Talk With A Courageous Heart

Andrew Bothalage
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Real people. Real stories. Courage in everyday life. Join Andrew Bothalage as he sits down with people from all walks of life to share honest conversations about courage, faith, resilience, and the moments that shape who we are.”

  1. 3d ago

    "As a Palestinian, You're Suffocated Into Silence" — Hamza on Finding His Voice

    What happens when you feel like you have to hide who you really are?In this episode of Talk With A Courageous Heart, I sit down with Hamza, a Palestinian-Kiwi pharmacy student at the University of Otago to talk about the mental barriers that keep us silent.Hamza opens up about navigating university as a minority student, the quiet pressure to keep a low profile as a Palestinian, and how something as simple as saying "inshallah" became something he felt he had to hold back. He shares how reaching out to the Muslim University Student Association (MUSA) changed everything and why the biggest walls we face are often the ones we build in our own heads. In this conversation: 0:00 — Defining courage: expressing yourself without holding back 5:20 — The mental barrier of walking into a room full of strangers 12:45 — Why Hamza felt he couldn't say "inshallah" publicly 15:52 — "It's all in your head" — the moment it clicked 22:38 — Being Palestinian and the pressure to keep a low profile 25:23 — His message to anyone feeling isolated: just reach out 🎙️ Talk With A Courageous Heart — real conversations about courage, identity, and the stories that shape us. 📲 Follow Us on Social MediaTikTok ➜ https://www.tiktok.com/@talkwithacourageousheart Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/talkwithacourageousheart Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/share/1BbtFzYp5k/?mibextid=wwXIfr

    "As a Palestinian, You're Suffocated Into Silence" — Hamza on Finding His Voice

  2. Jul 24

    How One Woman Is Changing the Hair Loss Industry | Cleo Grater

    Hair loss is often seen as a cosmetic issue, but for many people, it affects confidence, identity, and how they see themselves. In this episode of Talk With a Courageous Heart, I sit down with business owner and hair loss and thinning hair specialist Cleo Grater. What began as a conversation about hair quickly became a much deeper discussion about courage, self-awareness, entrepreneurship, and taking responsibility for your life. Cleo shares her journey of building businesses, helping people regain their confidence, developing innovative hair loss solutions, and why she believes true freedom begins with radical self-accountability. We also talk about:• What courage really means• The emotional impact of hair loss• Building a purpose-driven business• Why self-awareness changes everything• The freedom that comes from taking responsibility• Why "You are the problem... and the answer" is one of the most powerful lessons she has learned Whether you're navigating hair loss, building a business, or simply looking for a fresh perspective on life, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom, honesty, and hope. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast and share it with someone who might need this conversation. Thank you for listening. Be safe.Be courageous.God bless.

    How One Woman Is Changing the Hair Loss Industry | Cleo Grater

  3. Jul 17

    Lord, Have I Not Done Enough? | Aubert Purwadi on Faith, Fear & Finding Purpose

    What do you do when you've remained faithful, overcome countless challenges, and still find yourself asking God, "Lord, have I not done enough for You?" In this heartfelt episode of Talk With a Courageous Heart, I sit down with Aubert Purwadi to explore a journey of faith, courage, resilience, and purpose. Aubert shares his experience of growing up as a Chinese-Indonesian during a time of unrest, moving to Australia at a young age, stepping into leadership at just 23 years old, building a successful career, and eventually following a calling that led him into entrepreneurship and service. Most importantly, he opens up about the personal struggles that shaped his faith, including waiting 11 years to become a father and learning to trust God even when life didn't make sense. This conversation is an honest reminder that courage isn't about having all the answers. Sometimes, it's choosing to keep trusting even when you're carrying difficult questions. Growing up during the Indonesian riotsLiving with fear and finding hopeLeading with confidence at a young ageFaith through suffering and uncertaintyEntrepreneurship and purposeWaiting 11 years to become a fatherThe prayer that changed everything: "Lord, have I not done enough for You?"If this conversation encouraged you, please follow the podcast and share this episode with someone who may need it today. Thank you for listening to Talk With a Courageous Heart. Be courageous. Keep moving forward. God bless. In this episode, we discuss:

    Lord, Have I Not Done Enough? | Aubert Purwadi on Faith, Fear & Finding Purpose

  4. Jul 10

    She Never Felt Ready. She Just Took The Next Step | Jane Choi

    What if courage has nothing to do with confidence? In this episode of Talk With a Courageous Heart, I sit down with Jane Choi, Senior Professional Practice Fellow at the University of Otago's Faculty of Dentistry, to explore what courage has looked like throughout her life and career. Jane shares how she never truly felt ready for many of the opportunities that shaped her journey, including an international training opportunity in Switzerland. Instead of waiting until she felt confident, she chose to keep taking the next step. Together, we talk about: Why courage isn't about feeling fearless.How asking "Will I regret not taking this step?" can change your life.The unseen sacrifices behind success.Teaching, leadership, and making a lasting impact on students.Faith, purpose, and trusting the process even when the future is uncertain.This conversation is a reminder that you don't need all the answers before you move forward. Sometimes the next small step is all it takes to discover what you're capable of. If this episode encouraged you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. 📲 Follow Us on Social Media TikTok ➜ https://www.tiktok.com/@talkwithacourageousheart Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/talkwithacourageousheart Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/share/1BbtFzYp5k/?mibextid=wwXIfr

    She Never Felt Ready. She Just Took The Next Step | Jane Choi

  5. Jul 3

    Questioning the Call: Fr Tien Cao on Faith, Doubt & Becoming a Catholic Priest

    What does it take to dedicate your life to God? In this episode, I sit down with Fr Tien Cao, a Catholic priest serving in Timaru, New Zealand, to explore the journey behind his vocation. Fr Tien shares how he wrestled with doubt, questioned whether priesthood was truly his calling, and ultimately found peace in saying yes. Together we discuss faith, courage, purpose, discernment, and the challenges of living a life of service. Whether you're religious, spiritually curious, or simply searching for greater meaning in life, this conversation offers honest insights and timeless wisdom. Thank you for listening to Talk With a Courageous Heart. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast and share it with someone who might be encouraged by Fr Tien's story.

    Questioning the Call: Fr Tien Cao on Faith, Doubt & Becoming a Catholic Priest

  6. Jun 26

    People Saw My Disability. I Wanted Them to See an Athlete with Josh Chisholm

    What happens when people see your disability before they see your ability? In this episode, Andrew sits down with New Zealand para-athlete Josh Chisholm for an honest conversation about growing up with dwarfism, overcoming self-doubt, finding purpose through sport, and learning to keep going during life's toughest moments. Josh shares the challenges of being judged by appearances, the importance of knowing your "why", and why he believes the future is brighter than we often think. This is a conversation about courage, resilience, identity, and refusing to let your circumstances define your future. Topics discussed:• Growing up with dwarfism• Life as a para-athlete• Mental resilience• Finding your purpose• Overcoming self-doubt• The power of support and community• Chasing big goals• Hope and perseverance 📲 Follow Us on Social Media TikTok ➜ https://www.tiktok.com/@talkwithacourageousheart Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/talkwithacourageousheart Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/share/1BbtFzYp5k/?mibextid=wwXIfr

    People Saw My Disability. I Wanted Them to See an Athlete with Josh Chisholm

  7. Jun 19

    Cheated On Twice. Still Believes in Love. | Anna Mae's Story of Faith, Healing & Hope

    What happens when the person you trust breaks your heart? In this episode of Talk With a Courageous Heart, Anna Mae shares her deeply personal journey through heartbreak, betrayal, and healing. After being cheated on twice, many people would understandably give up on love. Instead, Anna Mae chose a different path. With honesty and vulnerability, she reflects on the pain she experienced, the lessons she learned, and how her faith helped her find hope during some of the most difficult moments of her life. This conversation explores trust, relationships, resilience, forgiveness, personal growth, and the courage it takes to remain open to love after being hurt. Whether you have experienced heartbreak yourself or are walking alongside someone who has, Anna Mae's story is a powerful reminder that difficult experiences do not have to define our future. In this episode, we discuss: • Being cheated on and navigating heartbreak• The emotional impact of betrayal• Faith during difficult seasons of life• Learning to trust again• Personal growth through pain• Finding hope after disappointment• Why she still believes in love Thank you for listening to Talk With a Courageous Heart. If this conversation resonates with you, please follow the podcast and share it with someone who may need encouragement today. Hosted by Andrew Bothalage Talk With a Courageous Heart is a podcast sharing stories of courage, resilience, faith, and hope from everyday people and community leaders across New Zealand and beyond.

    Cheated On Twice. Still Believes in Love. | Anna Mae's Story of Faith, Healing & Hope

  8. Jun 12

    WE REFUSED TO HIDE | Prof. Haizal Hussaini

    In this episode of Talk With a Courageous Heart, Andrew sits down with Professor Haizal Mohd Hussaini, Professor of Oral Pathology at the University of Otago, Muslim chaplain, leader, and educator. Professor Haizal shares his journey from Malaysia to New Zealand, the lessons he has learned through faith and service, and what courage truly means in the face of adversity. The conversation also explores leadership, mental health, community, resilience, and his experience living through the aftermath of the Christchurch mosque attacks. Through powerful stories and reflections, Professor Haizal offers hope, wisdom, and practical advice for anyone facing difficult challenges in life. This is a conversation about courage, compassion, and the importance of standing firm in who you are. Hosted by Andrew Bothalage. If you enjoy this episode, please follow Talk With a Courageous Heart on Spotify and share it with someone who may benefit from hearing this conversation.

    WE REFUSED TO HIDE | Prof. Haizal Hussaini
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Real people. Real stories. Courage in everyday life. Join Andrew Bothalage as he sits down with people from all walks of life to share honest conversations about courage, faith, resilience, and the moments that shape who we are.”

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