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Burning Bridges Podcast
Burning Bridges Podcast
Author: Renee & Taimana
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© 2026 Burning Bridges Podcast
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Welcome to Burning Bridges — a podcast rooted in real stories of adversity, resilience, and transformation.
Through raw, unfiltered conversations, we dive into the moments that define us — the rock bottoms, the breaking points, and the sparks that ignite healing.
These are the journeys of people who’ve felt stuck, lost, or shattered... and found their way back to themselves.
Here, we believe in the power of storytelling — not just to inspire, but to connect, to heal, and to remind us that we’re never alone in what we face.
18 Episodes
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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 streets to becoming a father, Vika’s turning point didn’t come easy. Now in Australia, he’s finall...
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 Bei, Aperehama’s whānau, shares her own journey of keeping her family close while navigat...
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 building a life aligned with shared goals. This episode dives deep into, communication, resilience...
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 by violence and survival, he found himself pulled into gangs and a life of crime. W...
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 and leader in Australia’s boxing community, Benny opens up about what it takes to rise above the ...
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. Corbin found more than a gym—he found belonging. Fighting across New Zealand and overseas, ...
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 uses his platform to call out injustice of pedophiles and corruption. He speaks candidly about tryin...
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 beauty business, and stepping fully into her purpose as a coach, mentor and leader.&nbs...
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 their raw journey as step-parents, the challenges of merging two worlds, and how they made love a...
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 himself. Through jail and rehab, he found his way to healing through the practice of 9D breathwork, ...
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 co-parenting, the deep connection with her father, motherhood and how her youngest daughter beca...
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 past with courage and compassion.This episode will move you.JC’s story reminds us that peace isn’t fo...
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 addiction to pain medication. He opens up about the dark reality of suicidal thoughts and just how c...
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 challenges, to finding his purpose through music, and now preparing for his biggest...
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 development giants like Tony Robbins, Rado went on to write two powerful books: 📘 How to Get a B...
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, his struggles and fears, and how his life spiraled out of control.But this isn’t just a story of...
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 personal battles he faced behind the scenes. From moments of triumph to deep struggles, this episo...
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.




















