Paperback Guerrillas

“You’re either growing or you’re shrinking. We’re like plants, none of us stays the same. We’re living things. We’re either going this way to higher things or back this way, to death.” — Tipene HarmerTipene Harmer is a rapper, a kaiako (teacher) of mātauranga Māori, and an all-around awesome dude.Patreon whānau exclusive: my favourite tāonta from this kōrero was around decision making. I wrote about how I've been working on mine here.We spend the first chunk of the interview talking/geeking-out about Aotearoa hip-hop and the connection to te ao Māori and American culture, then we move onto our standard (delicious) fare of kai, how he got to the position of living a life he loves, what could have stopped him, his new album Heritage Trail, and a whole lot more.As well as the above, here are a few of the taonga (treasures) Tipene shares:The best advice he got from Scribe.The purpose and motivation behind his latest album. The motivation behind his first mixtape and forays into rap.Getting out of our own way.The power of decision making and the influences on those decisions. The hard way, and the hard way and how The strength we get from connection.The power of music and kotahitanga (bringing together). What he’s learned from the rangatahi he works with as a teacher.His song-writing process and how he used his song Turangawaewae to teach tīkanga marae to his students.How rap encouraged him to read.Hit subscribe in your podcast app if you want to hear more.Enjoyed the episode? Help us record more: If you want to help us share these conversations for positive change, please help by donating here: www.patreon.com/paperbackguerrillasResources and mentionsDam NativeTakitimu bookQuestion: what was your favourite quote or lesson from this episode? Comment below and let us know!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/paperbackguerrillas)

Paperback Guerrillas Whānau exclusive: my favourite taonga (treasured idea) from this kōrero was sparked by PNC's comments on how much of a privilege it was growing up with his mother. It made me reflect on my own privilege. You can read about it on our Patreon page here.PNC is an award winning rapper also known as Sam Hansen. Wikipedia page.After nearly 20 years performing at a high level and acknowledged as one of Aotearoa's best rappers, Sam is studying psychology and in this kōrero we dive into the connection with music and wellness, culture and mental health, and Sam's experiences growing up as an afakasi (half-cast Samoan) man. Of course we discuss rap/hiphop and being an artist in Aotearoa.We had a lot of fun putting this kōrero together, and I hope you find it as valuable as I did.Mauri ora,PeraHit subscribe in your podcast app if you want to hear more.Enjoyed the episode? Help us record more: If you want to help us share these conversations for positive change, please help by donating here: www.patreon.com/paperbackguerrillas

Jase Te Patu is the founder and driving force behind M3 Mindfulness, a programme designed to improve mental health and wellbeing of students, teachers and whānau. Jase uses Māori stories, mindfulness, and movement to make this important mahi happen. In this kōrero we discuss mental health (hauora hinengaro), mindfulness, decision-making, emotional maturity and Jase's journey. He explains how he channelled early pain and suffering into a positive outcome, reaching a place where he can thrive and carve out a position of happiness from where he can awhi and support others to do the same.Jase talks about the difference good teachers made in his life, and We talk about crying and how as men especially, we're conditioned to hide our emotions, especially our tears. Jase has a small tangi during our kōrero. Because that's what we're meant to do with tears, cry them out.I loved this kōrero and appreciate Jase's open-ness in our conversation. I hope you find it as valuable as I did.Mauri ora,PeraSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/paperbackguerrillas)