Join Mike for the latest episode of The House of Wellness with Chemist Warehouse on The Breeze, where he sits down with chef, writer and TV personality Chelsea Winter, improv legend Wade Jackson, founder of the Young and Healthy Trust Kim Harvey and resident pharmacist Piyara Perera. 

Featured Guest: Chelsea Winter

Thirteen years after winning ‘MasterChef NZ’ in 2012, Chelsea Winter returns with her eighth cookbook ‘Nourish’, a collection of recipes inspired by the daily struggles and triumphs of feeding her two young sons. 

Chelsea spoke about how motherhood has challenged even her passion for cooking, motivating her to create accessible, nourishing meals that kids would actually eat. 

Unlike her previous plant-based books, ‘Nourish’ reintroduces meat and a wider range of ingredients, reflecting a shift in her own health journey. 

Chelsea has sought more balance, ditching refined sugars and seed oils while embracing intuitive eating and whole food nourishment. 

Standout dishes include a reinvented chicken pie packed with hidden veggies and a fudgy protein brownie that’s lunchbox-approved. 

Featured Guest: Wade Jackson

High-performance coach, improv comedian, speaker and author Wade Jackson has spent decades exploring human behaviour and connection. 

With a background in theatre and a passion for personal development, Wade turned his experience in improvisation into a tool for corporate training, education and emotional intelligence. 

Driven by a desire to combat the rising tide of loneliness, he now runs free Friday night improv shows at Auckland’s Covert Theatre to foster real-world human connection. 

Featured Guest: Kim Harvey

Kim Harvey, founder of the Young and Healthy Trust, is on a mission to get Kiwi kids moving - by meeting them where they’re at, on their screens. 

Her innovative five-week ‘Young and Healthy Virtual Adventure’ program runs in primary and intermediate schools across New Zealand, using avatars, gamified milestones and real-life health challenges to inspire kids to be more active, hydrated and well rested. 

Despite the assumption that children are constantly on the go, only 7% meet national physical activity guidelines. 

This fun, team-based program not only boosts physical and mental well-being, but it also helps children form lifelong healthy habits. 

Resident Pharmacist: Piyara Perera 

This week, Piyara sat down with Mike to chat about microbiomes, the trillions of bacteria, fungi and viruses that live in and on our bodies - with around 70-80% residing in the gut. 

More than just aiding digestion, a healthy gut microbiome supports immunity, reduces inflammation and even affects mood, energy and sleep. 

The best way to nurture it is by eating a diverse, fibre-rich diet full of fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, seeds and fermented foods like yoghurt and kimchi. 

It’s not just about food, though. Sleep, regular exercise and stress management also play a crucial role in maintaining gut health. 

Featured Product: Nutra-Life ProBiotica High Potency 50 Billion 60 caps

For those aged 30+ looking for a broad-spectrum probiotic and prebiotic formula offering support for digestive and immune health, try Nutra-Life ProBiotica High Potency 50 Billion 60 caps. 

It’s a 1-a-day capsule that supports gut microflora and bowel health as well as the health and function of the gastrointestinal tract during and after antibiotic use. 

It’s a unique formula that contains a scientifically researched probiotic strain called HOWARU® and is shelf-stable, so no need to refrigerate. Plus, it’s suitable for vegetarians and vegans. 

Always read the label and use only as directed. If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare professional. Supplementary to a balanced diet. Vitaco Health, Auckland.

Check out our extended chat with Chelsea Winter here and tune in next Sunday from 8am for The House of Wellness on The Breeze.