Talk With A Courageous Heart

In this episode of Talk With a Courageous Heart, Andrew sits down with Professor Haizal Mohd Hussaini, Professor of Oral Pathology at the University of Otago, Muslim chaplain, leader, and educator.Professor Haizal shares his journey from Malaysia to New Zealand, the lessons he has learned through faith and service, and what courage truly means in the face of adversity.The conversation also explores leadership, mental health, community, resilience, and his experience living through the aftermath of the Christchurch mosque attacks. Through powerful stories and reflections, Professor Haizal offers hope, wisdom, and practical advice for anyone facing difficult challenges in life.This is a conversation about courage, compassion, and the importance of standing firm in who you are.Hosted by Andrew Bothalage.If you enjoy this episode, please follow Talk With a Courageous Heart on Spotify and share it with someone who may benefit from hearing this conversation.

What if one of the biggest keys to surviving difficult seasons in life is truly knowing who you are?In this heartfelt episode of Talk With a Courageous Heart, I sit down with Amy Armstrong, Chaplain of the Catholic Diocese of Dunedin and the University of Otago, for a deeply honest conversation about courage, identity, faith, loneliness, and supporting people through pain.Amy reflects on:Moving from the United States to New ZealandHelping young people through their darkest momentsWhy people do not always need fixingThe courage to sit with someone in painBalancing family, purpose, and personal wellbeingThe importance of being known and lovedWhat helps people get through life when things feel heavyThis conversation was calm, raw, and full of wisdom that many people need to hear right now.Hosted by Andrew Bothalage.Available on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.If this conversation helped you in any way, please consider following the podcast and sharing it with someone who may need it.

In this episode of Talk With a Courageous Heart, Andrew Bothalage sits down with Anagi Wijeratne, a Mortgage Adviser in New Zealand, to talk about courage, sacrifice, rebuilding life from zero, and the reality of starting over in a new country.Anagi opens up about:Leaving a stable banking careerMoving countries with his familyGoing months without a jobBuilding a company from the ground upHelping families through the stress of buying homesWhy giving up should never be an optionThis is a powerful conversation about resilience, gratitude, and taking risks even when life feels uncertain.Hosted by Andrew Bothalage.Talk With a Courageous Heart is available on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

In this episode of Talk With a Courageous Heart, I sit down with Mickey Treadwell, a young Dunedin City Councillor, for a conversation about courage, leadership, uncertainty, and stepping up when no one else would.We explore:What courage really means.Why uncertainty is necessary for growth.The pressure of leadership at a young age.His journey into local politics.Representing vulnerable communities.The future of Dunedin and New Zealand.Why people should never underestimate their ability to create change.One of the most powerful moments from this conversation was hearing Mickey explain the mindset that changed everything for him:“No one stepped forward… so I asked, why not me?”Thank you for listening to Talk With a Courageous Heart.Be safe, be courageous, and God bless you.Host: Andrew Bothalage

In this episode of Talk With a Courageous Heart, Andrew sits down with one of his closest friends, Jeff, for a conversation filled with humor, honesty, faith, marriage, loss, and fatherhood.Jeff shares his journey of waiting for marriage in his 30s, supporting others through difficult seasons, walking beside his wife during an ectopic pregnancy, and learning what it truly means to be emotionally present as a husband and father.This episode is both lighthearted and deeply meaningful, ending with one powerful reminder:"You don't have to be strong forever. You just have to be strong enough."A beautiful conversation about courage, love, patience, and showing up for the people who matter most.Hosted by Andrew BothalageTalk With a Courageous Heart📲 Follow Us on Social MediaTikTok ➜ https://www.tiktok.com/@talkwithacourageousheart Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/talkwithacourageousheart Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/share/1BbtFzYp5k/?mibextid=wwXIfr

In this episode of Talk With a Courageous Heart, I sit down with Elly Cabal Roberts for a deeply honest conversation about pain, healing, faith, forgiveness, and wounded hope.Elly shares her journey of:Growing up hearing painful words as a childLearning to forgive her mother through compassionNavigating marriage, suffering, and vulnerabilityWaiting and praying to start a familyWrestling with unanswered prayers and comparisonDiscovering purpose through painOne of the most powerful moments in this conversation comes when Elly shares how, during one of her hardest seasons, she felt God say:“You are wounded… but I’m carrying you.”This episode is for anyone who feels tired, forgotten, or stuck in a waiting season.Thank you, Elly, for your courage and honesty.Hosted by Andrew BothalageTalk With A Courageous Heart

In this episode of Talk With a Courageous Heart, I sit down with Er Abringe to talk about a journey many people can relate to… insecurity.Growing up, Er struggled with comparison, feeling not enough, and trying to fit in just to feel accepted. That search for belonging led him down the wrong path.But everything changed when he discovered his purpose.Er shares how he went from insecurity to becoming a full-time missionary, using his story to remind others of their worth and help them find meaning in their own lives.This is a conversation about courage, identity, and answering a calling bigger than yourself.If you have ever felt like you are not enough… this episode is for you.

In this episode of Talk With a Courageous Heart, I sit down with Diana Ingle to explore a journey shaped by faith, courage, and resilience.Diana shares the moment she was instantly healed from a tumour after a simple prayer. But beyond that powerful experience, she opens up about the deeper challenges that followed, including personal loss, seasons of doubt, and moments that tested her faith.We talk about what it truly means to choose courage when life does not make sense, and how even the hardest seasons can shape who we become.This conversation is for anyone who is:going through a difficult seasonsearching for purposetrying to hold on to faithlearning to choose courage every day🎙 Talk With a Courageous HeartNew episodes every FridayWhat is one sentence you would say to someone who feels like giving up right now?“God loves you. Every day is a new beginning.”

In this episode of Talk With a Courageous Heart, I sit down with Don Sherman — a Sri Lankan entertainer, chef, and TV personality with nearly four decades of experience.From fame and recognition to starting over from zero in a new country, Don shares what courage really looks like behind the scenes.We talk about:Walking away from comfort and successBuilding a life again from scratch in AustraliaThe responsibility that comes with fameWhy popularity must be handled carefullyHow courage is developed through real life experiencesThis is a conversation about resilience, identity, and the mindset it takes to keep going when life changes.If you are in a season where you feel uncertain or stuck, this episode will remind you why you should never give up.New episodes every week.

What does courage look like when life does not go the way you planned?In this episode of Talk With a Courageous Heart, Kathy shares her journey through change, loss, faith, and motherhood.From moving from the Philippines to New Zealand and starting over, to facing pregnancy loss and learning to let go of control, Kathy opens up about the moments that shaped who she is today.She also reflects on how becoming a mother changed her perspective on life, priorities, and what courage truly means.This is a real conversation about trusting the process, finding strength in difficult seasons, and learning to move forward even when it is hard.If you are going through a season where things feel uncertain, this episode is for you.Kathy’s reminder:Do not give up. Life is too short to worry too much. Just continue to have the courage to move on.

In this episode of Talk With a Courageous Heart, I sit down with Stephen Mischewski, a CrossFit athlete, husband, and father, to explore how courage shows up in everyday life.Stephen shares how one simple mindset shaped his journey. Just say yes.From stepping outside his comfort zone at a young age, to pushing through physical limits in CrossFit, to embracing the responsibilities of marriage and fatherhood, this conversation is a powerful reminder that growth comes from showing up again and again.We talk about:Saying yes to opportunities, even when it feels uncomfortableBuilding discipline and mental strengthLiving your faith with courageBecoming a role model through your actionsHow fatherhood reshapes your purposeIf you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or like giving up, this episode will remind you that sometimes courage starts with one small decision.Just say yes.

In this episode of Talk With a Courageous Heart, I sit down with Father Justin Lee for a thoughtful conversation about faith, generosity, and the meaning of unconditional love.Father Justin reflects on his journey of faith and shares why a life of generosity leads to true happiness. We also talk about a powerful truth at the heart of Christianity. Nothing in life can come between us and God’s love.This conversation explores spirituality in a very human way. It reminds us that faith is not only about belief, but about how we love, serve others, and live with courage.If you enjoy deep and meaningful conversations about life, faith, and purpose, this episode will resonate with you.Podcast: Talk With a Courageous HeartAvailable on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

In this episode of Talk With A Courageous Heart, Maria Roxette shares a simple sentence that changed the way she saw her future.“You’re going to be 32 anyway. Might as well be 32 with a degree.”Like many of us, Maria faced the fear of starting over. Leaving a job, losing a steady income, stepping out of her comfort zone, and feeling like life might be on pause for a few years.But that one sentence reminded her of something powerful. Time will pass whether we act or not.So the real question becomes. Why stop ourselves from doing something we feel called to do?This conversation is a reminder that courage often begins with a single decision to move forward.Podcast: Talk With A Courageous HeartReal people. Real stories. Real courage.

In this episode of Talk With a Courageous Heart, I sit down with Matt for a thoughtful conversation about courage, responsibility, and what truly changes when life demands more from you.We often think we understand courage in theory. But when you become responsible for others, when someone depends on you, courage becomes something very real. It shows up in everyday decisions, sacrifices, and the willingness to step up even when it is harder than expected.Matt shares honest reflections on fatherhood, self awareness, and how becoming a parent can reveal parts of ourselves we did not fully see before.This conversation is about growth, responsibility, and the quiet courage of showing up for the people who matter most.If you enjoy these conversations, follow Talk With a Courageous Heart on Spotify to support the show and stay updated with new episodes.

In this deeply moving episode of Talk With the Courageous Heart, I sit down with Dana Hobbs, a woman whose strength is shaped by love, loss, and unwavering compassion.Dana shares her journey through profound grief, including the loss of her son at just 15 years old due to a brain aneurysm, and how that experience reshaped her faith, her relationships, and her outlook on life. Instead of hardening, Dana chose a different path. A path filled with love, joy, and standing up for others.We talk about courage in the workplace, supporting those who do not yet have a voice, working with younger generations, and why showing up with a good spirit matters more than ever. Dana opens up about grief, resilience, and what it truly means to stand by someone, even when you cannot change their choices.Her final message is simple, honest, and powerful.“It is your decision. But I’ll be right here. To either catch you, or watch you.”This is a conversation about courage that does not shout. It stays. It listens. And it loves.

In this episode, I sit down with Mr Shaw, my former high school principal, for a deeply reflective conversation about life, leadership, and the unexpected paths that shape who we become.We talk about his early dream of joining the Air Force, the disappointment of rejection, and how a simple decision led him toward teaching and education. From there, the conversation opens into what it truly means to care for students as individuals, to help young people grow in confidence, and to guide them as they discover who they are and where they are going.Mr Shaw also shares personal reflections on commitment, marriage, family, and the quiet joys that come with staying together through every season of life, including the joy of becoming a grandfather.This episode is about quiet courage. The courage to accept a different path, to serve others with heart, and to live a life grounded in commitment, faith, and purpose.Real people. Real stories.Talk With a Courageous Heart.

In this heartfelt and honest episode, Iffah opens up about her journey of self growth, knowing her worth, and choosing herself in relationships and in life. She shares how learning to set healthy boundaries, protect her energy, and choose her circle carefully has helped her become more confident and grounded.We talk about relationships, self confidence, waiting for the right person, trusting the process, and believing in God’s plan. The conversation flows between deep reflection and playful moments, making this episode both meaningful and enjoyable to listen to.If you are on a journey of self love, personal growth, or learning to trust timing in your life, this episode will resonate with you. It is a reminder that you do not need to rush, settle, or shrink yourself to be chosen. The right things come when the time is right.🎧 Tune in, reflect, and enjoy the conversation.

In this episode of Talk With a Courageous Heart, I sit down with Verona, a mum, wife, dental hygienist, and entrepreneur who is building her own dental hygiene clinic from the ground up in Christchurch.We talk about courage in everyday life. From motherhood and self doubt to starting a business, taking risks, and learning to keep going when things feel overwhelming. Verona shares why she chose to ask herself "why not me?", how she handles hard seasons, and why kindness, empathy, and honesty matter more than image.This conversation is honest, grounding, and relatable. If you are in a season where life feels uncertain, this episode is for you.Be safe. Be courageous.

In this episode of Talk With A Courageous Heart, I sit down with Tracey for an honest and deeply human conversation about living with depression, motherhood, confidence, and everyday courage.Tracey is a proud mum of two who brings warmth and care wherever she goes, yet quietly navigates depression and low confidence, especially during the winter months. She shares what helps her through heavy seasons, why asking for help is an act of courage, and how taking life one minute at a time can make all the difference.This is a gentle reminder not to judge people too quickly, and to remember that behind every person is a story worth listening to.If you are going through a tough season, this conversation is for you.Real people. Real stories.Talk With A Courageous Heart.

What does real love truly mean?In this episode of Talk With a Courageous Heart, Ian Naghi reflects on love, faith, and sacrifice through the example of Christ. He challenges the idea that love is only about protection or provision and invites us to consider a deeper kind of commitment.Would you be willing to lay your life down for the person you love?This conversation explores courageous love, patience, and what it means to give yourself fully to another human being.Filmed @ Pettah Street Café & Dine

In this heartfelt episode of Talk With a Courageous Heart, Dilunika shares her journey through motherhood and how it has shaped her strength, patience, and kindness.We talk about the realities of being a working mum, balancing long days with family life, and the quiet resilience it takes to keep showing up for your children every day. Dilunika reflects on how motherhood has taught her to grow, to never give up, and to become the best version of herself for her family.The conversation also explores the importance of giving back, serving the community, and choosing kindness in a world that often judges too quickly. From education to community service, her story reminds us that true courage is not always loud, but steady, compassionate, and rooted in love.This episode is for anyone navigating parenthood, family life, or simply looking for encouragement to live with greater strength and kindness.

In this episode of Talk With a Courageous Heart, I sit down with Yna for an honest and heartfelt conversation about self-love, healing, and learning your worth.Yna shares how her personal struggles shaped the way she understands love, and why learning to love herself changed everything. We talk about how people often accept the love they are familiar with, the danger of settling for the bare minimum, and how growth, faith, and self-awareness can transform relationships and life choices.This episode is a reminder that healing is a journey, and knowing your worth can change the direction of your life.Thank you for listening and for supporting this podcast.Real people. Real stories.

What do you do when life feels comfortable — the career is secure, the future looks set — but your heart is being pulled somewhere else?In this episode of Talk With a Courageous Heart, Andrew sits down with Cyrene Tionko, who shares his journey of walking away from a successful career to follow a deeper calling rooted in faith, purpose, and service to young people.This conversation explores:• Choosing purpose over comfort• Listening when God calls• Faith the size of a mustard seed• Legacy, mentorship, and youth• What it really costs to say “yes”Talk With a Courageous Heart is a podcast about real people, real stories, and the courage it takes to live with intention.📍 Recorded in Christchurch, New Zealand☕ Special thanks to Pettah Street Café & Dine for the beautiful space📲 Follow Talk With a Courageous HeartTikTok ➜ https://www.tiktok.com/@talkwithacourageousheartInstagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/talkwithacourageousheartFacebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/share/1BbtFzYp5k/?mibextid=wwXIfrBe safe. Be courageous.

In this episode of Talk With a Courageous Heart, Andrew sits down with his brother AJ for an honest and faith-filled conversation about waiting, rebuilding, and trusting God’s timing.AJ opens up about:Losing his job and walking through a long season of uncertaintyHolding onto faith when rejection and doubt creep inThe power of community and serving others quietlyRebuilding a long-term relationship after a breakupChoosing prayer over pressure in loveWhat real leadership looks like — serving with humilityLearning to see people not by their past, but by their God-given futureThis conversation is raw, reflective, and full of hope — especially for anyone who feels stuck, unseen, or unsure of what God is doing in their life right now.🎙️ Recorded in Christchurch, New Zealand☕️ Filmed at Petite Street CaféTake a breath. Settle in.And let this conversation remind you: you’re not behind — you’re being prepared.

Heartbreak has a way of leaving us lost, silent, and searching for meaning.In this episode, Brother Jeremy opens up about healing after a long-term breakup, finding purpose through service, and trusting God in seasons where nothing seems to be happening.We talk about loneliness, faith, community, fatherhood, and the quiet moments where God prepares us for breakthrough. Jeremy shares a powerful reminder that silence doesn’t mean absence — sometimes it means God is cooking something amazing.This is a conversation about patience, prayer, and learning how to handle yourself with grace when life doesn’t go as planned.🎙️ Talk With A Courageous HeartReal stories. Real healing. Real breakthrough.

Paula grew up in what many would call a “broken family,” yet her life became a reflection of love, compassion, and faith.In this episode, she shares how God shaped her heart — as a wife, nurse, daughter, and friend.We talk about:Loving deeply without losing yourselfServing others as a way of serving GodGrowing up with parents in different countriesFinding gratitude through anxietyMarriage, forgiveness, and patienceWhy real love has to start with GodLearning that family is always there for youPaula reminds us that we live in borrowed time, our life is not our own, and love is strongest when rooted in faith.Thank you for joining me for another conversation with a courageous heart.Stay courageous.New episodes every Friday.Follow the podcast and stay courageous.

Welcome to Episode 1 of Talk With a Courageous Heart.In this powerful conversation, my close friend Harrey opens up about faith, waiting seasons, God’s timing, marriage, purpose, and how the hardest moments shape who we become.From transitioning careers, to trusting God without seeing the full picture, to finding strength in prayer and in his wife’s support — this episode is a reminder that God works through every season.If you’re in a place of uncertainty, waiting, rebuilding, or trying to find hope again, this conversation will speak to your heart.Thank you for being here.New episodes every Friday.

In this short introduction, I share the heart behind this podcast — why I started it, what you can expect, and the vision moving forward.Talk With a Courageous Heart is a space for real stories, honest conversations, and the kind of courage we find in everyday life.Thank you for being here at the very beginning of this journey. Episode 1 arrives on 12 December.