Paddy & Karen's common touch - 'WE'RE CHANGING THE FACE OF NEWS!'

As they get to the bottom of the nation's issues, the TV pals are discovering things about each other

- Fleur Guthrie

They’re both proud Generation Xers with a huge sense of social justice, who live in Wellington and have carved out careers in television.

But the most common thread in Paddy Gower and Karen O’Leary’s lives has been that for many years – in their different roles as a journalist and early childhood teacher respectively – they’ve fostered an easy connection with strangers, often becoming unlikely confidants.

That relatability and readily wanting to champion the underdog has always been part of their charm.

“To be honest, I think gaining people’s trust is a special gift I’ve been given,” explains the host of Three’s Paddy Gower Has Issues, a weekly show that investigates social issues such as bullying, obesity and cancer.

“When I was growing up, my mum was a receptionist at a doctor’s surgery, and people would always confide in her and she’d be helping them with their problems. She was a very empathetic, trustworthy person. So I get it from her.”

It’s a sentiment which resonates with Karen too, whose role on the show is to bring a comical touch as community investigations reporter. Sadly, Karen’s father passed away recently, which meant she had to attend his funeral the day before the very first taping of the show.

“My dad was very much like Paddy’s mum. One of his special powers was he could talk to anybody… often slightly odd people. They would just be drawn to him. I’m the same. I know a lot of secrets about a lot of people,” she grins. “But I think it’s because I’m genuinely interested in them.”