Between Two Beers podcast: Why PJ Harding walked away from radio stardom

Justin Bieber at the ZM meet and greet with PJ Harding in 2015. Photo / Norrie Montgomery.

PJ Harding started her radio career as an intern at NZME's ZM in 2011 but it didn't take long for her to find her way behind the mic. She proved her talent as one of the most engaging voices on Kiwi radio together with Jase Hawkins when breakfast radio in Australia came calling. Then she walked away at the top of her game to settle back in heartland New Zealand.

We talk about why she walked away from radio last year – at the top of her game, what she's planning next, her relationship with former co-host Jase – and the realities of breakfast radio, and we document Seamus' rough run attempting to slide into PJ's Instagram DMs from years ago.

A lot going on in this ep 😂🙈 pic.twitter.com/YeZGTU9NNR

— BetweenTwoBeersPodcast (@BeersBetween) March 21, 2022

Show notes | Episode 74 | Polly Harding

1.28 The journey from Melbourne to Masterton (or Mount Bruce)

6.40 PJ or Polly? And baby Campbell on the way

9.26 Polly lights up Seamus and his rough run attempting to slide into her Instagram DMs from years ago

18.55 Jase Hawkins and Producer Alex on PJ – including the time she shat on the bedroom floor

22.02 How much of yourself can you share on air?

28.31 Back to the start of the journey: becoming a station voice, starting on ZM, dealing with imposter syndrome, and finding her on-air personality

33.37 "An arranged marriage": the origins of Jase and PJ

40.50 Australia comes calling

49.42 Authenticity and relatability: is any of it an act?

52.16 The realities of working breakfast radio and the impact on normal life

55.46 Leaving Jase and PJ and the decision to come home

1.05.51 Contrasting lifestyles: living off the grid v an Instagram account of over 100 thousand followers

1.10.34 Celebrities: charity boxing, sliding into DMs, intimidating interviews

1.16.56 Radio stunts, getting married on air, and First Dates NZ

1.20.33 Last words from Steven, Seamus and PJ