Rephonic
Artwork for The Human Race
Infertility
IVF
Surrogacy
In Vitro Fertilization
Miscarriage
Donor Conception
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Grief
Kellie Addison
Endometriosis
Auckland
Samoa
Mind-Body Connection
LGBTQ+ Family Building
Reuben Casey
Fertility Funding / Access
New Zealand Law
Wellington Hospital
Tony Robbins
Sydney

Making a baby isn't necessarily easy. One in four people in Aotearoa-New Zealand experience infertility - and half of those need medical help to get pregnant.

Then there are people challenged by circumstances rather than health concerns - singles, members of Rainbow communities ...But it’s still a subject many have trouble talking about.

In The Human Race, Dan and Nadine Higgins meet Kiwis who’v... more

PublishesDailyEpisodes11Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Health & FitnessKids & FamilyParenting

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Artwork for The Human Race

Latest Episodes

In the final episode of the season, Dan and Nadine reflect on the story behind the show and what they've learned from their guests. They also share an update on their own journey.

Originally published in 2023.

See omnystudio.com/listener for priv... more

Jessica Jordan always knew she wanted to become a Mum, “I just had this huge maternal drive to nurture”. She didn’t want to simply wait for the universe to deliver a partner, so Jessica decided to go it alone. She encountered a series of obstacles; a... more

In the second - and final - part of Emma Saunders' story, she talks about facing the outcome of her fertility journey and the positives in her life. "You get better at living with it," she tells Dan and Nadine.

Originally published in 2023.

See o... more

Like many women, Emma Saunders is often asked if she has kids. She’s thought carefully about her answer: "I think it would be very disrespectful to Ella and Alfie to pretend that they didn’t exist so it’s important for me to say 'yes', but I follow t... more

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Recent Guests

Kelly Addison
Surrogate who discussed criteria and experience
Unspecified
Episode: Episode 9: The Finish Line
Jessica Jordan
Midwife and solo mother who pursued fertility treatment including donor options
Self-described as midwife; solo parent
Episode: Episode 8: Jessica Jordan
Emma Saunders
Guest sharing her fertility journey, including IVF and losses
Episode: Episode 7: Emma Saunders Pt 2
Arrun Soma
Guest on the episode; part of a same-sex couple pursuing family through surrogacy
Private individuals (Arrun and Jake)
Episode: Episode 6: Arrun & Jake
Jake Vollebregt
Guest on the episode; part of a same-sex couple pursuing family through surrogacy
Private individuals (Arrun and Jake)
Episode: Episode 6: Arrun & Jake
Kellie Addison
Kiwi surrogate who helped create a baby for two separate couples
Surrogate for multiple couples in New Zealand
Episode: Episode 4: Kellie Addison
Ria Vandervis
Actress known for Shortland Street, public figure advocating fertility conversations
Shortland Street cast member
Episode: Episode 3: Ria Vandervis
Sasha Kljakovic
Partner of Taryn, mother, publicist
Private individuals
Episode: Episode 2: Sasha & Taryn
Sharyn Casey
Media personality and mother who shared miscarriage and birth journey
Media
Episode: Episode 1: Sharyn & Bryce

Hosts

Nadine Higgins
Host of The Human Race with a long-running, empathetic interviewing style and a focus on fertility journeys, surrogate and donor experiences, and community impact.
Dan Higgins
Co-host with a grounding, supportive approach, guiding conversations through infertility, surrogacy, and family-building stories.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 81 ratings
  • Excellent

    Stories that hit straight to your heart. So informative about something that I didn’t know much about. Love the honesty and it was so easy to listen to. I hope your team will make more podcasts.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    NZder Jack
    New Zealand3 years ago
  • Loving the podcast

    So meaningful to hear New Zealand stories of those who have experienced fertility challenges, great work!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Emma855839
    New Zealand3 years ago
  • You rule

    Such a great podcast, Nadine and Dan you are fab and I can’t wait for the rest of the eps x

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Shroon
    New Zealand3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Stories that feel intimate and uplifting while handling tough subjects with honesty.
Hosts come across as supportive, genuine, and easy to listen to, which makes tough topics accessible.
NZ-focused stories give relatable, practical insights for those navigating fertility paths.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 6: Arrun & Jake
Q: What advice would you give to another couple at the beginning of this journey?
Build a strong support network, be selective about who you involve, and allow space for all feelings, including crying, as part of the process.
Episode 6: Arrun & Jake
Q: What is the worst thing someone said to you during the fertility process?
A medical professional told them at the outset that this would be a success story, which felt like false hope during a deeply emotional and uncertain journey for a gay couple. This was hurtful because it invalidated their real experience and the time needed to build a family.
Episode 3: Ria Vandervis
Q: Any memorable, humorous moments during this process?
There were moments of levity amid stress, such as funny hospital anecdotes and the way medical procedures were framed, which helped keep spirits up when possible.
Episode 3: Ria Vandervis
Q: What would you tell someone who is supporting someone going through this?
Avoid clichéd advice like 'just relax' and instead offer practical support and a listening ear.
Episode 3: Ria Vandervis
Q: What would you say to someone currently struggling with this journey?
Don't give up, keep lines of communication open with your partner, and seek help early because the journey can be incredibly lonely.

Audience Metrics

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Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Human Race

What is The Human Race about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A candid, NZ-centered conversation about infertility, IVF, surrogacy, donor conception, and the emotional toll of pursuing parenthood. Across episodes, listeners hear deeply personal journeys from couples and individuals, practical steps through medical and legal pathways, and rich discussions about ethics, equity of access, and community support. The show stands out for weaving intimate storytelling with real-world guidance, highlighting LGBTQ+ family-building, solo parenting, and the social dynamics surrounding fertility in Aotearoa. It's likely to appeal to people exploring fertility options, supporters seeking empathetic perspectives, and professionals looking for authentic, patient-centered narratives to share with clients.

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How many listeners does The Human Race get?

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How many subscribers and views does The Human Race have?

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Which podcasts are similar to The Human Race?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Human Race:

1. Let Her Finish
2. The Dom Harvey Podcast
3. Trace of Suspicion

How many episodes of The Human Race are there?

The Human Race launched 3 years ago and published 11 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Human Race?

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Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Human Race?

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What guests have appeared on The Human Race?

Recent guests on The Human Race include:

1. Kelly Addison
2. Jessica Jordan
3. Emma Saunders
4. Arrun Soma
5. Jake Vollebregt
6. Kellie Addison
7. Ria Vandervis
8. Sasha Kljakovic

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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