More New Zealanders die from bowel cancer than prostate and breast cancer combined. Yet most of us still feel uncomfortable talking about it.

In this episode, we’re joined by Alice Fitzgerald, CEO of the Gut Foundation, for a conversation that could quite literally save your life.

We break down:

1. Why NZ has some of the highest bowel cancer rates in the world
2. The simple signs you should never ignore
3. Why embarrassment is costing lives
4. The alternative to colonoscopy most people don’t know about
5. How 30 grams of fibre a day can dramatically reduce your risk

This isn’t about fear. It’s about awareness, empowerment, and simple actions that make a massive difference.

If you care about your health — or someone else’s — this episode matters.

Talking about poo might feel awkward.

But as you’ll hear… talking sh*t saves lives.

00:40 Meet Alice Fitzgerald, CEO of the Gut Foundation

02:05 Alice’s journey from real estate to gut health advocacy

07:22 What the Gut Foundation does: research, education and awareness

11:34 Gut health explained simply

12:34 Explaining gut health to kids: “gut buddies”

15:54 What unhealthy gut health can look like day to day

16:26 Why checking your poo matters

19:49 What changes in your poo to watch for

22:45 Tim’s story: blood, fear and getting checked

25:46 Why men are at greater risk

27:02 Why acting early matters

28:24 Real story: delayed testing and stage 4 bowel cancer

30:31 Why bowel cancer is rising in younger people

33:17 Why New Zealand’s bowel cancer rates are so high

34:33 The good news: bowel cancer is highly treatable if caught early

35:21 What stops people from going to the doctor

38:10 Public vs private care and long waitlists

39:15 CT colonography vs colonoscopy

42:45 Why you need to advocate for your own health

46:27 The Gut Check campaign: self-check, professional check, social check

48:56 Other warning signs beyond bowel changes

50:34 The power of fibre for gut health

52:14 30 plants a week and easy ways to get more diversity

54:32 Simple food swaps and breakfast ideas for fibre

58:48 Gut health misinformation, diet trends and diversity

01:00:52 Lifestyle factors: exercise, stress and meditation

01:03:07 The gut-brain connection

01:04:40 Why gut health is highly personal

01:09:23 Gut health for kids and fussy eaters

01:10:27 Why gut issues are becoming more common

01:11:48 Ultra-processed foods, advertising and willpower

01:17:35 Personal responsibility vs food environment

01:20:49 Focus on adding good foods, not eliminating everything

01:22:30 Final takeaways: review your poo, get checked, eat more fibre

01:25:35 Closing thoughts and thanks to Alice

01:26:16 Outro: Follow OStudio and learn more

In this episode of the O-Studio Podcast, Tim and Matty break down 10 lessons from 20 years in business, the wins, mistakes, and hard-earned insights we wish we’d known earlier.

From building the right product and culture to creating leverage, managing energy, and making better decisions, this conversation is packed with practical advice for business owners, founders, and leaders.

Whether you’re just starting out or scaling an established business, these lessons will help you build something that lasts.

Topics covered:

• Why business is really about people

• How to create leverage in your company

• Systems that set you free

• Important vs urgent decision-making

• The real rewards (and challenges) of entrepreneurship

• Leadership, energy, and sustainability

Listen to the full episode:

https://ostudio.co.nz

Follow OStudio: @OStudioGlobal

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Own the moment.

00:00 Intro – 10 Lessons From 20 Years

01:20 Why This Episode Matters

02:45 Lesson 1: Build the Right Product

05:50 Lesson 2: Business Is People

10:25 Untouchable Lessons & Experience

12:50 Lesson 3: Reach & Trust

17:55 Being Courageous in Business

22:50 Lesson 4: The Power of Leverage

29:55 Important vs Urgent Work

32:10 Lesson 5: Systems Set You Free

36:55 Harder Than You Think, More Rewarding Than You Imagine

41:05 Lesson 6: Energy & Leadership

44:20 Attitude + Effort = Results

48:00 Execution Beats Strategy

50:10 Learning From Others

52:40 Final Reflections

55:00 Outro

Death is something we all face, yet it’s one of the least talked-about subjects in everyday life.

In this episode, the team opens up an honest, thoughtful conversation about death, grief, and mortality. From sudden loss and fear, to the way becoming a parent reshapes how you see life, to stoic philosophy and the idea of memento mori, remembering that we will die. This discussion explores why death feels so uncomfortable and how facing it can actually bring clarity, gratitude, and meaning.

The conversation also touches on legacy, how we live on through others, cultural approaches to grief, and why reflecting on mortality can help us prioritise what truly matters, without being morbid.

This episode isn’t about fear. It’s about perspective, connection, and making the most of the time we have.

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Why We Avoid Talking About Death

Why this conversation matters and what death can teach us about living

02:00 – Personal Experiences With Loss & Fear

How often we think about death and the moments that shape that relationship

05:00 – Perspective: Does This Really Matter?

Using mortality to reframe stress, conflict, and everyday worries

07:45 – Family, Love & Gratitude

How thinking about death changes how we show up for the people we love

11:00 – Grief, Meaning & Memento Mori

Remembering mortality as a way to find meaning, not fear

14:45 – If You Knew Your Time Was Limited

How priorities, actions, and values shift when time feels finite

18:30 – Legacy: How We Live On Through Others

Passing values, essence, and influence beyond our own lifetime

21:45 – Final Reflections: Living Well Now

How talking about death can help us live fuller, richer lives