LISTEN: 3 nutrition choices to make when raising healthy eaters

Catch the latest episode of The House of Wellness with Chemist Warehouse on the Breeze where Mike sits down with Matakana Superfoods founder Dr Kevin Glucina, actor Ido Drent, comedian and cancer survivor David Downs, Lab Brow Bar’s Penny Mahoney and resident pharmacist Piyara Perera. 

Featured Guest: Dr Kevin Glucina

With nearly 50 years at the forefront of organic nutrition, founder of Matakana Superfoods, Dr Kevin Glucina, has long championed a whole-food approach to health - well before it became mainstream. 

He credits social media and younger generations with driving a recent surge in nutrition awareness, but stresses that the fundamentals remain simple; prioritise whole foods, support the “engine room” of the body (gut health) and reduce processed sugars and heated oils. 

For adults, he suggested starting with “super reds” and “super greens” to get a full spectrum of phytonutrients and polyphenols for overall health. 

For families, he highlights the importance of introducing a wide variety of foods early, limiting sugar options and avoiding overly processed options. These habits not only support immunity and metabolism, but can shape lifelong health outcomes. 

Featured Guest: Ido Drent

Former Shortland Street actor Ido Drent joined Mike to discuss his complete career pivot into property development with his company, Elaman. 

Ido shared the high-pressure reality of chasing the acting dream in LA and the “rock bottom” moment that led him to reassess his definition of success. 

Now based in Auckland, he focuses on creating “generous” residential spaces designed to foster community connection and improve the wellbeing of first-home buyers and social housing tenants.  

Featured Guest: David Downs

Comedian and author David Downs shared his remarkable survival story after being told he had only a year to live following a terminal cancer diagnosis in 2017.

He described how CAR T-cell therapy, a breakthrough treatment that re-engineers a patient's own immune system to "hunt and kill" cancer, saved his life in the US.

David is now an ambassador for the Malaghan Institute to help fund local clinical trials, ensuring this life-saving technology is accessible to more New Zealanders 

Featured Guest: Penny Mahoney

From Navy communications to healthcare and hospice work, Penny Mahoney’s career has always centered on caring for people - something that now underpins her fast-growing business, Lab Brow Bar. 

After years in various hospital roles, Penny began shaping brows from her spare bedroom, turning a lifelong obsession with finding the “perfect eyebrow” into a thriving service. 

She explained that her approach to brows is “mathematical” rather than trend-based, focusing on facial mapping to ensure consistency and symmetry. 

Penny also warned against common at home mistakes like over-tweezing, noting that a single hair can take four months to grow back. 

Resident Pharmacist: Piyara Perera 

With winter approaching, resident pharmacist Piyara cleared up the common confusion between a standard cold and the flu. 

Piyara noted that while a cold is typically mild, the flu can strike suddenly with fever, exhaustion and body aches, potentially leading to serious complications for vulnerable groups.

She also debunked the myth that the flu vaccine can give you the flu, explaining that it contains an inactivated virus and that any mild side effects are simply a sign of the immune system responding. 

Featured Product: Blackmores Executive B Stress Formula

Blackmores Executive B Stress Formula is New Zealand's #1 stress supplement.

It’s designed to support your body’s normal response to stress while supporting relaxation, energy and a healthy nervous system. 

Perfect for busy lifestyles, it combines B vitamins, magnesium, oats and passionflower so you can power through your day, and rest at night. 

Always read the label and take as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional.Dietary supplements are not a replacement for a balanced diet. Blackmores, Auckland.

Catch the full episode up top and tune in next Sunday from 8am for The House of Wellness on the Breeze.