Son of Fire - The Hearth Tales Sessions

In this episode, The Harrower is spoken aloud as a short story. What begins as an ordinary evening walk between two brothers becomes an encounter with something ancient, deliberate, and watching. One runs. One remains. Between them, fear, witness, and transformation take hold. Told through shifting perspectives — human, witness, and other — The Harrower explores initiation, terror, mercy, and the...

We talk to painter Alice Power about inspiration, balancing motherhood, her journey, process and philosophy

The Telling of the Keeper is a modern myth spoken from the edge of the sea. A lighthouse, a storm, and a man charged with holding the light steady as unseen forces move through the night. This episode explores duty, witness, and the cost of looking without intervening. Nothing is explained. Everything is illuminated.

In this episode of HeARTh Tales on Fresh FM, host Rich McCoy sits down with photographer Steve Ford of Wise Dog Studios to explore the emotional heart of photography. From growing up as a solitary youth in a mining town to serving as a ship’s photographer in the Royal Navy, Steve shares how punk music, travel, and personal loss shaped his artistic eye. They discuss the mythopoetic power of the ima...

In this episode of HeARTh Tales, Rich McCoy speaks with artist, gardener, and third-generation Riverside Community member Che Vincent, whose creative journey bridges sculptural metalwork and the living, evolving art of bonsai. Che shares insights into his deep connection with place, his fascination with growth patterns and fractals, and how native New Zealand species are shaping a unique bonsai st...

In this episode of He ART h Tales, Rich McCoy speaks with acclaimed ceramic artist Daryl Frost about his decades-long journey from builder to potter and his deep dedication to the Anagama wood-firing technique. Daryl shares the raw realities behind his bold, elemental work—crafted through fire, clay, and intuition—including firing his 100th kiln and even using his hip bone in a glaze. With humour...

Welcome to Heart Tales, the podcast that shares the stories at the heart of Aotearoa’s rich cultural landscape. Today, we’re honoured to have Donna McLeod with us — an artist whose journey began in a curtain-making workshop in New Plymouth during the Think Big era, where family, creativity, and community came together. Donna’s path has been shaped by early encounters with iconic New Zealand artist...

In this episode of HeARTh Tales, host Rich McCoy sits down with Rennie Pearson, a multi-instrumentalist whose flute mastery shines in the world of Celtic music. Rennie shares his inspiring journey, from a childhood fascination ignited by Chris Norman to reconnecting with traditional Irish music later in life. He candidly discusses the universal challenges artists face, like self-doubt and impostor...

In this interview, Jamie Smith, co-founder of Kiln Studio and Nelson Clay Week, unpacks the complexities of running a successful creative venture. Hear his experiences on valuing your work, navigating the market, and practical tips for getting your art seen, alongside a discussion on the evolving landscape of pottery in the digital age.

This episode of HeARTh Tales features a conversation with Conway Jeune, a talented musician from Aotearoa, New Zealand, known for his work with Fat Freddy's Drop and TOI. The interview explores his musical journey, influences, and experiences in the industry. It offers insights into his creative process and the collaborative nature of his work, providing a glimpse into the life of a successful...

This engaging interview features Antoinette from Happen Films, a documentary filmmaking duo based in Upper Moutere, Tasman, and Victoria, Australia. Host Rich McCoy, himself navigating the challenges of an alternative off-grid lifestyle in the Tasman region and currently facing bureaucratic hurdles with the local council, warmly welcomes Antoinette. She recounts her unconventional journey into fil...

Join us as we explore the intricate world of Ali Brown , a dedicated flax weaver and author from Aotearoa, New Zealand. For over two decades, Ali has passionately embraced the art of harakeke, sharing her knowledge through five acclaimed books and a deep commitment to accessibility. Discover her journey from a curious beginner to a respected teacher, driven by the beauty and sustainability of this...

This episode of Hearth Tales opens with a personal introduction from the host, delving into their own reflections and ongoing work concerning cultural imperialism. They share thoughts on critiquing media behemoths like Marvel and Disney, touching upon the sometimes humorous ways this critical work has been misunderstood or misjudged. The core of the episode features an insightful conversation with...

This is an interview with New Zealand oil painter Ewan McDougall, who lives in Ōtepoti (Dunedin) with his writer wife, Sarah. McDougall recounts his unconventional journey to becoming an artist, which involved a brief and disliked stint in law school after being a top student. He then pursued political studies during the Vietnam War era and was involved in rock and roll bands, embracing a party li...

This week, Rich takes a break from formal interviews for a candid, free-flowing chat, offering a glimpse into life on the land in a bus under the oak trees. With autumn rains setting in, they discuss the challenges of off-grid living, from rainwater collection to managing solar power and preparing for the upcoming winter. Alongside the practicalities of bus life, Rich delves into their own artisti...

Join us for an in-depth and profoundly moving conversation with the extraordinary artist, Ari Edgecombe. After a year and a half of planning, we finally explored Ari's captivating creative practice. Delving into their rainbow social histories inspired filmmaking, their tactile and immersive installation work, and their powerful portraiture, we uncover the heart of Ari's art: self-expressio...