A Beacon of Hope: Recent Episodes
Will Fleming
"A Beacon of Hope" is a weekly podcast that shines a light on the human spirit and explores the power of hope in our lives. Join host Will Fleming as he talks to people from all walks of life about where they find hope in their darkest moments and how they use it to navigate life's challenges.
In this episode of A Beacon of Hope, we're joined by Logan Soole, a dynamic individual whose life is a testament to the power of community. Logan wears many hats: an elected member of the Franklin Local Board for Auckland Council, a company director, a contract worker deeply involved in local business associations, and a passionate advocate for his community in Pukekohe. Beyond his professional endeavours, Logan is a storyteller at heart, sharing candid insights into navigating life's unexpected challenges and the journey of making each moment count.
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Pauline Stockhausen is a beacon of ambition and resilience, whose journey from the constraints of self-doubt to the liberating realisation of self-control is a testament to the power of self-reflection and determination. As a digital director and social media expert, Pauline has been at the forefront of e-commerce and digital campaigns, using her innate understanding of human psychology to engage and inspire. Yet, it's her personal voyage through adversity, a challenging childhood, and the redefinition of hope that truly defines her.In an illuminating conversation with Will Fleming, Pauline delves into her early struggles with the concept of willpower, her fight against the labels imposed by society, and her ultimate discovery that control over one's actions is the true driver of change. Rejecting the conventional notion of hope as a passive force, she adopts a proactive stance towards life, guided by goals, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of what matters to her. Pauline's story is one of transcending the limitations of past traumas to forge a path of deliberate action and unwavering focus on her objectives.Beyond her professional accolades, Pauline is deeply committed to her family, seeking to build a legacy that combines success with kindness and generosity. Her approach to parenting, marked by open communication and unconditional support, mirrors her broader perspective on life: facing challenges head-on and crafting one's destiny with intention and purpose.
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Andrew Kay is an expert in finance, innovation, and community service. With a background in banking and mortgage broking, Andrew offers unique insights to inspire hope through action.Connect with Andrew here: www.simplyfinance.co.nz--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/abeaconofhope/message
Meet Dr. Paul Wood: From a tumultuous youth marked by drugs, crime, and a murder conviction, he made history by pursuing academic degrees inside New Zealand's harshest prisons. Today, he's a renowned leadership expert, working with elite teams like the Hurricanes and government agencies. A passionate advocate for transformation, Paul's insights on resilience, change, and maximizing potential are game-changers. Experience authentic storytelling with Dr. Wood - a testament to the power of redemption and growth.
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Dr. Sharad Paul is a renowned author who weaves skin, science, nature, and stories together to help create meaning in life.Join me, Will Fleming in this powerful conversation with Sharad as we take time to unpack the building blocks of hope, optimism and meaning, together. Follow Dr. Sharad Paul here: https://drsharadpaul.com/
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This week I bring you an awesome podcast episode crossover with Jack from 'Hendos Hot Topics' and me, Will Fleming from 'A Beacon Of Hope'.
I asked Jack if I could share this episode from his podcast because it shines a light on the journey I've been on recently going full-time into my video/podcast business as well as sharing some yarns about the mahi/work I've been doing in the mental health and suicide prevention space.
Follow Jack here: https://linktr.ee/HendosHotTopics
Follow me here: https://campfirestudios.co.nz/
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Turning Pain into Power - Rich Farrell's Rise from Depression to Strongman…
In this inspiring episode, I connect with Rich Farrell, a man whose life's story is a testament to human resilience and the power of internal-strength.
From an abusive marriage, battling depression and anxiety, Rich's life took a downward turn that led to a drug overdose suicide attempt. Miraculously, this dark moment became his turning point, giving Rich a second chance at life.
Rich's journey of recovery has led him to the world of strongman competitions, where he channeled his pain and adversity into physical strength, both in New Zealand and on the international stage. It’s more than just a physical endeavor for Rich. The strongman journey symbolises hope and his ongoing commitment to growth, love, and peace.
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An incredible story of how self-belief and determination beat poverty and discrimination…
In this podcast I talk to an extraordinary man, Vitale Lafaele. Born in Samoa, Vitale or VJ made his mark by serving as an elite soldier in the SAS and later becoming one of NZ’s most decorated police officers. From an immigrant's son facing poverty and discrimination to high-stakes operations, Vitale's story is a testament to profound inner strength and an unyielding determination. Even after career-ending strokes that left him legally blind, he rose again, transforming his destiny into a celebrated keynote speaker. His memoir, 'A Canoe Before the Wind,' narrates his inspiring journey, shining a light on the power of self-belief, resilience, and hope in a life lived with unwavering values.
Link to A Canoe Before the Wind by Vitale Lafaele: https://www.harpercollins.co.nz/9781775542360/a-canoe-before-the-wind/
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How Cam Calkoen Turned Adversity into Extraordinary Success…
On this episode of 'A Beacon of Hope,' I connect with Cam Calkoen for conversation about hope. Cam was born with Cerebral Palsy but has never allowed his circumstances to dictate his potential. Instead, he chose to redefine 'normal' and chase his dreams far beyond his comfort zone. Cam is an inspirational speaker, social entrepreneur, charitable fundraiser, and an athletic gold medalist, defying the odds and inspiring millions around the world.
camcalkoen.com
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Learn from the Woman Who Conquered Death Valley…
This week, I am absolutely delighted to welcome Lisa Tamati to ‘A Beacon of Hope’.
Lisa wears many hats. Ultra-endurance athlete, author, motivational speaker, and an innovative health optimisation coach. Lisa's life and journey are a testament to the incredible power of human potential. But her path has not been without struggle. Lisa has battled self-esteem issues, body image concerns, weight problems, and mental health challenges, such as depression and anxiety. These hurdles have shaped Lisa into a figure of resilience, teaching her to conquer the seemingly impossible, to strive for the extraordinary and to beat the odds.
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He Wanted to Capture 10,000 Dreams...
Fraser Grut was on a mission to film 10,000 dreams, everyday. Basically 30 years of his life interviewing people about their dream each day in order to reach his goal. Spoiler alert - this was one giant mountain to climb - and one that Fraser ultimately had to realise was too big to climb - at least on the first try! So that’s where we pick up on our conversation today. Dreaming big, those dreams turning into a nightmare and the plan forward when you wake up in a cold sweat wondering why you committed to that massive dream in the first place.
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Life Lessons from All Black number 1057…
Traditionally it was only a select few who could get access to our elite sports stars like Luke McAlister and even if you had access - I would argue that it wasn’t authentic and open access. But that was then and this is now and in this podcast, we get to sit down with Luke McAlister for a truly open and honest conversation about his story, what it took to make it to the pinnacle of Rugby, the dedication of Lukes Dad in helping drive him there and the love felt when Luke left New Zealand to play offshore. I ask Luke to share where he finds hope and optimism in life and what his message is for people trying to find hope in thier own life. Specially mention to Cam Kilgour for introducing me to Luke and Justin Feeney who has teamed up with Luke at Elite Athlete Management. Check them out at eamtalent.live
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In this episode, we sit down with Jordan Tuigamala for a conversation about the power of hope and resilience. This podcast is grounded in the sadness of losing a loved one and the path we all must walk in our efforts to put into action all of the lessons of the past for the future.
A bit about Jordan. He married his high school crush Jasmine and he’s a father to Robbie. Jordan is one of four siblings and the eldest child to Inga and Daphne. Jordan went to Kelston Boys High School and calls West Auckland home.
Coming from a sporting family, Jordan has tried his hands at a few, but boxing captured his attention like nothing else. It was literally a punch to the face! Humbled by a girl in sparring one training and that was it, he was hooked. Years later Jordan come through the amateur ranks with his other siblings and had a short stint in the pros. Those years taught Jordan a lot because - sport mirrors life - in many ways. It’s helped Jordan build character, develop socially, gain resilience and all that good stuff. Nowadays, Jordan is giving back to his community through the sport he gained so much from. Jordan can only wish to give someone else the same hope that boxing gave him.
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Diagnosed with Stage 4 Gastric Cancer…
In this episode of 'A Beacon of Hope', I’m honoured to chat with James Visinia, diagnosed with stage 4 gastric cancer. James is a husband and father who is sharing his personal journey in the hope that other men will be brave to get a check up with thier doctor. James also highlights the importance of having a positive outlook in life and how the support of his family has been a huge part of his fight against cancer.
Just a note, there is some electronic feedback in this episode - so there is a weird buzz that happens in the recording from time to time. Sorry about that team - hope you enjoy the episode.
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One man's voyage to rediscover and record the forgotten sounds of our ancestors...
Alpha Maiava is a husband, father, philosopher and award-winning podcaster. Born in Samoa and enriched by a global journey, Alpha is now the Moana Pacific Musics Specialist at SOUNZ. An accomplished marketing knowledge holder, he brings vibrant Pacific stories to life, immersing audiences in the sounds of the Moana.
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Iconic Broadcaster turned professional podcaster Dom Harvey sits down for an honest and revealing conversation about his story...
Most of us know Dom for his time on the radio airwaves but in this episode of 'A Beacon of Hope' you will be introduced to another side of Dom Harvey that may surprise you.
www.dom.co.nz
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From Security Forces Specialist to Business Builder…
In this episode of ‘A Beacon of Hope’ I’m joined by Ryan Turei, a former military operator serving in the RNZAF as a Security Forces Specialist and SERE (Survive Evade Resist Escape) Instructor.
This podcast zooms in on Ryan’s life outside of his military service, following his own path, building his own business and exploring the yin and yang of life - trying to better understand what it means to be in control of your own path forward vs. having a more traditional path laid out for you.
This is a podcast about structure, optimism and hope as well as trusting that you do have something to offer our world.
www.consultcoaotearoa.com
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Undertanding the deeper meaning of BEING WELL also known as WELL BEING…In this episode, I kōrero / have a conversation with a person not easily put in box. The multi-talented Cliff Thompson, a man of many passions and roles and hats. As lead pastor of The Render Gathering, Cliff is a devoted spiritual guide and a loving husband and father to five children.Cliff is also the Head of Wellbeing at New Zealand Rugby League. A dedicated chaplain to the One NZ Warriors & Franklin Bulls, he provides spiritual guidance to the teams, ensuring they're at their best in body, mind, and spirit.But that's not all! Cliff is a gifted digital artist and the creative mind behind Render Creative. His artistic side allows him to express himself and inspire others through his captivating creative and I guess that’s where our conversation weaves today - two people on a voyage - wearing many hats - in an effort to better understand the mind, body and beyond. therendergathering.com--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/abeaconofhope/message
Dr. Lehan Stemmet shares his transformative principles for personal and organisational growth...
Dr. Lehan Stemmet is a renowned expert in personal and organisational development. In this episode we delve into Lehan’s unique insights on leadership, resilience, and neuroscience that will empower you to tackle life's challenges with confidence. A warning, this podcast does talk about sexual abuse so please reach out to your trusted support networks if anything triggers you in our chat today. Let’s jump into the podcast with me Lehan getting stuck in to a chat about archaeology and how it’s like a metaphor for trying to better understand our minds…
dealwithit.ictpro.co.nz
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The Heartwarming Story That Will Leave You Inspired…
This week we welcome the inspiring Edward Uini to share his incredible story of finding hope in helping others find their hope. Eddie founded Orange Sky New Zealand which is a not-for-profit organisation providing people experiencing homelessness with access to free laundry services, warm showers and genuine, non-judgmental conversation, across New Zealand.
In this heartfelt episode, you'll hear about Eddie's journey so far as we dive into the topic of hope and where to find hope when things around you seem hopeless.
This podcast also zooms in on taking the leap of faith when following your own path and how to think about the idea of risk when it comes to your true calling in life.
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A Son’s Emotional Tribute to Her Late Mother's Inspiring Legacy...
In today's deeply moving episode of 'A Beacon of Hope', we take a rare and intimate glimpse into the life of my late Mother, who bravely faced a battle with cancer. It's been a year since her passing, and this marks the first time I've mustered the strength to listen to the full recording we made together during that challenging period.
Join us as we journey back in time, retracing her incredible story of resilience and adaptation, from her early days in Rarotonga to her arrival in New Zealand as a young girl who couldn't speak a word of English. Through her experiences, you'll discover the remarkable woman she was, and the immeasurable love and hope she bestowed upon me.
This episode serves not only as a healing process for me, but also as a gentle reminder to cherish and record the precious moments you share with your loved ones. So, let us honour my Mum's memory by immersing ourselves in her inspiring tale, and find solace and inspiration in the face of adversity.
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Dr. Paul Wood's Journey from Inmate to Inspiration…
Dr. Paul Wood is a renowned motivational speaker, author, and doctor of psychology who has overcome extraordinary challenges to become a beacon of hope for those seeking redemption and resilience. Imprisoned for murder at 18 years old, Paul embarked on a journey of self-discovery and earned his PhD in psychology while incarcerated - the first New Zealander to do so. Now, through his speaking, coaching, and workshops, Paul shares his invaluable insights on overcoming adversity, harnessing stress as energy, and building mental resilience.
paulwood.com
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How Māori Teachings are Transforming Lives in South Auckland...Honoured to welcome Mihaere Emery, a dedicated advocate for Māori culture, a specialist advisor, and a passionate mentor as a guest on the podcast. Mihaere has worked tirelessly to create opportunities for at-risk-youth and support mental health initiatives in South Auckland by embracing the wisdom of the past and using it to challenge the future. Mihaere's journey exemplifies the power of hope and perseverance. Join host Will Fleming as he delves into an inspiring conversation with Mihaere Emery, exploring how his deep connection to Māori culture has shaped his life.
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The Revolutionary Mycelium Tech Transforming the Packaging Industry...
In this week's episode of 'A Beacon of Hope,' host Will Fleming welcomes James Ferrier, a visionary entrepreneur and environmental advocate. As the co-founder of BioFab, James is on a mission to revolutionise the packaging industry with sustainable mycelium-based alternatives. With a wealth of experience in the renewables and environment sector, James shares his journey, insights, and unwavering hope for a greener future. Tune in as we delve into the power of innovation and the potential of biotech solutions to help regenerate our natural environment.
www.biofab.bio
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What is hope? Where do we find hope? How can we harness hope?…
Dr. Alia Bojilova is a registered psychologist with a unique background in resilience and leadership. Growing up in Eastern Europe, Alia immigrated to New Zealand at 17 and went on to serve as Lead Psychologist and Officer with the SAS in the New Zealand Defence Force.
Will and Alia delve deep into the meaning of hope through a physiological lens and its crucial role in our lives, especially during times of crisis and adversity. Alia explores the concept of hope as a dance between our internal resources and external conditions, and how to overcome negativity bias so that we can harness the power of hope by cultivating a deep belief in ourselves and our goals.
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This week, we're joined by comedian Dai Henwood, who graciously opens up about finding hope and giving love to his stage-four bowel cancer…
This is a podcast about many things including, family, love, hope and cancer. Dai has opened up and shared his battle with stage-four bowel cancer that he was diagnosed with almost three years ago and has been undergoing treatment since April 2020. Despite half a dozen surgeries and many rounds of chemotherapy, the cancer has spread to his liver and lungs.
Dai’s message is one of hope and love. He reminds us that even in our darkest of times, there is always something to be grateful for. He encourages us to be mindful and present in everything we do and to cherish every moment and every person in our lives.
Join us for this meaningful conversation that celebrates the resilience and spirit of being human on this episode of ‘A Beacon of Hope’.
Dai Henwood
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How Ryan O'Connor Turned Heartbreak into Hope…
In this episode of 'A Beacon of Hope', we have an inspiring conversation with Ryan O'Connor, the host of 'The Stag Roar' podcast, who shares his incredible journey of hope. Despite facing heartbreak and being unable to live with his daughter, Ryan has shown unwavering love and support for his little girl, becoming her beacon of hope. Ryan is not only a father but also a stepfather and a therapeutic optometrist with 10 years of experience, providing people with the gift of sight and the ability to see the beauty of the world. In this episode, Ryan opens up about his experiences and how he has found the strength to "make it work" and overcome tough situations with the power of love. Tune in to this episode to be inspired by Ryan's unwavering spirit and to learn how to find hope even in the darkest of moments. Don't miss this uplifting conversation that will leave you feeling empowered and motivated to tackle life's challenges with positivity and resilience.
www.stagroar.co.nz
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How Gloria Masters Turned Tragedy into Triumph and Now Helps Others…
Hi everyone, today I had the privilege of speaking with Gloria Masters, a survivor of sex trafficking. Born into a household that embraced this horrifying practice, Gloria's father used her for financial gain, subjecting her to unimaginable suffering for 16 long years. Despite enduring horrendous sexual, physical, and psychological abuse, Gloria held on to hope and in this podcast shares how she used hope to find the courage to rebuild her life.
www.handingtheshameback.org
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Hear How One Man's Journey is Inspiring a Nation...
Are you looking for some inspiration and hope in your life? Look no further than this episode of 'A Beacon of Hope' hosted by Will Fleming. In this episode, Will catches up with the incredible Jimi Hunt, who recently completed an epic 3000+ km walk along the length of New Zealand to encourage connection and improve mental health. Jimi shares how connection is one of the most powerful tools for improving mental health, and how he hopes to inspire and encourage that connection through his latest journey, which he has dubbed "Walking Home". So if you want to be inspired by Jimi's story of adventure, tune in to the latest episode of 'A Beacon of Hope' podcast.
www.jimihunt.com
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"A Beacon of Hope" is a weekly podcast that explores the power of hope in our lives, shining a light on the human spirit. In this episode, host Will Fleming shares a very personal story about how he used hope as a step ladder to navigate through the trauma of the difficult birth of his third child. He shares the decision he and his wife had to make when doctors told them there was no way to keep their baby alive without a breathing machine. Although this left a deep trauma, Will talks about how using hope helped him to stay optimistic and to not let that moment define the rest of his life.
Welcome to "A Beacon of Hope," a podcast that celebrates the power of hope in our lives. Our first guest on the show is Paul Rangiwahia, a wellbeing advocate who is using his artistic talents to spread awareness about mental health.
Paul is on a mission to break down the stigma around mental health and to show that it's okay to have ups and downs in life. He believes that by talking about our mental health, we can help to normalise it and reduce the shame and silence that often surrounds it.
As an advisor and collaborator with companies, government agencies, and schools throughout New Zealand, Paul is empowering people to take charge of their mental health, wellbeing, and happiness. He believes that everyone has the power to make positive changes in their lives, no matter how challenging their circumstances may be.
In this episode, Paul shares his personal journey and talks about where he finds hope. I hope that Paul's story and the message of hope he brings will inspire and uplift you. Join me, Will Fleming, and let's explore the power of hope with our first guest on "A Beacon of Hope" podcast.
"A Beacon of Hope" is a weekly podcast that shines a light on the human spirit and explores the power of hope in our lives. Join host Will Fleming as he talks to people from all walks of life about where they find hope in their darkest moments and how they use it to navigate life's challenges.
This episode of the podcast is proudly brought to you by Campfire Studios. Campfire Studios is impact-led amplifying the voices of Māori and Pasifika communities via podcasting and video content.