Mike Dawes Gets Real: From Wheelburn’s Gritty Beginningsto Reality TV Drama & Ultimate Showdown | What She Said Podcast

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Join us for an epic deep dive with Mike Dawes — thehigh-octane Kiwi star of Wheelburn and Stranded on Honeymoon Island — as he shares the real, raw, and hilarious stories behind the scenes of his motorsport TV show and reality TV journey.

Wheelburn: The Gritty Truth
Mike spills the beans on how Wheelburn started as a shoestring-budget hustle — filming in jandals, scraping by on noodles, and juggling broken engines while raising just $62K for 11 episodes. From chaotic post-production to racing challenges, Mike reveals how the show evolved into a faster, rawer, Top Gear-level beast by Season Two — and why Wheelburn still deserves way more love.

Reality TV & Stranded on Honeymoon Island Drama
Hear about the delayed airing drama, cast tensions, and the harsh reality of reality TV editing — including “douchebag Tom” who’s really a stand-up guy, and the messy Emily controversy. Mike talks candidly about facing public backlashyears later and watching the show with his mum.

Dating, Life Advice & Kiwi Wisdom
Looking for love without swiping endlessly? Mike’s tips: get out there, join clubs, be brave, and keep putting yourself out there. Plus, hear about his legendary mum — “Mumsy” — who’s his biggest supporter and a true Kiwi warrior.

Fun & Games
Get ready for laughs as we play “Wine, Dine or Decline” with Mike featuring celebrities like Ursula Carson, Wonder Woman, and Margot Robbie. Then, buckle up for the hilarious car-personality matchup — Mazda 3 hatchbacks, chaoticToyota Turagos, and a Porsche 911 Turbo S — each with savage, laugh-out-loud stories. And don’t miss Mike’s unforgettable spicy book voiceover that’s equalparts cheeky and epic.

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

• Behind-the-scenes reality TV and motorsport secrets

• Raw, unfiltered Kiwi humor and storytelling
• Insights on surviving public scrutiny and staying humble
• The highs, lows, and laughs of chasing your dreams in TV and life

Follow Mike Dawes on Instagram: @mikedawes23
Watch Wheelburn on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Wheelburn23or 7plus: https://7plus.com.au/wheelburn

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