ĀIO: a road to peace

Do you struggle in your luteal phase? Are you curious to deepen your understanding of the language of menstrual cycle awareness?

This week on Āio, I am honoured to welcome Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Hugo Wurlitzer, co-founders of Red School and co-authors of the iconic and hugely celebrated books Wild Power: Discover the Magic of the Menstrual Cycle and Awaken the Feminine Path to Power and their latest offering, Wise Power: Discover the Liberating Power of Menopause to Awaken Authority, Purpose and Belonging.

Trailblazers in the emerging field of menstruality, Alexandra and Sjanie are pioneering a...

What becomes possible when we learn to meet the full spectrum of the masculine and feminine within us?

In this episode I sit down with Dan and Jenny Abdelnoor for a rich kōrero on the four quadrants of masculine and feminine energy - and how understanding each of them can bring greater harmony to our inner world, our relationships and the way we move through life.

We explore the many expressions of the masculine and feminine, the parts of ourselves we've learned to favour or suppress, and what happens when these energies begin to w...

What does it really mean to come home to yourself?

In this episode I sit down with author, coach and beautiful human Tracy Manu for a kōrero on identity, self-worth, healing and the stories we carry.

We talk about Tracy's journey reconnecting with te ao Māori, learning to meet our own needs, the beliefs that quietly shape our lives, self-worth in relationships and work, and what it looks like to choose a different story.

A warm, honest, easeful kōrero about knowing ourselves more deeply, meeting the parts of us we've lef...

This might be one of the deepest wānanga we've ever had on Āio to date.⁣
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Humbled and honoured to welcome teacher, mentor and friend Pā Shaquille Shortland to the podcast.⁣
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Pā is an Indigenous knowledge holder from Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Terino and Te Orewai. He is a cultural leader and facilitator with more than 15 years of experience offering kaupapa Māori wānanga, reaching more than 25,000 people.⁣

This is a powerful exploration into mātauranga Māori, whakapapa and the vast world of Atua Māori.

Together we explore th...

There comes a moment in many of our lives when everything we thought was certain begins to unravel.

In this deeply personal episode, I step out from behind the interviewer's seat and into the hot seat myself. Joined by one of my besties, somatic and narrative therapist Robbie Fear, I share the story behind my year-long pause from Āio.

We explore the heartbreak of grieving a future that never came to be, navigating the end of a loving relationship, losing friendships, rebuilding community, and what it means to begin again when every foundation beneath you h...

Tēnā koe, nau mai hoki mai ki Āio.

After eight months off, we are back with an epic Matariki episode featuring Dr Rangi Mātāmua.

If you are wanting to deepen your understanding of Matariki, learn how to prepare for it, and discover ways to honour and celebrate this beautiful time, you are in the right place.

Dr Rangi Mātāmua is a pioneering Māori scholar who has revolutionised our understanding of Māori astronomy, particularly Matariki.

His research has been groundbreaking in its contribution to mātauranga M...

Numbers are more than figures on a page — they hold patterns, archetypes, and stories that shape the way we move through life. 

Today, we journey with expert numerologist Chaz Reid, founder of Soulprint, into the ancient philosophy of numerology. If you love astrology, human design, or personality work, this conversation will surely tickle your fancy. 

With a quest alive in her heart Chaz supports people to align with their purpose and tune into the wisdom of numbers. She shares how numbers can reveal our life path, soul number, and destiny number — offering both personal insight and a...

In today's episode with Saoirse Connolly we are exploring Celtic Goddesses and the multifaceted nature of feminine energy. Saoirse is a powerhouse, heart-led with an embodied awareness of her ancestors walking alongside her. 

She is a mother, mentor, activist, author and founder of House of Wild Publishing and Rebel Ma Collective. Born and bred in Dublin, Ireland, Saoirse, meaning freedom in Irish, carries the fierce spirit of her Celtic ancestors—storytellers, wisdom keepers and rebel women who were a stand for truth and fought for freedom.

This conversation is for anyone wanting to deepen their con...

Today I'm joined by a friend Taylor Sol — a sound alchemist, a mauri-led creative, and one of my favourite humans to giggle and be silly with.
Specialising in the healing frequency of 432 Hertz, Taylor Sol's music is a melodic tapestry of love, woven through the handpan, Native American flutes, taonga pūoro, and a variety of world instruments.

Here, we get a vulnerable telling of his pathway into music and how sound has been his healing modality.

Taylor moves many through his artistic and soulful journeys. He facilitates spaces that can offer such healing and...

In this episode, we are joined by the powerful and poetic Ahi Nyx (Te Atiawa, Ngāti Raukawa, Mōriori), a takatāpui kairaranga (weaver) based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland). Ahi is a living vessel of mātauranga Māori who brings raranga back into our homes, our bodies, our communities — and into the healing of our identity.

Raranga, the sacred art of Māori weaving, is more than a craft — it is a portal to remember who we are.

Together, we enter Te Whare Pora, the spiritual house of weaving, and explore how raranga rec...

In this soul-stirring episode, I sit down with mentor and dear sister Únagh De Brún — founder of The Cacao Ambassador and co-founder of Weave Cacao. Únagh shares her extraordinary journey of reconnecting to her indigeneity and the sacred path of creating a cacao blend drawn from the inspiration of her homeland — Ireland. She speaks into how cacao has become a bridge between worlds, cultures, and ancient wisdom.

Naturally, the Great Goddess is present throughout this kōrero (conversation), anchoring our love and reverence for the Great Divine and the Feminine current.

Together, we explore how true...

This week, we are joined by Vinayak (Vinny) Lohan, co-founder of the family business and movement Mother India. More than just a business, Mother India is a mission—to help you rebuild trust in nature's ability to heal and your own ability to heal yourself through nature's wisdom. They offer Ayurvedic care, sourcing the most potent strains of herbs and medicine, and are deeply committed to lab testing for bioavailability, potency, and purity.

Vinny is a dear brother who brings insightful whakaaro (thoughts) on natural medicine and the evolution of humankind. Together, we explore the concept of be...

Today, we are exploring the vast and mystical world of Atua Wāhine with host Tarikura Kapea. Atua Wāhine are Māori Goddesses, Deities, and Guardians of Aotearoa, New Zealand. These tales have been passed down from generation to generation fostering the people of this land: weaving the sacred, te ao wairua (the spirit realm) and the feminine current that moves through us all. This episode is a remembering, a reclaiming of our devotion to the Great Goddess.

Rooted in ancestral wisdom, Tarikura shares the Māori creation story of Ranginui (the great celestial father) and Papat...

Today I am joined by Prageeth Jayathissa, we unravel the tangled web of cultural appropriation woven through the modern yoga industry. From the colonial roots of yogic practices to the commodification of sacred symbols and the misrepresentation of feminine deities, we hold nothing back. We dive into how capitalism distorts ancient teachings, the unsettling rise of "light supremacy," and why the chakra system you think you know might be more Jungian than yogic. How do we respect yogic roots, serve the community, and still keep the lights on? Join us as we dive into the heart of a powerful...

The voice is one of our greatest instruments, the source of our truth and the vessel through which we communicate with the world. How we interact with our voice has a powerful ripple effect in our lives. Attuning to our true note can offer us courage, confidence, and strength as we walk through this world.

Today, we are joined by Chloe Crouch, a sound alchemist and vocal coach. Chloe was traditionally trained as a singer and plays multiple instruments. She guides people on potent sound journeys and sings from the depths of her soul.

Chloe...

Join us as we explore the vast and glorious world of Aromatic Medicine. Essential oils have been used for centuries in religious ceremonies, medicinal settings, and beauty therapy. They are powerful plant extracts that can directly access your brain!

Essential oils can sometimes get a bad wrap, labeled as 'woo woo' and alternative - in this episode you'll learn how essential oils are far more than just 'pretty smells' but can be used to treat illness and disease.

We are joined by Bo Hendgen, a Doctor of Osteopathy and a Naturopathic Physician with 42 years of...

Today we are exploring Māori birthing practices, we are joined by Tawera Trinder a Māori  midwife who works with whānau Māori alongside their pregnancy journey.

Tawera and her team of wāhine deliver kaupapa Māori antenatal education wānanga, that is enriched with tikanga practices and principles. The kaupapa within the wānanga are delivered, and seen through a te ao Māori lens, in addition to the sensitive and articulate delivery of clinical and midwifery content.

This is a powerfulful lens into the Māori worldview, highlighting the nurturing and spiritu...

In this insightful episode we explore the energetics of magic mushrooms and how psilocybin can support the integration of trauma. Magic mushrooms can be a powerful support for rewiring our subconscious mind and expanding past our limiting beliefs.

We are joined by Raquel Minh, a trauma-informed facilitator, plant medicine guide, yoga teacher, and studio owner. 

She shares from her lived experience in the psychedelic realm and from learned traditions of curanderismo (healing) and yoga.

With a focus on education and harm reduction, she's an advocate for psychedelic mushrooms to support transformations of the b...

Unlock the power of menstrual cycle awareness in this enlightening episode as we explore the four seasons of a woman's inner seasons —spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Discover how understanding these phases can enhance your well-being, intuition, self awareness and self compassion. Whether you're looking to deepen your connection with your body or seeking practical tools for aligning your life with your menstrual cycle, this episode is packed with empowering insights to help you embrace your innate feminine wisdom.

We are joined by Charlotte, a Cyclical Wellbeing practitioner, certified Menstruality Mentor, and graduate of Red School's acclaimed Me...

This week's episode is full power.
We are joined by Chelita Kahutianui-o-te-Rangi Zainey
(Waitaha; Ngāpuhi; Ngāti Kahu; Ngāti Haua; Ngāti Ruanui; Lebanese; Scottish; Irish)

Through the reclamation of her whakapapa and ancestral gifts, Chelita is an established practitioner of the Māori Healing Arts including Mirimiri, Rongoā Māori, Hau Tapu Breathwork, Matakite, and Taonga Pūoro. She works as a conduit and channel for Ngā Mareikura o Waitaha – the Grandmothers of the Waitaha Nation. Chelita has been a practitioner, Teacher, Guide, and Mentor for over a decade.

Chelita is a Certif...

In this captivating episode, we dive deep into the mystical world of astrology, exploring the profound connections between celestial bodies and our personal journeys. We uncover how planetary alignment influences our lives, guiding us toward self-inquiry and introspection.

Today we are joined by Kāren Hunter, a multifaceted woman. She weaves music, astrology and tarot into her offerings, with the intention of contributing to the awakening of humanity. She offers one on one readings, group workshops,  festival performances, shamanic sound journeys and facilitates ceremonies. 

This episode is such poetry, soul medicine if you will.

...

Dive into the mystical world of astrology, where the stars and planets hold the keys to radical self enquiry and acceptance.  In this episode, we'll unravel the ancient wisdom of the twelve astrological zodiac signs, explore the profound impact of celestial alignments, and discover how our north and south nodes can illuminate our paths with clarity and purpose.

Whether you're a seasoned stargazer or a curious newcomer, this is the perfect 101 Astrology episode to satisfy your curiosity and expand your cosmic knowledge. 

Today we are joined by Anoushka Van Rijn, an astrologer, tarot reader, jewelry de...

This ones for my honeys who are working to cultivate a delicious relationship with their inner worlds. Self love you say? Sure it's a hype word at the moment and rightly so - this world needs more people deeply loving and honoring themselves. Gone are the days where this feels selfish. There is so much pain and suffering in the world, sometimes we feel helpless, the work we do internally absolutely contributes to the collective consciousness of this planet. Heal ourselves and we can heal the world.

We are joined today by Kayla Anderson, she is a...

Dr Corin Storkey of Seleno health brings the heat today. This informative episode sheds light on the incredible plant medicine of Maca and Cacao. We dive into the ancient world of indigenous traditions and practices and learn how the energetics of these plants can support our mind, body and spirit.

If you are seeking gentle ways to heal from chronic illness or simply seeking to build more vitality and mauri (life force) this episode is for you.

It's informative, research backed and will leave you feeling inspired to make conscious decisions about your purchases.
<...

We are in for a treat today my loves, a powerful and compassionate transmission from Donna Kerridge. Some may call her the Grandmother of Rongoā, how blessed we are to hear her speak so passionately about the natural world, Te Ao Māori and her craft of Rongoā.

Donna Kerridge (Ngāti Tahinga, Ngāti Mahuta) is a Rongoā Māori (traditional Māori healing) practitioner from Waikato, Aotearoa New Zealand who is deeply connected to our Earth and her wisdom.

She is a humble advocate, healer and leader, passionate about indigenous practices that focus on heali...

Sarsha Hope joins us today to chat all things embodiment and somatic movement.

Sarsha is the visionary and founder of the Somatic Dance International Teacher Training, a groundbreaking program recognized as one of the world's exclusive dance training experiences. It seamlessly integrates somatic facilitation, DJ skills, ritual, energetics, and ecosomatics, all viewed through a trauma-informed lens. This unique methodology creates potent, finely tuned dance containers.

We talk about the difference between embodiment and somatics, how intuition grows when you learn to trust the compass of your body.

This episode will be particularly helpful...

Hello beautiful humans.
Todays episode is so fucking delicious!
We have Sophia Paskell, a friend and incredibly inspiring woman on the pod.

Sophia is a Mother, a Writer, a Childbirth Educator and an experienced Birth Doula. Having attended well over 200 births and part of thousands of pregnancies, Sophia has dedicated 16 years to guiding women inward to a deeper knowing and to strengthen their intuition.

Sophia explores life's intense themes unconventionally — grief, death, fear, love — she encourages full, unbridled expression. Her workshops empower deep self connection to unearth and release authenticity. 

Sophia embra...

This delicious episode is part 2 of healing in relationships - and the focus my honies is how do we  'Stop creating scar tissue and start building the love you desire'.

My partner Shay and I have been in a big love and healing portal this summer. We have been exploring some juicy topics around how we are being more mindful around communication and aspects of our healing. 

We tap into what conflict prevention is and how we can bring potentially charged topics forward early, to reduce the build of resentment and frustration. 

Having har...

We have a juicy episode for you today my loves. A slightly different format than our usual episodes.

Ya gurl fell in love, and this is our story. I called in a super aligned energetic match - and have been in a love and healing portal this summer. 

I have felt so expanded by the journey that I had to bring it to the pod. 

This is a two part episode, the first one is juicy soft feminine vibe that has lessons woven throughout.  

We speak into the realms of  tūrangaw...

Kia ora honeys, welcome to Āio. Grateful you are here.

In todays epsiode we are exploring Cranio-Sacral therapy, a non-invasive form of medicine that focuses on the manipulation and balancing of the craniosacral system. 

It works on the nervous system, and if you are on any kind of healing journey you will know the impact of cultivating a calm working nervous system. 

I am joined today by Jaqs Clarke, a practicing cranio-sacral therapist with an introduction to the Fundamentals of Cranial Osteopathy through the Centre for Continuing Education Osteopathy in Canada. She is dee...

Part 2 of this glorious episode is coming in HOT.
I absolutely love this conversation, please go back and watch part one first so you have some context and lay of the land.

Today, we are joined by Tamsin Kaufman, she is a Naturopath, Medical Herbalist, Nutritionist, & Wellness Facilitator who looks at health with an integrative lens, utilizing ancient earth medicine practices to restore optimal health and vitality. Tamsin is the director of Urth Apothecary, a natural medicine brand specializing in wellness treatments, ceremonies & retreats aligned with the wisdom and healing of Papatūānuku.

This ep...

Welcome honeys, this episode is delicious. We talk about topics that light me UP! This is part 1 of an epic journey that lays ahead.

Today, we are joined by Tamsin Kaufman, she is a Naturopath, Medical Herbalist, Nutritionist, & Wellness Facilitator who looks at health with an integrative lens, utilizing ancient earth medicine practices to restore optimal health and vitality. Tamsin is the director of Urth Apothecary, a natural medicine brand specializing in wellness treatments, ceremonies & retreats aligned with the wisdom and healing of Papatūānuku.

This episode is informative, inspiring and energetically aligns with the co...

Today on the pod we have Jemma Bennet an educator/counsellor/sex therapist in private practice in Tauranga Moana. She is a mum of five and is of Māori and Pākehā descent. Jemma is passionate about  having kōrero (conversations) that supports holistic wellbeing with a focus on facilitating greater emotional wellbeing through loving communication and obliterating shame, approached through an ever growing te Ao Māori lens.

Jemma has had this incredible life, she has been served a series of challenging experiences that have allowed her to touch a vast range of human emotion - what...

Expansive insights from Franko Heke today, an inspiration to this community and beyond for being a steadfast leader, honing his words not weapons, a new kind of leadership that will elevate consciousness around the world!

Franko Heke, with roots in Ngāpuhi Māori and Italian heritage, is a devoted father to two daughters and an artist who channels his passion through mantra and reggae music. He is not just a musician but a catalyst for community wellness, organizing events that nourish the soul and safeguard our Earth. He founded NZ Spirit & Resolution festivals, alcohol-free, family-centric events de...

Welcome to Āio, this episode is different from the rest. A mini episode if you will, a bite size piece of education and inspiration to get your mind and spirit stimulated and moving.

This episode is a collection of small clips that represent Āio: a road to peace. A place for you to explore what inner peace means, how to activate and embody it. 

Our first clip is with Jase Te Patu, who authentically unpacks the Whare Tapa Wha model. A stunning example of the foundational principles of what holistic health truly is. Jase speaks int...

I am beyond excited to have Nila on the podcast today to talk about all things Blue Lotus, Ceremony and connection to higher self.

Blue Lotus, is a water lily native to regions of Egypt, Africa and parts of Asia, this aquatic plant is renowned for its vibrant blue flowers and ethereal fragrance. Throughout history, the Blue Lotus has been revered for its symbolic and spiritual associations, often linked to rituals and ceremonies in ancient Egyptian, Mayan, and Hindu cultures.

Nila is the  Founder of KISS THE EARTH a wellness and beauty brand inspired by t...

Moving our mindset to a more indigenous view will help heal this world. From education to agriculture, from mental health to being community led. The indigenous view communicates our oneness with nature, it highlights a holistic approach and awakens ancient medicine.

Today I am speaking to  Amelia Butler, an educator and lover of Māori culture and language. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree and Māori Land Law degree from the University of Auckland. She lives on Turtle Island (USA) and runs a  business called Learn Māori Abroad, teaching Māori and non Māori abo...

Do you get  intuitive dreams? Sense and feel things that can't be seen? You're not alone honey.

Derek John Thompson is a fully qualified registered practitioner in both Usui Reiki (Advanced Master Teacher) and Karuna Reiki. He is also a certified BodyTalk Practitioner, MiriMiri Massage Therapist and includes Sacred Healing in his sessions.

He shares his intimate stories about how he discovered his intuitive gifts, his dreamstate being a vision of the future and how people can connect with their angels, guardians and light beings.

This one is out the gate, and I L...

In today's episode, we are talking about education and decolonisation.
Two massive topics. Let's dive in.

We talk about creating a pepeha as a pakeha person in Aotearoa and the unique experience of being pakeha that attended a full immersion Māori school.

On the podcast, today is Kiridwen (Kiri) Olds.
She passionate about education, social justice and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Kiri graduated from Victoria University in 2015 with a BA in Environmental Studies, Te Reo Māori and Māori Studies, and received her Masters of Teaching and Learning with Distinction fro...

Matauranga Māori | Wisdom & Māori Knowledge

Today's episode is epic, iconic if you will. The essence of Āio's values and purpose shines so brightly in this episode. I am deeply honored and humbled to bring it to you. 

I am talking to Eve Ahearn, she is of Tainui descent with whakapapa to Ngati Te Ata and Ngati Apakura, she comes from a long line of strong wāhine and matriarchal leadership. As a kaimirimiri and kaiwhitiwhitikoorero her work supports her people to forge better relationships with themselves and others. Eve weaves together her ex...