"When the chips were down, Jodi said 'you can do it'. I'd come home and this is without a word of a lie, right up to present day, every single show, she's listened to. She just affirmed me every step of the way. She's been my greatest cheerleader, so I can say without any shadow of a doubt that I wouldn't be getting [this award] if it wasn't for her.
"They say behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes and Jodi's rolled her eyes many, many times, but she is a hero - first and foremost for the way she's handled what she's going through, but she loves radio and loves me and she's 100% unbelievable."
Barnett added that Jodi is doing "really, really well", adding, "she's been through it, there's no question we've all been through it… she's the strongest person alive, I'm in awe of her."
Barnett also admitted that having good support was necessary as he has long suffered from "impostor's syndrome" and "thinking that I'm not really good enough to do it".
Indeed, his first words upon receiving the news of his win were: "Oh get out! I am seriously under qualified for that particular award". But he says having the recognition of the award finally convinced him that, "maybe I've been ok".
Barnett also credited his success to his longtime friend Phil Gifford who gave him some advice right at the beginning of it all.
"When I first started, I was so petrified and Phil said, 'just be yourself'. I found myself quite boring actually - but it was good advice and I just try to always be honest and authentic," says Barnett.
Barnett's new role will see him teaming up with former co-host Phil Gifford, and the pair will reunite on Newstalk ZB from July 1.
