Photography: Robert Trathen.
All Robert Scott ever wanted to do was be on the radio. And for four decades, he did just that. Interviewing his musical heroes, from Sir Rod Stewart to Sir Bob Geldof, he lived his dream behind the mic. His eyes light up when he talks about his role and the lifelong friendships he has made along the way.
But after losing his beloved father and a surprising cancer diagnosis, Robert made the bold decision to step away from the mic and tune into something new: himself.
“I got to my 40th anniversary at the start of the year and I thought, ‘I’ve done it!’” Robert tells the Weekly from his Auckland apartment.
“But there was this perfect storm going on and I realised I really wanted to have a rest. “It’s been nice stepping off the merry-go-round of radio. I miss some of the people who I worked with, but over the years, the stress began to ramp up. I don’t think I’m done yet, but it was time to focus on me for a bit.”
Last year was Robert’s annus horribilis. In February, his beloved dad John, who he describes as “more like a mate”, sadly died.
Facing Loss and life changes
John had defied the odds time and again, surviving Covid multiple times, pancreatitis and shingles, but Robert says that at 91, “he just ran out of batteries”.
Still grieving, the former Breeze host kept going, showing up for work but finding it harder to cope with the pressure in the twice-yearly radio ratings. When he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December, it made him take stock of his life.
Thankfully, doctors caught the cancer early, and Robert hasn’t needed treatment so far. But in February, he decided to remove the stress of his job so he could step back and protect his health.
Though the news was a shock, Robert says the calm demeanour of his doctor and his wife Carmel, who works in healthcare, helped him not to panic.
“The urologist was so relaxed about it and I didn’t see a glimmer of concern in his eyes, so I took my lead from that,” the 59-year-old shares.
Taking it one step at a time
“When we told the kids, they both said, ‘As long as you guys aren’t worried, then we’re not worried.’ “Friends of mine say, ‘What’s it like knowing that you’ve got cancer?’ But it’s not affecting me day to day. If I have to have treatment, I have to do it. But it’s one step at a time.”
If found early, prostate cancer has a 95 percent survival rate, so Robert’s main concern is making sure his friends have their prostate-specific antigen tests to ensure early detection.
“When I talk to guys who are older than me who haven’t been checked, I’m very adamant that they get themselves tested,” he declares.
“It’s just a blood test – it’s as simple as that.”
Embracing a new chapter at home
Since leaving his job, Robert has embraced his new role as house husband with vigour. When their kids – Sam, 28, who works for Air New Zealand, and Molly, 24, who’s at a creative agency after returning from her London OE – were young, Carmel was the stay-at-home parent.
Now he’s enjoying taking care of Carmel.
“I’m resetting life,” he smiles.
“I’m learning how to cook better, which has always been a goal, but I never had the time to focus on it. I’m the cleaner and dog walker. “I also do yoga and meditation. I’m also playing in Shane Cortese and the 8-Track Band. I can’t believe I’m 59 and still playing in a band! I’m absolutely loving that escapism.”
Celebrating love and milestones
This year marks Robert and Carmel’s 25th wedding anniversary after almost 30 years together. Their relationship sped up when Carmel unexpectedly became pregnant just a few months after they started dating. But Robert reckons he can’t imagine a better life than the one they’ve built together. The secret to their lasting love is their devotion to their kids and laughter.
“I know it’s a cliché, but we do laugh a lot,” Robert admits.
“We’re very different people, but we do have a good time.”
Empty nest, full hearts
With an empty house and Robert’s newly open schedule, they’re doing life in reverse and are enjoying the thrill of the honeymoon phase.
“Now that we’re empty nesters, we kind of feel like we’re dating again,” he confesses.
“We didn’t have that time when we first met. Sam was on his way quite quickly, so now it’s like, ‘This is kind of cool.’”
