Kayz talks about his upbringing and the changes that came with becoming a father. He reflects on the day his daughter was born, having to go to court soon after, and how serving his sentence at home gave him precious time with her and helped him find a new sense of purpose.

We also talk about leaving an old lifestyle behind, returning to work, and finding the courage to put himself out there. Kayz shares how he and his mate started their podcast before everything was perfect, and why staying disciplined and remembering your reason for starting matters when the excitement wears off.

Alongside the deeper moments, there are heaps of laughs and real genuine yarns. We get into men’s mental health, being open with your mates, and how sharing your experiences can make a difference in someone else’s life.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tanis talks about his upbringing and reflects on the learnings and changes that come with becoming a father. Tanis shares a story he's never shared before. We also talk about men’s mental health, the importance of talking honestly, and how much it can mean to have someone who will listen without judging.

Alongside the deeper moments, there are plenty of laughs and funny yarns. Tanis talks about finding his way into social media and podcasting, creating content, and building a community by showing up consistently and staying true to what you set out to do. We also get into the value of checking in on your mates, supporting people for who they are, and remembering why you started.

It’s a real conversation about growth, connection and being unapologetically yourself—with plenty of laughs along the way.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our kōrero explores how a setback can become a redirection, a closed door may lead somewhere better when we keep believing in ourselves. Heke reflects on a teacher who saw his potential when he was struggling at school, and how that belief helped change the path he was on. It’s a powerful reminder that one person’s encouragement can stay with us long after the moment has passed.

We also talk about the strength found in identity and belonging. Connection with his culture, whānau, and community has helped ground Heke and shape his sense of purpose and service. His experiences remind us that knowing where we come from can help us find our way forward.

A big part of our conversation is about caring for others while also caring for ourselves. Service matters, but constantly saying yes, trying to please everyone, or neglecting our own needs can lead to burnout. Looking after your own wellbeing isn’t selfish - it helps you keep showing up with care for the people around you.

And when life gets hard, adversity can reveal potential we haven’t yet recognised in ourselves. We don’t need to have everything figured out at once. Small, consistent steps can help us move through a difficult season and towards the person we want to become.

If you’re facing self-doubt, feeling stuck, or wondering what might come after a closed door, I hope this kōrero offers encouragement. Keep connected to who you are, take the next small step, and keep chipping away at the mahi in front of you.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kaysey shares how she found her way into special effects makeup and what it’s really like working in film and television. Working with some of Aotearoa's most well known actors, reconnecting with her Māori roots, learning to set boundaries, and trusting her own intuition. She opens up about a deeply personal experience with her twin sister and the emotions that came with finding out she's about to become an auntie and much more!

A conversation full of depth, learnings, insights, lots of laughter, staying true to yourself, reconnecting with where you come from, and choosing the life you want to create.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I sit down with Sarvi for a conversation about music, creativity, identity, self-doubt and finding your own path.

We talk about how music has been part of Sarvi’s life from an early age, what it means to share music with others, and how performing a song in Farsi helped her connect with her Persian roots.

We get into journaling, trusting yourself, and the importance of having people around you who make it easier to be who you are.

A conversation about creativity, connection and learning to listen to yourself.

Welcome to Modern-Day Connectors.

Follow us on Instagram @modernday_connectors

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We talk about where it all began—from graffiti, freestyles, and falling in love with hip-hop—to building a career that has taken him around the globe. Melodownz shares the reality of turning creativity into a business, the pressure that can come with success, and how he found the spark again in creating music.

We also get into self-belief, manifestation, navigating the highs and lows of life, and the importance of staying connected to where it all began. Melodownz speaks on community, mentoring the next generation, and creating space that help young artists recognise the light they already have inside them.

A grounded conversation about purpose, creativity, identity, and trusting the process.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I sit down with Ben for a conversation about music, identity, creativity, life perspectives and finding your voice.

We talk about how music became Ben's outlet, why connecting with people through music and his story means so much, and the journey of moving from trying to sound like the artists you look up to, to discovering your voice and who you really are.

We get into authenticity, growing through stages of life, competition, creativity, and why sometimes the most important thing is simply to be yourself and keep creating.

A conversation about music, connection and becoming more comfortable with who you are.

Welcome to Modern-Day Connectors.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.