Before anything else, Rachel is a loving mum and partner, a social worker, a DJ and a champion for social justice. Rachel describes her upbringing as “colourful and challenging”. Rachel faced adversities that shaped her life,  including experiences of sexual violence and the onset of a methamphetamine addiction at the remarkably young age of fourteen. She fell into a world of substance abuse and found solace among a group of individuals sharing similar traumas. The path led her through crime,...

Vikram's life has been one of navigating love, loss, and an unyielding pursuit of hope. Born and raised in Singapore, his heart was intertwined with his family, especially his beloved mum, who imparted values of resilience and compassion. Vikram's world shattered at the age of 12 when his mother passed away, leaving him feeling lost in a society that rarely discussed mental health. Amidst more heartaches, including the loss of his father at the age of 21, Vikram was reminded that life is...

Originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Vira’s journey to Aotearoa as an asylum seeker marked a radical shift from a communal, family-centric upbringing to a society starkly different in its individualistic values. Accompanied by her elder sister and mother upon arrival in New Zealand, her father joined them later in her adolescence.  Vira vividly recalls her mother's struggles, enduring biases in the workforce and facing societal prejudices while she, as a child, faced racial...

Henrique's journey from Brazil to New Zealand at 13 was marked by cultural shocks and mental health struggles. Adjusting from Brazil's vibrancy to New Zealand's quiet way of life was challenging. His silent battle with mental health persisted until he opened up at 15, starting therapy and medication. Drag became his solace, offering liberation and strength to confront insecurities through Rhubarb Rouge. Henrique advocates for openness about mental health stigmas, especially in the LGBTQIA+...

Kia found solace in the kitchen after losing both parents in his teens. Working at the Avondale RSA, he found stability and purpose under the guidance of two chefs. Cooking became his refuge, offering structure amid grief. Beyond mere task, it became a way to care for others, inspiring him to mentor new chefs with a gentler approach. Kia challenges masculinity norms in Aotearoa through vulnerability and empathy, reshaping kitchen dynamics. He advocates for mental health discussions, creating...

Lissy and Rudi are building a community for intergenerational healing. Crochet, initially a craft, soon evolved into a —a tangible medium through which they honour their tūpuna and the diversity of life experience, to foster community. Their hands weave threads that carry stories from previous generations, each stitch an ode to resilience and interconnectedness. Their home, an extension of their vibrant spirits, full of colour, patterns, and artwork—a testament to their unapologetic...

Semi's upbringing was complex and challenging, weaving elements of both a regular childhood and the awareness of not fitting into societal norms. Having albinism meant that Semi looked markedly different, often leading to instances where others stared, made comments, or passed judgments. Societal perceptions were not often like the support she received at home, leaving Semi to grapple with mental health challenges and confidence issues. Depression crept in due to various physical setbacks,...

Peleti's life embodies a powerful journey of resilience, self-discovery, and a relentless pursuit of healing not only himself but others. Through challenging personal experiences, including the tragic loss of his brother to suicide, Peleti has become a leader of hope and change.  Coming from a traditional Samoan background, Peleti witnessed a community grappling with his brother’s tragic loss in different ways, from indifference to blame, all shadowed by the church's silence. Peleti dreams...

Quack was raised in Panmure with their mother and four siblings. Quack’s father resided up north and his appearances were scarce, typically reserved for funerals or confrontations with their mother. Quack, a twin and the youngest in their whānau struggled to understand the complexities of their parents' relationship.  They navigated a childhood of displacement and a longing for connection to their Māori heritage. Their memories of childhood are painted in shades of “dark blue—a time tinted...

Fresh out of high school, eighteen-year-old Quinn from Dannevirke dove eagerly into farm work. But as his dedication consumed him, Quinn found himself spiraling into a dark place, overworked and overwhelmed by feelings of being a burden on those around him. He planned to end his life and sent a goodbye text to his friends. Fortunately, Quinn's friends immediately responded to his message, showing up for him when he needed it the most. Their unwavering support made him realise he wasn't alone...

Robinhood Stars and Silver Fern, Maia Kahurangi Wilson sits down to chat about the challenges on and off the court. Kirstie and Maia dive into the pressure of body image in professional netball, overcoming grief, and strengthening identity away from the netball dress. RESOURCES / SUPPORT Voices of Hope: https://thevoicesofhope.org Find Help: https://findahelpline.com Mental Health Foundation: https://mentalhealth.org.nz/our-work/... FOLLOW US   Instagram:...

ALEX WARREN Artist | Content Creator “Sometimes the best decisions are the hard ones” Alex is recognised for his engaging presence on social media and is the creative force behind the song 'It's Not Too Late to Change Your Mind'. He's navigated a tough journey, having lost his dad early on and grown up in a difficult home environment. From facing bullying and homelessness to overcoming rehab, he opens up about the various challenges he's faced. A source of strength in his life has been his...

Dr. Courtney Tracy Licensed Clinical Social Worker | Doctor of Clinical Psychology in California "I learnt that I didn't need to hurt myself, just because I was hurting." Dr. Courtney Tracy, also known as "The Truth Doctor," is a USC-trained licensed clinical social worker (93285), doctor of clinical psychology, autistic human, recovered borderline, and the founder of the Truth Doctor, a mental wellness company built to teach people what it means to be human. In this piece she talks about her...

Jack Salt's professional basketball career in the US quickly came to an end due to illness, forcing him to move back home to Aotearoa. He opens up about the impact injury and illness had on his mental health, and explores the tools he used, and still uses today, to get through his lowest moments.   RESOURCES / SUPPORT Voices of Hope: https://thevoicesofhope.org Find Help: https://findahelpline.com Mental Health Foundation:...

Former All Black rugby player Adam Thomson shares his inspiring story of overcoming a life-threatening illness while in a foreign country and his subsequent journey of recovery. He openly discusses the challenges he faced and the valuable lessons he learned, which significantly influenced his role as a coach. RESOURCES / SUPPORT Voices of Hope: https://thevoicesofhope.org Find Help: https://findahelpline.com Mental Health Foundation: https://mentalhealth.org.nz/our-work/... FOLLOW...

Jazz Thornton Co-Founder Of Voices Of Hope | Award Winning Author & Director | Public Speaker and Content Creator “Your illness is not your identity. There is hope for you.” Jazz Thornton wears many hats – co-founder of Voices of Hope, author, speaker, content creator, and filmmaker. She's known for bravely sharing her own experiences with depression, childhood sexual abuse, and ADHD, becoming a source of inspiration for others facing similar challenges. Jazz's achievements include...

Former Paralympic athlete Tayla Clement shares her powerful journey of resilience, self-discovery, and self-acceptance. She delves into overcoming mental health challenges, finding a sense of purpose through rugby, and becoming an advocate for improved representation in the world of sports. RESOURCES / SUPPORT Voices of Hope: https://thevoicesofhope.org Find Help: https://findahelpline.com Mental Health Foundation: https://mentalhealth.org.nz/helplines FOLLOW US: Instagram:...

Professional Boxer and MMA fighter, Alrie Meleisea, joins Kirstie to talk about her journey of getting into the ring and the challenges that have shaped her into who she is today. Alrie shares the grief she experienced, and how her challenges have given her the skills to overcome whatever is thrown her way. RESOURCES / SUPPORT Voices of Hope: https://thevoicesofhope.org Find Help: https://findahelpline.com Mental Health Foundation: https://mentalhealth.org.nz/our-work/... FOLLOW...

Anna Muller Life Coach | Speaker | Content Creator “Let’s just try one more time.” Anna Muller is a life coach, speaker, content creator and mum. She is best known for her tik tok where she talks openly about her own struggles with the intention of helping others through their own journey. In this piece she shares her battles with substance abuse addiction, targeted bullying, and depression. Having spent time in and out of the hospital, fighting to stay alive, she is hear and she is using...

--------- EPISODE SUMMARY --------- In this episode, Sarah shares her journey with mental health, including her struggles with anxiety and depression. We discuss the importance of boundaries, self-care, and kindness. Sarah also talks about her experiences as a mother, the challenges it brings, and how her son's autism diagnosis led to a greater sense of purpose and joy. Sarah emphasizes the impact of kindness and giving, sharing her journey towards starting the Kindness Collective, a...

Content Warning:  Content Warning: This podcast contains mentions of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and mental health. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek immediate help by calling 1737 or your local emergency services. --------- EPISODE SUMMARY --------- Zane navigated the hardships of growing up, battles with substance misuse, and overcoming the fear of seeking support. He shares his journey and how he found help and healing. Zane...

Content Warning: This podcast includes discussions of anxiety, depression, and mental health. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek immediate help by calling 1737 or your local emergency services. --------- EPISODE SUMMARY --------- Listen in as Maria shares her raw and emotional journey through anxiety and depression, starting from the overwhelming fear she felt within 24 hours of starting a new job, to her struggles with postpartum...

Kieran Read, former All Black captain, opens up about the pressures he encountered and the lessons he learned as a leader. Kieran discusses the challenges of staying true to himself and his ongoing journey of self-improvement. You can watch his full episode here: https://youtu.be/EQCr9s6vsio RESOURCES / SUPPORT Voices of Hope: https://thevoicesofhope.org Find Help: https://findahelpline.com Mental Health Foundation: https://mentalhealth.org.nz/helplines FOLLOW US: Instagram:...

Content Warning: This podcast includes discussions of mental health. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek immediate help by calling 1737 or your local emergency services. --------- EPISODE SUMMARY --------- In our latest discussion, we welcome James, a stand-up comedian, who shares his personal journey of self-discovery and overcoming cultural barriers. Moving from the Philippines to New Zealand at the age of eight, James talks about the...