Authentic Leadership Podcast

Ivan Yeo
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  • MENTAL HEALTH

An archive of the mental health sector, peer support, and everyday people — because we all have a story to tell. Through my past work experiences, I’ve had many opportunities to share my own journey. From that, I was inspired to create a platform for genuine storytelling, where individuals can share their lives and reflect on who we are, the challenges we face each day, and the strength it takes to keep going — one story at a time. These stories come from people doing their best to make the world a better place. They are not celebrities or social influencers, but ordinary individuals whose stories remind us that we are never alone. Alongside the podcast, we also share The Boy Who Wanted to Be Cinderella, a queer fairytale I created for the gay community. It’s a story of courage, love, and being true to yourself, offering representation and hope for those who grew up not seeing their stories reflected in the world around them. Essence + Truth + Clarity = Authenticity

  1. Beyond The Diagnosis: Shelwin Khan and His Ever-Evolving Journey In Recovery

    FEB 17

    Beyond The Diagnosis: Shelwin Khan and His Ever-Evolving Journey In Recovery

    This episode of the Authentic Leadership Podcast features a long-form, deeply human conversation with Shelwin Khan, exploring mental health, addiction, recovery, and the meaning of lived experience across cultures, systems, and life stages. The conversation traces Shelwin’s life journey from early exposure to substances in adolescence, repeated encounters with clinical and justice systems, and years of addiction and mental health challenges, through to recovery shaped primarily by peer support, human connection, and witnessing what is possible through others. Rather than presenting recovery as a linear success story, the dialogue honours its complexity: ongoing mental health challenges, grief and loss, psychosis during sobriety, identity struggles, and moments of profound hope and meaning. The episode also explores how recovery unfolds across different environments—urban and rural New Zealand, international contexts, cultural expectations, and non-clinical spaces such as creativity, travel, community, and nature. At its core, this episode is about how people learn to live, not just survive—outside rigid clinical narratives—and how hope is often carried person to person, rather than through systems alone.

    1h 48m
  2. The Awakening Kundalini and the Twin Flame Journey A Conversation with Lisa Cerise

    JAN 24

    The Awakening Kundalini and the Twin Flame Journey A Conversation with Lisa Cerise

    In this opening segment of the Authentic Leadership Podcast, Lisa shares a raw and deeply human turning point: depression, a major shoulder injury and infection, and a spiritual awakening that collided with the collapse of her business identity. While recovering and navigating chronic pain and hospitalisation, Lisa was also doing a guided Kundalini awakening with daily 30-minute meditations—originally focused on “flowing” business, health, and life. But the deeper the practice went, the more it exposed what wasn’t aligned. What began as personal development and performance quickly shifted into something more confronting: sobriety, surrender, and the decision to choose healing over hustle. Lisa reflects on building a salon business as an identity—systems, leadership training, big expansion plans—then reaching a moment of truth: “Screw the business, I want to get better.” From there, the conversation opens into letting go, grief, attachments, ADHD and identity, the wave-like nature of awakening (dark night, void, return), and what it means to live from purpose rather than ego. The episode also touches on the twin flame journey as a catalyst for awakening—intense longing, mirroring, emotional integration, and learning the difference between love and attachment to outcomes. Together, we explore discernment, embodiment, and how authentic leadership can emerge when life forces you to let go of what you thought you were.

    1 min
  3. Conversation with Eva Chen MNZM: Parenting Between Cultures, Raising Asian Kiwi Kids with Confidence

    JAN 24

    Conversation with Eva Chen MNZM: Parenting Between Cultures, Raising Asian Kiwi Kids with Confidence

    In this episode of the Authentic Leadership Podcast, Ivan welcomes Eva Chen MNZM back for a deeply personal conversation that shifts from public leadership to the often unseen leadership work of parenting. As an Asian/Taiwanese 1.5-generation mother raising four New Zealand–born children aged 11 to 20, Eva reflects on what it means to raise kids across cultures, systems, and expectations. Together, Ivan and Eva unpack the cultural contrasts surrounding pregnancy and birth—ranging from traditional Chinese beliefs around food and postpartum practices to New Zealand’s more relaxed medical approach—and how these differences can leave migrant mothers navigating confusion, judgment, and self-doubt. Eva shares candid stories about childbirth, premature birth, confinement traditions, and the emotional and spiritual need to advocate for cultural needs within systems that may not automatically recognise them. The conversation also shines a light on the invisible load of motherhood: chronic exhaustion, sleep deprivation, breastfeeding pressure, grief, guilt, and the mental toll that often goes unseen. Eva speaks openly about unequal parenting labour, the lingering effects of patriarchy, and how mothers’ wellbeing is frequently compromised in silence. As the discussion moves into education and childhood, Eva recounts painful experiences of school bullying, racism, and institutional inaction—and how change only came once she learned how to navigate power, policy, and media. These moments highlight the reality many migrant families face: being unheard unless they know how to “play the system.” The episode also explores differences between boys and girls, emotional safety, school avoidance, and the critical role of teachers who are willing to adapt and truly see the child in front of them. One particularly moving moment centres on Eva’s son proudly celebrating a 52% maths result—not as a failure but as a success—opening up a powerful reflection on raising confident children who value effort, growth, and self-worth over perfection. At its heart, this episode reminds us that authentic leadership begins at home: in advocacy, emotional regulation, cultural translation, and the quiet, relentless work of protecting children’s wellbeing in systems that don’t always understand them.

    1h 5m
  4. From Lived Experience to Advocacy: A Heart That Never Gave Up

    JAN 19

    From Lived Experience to Advocacy: A Heart That Never Gave Up

    This video captures an intimate and deeply honest conversation between Ivan and Chris, tracing an unexpected journey from the lived experience of trauma and survival to a lifelong commitment to suicide prevention, postvention, and education. Chris reflects on growing up in a working-class family, discovering art as his first language for processing trauma, and how creativity became a lifeline long before he had words for what he had endured. What began as a path toward fine art gradually transformed into a vocation in education—one he never planned, but one that found him through recognition of his ability to connect, teach, and care. Throughout the conversation, Chris explores how lived experience shaped his work as a university lecturer and researcher, particularly in the areas of adolescent suicide, grief, male survivors of trauma, and men’s mental health. He speaks candidly about stoicism, anger, silence, and survival—challenging common assumptions about masculinity and help-seeking, and questioning whether current systems truly meet the needs of vulnerable men. Ivan weaves his own experiences into the dialogue, creating a space where personal vulnerability and social critique coexist. Together, they examine why talk-based therapy is not always the answer, how presence and companionship can be healing, and why research must lead to real-world change rather than remain trapped in theory. The video ultimately calls for a more humane, gender-responsive, and culturally grounded approach to mental health and suicide support—one that honours lived experience, offers genuine choice, and recognises that healing often begins simply by not suffering alone. This is a conversation about survival, truth-telling, and a heart that never gave up.

    1h 14m
  5. Kaupapa Māori vs Western Systems: A Doctor’s Fight for Voice & Identity with Dr Alexander Stevens II

    JAN 2

    Kaupapa Māori vs Western Systems: A Doctor’s Fight for Voice & Identity with Dr Alexander Stevens II

    Dr Alexander Stevens II joins Ivan on the Authentic Leadership Podcast for a powerful conversation that begins with a heartfelt celebration of his PhD achievement and the story behind his full name, then unfolds into a deeply human journey of purpose, identity, and service. Alexander shares how growing up around domestic violence, mental health challenges, and later experiencing firsthand exposure to sexual violence disclosures shaped the path he chose, and why he committed his life to supporting others through trauma, addiction, and recovery. He speaks candidly about navigating racism and bias in Aotearoa, why Māori often have to work “three to four times harder,” and how dignity, mana, and strategic restraint can be a form of strength. A major focus is his PhD in sexual violence recovery and the gap he saw for men—especially Māori and other diverse communities—who disclose abuse but don’t know where to go for support. This led to the creation of StandingTallNZ (standingtallnz.org), a resource designed to meet people with safety, clarity, and cultural understanding, without triggering them. Alexander also explains the battle of doing kaupapa Māori work within Western academic systems and why preserving people’s authentic voices matters, even when institutions push back. The episode closes with warmth, humour, and reflection: what Alexander would tell his younger self, what he wants Māori to remember in difficult times, and a grounding serenity prayer offered as a closing karakia.

    58 min
  6. Dan Goodwin: Part 2: From Misdiagnosis to Meaning - Redefining Mental Health Through Storytelling

    JAN 2

    Dan Goodwin: Part 2: From Misdiagnosis to Meaning - Redefining Mental Health Through Storytelling

    In this deep conversation, Ivan and Dan unpack the hidden cost of mental health misdiagnosis and why our healthcare systems often treat people as isolated individuals instead of whole humans held in relationships. Dan shares what it feels like when a diagnosis changes but the symptoms stay the same, and how that moment can shatter identity, create isolation, and force someone to “start from scratch” without any real support system. They explore the crucial balance between individual responsibility vs collective care, and why the system frequently stops at “problem solved” while real life continues. The discussion also dives into the power of peer support, relational healing, and why true recovery is not just clinical—it’s social, emotional, and community-based. You’ll also hear a practical breakdown of co-design in mental health, why many organisations get it wrong by rushing outcomes, and how trust, time, and lived experience are essential for meaningful change. If you’ve ever felt dismissed by labels, struggled with identity after a diagnosis, or wondered why mental health care can feel so lonely, this episode will speak to you.

    47 min
  7. Pioneer of The Game: Untold Story of Women's Football in Aotearoa with Scottie, Part 2

    JAN 2

    Pioneer of The Game: Untold Story of Women's Football in Aotearoa with Scottie, Part 2

    In this episode, Ivan sits down with Scottie to uncover remarkable stories from her sporting journey — from representing New Zealand internationally to moments of real danger off the field. Scottie recounts a tense incident in Hong Kong where celebrations turned chaotic, including being escorted for safety after a win and having stones thrown at the team bus. The conversation also dives into the early days of women’s football in New Zealand, the lack of recognition compared to the men’s game, and the passion that drove players to compete purely for love of the sport. Along the way, Scottie shares personal memories, rare photos, medals, and reflections on family, resilience, and what it truly meant to represent a country at a time when women’s football was still finding its footing. New Zealand Women’s Team – 1975 Asian Cup Winners Back row: Dave Farrington (coach) Barbara Cox (captain) Mary Ann Poole Kathy Simenoff Nora Hetherington Carol Waller Elaine Lee Marilyn Marshall (vice captain) Nell Jongeneel Sandra Twiname Sue Jacobs Raewyn Hall Nadene Elrick Carol Knox Debbie Chapman Isobel Richardson Mrs Pene Mack (manageress)

    16 min
  8. Dan Goodwin: Part 1: From Misdiagnosis to Meaning — Redefining Mental Health Through Storytelling

    12/15/2025

    Dan Goodwin: Part 1: From Misdiagnosis to Meaning — Redefining Mental Health Through Storytelling

    In this deeply moving episode, Ivan sits down with Dan Goodwin, a theatre practitioner and lived experience advocate, to explore how art, anxiety, and identity shape the human journey. From being misdiagnosed with schizophrenia at 21 to transforming pain into purpose, Dan shares how storytelling became his path to healing and leadership. Together, they reflect on vulnerability, sensitivity, and the power of holding space with dignity — reminding us that recovery isn’t about labels, but about reclaiming our humanity.

    56 min
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About

An archive of the mental health sector, peer support, and everyday people — because we all have a story to tell. Through my past work experiences, I’ve had many opportunities to share my own journey. From that, I was inspired to create a platform for genuine storytelling, where individuals can share their lives and reflect on who we are, the challenges we face each day, and the strength it takes to keep going — one story at a time. These stories come from people doing their best to make the world a better place. They are not celebrities or social influencers, but ordinary individuals whose stories remind us that we are never alone. Alongside the podcast, we also share The Boy Who Wanted to Be Cinderella, a queer fairytale I created for the gay community. It’s a story of courage, love, and being true to yourself, offering representation and hope for those who grew up not seeing their stories reflected in the world around them. Essence + Truth + Clarity = Authenticity

Information

  • Creator
    Ivan Yeo
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Authenticity Studio™ 2025
  • Show Website
    Authentic Leadership Podcast