"Humility is a beautiful thing, but humility is also recognizing your ambitions. Its being self-aware and confident"- Eleisha Foon award-winning international journalist.

Eleisha has over eight years of experience in television, online and radio. As a broadcasting professional she takes on many roles such as a reporter, writer, presenter and even as a film-maker - having directed and co-produced the The Gift of Life documentary.

Starting out as an intern at NewsHub NZ, Eleisha has certainly paid her dues & shown her skills by swiftly taking on bigger and bigger roles. Moving from intern to an assignments editor assistant, then a reporter on The AM Show, next standing as the NZ Correspondent via RNZ for BBC News, and as a journalist for RNZ covering general news as well as being the first South Island based RNZ Pacific Journalist. Eleisha went abroad to work in the Middle East with Al Jazeera Media Network as a journalist reporting and producing international news. She’s now in 2024 back as a senior reporter with RNZ.

Having covered major stories including the Christchurch NZ mosque attacks, Pacific Island Forum, Queen Elizabeth’s death, the 2023 FIFA World Cup, Wars & Natural disasters - Eleisha is understandably recognized as a dominant force in the industry with a depth of growing experience.

Listen to the full interview on Spotify, iHeart Radio, or Apple Podcasts.

#journalist #broadcasting #news #writer #storyteller #nz #newzealand #reporter #mentalperformance #podcast #tallpoppytalk #mentalhealthmatters #aotearoa

"I spent a long time thinking that if I'm proud of anything, then it means you know, that I'm too much" - Cassie Henderson, singer-songwriter.

Cassie Henderson, she’s a musician singer-songwriter, an entertainer, and in one word could be described as an artist.

Her lyrics resonate whether you’re deep in your emotions or feeling electric on the dance floor. Cassie has range and we’re only seeing the start of her scope.

With a powerful work ethic - from writing lyrics, to creating social media content, or playing live - she’s smashing radio records, playing festivals like Homegrown, R&V, Electric Ave, and also preparing to release two EPs following her debut EP last year ‘The Pink Chapter.’

Her single Whatever was the most played song on radio by any New Zealand artist for 12 consecutive weeks in 2023 - a feat that hasn’t been achieved since Lorde. That very single got her nominated for Breakthrough Single of the Year at the recent 2024 Aotearoa Music Awards.

We first came to know Cassie in 2013 when she made a name for herself across NZ on X-Factor. But she’s grown a lot since then and her music reflects that. Enjoy this awesome kōrero!

Listen to the full interview on Spotify, iHeart Radio, or Apple Podcasts.

#music #artist #musician #singer #songwriter #nzmusic #newzealand #xfactor #mentalperformance #podcast #tallpoppytalk #mentalhealthmatters #songs

“Every morning you have two choices, continue to sleep with your dreams or wake up and chase them" - Gary Blackman, runner & content creator.

Gary is a serial ultra runner and marathon runner, and a sponsored member of the Altra Run Crew. & after grappling with injuries for years, Gary is grateful to be back in fine form this year and injury free heading into his next Backyard Ultra at the end of June.

With 53 marathons (or longer) running events, 68 halfs, and an Ironman distance, under his belt - you'll love to hear that his love for running came later in life. Hence why Gary is keen on advocating for the benefits of getting outside and finding a way to place your needs first, not only for you but for your friends & family too.

Gary brings community into all elements of his running journey - whether its the online connections he makes (where I actually came across Gary!), or the in-person Drip Run Club sessions he is ever so passionate about.

Listen to the full interview on Spotify, iHeart Radio, or Apple Podcasts.

#runner #running #ultrarun #marathon #run #contentcreator #newzealand #england #mentalperformance #podcast #tallpoppytalk #mentalhealthmatters #brighton

"How you speak to yourself, it doesn't take anymore time... re-evaluate what you're actually saying and how you're saying it" - Bailey Walters, Nutrition Specialist.

Bailey Walters is many things to a lot of people. To some she is their nutrition specialist, shaping futures by re-defining one’s relationship to their intuition, fitness, and overall self. To others she’s a personal trainer or coach. Perhaps you know her as a teammate in Jiu-Jitsu.

To me, she’s a wonderful friend. And to all her friends & whanua she’s a pillar of strength in all forms. Bailey always speaks her mind and does so with kindness.

With a Bachelors of Sports & Exercise, and successfully growing her self-employed business, Bailey is paving her way as a go-to for intuitive eating and holisitic living.

Having moved from NZ Aotearoa to England years ago, she practices her craft while also traveling the world.

It is such a pleasure to welcome Bailey to Tall Poppy Talk!!

Listen to the full interview on Spotify, iHeart Radio, or Apple Podcasts.

#nutrition #food #psychology #specialist #intuitive #intuitiveeating #newzealand #england #mentalperformance #podcast #tallpoppytalk #mentalhealthmatters #aotearoa

"So, really the emotional impact is larger than the physical impact of pain" - Dr. James Flowers, Chronic Pain & Recovery expert.

Dr. Flowers the founder of J. Flowers Health Institute. For over three decades Dr. Flowers has been one of the most recognized and respected names in the field of chronic pain, addiction, and pain recovery.

He has dedicated his career to his passion, designing multidisciplinary addiction treatment programs and clinical protocols to help individuals and systems.

James is a writer, speaker, CEO, professor and clinician. With over 80 episodes published of his series ‘Understanding the Human Condition’ combined with his numerous other outreach efforts, James is committed to expanding his reach as far as possible to help as many people as possible.

*TW *During this episode we briefly discuss topics of addiction and family loss, which influenced Dr. Flowers into his career journey of helping others in their recovery.

Listen to the full interview on Spotify, iHeart Radio, or Apple Podcasts.

#expert #chronicpain #recovery #pain #chronic #addiction #newzealand #texas #mentalperformance #podcast #tallpoppytalk #mentalhealthmatters #aotearoa #doctor

"My proudest moment... in a sense is longevity. The fact that I've lasted consistently, for a heck of a long time. And its been a lovely run. When I think back on my experiences, I can't believe how lucky I've been " - Mark Leishman, Broadcaster.

Mark is a legend in New Zealand broadcasting. He is also a director, presenter, narrator, producer, a businessman with Dexterity Productions Ltd, a proud father of three, a husband, friend & supporter.

Mark's credentials are astounding & ever-growing across Radio, TV, & News.

His first TV Show appearance was in 1981 and has been followed by a continuous run of household-worthy NZ classics including Tux Wonder Dogs, Mud and Glory, Top Town, Jeopardy, The Young Farmer Contest, Holden Golf World, and Country TV to name a mere handful.

Mark began his on-air career in ’77 at Radio Avon and has since hosted the i98 FM’s breakfast show, The Breeze’s afternoon drive, and Magic’s first-ever Breakfast show, before transitioning to his current position as newsreader and fill-in host for Radio New Zealand.

It is truly a privilege to interview Mark for Tall Poppy Talk!

Listen to the full interview on Spotify, iHeart Radio, or Apple Podcasts.

#broadcasting #radio #tv #news #legend #pro #newzealand #newsreader #mentalperformance #podcast #tallpoppytalk #mentalhealthmatters #aotearoa #broadcaster

"Not just celebrating other people, but celebrating yourself is quite important" - Kobe Miller.

Kobe is currently rowing at Northeastern University, in Boston USA. Studying towards a Master of Sport Leadership. & he is fully embracing what the US collegiate experience has to offer while still having his eyes & ambitions set on Rowing NZ’s elite team.

Kobe is an absolute athlete, with a hefty list of credentials with Rowing NZ already under his belt including Junior World Champs in 2019, U21 team in 2021, then U23 Champs in 2022 and in 2023, and an impressive amount of NZ National Championship titles too from the single, to the quad.

He was the Prime Minster’s Scholarship recipient as well as the University of Otago Sports Blue Award in 2022, and later the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Internship recipient in 2023.

Having navigated injuries, sickness, geography, divided attention and resources, and a pandemic, Kobe really is relentless in his pursuit of high performance rowing AND studies.

He’s a business man too, partnering with brands and promoting products that truly fuel him.

If you're an athlete, someone interested in the US collegiate system, or just keen for an insightful listen with an inspiring person - this episode is for you!

Listen to the full interview on Spotify, iHeart Radio, or Apple Podcasts.

#rowing #studentathlete #northeastern #rower #athlete #newzealand #sport #mentalperformance #podcast #tallpoppytalk #mentalhealthmatters #aotearoa #elite

"Life is constantly evolving and everyone is constantly growing. Preferences are changing, ideas are changing, goal posts are changing" - Nick, SACHI.

Nick Chrisp and Will Thomas, the music duo best known as SACHI.

From Aotearoa New Zealand SACHI are making moves through the sound waves and across the festival scene, with their Tomorrowland debut in 2022.

Balancing life in both LA and NZ, these two are iconic additions to any summer or winter event from Club SACHI in LA or SNOW MACHINE in NZ.

As producers, performers, DJs, and active advocates for club culture, Nick & Will have been on a mission since releasing their first music as SACHI in 2014. Working their way through numerous genres from disco house to pop, they explore themes of mental health & relationships all through uptempo bangers guaranteed to hit at any club scene or dance floor.

As proud kiwis making their mark on the world stage, it is a genuine pleasure to have and share this conversation! Thank you SACHI!

Listen to the full interview on Spotify, iHeart Radio, or Apple Podcasts.

#sachi #clubmusic #festival #edm #la #club #music #mentalperformance #podcast #tallpoppytalk #mentalhealthmatters #aotearoa #rave