- 15
- Episodes
- 1
- Ratings
- 2023
- First episode
About Everybody's Trying To Find Their Way Home
Jen Cloher speaks with Māori and First Nations songwriters who are writing and performing in their tribal languages.
- Publisher
- Jen Cloher
- Category
- music · society & culture
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 3 May 2023
- Latest episode
- 20 Aug 2025
Latest episodes
15 episodes in the feed.
20 Aug 2025
TE RAUKURA O'CONNELL RAPIRA: He Takatāpui Ahau
Te Raukura O’Connell Rapira (Te Ātiawa, Ngāruahine, Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Whakaue) has been described by their peers as one of the most strategic minds of their generation. For the past 14 years, they’ve been behind some of the biggest community-led campaigns in Aotearoa. They’re currently the CEO of 350.org in so-called Australia, a global community organisation committed to a world free of fossil fuels. Unlike other people Jen has spoken to on this podcast, Te Raukura isn’t a songwriter. They became friends through a waiata group in Naarm (Melbourne) fondly known as Takatāpui Tuesdays. In this episode, Te Raukura speaks to the complexities of being Māori and working on Aboriginal land – and how singing their cultural songs with other queer and trans Māori has brought them joy and connection. Find out more about Te Raukura O’Connell Rapira: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Te_Raukura_O%27Connell_Rapira
13 Aug 2025
JORDYN WITH A WHY: Loving Your Māori Self
Jordyn with a Why (Tainui Āwhiro) grew up in South Auckland immersed in her Samoan culture. It wasn’t until high school, when her Dad suggested she take Te reo Māori instead of French, that a door opened into her cultural identity. Now her days are spent teaching full immersion Te reo Māori while raising her sons with Māori as their first language. Her debut album Hibiscus Moon, Love & Justice is written in rua reo (both Māori and English), and blends R&B, neo-soul, and pop to speak to the experience of being an urban Māori. In this episode, Jordyn takes Jen for a feed at Denny’s – a South Auckland mainstay – and shares how Te Reo Māori has changed the direction of her life and music. Find out more about Jordyn with a Why: https://www.instagram.com/jordynwitha_why/?hl=en
6 Aug 2025
BYLLIE-JEAN: Learning to Fly
When Byllie-jean (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga, Ngāti Pahauwera) released her debut EP Filter at the beginning of 2024, she was largely unknown. A year on and she’s become one of the most lauded songwriters in Aotearoa, recently picking up a Taite Music Prize (2025) for Best Debut Album. Byllie-jean spent her childhood riding horseback beside the Inangahua River in the north-west of the South Island. The influence of the ngahere (bush) and her capacity to listen deeply brings to mind the work of the great Hirini Melbourne. In this episode, Jen takes a ride in Byllie-jean’s truck, ‘Haumie’, and learns about the wāhine Māori who have shaped her life and songwriting. Find out more about Byllie-jean: https://www.instagram.com/byllie_jean/?hl=en
30 Jul 2025
WHIRIMAKO BLACK: Why Whakapapa?
Whirimako Black (Ngāti Tuhoe, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Ranginui, Te Whakatōhea, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui) is Aotearoa’s undisputed soul diva, and one of the greatest living performers of waiata Māori. While her work has broken new ground for Māori music, her career has never been easy. When Whirimako released her debut album Hinepukohurangi (Shrouded in the Mist) in 2001, there were very few albums (let alone jazz albums) written and performed in Te Reo Māori. In this episode, Jen visits Whirimako at her home in Ruatoki to find out why she shelved the album for five years … and how learning about her whakapapa gave her the strength to finally set it free. Find out more about Whirimako Black: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg81FN-pZ24158Wz-4DhaLg
23 Jul 2025
SHELLIE MORRIS: Backbone of this Country
Dr. Shellie Morris (Wardaman, Yanyuwa) is a legend in the Northern Territory. Affectionately known as the ‘Mother of Music’, she’s spent the past 25 years writing songs with more than 70 remote bush communities.In that time, Shellie’s learned to sing in 17 different languages – many of which are considered ‘sleeping’ or close to extinction, including her own Yanyuwa tongue. In this episode, Jen and Shellie head to Kakadu to visit Shellie’s sister Mandy Muir. On the way, Jen learns about Shellie’s emotional homecoming after being adopted at birth; the healing influence of her Elders, the Borroloola Songwomen, and the next generation of strong, cultural women who are keeping their languages alive through song. Find out more about Shellie Morris: https://www.shelliemorris.com/ (https://www.shelliemorris.com/) Listen to the full album Waralungku by Arrkula Yinbayarra: https://arrkulayinbayarra.bandcamp.com/album/waralungku (https://arrkulayinbayarra.bandcamp.com/album/waralungku)
16 Jul 2025
JEN CLOHER: Rumaki
Since releasing their fifth album, Ko Au Te Awa, Ko Te Awa Ko Au, and the first season of this podcast, Jen Cloher not only found their way home, they packed up their life and moved there. They’ve enrolled in a year long Te Reo Māori rumaki (immersive) language course at Te Wānanga o Raukawa in Ōtaki, Aotearoa, NZ. “Rumaki means to immerse or drown”, Jen explains, “and for a beginner like me, drowning in the Māori language definitely sums up the experience.” In this episode, Jen speaks with Anahera Neho-Cooper from Te Reo Maioha – a Māori language class based in Melbourne that utilises the well-loved Te Ataarangi method of learning. Jen also stops by Tauranga Moana to get some survival tips from their friend Ani Bennett, who has just completed a year long immersion. For more on this podcast and for the best transcripts head to https://everybodystryingpodcast.com/ (https://everybodystryingpodcast.com/) Find out more about Jen Cloher:https://www.jencloher.com/jen (https://www.jencloher.com/jen) Show notes: ‘Being Human’ performed by Te Hononga o Ngā Iwi and Jen Cloher band at the Northcote Town Hall 2023. Recorded by Dave Manton for Double J. ‘Toku Reo Toku Ohooho’ performed by Waiata Takatāpui written by Te Tāwhiro Maxwell & Okeroa Huriwaka. ‘Whakatupuranga Rua Mano’ performed by students at Te Wananga o Raukawa written by Tipi Wehipeihana. Taonga puoro composed and performed by Pānia Elmsly. With thanks to Te Wānanga o Raukawa, Te Reo Maioha and Waiata Takatāpui. Credits: Executive Producer/Host: Jen Cloher Producer/Engineer: Jon Tjhia Story Editor: Beź Zewdie Cover Artwork: Huriana Kopeke-Te Aho Layout and Design: Sebastian White Web Design: Aron Lebani Animation: Charlie Budd With thanks to: Three Triple R 102.7FM and Creative Australia.
9 Jul 2025
Everybody's Trying To Find Their Way Home - Season 2 Trailer
Welcome to the second season of Everybody's Trying To Find Their Way Home. A podcast where Jen Cloher speaks with Māori and First Nations songwriters who are writing and performing in their languages. Learn more at https://everybodystryingpodcast.com/ Credits: Executive Producer/Host: Jen Cloher Producer/Engineer: Jon Tjhia Story Editor: Beź Zewdie Cover Artwork: Huriana Kopeke-Te Aho Layout and Design: Sebastian White Web Design: Aron Lebani Animation: Charlie Budd With thanks to: Triple R 102.7FM and Creative Australia.
20 Jun 2023
BREANNE PETERS: Rangatahi Healing Trauma
Breanne Peters (Kai Tahu, Ngāti Ruanui, Te Atiawa) was born in Naarm (Melbourne) and didn’t know anything about her Māori heritage until a trip home to Aotearoa a few years ago that changed the course of her life. Now, the 18 year old artist is on a mission to heal intergenerational trauma so that future generations can have access to their language and culture. She is a passionate advocate for rangatahi Māori (young people) and has found community and support for her journey with the Naarm based kapa haka T’HONI. Breanne shares how singing vocals on Mana Takatāpui helped her to put words to what she had been feeling and how Te Ao Māori (the Māori worldview) has deepened her respect for First Nations people and culture in Australia. See tour dates and listen to Jen’s new album: https://bio.site/jencloher (https://bio.site/jencloher) Credits: Executive Producer/Host: Jen Cloher Producer/Engineer: Mike Williams Story Editor: Karla Arnall Cover Artwork: Huriana Kopeke -Te Aho Layout and Design: Sebastian White Web Design: Aron Lebani With thanks to: Triple R 102.7FM, Australia Council for the Arts
13 Jun 2023
EMMA DONOVAN: The Language Of The Heart
Emma Donovan (Gumbangyirr, Yamatji) grew up singing gospel songs in her Nan and Pop’s band The Donovans. She soon went on to tour the world as one of the youngest members of the legendary Black Arm Band. Emma’s released four albums with Melbourne rhythm combo The Putbacks and is currently in the studio making her first solo album. Jen joins Emma and her daughters for an emotional Survival Day at Yabun Festival before heading to La Perouse in Sydney’s south where Emma shares about the lasting influence of Aunty Ruby Hunter on her music and language journey. See tour dates and listen to Jen’s new album: https://bio.site/jencloher (https://bio.site/jencloher) Credits: Executive Producer/Host: Jen Cloher Producer/Engineer: Mike Williams Story Editor: Karla Arnall Cover Artwork: Huriana Kopeke -Te Aho Layout and Design: Sebastian White Web Design: Aron Lebani With thanks to: Triple R 102.7FM, Australia Council for the Arts
6 Jun 2023
ANNA CODDINGTON: We Need These Stories
Anna Coddington (Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Te Arawa) was catapulted into the public eye at age 15 when her high school band won a national songwriting competition. Since then she’s released four solo albums, received a degree in socio-linguistics, and has been dedicated to learning Te reo Māori at night classes — all the while raising two young boys. Her album ‘Aho’ (written entirely in the Māori language) recently won Best Te Reo Māori Album at the Māori Music Awards. Jen catches up with Anna at the APRA NZ Te Reo Māori Songwriting Hubs curated by Bic Runga. The story begins with a masterclass in Taonga Pūoro (traditional Māori musical instruments) from Reti Hedley. Find out more about Anna Coddington: https://annacoddington.bandcamp.com/music (https://annacoddington.bandcamp.com/music) See tour dates and listen to Jen’s new album: https://bio.site/jencloher (https://bio.site/jencloher) Credits: Executive Producer/Host: Jen Cloher Producer/Engineer: Mike Williams Story Editor: Karla Arnall Cover Artwork: Huriana Kopeke -Te Aho Layout and Design: Sebastian White Web Design: Aron Lebani With thanks to: Triple R 102.7FM, Australia Council for the Arts
30 May 2023
DR LOU BENNETT: Our Languages Are Waiting For Us
Dr. Lou Bennett (Dja Dja Wurrung, Yorta Yorta) is songwriting royalty. A founding member of both the Black Arm Band and ARIA award winning trio, TIDDAS. Lou has spent her life dedicated to what she describes as ‘Sovereign Language Rematriation’ and her passion is traced back to her love for her people and Country. Lou takes Jen home to Dja Dja Wurrung Country in Victoria’s north west to share the heartbreaking story of the Djaara baby. On the way home they are greeted by an unexpected friend. Find out more about Dr Lou Bennett: https://www.vic.gov.au/dr-lou-bennett (https://www.vic.gov.au/dr-lou-bennett) See tour dates and listen to Jen’s new album: https://bio.site/jencloher (https://bio.site/jencloher) Credits: Executive Producer/Host: Jen Cloher Producer/Engineer: Mike Williams Story Editor: Karla Arnall Cover Artwork: Huriana Kopeke -Te Aho Layout and Design: Sebastian White Web Design: Aron Lebani With thanks to: Triple R 102.7FM, Australia Council for the Arts
23 May 2023
TE KAAHU: A Flightless Bird Learns To Soar
Theia (Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Tīpa) has earned a reputation for fearless pop music. Now her Māori language project, Te Kaahu o Rangi [Taite Music Prize] has caught the imagination of new fans worldwide. In this episode, Jen and Theia head out to the Waikato River to trace the origins of Theia’s rich songwriting ancestry, dig into the significance of Pai Mārire, and spend time at Theia’s beloved Taupiri. Find out more about Te Kaahu: https://www.princesstheia.com/https://www.princesstheia.com/ (https://www.princesstheia.com/) See tour dates and listen to Jen’s new album: https://bio.site/jencloher (https://bio.site/jencloher) Credits: Executive Producer/Host: Jen Cloher Producer/Engineer: Mike Williams Story Editor: Karla Arnall Cover Artwork: Huriana Kopeke -Te Aho Layout and Design: Sebastian White Web Design: Aron Lebani With thanks to: Triple R 102.7FM, Australia Council for the Arts
16 May 2023
JEN CLOHER: I Am Coming Home
Jen Cloher (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahu) was on tour in Aotearoa in 2019 when something happened that changed the course of their life. Four years later, Jen is a new person — about to set out on an international tour (Aus, UK, Europe and Aotearoa) for a new album that weaves their matrilineal language, Te reo Māori throughout. Before they can begin to document other Māori and First Nations experiences, Jen will need to face imposter syndrome, stare down shame, and walk open hearted towards their language and culture. See tour dates and listen to Jen’s new album: jencloher.com (https://www.jencloher.com/jen) Credits: Executive Producer/Host: Jen Cloher Producer/Engineer: Mike Williams Story Editor: Karla Arnall Cover Artwork: Huriana Kopeke-Te Aho Layout and Design: Sebastian White Web Design: Aron Lebani With thanks to: Triple R 102.7FM, Australia Council for the Arts
4 May 2023
Everybody's Trying To Find Their Way Home
Introducing Everybody's Trying To Find Their Way Home. A podcast where Jen Cloher speaks with Māori and First Nations songwriters who are writing and performing in their tribal languages. See tour dates and listen to my new album: jencloher.com (https://www.jencloher.com/jen) Credits: Executive Producer/Host: Jen Cloher Producer/Engineer: Mike Williams Story Editor: Karla Arnall Cover Artwork: Huriana Kopeke-Te Aho Layout and Design: Sebastian White Web Design: Aron Lebani With thanks to: Triple R 102.7FM, Australia Council for the Arts
3 May 2023
Trailer
Everybody's Trying To Find Their Way Home, is a brand new independent podcast series celebrating the unique experiences of Māori and First Nations songwriters who are writing and performing in their tribal languages. In Everybody’s Trying To Find Their Way Home Jen learns about Sovereign Language Rematriation with Dr. Lou Bennett (Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung); the significance of the Waikato River and Pai Mārire faith for Theia’s (Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Tīpa) TE KAAHU waiata Māori project, spends an emotional Survival Day at Yabun Festival with Emma Donovan (Gumbaynggirr, Yamatji) and attends the NZ APRA Te reo Māori Songhubs curated by Bic Runga with Anna Coddington (Ngāti Tūwharetoa,Te Arawa).
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