Burning Bridges Podcast

Send us Fan Mail We are back for Full Volume Episode 4. We kick off with what we've been up to lately — including the Lomipeau Tongan and Māori Cultural Day: the food, the people, the culture, and why days like that matter more than we sometimes give them credit for. Then we get loud about the heavy stuff. What happens when parents keep a secret from their kids — the kind of secret that doesn't disappear, but turns into trauma when it finally comes out? Like finding out the man who raised you isn't your biological father. Discovering a sibling you never knew about. Learning the truth at 30, 40, or even at a funeral. We ask the uncomfortable question: is protecting someone from the truth actually protection? Or are we just delaying the pain and potentially making it worse? Because sometimes the truth burns. But maybe some things are worth the burn. That leads us into the topic of sweeping things under the carpet — the family rule nobody ever says out loud: We don't talk about that. Embarrassment. Family pride. Keeping up appearances. Protecting the family's image. But what does all that silence cost the people who come after us? Sometimes staying quiet keeps the peace. Sometimes staying quiet keeps the problem alive. So we're going there. We're talking about the things families don't want talked about, the secrets that get carried from one generation to the next, and what happens when someone finally decides to break the silence. Stay Loud. Because some conversations are uncomfortable, but they're necessary. And some truths hurt — but they're worth the burn. No scripts. No filter. Just our honest take. Support the show Trigger Warning: This episode may contain stories, experiences, or discussions that some listeners may find confronting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.

Send us Fan Mail Melika Ackinclose takes us into a childhood filled with love, connection and family — memories of a dad who showed up for her through sport and built a lasting impression of what it takes to dig deep. At a young age Melika became a mum, and what she believed would be a life built around love and family slowly turned into something much darker. During her pregnancy, the cracks began to show, and before she knew it, she was trapped in an abusive relationship. What followed was a life lived in fear, control, isolation and manipulation - Domestic violence. A toxic and volatile home where she was constantly trying to protect her now two children while quietly falling apart herself. Her mental health spiralled to a place where she no longer wanted to live, yet she continued to give the man she loved chance after chance — hiding the reality from her family and desperately trying to hold her world together. The moment came when Melika realised that if she wanted to survive, she had to choose herself. She bravely shares the choices she made to finally escape, the terror of leaving, and the heartbreak of discovering that freedom didn't mean the pain was over. Because on the other side of that relationship was another person close to her — someone she trusted, someone who should have been safe, but who would leave her facing another form of manipulation and abuse. This is not an easy story to hear. It is raw, confronting and heartbreaking. But beneath the pain is a woman who refused to stay broken. A mother who fought to survive. And a woman who, after years of fear, finally began to understand that choosing herself wasn't selfish — it was survival. This is Melika's story. Part One. *For anyone seeking support you can ring: 1800RESPECT Trigger Warning: This episode may contain stories, experiences, or discussions that some listeners may find confronting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.

Send us Fan Mail Happy Father’s Day from the latest episode of Full Volume! This one is for the dads — the good, the great, the struggling, the absent, the stepdads, and the fathers who simply wish they could be with their children today. We’re getting real about the highs and lows of fatherhood: what it means to be a dad, the heartbreak of not having access to your children, the impact that separation can have on a father’s mental health, and the often-lacking support for dads who are doing their absolute best. But this episode isn’t just about the hard stuff. We’re also celebrating the beautiful side of fatherhood — the love, the pride, the memories, and the special moments that make being a dad so incredibly meaningful. We celebrate the new dads in our families and the love they’re already pouring into the next generation. And to the mums who are holding it down, the stepfathers who step up, the families navigating complicated circumstances, and especially the fathers who cannot be with their children today — we see you. Fatherhood comes in many forms, and every story is different. So whether today is filled with laughter, love, longing, or a little bit of everything — this one is for you. 💚 Full Volume — Happy Father’s Day. We see you. We hear you. Trigger Warning: This episode may contain stories, experiences, or discussions that some listeners may find confronting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to another episode of Full Volume, the segment of Burning Bridges Podcast where we turn it up and get into it! This one's coming to you live from onboard the Carnival Encounter, docked in Alotau, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. 🚢🌴 Taimana and Renee are talking all things cruise ship life this episode — the ups, the downs, and everything in between when it comes to traveling as a couple at sea. We also get into some of the wildest stories we've heard about things that happen onboard cruise ships (you won't believe some of these). Plus, we take you into Alotau, our first port of the trip, where Taimana picked up a concha shell from one of the locals — and got a hands-on lesson in how to actually play it. Turns out it's way harder than it looks, but the locals were incredible teachers and the whole experience was one of the highlights of the port. Turn it up, tune in, and burn some bridges with us. 🔥 Trigger Warning: This episode may contain stories, experiences, or discussions that some listeners may find confronting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.

Send us Fan Mail Meet Jason Tupou - Tongan-born, raised in New Zealand. Today, he’s a father, a co-founder of Active Heros, and a man on a mission to unlock the potential in every individual through sport. His message is simple but powerful: Creating Possibilities for All Abilities. But Jasons journey took a terrifying turn when he was struck down by sepsis and put in an induced coma for over 2 weeks. He opens up about the demons he faced, the fight to find his way back, and the incredible road to recovery. This is a story about resilience, purpose, courage and refusing to give up. Jason story proves that sometimes the biggest battles create the strongest people. That no one is coming to save you, you have to save yourself. What a story. What journey. Trigger Warning: This episode may contain stories, experiences, or discussions that some listeners may find confronting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.

Send us Fan Mail This is Full Volume, where Renee & Taimana get loud In our first episode, we talk about our first year on Burning Bridges Podcast. - the guests we've had, the challenges we've faced, and everything in between. Pull up, give us your topic, and get our honest take - we might get loud about it next time. Trigger Warning: This episode may contain stories, experiences, or discussions that some listeners may find confronting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.

Send us Fan Mail Jahzia Puohotaua grew up in Whanganui, New Zealand, chasing a father he barely knew into the gang world — until his mother made the call that changed everything, sending him to Brisbane at 11 to start again. At 19, he returned to Brisbane for good, weighing 137kg and squeezed into 4XL pants, fully convinced he’d become a world champion boxer. What followed was “Allegiance Boxing” — training out of a mate’s garage and turning that belief into reality. Jahzia opens up about his professional career being cut short by a medical retirement at 25 after discovering an assist in his brain, and the identity crisis of losing the only thing he’d ever known himself to be. He talks about growing up a white Māori boy fighting to prove where he belonged, becoming a different kind of father than the one he had, and drawing on his years of pre-fight training camps and cutting weight — the do’s and don’ts learned through his own failures and successes — to help other boxers get fight-ready. This one’s about staying staunch when life takes the thing you built your whole identity around. As Jahzia puts it: “Anyone who’s ever judging you isn’t doing better than you. Keep going.” Trigger Warning: This episode may contain stories, experiences, or discussions that some listeners may find confronting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.

Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode, Shaymus Edwards opens up about a childhood marked by rejection, feeling passed between family members, unseen, unsafe, and disconnected. Those early wounds followed him into adulthood, where unresolved trauma led him down the path of meth addiction, poor decisions, and nearly losing everything that mattered most. As a father living in Australia, Shaymus reached a turning point that changed the course of his life forever. What followed wasn't just recovery—it was healing. Immersing himself in his roots and culture, building meaningful relationships and finding strength through brotherhood, Shaymus shares his passion for energy, frequency, spirituality, fatherhood, family, culture and creating safe spaces. This is a raw, emotional conversation about trauma, resilience, forgiveness, identity, and the incredible power of choosing a different path. If this conversation moves you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Trigger Warning: This episode may contain stories, experiences, or discussions that some listeners may find confronting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.

Send us Fan Mail What happens when you take a chance on love... with someone on the other side of the world? In this heartwarming episode of Burning Bridges , Anthony and Bella share their incredible journey from meeting online—Anthony in America and Bella in Australia—to building a beautiful life together on the Gold Coast with Bella's two children. Their story is filled with laughter, honesty, and valuable lessons about modern relationships. They open up about navigating long-distance love, recognising red flags, staying true to their values, and the intentional steps they took to create a strong and lasting marriage. Anthony also shares his experience of leaving the United States to start a new life in Australia, the culture shock, and why he believes Australians embrace a more relaxed, friendly, and carefree way of life. Add in their shared love of fishing, boating, and adventure, and it's easy to see why these two are a perfect match. This episode is a celebration of taking a leap of faith, trusting the process, and discovering that sometimes your soulmate is waiting for you on the other side of the world. If you've ever believed in love, wondered whether online dating really works, or needed a reminder that the best stories often begin with one simple message—this episode is for you. Trigger Warning: This episode may contain stories, experiences, or discussions that some listeners may find confronting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.

Send us Fan Mail Some people are defined by what happened to them. Others decide to rewrite the story. Born and raised in Porirua, New Zealand, Tehira Nargino's journey has been anything but ordinary. Carrying the weight of his childhood trauma, he left home and ventured into a world few would expect—travelling internationally as a performer with one of Australia's most renowned male entertainment groups, Manpower. But behind the stage lights was a man searching for purpose, identity, and healing. Tehira went on to build successful businesses, owning multiple hair salons and establishing himself as an entrepreneur with a relentless drive to create more for his life. Today, he dedicates himself to something even greater: mentoring men, building brotherhood, and leading within his community. In this deeply honest episode, Tehira shares the experiences that shaped him, the lessons he learned, and how he transformed adversity into purpose. This isn't just a story about where Tehira has been—it's about the man he chose to become. Healing isn't about changing your past. It's about refusing to let your past decide your future. Trigger Warning: This episode may contain stories, experiences, or discussions that some listeners may find confronting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to challenge centuries of accepted law and change a nation forever? In recognition of Mabo Day, Burning Bridges travelled to Melbourne to sit down with Bryan Keon-Cohen, the junior counsel who stood alongside Eddie Koiki Mabo and the Meriam people throughout the historic 10-year legal battle that culminated in the 1992 Mabo decision. From 1982 to the landmark High Court decision in 1992, Bryan was at the centre of the case that would forever change Australia's understanding of Indigenous land rights and Native Title. In this powerful and deeply educational conversation, he shares firsthand accounts of the challenges, setbacks, political pressures and personal sacrifices that shaped the Mabo case. Bryan speaks candidly about travelling to Murray Island, meeting with the Meriam people, working alongside Eddie Koiki Mabo. Drawing on his firsthand experiences in the Torres Strait and throughout the Mabo proceedings, Bryan provides rare insight into a case that recognised the traditional land rights of the Meriam people and paved the way for Native Title recognition across Australia. This is more than a history lesson. It is a story of courage, persistence and purpose. Whether you're passionate about Indigenous rights, law, social justice or the power of standing firm in your convictions, this is an episode you won't want to miss. The legacy of Mabo continues to shape Australia today. Understanding how that legacy was built is essential viewing. Burning Bridges Podcast would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians on the land on which we live and pay respects to Elders past and present. Warning: This episode contains the names and discussions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are deceased. Viewer and listener discretion is advised. Trigger Warning: This episode may contain stories, experiences, or discussions that some listeners may find confronting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Blucher — Indigenous boxing coach, father, and mentor — to talk about his life both inside and outside the ring. Andrew opens up about his upbringing, the sports he loved growing up, and the deep pain of losing his father. Now a father himself, Andrew has channelled his experiences into coaching alongside Benny at All Star Boxing, where he proudly trained his two daughters as emerging fighters. He shares the realities of coaching in Queensland boxing, the struggles of finding quality matchups for female boxers, the shortage of fighters in the sport, and the behind-the-scenes challenges coaches and parents face navigating the boxing world. This episode is a conversation about resilience, culture, fatherhood, and fighting for opportunities — both in life and in the ring. Trigger Warning: This episode may contain stories, experiences, or discussions that some listeners may find confronting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.

Send us Fan Mail Born in Brisbane and raised in the rough streets of Sydney’s west, Ben “The Beast” Hussain’s story is built on struggle, identity, and raw survival. With his father deported and raised by a single mother, from a young age, he struggled to find his voice, both literally and in the classroom, making it hard to learn, connect, and fit in. That struggle made him a target, and the bullying only fueled something deeper inside him — a refusal to ever be pushed around again. Ben found his way into a boxing gym and from there, the hunger grew and the discipline sharpened. Today he is ranked #1 in the super middleweight division, with a record of 13-2 and 8 knockouts. Holding titles across WBC, WBA, IBO and Australasia. But what separates Ben isn’t just his achievements — it’s his mindset. This is a fighter who has stepped into the ring with a broken jaw and damaged knuckles and still chose to go to war. No excuses, no fear, just pure grit and determination. In this episode, we dive into the journey behind the fighter — the mentality that drives him and the sacrifices that come with chasing greatness.Now training out of All Star Boxing and preparing for his next big fight on the Melbourne stage, Ben is more focused than ever. But beyond the titles and the violence of the sport, his greatest pride is being a father and protecting the life he’s built. He lives by keeping his circle small, valuing loyalty over numbers, and staying locked in on what truly matters. This is more than a boxing story, its proving that no matter where you start, you can fight your way to the top. Trigger Warning: This episode may contain stories, experiences, or discussions that some listeners may find confronting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we dive deep into Luke Brown’s story—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Raised in a small Australian country town, Luke built a successful life on the outside—a thriving business in the agriculture industry, a strong family foundation, and lifelong friendships. But behind the success, there was struggle. As a young man, Luke battled a drinking problem—blackouts, trouble with the law, and nights he couldn’t even piece back together. In a culture that shrugs things off with “you’ll be right, mate,” accountability was hard to face, and even harder to accept. This episode explores the turning points—losing a mate, watching a close friend battle terminal illness, and the emotional weight that forced Luke to question everything. Despite his success, he felt stuck… like he was living the same day over and over. “It’s not enough for me.” That realisation became the catalyst. What started with running and small wins in social golf turned into something much bigger—the Going Pro journey. A bold mission to qualify for the 2027 Australian Open at 44, using discipline, purpose, and public accountability to change his life. Now off the drink and training full-time, Luke is all in. This is a conversation about identity, pressure, mateship, loss, and what it really takes to take control of your life—when most people would settle. Trigger Warning: This episode may contain stories, experiences, or discussions that some listeners may find confronting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.

Send us Fan Mail 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 finally facing the demons he once buried. Today, Vika leads the UCE Movement—mentoring youth, supporting mental health, and running men’s groups focused on healing and suicide prevention. A powerful conversation about trauma, identity, and what it really takes to break the cycle. Trigger Warning: This episode may contain stories, experiences, or discussions that some listeners may find confronting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.

Send us Fan Mail 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 navigating a hostile environment. The kaupapa began with powerful intentions. The vision was to create a space of healing and unity. A place where people could come together, reconnect, and walk forward stronger. But the journey became complicated. Questions were raised. Trust was tested. People were hurt. What started as a movement of healing slowly became surrounded by confusion, division, and pain - between organisers, supporters and the public. In this kōrero we hear the heartbreak of how a space that began with hope and healing slowly became tangled in lies, pain, and despair. But we also hear something just as powerful — how through those experiences true friendships were formed that became whānau. And within a small group, now known as the LITT Krew, still believed in the Kaupapa and creating a space of whakawhanaungatanga, connection, and healing along the journey. Aperehama and Coley speak honestly about the weight they have carried since then — the guilt, and the feeling of knowing that things did not unfold the way they were meant to. With that comes the courage to face those feelings and walk forward with intention. Now they are walking a different path. A path that leads back to Rātana Pā. A journey of UTU — not revenge, but restoration. A return to balance. A way of putting right what has been thrown out of alignment. Trigger Warning: This episode may contain stories, experiences, or discussions that some listeners may find confronting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.

Send us Fan Mail 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, and what it truly means to build a strong foundation for love and family. A reminder that love doesn’t avoid challenges — it grows through them. Trigger Warning: This episode may contain stories, experiences, or discussions that some listeners may find confronting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.

Send us Fan Mail 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. When his parents moved to Brisbane, Australia he joined them — but the cycle continued. Petty crime turned into heavier offences and prison became a reality. To escape more prison time, he returned to Aotearoa. There, something shifted and he was made to attend Te Wananga Raukawa. Three years later he finishes with a degree. But the real turning point? A men’s group. He attended the same course 3 times, a total of 3 years. Through that journey, he re-discovered his worth, value and voice. He began healing and found solace in music, meeting people and travelling. Today, Uncle Tamahae proudly adorned with his moko kanohi, grounded in culture, wisdom, and self-awareness. Living with spina bifida, having lost his leg, and wheelchair-bound from the age of 16, he refuses to let anything define or limit him. It is proof that: * It’s never too late to heal. * Your past does not decide your future. * A disability does not disable your life. * And no matter how far you’ve fallen, you can rise with dignity and mana. We are deeply honoured to share this kōrero. Share this with someone who needs hope ❤️ And let us know what part of Uncle Tamahae’s journey moved you the most. Trigger Warning: This episode may contain stories, experiences, or discussions that some listeners may find confronting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.

Send us Fan Mail 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 noise, build a winning mindset, and train the next generation of elite fighters. He speaks on the sacrifices, discipline , and relentless hunger it takes to make it - not just in boxing, but in life. Whether you’re a fighter, coach, athlete of anyone chasing something bigger, this episode is your blueprint for greatness. Trigger Warning: This episode may contain stories, experiences, or discussions that some listeners may find confronting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.

Send us Fan Mail 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, he now trains out of Gold Coast, Australia, as a rising force in the IBC (International Brawling Championship). He takes us deep into his world—his daily grind, the mental warfare before every fight, and the soft moments shared with his fiancée Ella, who stands by him through every round in and out of the ring. This conversation is raw, real, and heavy-hitting—just like his punches. Corbin speaks on the power of humility, the quiet strength in healing, and the fire that drives his relentless pursuit of greatness in the ring. Trigger Warning: This episode may contain stories, experiences, or discussions that some listeners may find confronting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.