Shows
Leading by NatureAndy Dickson: Head of Customer Solutions at Impact InternationalIn this episode, Giles Hutchins is joined by Andy Dickson, Head of Customer Solutions at Impact International, for a rich conversation on regenerative leadership and organisational change. Andy reflects on the influence of Impact founder David Williams, life in the Lake District, and a lifelong sense that the planet deserves better. They explore creating cultures of feedback, embracing micro-adventures, and how Giles’ books inspired “the regeneration game.” Plus, the power of the Aikido stance, embracing discomfort, and Impact’s origins in Japan.For more information on Leading by Nature, you can follow Giles Hutchins on LinkedIn, or visit...
2025-07-2834 min
St Barnabas, FendaltonNeighbour - Andy DicksonToday is Young Adult's Minister Andy Dickson's last day with us at St Barnabas before he is Ordained a Curate and commences his Curacy at All Souls Merivale.
In his message this morning, Andy reflects on the story of the Good Samaritan and what it might mean for us about finding out who our neighbour is, and loving those around us that we might find difficult to love.
Andy, thank you for your time at St Barnabas. May God guide your next steps, and may he always provide for...
2024-11-1718 min
Down to Earth Conversations99. Asif Mall - Religious Persecution, Harm Prevention, and Loving Those Who Hate YouAsif Mall works out of the UK in places like his homeland of Pakistan, helping to support persecuted Christians, but even more than that, using influence and strategy to help create change that prevents some of the persecution from happening to begin with.
We talk about growing up in Pakistan as a Christian in a Muslim country, how he got involved in the work he is doing, and what he has learnt about himself and his faith along the way. We hear stories of how strategies Asif's organisation employed have saved hundreds of homes from being torched, and many people...
2024-09-0958 min
Backstage CurryCOME ON DOWN! with Peter DicksonPETER DICKSON - COME ON DOWN!He is one of the most successful voice-over artists ever and in this episode, Peter Dickson takes us behind the microphone to explain how his became the voice saying, “COME ON DOWN”, on, “The Price Is Right”… and…”IT’S TIME, TO FACE, THE MUSIC”, on, “The X Factor”. Just two of his classic vocal creations amongst so many others. His career path is an interesting one and he’s got some excellent advice for any voice-over performers out there. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informat
2024-08-2355 min
Down to Earth Conversations92. Dr Kirsty Moore - Self-harm, Hope, and Being There for the One in FiveA content warning right from the beginning here...the episode contains discussion around self-harm a.k.a. non-suicidal self injury (NSSI), and suicide is therefore also mentioned. So please take all the precautions you need to keep yourself safe, and skip the episode if you need to. Please also access support if you need to. You can find a large range of support services at thevoicesofhope.org/pages/find-a-helpline
Dr Kirsty Moore is a doctor of psychology, with lived experience of NSSI. She works across a range of roles, but holds a special passion for educating parents, teachers, and others...
2024-05-1244 min
Down to Earth ConversationsCatching Up With - 04 - James Harris - Gaza Ceasefire PilgrimagesBack on Episode 33 we talked about James' time working with refugees in Ngaru, and then what he was up to in the Australian outback. This time we talk to him about his involvement in the formation of the Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimages that began before easter and are continuing around the world. We talk about how and why they started, how it's going, and what they are hoping to accomplish. We talk about the importance of the involvement of Palestinian Christians in the movement, and how people around the world are joining in.
It's a great reminder that we can all...
2024-05-0825 min
Down to Earth Conversations91. Bridie Boyd - Mental Health, Holding Hope for Others, and Knowing You Are ValuableBridie Boyd is, among other things, a chaplain at Hillmorton hospital, a psychiatric care facility in Ōtautahi (Christchurch). She is also involved in advocating for, and supporting, women in the Anglican environment in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
We talk about both of these roles. What drives her in her advocating for others? What draws her to love those others neglect or even despise?
We discuss what the role of chaplain actually involves and the challenges and rewards of doing such a role with people who are struggling in their mental health. Bridie also shares about her own mental health journey, how tha...
2024-04-2153 min
Down to Earth Conversations90. Caz and Em - The Bloody Bible, Power and Control, and Using Privilege WellCaz and Em are the hosts of the fantastic podcast, the Bloody Bible.
Outside of the podcast they are Dr Carolyn Blyth and Dr Emily Colgan - academics in the world of theology who have found ways to share their research so that it is digestible for the general public. On the Bloody Bible, Caz and Em explore some of the more violent passages in the Bible, linking them to modern true crimes, and behaviours and attitudes that are still in play today. They also help us see the stories from the perspective of the victims, something the Bible itself d...
2024-04-0754 min
Down to Earth Conversations89. Dr. Pauline Stewart - Family Drug Support, Evidence Based Practice, and the Opportunities of A.I.Dr Pauline Stewart is an educator, a psychologist, an Anglican Priest, and when she was an age when many would be hanging up their work clothes, she was starting up a charity to support the family and friends of people with alcohol or other drug habits.
We talk about her time as a teacher and why she moved into psychology. We discuss her time working for the Ministry of Education as a psychologist. And we talk about Family Drug Support, the charity Pauline founded to educate and support people whose loved ones are misusing alcohol or other drugs. Pauline shares...
2024-03-2442 min
Down to Earth Conversations88. Voice of the Martyrs - Love for the Hurting, Being Family, and the Courage of the PersecutedVoice of the Martyrs (VOM) are an organisation working with Christians in places where being Christian is dangerous. Where either there are restrictive laws, or simply open hostility towards those who follow Jesus.
I am joined in this conversation by Voice of the Martyrs NZ National Directors and their Events Coordinator.
We hear about how Voice of the Martyrs work with endangered Christians around the world. Their empowering way of supporting and getting alongside the persecuted church. The risks involved for them as they do it. And how the rest of us can partner with them to support those who ar...
2024-03-1056 min
Down to Earth ConversationsCatching Up With - 03 - Jeremy FaumuināThis time we are Catching Up With episode 7 guest, Jeremy Faumuinā.
Jeremy talked last time about trusting his intuition, about serving neglected and abused children in Samoa, his social work with youth and the family based approach he takes to that, and about how his son coming out as gay shifted his world from anti to ally when it comes to the rainbow community. It's definitely worth a listen if you haven't heard it already.
Jeremy joins me on Catching Up With to talk about his move to the NZ Police, still working as a social worker focussed on supporting y...
2024-03-0320 min
Fresh Aesthetic with Stephen GartonA Spectrum of Belonging: Embracing Diversity in Our Communities with Andy DicksonToday’s episode is my interview with Andy Dickson.
Andy describes himself firstly as a husband, a dad and a son. But he is also a spoken word poet, a writer, a podcaster, a business director and has a Masters in Theology.
Andy’s podcast is called Down to Earth Conversations where he talks to ordinary people who are doing good in the world, or as he likes to say, are "bringing a bit of heaven Down to Earth."
This conversation is a raw and real look into what it means to be incl...
2024-02-291h 07
Down to Earth Conversations87. Ruth Schmidt - Fired for Taking a Stand, and What Happens NextRuth Schmidt (she/her) is a pastor pursuing ordination with the United Church of Christ in the USA. She was also a senior director at Fuller Theological Seminary, California, until she was fired in January 2024 for refusing to sign Fuller's statement of beliefs. Just two weeks after she was fired for standing up for what she believed in, we recorded this conversation.
In the weeks afterwards Ruth publicly shared, in what I thought was a respectful and hopeful way, looking to stand against the injustices she saw and invite decision makers into conversation. We talk about what happened and why...
2024-02-2551 min
Down to Earth Conversations86. Sophie Fasi-Mohenoa - Israel/Palestine, Peace-making, and Christians for Peace AotearoaSophie Fasi-Mohenoa is part of a small but growing group called Christians for Peace in Palestine Aotearoa that has arisen in the midst of the Israeli war on Gaza. Our conversation is grounded in her time living in the West Bank, working with Messianic Jews and Palestinian Christians looking to drive peace in the region.
We talk about how Christians for Peace Aotearoa came about, what they are involved in and are hoping to achieve, what she learned from her time living in Israel/Palestine, her experience as a foreigner in an occupied land, the hope that she found there, a...
2024-02-1152 min
Down to Earth Conversations85. Donna Dyson - Losing Sight, Gaining Vision, and Finding Your SparkDonna Dyson is a fantastic human with a beautiful story. Her life has changed significantly on several occasions, yet she has managed to pivot, and to keep finding ways to move forward, bringing life to others as she does it. She is an educator, an author, an award winning song writer, and much, much more.
We talk about teaching, literacy, health conditions and disability. We talk about music and creativity. We hear about to moments of Donna's life that marked significant endings, and how she turned them into new beginnings. We hear about joy, passion, and a love for people, a...
2023-12-101h 01
Down to Earth Conversations84. Orange Sky - Brodie and Raina - Laundry, Showers, and the Joy of VolunteeringIt's a busy, crazy time of year for many but it's also a time that can be really hard for those already doing it tough. For those living on the streets or those who have accommodation but can't afford the necessities of life, without support life simply isn't manageable, especially in a season where they are often forgotten.
Orange Sky is an organisation based out of Australia that, through a huge number of volunteers around Australia and New Zealand, offer a free service to allow people doing it tough to wash and dry their clothing, and have a safe, hot...
2023-12-0336 min
Down to Earth ConversationsCatching Up With - 02 - Julia GraceJulia Grace talked to us last time about her journey with mental health, the work she was doing speaking into that space, and her recognition that there isn't a line separating well and unwell, but that we're all on a continuum of mental health. It's a profound and fun kōrero and definitely worth a listen.
Julia joins me on Catching Up With to talk about how the journey of speaking in the mental health space is going, her recent appointment as president of the Professional Speakers Association of New Zealand, and most excitingly, her upcoming book, Be Kind to Yo...
2023-11-2521 min
Down to Earth Conversations83. Steff Fenton - Transgender and Christian, and the Gender Expansiveness of GodSteff Fenton (they/them) is a trans Christian speaker, writer, educator, and advocate who publicly shares the intersections of queerness and faith. Steff is passionate about creating safe spiritual spaces for LGBTIQA+ people and helping others cultivate a more equitable and expansive faith.
I asked Steff on the podcast because they get in the way of all the prejudice I was taught in the faith culture I grew up in. Steff is transgender and is not only Christian, but has co-founded and co-pastored a church, has a Masters of Divinity, and lets their faith shape their way of being in t...
2023-11-1956 min
Down to Earth Conversations82. Lisa Maathuis - Periods, Poverty, and the Dignity of it AllLisa Maathuis is the General Manager of Dignity - an organisation whose mission is to make period products accessible to everyone who needs them, so no one misses out on work, education, sport, or anything else in life.
You may have never thought about that, but the more I've learned about period poverty and period equity, the more I have realised this needs to be something that we are talking about more openly so we can fix the issues together.
I talk with Lisa about what period poverty is, and why it is such a hidden problem. We talk about r...
2023-11-0545 min
Down to Earth Conversations81. Sarah Page - Inequality, Free Joy, and the Collective Art of KindnessSarah Page is the founder and Executive Director of the Kindness Collective Foundation. When events in life led her to see the inequalities of life clearly for the first time Sarah knew it was time to do something about it. So she started by getting friends to donate things for those she was connected to who were in need.
Ten years on and the Kindness Collective is a thriving network of thousands of ordinary New Zealanders who are getting alongside those in need, and they are partnered with some of New Zealand's biggest and most well known companies to bring lo...
2023-10-2246 min
Down to Earth ConversationsCatching Up With - 01 - Te Karere Whitiao Scarborough'Catching Up With' is the new side project here on Down to Earth Conversations. These are short episodes with former Down to Earth Conversations guest about new and interesting things they've been up to since I last talked to them.
In this first episode we are Catching up with Te Karere Whitiao Scarborough who featured way back on episode 10.
Te Karere joins me on Catching Up With to talk about an exciting new educational pathway in Aotearoa, Te Wānanga Ihorangi, which he is involved in shaping as they get ready to take their first students in 2024. It's an exciting new...
2023-10-1419 min
Down to Earth Conversations80. Bruce Pilbrow - Transforming Organisations, Empathy, and the Spirit of AdventureBruce Pilbrow is a CEO who has worked across business and not-for-profits. He loves working in spaces that have a positive impact on the world, and he has become a bit of a transformation specialist, helping organisations change and adapt to better fulfil their mission.
We talk about disrupting the status quo, building culture, and doing it with empathy. We hear how Bruce's role as a CEO is about discovering talent and harnessing it to allow both the people and the organisation to flourish. We hear about his current role with the Spirit of Adventure Trust who specialise in youth d...
2023-10-0850 min
Down to Earth Conversations79. Liz Cooledge Jenkins - Nice Churchy Patriarchy, Minority Voices, and Acknowledging Our HumanityLiz Cooledge Jenkins and I follow each other on Instagram, and neither of us remember how she and I connected, but when she let me know about a book she has coming out this December I had to get her on the podcast. The book is called Nice Churchy Patriarchy, and is a combination of Liz's experiences in, and working for, various American evangelical churches, and her deep thinking and research around the attitudes and impacts of patriarchy, even in those spaces that claim to see all people as equals.
We discuss Liz's experiences as a woman in church spaces a...
2023-09-2451 min
Down to Earth Conversations78. Meg Cowan - Sex Coaching, Purity Culture, and Connecting to the Goodness of Your BodyMeg Cowan is a sex and intimacy coach.
After sex became a problem part of her own marriage, Meg and her husband sought help. Through that experience Meg opened up to her friends and found that the need to be talking about this was great. So she set about doing some study and now helps hundreds of people heal from hurts, and progress to loving themselves and having a more fulfilling sex life.
We talk about Meg's journey into this work. The unhelpful advice she was given along the way, especially in the church. We address the negative effects that th...
2023-09-1047 min
Down to Earth Conversations77. Amanda Pilbrow - Faith and Sexuality, Cognitive Dissonance, and Questions as Holy InvitationsRecently I was privileged, along with former guest Michael Frost, to be on a panel at a workshop about rethinking our beliefs regarding sexuality and gender. The main speaker that day was Amanda Pilbrow from Already Enough, and we took the opportunity to sit down together afterwards to debrief the day.
It doesn't matter if you weren't there. We give a brief overview of what was covered in the workshop, and people's reactions to them. We discuss the idea of questions about faith as holy invitations, even if we've been taught that they are signs of unfaithfulness. Amanda reminds us t...
2023-08-2758 min
Down to Earth Conversations76. Mike Maeshiro - Bethel, Coming Out, and Leaning In to Your DiscomfortBethel Church is a charismatic evangelical church in Redding, California. It is famous for the church music it pumps out prolifically, and it has a Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry which hosts over 2,000 students annually from over 60 countries. Mike Maeshiro worked for Bethel coordinating events (which they do on a huge scale and frequency), travelled the world preaching, and was a teacher of spiritual discernment at the School of Supernatural Ministry until coming out as gay just a couple of years ago.
Since then life has changed dramatically for Mike, losing his role, his income, many friends, but gaining a...
2023-08-1350 min
Down to Earth Conversations75. Amelie Coggan - OCD, the Business of Making a Difference, and the Little Joys Along the WayI met Amelie Coggan at Voices of Hope's (featured on episode 46) event, 'It's Not Weak to Speak'. When I found out she had her own mental health challenges but that she was also, as a teenager, the owner of a business making products to support the mental health of others, I knew I had to get her on the podcast.
Amelie Coggan is the founder of Little Joys - a business creating products to support people in their mental health journey. We talk about Little Joys and how it came that an 18 year old is already several years in to run...
2023-07-3038 min
Down to Earth Conversations74. Nick Allwright - Caring for the Dead, Helping the Living, and Looking After YourselfNick Allwright is a funeral director. It is his job to walk alongside grieving family members and friends as they deal with the loss of their loved one.
As we will hear from Nick, sometimes this is a glorious time, and sometimes it is anything but. Sometimes it is a celebration, and sometimes it is a symbol of all that is wrong with the world.
Nick shares about how he got into this profession, what is involved in his role, how he interacts with families, how he looks after himself when dealing with death every day, what he loves about the...
2023-07-0941 min
Down to Earth Conversations73. The Changes Ahead Podcast Takes Over - Creativity, Justice, and the KingdomCathy and Steven of The Changes Ahead take over the episode putting me in the hot seat. This interview originally appeared on The Changes Ahead podcast back in March. We talk about creativity, being right, being just, and the shifting of our faith as we grow.
If you enjoy this check out the many other fantastic conversations on The Changes Ahead - here's how they describe the heart of their podcast:
"It is no secret that the church in the West is in decline and there seems to have been unending talk about the church needing to change. Despite this, the n...
2023-06-2545 min
Down to Earth Conversations72. James Beck - Ngā Here, Eco Churches, and Pockets of Heaven on EarthJames Beck, is a speaker, facilitator, pastor, podcaster, author and eco-warrior. We talk about the years James spent working with Attitude, helping shape the wellbeing of teenagers throughout Aotearoa, and his time at the Parenting Place. We also talk about James' passion for the environment and how that is impacting his work, his church, and his spirituality, as well as his own Podcast, Ngā Here, that brings the environment, the bible, and te ao Māori, the world of Māori, together.
Check out the Wilberforce Foundation, A Rocha, and the Eco Church initiative.
Listen to Ngā Here on Spotify, Apple...
2023-06-1156 min
Down to Earth Conversations71. Heather Roberts - Chronic Fatigue, Modern Day Slavery, and Just KaiHeather Roberts is the founder of the initiative Just Kai - an organisation looking to aid consumers in buying food products free from slavery or child labour.
Heather shares with me her prolonged journey of chronic fatigue and how that impacted life for her for many years. We hear about how it rapidly arrived and then rapidly improved years later like the flicking of a switch.
She shares about things that got her through that time, including relationships and connection, her amazingly supportive husband, and her local church.
We also hear about how Heather's illness led to the work she is...
2023-05-2851 min
Down to Earth Conversations70. Nigel Yeoh - General Practice, Police Medical Officer, and Loving People as PeopleNigel Yeoh is a medical doctor, a GP, who also works as a Police Medical Officer for the Police in Ōtautahi-Christchurch. In this conversation we talk about what it's like journeying with people through their physical and mental struggles, but also seeing patients overcome illnesses and challenges. I ask how the system could be better to allow the most disadvantaged to gain support, and about how Nigel cares for those accused of heinous crimes. Ultimately, this is a conversation about how Nigel's love for people lies at the centre of everything.
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Connect with me at downtoearthconversations.com or at
Facebook: faceb...
2023-05-1447 min
Down to Earth Conversations69. Michael Frost - Science, Suffering, and When Life and Faith Go Off ScriptAotearoa New Zealand theologian Michael Frost (not to be confused with Australian theologian Michael Frost...who is also worth a follow on your socials) has a PhD in theology, an honours degree in Science, is a lecturer and pastor, and is a well respected host of the podcast In the Shift, 'for when life and faith go off script.'
Our kōrero takes many twists and turns as we talk about science and faith, Michael and his wife's 10 year journey to become parents, suffering and theology, changing beliefs, being a rainbow ally, and the church's relationship with unhealthy forms o...
2023-04-3055 min
Down to Earth Conversations68. Katy Rowden - Good Bitches Baking and the Reciprocal Nature of KindnessKaty Rowden is the General Manager of Good Bitches Baking, a small charity here in Aotearoa with a big impact in the lives of so many through the art of baking.
We talk about how the organisation started, how it got it's name and why they're sticking with it, how they are using baking as a vehicle to share kindness, and how that kindness actually breeds more kindness. We hear some of the feedback that their Good Bitches have received in thanks for their baking, and we see that one simple act can make an enormous difference in someone else's l...
2023-04-0946 min
Down to Earth Conversations67. Kath Bee - Joy, Humans Being, and Knowing You’re AmazingKath Bee is one of New Zealand's top children's music writers and performers, with a tonne of accolades under her belt and an infectiously positive outlook on life. Kath had quite a late start into music, which allowed for some great discussion about life before music, including how being a teacher aide shaped her as she learnt from those who others called disabled. We also discuss why she likes to write songs that teach positive messages about life to children, and how her collaboration with E Tū Tāngata came about that led her to take out Best Song at th...
2023-03-2638 min
The Changes Ahead PodcastCreativity, Justice and the Kingdom, with Andy DicksonWe’re joined by fellow podcast host Andy Dickson from ‘Down to Earth Conversations’, who gives us an incredible vision for the simplicity of bringing a little bit of heaven down to earth by focusing on people first, embracing creativity, and always working towards what is just.
2023-03-2341 min
Down to Earth Conversations66. Keren Maxwell - Sexuality, Tics, and Parenting with EmpathyI asked Keren Maxwell to come on the podcast because an often overlooked way of doing good in the world is simply raising children. Keren and her husband Glen have 4 children and celebrate them so well. Keren hasn't come on as a parenting expert, but simply to share her journey of celebrating and loving her children through whatever comes, including the many curve balls that are part and parcel of parenting.
In this conversation Keren and I talk about journeying with one of her children in the area of sexuality and identity, and then walking with her other children who d...
2023-03-1254 min
Down to Earth Conversations65. Corinne Haines - Leading Through Challenge, Regeneration, and the Christchurch City MissionCorinne Haines is the current Christchurch City Missioner - or CEO of the City Mission. Corinne is a successful business leader, a wife and mother, a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, and a generous and caring person.
We talk about her journey into business and then leading in business, particularly through adversity such as the Christchurch Earthquakes and an office fire that came soon after. We talk about how her journey has taken her to the Ministry of Defence and the regeneration of Christchurch, and then we discuss her current role as City Missioner, what that entails, an...
2023-02-2655 min
Down to Earth Conversations64. Audible Arts SpecialIn this episode I bring together poetry and song from former guests of the podcast as a Christmas gift to you all.
The episode features music from Juliagrace (ep.5) and Music with Michal (ep.50), as well as poetry from Te Karere Whitiao Scarborough (ep.10), Dietrich Soakai (ep.34), Mohamed Hassan (ep.59), Joel McKerrow (ep.31), and myself.
And to finish the episode I bring you the audio version of my kids book - Three Things to Know: An E Tū Tāngata Story - read by tamariki (children).
Find Julia Grace at her website, Facebook, Instagram, or Spotify.
Find Music with Michal at...
2022-12-1932 min
Down to Earth Conversations63. Dickson Whānau - Generosity, Creativity, and How to Make Their DayMy whānau (family) join me for today's episode, sharing their thoughts about kindness, generosity, creativity, making the world a better place, and making someone's day.
The episode is laid out in three short interviews. First, I talk to Sophia and Mackenzie together, then a brief chat with our four year old Korah, before rounding off the episode with a kōrero with Beks around creativity, generosity, and inclusion.
Find Sugar Lips on Facebook, Instagram, or our website. And learn about our commitment to make a social impact with a generous sprinkling of inclusion.
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Connect with me at downtoearthconversations.com or at
F...
2022-12-1135 min
Down to Earth Conversations62. Naomi Toilalo - Whānau Kai, Being Brave, and the Spirit of GivingNaomi Toilalo is a wife, mum, tv presenter, reality TV contestant, and a baker. She runs the Instagram page Whānau Kai and has just released her first cook book of the same name, which is in both te reo Māori and English.
We talk māoritanga, Māori television, family, generosity, and what led to the creation of Whānau Kai.
Check out Whānau Kai on Instagram or Facebook. You can also find Whānau Kai: the Giving Series on YouTube.
Check out Naomi's cook book online or wherever good books are sold.
Donate to my give-a-little page here t...
2022-11-2753 min
Down to Earth Conversations61. Scottie Reeve - Community, Compassion, and How to Walk by MoonlightScottie Reeve is the author of the book, '21 Elephants', and co-hosts the podcast of the same name with the Reverend Spanky Moore (featured on episode 12). Scottie is also passionate about living in community with others, about caring for those who are neglected, or even cast aside, by society, and about how the church can make a real difference in the world
We talk about his time working for the Youth organisation, Zeal, the intentional communities he has lived in, including how they held him in both the great times and the very painful times. And we talk about his r...
2022-11-1357 min
Down to Earth Conversations60. Puna Wano-Bryant - Māori Justice, a Time to Heal, and Remembering ParihakaThis is a very special episode as we prepare to remember the crown invasion of Parihaka on November 5th, 1881. If you don't know the story of Parihaka, you may wish to pause the episode and follow the links below to read a little about what happened. But the short of it was that the Crown ordered troops to invade Parihaka in response to the people of Parihaka showing active non-violent resistance to the confiscation of their lands, and the response of the people of Parihaka was kindness and intentional non-violence.
Today's guest, Puna Wano-Bryant, is from Parihaka, and a couple of...
2022-11-0150 min
Down to Earth Conversations59. Mohamed Hassan - March 15, The Middle East, and How to Be a Bad MuslimMohamed is a former NZ Poetry Slam Champion who represented New Zealand in the World Individual Poetry Slam in 2016. Mohamed has also worked in television and radio journalism in New Zealand and abroad over the last decade, and has produced some quality podcast series for Radio New Zealand. Most recently he is the author of the recently released, "How to Be a Bad Muslim, and other Essays".
We talk about the power of words and storytelling. We hear about some of his experiences as a journalist, including time covering the Middle East including the Palestinian/Israel conflict, and his reporting on...
2022-10-1656 min
Down to Earth Conversations58. Dr Amy Kenny - My Body is Not a Prayer Request: Disability Justice in the ChurchDr Amy Kenny is an amazing human being who has recently released a book titled "My Body is Not a Prayer Request: Disability Justice in the Church." In the book, and in our conversation, Amy shares her experiences of living in a world that is not designed with disability in mind. Sadly, her experience is that it is actually worse in the church than elsewhere.
We talk about her role teaching Shakespeare, her book and how it came about, and we tackle issues such as using disability as a metaphor, healing culture, whether she will run in heaven, whether hitting...
2022-10-0245 min
Down to Earth Conversations57. Tash McGill Takes Over - Inclusion, Changing My Mind, and Three Things to KnowThis being my birthday, I decided to give you a bit of me as a gift from me to you. So I invited the incredible Tash McGill to take over the episode and put me in the hot seat, taking it wherever she wanted to take it. And she does just that.
Tash is a broadcaster, podcaster, creative, storyteller, writer, and strategist. She works in business transformation, especially within the food, beverage and hospitality industries. She is chairperson of the New Zealand Whisky association and has recently been named a finalist in the Spirits Communicator category of the prestigious International Wi...
2022-09-1858 min
Down to Earth Conversations56. Donald Scott - Birds, Silence, and the Interconnectedness of All ThingsI spend a lot of time talking to people doing amazing things in the world. But today we get to hear about being, noticing, listening, and knowing our worth outside of what we do.
Donald Scott is a former shearer and pastor, and is now a spiritual director. He has been on a journey of learning to be, for many years. And he takes us on that journey with him today. It's deeply beautiful and deeply challenging.
We talk about his passion of ornithology (birds), his relatively recent embrace of lengthy silent retreats, how te āo Māori (the Māori w...
2022-09-0454 min
Down to Earth Conversations55. Hannah Hardy-Jones - Postpartum Bipolar, Digital Kites, and Global ImpactHannah Hardy-Jones has taken the challenges of life and turned them into something that is changing people's lives.
Hannah worked in HR until the birth of her first child triggered a manic episode and life changed forever. We talk a little of that journey, however you can hear more of it on episode one of Voices of Hope's podcast, A Moment With.
The focus of our kōrero is what happened from there. How did her newly acquired bipolar disorder lead to the development of her business, The Kite Programme? Why kites? And how does an app help anyone?
We ta...
2022-08-2154 min
Classic SF with Andy Johnson#74 At close quarters in deep space: Lifeboat (1976) by Harry Harrison and Gordon R. DicksonOriginally serialised in Analog magazine in 1975, Lifeboat is a collaborative SF novel by Harry Harrison and Gordon R. Dickson. Can the humans and aliens trapped together in a cramped interstellar escape module find a way to survive? And did Harrison and Dickson deliver an engaging story?Get in touch with a text message!For more classic SF reviews and discussion, visit andyjohnson.xyz. To get free weekly classic SF updates, sign up here.
2022-08-1605 min
Down to Earth Conversations54. Sel Leigh - Decolonising Business, Having Impact, and Knowing You’re Worth ItSel Leigh runs Leigh Development where she gets alongside people wanting to make an impact in the world through business and helps them to achieve that goal.
But if I said this was a conversation about business coaching and mentoring I would be doing Sel a huge disservice. Because what Sel is doing goes so much deeper than that.
We talk about diversity and inclusion, the effects of colonisation even on the way we do business, and about how Sel gets alongside people, encouraging them into and supporting them along their own decolonisation journey.
We also talk about why Sel is...
2022-08-0749 min
Down to Earth Conversations53. Jared Byas - Shifting Faith, Being ’Right’, and The Bible For Normal PeopleJared Byas and his friend, Pete Enns, run a podcast called The Bible for Normal People. They've been having conversations with all sorts of amazing guests for years, bringing a diverse group of voices together and covering a wide range of content with the aim of helping people explore the Bible. Jared is also an author, having written books such as Love Matters More, and his latest, Jonah for Normal People, which is hugely helpful in demonstrating how to read certain kinds of texts while letting go of the demands that some of us were taught to place on the te...
2022-07-2452 min
Down to Earth Conversations52. Alex and Matt Wild - Chiropractic, Community, and a Generous ConnectednessAlex and Matt Wild are a married with two beautiful tamariki. They are the founders and Directors of Connect Chiropractic in Ōtautahi (Christchurch), but they do far more than just work Chiropractic magic. They have set up the clinic using a business model that allows anyone who needs their care to be able to afford it, regardless of their financial situation, which has led to people who usually wouldn't receive care being able to get it, while the business has become a thriving success. They also have a very community focussed practice and see how their support of others returns to...
2022-07-1053 min
Down to Earth Conversations51. Stuart Ennor - Kairos Food Rescue, Building Relationships, and He Tangata, He Tangata, He TangataStuart Ennor is a former youth worker who now, alongside his wife Sarah, runs Kairos Food Rescue in Ōtautahi (Christchurch) including the Kairos Free Store.
We talk about how Kairos started, how Stuart became involved and how the organisation has changed in it's short life. Stuart also shares stories of people whose lives have been changed in remarkable ways through this organisation that simply offers free food to those who need it. It's clear in the conversation that it's about so much more than food for Stuart. It's about dignity, valuing people, and connecting people to others who can help wit...
2022-06-2646 min
MI Music PodcastS2, Ep. 10, Andy Catlin a.k.a. The Lasso, What Makes For a Great Musical CollaborationThe season 2 finale! And we've got a very special, and busy guest with us for this one. We've got Andy Catlin, a.k.a. The Lasso with us! We chatted with Andy fresh off the stage from his performance at Frederick Meijer. We dove into what makes for a great musical collaboration and KJ's day has finally come....we discuss Prince! As Andy is an avid Prince fan as well.
Thank you to everyone that has listened to any or all of the episodes. We really appreciate y'all! We'll see you all for season 3. Until then, stay...
2022-06-211h 22
Down to Earth Conversations50. Michal Bush aka Music with Michal - Children’s Music, Seeing the Good, and Changing the AtmosphereWe celebrate this 50th episode with someone who knows how to celebrate - someone whose job it is to bring joy and fun into the world - Michal Bush, a.k.a Music with Michal, the recently crowned New Zealand Children's Artist of the Year!
Michal a mother of three who has seen her love for music and her kids become a career. Her song Brave won the best song at the 2021 New Zealand Children's Music awards, and followed up with a second place in the children's section of the International Songwriting Competition. She has albums, books, and a loyal fa...
2022-06-1249 min
Down to Earth Conversations49. Age Palmer - Addington Coffee Co-op, West Bengal, and the Business of Doing GoodIf you've spent any amount of time in Christchurch you might well have heard of, or even been to, the Addington Coffee Co-op. A café in Addington, Christchurch, that has developed a great reputation as a café, and also as a business doing good. So it was there I headed this week to talk to one of the founders, and one of the overseers of the café and it's ever growing associated entities, Age Palmer.
Age has been involved in the café since it was just an idea, and has been integral to the whole journey, along with an ever chang...
2022-05-2941 min
Down to Earth Conversations48. Carey Thomas - Education, White Fragility, and Becoming PākehāCarey Thomas is a teacher who has an interest in helping change the education system to reflect our bicultural nature as a country. She has recently finished a Masters Thesis looking at what it means to be a Pākehā engaging with te āo Māori (the world of Māori) and what are the barriers that get in the way of that. She particularly looked at past moments in her own life where she felt a resistance to engage and explored why that was.
We discuss Carey's passion for kids, for teaching, and for change. We talk about the failin...
2022-05-0850 min
SeedsSteven Moe in conversation with Andy DicksonThe 300th episode! Thanks everyone for helping get to this point - in this one it's a bit different as I am in conversation with Andy Dickson who interviewed me for his podcast, 'Down to Earth Conversations' which he called "Law, Seeds and Maximum Impact". We talk about my background and history and I share some of my journey - hope you enjoy this!! Check out his podcast: https://www.downtoearthconversations.com Photo by former guest Stephanie Defregger https://www.stephaniedefregger.com Here is description of episode by Andy: In this epi...
2022-04-2753 min
Down to Earth Conversations47. Craig Watson - Earthquake Recovery, Diverse Church, and Being Gay and Christian in AotearoaCraig Watson has worked in project management for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, the 2012 London Olympics, and also the Christchurch Earthquake Recovery. We talk about all of that and about how his love of people sits first and foremost in his projects. This is a man who really does care.
Craig also shares some of his journey of being gay and Christian, from being raised in the church and fighting with his attractions, to his acceptance of who he is and his desire for safe spaces and belonging for others in the same boat. He shares about Diverse Church NZ - a...
2022-04-241h 00
Down to Earth Conversations46. Gen Mora - OCD, Eating Disorders, and Voices of HopeGen Mora is a survivor. She has battled with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, eating disorders, and anxiety, but is now living a vibrant and happy life where she looks to help others who are fighting their own battles. Along with her good friend Jazz Thornton, Gen founded Voices of Hope - a not for profit that advocates for, and encourages, those who are fighting to be mentally well.
Gen shares about her struggles, her journey to wellness, and how that led to starting Voices of Hope.
Please note that, given Gen's experience and work, there are references to a range of menta...
2022-04-1057 min
Down to Earth Conversations45. Matt Renata - Belonging, Indigenous Theology, and IhumātaoMatt Renata has been a youth worker for many years and is now studying Christian theology through an indigenous lens - specifically a Māori and Pasifika lens. We talk about his years working with youth - how and why he got into it and what he learned about himself along the way. We talk about his exploration of his whakapapa (ancestry), and what a difference that has made to his life. And we dive into his theological study and hear about what he's studying and why it is bringing him so much life.
We also talk about Matt's involvement at...
2022-03-2756 min
Down to Earth Conversations44. Olivia Shivas - Disability, Media, and What’s Wrong With YouOlivia Shivas is a journalist, podcaster and disability advocate. Working for Stuff, Olivia's own experience of disability has shaped her passions and areas of focus in her media role, including the podcast she co-hosted in 2021 about disability that won her an award. During the conversation we also touch on faith, and her roles with various trusts and charities, including her voluntary role as a dj for radio lollipop at Starship Children's Hospital.
Check out the What's Wrong With You? podcast on Stuff or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Read articles by Olivia's at stuff.co.nz/authors/olivia-shivas.
And why n...
2022-03-1338 min
Down to Earth Conversations43. Steven Moe - Law, Seeds, and Maximum ImpactIn this episode I had the privilege of sitting down with lawyer, writer and podcaster Steven Moe. Steven is someone whose life reflects his desire to see change in the world. He loves to support other change makers, as well as role modelling fresh ways of approaching situations.
We talk about his podcast, The Seeds, and he shares how and why it came about. We also explore how he functions as a lawyer who wants to do good in the world. We talk about the ways businesses can structure themselves to have a positive impact on the world, and about be...
2022-02-2750 min
Down to Earth Conversations42. Charlotte Cummings Takes Over - Imperfect Parenting, Mental Health, and Finding the GoodCounsellor, mum, and all around good sort Charlotte Cummings takes over the episode putting Andy in the hot seat. She asks Andy about his journey with redundancy, parenting challenges and joys, his experience of depression and anxiety and subsequent experience of counselling, and where he sees the podcast going in the future.
Connect with Charlotte at charlottecummings.com
To give a little to support the podcast head to givealittle.co.nz
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Connect with me at downtoearthconversations.com or at:
Facebook: facebook.com/downtoearth.conversations
Instagram: @downtoearth.conversations
Email: downtoearth.conversations@gmail.com
Music by Strahan:
Spotify: Strahan
Facebook: facebook.com/StrahanMusi...
2021-12-1252 min
Down to Earth Conversations41. Jeff Chu - Sexuality, Love for the Hateful, and Wholehearted FaithJeff Chu is a New York Times best selling author, a reporter, and an editor. He is the co-curator and co-host of Evolving Faith - a conference, community, and now a podcast. And he's the teacher in residence at Crosspointe Church.
We talk about how he became a writer, what he loves about journalism, and his book "Does Jesus Really Love Me? A gay Christian's pilgrimage in search of God in America." We discuss how to honour those people who don't hold space for you, or even wish you harm. And we talk about his latest offering, "Wholehearted Faith", and wha...
2021-11-2854 min
Down to Earth Conversations40. Petra Bagust - Media Moments, Napalese Tears, and the Beauty of DiscomfortSince debuting on national television on IceTV in the mid-nineties, Petra Bagust has been a staple of New Zealand television and radio. She has brought us many iconic moments, including hosting breakfast after the tragedy of the fatal Christchurch earthquake.
Throughout her media career Petra has always managed to find ways alongside her paid roles to make meaningful contributions to society, to bring awareness or aid in raising funds for good causes, or to champion things dear to her heart. More recently Petra has found herself working alongside episode 4 guest, Frank Ritchie, as a media chaplain - providing support to t...
2021-11-1451 min
Down to Earth Conversations39. Jay Geldard - Broken Villages, Defeating Villains, and Standing Up TogetherJay Geldard is a big man with an even bigger heart. He has spent years of his life dedicated to seeing young people thrive, first as a 24-7 youth worker, and then as the national director of 24-7. Now he has now picked a fight with Tall Poppy Syndrome, trying to change the way New Zealanders see themselves and others, in an effort to reduce suicide rates and see people be all they can be. This new movement, E Tū Tāngata, is in it's infancy but already making waves throughout the country.
We talk about supporting young people, assisting Sch...
2021-10-3154 min
Down to Earth Conversations38. Sarah West - Priest, Protests, and Dirty JusticeSarah West is an Anglican priest in Auckland, tasked with being a chaplain to young adults as part of a community called Ordinary Saints. She is active in matters of justice, including attending protests and organising action around issues she cares about. As well as that she is a fantastic artist and is a wife and mum too.
We talk about being a priest, attending protests, embracing those of other faiths and perspectives, practical ways she is involved in climate justice, intergenerational connection, art and creativity and a whole lot more.
Check out Ordinary Saints on Instagram or check out Th...
2021-10-1753 min
Down to Earth Conversations37. Dylan Jones - Stories, Media For Good, and Holy MomentsDylan Jones from For Good Media joins me to talk about how he is using his film and production skillset to support others who are doing good in the world. To tell important stories with good quality video.
We talk about his journey into film. How the company came about and what it's been like to forge this path in a fairly cut throat industry. We talk fear, creativity, storytelling, holy moments, and much more.
Check out For Good Media at forgoodmedia.co.nz or connect with Dylan on Facebook or Instagram
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Connect with me at downtoearthconversations.com or at:
Face...
2021-10-0337 min
Down to Earth Conversations36. Mataio Brown - Hair, Healing, and She is Not Your RehabMataio Faafetai Malietoa Brown - a.k.a. Matt Brown - is known for his business, My Fathers Barbers, and for the global movement that he started with his wife Sarah, She is Not Your Rehab, inviting men into a journey of healing and wholeness.
Matt and Sarah recently released the best selling book, She is Not Your Rehab, unpacking the kaupapa of the movement with insights from Matt's journey and their journey together.
Matt is a sought after speaker all around the world due to She is Not Your Rehab, yet still has a very grounded focus on family and...
2021-09-1944 min
Down to Earth Conversations35. Courtney Manu - Followers, Finance, and Showing Up for FamilyCourtney Manu is your typical mum, wife, and business owner who just happens to have 13,000 Instagram followers. She built the following around helping people become aware of ways to become financially confident, beginning by sharing her and her husband's own journey out of debt.
We talk about social media, debt, vulnerability, investment, generosity, and how family fits into all of this.
Follow Courtney on Instagram at @themanuss
Find Manawatu Home Budgeting Service at mhbs.org.nz
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Connect with me at downtoearthconversations.com or at:
Facebook: facebook.com/downtoearth.conversations
Instagram: @downtoearth.conversations
Email: downtoearth.conversations@gmail.com
Music by Strahan:
Spotify: ...
2021-09-0542 min
Down to Earth Conversations34. Dietrich Soakai - Knowing Yourself, Speaking Your Truth, and Being a VoyceToday we hear from Dietrich Soakai. A beautiful man with a huge heart, especially for rangatahi, or young people. Currently working for Voyce Whakarongo Mai in youth advocacy, Dietrich has spent a lot of time with young people helping them feel heard.
We talk about growing up in New Zealand as a Pacific Islander, how he discovered poetry and got into youth work and what he saw when those two things were held together, and what he is doing now in the area of child advocacy.
Some te reo Māori, or Māori language terms Dietrich uses include te āo Māo...
2021-08-2257 min
Down to Earth Conversations33. James Harris - Human Dignity, Chess with Asylum Seekers, and Healing in the Australian OutbackJames Harris is passionate about people and has given his life to helping those less privileged than himself. This has led him around the world to a number of places that many of us would never dream of going.
We talk about his passion for youth work, justice, and doing good in the world, and hear how this has been outworked while living and working in Nauru with those in Australian detention centres, influencing the Prime Minister of New Zealand while working for World Vision NZ, and now serving youth in the outback of the land we now call Australia.
Th...
2021-08-0854 min
Down to Earth Conversations32. Lis Rate-Smith - Art, Addiction, and Printing in PrisonToday's guest is Lis Rate-Smith from Drug-Arm, who heads up their Art East initiative.
Lis is an amazing human being who is using art to help people with addictions and/or poor mental health, and to support and upskill men in prison.
Art East recently received the Creative Space Award at the Te Putanga Toi Arts Access Awards, recognising the way that creativity is being used to make a difference in people's lives.
As well as the Art East space, Lis goes into Christchurch Men's Prison as part of the Navigate initiative, started by...
2021-07-1837 min
Down to Earth Conversations32. Lis Rate-Smith - Art, Addiction, and Printing in PrisonToday's guest is Lis Rate-Smith from Drug-Arm, who heads up their Art East initiative.
Lis is an amazing human being who is using art to help people with addictions and/or poor mental health, and to support and upskill men in prison.
Art East recently received the Creative Space Award at the Te Putanga Toi Arts Access Awards, recognising the way that creativity is being used to make a difference in people's lives.
As well as the Art East space, Lis goes into Christchurch Men's Prison as part of the Navigate initiative, started by Pathway Trust (See episode 1) and teaches sc...
2021-07-1837 min
Down to Earth Conversations31. Joel McKerrow - Creativity, Spirituality, and Seeking JusticeJoel McKerrow is an award winning writer, speaker, educator, artist, and one of Australia’s most successful, internationally touring, performance poets. He is the artist ambassador for Tearfund Australia, and a big part of The Justice Conference in Australia.
In this conversation we talk about his creativity, how that connects with his spirituality which has changed over the years, how he got involved in issues of justice, and so much more. We even listen to one of his poems, released earlier this year.
He is inspiring, thought provoking, and is a totally relatable, down to earth human being.
Check out Joel...
2021-07-0455 min
Down to Earth Conversations30. Naomi Nicholas - Waitangi, Four Eyes, and Learning Without ConsumingNaomi Nicholas works for Karuwhā Trust. She is part of helping facilitate learning and understanding about Te Tiriti o Waitangi, a.k.a. the Treaty of Waitangi, particularly amongst non-Māori. For those of you overseas and unfamiliar with it, Te Tiriti is the treaty that was signed between the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand, and the British Crown in 1840. It is also a treaty that was then repeatedly breached by the colonisers, resulting in much pain and loss for Māori. Yet, understood well it is a great platform from which to work towards reconciliation and even justice.
Naomi s...
2021-06-2032 min
Down to Earth Conversations29. Shane Claiborne - Mother Teresa, Beating Guns, and Holy MischiefShane Claiborne is such a beautiful human being and it was a privilege to speak to him. As you will hear in the conversation he has his finger in many interlinking pies.
Shane is just so humble and relatable - just an ordinary guy - yet he has learned that his life can make a difference and has given himself to that.
Some of you will have listened to episode 17 with Caz Tod-Pearson from the Simple way. Shane is one of the founders of the Simple Way and is still part of that community in Philadelphia. We don't go into this...
2021-06-0644 min
Down to Earth Conversations28. April McLennan - Equipping Youth for Lives of Passion and PurposeAs an 18 year old, fresh out of school, April McLennan formed a charitable trust called Limitless to assist teenagers in finding a career path that fits their strengths and values. A few years in, four conferences down and she has learnt a lot. It was a privilege to hear some of that journey.
We talk about how and why it started, what opportunities or barriers being 18 was to getting it going, practicalities of starting a charity, and where she has seen her journey making a difference.
Check out Limitless at limitless.org.nz
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Connect with me at downtoearthconversations.com or at:
Fac...
2021-05-2332 min
Down to Earth Conversations27. Les and Alan Dickson - Helping Others, Old Shoes, and What You Learn About YourselfI am so excited to bring to you a conversation with my mum and dad, Les and Alan Dickson.
Having this kōrero with them was very moving for me, but also was a huge reminder that they are a really big part of why I value what I value. Their commitment to people and love for all is clear throughout the discussion. And while they see themselves as nothing special, they are involved in so much goodness in the world I feel we only just scratched the surface.
We talk about disability support, budget advice, food parcels, offering extra help...
2021-05-0949 min
Down to Earth Conversations26. Alanna Chapman - Wine, Slavery, and Making a DifferenceAlanna Chapman and her husband Pete are the owners of the wine label 27 Seconds. 100% of the profit from 27 Seconds goes to support survivors of slavery. 100%! It is a fantastic story of business and justice colliding and becoming something beautifully unique.
We hear from Alanna about how she and Pete ended up selling wine to support slavery survivors - how they got into the wine business, how it all connects to slavery, how they got their name, and what Alanna has learnt about making a difference.
Find 27Seconds Wine at 27seconds.co.nz or at:
Facebook: facebook.com/27secondswine
Instagram: @27secondswine
And fin...
2021-04-2537 min
Down to Earth Conversations25. Andrew Gardener - Justice, Sperm Counts, and a Broken HallelujahAndrew Gardener is a fantastic communicator and a great thinker. So we get in deep in this episode, going well beyond small talk to some really vulnerable and personal spaces. We talk about his passions for storytelling and creativity, his journey into being an advocate for justice and the search for living a just life, and his exploration of the connection between faith and suffering, including his own challenging journey towards fatherhood.
Andrew has been a key part of The Justice Conference Asia, and a speaker at The Justice Conference Australia.
Connect with him on Instagram at @Andrew_Gardener
Or che...
2021-04-1150 min
Down to Earth Conversations24. Lady Ranapiri-Kupa - Breaking Intergenerational Cycles of ImprisonmentIn this episode I talk to Lady Ranapiri Kupa of Prison Fellowship Aotearoa, aka He Korowai Whakapono. Lady oversees people and programmes that really get alongside families of people who have experienced prison to help to break the generational cycle of imprisonment.
We talk about the tamariki and whānau, about mana, dignity, shame, restoration, and seeing people as people. We look at the programmes PFA run and the kaupapa (reason for being) of the programmes and the organisation.
To connect with Prison Fellowship Aotearoa head to hekorowaiwhakapono.nz or:
Facebook: facebook.com/hkwnz
Instagram: @pfa_hkw
Or for the organ...
2021-03-2841 min
Down to Earth Conversations23. David Hayward @nakedpastor - Stripping Bare the Barriers to FaithThe nakedpastor, David Hayward, joins me to talk about his cartoons, his changing faith, his purpose, not to mention his name! Having been a pastor for 30 years David left and forged a career as an artist, drawing cartoons, painting watercolours, writing books, and leading online communities and courses for those processing faith. We talk about all of that and more.
You can find (and purchase) his work at nakedpastor.com or find him on many social media platforms as @nakedpastor (found here on Facebook or Instagram).
You may wish to view the specific cartoons mentioned in this episode. They can be...
2021-03-1442 min
Down to Earth Conversations22. Hannah Sheath - Paramedic: Saving Lives, Surviving TraumaHannah Sheath is a paramedic. We talk about what the job entails, what keeps Hannah doing it, what brings her joy in the midst of all the hurt, some lighter, more humorous moments in her career, and her empathy towards her patients through having had her own trauma through her pregnancies. We cover the Christchurch earthquakes and Mosque shootings, and Whakaari (white Island) eruption as well and how she was involved in those situations.
Maybe it's the seriousness of the job but I don't think I've laughed this much ever while recording an episode. In saying that, due to the na...
2021-02-2847 min
Down to Earth Conversations21. Andrew Judd - Recovering RacistFormer Mayor of New Plymouth, Andrew Judd, joins us to talk about race from a Pākehā perspective. Andrew had a huge world view shift around race while in the role of Mayor that has shaped his life beyond that.
We talk about what he loved about being mayor, what brought on the shift in thinking and the negative response to that from constituents, and how he sees life now. We cover the issue of Māori wards, and his role in petitioning the government to change the law - and why he feels that is important for NZ. It's an hones...
2021-02-1445 min
Live Wide Awake - Sustainability & Conscious Leadership12. Andy Ridley: mobilising the masses to save our reefs, lessons from founding Earth Hour & why this is the decisive decadeHow can we truly mobilise the masses into practical action? What is happening to our reefs around the world, are they already dead? Why is apathy a big threat to the conversation movement? And how can we maintain our motivation and not slip away into being jaded?
Big questions that we are deep diving into with Andy Ridley, Founding CEO at Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef and Co-founder of Earth Hour, both global efforts to scale modern conversation.
In this podcast episode, we talk about what 21st-century conversation looks like, why if humanity accelerates...
2021-02-0240 min
Down to Earth ConversationsEpisode 20: Andy - Xmas, Relationship, WhānauAndy briefly looks back at a couple of themes from the podcast this year, before inviting us into a slightly different version of the nativity as we head towards Christmas.
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Connect with me at downtoearthconversations.com or at:
Facebook: facebook.com/downtoearth.conversations
Instagram: @downtoearth.conversations
Email: downtoearth.conversations@gmail.com
Thanks to Ignition Networks for their support. If your business needs creative communications solutions, check out https://ignition.net.nz/
2020-12-1313 min
Down to Earth ConversationsEpisode 19 - Michael Kettle - Beautify Waitara: Serving CommunityIn this episode I talk to Michael Kettle from Beautify Waitara. Hear how Mike and some others are using the arts to help with community healing and connection.
It's a beautiful kōrero where Mike demonstrates his love for his community and the value of serving something more than yourself. It is a breath of fresh air in a world where so many are focussed on what they get out of something, rather than the good that can be given through it.
Glossary
Iwi - extended kinship group, tribeHapu - kinship group, clan, subtribe Tangata Whenua - local people, hosts, indigen...
2020-11-2936 min
Down to Earth ConversationsEpisode 18 - Lisa Mead - Accounting for At-Risk KidsLisa Mead, from Social Currency, fits perfectly with the kaupapa of this podcast. She is someone who has looked at the skills and passions she has, and then taken them and used them to make a difference in the world. Not by leaving her accounting profession, but by utilising it to create change for those young people who are deemed 'at risk'.
We talk about why she does what she does, what it was like to leave a stable well paying job to risk it all for these at risk kids, and how she goes about creating change for young pe...
2020-11-1538 min
Down to Earth ConversationsEpisode 17 - Caz Tod-Pearson - The Simple WayIn this episode I chat with Caz Tod-Pearson, director of The Simple Way in Philadelphia. The Simple Way is a community organisation looking to do what they can to love their neighbours in one of the poorest areas of Philadelphia in which they live.
We talk about what the Simple Way are doing to love their neighbours, what drives them to do so, some of the things Caz has learnt along the way, and how Caz sees this as an outworking of loving Jesus.
Find The Simple Way at thesimpleway.org or at:
Facebook: facebook.com/theSimpleWay
Instagram: @the_simple_way
...
2020-10-2549 min
Down to Earth ConversationsEpisode 16 - Manny Koks - A Theology of Hope and Disability pt. 2This is the second part of a two part kōrero, so go have a listen to that one before heading into this one.
In pt. 1 we talked about what led Manny to this combination of theology, hope and disability; about the use of language and what it says about underlying assumptions regarding disability; and we even tackle church healing culture as he has experienced it in his life - does God heal? Why isn't he healing? What does church healing culture say to people like Manny?
In this episode we ask, did God make a mistake when he made peo...
2020-10-1138 min
Down to Earth ConversationsEpisode 15 - Manny Koks - A Theology of Hope and Disability pt. 1Manny Koks is a husband, father, lecturer, theologian, and all round top human being. He is currently completing a PhD, looking at the theology of hope and disability. Manny's interest in this stems from his theological study, combined with his lived experience as someone with cerebral palsy.
This kōrero was so rich that I've split it into two parts with the second half being released as the next episode in a fortnight.
In pt. 1 we talk about what led Manny to this combination of theology, hope and disability; about the use of language and what it says about underlying assumpt...
2020-09-2744 min
Down to Earth ConversationsEpisode 14 - Kat Poi - Courageous Conversations About RaceEvents of this year have once again put race relations to the fore. Yet for many, racism is never off the radar. It is simply part of life. Something they have to deal with on a daily basis.
In this episode I talk to Kat Poi from Courageous Conversations South Pacific about her experiences with racism as wahine Māori, and about her work in training people to have courageous conversations about race.
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Check out Courageous Conversations South Pacific at https://courageousconversation.com/south-pacific/
Photo credit nukuwomen.co.nz
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2020-09-1351 min
Down to Earth ConversationsEpisode 13 - Michelle Green - 30 Years Without Painting: Reclaiming the Lost ArtsArtist Michelle Green joins us to share about her journey in art, why she struggled to believe she could paint, and how she became an artist with paintings all over the world. She also shares about how her journey has influenced her to teach classes to inspire others who think they can't paint by showing them they can.
Check out Michelle's stunning artworks on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Michellegreenartist
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Connect with me at downtoearthconversations.com or at:
Facebook: facebook.com/downtoearth.conversations
Instgram: @downtoearth.conversations
Email: downtoearth.conversations@gmail.com
2020-08-3036 min
Down to Earth ConversationsEpisode 12 - Spanky Moore Takes Over - What Do We Do With Our PowerSpanky Moore, from the 21 Elephants podcast, takes over the episode and turns the questions on Andy. We talk about key moments of learning from Andy's life and, ultimately, what we do with the power we are given.
Spanky is a former punk and radio DJ turned Ordained Anglican Minister and University of Canterbury Chaplain.
Check out 21 Elephants podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.
And as usual, connect with me at downtoearthconversations.com or at:
Facebook: facebook.com/downtoearth.conversations
Instagram: @downtoearth.conversations
Email: downtoearth.conversations@gmail.com
2020-08-1652 min
Down to Earth ConversationsBonus Episode - Blair Ashdowne - Personal and Professional Resilience pt 2Blair Ashdowne, from Episode 9, joins us for a follow up where we dig a little deeper into his journey and some of the ways he was able to turn things around, personally and professionally.
Find Blair at:
Website: heatpumpsnow.co.nz
Facebook: facebook.com/HeatPumpsNOW/
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Connect with me at downtoearthconversations.com or at:
Facebook: facebook.com/downtoearth.conversations
Instgram: @downtoearth.conversations
Email: downtoearth.conversations@gmail.com
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If you need further support around mental well-being, here are some support avenues in New Zealand:
Depression.org.nz
Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz
Healthline – 0800 611 116 – to get help from a registered n...
2020-08-1048 min
Down to Earth ConversationsEpisode 11 - Aaron Hendry - Ending Youth HomelessnessAaron Hendry joins me online to discuss his work with youth who are either homeless, or in danger of becoming homeless. Aaron shares stories from the youth he supports, and talks about the cracks in the system that our young people are falling through.
If you would like to sign the petition to #endyouthhomelessness head to https://our.actionstation.org.nz/petitions/end-youth-homelessness
To hear more from Aaron check out When Lambs Are Silent the Podcast on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/show/5bNyvdQuTlicXECh340j2U?si=H_m80rmyRummj2GLaw0h_Q
or wherever you listen to podcasts.
You c...
2020-08-0246 min
Leadership, the future and teaTalking the future of work with Dickson TangIn this episode, Andy Davies and Iain Moffat interview the podcast's first special guest, futurologist, trainer, and author Dickson Tang. In the conversation, the team contemplates future leadership challenges, the automation of jobs, and how creativity is a fundamental part of a culture for growth. Based in Singapore, Dickson Tang shares his insights on how the nature of the workplace is changing and the new mindset and skillsets that are needed to embrace this. He also leaves leaders with an actionable plan of implementing the three 'i' model to drive creativity within a team:
Individual mindset
Infrastructure
Ideas
2020-07-0128 min
Impact SessionsThe ebb and flow of creating a charity | Paul DicksonIn this wide ranging discussion with, Chief Go Getter, Paul Dickson from OKE Charity. We hear about his journey towards OKE, how it came about and some of his learnings along the way.
This episode was originally recorded nearly a year now, so some of the event references are not up to date. But the content and chat is still relevant.
https://www.oke.org.nz/
2019-10-1145 min