In this episode we speak with Faafiu (Fiu) Toohill, owner and head coach of Byron Boxing Gym in Papamoa, New Zealand. Fiu discusses his struggles with depression and picking up a criminal record as a teen growing up in South Auckland – and how boxing became pivotal in turning his life around. Fiu's story is one of resilience and hope, discovering our purpose and choosing to live it each day. Through Byron Boxing he is living and teaching the values of self-discipline, self-respect, and perseverance with local youth, adults, and amateur boxers alike; all while fostering a strong, supportive community. Check out https://www.byronboxing.co.nz for more information.

In this episode, Carolyn Cox of Green Business HQ shares her rich experiences as a sustainability expert, transforming communities and businesses for the better. Sustainability isn't just for the elite; it’s a journey of change Carolyn firmly believes anyone can embark on to ease the cost of living and protect the environment. Tune in for some simple, practical steps we all can take for a healthier, happier, more sustainable future.

Check out https://greenbusinesshq.com for more information and helpful tips.

In this powerful episode, Liz Verkleij bravely shares her deeply personal journey through fertility struggles, IVF, miscarriages, and ultimately bringing her miracle daughter into the world. Her story is raw, real, and inspiring - a testament to hope, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit. Liz's story is for those walking a tough path toward parenthood, dealing with societal stigmas that surround fertility and pregnancy. Discover how self-compassion, self-love, perseverance, and kindness toward others sharing our struggles can help us triumph over grief.

In this episode Cath Healey - General Manager of Te Rangihaeata Oranga Gambling Recovery Services - discusses the critical issue of gambling harm in New Zealand. We talk about the wide-ranging impacts of gambling on people and their families, and the importance of public health initiatives and advocacy to help more people escape its avoidable harm. Cath also reveals the growing risks associated with online gambling, community funding schemes underpinned by the gambling industry, and the need for stronger gambling sector regulation through better policy. Hear success stories of families who have overcome gambling harm with kaupapa Māori based counselling and resilience-building strategies, community support, and encouragement to 'disconnect to reconnect' as key to the healing process. Visit https://gamblinghb.co.nz/ for more Cath and her team's work in this sector.

In this episode we speak with Professor Bev Lawton CNZM, 2025 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year and founder/director of Te Tātai Hauora o Hine – the National Centre for Women’s Health Research based at Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand. A prominent and highly recognised women's health champion, Bev shares her dedication over the years to improving women's health, addressing health inequity and avoidable harm issues, and her drive for Government to commit to a cervical cancer elimination strategy and action plan ahead of this year's General Election.
For more information about Bev and her team's at Te Tātai Hauora o Hine - National Centre for Women's Health Research check out https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/fehps/centres/ncwhra.

More on the Centre's newly-announced partnership with the Cancer Society of New Zealand to eliminate cervical cancer, here: https://www.cancer.org.nz/about-us/cancer-society-media-releases/powerful-new-partnership-to-eliminate-cervical-cancer-announced/

Life coach and mindfulness mentor, Jacinda Crothers, opens up about her corporate workplace bullying experience and the profound impact it had on her career path and outlook on life. Jacinda shares how navigating this experience requires choosing personal growth by embracing change, relinquishing control over people and situations, facing our mortality, and exercising mindfulness to connect more fully with our hearts. Jacinda discusses how her community engagement and creative projects help both her and her clients to lead more intentional, joyful and connected lives. Check out https://www.jacindacrothers.com for more on Jacinda's coaching and mindfulness practice.

In this episode we speak with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia survivor, Vonda Nepia, about how her cancer journey drove her to uncover her whakapapa and whenua (Māori ancestors and ancestral land ties), moving to live on ancestral whenua post-cancer, and the health advocacy work she leads on behalf of Māori communities (the indigenous peoples of New Zealand). She discusses the shock of being given 72 hours to live, the significance of Te Whare Tapa Wha health model to help her successfully navigate cancer treatment, and the advocacy work she does to ensure health systems can better serve Māori communities through improved access and prevention. Visit https://www.vondanepia.com for more about Vonda's advocacy roles and her holistic wellbeing consultancy, Ataahua Wellbeing Solutions.

Anna Ward of Art Therapy Gold Coast shares her journey from developing her artistic abilities in childhood to discovering and becoming an Art Therapy practitioner. We discuss the various clients she works with, using creativity as a profound and impactful tool to unlock healing and improve wellbeing. We dive into art therapy's accessibility in both New Zealand and Australia, its integration with mainstream public health services, and acknowledgment of spirituality as an aspect of healing. With a compassionate and creative approach to therapy, Anna highlights the multi-faceted nature of healing and the importance of living in the present. Check out https://arttherapygoldcoast.com for more information about Anna and her Art Therapy practice.