Much like the complexity of Johnnie Walker Blue, Matt Heath has evolved – bringing depth and balance to his life and career.
Long known for his sharp wit and fearless comedic antics, depth is perhaps not a word many would’ve associated with Matt Heath’s early career. But like Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Heath’s personal growth has developed into something more balanced—a man and a whisky both at their peak, you could say.
After 14 years at Radio Hauraki, Heath started a new gig as Newstalk ZB Afternoons co-host in early October. A different side of the former Herald columnist was emerging before he made the switch. “There is a deeper side to me than maybe what I do in some parts of my career, when I’m just going for the gags,” Heath says, acknowledging that his journey – both personally and professionally – has evolved over the years.
While his earlier years were marked by wild stunts and a carefree attitude, Heath now finds himself focused on family and meaningful connections – where life’s handbrake is used more often than not. “I forget to take it off some days,” he jokes, adding, “I don’t jump off stuff like I used to, you know? Now, I’ll climb down.”
Seeking a rush through high jinks has now largely been replaced with being in the moment, being grateful and passing on his wisdom to his children, whether they want to hear it or not. “It must be quite punishing having a dad like me who’s giving advice constantly. That’s what my kids are going to talk about when they’re older, they’ll go ‘Dad and his god damn advice’.”
His best piece of advice? “The best revenge is to be not like the person who injured you,” he says, putting his own spin on a quote from Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius. It’s a reminder to maintain integrity and avoid stooping to the level of those who have wronged us. Seeking retribution, Heath reflects, can make you like the very person whose behaviour you dislike.
“It’s powerful to not be like the person you don’t like. I’ve seen that work so many times, when you see someone being a dick and you have an opportunity to show another way,” he says.
Heath has tried to drill this ethos into his kids: “Whatever possible situation there is, be the good guy”. It’s something he wished he’d figured out sooner. “I definitely reckon I spent too much time being the bad guy – taking things out on other people, just being snarky because my day wasn’t going well.”
He recently had the opportunity to put his money where his mouth is playing golf with his son. Heath displayed understanding and generosity to an impatient and rude individual on the course. Says Heath: “When he’s had that rant and he walks away, the most infuriating thing for him is, ‘he was still kind’ and for me, I’m smugly going, ‘what a great example I am to my son!”
As Heath navigates this new phase in his career, his definition of traditional success has also transformed. It’s not about achieving some huge career milestone, but about the people around him. “You form a pack. And you run towards something and you’re tinkering with it and trying to make it better. But success is actually just forming the pack, being part of the pack.”
Like Johnnie Walker Blue, with only one in 10,000 casks selected, Heath’s journey has been one of careful refinement – adding layers of complexity and appreciation, much like the rich flavours of a well-aged whisky.
Pour yourself a Johnnie Walker Blue and let the conversation flow. johnniewalker.com