Both Sides Now
Both Sides Now was co-founded in 2022 by Eve McCallum and Finn Ross, who could see the increasing polarisation and the decreasing youth engagement in politics. They wanted to show that you could disagree politically and still be great mates. The show interviewed a range of high-profile politicians and journalists from across the political spectrum, including 6 Prime Ministers, 4 party leaders and 2 journalists.
The show is back for election year 2026, and with Finn now being based in the UK, Alex Martin is stepping up to fill the left-leaning co-host role. Not only will the show continue its work to break down political polarisation and increase youth engagement, but it will do so with a new focus on women in politics. Eve and Alex have both seen the unfounded, increased vitriol towards female politicians in recent years, and we want to give them a chance to share their stories and educate and inspire other women to step up and become politicians.
Episodes
46 episodes
Hon Nicole McKee on firearms, family and her political career
In this episode, we sit down with Hon Nicole McKee to discuss the issues that have defined both her political career and her personal journey. From firearm reform and the aftermath of the Christchurch mosque attacks, to the realities of being a...
Fees free, breakdown of Desley Simpson, grievance driven politics and birth rates
This week on the podcast, we covered a LOT — from the government’s surprise Fees Free announcement hot off the press, a breakdown of our episode with Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson and what the UK local council elections might signal globally as R...
Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson on Leadership, Local Government, and Auckland’s Future
In this episode, we sit down with Deputy Mayor of Auckland Desley Simpson to unpack the realities of local government, leadership during crisis, and why local politics deserves far more attention especially from young people.A key theme ...
Breakdown of Wayne Eagleson, Tova v the PM, FTAs and Shane Jones
Big episode this week. We unpack the Wayne Eagleson interview and what it reveals behind the scenes, then dive into the leadership confidence vote and what it signals for the party moving forward. We also break down Christopher Luxon’s call to ...
Former Chief of Staff Wayne Eagleson on the machinery of government, being a political staffer and what makes a great PM
In this episode, we're joined by former Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister, Wayne Eagleson, for a behind-the-scenes look at how government really works.We get into his career at the centre of power, what separates good PMs from great o...
Breakdown of Barbara Edmonds Episode, public sector grad roles, Eve has watched Prime Minister and the cabinet reshuffle
We unpack our takeaways from Barbara Edmonds’ latest interview, dive into the growing fuel crisis, and talk about the tough reality facing grads with fewer public sector roles available.Plus, Eve shares her thoughts after watching Pr...
Hon Barbara Edmonds on family, election promises and working for National
We are so excited for you to hear this one, we chat with Barb for a refreshingly honest conversation about life inside and outside Parliament. She opens up about raising a big family, her time working for National, and why community has always ...
Breakdown of Nicola Willis' interview, petrol prices, COVID-19 Royal Commission and a super rugby update
We begin by reviewing our interview with Nicola Willis. We unpack the growing conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran, and how it’s starting to ripple into everyday life here — particularly through oil prices, petrol costs, and the wider cos...
Hon Nicola Willis on Pay Equity, Mum guilt and how her leadership style compares with Jacinda Ardern
Finance Minister Nicola Willis joins the podcast for a candid conversation about the pressures and priorities of political leadership. From the debate around pay equity to the reality of mum guilt while holding one of the country’s most demandi...
2026 Preview and Predictions
We are back and Eve is joined by a new co-host, Alex Martin.In this first episode, we share our predictions for the political year ahead and talk through stories and issues we think will shape the months to come. We also outline what we’...
Former White House Deputy Chief of Staff Chris Liddell on his time working for Donald Trump, American politics and his work to help New Zealand
This was an epic chat with the kiwi who spent 4 years having daily meetings with the most powerful man in the world. He chats about his time in the White House, politics in the United States and how he's helping to shape the future of New Zeala...
New MP James Meager on his proudest achievement, his future goals in politics and his Maiden Speech
This was an epic chat with new MP James Meager where we chatted about everything from climate change, to the treaty, to what his proudest achievements are outside of politics and the impact his new career will have on his personal life.
Eve and Finn share their thoughts on the campaign
Catch Eve and Finn sharing how they think the campaign has gone and what we can expect in the coming weeks!
Raf Manji on TOP, what the polls don't show about their chances and the current MP who considered making the move
Eve and Finn would both agree that theres many things in TOP they would both vote for. This was a great chat where we explored more about who TOP are, what they would bring to Parliament and why voting for them isn't a wasted vote.
Paddy Gower on leaders debates, being in the press gallery and journalism in NZ
We had an epic conversation with Paddy Gower, we covered everything from his career in the media, to how he prepares for the leaders debates, to many stories from throughout his career in the media.
Jack Tame on the media, polarisation and elections.
This week we changed things up and caught up with New Zealand journalist and TV presenter Jack Tame to discuss the state of the media in New Zealand and globally, their role in polarisation and elections.
Christopher Luxon Speed Round
Listen to hear Chris's thoughts on police carrying hand guns, who he would give a knighthood too, Te Reo in schools and more
Christopher Luxon on his political philosophy, polarisation and the issues facing NZ
We caught up with National Party Leader Christopher Luxon for the first episode of season 2. We covered just about every topic in this interview from polarisation, to climate change, to what Christopher does for fun.
Wrap up of season one of Both Sides Now with Eve and Finn
For the final episode we sat down and discussed some of the highlights of the first season of the podcast and what we have learnt from travelling around NZ and meeting all the politicians that we spoke too. We discuss things such as our favouri...