CREATIVE EXPRESSION w/ Brenden Rolston

Samar Ocean Wolf Ciprian is a practitioner, teacher, and guide whose work sits at the intersection of body, mind, spirit, and land. She holds a deep connection to the earth, its rhythms, its intelligence, and the understanding that we are not separate from the living world, but part of it. At the core of Samar’s work is a belief that healing happens in community, and that as humans, we carry an innate capacity to return to wholeness. Samar teaches Qoya, a movement-based practice developed by Rochelle Schiek, and trains teachers through the lens of compassionate decolonisation, creating spaces where outdated beliefs can be released and deeper healing can emerge. In this conversation, Samar shares her own lineage and ancestry, and how this shapes her relationship to land, identity, and healing. Together, we explore what it means to face our shadows, to unlearn inherited patterns, and to reconnect with a more grounded and human way of being. Please note this conversation was recorded prior to the recent attacks by Israel and the US on Iran. Follow Samar: Instagram: https://www.samaroceanwolfciprian https://www.instagram.com/tulixindigenousarts Tul’ix Indigenous Arts, Qoya,Yoga Retreats & Facilitator Trainings:  https://www.samaroceanwolfciprian.com/ https://www.tulixindigenousarts.com/ Podcast sponsor: ActionHQ - https://www.actionhq.co  Follow Brenden: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenden-rolston-1337053a/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creative.expression.nz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@creative.expression.nz 

Today we´re talking about something that touches every one of us at some point in our lives - mental health.This conversation is about understanding what mental health actually is, reconising it in ourselves, and learning practical tools to navigate it with courage and compassion.Maria is on a mission to normalise mental health and remove the intergenerational and cultural stigma that has kept too many people silent.With 25 years of experience in the clinical and health sector, her training spans person-centered counselling, psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, and clinical casework supervision. Maria is the Clinical Director at Hearts & Minds, a community mental health charity, and a Member of the International Council of Integrative Psychotherapists.In this episode, Maria shares her own story, explains wht anxiety really is, and offers practical tools - including breathing and grounding techniques - that anyone can use when stress begins to rise.At its core, this is a conversation about resilience, compassion and the truth that mental health is part of being human.Follow Maria: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-thorndyke-7a752626/ Hearts & Minds Mental Health Charity: https://heartsandminds.org.nz/ Podcast sponsor: ActionHQ - https://www.actionhq.co  Follow Brenden: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenden-rolston-1337053a/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creative.expression.nz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@creative.expression.nz 

Mark Dollins is President of North Star Communications Consulting and co-author of the second edition of Engaging Employees Through Strategic Communication. His career spans from ABC News to leading employee communications at PepsiCo, supporting more than 300,000 employees across 200 countries. In this conversation, we explore why internal communications deserves a seat at the executive table — not as a support function, but as a strategic partner in culture, performance, and change. Mark shares insights on the art of storytelling, the science of measurement, and how to prove communication’s impact in complex organisations. We also discuss the growing influence of AI in workplace communications — and why human judgement and credibility still matter most. Follow Mark: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markddollins/ North Star Communications Consulting:  Learn more: hhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/north-star-communications-consulting Podcast sponsor: ActionHQ - https://www.actionhq.co  Follow Brenden: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenden-rolston-1337053a/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creative.expression.nz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@creative.expression.nz 

Toby Sharp works in Revenue Operations, a rapidly emerging role within modern SaaS businesses that sits at the intersection of sales, marketing, systems, data, and technology. Toby shares his pathway into Rev Ops and what drew him to a role that few people encounter through traditional education routes. We explore his early experiences, the influence of curiosity and problem-solving on his career, and how a willingness to learn by doing, opened opportunities inside a fast-growing New Zealand SaaS company. He unpacks what Revenue Operations actually looks like in practice, how SaaS businesses scale globally, and why roles like Rev Ops are becoming increasingly important as technology and AI reshape the way organisations operate. We also discuss the realities of building a career in a high-growth tech environment, including international exposure through work in Canada and engaging with the North American market. At its heart, this is a conversation about modern careers, non-traditional pathways, and the value of curiosity, creativity, and hard work in navigating the future of work. Follow Toby: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toby-sharp Comply Pro:  Learn more: https://www.linkedin.com/company/comply-pro Podcast sponsor: ActionHQ - https://www.actionhq.co  Follow Brenden: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenden-rolston-1337053a/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creative.expression.nz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@creative.expression.nz 

Matt Reid is the Chief Executive of Barnardos Aotearoa, New Zealand’s largest children’s charity, leading more than 700 staff and over 100 home-based educators delivering services across the motu. In this episode, Matt paints a clear and confronting picture of the state of child wellbeing in Aotearoa. We talk about family violence, poverty, psychological trauma, and the multi-layered challenges facing children and whānau, from short-term crisis to long-term, intergenerational harm. Matt shares what it’s like leading a large charitable organisation through turbulent social and economic times, the role of measurement and accountability in creating real impact, and how government, corporates, communities, and families can play a part in building a safer, more sustainable future for our tamariki. At its heart, this is a conversation about leadership, responsibility, resilience, and the power of kotahitanga — unity, togetherness, and collective action — to restore light and opportunity for the next generation. Follow Matt: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-reid-fca-06420237/ Barnardos Aotearoa:  Learn more: https://barnardos.org.nz/about Podcast sponsor: ActionHQ - https://www.actionhq.co  Follow Brenden: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenden-rolston-1337053a/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creative.expression.nz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@creative.expression.nz 

Emma Henderson shares her journey from a tough start in life to her biggest fear as a mother, not $#*#ing up her kids, through to project managing the world’s largest haka. She talks about finding authenticity, giving herself permission to cry, navigating marriage with her wife, and leading with heart. From sneakers in the boardroom to meaningful work done her way. A conversation about courage, love, purpose, and doing cool shit while staying true to yourself. Follow Emma: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-henderson-58649153/  Podcast sponsor: ActionHQ - https://www.actionhq.co  Follow Brenden: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenden-rolston-1337053a/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creative.expression.nz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@creative.expression.nz 

David “Big Dave” Niethe is a mental performance coach for elite athletes and global entrepreneurs. He’s worked alongside world-class performers including professional golfer Lydia Ko and UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya, supporting focus, clarity, and performance at the highest level.  In this episode, Dave shares practical insights from elite sport and shows how the same mindset tools used by world champions can be applied in everyday life.  Dave is also an elite athlete himself. A New Zealand Strongman competitor, seven-time undefeated New Zealand Push/Pull Powerlifting Champion, and author of The Winning Mindset.  Dave’s book The Winning Mindset.: https://taplink.cc/winningmindset?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio  Follow Big Dave: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-niethe-31041013/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigdav02/?hl=en  Podcast sponsor: ActionHQ - https://www.actionhq.co   Follow Brenden: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenden-rolston-1337053a/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creative.expression.nz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@creative.expression.nz 

A South Auckland Electrical Apprentice creates a Global Sales Consultancy firm. It started with one word. IMAGINE. The rest was mindset; finding comfort in discomfort. In this Q&A session with Paul O’Donohue I discover what it means to imagine, why purpose is more important than money, and how the right mindset keeps us in check.  For #Entreprenuirs #CEOs, #Sales Professionals and everyone who believes they can but are told they can’t. Link to complete the Strategic Sales Audit: https://salesstar-enus.scoreapp.com?owner=2059634Follow Paul:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialpaulodonohue/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/strategic-sales-partner/Follow SalesStar:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sales_star_/?hl=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@strategic_sales 

Clayton shares his journey in the Māori health sector, leading with "kaupapa" Māori values that drive equitable outcomes for everyone.  Clayton speaks openly about "mana" and "tapu", what it means to be an urban Māori, and how lineage, place, and belonging give purpose to life. He also shares his personal experiences with mental health and how targeted cultural initiatives can uplift communities. This "kōrero" is about identity, purpose, and the power of culture to heal both people and society.   Follow Clayton: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clayton-rangitutia-08930280/ Sponsor: ActionHQ - https://www.actionhq.co  Follow Brenden: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenden-rolston-1337053a/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendenrolston