The Next Bit Podcast
Ageing isn’t overwhelming. It’s just the next bit. Real NZ stories, expert advice and practical tools to help you — and the people you love — stay confident, independent and informed as you age. Hosted by Hannah McQueen and Mark Leishman, with new episodes every week, The Next Bit is a podcast designed to help New Zealanders learn how to age well and support their whānau with clarity. Whether you’re planning your own next chapter, supporting ageing parents, or simply wanting to stay independent for as long as possible, you’re in the right place. https://www.thenextbitpod.com
Episodes
June 22, 2026 • 59 mins
For many people, dementia is more frightening than cancer. The fear of forgetting loved ones, the stigma, the sense that you're losing yourself — it's enough to make people avoid a diagnosis altogether. But Brightly's lead geriatrician Dr. Cheryl Johnson says delay is the worst choice you can make, because the earlier you act, the more options you have.
In this episode, Hannah McQueen sits down with Dr. Cheryl to unpack what...
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June 15, 2026 • 46 mins
Most of us assume that staying in our own home as we age is the ideal outcome. After all, home is where we feel comfortable, independent and connected to our memories.
But what happens when staying at home becomes harder than we expected?
In this episode of The Next Bit Podcast, Hannah McQueen is joined by Brightly Head Nurse Madelaine Young to unpack the often-overlooked realities of ageing in place.
While many older New Zealan...
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June 8, 2026 • 34 mins
In this episode of The Next Bit Podcast, we delve into the often-overlooked topic of memory loss and its implications as we age. Join me as I speak with Dr. Di North, head GP at Brightly, who sheds light on the misconception that forgetfulness is just a natural part of aging. We explore the gray zone of cognitive decline and the importance of early intervention, discussing how proactive measures can help manage or even reverse mild...
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June 1, 2026 • 28 mins
In this episode of The Next Bit Podcast titled "You can’t eat your house – now what?", I dive deep into a pressing issue faced by many retirees: being asset-rich yet cash-poor. As homeowners, many find their wealth tied up in property, leaving them without sufficient cash flow to support their lifestyle. Joined by financial expert Hannah McQueen, we explore five practical strategies to enhance liquidity in retirement. F...
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May 25, 2026 • 42 mins
Most of us assume the mortgage will be gone by retirement, the kids will eventually leave home, Mum and Dad will have things sorted and things will get easier.
The reality is much messier. Many carry a mortgage for longer, help children for longer, and start to discover that their parents’ retirement plan is non-existent.
In this episode of Age Brightly, Hannah McQueen talks to Katie Wesney, National Coaching Lead at ena...
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May 18, 2026 • 44 mins
Most of us want to age well, and are happy to take the supplements, wear the sleep ring and sit in the sauna in the pursuit of that.
But the things making us feel good, and allow us to pat ourselves on the back for being proactive about our health don’t actually tell us what’s really going on in our bodies.
In this episode of The Next Bit, Hannah McQueen confesses her fondness for collagen gummies to Brightly&rsquo...
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May 14, 2026 • 10 mins
In this episode of The Next Bit Podcast, join me, Hannah McQueen, as I sit down with geriatrician Dr. Cheryl Johnson to explore the critical topic of care levels as we age. We delve into essential conversations about staying out of the hospital and the difficult decision of transitioning a spouse into care. Dr. Johnson breaks down the needs assessment process and explains the various levels of care available, from rest homes to pri...
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May 13, 2026 • 26 mins
Join me on this episode of The Next Bit Podcast, titled "From Carer Back To Partner," where we explore the challenging transition from caregiver to spouse. In our previous discussion, we examined the tough decision to move a loved one into care. Now, we delve into the emotional aftermath of that decision. How do you redefine your identity when your role changes from caregiver to partner? I’m joined by Dr. Cheryl Johnson, a le...
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May 12, 2026 • 11 mins
In this episode of The Next Bit Podcast, I engage with geriatrician Dr. Cheryl Johnson to explore the challenging transition when your spouse becomes your patient. We delve into the delicate dynamics of caregiving and the impact it can have on relationships, highlighting the risks of neglecting one's own health in the process. Dr. Johnson shares valuable insights on recognizing the signs that it may be time for professional care, e...
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May 11, 2026 • 45 mins
No one gets married thinking, “One day I might have to move you into care.” But for many couples, that becomes one of the hardest, most loving decisions they’ll ever face.
In this episode of The Next Bit, Hannah McQueen talks with Brightly’s Lead Geriatrician, Dr. Cheryl Johnson, about what really happens when a spouse becomes a full-time carer, and when looking after someone at home is no longer safe or su...
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May 9, 2026 • 49 mins
Ilona Rodgers became a household name in New Zealand in the 1980s with her role of Maxine Redfern in the iconic TV show Gloss.
Now, at nearly 84, Ilona is still as vibrant as ever. Still active, and living with a sense of purpose that most people spend a lifetime trying to find.
In this Mothers Day special, the legendary New Zealand actress sits down with Hannah and Mark to reflect on a life that has spanned continents, stages, a...
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May 4, 2026 • 41 mins
Retirement is the time when many people finally take that trip of a lifetime. But long-haul travel takes a different toll as you get older.
In this episode, Hannah McQueen and Mark Leishman sit down with Dr Andrew Nelson, a GP and travel medicine specialist, to break down what you actually need to think about before you book, and before you board.
We cover the practical realities of travelling in your 60s and beyond:
+ How to pr...
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April 27, 2026 • 39 mins
In this engaging episode of The Next Bit Podcast, I, Hannah McQueen, dive into the often-overlooked topic of sex after 60, challenging the misconception that intimacy fades with age. Joined by sex therapist Edit Horvath, we explore how pleasure and connection can thrive well into later life. We discuss the physiological changes that may affect libido, the importance of communication in relationships, and the unique challenges faced...
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April 23, 2026 • 4 mins
In this bite-sized episode of The Next Bit, Hannah McQueen and Mark Leishman revisit one of the most revealing moments from their conversation with retirement village lawyer Jenny Baldwin; the reality of what happens when disputes arise inside a village.
From everyday tensions and personality clashes to bigger issues around maintenance, resale delays, and behavioural concerns linked to ageing and dementia, Jenny explains how the ...
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April 22, 2026 • 3 mins
Retirement village contracts can feel like a maze of legal language, hidden costs, and terms that seem designed to make your eyes glaze over.
In this bite-sized episode of The Next Bit, Hannah and Mark pull out one of the most useful practical tips from their conversation with lawyer Jenny Baldwin: the easiest way to compare retirement village contracts without drowning in paperwork.
Jenny explains why the key term summary can be...
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April 21, 2026 • 5 mins
In this episode of The Next Bit Podcast, I dive into the intriguing world of retirement villages with expert lawyer Jenny Baldwin. We unravel the common misconceptions surrounding what it really means to buy into a retirement unit. You might be surprised to learn that you are not purchasing property, but rather a bundle of rights through an occupation right agreement. Jenny explains the implications of this arrangement, including t...
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April 20, 2026 • 46 mins
If you think moving into a retirement village works like buying a home, this episode may change the way you see it.
In this eye-opening conversation, Hannah McQueen and Mark Leishman sit down with retirement village lawyer Jenny Baldwin to unpack what people are actually buying when they move into a village, and why so many families are caught off guard by the fine print.
Jenny explains the reality of occupational right agreement...
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April 13, 2026 • 52 mins
No one plans for a marriage to end - especially after 30, 40, or even 50 years.
But “grey divorce” is on the rise, and when relationships break down later in life, the emotional, financial, and legal stakes are higher than ever.
In this episode of The Next Bit, Hannah McQueen and Mark Leishman sit down with family law barrister Erica Burke to unpack what really happens when couples separate after 60. From dividing ass...
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April 9, 2026 • 10 mins
In this episode of The Next Bit Podcast, I dive into the often-overlooked financial implications of downsizing your home. Many people assume that selling their house will provide a comfortable retirement, but how realistic is this expectation? Joined by financial expert Hannah McQueen, we explore the common misconceptions surrounding home value and retirement funding. We discuss the hidden costs of selling, the emotional biases tha...
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April 8, 2026 • 8 mins
In this episode of The Next Bit Podcast, we dive into a deeply personal question: Is it time for you to downsize? Join me, Mark Leishman, as I engage with financial expert Hannah McQueen to explore the signs that indicate a shift may be necessary in your living situation. We discuss the emotional and practical aspects of downsizing, from managing property maintenance to the impact of financial readiness. Whether it's driven by heal...
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