The Next Bit Podcast

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

Health Insurance After 65: Worth It or Waste of Money?

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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The Real Cost Of Hospital For Older People

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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The Red Flags Before A Fall

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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Why Hospitals Are So Risky For Older People

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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How To Stay Out Of Hospital As You Age

March 16, 2026 • 53 mins
What if the best way to age well is not just to treat illness, but to prevent the hospital admission in the first place? In this episode of The Next Bit, Hannah McQueen is joined by Dr. Cheryl Johnson, Lead Geriatrician at Brightly, to unpack why hospitalization in older adults can be far more serious than most families realize. They explore the hidden reasons older people end up in hospital, things you might not even think about...
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Bite Sized: The 5 biggest mistakes people make when retiring

March 12, 2026 • 10 mins
In this bite-sized episode of The Next Bit, Mark Leishman and financial advisor Hannah McQueen break down the five biggest retirement mistakes she sees after decades of advising thousands of clients - mistakes that quietly undermine financial security and independence, which can then lead to a negative impact on long-term health. The 5 big mistakes include: 1.    Stopping work too abruptly 2.    No income transition plan 3.    Dow...
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Bite Sized: When superannuation isn't enough

March 11, 2026 • 7 mins
In this episode of The Next Bit Podcast, titled "Bite Sized: When Superannuation Isn't Enough," we delve into the common misconception that New Zealand's superannuation is sufficient for a comfortable retirement. Hosts Mark Leishman and Hannah McQueen explore the significant gap many retirees face, revealing that while super may provide a foundation, it's far from the complete financial picture. They discuss practical strategies to...
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Bite Sized: What does retirement actually cost?

March 10, 2026 • 9 mins
In this episode of The Next Bit Podcast, titled "Bite Sized: What Does Retirement Actually Cost?", I join financial expert Hannah McQueen to delve into the often-overlooked financial realities of retirement. While many envision a carefree life filled with travel and leisure, we explore the actual costs associated with maintaining that lifestyle. From understanding essential versus lifestyle expenses to the importance of being mortg...
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Are you ready for retirement?

March 9, 2026 • 56 mins
Here in New Zealand, we talk about retirement like it’s a finish line: work hard, save, hit 65, get the pension and the Gold Card then…stop. But for many people, retirement doesn’t feel like freedom: it often feels uncertain, unsettling, and financially confusing. In this episode of The Next Bit Podcast, hosts Mark Leishman and Hannah McQueen (Founder of Brightly and former retirement planning adviser) discuss what really happens ...
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Bite Sized: What parts of ageing are inevitable and what isn’t?

March 5, 2026 • 11 mins
In this bite-sized episode of The Next Bit, Hannah McQueen and Mark Leishman sit down with Brightly’s Lead Geriatrician, Dr Cheryl Johnson, to unpack the difference between inevitable biological ageing and the factors we can actively influence to protect our independence, strength, brain health, and longevity. This episode explores: + The difference between normal ageing vs preventable decline + Why older bodies process medication...
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Bite Sized: First Signs of Dementia – Is it just Normal forgetfulness, or something more serious?

March 3, 2026 • 17 mins
In this bite-sized episode of The Next Bit, Hannah McQueen and Mark Leishman sit down with Dr Cheryl Johnson, Lead Geriatrician at Brightly, to break down the early symptoms of dementia, how it differs from normal ageing, and when memory concerns should prompt an assessment. Dr Johnson explains one of the most important concepts in dementia diagnosis: functional impairment - the difference between occasionally forgetting your keys...
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Bite Sized: Can socialising help you live longer?

March 2, 2026 • 12 mins
In this bite-sized episode of The Next Bit, Hannah McQueen and Mark Leishman speak with Brightly’s Lead Geriatrician, Dr Cheryl Johnson, about the powerful link between human connection, sense of purpose, and longevity. Drawing on research from the world’s Blue Zones (regions where people live significantly longer and healthier lives), Dr Johnson explains why strong social ties and meaningful roles in the community are key drivers...
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Can you really slow ageing?

March 2, 2026 • 60 mins
Can you really slow ageing? Or is it all just social media hype? In this episode, Hannah McQueen (Founder of Brightly) sits down with Dr Cheryl Johnson, Lead Geriatrician at Brightly, to cut through the myths and talk about what actually works when it comes to healthy ageing, dementia prevention, frailty, bone health, and independence in later life. If you’re worried about cognitive decline, falls or how to support ageing parent...
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Bite Sized: Tough conversations – Why you should talk about rest homes before a crisis

February 25, 2026 • 16 mins
Most families avoid talking about rest homes…until a crisis forces the decision. In this bite-sized episode, Hannah McQueen and Mark Leishman are joined by Tracy Martin, CE of the Aged Care Association of New Zealand, to discuss why starting the conversation early gives everyone more control. They unpack: - How to gently raise the topic with your parents - The guilt adult children often feel - What happens when families wait too ...
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Bite Sized: Why where you live matters when you need aged care

February 25, 2026 • 14 mins
Aging in a city isn’t the same as aging in a rural community - and when care is needed, those differences matter. In this bite-sized episode, Hannah McQueen and Mark Leishman speak with Tracey Martin, CE of the Aged Care Association of New Zealand, about: - Why many aged care admissions begin with an unexpected hospital visit - The added challenges rural families face - How guilt shapes family decisions Where you live shouldn’t d...
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Bite Sized: How do you end up in a rest home?

February 24, 2026 • 9 mins
No one plans to move into residential aged care. Most admissions happen after a fall, illness, or sudden health decline. In this bite-sized episode, Hannah McQueen and Mark Leishman speak with Tracey Martin, CE of the Aged Care Association of New Zealand, about: - What typically triggers entry into a rest home - Why the best time to talk about it is before it’s needed - The difference between retirement living and residential car...
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The Truth About Rest Homes in New Zealand

February 23, 2026 • 52 mins
In this episode, Hannah McQueen and Marc Leishman sit down with Tracey Martin, CE of Aged Care Association NZ, to explain how rest homes really work in New Zealand. They cover needs assessments, subsidies, bed shortages, dementia care, hospital-level care, EPOA (enduring power of attorney) stress, and the financial realities families aren’t prepared for. This is a practical, honest guide to understanding the aged-care system before...
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Annette’s Story: The Experience That Inspired Age Brightly

February 19, 2026 • 42 mins
In this incredibly personal episode, Hannah McQueen sits down with Girvan Roberts to share the story that inspired Age Brightly. Girvan reflects on supporting her mother Annette through dementia, falls, and hospitalisation, navigating EPOA (enduring power of attorney) responsibilities, sibling dynamics, community care, and the emotional toll of anticipatory grief. If you’ve supported an aging parent, this episode will resonate. ...
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You're Ageing: The Next Bit Podcast Is For You

February 19, 2026 • 47 mins
You’re Ageing: The Next Bit Podcast Is For You is the first episode of The Next Bit, a podcast by New Zealanders for New Zealanders about staying independent and well as you grow older. Hannah McQueen (Founder of EnableMe, now Brightly) and Mark Leishman unpack why aging challenges often become crises: early warning signs like falls risk, frailty, and medication issues are missed until it’s too late. Hannah & Mark introduce Brigh...
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