Catch Carolyn and Mike for the latest episode of The House of Wellness with Chemist Warehouse on The Breeze, where they sit down with All Blacks legend Dan Carter, author Sinead Corcoran-Dye, resident GP Dr. John and resident pharmacist Piyara Perera.
Featured Guest: Dan Carter
Former All Black and all-round Kiwi legend Dan Carter joined Carolyn to reflect on his journey to becoming one of rugby’s greats.
Dan said he was five years old, sitting and watching the 1987 Rugby World Cup when it first became “ingrained” in him that he wanted to become an All Black.
“[Seeing them] at the end of the tournament lifting the World Cup… I was like, ‘Man, that’s my dream’.”
When his playing days ended, Dan admitted that he struggled to redefine himself without the structure of rugby.
However, conversations with fellow sportspeople and business leaders soon helped him to rediscover his values and channel his competitive spirit into writing his book 'The Art of Winning', mentoring athletes and launching the DC10 Fund to support vulnerable children.
Once a kid from smalltown Canterbury, he said it’s important for everyone, but especially for children, to dream.
“Have dreams. Dream big,” Dan said, “And sometimes those dreams will become reality.”
Featured Guest: Sinead Corcoran-Dye
Sinead Corcoran-Dye has turned her raw and harrowing experience with severe postnatal depression into a book titled 'It Nearly Killed Me, But I Love You'.
What began as late-night journaling grew into a powerful story that she hopes will help others feel less alone and even save lives.
Sinead shared her journey from a traumatic pregnancy to being admitted to the mother and baby unit at Starship Hospital.
She highlighted how postnatal depression often presents in ways beyond the stereotypical ‘sad mum’ image and stressed the vital role of partners giving out encouraging words.
“Mums need to be told, ‘you’re doing a fab job’… ‘you’re nailing it’ even if they’re not,” she said.
“The more they can build up their confidence, the better they feel and the more confident they are in taking care of their babies.”
Resident GP: Dr. John
After 38 years as a GP in the same practice, Dr. John is hanging up his stethoscope.
Reflecting on his career, he described the humbling goodbyes from patients and the deep relationships he’s built over the decades.
Dr. John says that medicine has changed dramatically throughout his time, from handwritten notes to digital databases and short-term care to helping patients live longer with chronic conditions.
He jokes that retirement for him will look like more travel, cricket, gardening, and becoming a “house husband”.
Resident Pharmacist: Piyara Perera
This week Piyara sat down with Mike to highlight the importance of understanding recovery as more than just masking pain.
Piyara explained the difference between managing symptoms with short-term pain relief and supporting healing through rest, good nutrition and following treatment plans.
She warned against common mistakes like taking anti-inflammatories while dehydrated, which can stress the kidneys, to relying too heavily on medication that may mask injuries and lead to further damage.
Check out our extended chat with Dan Carter here, and our extended chat with Sinead Corcoran-Dye here.
Tune in next Sunday from 8am for The House of Wellness on The Breeze.
