Podcast Summary: The Nightly — "Let's Hug Some Chickens in New Zealand"

Host: Hatch Podcasts
Episode Date: January 4, 2026

Overview

This cozy episode of The Nightly welcomes listeners into the Hatch Pillow Fort with hosts Matt and Kristen, who share a gentle, winding conversation revolving around Kristen's recent trip to New Zealand. The pair reflect on small-town New Zealand life, Christmas traditions in the southern hemisphere, bonding over reality TV, memorable travel stories, and some delightfully British eccentricities. With warmth and humor, they explore both cultural quirks and the comfort of simple joys, making the episode the perfect pre-bedtime unwind.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Bonding Over Trash TV in New Zealand

• Kristen’s family ritual abroad: Kristen recounts spending evenings in New Zealand watching Married at First Sight (UK version) with her mother-in-law, reflecting on the unifying power of "absolute trash telly" (00:55–01:11).
• The absence of a New Zealand version leads to speculation about the country's sensibility and small population.

Quote:
"Bonding over absolute trash telly. That's really nice." — Matt (01:05)

2. Life in a Small New Zealand Town

• Ashburton described: Kristen paints a picture of Ashburton as "farmer comes to town" with tractor shops and a strong agricultural community—highlighting its quaintness and warmth (02:29–03:13).
• Notable event: The entire town gathers for the Christmas tree lighting in shorts and "jandals," with Santa being introduced with the fanfare of a superstar; the crowd's excitement delights Kristen.

Memorable Moment:
"The emcee introduced Santa as if he were like Beyonce coming to the stage. And I have never seen a crowd go so freaking nuts." — Kristen (03:21)

3. Hugging Chickens & Simple Pleasures

• Kristen shares the wholesome highlight of getting to hug chickens owned by relatives, marking it as a quintessential Ashburton experience (04:49–05:28).

Quote:
"One of the relatives has pet chickens, so she invited me over to hug some chickens and that was one of the highlights of my trip." — Kristen (04:49)

4. Southern Hemisphere Christmas Traditions

• The hosts discuss the novelty of Christmas in New Zealand: beach outings and barbecues instead of traditional roasts due to the summer heat (05:28–06:09).
• Matt's reluctance about “Christmas on the beach” and stories of expat family members echo the cultural contrast (06:22–07:30).

Quote:
"I recommend it. There's something really charming and different about it for those of us from the northern hemisphere to do Christmas on the New Zealand way." — Kristen (06:09)

5. Travel Adventures: Distance, Detours, and Singapore Stopovers

• Kristen details the long journey from New York to Christchurch, mentioning direct flights as well as lengthy layovers (08:12–08:33).
• Matt reminisces about sweaty filming days in Singapore, comparing the intense humidity and cultural differences (08:45–09:57).

Funny Exchange:
"That's unhinged sweaty man. Here he is." — Kristen (10:14)
"That is what they call me." — Matt (10:21)

6. New Zealand’s Natural Wonders

• The conversation turns to hiking outings, particularly Kristen’s visit to Castle Hill Rocks ("Stonehenge of New Zealand")—ancient shell rock formations lifted by earthquakes, highlighting the country's constant proximity to awe-inspiring landscapes (10:29–12:03).

Quote:
"It just looks like aliens placed these weird rocks there... I highly recommend people go there if they're ever on the south island of New Zealand." — Kristen (11:08)

• Matt observes how accessible New Zealand's wonders are compared to the U.S., sparking a discussion about free access to sites and the commercialization of natural wonders elsewhere (13:05–13:51).

7. Reflections on Marking History: Monuments, Tables, and the Digital Age

• They debate the differences between vandalizing modern monuments and the now-coveted historical graffiti from previous centuries (13:51–14:46).
• Kristen draws parallels to the oversharing enabled by the internet, musing on how legacy and self-expression have evolved.

Quote:
"Maybe 85 years ago, most people had very bad Internet. So they're like, how am I going to get my name out there? Right. So I'll carve it in this table in this other country. But we're in a different space right now..." — Kristen (15:16)

8. British Eccentricities and Comedy on the Road

• Matt previews a comedy gig he’s doing in Fleet, Berkshire, sharing a quintessential local news headline—"the council doesn't give a flying fruitcake about my listed home"—and laughter over phrases like "shaking to buggery" (17:41–19:07).
• Discussion veers into cozy British mystery tropes and the popularity of the Thursday Murder Club book and film, both hosts loving its charming, self-aware tone (19:37–20:48).

Quote:
"People are being murdered to buggery and nobody gives a flying fruitcake about it. Pierce Brosnan is excellent in that as well. I'm a huge Pierce Brosnan fan." — Matt (20:29)

9. The Joy of Village Halls vs. Arenas

• Matt expresses his preference for performing comedy in small, intimate village halls rather than large arenas, savoring community spirit despite lower pay (21:09–21:37).

Quote:
"Arenas are a bit obvious. I like to do the village hall circuit. Less money. Sure, but I feel like you get more out of it." — Matt (21:34)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Bonding over absolute trash telly. That's really nice." — Matt (01:05)
• "The emcee introduced Santa as if he were like Beyonce coming to the stage. And I have never seen a crowd go so freaking nuts." — Kristen (03:21)
• "One of the relatives has pet chickens, so she invited me over to hug some chickens and that was one of the highlights of my trip." — Kristen (04:49)
• "Arenas are a bit obvious. I like to do the village hall circuit. Less money. Sure, but I feel like you get more out of it." — Matt (21:34)
• "Tonight, as I fall asleep, I'll be dreaming of you in Fleet." — Kristen (22:10)
• "We'll go to Fleet and we'll go pick up a chicken. We'll hold a chicken and we'll watch someone's house get shaken to buggery." — Matt (22:14)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:55–01:16 — Kristen on Married at First Sight bonding & lack of NZ version
• 02:29–03:21 — Small town Ashburton and charming community events
• 04:49–05:28 — Holding pet chickens in Ashburton
• 06:09–07:39 — Southern hemisphere Christmas conversation
• 08:12–09:57 — Flight and travel experiences; Singapore layover
• 10:29–12:03 — Castle Hill Rocks and New Zealand natural wonders
• 13:51–15:16 — Discussion on historical markings vs. digital footprints
• 17:41–19:37 — British village life and memorable local news headlines
• 19:55–20:48 — Thursday Murder Club discussion
• 21:34 — Matt on the joys of performing in village halls

Tone & Closing Thoughts

With gentle banter and soothing cadence, Kristen and Matt create a comforting environment that invites listeners to relax, explore new places vicariously, and appreciate the little joys of life—from reality TV to holding chickens and laughing at British oddities. Their affectionate teasing, relatable humor, and warmth make the episode a perfect bedtime escape.

Skip the doomscrolling, and let the conversational softness of The Nightly ease you toward sleep—with a smile.