This video captures an intimate and deeply honest conversation between Ivan and Chris, tracing an unexpected journey from the lived experience of trauma and survival to a lifelong commitment to suicide prevention, postvention, and education.

Chris reflects on growing up in a working-class family, discovering art as his first language for processing trauma, and how creativity became a lifeline long before he had words for what he had endured. What began as a path toward fine art gradually transformed into a vocation in education—one he never planned, but one that found him through recognition of his ability to connect, teach, and care.

Throughout the conversation, Chris explores how lived experience shaped his work as a university lecturer and researcher, particularly in the areas of adolescent suicide, grief, male survivors of trauma, and men’s mental health. He speaks candidly about stoicism, anger, silence, and survival—challenging common assumptions about masculinity and help-seeking, and questioning whether current systems truly meet the needs of vulnerable men.

Ivan weaves his own experiences into the dialogue, creating a space where personal vulnerability and social critique coexist. Together, they examine why talk-based therapy is not always the answer, how presence and companionship can be healing, and why research must lead to real-world change rather than remain trapped in theory.

The video ultimately calls for a more humane, gender-responsive, and culturally grounded approach to mental health and suicide support—one that honours lived experience, offers genuine choice, and recognises that healing often begins simply by not suffering alone.

This is a conversation about survival, truth-telling, and a heart that never gave up.

Dr Alexander Stevens II joins Ivan on the Authentic Leadership Podcast for a powerful conversation that begins with a heartfelt celebration of his PhD achievement and the story behind his full name, then unfolds into a deeply human journey of purpose, identity, and service.

Alexander shares how growing up around domestic violence, mental health challenges, and later experiencing firsthand exposure to sexual violence disclosures shaped the path he chose, and why he committed his life to supporting others through trauma, addiction, and recovery. He speaks candidly about navigating racism and bias in Aotearoa, why Māori often have to work “three to four times harder,” and how dignity, mana, and strategic restraint can be a form of strength.

A major focus is his PhD in sexual violence recovery and the gap he saw for men—especially Māori and other diverse communities—who disclose abuse but don’t know where to go for support. This led to the creation of StandingTallNZ (standingtallnz.org), a resource designed to meet people with safety, clarity, and cultural understanding, without triggering them. Alexander also explains the battle of doing kaupapa Māori work within Western academic systems and why preserving people’s authentic voices matters, even when institutions push back.

The episode closes with warmth, humour, and reflection: what Alexander would tell his younger self, what he wants Māori to remember in difficult times, and a grounding serenity prayer offered as a closing karakia.

In this deep conversation, Ivan and Dan unpack the hidden cost of mental health misdiagnosis and why our healthcare systems often treat people as isolated individuals instead of whole humans held in relationships. Dan shares what it feels like when a diagnosis changes but the symptoms stay the same, and how that moment can shatter identity, create isolation, and force someone to “start from scratch” without any real support system.

They explore the crucial balance between individual responsibility vs collective care, and why the system frequently stops at “problem solved” while real life continues. The discussion also dives into the power of peer support, relational healing, and why true recovery is not just clinical—it’s social, emotional, and community-based.

You’ll also hear a practical breakdown of co-design in mental health, why many organisations get it wrong by rushing outcomes, and how trust, time, and lived experience are essential for meaningful change. If you’ve ever felt dismissed by labels, struggled with identity after a diagnosis, or wondered why mental health care can feel so lonely, this episode will speak to you.

In this episode, Ivan sits down with Scottie to uncover remarkable stories from her sporting journey — from representing New Zealand internationally to moments of real danger off the field. Scottie recounts a tense incident in Hong Kong where celebrations turned chaotic, including being escorted for safety after a win and having stones thrown at the team bus.

The conversation also dives into the early days of women’s football in New Zealand, the lack of recognition compared to the men’s game, and the passion that drove players to compete purely for love of the sport. Along the way, Scottie shares personal memories, rare photos, medals, and reflections on family, resilience, and what it truly meant to represent a country at a time when women’s football was still finding its footing.

New Zealand Women’s Team – 1975 Asian Cup Winners Back row:

• Dave Farrington (coach)
• Barbara Cox (captain)
• Mary Ann Poole Kathy Simenoff
• Nora Hetherington
• Carol Waller
• Elaine Lee
• Marilyn Marshall (vice captain)
• Nell Jongeneel
• Sandra Twiname
• Sue Jacobs
• Raewyn Hall
• Nadene Elrick
• Carol Knox
• Debbie Chapman
• Isobel Richardson
• Mrs Pene Mack (manageress)

In this deeply moving episode, Ivan sits down with Dan Goodwin, a theatre practitioner and lived experience advocate, to explore how art, anxiety, and identity shape the human journey. From being misdiagnosed with schizophrenia at 21 to transforming pain into purpose, Dan shares how storytelling became his path to healing and leadership. Together, they reflect on vulnerability, sensitivity, and the power of holding space with dignity — reminding us that recovery isn’t about labels, but about reclaiming our humanity.

In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, James opens up about his journey from surviving childhood abuse, addiction, and mental health struggles to discovering purpose, healing, and hope. Together, we explore the realities many men face but rarely speak about—shame, silence, anger, anxiety, and the long road toward recovery.

James shares how peer support, lived experience, community, and one person believing in him changed the direction of his life. From battling trauma to becoming a co-facilitator helping other men, his story is a testament to resilience, courage, and the strength that comes from speaking truth.

This episode sheds light on: - The hidden struggles of male survivors

- The importance of peer support and connection

- Finding meaning after trauma

- Healing through honesty, community, and compassion

- Why one supportive person can transform a life

- Reclaiming identity beyond diagnosis, past mistakes, or shame

If you or someone you know is walking through pain, this conversation offers hope, understanding, and the reminder that healing is possible—and you don’t have to do it alone.

Tautoko Tane: Male Survivors Aotearoa https://tautokotane.nz/ Tautoko Tane: Male Support Servces Waikato https://waikatosurvivors.org.nz/

Hoake Tātou – Walk With Me Called Hoake Tātou | Walk With Me, the presentations start in Southland in mid-September, and finish in Whangarei in March 2026. In total, 26 events will be held in 17 towns and cities, featuring a panel of presenters at each, including male survivors of sexual abuse. Visit https://tautokotane.nz/hoake-tatou-walk-with-me/#page-intro-block

This episode traces an extraordinary journey through women’s football history, personal resilience and the quiet power of community. Scottie shares how a casual kick-around in Germany led her toward a national career in an era when women’s football barely had a place to stand. She talks about discovering the New Zealand team in the seventies, fundraising for international tournaments, training in church halls, wearing hand-me-downs from the men’s teams, and winning the inaugural 1975 Asian Cup long before the Football Ferns had any official recognition.

Scottie speaks honestly about the joy and the pain, the friendships that endured, the selectors who overlooked her, and the way injury reshaped her playing career. She also reflects on being honoured nearly fifty years later and the meaning of finally receiving her debut cap after a lifetime of waiting.

Beyond football, Scottie opens up about running half-marathons, stepping into kickboxing at forty-eight, and the deep friendships built through Muay Thai, teaching, and community. This is a conversation about courage, humility, sacrifice and the spaces that become our happy place. It is also a celebration of a woman who helped shape the foundations of the game in Aotearoa, long before the world was ready to see it.

Puma celebrates Australian and New Zealand women's football trailblazers from 1975 https://www.puma-catchup.com/sports/we-celebrate-australian-and-new-zealand-womens-football-trailblazers-from-1975/

Asian Cup, 1975 from New Zealand History https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/photo/asian-cup-1975

First Football Ferns and 1975 Asian Cup winners are still fighting to tell their story https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/494786/first-football-ferns-and-1975-asian-cup-winners-are-still-fighting-to-tell-their-story

This article is more than 2 years old ‘We started it all’: The first Football Ferns are still fighting to tell their story. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jul/29/new-zealand-football-ferns-world-cup-story

The rematch (and emotional reunion) that was 48 years in the making …https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2023/08/15/the-rematch-and-emotional-reunion-that-was-48-years-in-the-making/

In this heartfelt episode of the Authentic Leadership Podcast, Ivan sits down with Aidan — a young thinker whose honesty and depth reveal what it truly means to grow up between cultures. Adopted from China and raised in New Zealand, Aidan shares his journey of identity, confusion, and self-discovery.

Together, Ivan and Aidan explore what it’s like to live between worlds — East and West, expectation and individuality, tradition and self-expression. They talk about anxiety, family expectations, and the courage it takes to question what’s been handed down to you.

This is more than a story about youth or cultural identity — it’s a conversation about healing, authenticity, and learning to understand yourself in a world that doesn’t always make sense.

✨ A conversation that reminds us all to be kind to ourselves, to ask deeper questions, and to never stop learning who we are.