In this heartwarming episode of Burning Bridges, Anthony and Bella share their incredible journey from meeting online—Anthony in America and Bella in Australia—to building a beautiful life together on the Gold Coast with Bella's two children.

Their story is filled with laughter, honesty, and valuable lessons about modern relationships. They open up about navigating long-distance love, recognising red flags, staying true to their values, and the intentional steps they took to create a strong and lasting marriage.

Anthony also shares his experience of leaving the United States to start a new life in Australia, the culture shock, and why he believes Australians embrace a more relaxed, friendly, and carefree way of life.

Add in their shared love of fishing, boating, and adventure, and it's easy to see why these two are a perfect match.

This episode is a celebration of taking a leap of faith, trusting the process, and discovering that sometimes your soulmate is waiting for you on the other side of the world.

If you've ever believed in love, wondered whether online dating really works, or needed a reminder that the best stories often begin with one simple message—this episode is for you.

Born and raised in Porirua, New Zealand, Tehira Nargino's journey has been anything but ordinary. Carrying the weight of his childhood trauma, he left home and ventured into a world few would expect—travelling internationally as a performer with one of Australia's most renowned male entertainment groups, Manpower.

But behind the stage lights was a man searching for purpose, identity, and healing.

Tehira went on to build successful businesses, owning multiple hair salons and establishing himself as an entrepreneur with a relentless drive to create more for his life. Today, he dedicates himself to something even greater: mentoring men, building brotherhood, and leading within his community.

In this deeply honest episode, Tehira shares the experiences that shaped him, the lessons he learned, and how he transformed adversity into purpose.

This isn't just a story about where Tehira has been—it's about the man he chose to become. 

Healing isn't about changing your past. It's about refusing to let your past decide your future.

In recognition of Mabo Day, Burning Bridges travelled to Melbourne to sit down with Bryan Keon-Cohen, the junior counsel who stood alongside Eddie Koiki Mabo and the Meriam people throughout the historic 10-year legal battle that culminated in the 1992 Mabo decision.

From 1982 to the landmark High Court decision in 1992, Bryan was at the centre of the case that would forever change Australia's understanding of Indigenous land rights and Native Title. In this powerful and deeply educational conversation, he shares firsthand accounts of the challenges, setbacks, political pressures and personal sacrifices that shaped the Mabo case.

Bryan speaks candidly about travelling to Murray Island, meeting with the Meriam people, working alongside Eddie Koiki Mabo. Drawing on his firsthand experiences in the Torres Strait and throughout the Mabo proceedings, Bryan provides rare insight into a case that recognised the traditional land rights of the Meriam people and paved the way for Native Title recognition across Australia.

This is more than a history lesson. It is a story of courage, persistence and purpose. Whether you're passionate about Indigenous rights, law, social justice or the power of standing firm in your convictions, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

The legacy of Mabo continues to shape Australia today. Understanding how that legacy was built is essential viewing.

Burning Bridges Podcast would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians on the land on which we live and pay respects to Elders past and present. 

Warning: This episode contains the names and discussions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are deceased. Viewer and listener discretion is advised.

Andrew opens up about his upbringing, the sports he loved growing up, and the deep pain of losing his father.

Now a father himself, Andrew has channelled his experiences into coaching alongside Benny at All Star Boxing, where he proudly trained his two daughters as emerging fighters. 

He shares the realities of coaching in Queensland boxing, the struggles of finding quality matchups for female boxers, the shortage of fighters in the sport, and the behind-the-scenes challenges coaches and parents face navigating the boxing world.

This episode is a conversation about resilience, culture, fatherhood, and fighting for opportunities — both in life and in the ring.

With his father deported and raised by a single mother, from a young age, he struggled to find his voice, both literally and in the classroom, making it hard to learn, connect, and fit in. 

That struggle made him a target, and the bullying only fueled something deeper inside him — a refusal to ever be pushed around again.

Ben found his way into a boxing gym and from there, the hunger grew and the discipline sharpened. Today he is ranked #1 in the super middleweight division, with a record of 13-2 and 8 knockouts.  Holding titles across WBC, WBA, IBO and Australasia.

But what separates Ben isn’t just his achievements — it’s his mindset. 

This is a fighter who has stepped into the ring with a broken jaw and damaged knuckles and still chose to go to war. No excuses, no fear, just pure grit and determination. 

In this episode, we dive into the journey behind the fighter — the mentality that drives him and the sacrifices that come with chasing greatness.Now training out of All Star Boxing and preparing for his next big fight on the Melbourne stage, Ben is more focused than ever. 

But beyond the titles and the violence of the sport, his greatest pride is being a father and protecting the life he’s built. He lives by keeping his circle small, valuing loyalty over numbers, and staying locked in on what truly matters.

This is more than a boxing story, its proving that no matter where you start, you can fight your way to the top.

Raised in a small Australian country town, Luke built a successful life on the outside—a thriving business in the agriculture industry, a strong family foundation, and lifelong friendships. But behind the success, there was struggle.

As a young man, Luke battled a drinking problem—blackouts, trouble with the law, and nights he couldn’t even piece back together. In a culture that shrugs things off with “you’ll be right, mate,” accountability was hard to face, and even harder to accept.

This episode explores the turning points—losing a mate, watching a close friend battle terminal illness, and the emotional weight that forced Luke to question everything. Despite his success, he felt stuck… like he was living the same day over and over.

“It’s not enough for me.”

That realisation became the catalyst.

What started with running and small wins in social golf turned into something much bigger—the Going Pro journey. A bold mission to qualify for the 2027 Australian Open at 44, using discipline, purpose, and public accountability to change his life.

Now off the drink and training full-time, Luke is all in. 

This is a conversation about identity, pressure, mateship, loss, and what it really takes to take control of your life—when most people would settle.

And Haati Bei, Aperehama’s whānau, shares her own journey of keeping her family close while navigating a hostile environment.
 
The kaupapa began with powerful intentions. The vision was to create a space of healing and unity. A place where people could come together, reconnect, and walk forward stronger.
But the journey became complicated. Questions were raised. Trust was tested. People were hurt. What started as a movement of healing slowly became surrounded by confusion, division, and pain - between organisers, supporters and the public.
 
In this kōrero we hear the heartbreak of how a space that began with hope and healing slowly became tangled in lies, pain, and despair. But we also hear something just as powerful — how through those experiences true friendships were formed that became whānau. And within a small group, now known as the LITT Krew, still believed in the Kaupapa and creating a space of whakawhanaungatanga, connection, and healing along the journey.
 
Aperehama and Coley speak honestly about the weight they have carried since then — the guilt, and the feeling of knowing that things did not unfold the way they were meant to. With that comes the courage to face those feelings and walk forward with intention.

Now they are walking a different path.
A path that leads back to Rātana Pā.
A journey of UTU — not revenge, but restoration. 
A return to balance. 
A way of putting right what has been thrown out of alignment.

Together, they reflect on the setbacks that forced them to level up — not only individually, but as partners.  We talk love, leadership within a relationship, navigating hard conversations, and building a life aligned with shared goals.

This episode dives deep into, communication, resilience, and what it truly means to build a strong foundation for love and family.

A reminder that love doesn’t avoid challenges — it grows through them.

With a childhood grounded in all types of sport, Benny excelled early, earning victories in squash, cricket, AFL and finding his true calling in boxing.

Now a husband, proud father and leader in Australia’s boxing community, Benny opens up about what it takes to rise above the noise, build a winning mindset, and train the next generation of elite fighters.

He speaks on the sacrifices, discipline , and relentless hunger it takes to make it - not just in boxing, but in life.

Whether you’re a fighter, coach, athlete of anyone chasing something bigger, this episode is your blueprint for greatness.

His mother did what she could with Western healing methods, but the real breakthrough came when he discovered martial arts—a space where pain turned into power, and silence turned into purpose.

Corbin found more than a gym—he found belonging. Fighting across New Zealand and overseas, he now trains out of Gold Coast, Australia, as a rising force in the IBC (International Brawling Championship). He takes us deep into his world—his daily grind, the mental warfare before every fight, and the soft moments shared with his fiancée Ella, who stands by him through every round in and out of the ring.

This conversation is raw, real, and heavy-hitting—just like his punches. 

Corbin speaks on the power of humility, the quiet strength in healing, and the fire that drives his relentless pursuit of greatness in the ring.

In this raw and deeply emotional episode, social creator Schubz opens up about growing up in New Zealand under the shadow of abuse — and how those wounds still shape his adult life. With thousands watching, Schubz uses his platform to call out injustice of pedophiles and corruption. He speaks candidly about trying to heal the boy within. 

Skye Sterling, an entrepenuner and well known from working in the media for 20 years NZ, Skye is carrying her own childhood trauma, now walks a similar journey — a mother fighting for peace, for purpose, and for her own healing.

Bonded through trauma, Shubz & Skye have found the courage to rise. 

Iwi Whakamahu – Heal the Nation.  

Growing up in Auckland, Keilah always felt like she had to prove her love to be seen. 

Now living in Australia, she shares her powerful transformation story—from emotional struggle to building a thriving successful beauty business, and stepping fully into her purpose as a coach, mentor and leader. 

We talk blended family’s and the love and support she receives from her husband. How learning to communicate in a relationship is key, sharing her truth and real emotion. 

This conversation is a reminder that healing is possible, your story holds power, and your past doesn’t define your future.Get ready for truth, triumph, and the kind of wisdom that will stay with you long after the episode ends.

This episode is a mix of emotion, empowerment, and straight-up gems on mindset shifts, entrepreneurship, and redefining what “success” really means. 

Oh—and yes, we laughed a LOT.

A young father with everything to lose, Sam made the decision to confront his demons for the sake of his kids—and himself. Through jail and rehab, he found his way to healing through the practice of 9D breathwork, unlocking deep traumas and transforming prison into purpose.

Now supported by a strong wife and armed with clarity, Sam is on a mission: to guide other lost souls—addicts, convicts, and wounded men—toward their own redemption.

This episode is heavy. It’s honest. It’s full of grit, grief, and grace. 

If you’ve ever believed you were too far gone to change, Sam’s story will prove otherwise. 

Marcus shares his story from adversity in his childhood through to his time in the Australian Army, detailing the physical and emotional toll it took on him—including injuries that led to an addiction to pain medication.

He opens up about the dark reality of suicidal thoughts and just how close he came to ending it all. Despite the pain, Marcus saved every cent he could, achieving the incredible milestone of owning a home and a business by the age of 21.

But life threw more challenges his way, instead of giving up, he used the weight of those failures to pivot into something even greater. Now, as the owner of Breathe Health Clubs Morayfield, Marcus is more driven than ever to grow and expand his business.

This episode is a testament to the power of turning pain into purpose—and you don’t want to miss it.

We dive into the struggles, breakthroughs, and real-life moments that have shaped his journey — from growing up with challenges, to finding his purpose through music, and now preparing for his biggest move yet: the BLAK Australian Tour.

Whether you're a fan of real hip-hop, Indigenous voices, or just love powerful storytelling, this episode hits deep.

Drop a comment, like, and subscribe to stay tuned for more real conversations.

#burningbridgespodcast#SayTrueGod #TheRise #BLAKAlbum #AustralianTour #IndigenousVoices #PodcastInterview #RealTalk #HipHopAustralia#mentalhealth

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Rado Trenciansky—an author featured on Amazon, entrepreneur, and speaker—who shares his journey from witnessing domestic violence in Czechoslovakia to building a new life in Australia focused on healing, growth, and legacy.

After attending seminars with personal development giants like Tony Robbins, Rado went on to write two powerful books:
📘 How to Get a Bigger Bite Out of Life: Power-Packed Ideas for Personal Growth and Prosperity (co-authored with George Faddoul)
📘 Creating Customers for Life: Tips, Techniques, and Strategies for Growing Any Business, Even in the Toughest Economies (written by Rado himself)

In this episode, you’ll discover:
✔️ How early trauma sparked his pursuit of personal freedom and purpose
✔️ The journey from Czechoslovakia to Australia—and what it taught him
✔️ Mindset shifts that change lives and build businesses
✔️ His proven strategies for building lifelong customers—even in difficult markets
✔️ How to reframe your past to unlock your future

This is a journey through my anger, hurt, and betrayal - and how I began to reclaim my voice and my life.