The Next Bit Podcast
The Next Bit Podcast is a New Zealand-based show that helps listeners navigate aging with confidence and independence. Hosted by Hannah McQueen and Mark Leishman, it features real stories, expert advice, and practical tools for planning your own future or supporting aging family members. New episodes are released weekly.
Episodes
More than a senior moment – why we shouldn’t normalise memory loss
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 c
You can’t eat your house – now what?
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 liq
Are you the meat in the generational financial sandwich?
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,
Why collagen gummies aren’t a health plan
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 gu
The Levels of Care Explained
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 car
From Carer Back To Partner
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 joine
When Your Spouse Becomes Your Patient
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 m
When It’s Time To Put Your Spouse Into Care
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
Celebrating an Inspiring Kiwi Living Well - Ilona Rodgers
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 tha
How To Stay Travel Fit in Retirement
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
Sex After 60: Are You Too Old?
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 relationshi
What Happens If You Have a Dispute in a Retirement Village?
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 an
The Retirement Village Math Most People Miss
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 expla
You Don’t Actually Own Your Retirement Unit
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 implicatio
What Are You Really Buying In A Retirement Village?
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 real
The Grey Divorce: Splitting Up After 60
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 afte
How much money does downsizing actually free up?
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 o
Is It Time For Me to Downsize?
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 rea
Buying Before Selling: Smart or Stressful?
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 insi
Downsizing Your Home
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, downsizi
The Preventable Accelerators of Decline
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 medi
Mixing Up Your Meds? Try These Tips and Tricks
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 underst
How to Help Someone Who’s Unwell but Insists They’re Not
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
How Managing Your Meds Can Help You Live Longer
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
Health Insurance After 65: Worth It or Waste of Money?
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.
Som
The Real Cost Of Hospital For Older People
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 dimi
The Red Flags Before A Fall
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. John
Why Hospitals Are So Risky For Older People
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 chall
How To Stay Out Of Hospital As You Age
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, th
Bite Sized: The 5 biggest mistakes people make when retiring
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.
Bite Sized: When superannuation isn't enough
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. T
Bite Sized: What does retirement actually cost?
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 expens
Are you ready for retirement?
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 ad
Bite Sized: What parts of ageing are inevitable and what isn’t?
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
+
Bite Sized: First Signs of Dementia – Is it just Normal forgetfulness, or something more serious?
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 betwee
Bite Sized: Can socialising help you live longer?
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 rol
Can you really slow ageing?
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, fa
Bite Sized: Tough conversations – Why you should talk about rest homes before a crisis
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
- W
Bite Sized: Why where you live matters when you need aged care
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 de
Bite Sized: How do you end up in a rest home?
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 re
The Truth About Rest Homes in New Zealand
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 unders
Annette’s Story: The Experience That Inspired Age Brightly
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 pa
You're Ageing: The Next Bit Podcast Is For You
“You’re Ageing: This Podcast Is For You” launches The Next Bit, a new podcast for New Zealanders by New Zealanders who want to stay independent, informed, and confident as they age.
Hosts Hannah McQueen (Founder of EnableMe, now Founder of Brightly) and broadcaster Mark Leishman explore why most people don’t lose independence because they suddenly “get old” - they lose it because early warning si
