The Hello Frequency

In this powerfully grounded conversation, my guest, the insightful Ngahuia, and I explore the many layers of empathy. It is guided by asking ourselves, ‘What does it mean to truly see, feel, and stand with one another?’ From first introductions and the quiet comfort of a smile, to the deeper work of kindness, humility, and connection, empathy reminds us who we are and how we relate to the world around us. 

Mana is a Māori concept that speaks to a person’s inner power, dignity, and presence - a life force that comes from being true to oneself and maintaining respect for others, the land, and the wider community.
 It’s both personal and collective: we hold our own mana, and we also have a responsibility to protect and enhance the mana of others. When we act with empathy, humility, and authenticity, we strengthen mana all around us. To explore more perspectives on mana, visit: https://www.nzcer.org.nz/nzcerpress/set/articles/teaching-mana-model-m-ori-framework-reconceptualising-student-success-and?utm_source 

Remember, in a world where discord echoes loudly, let empathy be our pluriversal language! 

In this special episode of The Hello Frequency, I’ve gathered a collection of memorable moments from our 2024 guests: the stories, insights, and sparks of wisdom that stayed with me long after the conversations ended. These short snippets capture the pulse of the year, including moments of clarity, laughter, and genuine connection. Tune in for a reflective and uplifting listen. For me, this episode is a reminder of how powerful our shared frequencies can be. I hope you find it soothing and healing. I do. It also motivates me to keep sprinkling more of what I call critical empathy: the kind that helps us nurture and sustain mutually respectful and rewarding connections. There will be a part two of this episode with many other voices. Thank you for tuning in. 

Remember, in a world where discord echoes loudly, let empathy be our pluriversal language! 

In this thought-provoking episode, Ee Ling  (the author of Fire Dragon Feminism; https://www.bloomsbury.com/au/fire-dragon-feminism-9781350447820/) and I deepen our critical takes on empathy. We want it to be questioned and celebrated. Together, we unpack how empathy is framed in dominant social and political discourses, asking what is truly being promoted when we talk about “being empathetic.” Is it a genuine connection, or a distraction from deeper structural injustices? 

To move towards real change, we argue that collective struggle, solidarity, and a critical awareness of historical continuities are essential. Empathy alone is not enough. It must be accompanied by justice, accountability, and the dismantling of oppressive systems. 

 Citation: Divakalala, C. & Quah, E. L. (2025). The Politics of Empathy: Beyond Feel-Good Morality. The Hello Frequency, A Lifestyle Podcast. 

Remember, in a world where discord echoes loudly, let empathy be our pluriversal language! 

In this heartfelt episode of The Hello Frequency, Archita and I take a thoughtful deep dive into what it truly means to live with empathy, not only towards others, but also towards oneself. We often talk about kindness as something we give away, yet forget that genuine compassion starts from within. With this episode, we’re back in real time, sharing conversations as they unfold, honest and rooted in the present moment. 

If you’ve ever wondered how kindness and self-awareness intertwine, or how to bring more empathy into your daily rhythm, this episode is for you. 

Remember, in a world where discord echoes loudly, let empathy be our pluriversal language! 

What does empathy really mean beyond the buzzword? In this episode (recorded in May 2025), Kiran and I delve into how empathy helps us understand others’ lived experiences, nurture equity, and move past “us versus them” thinking. A reflective listen on learning, openness, and the courage to connect. 

Empathy isn’t just about feeling sorry for someone. It’s about taking the time to truly understand their world. 

Kiran and I talk about how empathy is built, how it’s lost, and how we can reclaim it to bridge divides and celebrate difference. 

Remember, in a world where discord echoes loudly, let empathy be our pluriversal language! 

🌱 In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode (recorded in April 2025), Coral and I delve into the essence of empathy as a living, reciprocal connection, not only between people, but with all forms of life and the natural world around us. We explore what it truly means to listen deeply, to give others the space to express themselves without fear of judgement, and to honour the quiet interdependence that binds humanity to nature. 

This episode invites you to pause, breathe, and remember: we are not apart from nature. We are nature. Every living and non-living thing around us is part of this shared existence. May we move through our days with awareness, care, and humility 🌿 

Gracias, Coral, for reminding us that empathy begins with care! 

Remember, in a world where discord echoes loudly, let empathy be our pluriversal language! 

In this candid conversation, recorded in April 2025, Komal, host of It’s a Nomaste From Me, and I explore the challenges of practising empathy and compassion in a world shaped by unequal systems of power and persistent injustices. At times, anger feels like the only natural response, but living in that state comes at a cost, particularly to our mental and emotional wellbeing. 

Compassion ≠ taking on everyone’s pain. Let’s talk burnout, boundaries & why empathy is a tool, not a burden! 

Find Komal's podcast - It’s a Nomaste From Me - on Spotify and Youtube. 

Remember, in a world where discord echoes loudly, let empathy be our pluriversal language! 

In this episode (recorded in April 2025), Swakshadip and I unravel why compassion alone cannot bring systemic change and how true empathy lies in solidarity, critical reflection, and collective action. We explore what it means to step beyond comfort zones, unlearn ingrained assumptions, and actively fight for justice even when the struggle is not our own. This is empathy that transforms. 

Remember, in a world where discord echoes loudly, let empathy be our pluriversal language! 

Recorded in April 2025, this heartfelt conversation with Aatir explores the many layers of empathy, including how it shapes our work, our care for others, and even how we receive it ourselves. A health and disability sector worker, passionate human being, spiritual soul, and lover of horror films, music, and theatre, Aatir reflects on the stories and lived experiences that have shaped his relationship with empathy. Together, we delve into mana-enhancing approaches to support work, the complexities of self-care, and the importance of normalising accessibility and mental health needs. This episode invites you to sit with the power of empathy, not just as an idea, but as something that “lives in the body,” - in Aatir’s words - and transforms how we connect with one another. 

Remember, in a world where discord echoes loudly, let empathy be our pluriversal language! 

Recorded in March 2025, in this conversation, my guest Sripriya, dives deep into the many dimensions of empathy, beyond the clichés of softness and sentimentality. Together, we explore how empathy is about making space not only for our own realities but also for those of others, without being consumed by negative emotions that can erode our own wellbeing. 

Sripriya invites us to explore empathy as discomfort that, if we stay with it long enough, can create a shift; as aroha and compassion that help us get organised in the world; and as an unapologetic stance that enables accountability alongside care. 

Please note: in some moments the audio quality could have been better, and we apologise for that. 

Remember, in a world where discord echoes loudly, let empathy be our pluriversal language!