In this episode of HeARTh Tales on Fresh FM, host Rich McCoy sits down with photographer Steve Ford of Wise Dog Studios to explore the emotional heart of photography. From growing up as a solitary youth in a mining town to serving as a ship’s photographer in the Royal Navy, Steve shares how punk music, travel, and personal loss shaped his artistic eye. They discuss the mythopoetic power of the image, the tension between emotion and technique, and why the most powerful photograph Steve ever took wasn’t technically perfect — but perfectly human. It’s a moving, grounded conversation about seeing, feeling, and capturing moments that matter.

In this episode of HeARTh Tales, Rich McCoy speaks with artist, gardener, and third-generation Riverside Community member Che Vincent, whose creative journey bridges sculptural metalwork and the living, evolving art of bonsai. Che shares insights into his deep connection with place, his fascination with growth patterns and fractals, and how native New Zealand species are shaping a unique bonsai style. From shaping flame-cut copper chandeliers to planting immersive forest cathedrals, Che’s work is as much about ecological intimacy as it is about personal expression. A rich, thoughtful conversation about time, patience, creativity, and the quiet protest of growing a tree in a pot.

In this episode of HeARTh Tales, Rich McCoy speaks with acclaimed ceramic artist Daryl Frost about his decades-long journey from builder to potter and his deep dedication to the Anagama wood-firing technique. Daryl shares the raw realities behind his bold, elemental work—crafted through fire, clay, and intuition—including firing his 100th kiln and even using his hip bone in a glaze. With humour and depth, he reflects on risk, creativity, post-firing emotions, and the spiritual alchemy of handmade objects in a world of mass production.

Welcome to Heart Tales, the podcast that shares the stories at the heart of Aotearoa’s rich cultural landscape. Today, we’re honoured to have Donna McLeod with us — an artist whose journey began in a curtain-making workshop in New Plymouth during the Think Big era, where family, creativity, and community came together.

Donna’s path has been shaped by early encounters with iconic New Zealand artists and theatre groups, nurturing Māori stories through libraries and public art. Her work carries a deep spiritual connection — a bolt of lightning that can strike anywhere, anytime.

Join us as Donna shares her experiences weaving Māori heritage into contemporary art, the magic of collaboration across communities, and the vital role of storytelling in preserving culture. We’ll explore the taniwha of Motuika, the power of public spaces for Māori expression, and her inspiring vision for the future of Māori art in Aotearoa and beyond.

In this episode of HeARTh Tales, host Rich McCoy sits down with Rennie Pearson, a multi-instrumentalist whose flute mastery shines in the world of Celtic music. Rennie shares his inspiring journey, from a childhood fascination ignited by Chris Norman to reconnecting with traditional Irish music later in life. He candidly discusses the universal challenges artists face, like self-doubt and impostor syndrome. He reveals his strategies for overcoming creative blocks, drawing inspiration from spiritual practices, nature, and fellow musicians.

Discover how Rennie balances dynamic musical collaboration with heartfelt storytelling in his performances, creating an emotional journey for his audience. We also touch on his unique connection to Celtic heritage, particularly his work in New Zealand and Australia, and his current focus on weaving original compositions into his traditional style. Learn about his project "Half Light" with Bob McNeil and where to find his music.

In this interview, Jamie Smith, co-founder of Kiln Studio and Nelson Clay Week, unpacks the complexities of running a successful creative venture. Hear his experiences on valuing your work, navigating the market, and practical tips for getting your art seen, alongside a discussion on the evolving landscape of pottery in the digital age.

This episode of HeARTh Tales features a conversation with Conway Jeune, a talented musician from Aotearoa, New Zealand, known for his work with Fat Freddy's Drop and TOI. The interview explores his musical journey, influences, and experiences in the industry. It offers insights into his creative process and the collaborative nature of his work, providing a glimpse into the life of a successful musician in the New Zealand music scene.

This engaging interview features Antoinette from Happen Films, a documentary filmmaking duo based in Upper Moutere, Tasman, and Victoria, Australia. Host Rich McCoy, himself navigating the challenges of an alternative off-grid lifestyle in the Tasman region and currently facing bureaucratic hurdles with the local council, warmly welcomes Antoinette. She recounts her unconventional journey into filmmaking after two decades in book publishing, finding a natural partnership with co-founder Jordan Osmond. Their shared passion for addressing global sustainability issues evolved into a focus on telling the stories of individuals making positive lifestyle changes, aiming to inspire wider societal shifts towards a lighter ecological footprint.

Antoinette reflects on the challenges of sustaining motivation through lengthy film projects and the unique power of independent documentaries to reconsider established social narratives. She shares insights into Happen Films' ethical approach to representing their subjects, prioritising trust and ensuring the final product resonates with the individuals sharing their lives. Looking ahead, Antoinette outlines their keen interest in exploring themes of village life, localisation, and community resilience, resonating with Rich's experiences of seeking self-sufficiency and community in the face of external pressures. She also allows listeners to connect with Happen Films and view their inspiring work online and at local screenings.

Join us as we explore the intricate world of Ali Brown, a dedicated flax weaver and author from Aotearoa, New Zealand. For over two decades, Ali has passionately embraced the art of harakeke, sharing her knowledge through five acclaimed books and a deep commitment to accessibility. Discover her journey from a curious beginner to a respected teacher, driven by the beauty and sustainability of this native craft. Ali reflects on her diverse creative past and how it informs her contemporary weaving style, emphasising the importance of understanding the harakeke itself and the cultural tikanga surrounding its use. We delve into the challenges facing weavers today, particularly in valuing their work, and hear Ali's insightful advice for aspiring artists and those seeking to share their creative passions with the world while finding inspiration in the natural world around them.

Rich also rambles about the bright yellow van with a moustache they just purchased that goes into cloaked mode, turning itself invisible on the roads at whim. He also talks about working spaces and his fascination with artists spaces.

This episode of Hearth Tales opens with a personal introduction from the host, delving into their own reflections and ongoing work concerning cultural imperialism. They share thoughts on critiquing media behemoths like Marvel and Disney, touching upon the sometimes humorous ways this critical work has been misunderstood or misjudged.

The core of the episode features an insightful conversation with illustrator and writer Mat Tait. Mat discusses his journey, focusing on his passion for creating children's picture books that often tackle significant Māori narratives like The Adventures of Tupaea and his bilingual retelling of the Rangi and Papa separation story, Te Wehenga – a project born from a story that deeply resonated with him since childhood. He shares his process, which involves deep research through reading and consulting with knowledge holders, and developing text (often initially in te reo Māori) and imagery side-by-side from rough sketches.

Mat reflects on the permeable boundary between myth and the tangible world, acknowledging the responsibility of carrying these living stories and the guidance found within that connection. He explores the multi-layered truths within these narratives, discussing how interpretations evolve and how they manifest as vital cultural throughlines in contemporary society. The conversation also covers the practicalities of working with publishers like Allen & Unwin, navigating the New Zealand book market, and Mat offers valuable advice for aspiring creators, emphasizing that perseverance is often more crucial than innate talent. He also touches upon the character he felt particularly connected to while illustrating – Tupaea.

Adding another layer of personal reflection, the host also shares a poignant anecdote from their own life about the simple act of making a box, connecting it to a meaningful experience with their father dating back 30 years.

Join us for an episode blending critical cultural commentary, Mat Tait's deep artistic insight into bringing myth and history to life, practical advice for creatives, and resonant personal storytelling.