Channel Hope Podcast

Building Community & Changing Lives Through the Art of Boxing - with Faafiu Toohill

In this episode we speak with Faafiu (Fiu) Toohill, owner and head coach of Byron Boxing Gym in Papamoa, New Zealand. Fiu discusses his struggles with depression and picking up a criminal record as a teen growing up in South Auckland – and how boxing became pivotal in turning his life around. Fiu's story is one of resilience and hope, discovering our purpose and choosing to live it each day. Through Byron Boxing he is living and teaching the values of self-discipline, self-respect, and perseverance with local youth, adults, and amateur boxers alike; all while fostering a strong, supportive community. Check out https://www.byronboxing.co.nz [https://www.byronboxing.co.nz] for more information.

Sustainable Living to Ease the Cost to People & Planet - with Carolyn Cox

In this episode, Carolyn Cox of Green Business HQ shares her rich experiences as a sustainability expert, transforming communities and businesses for the better. Sustainability isn't just for the elite; it’s a journey of change Carolyn firmly believes anyone can embark on to ease the cost of living and protect the environment. Tune in for some simple, practical steps we all can take for a healthier, happier, more sustainable future. Check out https://greenbusinesshq.com [https://greenbusinesshq.com] for more information and helpful tips.

Overcoming Loss: A Real and Raw IVF Story - with Liz Verkleij

In this powerful episode, Liz Verkleij bravely shares her deeply personal journey through fertility struggles, IVF, miscarriages, and ultimately bringing her miracle daughter into the world. Her story is raw, real, and inspiring - a testament to hope, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit. Liz's story is for those walking a tough path toward parenthood, dealing with societal stigmas that surround fertility and pregnancy. Discover how self-compassion, self-love, perseverance, and kindness toward others sharing our struggles can help us triumph over grief.

Tackling Gambling Harm with Policy and Aroha (Love) - with Cath Healey

In this episode Cath Healey - General Manager of Te Rangihaeata Oranga Gambling Recovery Services - discusses the critical issue of gambling harm in New Zealand. We talk about the wide-ranging impacts of gambling on people and their families, and the importance of public health initiatives and advocacy to help more people escape its avoidable harm. Cath also reveals the growing risks associated with online gambling, community funding schemes underpinned by the gambling industry, and the need for stronger gambling sector regulation through better policy. Hear success stories of families who have overcome gambling harm with kaupapa Māori based counselling and resilience-building strategies, community support, and encouragement to 'disconnect to reconnect' as key to the healing process. Visit https://gamblinghb.co.nz/ [https://gamblinghb.co.nz/] for more Cath and her team's work in this sector.

Championing Women's Health and Cervical Cancer Elimination - with Prof. Bev Lawton

In this episode we speak with Professor Bev Lawton CNZM, 2025 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year and founder/director of Te Tātai Hauora o Hine – the National Centre for Women’s Health Research based at Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand. A prominent and highly recognised women's health champion, Bev shares her dedication over the years to improving women's health, addressing health inequity and avoidable harm issues, and her drive for Government to commit to a cervical cancer elimination strategy and action plan ahead of this year's General Election. For more information about Bev and her team's at Te Tātai Hauora o Hine - National Centre for Women's Health Research check out https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/fehps/centres/ncwhra [https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/fehps/centres/ncwhra]. More on the Centre's newly-announced partnership with the Cancer Society of New Zealand to eliminate cervical cancer, here: https://www.cancer.org.nz/about-us/cancer-society-media-releases/powerful-new-partnership-to-eliminate-cervical-cancer-announced/ [https://www.cancer.org.nz/about-us/cancer-society-media-releases/powerful-new-partnership-to-eliminate-cervical-cancer-announced/]