HeARTh Tales by Rich McCoy

Rich McCoy
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HeARTh Tales brings you the voices of artists, musicians, visionaries and those that love them, offering insights and guidance for your own creative path.

  1. No.13 - HeARTh Tales talks to Steve Ford Photographer

    JUL 22

    No.13 - HeARTh Tales talks to Steve Ford Photographer

    In this episode of HeARTh Tales on Fresh FM, host Rich McCoy sits down with photographer Steve Ford of Wise Dog Studios to explore the emotional heart of photography. From growing up as a solitary youth in a mining town to serving as a ship’s photographer in the Royal Navy, Steve shares how punk music, travel, and personal loss shaped his artistic eye. They discuss the mythopoetic power of the image, the tension between emotion and technique, and why the most powerful photograph Steve ever took wasn’t technically perfect — but perfectly human. It’s a moving, grounded conversation about seeing, feeling, and capturing moments that matter.

    29 min
  2. No.12 - HeARTh Tales talks to Che Vincent, Sculptor, Bonsai Master, Landscape Artist

    JUL 8

    No.12 - HeARTh Tales talks to Che Vincent, Sculptor, Bonsai Master, Landscape Artist

    In this episode of HeARTh Tales, Rich McCoy speaks with artist, gardener, and third-generation Riverside Community member Che Vincent, whose creative journey bridges sculptural metalwork and the living, evolving art of bonsai. Che shares insights into his deep connection with place, his fascination with growth patterns and fractals, and how native New Zealand species are shaping a unique bonsai style. From shaping flame-cut copper chandeliers to planting immersive forest cathedrals, Che’s work is as much about ecological intimacy as it is about personal expression. A rich, thoughtful conversation about time, patience, creativity, and the quiet protest of growing a tree in a pot.

    32 min
  3. No.11 - HeARTh Tales talks to Daryll Frost - Potter & gallery Owner

    JUN 25

    No.11 - HeARTh Tales talks to Daryll Frost - Potter & gallery Owner

    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.

    30 min
  4. No.10 - HeARTh Tales talks to Donna McLeod - Author, Playwright, Creative Director, Arts Worker

    JUN 11

    No.10 - HeARTh Tales talks to Donna McLeod - Author, Playwright, Creative Director, Arts Worker

    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.

    41 min
  5. No.9 - HeARTh Tales talks to Rennie Pearson - Celtic Musician & Travelling Minstrel

    MAY 28

    No.9 - HeARTh Tales talks to Rennie Pearson - Celtic Musician & Travelling Minstrel

    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.

    41 min
  6. No.8 - HeARTh Tales talks to Jamie Smith - Kiln Studio - Ceramicist, Kiln Studio & Clay Week co-creator

    MAY 21

    No.8 - HeARTh Tales talks to Jamie Smith - Kiln Studio - Ceramicist, Kiln Studio & Clay Week co-creator

    In this interview, Jamie Smith, co-founder of Kiln Studio and Nelson Clay Week, unpacks the complexities of running a successful creative venture. Hear his experiences on valuing your work, navigating the market, and practical tips for getting your art seen, alongside a discussion on the evolving landscape of pottery in the digital age.

    42 min
  7. No.7 - HeARTh Tales talks to Conway Juene - Fat Freddy's Drop - Musician

    MAY 14

    No.7 - HeARTh Tales talks to Conway Juene - Fat Freddy's Drop - Musician

    This episode of HeARTh Tales features a conversation with Conway Jeune, a talented musician from Aotearoa, New Zealand, known for his work with Fat Freddy's Drop and TOI. The interview explores his musical journey, influences, and experiences in the industry. It offers insights into his creative process and the collaborative nature of his work, providing a glimpse into the life of a successful musician in the New Zealand music scene.

    34 min
  8. No.6 - HeARTh Tales talks to Antoinette Wilson of Happen Films - Film Maker

    MAY 6

    No.6 - HeARTh Tales talks to Antoinette Wilson of Happen Films - Film Maker

    This engaging interview features Antoinette from Happen Films, a documentary filmmaking duo based in Upper Moutere, Tasman, and Victoria, Australia. Host Rich McCoy, himself navigating the challenges of an alternative off-grid lifestyle in the Tasman region and currently facing bureaucratic hurdles with the local council, warmly welcomes Antoinette. She recounts her unconventional journey into filmmaking after two decades in book publishing, finding a natural partnership with co-founder Jordan Osmond. Their shared passion for addressing global sustainability issues evolved into a focus on telling the stories of individuals making positive lifestyle changes, aiming to inspire wider societal shifts towards a lighter ecological footprint. Antoinette reflects on the challenges of sustaining motivation through lengthy film projects and the unique power of independent documentaries to reconsider established social narratives. She shares insights into Happen Films' ethical approach to representing their subjects, prioritising trust and ensuring the final product resonates with the individuals sharing their lives. Looking ahead, Antoinette outlines their keen interest in exploring themes of village life, localisation, and community resilience, resonating with Rich's experiences of seeking self-sufficiency and community in the face of external pressures. She also allows listeners to connect with Happen Films and view their inspiring work online and at local screenings.

    47 min
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HeARTh Tales brings you the voices of artists, musicians, visionaries and those that love them, offering insights and guidance for your own creative path.

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