Kia Ora. Welcome to episode 34 with my friend Phil. Phil was brought up in California in a religious family. He started feeling and knowing he was ‘different’ when he was around four years old. Phil liked boys but he also knew that he needed to hide that to fit in. Phil talks to us about his life of confusion as he tried to navigate his childhood. Then when he became a teen he realized there was a name for how he was feeling. Gay. He was met with bullying, however, when he confided in a trusted friend and his high school found out. His days were met with violence and verbal abuse. His parents kicked him out of home and then he became homeless. He tried to make it work but one night gave up and attempted suicide. He was saved and then found a new vigor for life and graduated high school and went to college. Phil has been married to his husband since it was legal in Idaho and has been with James almost 22 years. He’s now an educator for Paul Mitchell and is thriving. Come listen to a story of courage and connect with Phil. Ka kite ano au i a koutou

Kia Ora and welcome to episode thirty two. This is my friend from my childhood, Matthew. We grew up together for almost the first decade of my life. Then they moved to Hamilton and that’s where things took a turn for the worst for Matthew. In his story, he recounts the bullying that happened to him in highschool and how it made him want to take his own life. He’s here with us today, however, so he leads us on his journey of why he didn’t and what life has looked like since. It’s so important to be aware and kind. Matthew’s story is a reminder to be good to each other and to help and speak up where we can. Come listen to his moving story. Ka kite ano ou i a koutou.

Kia Ora. Welcome to my thirty first episode. I’ve been absent for a couple of months this summer and so talk about what I’ve been up to and why it’s been hard to keep up with the blog. We went on a trip in our van and school started as well as MTB season. I worked all summer. This is a first for me for a long time. Thanks for being here. Hope you’ll listen. Ka kite ano ou i a koutou.

Kia Ora and welcome to the beginnings of my mother’s story. She tells us stories from her childhood from the ages of 0 -12 years old. I only knew roughly 10% of what she told me. It was amazing to sit and listen to the epic stories of my mothers childhood. How she and my Uncles and Aunties survived is a modern day miracle. These adventures are what childhood in the 50’s in NZ were made of. Life is certainly different now. So sit back and relax for an hour and come listen to my mothers stories of her childhood. You won’t regret it. Ka kite ano au i a koutou.

Kia Ora. Welcome to episode twenty nine, Healing Kiwi Travels. This episode is me talking about my recent trip back to NZ and Australia last month. It’s a quick one week trip to see Bro B one last time. I mixed in seeing my family as well as some high school mates along the way. I learned a few things about myself and share what I learned with you in this episode. I’m glad you’re here and hope you enjoy my continued story. Ka kite ano au i a koutou.

Kia Ora and welcome to episode twenty eight. You get to meet Jared and hear his amazing story. What Jared has done in his life is stunningly beautiful. He’s worked hard and become successful and has put his whole heart into all of his work. From Law firm Kirkland and McKonkie then Young Living, Zulu grill, voice of the vanishing and now Amare Global, Jared has ventured to help make this world a better place. And after listening to his story you’ll see he’s done exactly that. He makes you want to do more and be more just by being around him. He’s one of the good guys and I’m so grateful he took time out to share with you all his story of passion. His biggest passion is his three beautiful children as well. So come listen to Jared’s story and you’ll end up loving him as I do. Ka kite ano au i a koutou

Kia Ora and welcome to episode twenty seven. This is my journey and story. This year has been a tough one, emotionally. So I dive into why and what I’m doing to cope, or not cope in some ways. Just the season and the cold weather, motherhood, injuries and things out of my control. These all contribute to a perfect storm of depression that I fight to get out of. I’m starting to feel better and have some things I’m looking forward to as well. I hope you’ll come listen and learn to more of my story. Thanks. Ka kite ano au i a koutou.

Kia Ora. Welcome to this episode with Paula. Paula was a single mother of four who put herself through school to become a social worker then a trauma therapist. She started to find a common thread in her line of work and amongst her workers……signs of sexual trafficking. She decided to sell her business and make it her life’s mission to fight this battle. Listen to what she does for these victims. Paula helps us to see the signs and educate us on what to do to help. She partners with law enforcement to fight these traffickers and bring them to justice. Her mission is to provide a safe place for these victims and give them whatever they need to move forward in their lives so they can gain their life back and sometimes their children. Paula’s story is a must listen to. Thanks for all the support. Ka kite ano au i a koutou.

Kia Ora and welcome to the next kiwi episode. This one is random facts about my childhood. Little things that I fill you in about. I relate it to why I’m the way I am now and talk about the future of the podcast and ask for some advice. I love sharing my story with each of you and am grateful for all your support. Ka kite ano au i a koutou.