Burning Bridges Podcast

What happens when you take a chance on love... with someone on the other side of the world? In this heartwarming episode of Burning Bridges , Anthony and Bella share their incredible journey from meeting online—Anthony in America and Bella in Australia—to building a beautiful life together on the Gold Coast with Bella's two children. Their story is filled with laughter, honesty, and valuable...

Some people are defined by what happened to them. Others decide to rewrite the story. Born and raised in Porirua, New Zealand, Tehira Nargino's journey has been anything but ordinary. Carrying the weight of his childhood trauma, he left home and ventured into a world few would expect—travelling internationally as a performer with one of Australia's most renowned male entertainment groups...

What does it take to challenge centuries of accepted law and change a nation forever? In recognition of Mabo Day, Burning Bridges travelled to Melbourne to sit down with Bryan Keon-Cohen, the junior counsel who stood alongside Eddie Koiki Mabo and the Meriam people throughout the historic 10-year legal battle that culminated in the 1992 Mabo decision. From 1982 to the landmark High Court decision...

In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Blucher — Indigenous boxing coach, father, and mentor — to talk about his life both inside and outside the ring.  Andrew opens up about his upbringing, the sports he loved growing up, and the deep pain of losing his father. Now a father himself, Andrew has channelled his experiences into coaching alongside Benny at All Star Boxing, where he proudly trained...

Born in Brisbane and raised in the rough streets of Sydney’s west, Ben “The Beast” Hussain’s story is built on struggle, identity, and raw survival. With his father deported and raised by a single mother, from a young age, he struggled to find his voice, both literally and in the classroom, making it hard to learn, connect, and fit in.  That struggle made him a target, and the bullying only fueled...

In this episode, we dive deep into Luke Brown’s story—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Raised in a small Australian country town, Luke built a successful life on the outside—a thriving business in the agriculture industry, a strong family foundation, and lifelong friendships. But behind the success, there was struggle. As a young man, Luke battled a drinking problem—blackouts, troub...

In this raw and emotional episode, Vika Pasefika opens up like never before. From growing up in a tough Samoan household to arriving in New Zealand unable to speak English, Vika shares the pain of being bullied—and how that pain turned him into the bully. Behind the violence was something deeper. Untold trauma. Abuse by someone trusted. Silence that followed him for years. From fighting in the str...

This episode we speak openly to Aperehama-Rua, Coley, and Haati Bei about the journey to set things right after the past Hīkoi of Iwi Whakamahu – Heal the Nation, and the path they are now walking through UTU.   Discussing personal thoughts, experiences, and actions behind two of the organisers Aperehama and Coley, and the movement that began with the intention of healing our people.  And Haati Be...

From growing up in Aotearoa surrounded by family to stepping into new territory on the Gold Coast, Corbin and Ella share their journey of ambition, adversity, and unwavering commitment to each other. Together, they reflect on the setbacks that forced them to level up — not only individually, but as partners.  We talk love, leadership within a relationship, navigating hard conversations, and buildi...

Uncle Tamahae Elkington was born in Porirua, Aotearoa, with spina bifida at a time when doctors didn’t know how to support children and their families with disabilities.  Being hospitalised for two years from a baby, early institutionalisation planted a seed of anger he didn’t yet understand — an anger that followed him into adulthood. Growing up tough, learning to fight in boys’ homes, surrounded...

We step inside the mind of Benny Harrington, owner and head coach of All Star Boxing, as he shares his raw and inspiring journey. From growing up in a working-class Brisbane household to building champions in the ring. With a childhood grounded in all types of sport, Benny excelled early, earning victories in squash, cricket, AFL and finding his true calling in boxing. Now a husband, proud father...

Born in Aotearoa, Corbin Mita carried a heavy weight no child should bear. After surviving sexual abuse, he found the courage to speak up—and the strength to heal through discipline, community, and combat.  His mother did what she could with Western healing methods, but the real breakthrough came when he discovered martial arts—a space where pain turned into power, and silence turned into purpose....

Shubz first ever in person interview, he reveals his Manager Skye & they both delve deep into their own journeys, trauma, lessons and the plan to Heal The Nation - Iwi Whakamahu. In this raw and deeply emotional episode, social creator Schubz opens up about growing up in New Zealand under the shadow of abuse — and how those wounds still shape his adult life. With thousands watching, Schubz use...

In this heartfelt season finale, we sit down with the inspiring Keilah Sauni—a woman who turned her childhood need for approval into a powerful drive for growth, healing, and success.  Growing up in Auckland, Keilah always felt like she had to prove her love to be seen.  Now living in Australia, she shares her powerful transformation story—from emotional struggle to building a thriving successful...

The Cuzzys: Love, Kai & Real Talk w/ TJ & KrystalIn this heartwarming and unfiltered episode of The Cuzzys, we sit down with TJ & Krystal — partners in life, love, parenting, and business. From navigating the highs and lows of building a blended family to creating a home where their tamariki come first, this kōrero is full of laughs, hard truths, and deep connection. They open up about...

In this raw and soul-stirring episode, Sam Jones holds nothing back. Once knee-deep in the underworld—crime, drugs, violence—Sam spiraled through addiction and jail time, hitting rock bottom not once, but three times. But rock bottom became the foundation for a powerful comeback. A young father with everything to lose, Sam made the decision to confront his demons for the sake of his kids—and himse...

What happens when your heart breaks — literally and emotionally — and you have to rebuild your life from the inside out? Nikki Farkas joins us to share her courageous story of surviving sexual assault, a life-threatening heart attack, brutal bullying in school ,emotionally abusive relationships, and the silent longing for a mother’s love. With honesty and grace, Nikki speaks about the struggles of...

Justin Cox - Given up as a baby, moving through three adopted parents. Beaten. Abused. Bullied. Addicted. Suicidal. But something inside him refused to die. In this emotional conversation, JC opens up about his darkest moments — and the pain that nearly destroyed him. Through meditation, mindfulness, and spiritual growth, JC discovered that healing doesn’t mean forgetting — it means facing the pas...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Marcus Schultz, the owner of Breathe Health Clubs Morayfield, to hear his raw and inspiring journey of resilience, transformation, and unshakable determination. Marcus shares his story from adversity in his childhood through to his time in the Australian Army, detailing the physical and emotional toll it took on him—including injuries that led to an addic...

In this exclusive episode, we sit down with  Say True God? , the voice behind the powerful  BLAK  album. He opens up about the inspiration behind his latest music, upcoming collaborations, and what drives him as an artist — including his deep love for his partner and family. We dive into the  struggles, breakthroughs, and real-life moments  that have shaped his journey — from growing up with chall...

How do you turn childhood trauma into personal transformation and business mastery? In this inspiring episode, we sit down with  Rado Trenciansky —an author featured on Amazon, entrepreneur, and speaker—who shares his journey from witnessing domestic violence in Czechoslovakia to building a new life in Australia focused on healing, growth, and legacy. After attending seminars with personal develop...

In this raw and inspiring episode, we sit down with Daniel Proctor, a Māori man born in New Zealand who shares his gripping life journey — from growing up in a violent household and running the streets, to joining gangs, battling addiction, and losing himself in a cycle of trauma, violence, and broken relationships. Daniel opens up about the pain he caused and endured, deep feelings of abandonment...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Andrew Walker, the first Indigenous Australian dual-code international, who opens up like never before. From growing up in country New South Wales to becoming a star in both rugby league and rugby union, Andrew shares the raw truth behind his journey. For the first time, he reveals why he went walkabout from the Wallabies camp—not once, but twice—and the...

In this raw and unfiltered first episode of the Burning Bridges Podcast, I open up about my childhood battles with bullying and a stutter that silenced me, the painful truth I learned about my father years later, and the abusive marriage that followed. This is a journey through my anger, hurt, and betrayal - and how I began to reclaim my voice and my life.