Garage Drinks With Mike

It's Level 3 Lockdown here in NZ so because we couldn't get a guest on we decided to switch it up and get Nora to interview me. Try new things right? So this goes a bit more in depth into my background, where I was raised etc. Also gives you a bit of a glimpse into how this podcast is run from behind the scenes, and this is a way more loose chat as we wanted you to get to know us a bit better as the duo behind this podcast. We've added in some images again on the Youtube version to this to keep mixing it up a bit and we hope you enjoy. 

Music as always by @marekothehorse 

Logo by @larissamcm 

and a bit of a mix on the intro logo by @djdox1 which we thought was real cool!

Keven Mealamu is back on the podcast! First repeat guest back on and always such a pleasure to have him in the garage. Here he talks a bit more about what it was like for his father growing up in Samoa, life after rugby, his family and what he does for the community. For the first time as well we have added in some images throughout this podcast on Youtube to try something a little bit different. Link is below. Thank you as always for your time uso. Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdgGyoNhMyc&t=252s

Listeners - You're in for a treat. Reina Vaai is a dynamic Samoan lawyer, journalist and also is the author of children's books. She was great to sit down with as she speaks her mind freely and has strong opinions. I loved having her on as she is such a great example and role model for our young girls (and boys) who aspire to take careers that may seem difficult to get into, or choose career paths that may seem inaccessible.The world needs more Reinas and she is a massive asset to her community. I could go on and on about Reina as she is incredibly multi faceted, but none of what I would say would measure up to how well spoken and eloquent she is - so I will let her do the talking..... Faafetai tele lava Reina for your time.  

Music by @marekothehorse Logo Art by @larissamcm

My bro Rob is an awesome Maori performer and writer - and back in 2009 he attempted to take his own life in a very violent way.... His story to becoming the person he is today that helps inspire and teach people about self love and self care is a story that needs to be heard to be believed. As is with mental health - the journey is lifelong - you are not healed overnight.  If you or anyone you know are feeling depressed or suicidal, help is always a phone call away. Now more than ever is Rob's message so important, to be kind, love yourself and look after others.  "Hurt people hurt people. Healed people heal people."   In NZ you can call or text 1737 which has trained counsellors 24hrs a day available to listen and help. Youthline : 0800 376 633 or text 234 Depression Helpline is 0800 111 757 or text 4202 Lifeline Aotearoa is 0800 LIFELINE (0800 5433543)or text HELP (4357) The National Sexual Helpline is 0800 044 334 or text 4334 Sucide Crisis Line : 0508 TAUTOKO (0508 828 865)  Australia Helpline : Beyond Blue - Support for Depression and Anxiety call 1300 22 4636 Lifeline - 13 11 14 Headspace : For young people call 1800 650 890 For those affected by sexual abuse call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 8255)  The Crisis Text Line : Text HOME to  741741 to connect to a crisis counsellor in the US or Canada.

We've all had that one school teacher we remember who has affected us in a strong way. This one is for all the good teachers out there.  Alosina is a Samoan/Maori school teacher in the far north of NZ and it was great to sit down with her and hear firsthand what it's like to be a teacher today. It's a profession that can't be taken for granted yet often is, but her journey to finding her passion really comes through and is evident in the continual impact she has had in some of her students lives. This is also a talk about finding ones cultural identity and finding your place in the world. Thank you for your time Alosina.

Fiao'o (BlackFern#108​) is a proud Samoan that became the first NZ Black Fern to reach 50 test caps and is a former captain of the team. Incredibly, she has been to 5 RWC's and has been part of the winning team 4 times. However her story is one of humility, success and a path that has always had its challenges. Female inequality in sport, family sacrifices and how to emerge from dark places.... I really enjoyed catching up with her. To go from such humble beginnings of being born in Samoa to being awarded the NZ Order of Merit for services to rugby, and to currently be qualified and working as a detective in South Auckland - this feels like the story of the movie that is still playing out.... Malo 'Aupito Fi for your time, your honesty and your strength.

Dr Tui Matelau-Doherty is a brilliant, young Maori/Tongan academic who has recently achieved her PhD in her early 30s. I have known Tui for a few years and I really enjoyed sitting down with her and getting to know her journey of success and also the roadblocks she has encountered along the way. Tui is born and bred in South Auckland, and from her constant 'can do' attitude through to her future political and academic aspirations, she is someone that will be - if not already - "a voice at the table of decision making". 

Edited by @CANAANENE ​Intro/Outro Music by @marekothehorse Logo by @larissamcm

Bun Leng is the owner of delicious Papakura Satay Noodle House, and yet he is so much more. He was great to talk to, is a natural hilarious chatterbox so the podcast went was easy to do and had it's own flow. Bun is extremely honest, a genuine person about his challenges and faults but also very successful because of his ability to always check himself and be honest with himself. Communities need more business owners like Bun that are also always thinking of ways to give back to their local communities.   Thank you for your time bro and I wish you and Jas all the best. Bun's IG - @sataynoodlehouse Intro/Outro Music by @marekothehorse Logo by @larissamcm T-Shirt from @wewakegiant

Beulah Koale is a Samoan father, husband and actor who across the last 12 years has managed to build himself a career with various roles in TV, Theatre and Film. He currently lives in Hawaii, but has come back to NZ for Christmas so he kindly stopped by the garage to catch up on where he's at. His journey thus far has been of various challenges and successes, but through his tenacity he has forged the person he is today. I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation and the phrase "Boys to Men" comes to mind as his growth and maturity really come through while always remaining a true SOUTHSIDER.

Keven Mealamu is a veteran 132 test cap All Black who is a great role model and an all round genuine, cool guy. Was humbling to have him in for my first episode and I really enjoyed sitting down and talking to him. He does so many more things today for his local community including running his gym FIT60, and we didn't have enough time to cover everything so I will definitely have him in again.