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
May 9, 2026 • 49 mins
Ilona Rodgers became a household name in New Zealand in the 1980s with her role of Virginia O’Neill in the iconic TV show Goss.
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, ...
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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 assets and navi...
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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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April 7, 2026 • 11 mins
In this episode of The Next Bit Podcast, we tackle the pressing question: is buying before selling a wise strategy or a source of unnecessary stress? Join me, Hannah McQueen, as I discuss the intricacies of downsizing in real estate. We explore the financial implications of securing your next home before selling your current one, examining the associated risks, costs, and emotional toll. With insights drawn from years of financial ...
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April 6, 2026 • 43 mins
In this episode of The Next Bit, Hannah McQueen and Mark Leishman explore the upsides and downsides of the biggest (and most misunderstood) financial decisions in later life: downsizing your home.
While it’s often seen as a simple strategy to unlock cash for retirement, the reality is far more complex. From emotional attachment and identity to timing, market conditions, and hidden costs, downsizing is as much a psychological decis...
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April 2, 2026 • 15 mins
In this enlightening episode of The Next Bit Podcast, I join Brightly's lead clinical pharmacist, Julia Brooks, to explore "The Preventable Accelerators of Decline." While aging is inevitable, we discuss how certain lifestyle choices and conditions can hasten physical and cognitive decline. Julia outlines five key factors—nutrition, exercise, vision and hearing health, social connections, and medication management—that can signific...
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April 1, 2026 • 10 mins
In this episode of The Next Bit Podcast, titled "Mixing Up Your Meds? Try These Tips and Tricks," I, Hannah McQueen, sit down with consultant pharmacist Julia Brooks from Brightly to explore the complexities of medication management, especially as we age. With a bathroom cabinet full of pills, it can be overwhelming to keep track of what to take and when. Julia emphasizes the importance of understanding your medications, the potent...
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March 31, 2026 • 12 mins
Why do so many older people insist they’re “fine” when something clearly isn’t right? In this bite-sized episode of The Next Bit, clinical pharmacist Julia Brooks explains why denial, independence, and fear of being a burden often stop people from speaking up about their health.
You’ll learn how to spot the subtle warning signs: like memory lapses, unsteadiness, poor sleep, or increasing reliance on notes that could point to under...
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March 30, 2026 • 44 mins
Are your medications helping or harming your health as you age?
In this episode of The Next Bit, Hannah McQueen and Marc Leishman are joined by clinical pharmacist Julia Brooks to break down why medication management is critical for aging well.
With most people over 65 taking prescription drugs, and many on five or more, Julia explains the risks including side effects, falls, and hospitalisation. She shares how aging changes the ...
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March 23, 2026 • 60 mins
What should you do with your health insurance after 60?
For many Kiwis, health insurance starts out as peace of mind, then as premiums rise sharply it can feel like a punishment for ageing.
In this episode, Hannah McQueen is joined by Abby Woollaston, risk specialist, financial adviser, and director of Redress Advice, to unpack what’s really happening with health insurance as you get older.
Some of the topics Hannah and Abby cov...
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March 19, 2026 • 23 mins
In this episode of The Next Bit Podcast, I explore the pressing issue of hospital care for older adults with Dr. Cheryl Johnson, a lead geriatrician at Brightly. We delve into the harsh reality that hospitals, often seen as a refuge, can actually be detrimental to seniors' health. With older adults occupying the majority of hospital beds, their hospital stays frequently accelerate frailty and diminish their chances of returning hom...
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March 18, 2026 • 8 mins
In this episode of The Next Bit Podcast, titled "The Red Flags Before A Fall," I engage in a vital conversation with geriatrician Dr. Cheryl Johnson about the often-overlooked factors contributing to falls among older adults. We explore how medications, cognitive decline, and environmental risks can elevate the chances of falling, emphasizing the importance of proactive health management. Dr. Johnson shares insights on the signific...
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March 17, 2026 • 7 mins
In this episode of The Next Bit Podcast, I sit down with geriatrician Dr. Cheryl Johnson to address a pressing issue: the risks hospitals pose for older adults. We explore how even seemingly minor health concerns can lead to a dangerous domino effect once admitted. From complications like deconditioning and infections to the psychological impacts of hospital stays, we unpack the multifaceted challenges faced by seniors in clinical ...
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