A shared journey through health challenges has forged an unlikely but powerful friendship between former MasterChef NZ judge Simon Gault and waste-minimisation educator Kate Fenwick. Their connection blossomed into the Forkin’ Good podcast, a platform where they openly discuss their personal health battles and inspire others to prioritize wellbeing. The podcast has evolved beyond its initial focus, now featuring interviews with industry leaders and a spin-off series supporting local businesses.
Gault, 61, publicly shared a recent mishap – a fall although attempting to remove a cricket from his home, resulting in a split eyebrow and a blossoming black eye. While recounting the incident, he revealed a decade ago he faced a stark warning from his doctor regarding his type 2 diabetes. He was told that if he didn’t manage his condition, he might not live to witness his daughter, Hazel, walk down the aisle. This pivotal moment spurred him to transform his lifestyle and now motivates him to support Fenwick on her own health journey.
Fenwick, 48, experienced her own health scare last year, landing in the hospital with heart issues. “My pulse was all of a sudden really low and I found out I had an erratic heartbeat,” she explained, adding that she is still awaiting the results of scans. She was also informed she is pre-diabetic. Juggling a busy schedule of education seminars, Fenwick realized she had been neglecting her own wellbeing. “I’ve had a huge amount of stress and been so busy that I haven’t really looked after myself properly,” she admitted. “I’m not 50 yet, but I need to start making changes. I want to hit my fifties being healthier.”
The podcast originated from a simple idea: a friend suggested Gault and Fenwick connect. “I’d been wanting to do a podcast for a few years, but I didn’t want to do anything on my own,” Fenwick said. “All I’m going to do is talk about rubbish, which I felt would be short-lived. My friend said, ‘You need to meet Simon – he needs to do a podcast.’” Gault recalls their initial meeting, “He organised a lunch, and Kate and I sat there chatting away. We thought, ‘This is quite good.’”
Originally intended to encourage Kiwis to return to the kitchen and reduce waste, the Forkin’ Good podcast has expanded its scope. They now interview inspirational figures and have launched a spin-off series where they review restaurants, offering support to tiny businesses. The podcast’s success, though, is rooted in the genuine connection between Gault and Fenwick.
Their families have become closely intertwined, with Hazel, Gault’s 12-year-old daughter, and Lewys, Fenwick’s 12-year-old stepson, forming a close bond. “At the weekends, Simon and Hazel come down to our place in the Coromandel, and we hang out, then the kids go off scootering together,” Fenwick shared. “It’s been a perfect match.” The pair often field questions from people who mistakenly believe they are a couple, but both Gault and Fenwick dismiss the speculation with good humor. “My husband Aaron is often the one behind the camera filming the podcast,” Fenwick clarified, while Gault added with a smile, “We’re just really good friends.”
Gault previously spoke about the impact of sharing his own health journey, recalling how appearing in the documentary Why Are We Fat? led to an outpouring of support. “Grown men would come into my restaurant and offer me a big hug and say, ‘You don’t know what you’ve done for me,’” he said. “That’s why it’s incredible that Kate is happy to share her story – we’re trying to make a difference.”
The Forkin’ Good podcast continues to grow its audience, offering a blend of personal stories, expert insights, and a commitment to supporting local businesses. Listeners can discover the podcast on all major podcast platforms or follow them on Instagram @forkingoodpod.
As Gault and Fenwick continue to document their health journeys and connect with inspiring individuals, the Forkin’ Good podcast promises to remain a valuable resource for those seeking motivation and support on their own paths to wellbeing. The podcast’s evolving format suggests a continued commitment to community engagement and a growing platform for positive change.
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