Jono, Ben & Megan - The Podcast - Lucy Chen from The Rookie!

Episode Date: April 24, 2026

Hollywood meets Auckland as The Rookie star Melissa O’Neil joins the show fresh off the plane for Armageddon! She talks falling in love with New Zealand, learning police tactics, surviving Canadian Idol at 17, and choosing acting over pro rugby Plus: a “tribute” Billy Bass causes confusion...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melissa Arneal, welcome. Thank you so much. It's lovely to have you here now. You just came in. And before we get to while you're here and stuff, you notice our singing trout, our bass fish that we've got, the Billy Bass, and you're like, oh no, who passed? Well, because it says in loving memory.

Yeah, I know. I can see how you ended up there. When did Maddie passed? Yeah, well, no, we did that for Maddie because he does the afternoon show and he hates it. So we thought, you know, if we dedicated it to him, he might like it more, it didn't work. I love inside jokes like this. We have ridiculous things like that on the rookie as well.

There was a period of time where I think Eric got me a terrible birthday gift. It was like a really ugly steering wheel cover. And then we started like hiding it on other people. And then Nathan took it and got it encrusted as if it was like a statue and put it on a base. It was absurd. Anyway, so I love this type of business. Maddie, I'm glad you're still alive. I think he's a big fan of the rookie tour.

Also, it would be such a weird tribute to a dead person, a singing fish. I don't judge. That's why I was being sensitive. You know, it was facing the door. I assumed I was supposed to acknowledge it. Well, thank you for acknowledging it. Now, it's great to be in New Zealand. You're here for Armageddon, but of course, New Zealanders love the rookie.

But New Zealand's been a country that you've wanted to come to for a while. You had it almost like on your mood board as such, right? I mean, I don't take photos of other places very often, but I remember I had seen a photo of like your mountainside. I don't know which mountain range it was, but this was like back in 2013 or 14. And I've always had it in my phone. And so when the opportunity came and we got invited, it was a no-brainer.

I had to come out here. And so Liz and I, we actually, we've been here for about a week. No, I'm lying. It was on the 19th, we arrived and we drove right out to Rotorua. And we saw the Waitomo Caves. We saw some geothermal stuff. We went to Te Puyah. We saw the New Zealand Maori Arts and Cultural Institute.

It's just, everything's been incredible. The food is so good, too. That's my only concern is when people see the beautiful pictures. Like, we do have those mountain ranges. But if you come to Auckland, like, you're not going to see those. No. You have to travel to them. And I'm always worried people are going to be, like, disappointed.

So I'm glad you've had a good time so far. Yeah, I'm a researcher and a planner. We got off the plane, we rented a car, and we were out. We left immediately. But now we're back. Is that a greenstone ring you're wearing? This is Jade. Yeah.

But this is actually BC Jade. But I did get a piece of Mountain Jade. And it makes me so... Ponomu. Yeah. Panamu. Yeah. Good on you.

You've really seen the best parts of New Zealand. I've really tried. Three guys we can show you urinating out there. Listen, every big city is the same. We've all got our struggles and everybody has to pee some point. But anyways, no, no, it's been wonderful and I'm happy to be back. And I mean, I just, the country is so beautiful. Everyone's energy is great.

Pardon? Similar to Canada? I'm from Canada. Yeah, I'm Canadian. We kind of feel like we're the same type of people in general? I consider that to be an incredible high compliment. Seeing that I have not been here yet So if you guys think that, I'm like, I'm honored

Yeah, no, everyone has been very welcoming So I can see why, from public perception, why there would be a link there. Yeah, well, you're the smaller brother And we're the smaller brother to Australia. We just don't want to make a fuss. We'll just keep our heads down. Yeah, yeah, we just want to go outside

and have a nice meal and everything will be fine. Don't yell so much. Can we talk about The Rookie? Because, I mean, just a show that's just loved around the world. My daughter is just like, it's her favorite show. She's like, to watch the rookie. How old is she? She's just turned 14, so she loves it. She's like, it's the ultimate, almost comfort show, you know, like, why do you think it's appealed to so many people

around the world? And it's the biggest show on TV and Z plus in New Zealand, you bet Bluey, the dog, you know, you guys are more popular than Bluey. I, I've heard that now a few times and I'm like, oh my God, this is a really big deal, it's bigger than Bluey. Like, that is the bar. Yeah, no, I think, I think that TikTok and everything and the way that they have been clipping the show, It's really, it didn't start. I don't think that was our main demographic when we started the show. And then as the seasons have gone on kind of around season five, our cast really started to populate the social media space and share stuff and just have fun.

We have a blast together. And I think that really grabbed the attention of the younger generation that is hanging out on those platforms. And then they started looking at the show and clipping it and making their own edits of things. And it's just kind of taken on a life of its own. And we're so glad to have them expand the audience in that way. I really feel like the success of the rookie right now. is in large part due to all of these young people coming to hang out with us.

Oh, that's cool. Yeah. Have you learned actually any proper cop skills? Because you did ride-along sort of things and stuff and learned, you know. So I haven't done a ride-along. I tried a couple times last year. Those fell apart because it was L.A. And stuff was hitting the fan.

I was like, they're like, I'm coming in today. And they're like, absolutely not. Stay at home. I'm like, oh, my gosh. But, you know, it's never a good time. Yeah. But, yeah, I mean, actually, the ride-along I'm going on today it's going to be my first police ride-along ever.

I know. They're up police. Yeah. Yes. So I'm super stoked about that. You're going to erase the urinating people. No, I was just saying. I was like, you know what?

Usually when there's actors in a car, they go to the most chill neighborhood ever, they don't want anything to go crazy. They got to make sure everyone's safe. That would be a really good episode of the rookie, actually, like having an actor go on a ride along and everything just goes a ride. I think we have one like that, actually. Anyways, all that to say is, yeah, every single year, we do a tech refresher. So before we start the season, we'll go into the shooting range and we'll start working with our firearms again.

I'm not saying we're perfect. I would never ever say that because we get grilled for it. But we do our best and we have Chick Daniels. He's incredible. He's an LAPD retired now. But he was a detective and he also was a SWAT member. So he is very refined in the way that he handles things. And then we get to work with our firearms and also like how to move through spaces in a way that's technically representative of what the or how the LAPD should be doing it.

So do you actually get to discharge a firearm? Is it like blanks or not really? So we use airsofts now. I think there was, I don't know if you remember, but not to get into it, but there was like that, yeah, there was that terrible accident that happened on that film set. And so we now just use airsofts. We used to use blanks, especially in the first season. And those are really powerful. But now we just use airsofts and we do Viz effects afterwards.

And it gives the same effect. Yeah. So what is an airsoft? So it's kind of like a pressurized can inside of a gun that's like. It's a replica of a gun, but it still gives you not the same kickback. It's not as strong, but you still get a little bit of kickback in your gun. You'll feel it go off. It's a hard not to make the noise because we did some stuff with our TV show.

We were terrible. We were a comedy show, but years ago, got canceled. This is probably why. But anytime they give us a fake gun, you're like, don't. Okay, so on our show, no, because the Airsofts and everything. But I used to do a sci-fi show called Dark Matter years ago, almost like a decade ago now. And there are ample amounts of. bloopers of me being like,

and I didn't, because you know, you're working crazy hours and you're tired and there's no sound. And I remember they would come to me and they're like, you gotta stop doing the sound. I'm like, what sound? And they would play it back because I didn't believe them.

And there I was, just like, pooh, whew, whew. Yeah, no. We'll let all that stuff. Just fix it in post. Keep your mouth shut. Yeah, yeah, exactly. Now, you used to also play rugby as well, right?

Who told you that? Yeah, I've been digging deep. Yeah, I've done my research. Number eight, number eight was the number of, I was a number of, Yeah, there you go. Yeah. That's pretty cool.

Like, yeah, because it's not a hugely popular. I mean, it is here in New Zealand. In Calgary, it is. Right. I mean, when I was in high school, it was a huge sport, especially for the U-19 girls. Like, we were. Yeah, yeah, it was a really, really big deal for us. And at the time, I kind of was like into singing and then Canadian Idol happened,

but it was so weird because while I was doing the Canadian Idol audition process, my coach and amazing coach. Rugby coach or singing coach? She's a rugby coach. She taught you how to hit, but she also taught you how to take a hit. Oh, really? which was like the most important thing. And I'm not proud of this, but like a few girls got concussions from me.

But it was funny because Anne was like, they're not falling properly. It's not on you to feel bad about it. Anyways, sidebar. But yeah, it was so crazy because like Canadian Idol was happening. And then she was coming to me and I was getting scouted for the provincial team. And I just, it's wild when I think back to that time. Like life would have been like very, very different. So you had to choose between professional rugby or a career and the arts.

In the arts. Because you won. In the arts. Not a career in the ass. Yes, it's arts. Thank you for picking up on that. Our exit's bad actually. No, I'm up in.

Yeah, so you ended up winning a Canadian idol at what, age 17 or something. I turned 17 on the show. Yeah, it's really weird summer camp. Yeah, you have. Yeah. I'm getting up there, you guys. No, but it's good, yeah, yeah. And so did you obviously, didn't pursue the singing career?

You know what? I'm just kind of like any lady out there. The more I talk about it, the more I realize everyone goes through that. It's a lot of pressure to be the focal point of something and to like sell yourself, which I do believe that when you're being a musician and a solo artist, like it the focus is on you. I love being in an ensemble. I love knowing when to step forward and knowing when to step back and like support

whoever is the forward piece. And so the rookie is amazing. The previous show I was on, Dark Matter was amazing. And I did a couple of Broadway shows. and I learned through those experiences, this is my strength, is like knowing when to support others and knowing when to step forward.

But being the central focus and the main product, it's super stressful, especially if you're some, you know, I'm a bit of an omnivirite. I like being out there, but I also like being on my own. And I relate hard to that. Yeah, and it's like also like the body thing.

You're like when you're a solo artist, like your body's a big part of that product. And it's just, I actually never heard anyone. I've never heard anyone kind of admit to that that, you know, being out there and doing it yourself is such a huge pressure. Yeah, it's a lot. And some people are really built for it.

And I'm grateful that I realized I don't have any, I'm not confused or have any aspirations for being some like big crazy superstar. I love what I do. I love storytelling. I love singing too when I get the opportunity to do that. A few times. And you got with Ryan, they, you kind of accidentally ended up on American Idol in the story and Ryan Seekress and Katie Perry were there and Lionel Richie as part of the rookie,

obviously. That was a one take thing. Oh, what's that? It was super weird. We did it. We snuck in there on their lunch break. And it was actually highly traumatizing. I didn't realize it until I got there that I was having like flashback because my last

experience with that was being like 16. And it like the environment was the same and I was getting closer and the showrunner was so excited. He's like, how you doing? And I was like, I'm triggered. I'm having PTSD. It was totally then. That's why my, if you've seen the clip, my eyes are closed the whole time because I'm like,

just get through it. I was like, you're amazing. Gates like because you look really nervous and like you're I was! Oh my God! And did Katie, did they put you through to the next round? Yeah, and then we, and then I had I just, they didn't write at the end of the scene so I just improvised. I was like, oh, goodbye!

I was like, granted, it's so weird. Yeah, very strange collision of worlds there. Wow, that's crazy. Good on you for realizing that at such a young age. Most people would be blinded by their goals to yeah, I have goals. I have goals. They're just not like that. My goals are like, I want to buy my parents a house, you know? I want a big piece of land for when the stuff really hits the fan. Yeah, is that what you're really here for to buy some real estate?

Hey, New Zealand! No, listen, Canada's beautiful too. But no, those are my big goals. I want some land. I want to make sure I get land and set it up before I get old. I think those are things that you should do while you're young and able-bodied. So, yeah. Well, thank you so much for hanging out with us.

It's really great to have you in New Zealand. So cool to be here. I love it here. You made news. You know you made news? a couple of days ago from visiting a cafe. The Fat Kiwi. The Fat Kiwi Cafe Cafe Cafe.

I also want to shout out Cafe Dynasty because that's another cafe we went to. They didn't make the news, but they're equally amazing. Yeah, no, we have been having a blast. And Liz and I, Liz and I hang out a bunch, and we've never experienced this type of

just people kind of coming up and being like, hey, are you? You are. Let's hang out and talk. And I love how friendly everyone has been. Because I've also been hearing that apparently you guys are really shy and normally don't say things to people.

Don't do that with us. walking away rather than talking to you. Yeah, no. I haven't had that experience and it's been lovely. Oh, that's good. It's been nice. If you do hear people whispering as you pass them, it's probably positive. They're just scared to talk to you. There's probably plenty of photos of your back

in the back of your head out. I did notice a girl. We were at dinner and I was cackling and I noticed when I happened to look over, she was like, she just kind of like panned the phone away to the ceiling. Yeah, it was funny. I, well, listen, can we call the fat Kiwi?

Can we call them? Oh my God, yes. Yeah, and let's see if they remember. Oh, it's so random. I love this. Hopefully if they remember it's only... I mean, it might not be the same lady working. She's like, who?

Oh, God. Good morning, fat. Can we keep Joe speaking? Joe, it's Jono Ben and Megan from the Hits radio station. Morning. Hello. Hi, Joe. Can you hear us?

Yes. Oh, yeah, so we were just ringing because you had some famous people from the rookie in your cafe. Yes, but I wasn't here. Oh, because we've got Melissa from the Roe. She plays Lucy. She's with us right now in studio. Joe, I'm so sorry, I missed you. Hang on, hang on, hang on. She's going to grab someone else.

She's like, hold on. Cafe, they're busy too. They don't want this. They don't get this. You couldn't get to more New Zealand phone call than this one right now. Oh, yeah, sweep a side. Hang up a second. This segment's about to get trimmed.

Yeah, sorry, yeah, you're right. You're so right. You're a professional. You know this is going, at the moment, it's going either way, but it's probably not going to happen. Yeah. This will never make it to hear. Hi.

Hi. Hi. Is Joe just gone hold there and she's never coming back? She's busy. What time is it? Like, everyone's... Surfing someone. Yeah, everyone's eating.

Prime time, cafe time. This is hilarious. When do we tap out of this? At one point? I don't know. She's like, you don't want an order. You're just messing with me and I have like a line. John!

We've lost John? Yeah, I feel like. You're busy, Melissa. You've got a lot. Do you know, Melissa? I regret every part of that. It was going so well, too. I enjoyed it.

I'm going to talk about this in my other interviews. Okay, you go. All right, wrapping your things up. Okay, we can find out what happens in the next episode of The Rookie. I'm sure it will be. Love it to have you in the country. Love it to meet you. And congratulations on all your success.

Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you.