‘Life changed forever’: Nic Russell on resilience, loss, and Parkinson’s.

Join Mike for the latest episode of The House of Wellness with Chemist Warehouse on the Breeze, where he’s joined by author Nic Russell, Kiwi culinary legend Allyson Gofton, swimming champion Lewis Clareburt, Bridget from Nutra-Life, and our resident pharmacist Piyara Perera.

Featured Guest: Nic Russell

Nic Russell, author of the memoir Bollix, opens up about navigating extraordinary heartbreak and health battles, including losing her young daughter Kenzie to bone cancer, fighting breast cancer, undergoing a heart transplant, and managing a Parkinson's diagnosis.

Despite immense tragedy, Nic emphasizes how humor and finding joy every day have been essential to her resilience. She also shares her gratitude for life, her strong bond with her son Connor, her work with Kenzie’s Gift, and her goal to visit the Galapagos.

Featured Guest: Allyson Gofton

Iconic chef Allyson Gofton discusses her new limited-edition cookbook, Give, which supports Breast Cancer Cure by donating $30 from every copy sold.

Inspired by dragon boat racers and community spirit, the book features seasonal recipes and contributions from public figures and fashion designers.

Allyson reflects on the joy of gifting homemade food, her years hosting Food in a Minute, and her family’s 18-month adventure living in rural France.

Featured Guest: Lewis Clareburt

Fresh off winning two gold medals and a silver at the Commonwealth Games, swimmer Lewis Clareburt chats about his transition to training in Melbourne alongside top-tier athletes.

Lewis shares how 80% self-belief drives his performance, what it's like living with constant chlorine exposure, and how his family’s support keeps him grounded.

He also looks ahead to upcoming international competitions, Swimfest in Takapuna, and his long-term goal for the 2028 LA Olympics.

Featured Guest: Bridget from Nutra-Life

Bridget from Nutra-Life breaks down how gut health functions like an internal garden and why maintaining a balanced microbiome is so vital.

She explains how Probiotica High Potency 50 Billion delivers live bacteria to support digestion, daily microflora balance, and overall wellness.

Bridget also highlights the benefits of pairing the probiotic with Nutra-Life Gut Health Powder to help soothe and maintain digestive comfort and regularity.

Resident Pharmacist: Piyara Perera

Resident pharmacist Piyara Perera dives into seasonal hay fever, explaining that airborne grass pollen is the primary trigger across New Zealand from spring through autumn.

She details the timing of different allergy relief options, highlighting that preventative steroid nasal sprays take a few weeks of consistent use to reach maximum effectiveness.

Piyara also offers practical advice on proper sneezing etiquette and custom-fitting a treatment plan for seasonal allergies. 

Featured Product: Nutra-Life Probiotica High Potency 50 Billion

Nutra-Life Probiotica High Potency 50 Billion contains a blend of scientifically researched probiotics to support gastrointestinal health and gut microflora.

Formulated with 50 billion CFU of beneficial bacteria per capsule, it includes the well-researched Howaru® strain alongside prebiotics to feed the good bacteria and help maintain a healthy digestive system balance.

Designed for everyday digestive support, it requires no refrigeration, making it a convenient option for daily routines and travel. For enhanced digestive care, it can also be paired with Nutra-Life Gut Health Powder to further support stomach comfort and regularity.

Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional. Vitaco NZ Limited, Auckland.

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