6. Coaches’ couch: Are you doing too much for your kids?

    · 21 min

    Parent Coach Kristin Ward is back on the couch this week chatting about building independence in kids - without pushing them too far, too soon. Kristin shares research that suggests there’s less ‘roaming’ in kids…

  7. Rachael Wilson: Taking the fight out of food

    · 45 min · S3 E13

    Listener note: In this episode we briefly reference eating disorders. We approach this topic gently, but if this is a topic that is sensitive for you, please take care while listening. Jenny and Dayna are joined this…

  8. Coaches’ couch: What sensitive kids need most

    · 23 min · S3 E12

    When their feelings are in the drivers’ seat, family life can feel tough! Parent Coach Sheridan Eketone joins us on the couch this week to unpack high sensitivity in kids and offer some hot tips and encouragement for…

  9. Helen Manson: Tough enough for the world, tender enough to care

    · 35 min · S3 E11

    This week we're joined by Helen Manson – a mum-of-four, humanitarian photographer and storyteller, whose work has taken her into some of the most vulnerable communities in the world. Together with her husband Tim,…

  10. Coaches' couch: Raising emotionally resilient kids

    · 25 min · S3 E10

    Parent Coach Kristin Ward is back on the Coaches’ Couch with Jenny and Dayna this week to chat about the vast benefits of emotion coaching - teaching kids to understand and manage their emotions (both the tiny and the…

  11. Backing kids in sport, with mindset coach Dave Mackay

    · 34 min · S3 E9

    Dave Mackay is the founder of Sideline Advisor, a counselling and mentoring service for young athletes. In this episode he chats with Dayna and Jenny about how parents can help kids to thrive in, and enjoy sports,…

  12. Coaches’ couch: Back to school (but make it stress-free!)

    · 17 min · S3 E8

    We're back for 2026 and leaning straight into the good stuff! Dayna and Jenny are joined by Parent Coach Sheridan Eketone for a timely chat on the (often) tricky transition from summer holidays to the start of the…

  13. Vasa Fia Collins: Finding strength in the face of grief

    · 45 min · S3 E7

    Dayna and Jenny are joined this week by a very special guest, Vasa Fia Collins. Fia is the wife of the late Fa'anānā Efeso Collins - a deeply respected Samoan community leader, Auckland politician, educator and…

  14. Coaches’ couch: Does your kid want tech for Christmas?

    · 21 min · S3 E6

    Is a new phone or gaming console topping your kid’s Christmas wish list? Or is tech already a part of daily life? Either way, this chat’s for you. Jenny and Dayna are joined by Parent Coach Sheridan Eketone for a deep…

  15. Will I ever get a full nights’ sleep? with Dan Ford, sleep psychologist

    · 45 min · S3 E5

    If you’re feeling defeated by sleep, or lack thereof, this episode is for you. Sleep psychologist Dan Ford, founder of The Better Sleep Clinic, joins Dayna for a straight-up chat on sleep, stress, melatonin and…

  16. Coaches’ couch: What is your anger trying to tell you?

    · 24 min · S3 E4

    This episode is a reassuring reminder that anger isn’t a parenting failure - it’s a message! In this coaches’ couch episode, Jenny and Dayna sit down with Parent Coach Kristin Ward to unpack what might be going on…

  17. Shaping teen brains with Kathryn Berkett, neuroscience educator

    · 41 min · S3 E3

    Neuroscience educator Kathryn Berkett joins Jenny and Dayna for a deep dive into our kids’ brain development, with tips on how we can support them through every leap, wobble and wild moment that these changes bring.…

  18. Coaches’ couch: Parenting on the same page (even when you’re not!)

    · 22 min · S3 E2

    In our first-ever coaches’ couch episode, Jenny and Dayna pick the brains of parenting expert Sheridan Eketone to find out how we can maintain a united front in parenting – even when we disagree with our partner. From…

  19. Jack Tame: From newsroom to nursery

    · 43 min · S3 E1

    Jenny and Dayna are joined by the inimitable Jack Tame, a dad, stepdad, journo and familiar voice of New Zealand media, for an honest kōrero about the ups, downs, joys and ‘marrow-deep’ exhaustion that make up modern…

  20. Season 3 is (almost) here!

    · 1:25 · Trailer

    Kicking off on Tuesday 4th November, Season 3 of Parents We've Met brings new goodness to your listening ears. This season, we’re shaking things up a little! We have new episode formats 'From the coaches' couch' where…

  21. Olympian Lucy Spoors: Gold, grit and the greatness of grandparents

    · 46 min · S2 E15

    “Rowing is my job; my autopilot. Being a mum is the hard part,” says gold-medal-winning Olympic rower, mum and newlywed Lucy Spoors. Rowing legend Lucy Spoors joins Dayna and Jenny for an inspiring and honest chat…

  22. Clint Randell: Fun, family and tackling life’s curveballs

    · 46 min · S2 E14

    Today on the couch we’re joined by Dayna’s friend Clint Randell. He’s one-third of The Edge breakfast show team, a content creator, devoted husband and dad to two—who somehow manages to juggle it all while finding time…

  23. Jo Robertson: Sex and relationships in tricky seasons (including parenthood!)

    · 47 min · S2 E13

    If you're in the thick of parenting and want to protect and strengthen your relationships – and improve intimacy with your partner – this one is for you! Sex and relationship therapist Jo Robertson (recently an expert…

  24. Leigh Hart: Co-parenting, horse-bites and harnessing humour

    · 49 min · S2 E12

    Join Jenny and Dayna for a heartwarming conversation with New Zealand entertainer, funny guy, dad, entrepreneur and the man behind the perfect Wakachangi beer and chip combo, Leigh Hart. In this episode, we dive into…

  25. Dr Jin Russell: The power of reading

    · 48 min · S2 E11

    We're into a new year and to start things off on a high, we're chatting with Dr. Jin Russell - a consultant developmental paediatrician at Auckland's Starship Children’s Health, a Growing Up in New Zealand researcher…

  26. Kylie DellaBarca Steel: Cancer, courage and making the days count

    · 54 min · S2 E10

    Today's episode features a deeply personal conversation with Dayna’s long-time friend Kylie DellaBarca-Steel, a writer, film producer and mum to three young boys. Diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) at…

  27. Parent Coach Sheridan Eketone: Navigating tricky stuff at Christmas

    · 43 min · S2 E9

    ‘Tis the season to be jolly but also ‘tis the season to be tired and bumping into big feelings and behaviours! This week we’ve doubled down on parenting experts and invited parent coach Sheridan Eketone to join Jenny…

  28. Jackie Clarke: Big dreams and diva energy

    · 50 min · S2 E8

    Today on the couch, Jenny and Dayna enjoy a conversation full of laughs and good feels with Jackie Clarke, a legendary New Zealand entertainer, singer and ‘diva’ (in all the best ways!) In this delightful chat, Jenny…

  29. Scott Parry: Fishing, fatherhood and the ultimate Kiwi childhood

    · 33 min · S2 E7

    We’ve reeled in a fantastic guest for this episode - Scott Parry from the New Zealand TV show Fishing and Adventure (now in its 12th season) is here for a chat through his other favourite gig – being a dad! First off…

  30. Dr Melanie Woodfield: Big, bold feelings

    · 45 min · S2 E6

    In this episode, Jenny and Dayna shed some light on childhood anxiety with the guidance of Dr Melanie Woodfield, a mum to two teenage boys and a highly regarded clinical psychologist of over 20 years. As key…

  31. Rebekah Randell: Loss, love and letting go of expectations

    · 40 min · S2 E5

    Today on the couch we have actor, content producer and mum, Rebecca Randell, though to most of New Zealand she would be better known as Dawn Robinson from the country's longest running drama, Shortland Street. Rebekah…

  32. Richie Hardcore: Boys, boxing and cultivating resilience

    · 56 min · S2 E4

    Having uncomfortable conversations, recognising blind spots and saying sorry well – this meaty episode is equal parts earnest and fun. A small disclaimer - this episode contains mention of sensitive topics around…

  33. Kanoa Lloyd: Stretch and grow (your kids and yourself!)

    · 42 min · S2 E3

    One of New Zealand’s most-loved TV presenters (former host of The Project), Kanoa Lloyd joins Jenny and Dayna for a thoughtful kōrero on motherhood, her career and the joys of raising a child with all their glorious…

  34. Nathan King: When fatherhood is far from typical

    · 49 min · S2 E2

    Jenny and Dayna are excited to share the couch with New Zealand musician and songwriter Nathan King who has reunited with his former band Zed (after two decades – where did that time go?!) to create a fresh new album,…

  35. Petra Bagust: Truths, teens and taking delight

    · 51 min · S2 E1

    Buckle in for an uplifting conversation filled with laughter and wisdom! Petra Bagust is the host of popular Rova podcasts Grey Areas and Sunday Sanctuary, a radio personality and TV presenter, a media chaplain, mum to…

  36. Season 2 Trailer - New episodes launching Tuesday 15th October

    · 2:39 · S2 E1 · Trailer

    We're back with a 2nd season of Parents We've Met. The first episode of Season 2 will be dropping on Tuesday 15th October - and while you wait, here's a little preview of what's to come. This season, co-hosts Jenny…

  37. BONUS – Lessons and takeaways from the frontline of parenthood

    · 30 min · S1 E10 · Bonus

    Did you hear the one about the kids who were allowed to write on the toilet wall? And no, we don’t mean toddler scribbles! In our Season 1 finale episode, Jenny and Dayna unpack the stand-out stories, curly questions…

  38. Pio Terei: Grief, love and glorious food

    · 46 min · S1 E9

    The final guest for Season 1 is one of our very own: the much-loved media personality, Parenting Place pou tangata and father-to-three Pio Terei. Pull out the tissues as this kōrero is full of tears – the happy ones…

  39. Heather Hale: Style, social media and grieving expectations

    · 43 min · S1 E8

    Now if you wear clothes this episode is totally for you! This week, Jenny and Dayna are joined by the wonderful personal stylist, image consultant and mum-to-two, Heather Hale. Heather shares honestly about the magic…

  40. Sean Brown: The power of play and living without clutter

    · 41 min · S1 E5

    This week, Jenny and Dayna are hanging out with a top bloke and legend of a dad, Sean Brown. Sean’s the chippie that has put Dayna’s home back together after various floods and burst pipes, but you may also recognize…

  41. Kaiora Tipene: Lifting the lid on grief

    · 54 min · S1 E6

    Co-star of the popular reality TV show, The Casketeers and māmā to SIX, Kaiora Tipene joins Jenny and Dayna for a beautiful kōrero on motherhood, whānau and a topic that’s a little bit taboo in some families: death.…

  42. Ido Drent: Sleep deprivation and diving in the deep end

    · 38 min · S1 E5

    Jenny and Dayna are joined by another awesome dad guest this week! Some of you might remember Ido Drent as Daniel Potts from New Zealand's favourite soap opera, Shortland Street, or more recently from his roles on The…

  43. Jo Robertson: Sex, sailing and keeping kids safe online

    · 41 min · S1 E4

    Jenny and Dayna sit down with sex and relationship therapist, Jo Robertson, for a glorious chat on all things ‘motherhood’, including surviving deep-sea sailing adventures and navigating the sexual culture and…

  44. Ben Boyce: Social media, distractions, and parenting in public

    · 38 min · S1 E3

    Award-winning radio host and super proud dad Ben Boyce sits down with Jenny and Dayna to share some glorious tales from his parenting journey. Ben’s been making people laugh for years; he's one of the creative forces…

  45. Sulu Fitzpatrick: Kids, sports and co-parenting

    · 35 min · S1 E2

    Former Silver Fern Sulu Fitzpatrick joins Jenny and Dayna for an inspiring kōrero about the juggle of life as an athlete and a mum to a blended family of six. Sulu shares openly about the highs and lows of her career,…

  46. Josh Thomson: Kids, grief & number 2s

    · 41 min · S1 E1

    Actor and comedian Josh Thomson sits down with Jenny and Dayna to share some humble and hilarious tales from his dadding journey. The ‘Tongan of Timarū’ as he’s known to some, Josh is a well-known face of New Zealand…

  47. Season 1 Trailer

    · 2:48 · Trailer

    Kia ora and welcome to Parents We’ve Met, where we share in the glorious, horrendous and hilarious world that is parenthood. In this first season of our new podcast, co-hosts Jenny Hale (author and parent coach) and…

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