In this episode of HeARTh Tales, Rich McCoy speaks with acclaimed ceramic artist Daryl Frost about his decades-long journey from builder to potter and his deep dedication to the Anagama wood-firing technique. Daryl shares the raw realities behind his bold, elemental work—crafted through fire, clay, and intuition—including firing his 100th kiln and even using his hip bone in a glaze. With humour and depth, he reflects on risk, creativity, post-firing emotions, and the spiritual alchemy of handmade objects in a world of mass production.

Welcome to Heart Tales, the podcast that shares the stories at the heart of Aotearoa’s rich cultural landscape. Today, we’re honoured to have Donna McLeod with us — an artist whose journey began in a curtain-making workshop in New Plymouth during the Think Big era, where family, creativity, and community came together.

Donna’s path has been shaped by early encounters with iconic New Zealand artists and theatre groups, nurturing Māori stories through libraries and public art. Her work carries a deep spiritual connection — a bolt of lightning that can strike anywhere, anytime.

Join us as Donna shares her experiences weaving Māori heritage into contemporary art, the magic of collaboration across communities, and the vital role of storytelling in preserving culture. We’ll explore the taniwha of Motuika, the power of public spaces for Māori expression, and her inspiring vision for the future of Māori art in Aotearoa and beyond.

In this episode of HeARTh Tales, host Rich McCoy sits down with Rennie Pearson, a multi-instrumentalist whose flute mastery shines in the world of Celtic music. Rennie shares his inspiring journey, from a childhood fascination ignited by Chris Norman to reconnecting with traditional Irish music later in life. He candidly discusses the universal challenges artists face, like self-doubt and impostor syndrome. He reveals his strategies for overcoming creative blocks, drawing inspiration from spiritual practices, nature, and fellow musicians.

Discover how Rennie balances dynamic musical collaboration with heartfelt storytelling in his performances, creating an emotional journey for his audience. We also touch on his unique connection to Celtic heritage, particularly his work in New Zealand and Australia, and his current focus on weaving original compositions into his traditional style. Learn about his project "Half Light" with Bob McNeil and where to find his music.