Why Grant Robertson said no to being Prime Minister

Election day is 7 November and politics is everywhere right now... but here’s a different kind of perspective on it.  We’re re-releasing our conversation with Grant Robertson about what the job costs the people doing it — whichever way you vote (Todd Muller’s episode is back in your feed today too). “I’m a catastrophiser,” admits New Zealand’s former Deputy Prime Minister. Behind years of COVID decisions sat a panic attack he didn’t see coming. As pressure mounted to replace Jacinda Ardern, he was ready to reluctantly say yes — until one sentence from his partner Alf stopped him cold. Grant talks about the physical toll of “giving 110%,” the counselling that got him through his final year, the homophobia that was a constant, and the phrase he uses to interrupt his worst-case thinking. We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text or a voicemail by clicking here. If you need support, here are helpful links, phone numbers and resources: https://ember.org.nz/resources/in-a-crisis Kent Johns is a health coach, broadcaster and motivational speaker. Visit his website here.