Join Mike Puru for the latest episode of The House of Wellness with Chemist Warehouse on The Breeze where he chats to clinical nutritionist and co-creator of ‘Marko’ Vinka Wong, life coach and author Tracy Manu, creator of ‘Double Undies’ Jane Bogust, psychologist and sleep expert Dan Ford and resident pharmacist Piyara Perera.
Featured Guest: Vinka Wong
A clinical nutritionist specialising in blood chemistry analysis, Vinka Wong, sat down with Mike to talk about Marko - an online platform that analyses blood tests to provide users with personalised health insights and recommendations.
Developed over two and a half years with her mentor-turned-business-partner, the idea was born over green tea and driven by a desire to make functional blood analysis more accessible.
Vinka explained that unlike traditional blood testing which focuses on diagnosing illness, Marko uses optimal ranges to detect potential issues earlier.
She likened Marko to a “service station” for the body, ensuring users know exactly what their systems need to run at peak performance.
Featured Guest: Tracy Manu
Author of Hononga Tracy Manu spoke about her journey that led her to become a life coach.
After facing challenges with her health, young motherhood and relationship hardships, Tracy found inspiration from Louise Hay’s You Can Heal Your Life, realising that true happiness can come from within.
Her book ‘Hononga’ is about deepening your self-love and guides readers through three transformative stages; prepare, cultivate and weave.
Tracy also draws on Māori wisdom to emphasise the power of connection and encourage readers to challenge limiting beliefs like “I’m not good enough”.
Featured Guest: Jane Bogust
Former firefighter Jane Bogust has launched Double Undies - absorbent thongs designed to support women experiencing pelvic floor-related leaks, especially during exercise.
After her own experience during a CrossFit session, Jane discovered how common leakage is, with one in three women affected in their lifetime and up to 80% during high-impact activity.
Determined to create a discreet solution, she re-engineered the traditional thong to provide support, absorbency and comfort. Double Undies are now also being used daily for sweat and periods, too.
Jane is proud to be breaking taboos and is working on expanding the range to include briefs and boyshorts.
Featured Guest: Dan Ford
Psychologist, sleep expert and creator of The Better Sleep Clinic Dan Ford shed some light on common sleep myths and tips for better rest.
Dan explains that sleep needs vary by age, with adults generally needing around seven hours. For those needing a refreshing boost throughout the day, he recommends taking a 10-20 minute nap.
Acknowledging the complexity of shift work disorder, Dan encouraged shift workers struggling with serious sleep issues to seek clinical help.
Resident Pharmacist: Piyara Perera
This week Piyara joined Mike to talk about arthritis, a condition that affects over 600,000 New Zealanders, commonly developing after age 40 due to genetics, age or joint injury.
Arthritis primarily causes joint pain, stiffness and sometimes swelling or grinding sensations in weight-bearing joints like knees and hips.
Natural supplements like glucosamine, omega-3 fish oils and green-lipped muscle extract are often recommended for pain relief and joint health, as well as low-impact exercises like walking, cycling or swimming to improve mobility.
Featured Product: Maybelline New York’s Big Drop
Maybelline New York’s Big Drop, exclusive to Chemist Warehouse, features 29 exciting new makeup products - four of which The Breeze team were lucky enough to try out.
Maybelline New York Colossal Bubble Washable Mascara
This mascara delivers buildable, inflated volume with sleek separation. Its spiral-shaped brush with deep cut bristles cuts through lashes, eliminating clumps and giving a separated and defining lash look. Plus it removes easily and is smudge resistant.
Maybelline New York Lifter Gloss
Formulated with hyaluronic acid for lasting hydration and a fuller look, this gloss goes on in one swipe with the XL applicator. It's available in four new shades with a sweet honey-like scent and has no sticky feel.
Maybelline New York Grippy Serum
This makeup primer is ultra-blendable with Serum-To-Grip technology. After 20 seconds, the fresh serum texture transforms to grip makeup for up to 24 hours. It doesn’t pill, has no white cast or greasy feel and is formulated with 2% niacinamide.
Maybelline New York Lifter Stix
Formulated with cranberry seed oil for a smooth, creamy glide and non-drying feel, these blendable sticks do it all - covers, contours and highlights. It blends easily and lifts flawlessly for a minimalist to a fully sculpted look.
Listen to the full episode up top and tune in next Sunday from 8 am for The House of Wellness on The Breeze.
