Be Not Afraid of Greatness

A few years ago, a depressed Matt Heath decided to take a deep dive into why we feel the way we do and how to change for the better. He interviewed leading thinkers in neuroscience, philosophy, biology and psychology and the result is A Life Less Punishing: 13 Ways to Love the Life You’ve Got – his witty, wise and irreverent book about getting happy.

Jamie Pennell survived the famously tough SAS selection course and excelled during its brutal training regime, ultimately being sent on five deployments to Afghanistan. Serviceman J, The Untold Story of an NZSAS Soldier shares his heart-stopping account of desert patrols, hostile fire and near-death combat. The two men discuss what they’ve learned about life with comedian and raconteur Te Radar.

Matt Heath
Matt Heath, author of A Life Less Punishing, is a broadcaster, producer, actor, podcaster, TV personality and sports commentator and wrote a weekly column for the NZ Herald for ten years. After 13 years on The Matt & Jerry Show on Radio Hauraki, Matt now co-hosts Afternoons on Newstalk ZB.

Jamie Pennell
Jamie Pennell’s memoir Serviceman J: The Untold Story of an NZSAS Officer covers his eighteen-year career as a soldier inside the NZSAS where he was awarded a military honour for outstanding gallantry in the face of danger.

Te Radar
During his 30 year career Te Radar has written and performed shows for stage, screen, and radio. Much of his work is a celebration of New Zealand history, with his latest show - Te Radar's Cookbookery! - looking at the mad world of New Zealand cookbooks.

Be Not Afraid of Greatness is part of HamLit 2025 – a captivating literary weekend where authors from around the motu come together with local talent to cultivate sparkling conversations and air fresh ideas in the beautiful environs of the Hamilton Gardens.

Book for three or more shows in a single transaction and receive a 15% discount.

Bring a hat, water and sunscreen.