Hearts and Minds

In this episode of Hearts and Minds, Steve and Warrick delve into the complex motivations of young people, exploring the balance between intrinsic and extrinsic factors.

They discuss the importance of understanding personal drivers, the role of relationships in fostering motivation, and how success can be defined in various ways.

The conversation emphasizes the need for purpose in life and how even small contributions can lead to meaningful impacts.

In this episode of Hearts and Minds, Steve Hart and Dr Warrick Wood discuss the often challenging car ride home for parents and young people.

They explore how to navigate awkward silences, the importance of connecting emotionally, and the role of listening in fostering open communication. The conversation emphasizes the need to shift from a pessimistic to an optimistic perspective, particularly in the context of sports and school experiences.

Practical tips are shared for parents to support their children during these moments, highlighting the significance of being authentic and present.

This week we are joined by Dan Vann from Evolution Performance as we discuss thriving under pressure and how to deal with 'stress'.

Dan also narrates us with how he leaned into discomfort and said yes to anything that would help him grow over the course of a year. Tune in to hear about fear of failure, recognising stress and easy hacks for stress relief. We also discuss the benefits of 'reframing' and the importance of breathing well when the pressure is on. This is a great listen. Share, discuss, engage with us if you enjoy this episode. 

Join us for our latest episode as we chat with the wonderful Ezra Neal. An old soul who is an inspiration to many young people through his achievements he joins us to discuss goals, culture, masculinity and how he built his strong sense ofidentity. This is a soothing listen which can inspire us all to reassess our views on the world, where we’re getting our influences from and how we can seek growthevery day.

In this thought-provoking episode, we continue our conversation with the insightful Janelle, who shares her perspectives on the evolving landscape of masculinity. In part two of our discussion, Janelle reflects on the significant shifts she has witnessed over the years, particularly in how gender roles are being redefined by each new generation. This episode delves deep into the nuances of masculinity and its impact on society, family dynamics, and the upbringing of future fathers.

Janelle also discusses her personal experiences as she terms it ‘raising the fathers of her future moko’ (grandchildren). With a focus on cultural values and the importance of nurturing emotional intelligence it’s a great listen.

Additionally, Janelle shares insights from her consultancy business, emphasizing her commitment to preparing the workforce for the generations to come as she aims to create a more inclusive and equitable environment. Tune in for an engaging discussion that inspires listeners to consider the future they are helping to build for the next generation.

In his second appearance on the podcast, Headmaster Nic Hill returns to the studio, this time alongside Principal Steve Hart, for a rich and honest conversation about the state of boys’ education. With a combined 47 years of experience, Nic and Steve bring deep insight into the evolving challenges and opportunities facing young men today, particularly around identity, belonging, and masculinity.

Together with host Katie Stanton, they explore how schools can create environments where boys thrive, not through outdated notions of toughness, but through meaningful relationships, emotional support, and a culture that encourages authenticity. This follow-up episode builds on previous themes while offering new perspectives on how educators, families, and communities can more effectively champion the growth of young men.

In this enlightening episode, we are joined by the remarkable Janelle Riki-Waaka, a passionate advocate for Te Tiriti o Waitangi education and a self-confessed “Mumma Bear.” Janelle brings her wealth of experience in cultural advisory and education to the table, sharing her insights on navigating the often tumultuous teenage years.

Join us as we explore the critical themes of identity and relationship-building during adolescence. Janelle emphasizes the importance of creating strong, trusting connections with our youth, which is essential for their emotional and social development. We discuss how everything in life moves at the speed of trust and how fostering an environment of openness and support can lead to healthier, happier teenagers.

One of the key topics we delve into is the need for greater community engagement in our schools, particularly for those families who may have been affected by past traumas within the education system. Janelle shares her vision for a more inclusive and empathetic approach to education—one that honors the diverse backgrounds of our students and actively involves their communities.

We also touch on the importance of gratitude in our lives, both personally and within our educational systems. Janelle expresses her hope for our politicians to take a stand on the global stage, showcasing the advancements in education, health outcomes, and economic opportunities for our first people.

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that inspires us all to reflect on our roles in supporting our youth and enriching our communities through education. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply passionate about cultural advocacy, this episode is packed with valuable insights!

In this enlightening episode, we welcome back Johnny Leo'o, a passionate advocate for Pasifika culture and identity. Join us as we delve into the profound impact that understanding and embracing one's cultural background can have on fostering a sense of identity and belonging.

Join us as we delve into the intricacies of how understanding and embracing Pasifika heritage can empower individuals to authentically express themselves in their everyday lives.

This episode is particularly special as it coincides with the inaugural Pacific Language Weeks for 2025, kicking off with Rotuman Language Week.

Throughout our conversation, we explore the intricate connection between language and identity, shedding light on how the languages we speak not only reflect our heritage but also strengthen our ties to community.

We explore the role of culture and identity not only in personal life but also within educational institutions and workplaces, shedding light on how inclusivity can lead to a more cohesive and understanding environment.

We discuss practical strategies that can be adopted to foster a more inclusive environment that honours and celebrates cultural diversity.

Johnny's heartfelt perspective serves as a call to action for listeners to embrace and advocate for their own identities while fostering a sense of belonging for others.

Tune in to the full episode for a heartwarming and thought-provoking discussion 

In this insightful episode, host Katie Stanton sits down with seasoned educators Headmaster Nic Hill and Principal Steve Hart to explore the challenges facing boys' education today. With a collective 47 years of experience in boys’ education, Nic and Steve offer invaluable insights into the evolving dynamics of masculinity, identity, and belonging for young men.

They discuss how relationships serve as the cornerstone of effective education—especially in helping boys navigate their unique identities. Throughout the episode, the conversation delves into the notion of masculinity and how societal perceptions have shifted over the years. Nic and Steve also share their observations on when boys tend to flourish.

A key theme  is the central role of relationships in boys' education. Nic and Steve advocate for a supportive school culture where educators are dedicated to championing their students; essential for fostering growth and confidence.

Join us for this episode as we aim to reframe the narrative around boys’ education, equipping listeners with the knowledge and tools to champion young men in their growth journeys.

Join us to hear the second part of the Hammer and Steve chat as they discuss the wrapping up of Hammer’s playing career and his transition into coaching.

Hammer discusses various influential figures in his life both when he was playing and when he was learning his craft with coaching.