Flipping the Script with Jem

In this episode, I sit down with Temuri — a filmmaker whose journey has taken him from the Soviet Union to the corporate world… and then completely off-script into creativity, addiction, recovery, and rebuilding a life on his own terms. We talk about what it really looks like to follow a calling — especially when it pulls you away from everything that feels “safe” or expected. The highs, the lows, and the messy middle that doesn’t always get shared.We get into: – Leaving the corporate path to pursue creativity – The realities of filmmaking and building something from nothing – Addiction, rock bottoms, and second (and third) chances – The balance between art, purpose, and survival – Learning to back yourself — even when there’s no clear path It’s honest, layered, and very human. 

In this episode of Flipping the Script, I sit down with Jessie — the founder of Manawa Ecstatic Dance — to talk about movement, expression, and what it really means to get out of your head and back into your body.We dive into what ecstatic dance actually is (beyond the stereotypes), and how spaces like this are creating something many of us are craving right now — real connection, community, and a place to just be.Jessie shares her journey from traditional party culture into sober, freeform dance… and how following her “fire” led her to build Manawa from the ground up.We talk about: – moving without judgement or performance – breaking the belief that you need substances to feel free – trusting your ideas and just getting the ball rolling – creating something meaningful without needing to “fit the mould” – why connection and community matter more than everThis conversation is about more than dance. It’s about expression, self-trust, and doing things your own way.If you’ve ever felt stuck in your head… this one might just open something.🎶 Intro & outro music: Flip the Script VIP by Ashez (used with permission, and gratitude)

A real-time check in 🤍No script. No polish. Just where I’m actually at right now with flipping my own scripts.In this episode I talk about: – noticing and shifting my patterns in love (hello limerence) – a funny festival moment – what it feels like to hit what would have been my wedding anniversary – the season we're heading into — slowing down, shedding, recalibrating – and a new women’s circle idea that’s starting to take shapeThis is one of those episodes where I’m not tying it up neatly… I’m just letting you in on the process.New guest episode with Jessie from Manawa Ecstatic Dance dropping early next week 🤍Intro & outro music: Flip the Script VIP by Ashez (used with permission, and gratitude)

Before the stage, the tours, and the recognition… there was a girl writing songs at 9 years old, already feeling deeply and seeing the world differently.In this episode, I sit down with Tali — one of New Zealand’s most iconic voices in electronic music — for a real, honest conversation about what it actually takes to build a life outside the norm.We get into: Growing up with music and finding her voice early  Moving overseas and breaking into the UK scene  The highs, the burnout, and the pressure behind the scenes  Money, success, and what actually matters  Navigating a male-dominated industry as a woman  The power of community and women supporting women  Learning to trust yourself, your intuition, and your path  And what it means to keep showing up — on your own terms This is a conversation about reinvention, resilience, and refusing to shrink — no matter your industry, your age, or what people expect of you.If you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite fit the mould… this one’s for you.Intro & outro music: Flip the Script VIP by Ashez (used with permission, and gratitude)

Before we get into the next guest episode, I wanted to share something a bit more real-time.This is a voice note-style download — what’s been coming up for me, what I’m noticing, and what I’m navigating right now.Unfiltered, a little messy, and honest.A check-in from inside the process.My chat with my friend Nadia drops next 🤍

In this episode of Flipping the Script, I sit down with my friend Nadia for a deep and honest conversation about identity, truth, spiritual awakening, and what it means to radically change direction in life.Nadia shares her journey from corporate life, long-term relationship expectations, and external “success” into a much deeper process of questioning everything — from who she was, to what she believed, to how she wanted to live. We talk about intuition, embodiment, relationships, feminine and masculine dynamics, nature, healing, and the uncomfortable but powerful process of facing truth within yourself.This is a wide-ranging conversation about what happens when the life that looks good on paper no longer feels true — and the courage it takes to let old identities fall away.If you’ve ever felt yourself outgrowing old versions of who you were, this one will give you plenty to reflect on.

In this episode of Flipping the Script, Jem sits down with Porou from East Coast Cannabis Company to talk about his journey from the illicit cannabis world into the legal medicinal industry.They explore stigma, cannabis culture in Aotearoa, the impact of prohibition on communities, and why education and honest conversations are essential if New Zealand is going to move forward. Porou shares his thoughts and stories from decades in the cannabis world, the challenges of reform, and his mission to help reshape the narrative around the plant for future generations.

Welcome to Flipping the Script with Jem.In this first episode, I’m sharing why this podcast exists and the moment I realised the life I was building — the one that looked “successful” on paper — didn’t actually feel right in my body.I talk about the quiet questioning that so many of us experience… the low-level anxiety, the burnout, the identity shifts that can come with motherhood, relationship changes, and simply growing into new versions of ourselves.This space is for the ones who don’t quite fit the mould. The deep feelers. The quiet questioners. The black sheep who know there has to be another way.If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Is this really it?” — you are not alone here.We’re rewriting the script, together.— Jem ✨