The Hello Frequency

In this episode, Dulani and I explore how empathy begins with us: through self-reflection, understanding our own behaviours, and learning to respond with compassion rather than criticism. We talk about the importance of making an effort to see where others are coming from, even when we’re not on the same page, and how reflection, forgiveness, and discernment can transform our relationships. Together, we unpack the difference between observation and interpretation, the role of judgement, and the power of choosing when to intervene. As feminist brown aunties ourselves, we remind each other that empathy is not just kindness. It is strength, perspective, and resilience. 

#EmpathyInAction #SelfReflection #InnerWork #CompassionFirst #TransformativeEmpathy #PersonalGrowth #Connections #UnderstandingOthers #ConsciousLiving #FeministVoices #BrownAuntieWisdom #CollectiveStrength #ResilientVoices 

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

In this conversation (recorded in April 2025) , Jenny and I reflect on humility, human rights, and migration while reckoning with colonial pasts and the complexities of our present realities. We explore how race, ethnicity, gender, and dominant narratives shape experiences for people of colour, and why telling our own stories and knowing our histories matters. Together, we consider the difference between sympathy and empathy, what it means to enter someone else’s world, and how connecting physically, emotionally, and spiritually can foster respectful spaces for dialogue. Guided by the belief in Nelson Mandela’s words that Jenny brought to this conversation, “Our human compassion binds us the one to the other - not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future”, this episode invites listeners to imagine new possibilities for sprinkling representation, empathy, solidarity, and peace. 

For a sneak peek into Jenny’s inspiring journey, read about her prestigious award and mahi with E Tū Whānau: Prestigious award for E Tū Whānau kaimahi Jenny Janif 

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

The Hello Frequency is back :) YAY 

In this episode, I return to The Hello Frequency after a much-needed pause. Following the passing of my mum in June 2025, I’ve been slowly finding my way back to the conversations I recorded earlier in the year. This season feels like a turning point. A reminder that even in the midst of grief, there is space for growth, healing, and unexpected silver linings. I briefly speak about how loss has been both a burden and a teacher, showing me how to approach myself with more love as well as reflection. Through these stories and voices, I hope to nurture a shared consciousness rooted in empathy, love, compassion, and peace. This episode is my way of honouring both the pain and the light that coexist within us, and of reminding us all that we can still hold onto hope for a kinder, more compassionate world. 

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

This episode is personal and grief‑laden. If you’re managing loss, please take care. Seek the support you need in your respective locations. You are not alone.  

My blog: https://queerfeministofcolour.wordpress.com/2025/06/12/to-mummy 

Right now, I’m surrounded by grief and a quiet, aching tenderness. I know I need time. I need to care for myself before I can offer anything more of me to the world. So, this podcast will pause. I’ll return when creativity finds me again when I’m ready to share with the kind of presence and clarity you have come to expect here.

Thank you for listening, for being part of this frequency. Until then, take care of yourselves, and of each other. May empathy light our way.

Wishing you all gentleness, rest, love, and time to process and heal. I certainly need them. 

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

My Dear Listeners,  

As I step into the second season of The Hello Frequency, I find myself looking back with immense gratitude and a sense of quiet admiration at the journey this podcast has taken over the past year. What started as a personal exploration of empathy, across both human and non-human experiences, has evolved into a much larger, collaborative project. It has grown in ways I never expected.  

I’m absolutely thrilled to share that some of my listeners reached out expressing interest in being guests on The Hello Frequency. What an honour! You'll be hearing from them in this season, and I’m so excited to continue this journey with new voices and insightful conversations. 

If you haven’t already, I’d be truly grateful if you could subscribe to the podcast on Spotify or wherever you tune in. Your support helps keep this space vibrant and growing. 

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

The Hello Frequency Podcast acknowledges the Tainui people of the Waikato region, where it was recorded. Respects to elders past, present, and emerging. 

Welcome to the first episode of the second year of my podcasting journey. I’m joined by the insightful Suveen as we dive deep into the many layers of empathy: from compassion and spirituality to the ways it’s been boxed into limiting definitions that divide rather than unite. We challenge the norms, unpack our shared humanity, and open up a heartfelt conversation about seeing each other more clearly. This one’s rich, raw, and real.  🎧 Available now on all major platforms. 

#EmpathyUnfiltered #ConsciousConversation#CompassionCulture #HealingThroughWords 

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

Welcome to The Hello Frequency, My Dear Listeners. I am your host, Caya. 

Post Recording Note on 28/11/2024

I am dedicating this last episode of 2024 to the Late Mr. M. H. Cegu Isadeen. To me, he was Haz'a papa. I still remember the day I met him, either in 2017 or 2018. He welcomed me with his spirituality. Everything about him was different-the rocky area he lived in, an open-air theatre or gathering place made of rock formation, a pond, humble belongings, the list goes on. Thank you for all you have done during your time on Earth, Mr. Isadeen. You will be missed. 

Citation: Divakalala, C. (2024). Reflections and Gratitude: A Year of Connection, Growth, and Transformation. The Hello Frequency, A Lifestyle Podcast. 

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

This is a Time for Grieving, but also a Moment to Reflect on Opportunities for Growth and Change. 

In this poignant episode, Mish and I explore the intersections of grief, growth, and the opportunities that emerge from challenging times. We discuss how to be a better Treaty partner and cultivate genuine relationships rooted in an evolving understanding of mana whenua. Together, we reflect on the importance of learning by being amongst communities, fostering cultural freedom, and embracing forgiveness and compassion.

This conversation highlights the value of patience, letting go of perfectionism, and accepting that "not knowing" is a natural part of growth. We delve into how empathy can guide us through moments of loss while helping us recognise the potential for transformation.

From staying connected to navigating the complexities of well-intentioned actions that may inadvertently cause harm, we uncover better methods for empathetic behaviours and creating safe spaces. This episode invites you to reflect on how grief and opportunity can coexist and inspire meaningful change. 

#BeABetterTreatyPartner #BuildGenuineRelationships #BuildingAContinuallyEvolvingUnderstandingOfManawhenua #RealisingWhatWaysWorkForBuildingGenuineRelationships #ToLearnSomethingYouMustBeAmongstIt #CulturalFreedom #Forgiveness #NotKnowingIsFineToo #BeTheBestPersonYouCanBe #NotAspiringToBePerfect #Patience#HowAreWeUsingEmpathyToMoveForward #BestIntentionsCanCauseHarm #ThisIsTheTimeOfGrievingButOpportunity #EmpathyInAction  #StayConnected #BetterMethodsOfEmpatheticBehavioursAndSpaces 

Citation

© Divakalala, C & Mascoll, M. (2024). This is a Time for Grieving, but also a Moment to Reflect on Opportunities for Growth and Change. The Hello Frequency, A Lifestyle Podcast. 

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

From Justice to Restoration: Empathise Like an Abolitionist

In this thought-provoking episode, Simran and I explore what it means to "empathise like an abolitionist." Drawing on themes like radical empathy, restorative justice, critical reflections on our privileged positions, and accountable community building, we dive deep into the challenges and possibilities of fostering genuine human connections and understanding across divides. Together, we examine how we can overcome the barriers imposed by colonial mindsets, reflect critically on the concept of justice, and find ways to create spaces where everyone belongs. This episode is not just about empathy. It is about transformative empathy that fuels a commitment to building a world where nobody is left behind. 

Tune in to explore the power of empathy, honesty, and accountability in reshaping our relationships, communities, societies, and worldviews.

#LoveLikeAnAbolitionist #EmpathiseLikeAnAbolitionist #ThePainOfPartitioning #RadicalEmpathy #NobodyIsLeftOut #CreateSomethingRestorative #HaveEmpathyToRealiseThatAllHumansAreCapable #BeHonestWithYourLimitations #BeOpenToWorkTowardsGettingBetter #UnderstandingRestorativeJustice #CriticalReflectionsOfTheConceptOfJustice #BeingHonestAboutTheBarriers #RiseAboveTheColonisedRestrictionsOfYourImaginationOfWhatsPossible #TraumaInformed #EveryonesGotCapacityToDoHarmAndGood #BuildingAccountabilityToDoMoreGood #AccountableEmpathy #EmpatheticAccountability #ThankYouFriendsCommunities #ProfoundGratitudeToAllShiftersAndTransformers #PowerfulCommunitybuildingWork

Citation

© Divakalala, C & Saini, S. (2024). From Justice to Restoration: Empathise Like an Abolitionist. The Hello Frequency, A Lifestyle Podcast. 

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

The Hello Frequency Podcast acknowledges the Tainui people of the Waikato region, where it was recorded. Respects to elders past, present, and emerging. 

Welcome to The Hello Frequency, My Dear Listeners: I am your host, Caya. 

Balancing Aroha for Our People and Aroha for Ourselves 

In Balancing Aroha for Our People and Aroha for Ourselves, Akasha and I explore the delicate interplay between self-empathy and community care. This episode delves into the journey of developing empathy for oneself, questioning how empathy differs from people-pleasing, and the importance of recognising empathy as something grounded within rather than seeking validation externally. Together, we examine patience, self-compassion, and the clarity that silence can bring as we reconstruct the gendered and racialised nuances often embedded in empathy. 

We also engage in critical reflections on the foundations of tikanga (values and principles) and discuss how empathy, rooted in pauses and silence, allows us to connect deeply with ourselves and others. Topics include managing the time we dedicate to community while ensuring self-care, rebuilding authentic principles, and understanding the courage required to embrace empathy with awareness. We touch on how anxiety can be a persistent presence, and how self-preservation can manifest in silence, guiding us to listen more closely to ourselves and act from a place of inner clarity.

Ultimately, this conversation invites you to approach empathy with intentionality and courage, balancing aroha for others with aroha for yourself.

#HowDoIDevelopEmpathyForMyOwnSelf #TheDifferenceBetweenEmpathyAndPeoplePleasingBehaviours #EmpathyIsNotAboutSeekingValidationFromOthers #HavingPatienceForMyself #SelfCompassion #TheClarityInSilence #QuestioningDeconstructingAndReconstructingGenderedAspectsOfEmpathy #CriticalThinkingIsRequiredToUnpackEmpathy #CriticalReflectionsOnWhatGroundsUsAndWhyWeDoThingsLikeEmpathising #BringMeaningsThatMakeSenseToYouAuthentically #DrivenByAuthenticPurposesThatMakesSenseToMe #RebuildingPrinciplesThatAreAuthenticToYourself #HowDoIManageTimeForMyCommunityWhileNotNeglectingTimeNeededForSelfcare #Aroha #TheFoundationsOfTikanga #EmpathyinThePowerOfPauses #ThePowerOfWhatWeCanHearInSilence #EnhanceTheAbilityToListenToMyself #AnxietyIsTheStubbornLoverThatNeverLeaves #SelfPreservationInSilence #EmpathyWithAwarenessIsACourageousAct 

Citation

© Divakalala, C & Rio, A. (2024). Balancing Aroha for Our People and Aroha for Ourselves. The Hello Frequency, A Lifestyle Podcast. 

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