In this episode, I sit down with Jules aka - MC Crafty — an MC, drum and bass performer, and creative producer from Gisborne. We talk about the feeling of stepping onto a stage, connecting with a crowd, and getting swept up in a shared moment through music.
Crafty reflects on how live performance can take you somewhere else, and why that feeling stays with you long after the show ends. We also get into his journey through music and events, his connection to Gisborne, and the people and experiences that have shaped his path.
Crafty describes preparing for a hometown performance as “my fight” - training, focusing, and wanting to be fully present for a moment he’s worked toward.
It’s a conversation about creativity, community, and the energy that keeps you chasing the next show.
I hope you enjoy team!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
9 Nov 2026
Finding your place, be yourself - Furo 4404 - #8
In todays episode - Furo 4404 joins me for a conversation about music, identity, and the journey of finding your own place in the world. Born in South Africa and have moved to Auckland, he shares how growing up across different cultures shaped the sounds he listens to and the artist he’s becoming.
We talk about the story behind Big 40, Not the Little One - what it means to take that first step, put your music out there, and learn to trust your own instincts. Furo reflects on making music that feels true to him, navigating other people’s opinions, and discovering that he doesn’t have to fit into a particular scene to find his place.
He also opens up about the people and experiences that have helped him grow, the energy of performing live, and his ambitions for the future - including his dream. The album may be the first step, but Furo is already looking ahead to what comes next.
Enjoy the episode team!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
1 Nov 2026
I found a purpose in life now - Klassic Kayz - #7
In today’s episode - Kayz from the Strong Comms podcast joins me for an honest, funny and heartfelt conversation about fatherhood, personal growth, creativity and how becoming a father changed his life.
Kayz talks about his upbringing and the changes that came with becoming a father. He reflects on the day his daughter was born, having to go to court soon after, and how serving his sentence at home gave him precious time with her and helped him find a new sense of purpose.
We also talk about leaving an old lifestyle behind, returning to work, and finding the courage to put himself out there. Kayz shares how he and his mate started their podcast before everything was perfect, and why staying disciplined and remembering your reason for starting matters when the excitement wears off.
Alongside the deeper moments, there are heaps of laughs and real genuine yarns. We get into men’s mental health, being open with your mates, and how sharing your experiences can make a difference in someone else’s life.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
25 Oct 2026
I was a lost soul who loved consuming the p*ss - Tanis Bosson - #6
In todays episode - Tanis Bosson from the StrongComms podcast joins me for a honest, funny and heartfelt conversation about fatherhood, friendship, creativity and figuring life out as you go.
Tanis talks about his upbringing and reflects on the learnings and changes that come with becoming a father. Tanis shares a story he's never shared before. We also talk about men’s mental health, the importance of talking honestly, and how much it can mean to have someone who will listen without judging.
Alongside the deeper moments, there are plenty of laughs and funny yarns. Tanis talks about finding his way into social media and podcasting, creating content, and building a community by showing up consistently and staying true to what you set out to do. We also get into the value of checking in on your mates, supporting people for who they are, and remembering why you started.
It’s a real conversation about growth, connection and being unapologetically yourself—with plenty of laughs along the way.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
17 Oct 2026
Adversity can reveal your potential - Hone Heke - #5
In todays episode, I sit down with Hone Heke Ngapua-Rankin whose work and belief in others has had a lasting impact on me. I worked with Heke for two and a half years doing youth work, and I’m grateful for the experiences, lessons, and encouragement I carry from that time. We talk about his journey, the values behind his work, and the essence of his business, Te Pūheke.
Our kōrero explores how a setback can become a redirection, a closed door may lead somewhere better when we keep believing in ourselves. Heke reflects on a teacher who saw his potential when he was struggling at school, and how that belief helped change the path he was on. It’s a powerful reminder that one person’s encouragement can stay with us long after the moment has passed.
We also talk about the strength found in identity and belonging. Connection with his culture, whānau, and community has helped ground Heke and shape his sense of purpose and service. His experiences remind us that knowing where we come from can help us find our way forward.
A big part of our conversation is about caring for others while also caring for ourselves. Service matters, but constantly saying yes, trying to please everyone, or neglecting our own needs can lead to burnout. Looking after your own wellbeing isn’t selfish - it helps you keep showing up with care for the people around you.
And when life gets hard, adversity can reveal potential we haven’t yet recognised in ourselves. We don’t need to have everything figured out at once. Small, consistent steps can help us move through a difficult season and towards the person we want to become.
If you’re facing self-doubt, feeling stuck, or wondering what might come after a closed door, I hope this kōrero offers encouragement. Keep connected to who you are, take the next small step, and keep chipping away at the mahi in front of you.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
12 Oct 2026
You are the artist of your own life - Kaysey Taylor - #4
In today’s episode, I sit down with Kaysey Taylor for a genuine conversation about creativity, identity, culture and discovering more of yourself.
Kaysey shares how she found her way into special effects makeup and what it’s really like working in film and television. Working with some of Aotearoa's most well known actors, reconnecting with her Māori roots, learning to set boundaries, and trusting her own intuition. She opens up about a deeply personal experience with her twin sister and the emotions that came with finding out she's about to become an auntie and much more!
A conversation full of depth, learnings, insights, lots of laughter, staying true to yourself, reconnecting with where you come from, and choosing the life you want to create.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
5 Oct 2026
Creativity, Culture & the Courage to Be Yourself - Sarvi Dousti - #3
In this episode of Modern-Day Connectors,
I sit down with Sarvi for a conversation about music, creativity, identity, self-doubt and finding your own path.
We talk about how music has been part of Sarvi’s life from an early age, what it means to share music with others, and how performing a song in Farsi helped her connect with her Persian roots.
We get into journaling, trusting yourself, and the importance of having people around you who make it easier to be who you are.
A conversation about creativity, connection and learning to listen to yourself.
Welcome to Modern-Day Connectors.
Follow us on Instagram @modernday_connectors
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
28 Sept 2026
"The way you connect your heart with your mind, changes things" - Melodownz - #2
In todays episode, I sit down with one of Aotearoa's most influential hip-hop artist Melodownz for an open and honest conversation about the journey behind his music.
We talk about where it all began—from graffiti, freestyles, and falling in love with hip-hop—to building a career that has taken him around the globe. Melodownz shares the reality of turning creativity into a business, the pressure that can come with success, and how he found the spark again in creating music.
We also get into self-belief, manifestation, navigating the highs and lows of life, and the importance of staying connected to where it all began. Melodownz speaks on community, mentoring the next generation, and creating space that help young artists recognise the light they already have inside them.
A grounded conversation about purpose, creativity, identity, and trusting the process.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
26 Sept 2026
"I see creativity as like being struck by lightning" - Benjamin - #1
In this episode of Modern-Day Connectors,
I sit down with Ben for a conversation about music, identity, creativity, life perspectives and finding your voice.
We talk about how music became Ben's outlet, why connecting with people through music and his story means so much, and the journey of moving from trying to sound like the artists you look up to, to discovering your voice and who you really are.
We get into authenticity, growing through stages of life, competition, creativity, and why sometimes the most important thing is simply to be yourself and keep creating.
A conversation about music, connection and becoming more comfortable with who you are.
Welcome to Modern-Day Connectors.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
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