Channel Hope Podcast

In this episode we speak with Faafiu (Fiu) Toohill, owner and head coach of Byron Boxing Gym in Papamoa, New Zealand. Fiu discusses his struggles with depression and picking up a criminal record as a teen growing up in South Auckland – and how boxing became pivotal in turning his life around. Fiu's story is one of resilience and hope, discovering our purpose and choosing to live it each day. Throu...

In this episode, Carolyn Cox of Green Business HQ shares her rich experiences as a sustainability expert, transforming communities and businesses for the better. Sustainability isn't just for the elite; it’s a journey of change Carolyn firmly believes anyone can embark on to ease the cost of living and protect the environment. Tune in for some simple, practical steps we all can take for a healthie...

In this powerful episode, Liz Verkleij bravely shares her deeply personal journey through fertility struggles, IVF, miscarriages, and ultimately bringing her miracle daughter into the world. Her story is raw, real, and inspiring - a testament to hope, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit. Liz's story is for those walking a tough path toward parenthood, dealing with societal stigmas tha...

In this episode Cath Healey - General Manager of Te Rangihaeata Oranga Gambling Recovery Services - discusses the critical issue of gambling harm in New Zealand. We talk about the wide-ranging impacts of gambling on people and their families, and the importance of public health initiatives and advocacy to help more people escape its avoidable harm. Cath also reveals the growing risks associated wi...

In this episode we speak with Professor Bev Lawton CNZM, 2025 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year and founder/director of Te Tātai Hauora o Hine – the National Centre for Women’s Health Research based at Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand. A prominent and highly recognised women's health champion, Bev shares her dedication over the years to improving women's health, addressing health in...

Life coach and mindfulness mentor, Jacinda Crothers, opens up about her corporate workplace bullying experience and the profound impact it had on her career path and outlook on life. Jacinda shares how navigating this experience requires choosing personal growth by embracing change, relinquishing control over people and situations, facing our mortality, and exercising mindfulness to connect more f...

In this episode we speak with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia survivor, Vonda Nepia, about how her cancer journey drove her to uncover her whakapapa and whenua (Māori ancestors and ancestral land ties), moving to live on ancestral whenua post-cancer, and the health advocacy work she leads on behalf of Māori communities (the indigenous peoples of New Zealand). She discusses the shock of being given 72 hour...

Anna Ward of Art Therapy Gold Coast shares her journey from developing her artistic abilities in childhood to discovering and becoming an Art Therapy practitioner. We discuss the various clients she works with, using creativity as a profound and impactful tool to unlock healing and improve wellbeing. We dive into art therapy's accessibility in both New Zealand and Australia, its integration with m...