Past The Name

Martel Wikeepa
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Past The Name is about the person behind the name you already know. Every guest has a public story. A career. A reputation. A title. A moment people recognise them for. But that’s not where we start. Hosted by Martel Wikeepa, better known publicly as Shubz, Past The Name strips away the public name and goes back to the person underneath it. Before the success, the headlines, the politics, the business, the sport or the spotlight. We talk childhood, family, culture, struggle, mistakes, turning points, relationships, ambition and the moments that shaped someone into who they are today. No rehearsed PR answers. No surface-level interview. Just real conversations about where people came from, what they’ve lived through, what they believe and what it took to become the person behind the name. You might know their name. Now find out their story. Past The Name with Martel Wikeepa.

  1. 23h ago

    13 | Mark Mitchell: Gang Patches, Sword Attacks, Sacrifices & the Dog He’ll Never Forget

    A samurai sword attack. A police dog he’ll never forget. A decade in the Middle East. And the guilt of being away from his kids. In Episode 13 of Past the Name, Shubz sits down with Mark Mitchell for a conversation that goes well beyond Parliament. Mark shares the story of a sword attack that injured both him and his police dog, Zar, and gets emotional remembering the bond they shared. From leaving school at 15 and working as a shepherd to frontline policing and security work in Iraq, he takes us through the experiences that shaped him. We also get into the gang patch ban, the meeting that challenged his assumptions about iwi influence over gangs, and why he believes removing patches can help break the cycle. Along the way, we talk fatherhood, relationships, the sacrifices his work demanded, and what he wants his children and mokopuna to know about him. There’s politics, there’s pushback, and there’s plenty of banter — including a discussion about whether Shubz belongs in the parliamentary rugby team or carrying the water. This is Mark Mitchell, past the name. 👇 What stood out to you most? Drop your thoughts in the comments. Like, subscribe, and share the kōrero with someone who needs to hear it. Past the Name | Episode 13 Hosted by Shubz | Guest: Mark Mitchell #PastTheName #MarkMitchell #Shubz #NZPodcast

  2. Oct 21

    12 | POETIK: Losing Mum, Gang Life & Learning to Be a Dad

    Poetik said “RIP Charlie Kirk” and copped a backlash he never saw coming. What people didn’t know was that he was already grieving his brother’s murder. On episode 12 of Past The Name, the bro sits down with Shubz to talk about the life behind the music. Losing his mum at two, being passed between families and countries, growing up in survival mode, gang life, and the drinking he used to block out childhood trauma. He opens up about the woman who raised him, watching her pass away, and turning up to a music video shoot that same morning because she told him to honour his commitment. We get into faith, fatherhood, Polynesian identity, colonisation, cancel culture and why he won’t let strangers decide what he’s allowed to think. There’s heavy kōrero, plenty of laughs, his journey through hip-hop and a look at his upcoming album, Hurricane Season. Pull up and hear the bro out. Subscribe to ShubzLive and let us know what stuck with you. Content note: Strong language and discussions of childhood abuse, violence, grief and alcohol use. For all inquiries: producer@shubzsayso.com #PastTheName #Poetik #ShubzLive #NZHipHop

  3. Oct 18

    11 | Neil Waka: Why I Left TV & the Israel Trip That Cost Me Friendships | Past The Name Ep. 11

    You’ve heard him read the news. Now hear his story. Neil Waka joins Shubz for Episode 11 of Past The Name — two hours of life behind the news desk, strong opinions and some bloody good laughs. From growing up in military camps to finding his voice on radio and becoming a familiar face on New Zealand television, Neil takes us through the opportunities he chased, the boundaries he pushed and why he eventually walked away. We get into working alongside broadcasting legends, the management decisions that frustrated him, and the moment he realised how much television had shaped his everyday life. Even getting a haircut took some adjusting. Neil also opens up about his Israel trip, his interview with Moana, the backlash that followed and the close relationships he says it cost him. Then there’s the childhood hurt, fatherhood, faith, trust and learning to question beliefs you once accepted without hesitation. Some stories hit hard. Others have us losing it. And if you’ve wondered what Neil and I have been cooking up together, stick around. What’s something Neil said that you agree with — or would challenge? Drop it in the comments. Subscribe to ShubzLive on YouTube for more Past The Name. For all inquiries: producer@shubzsayso.com #PastTheName #NeilWaka #ShubzLive

  4. Oct 15

    10 | Beyond the Headlines: Paul Henry on His Wild Life, Untold Stories & Why ACT

    PAST THE NAME | EPISODE 10 | PAUL HENRY You know the voice. You know the headlines. But how well do you really know Paul Henry? For Episode 10 of Past The Name, I sat down with one of New Zealand’s most recognisable and outspoken broadcasters for a conversation that went well beyond politics, television and the controversies. And what a conversation it was. Paul takes us through his journey, from New Zealand to the United Kingdom and back again, sharing stories from his life, experiences that shaped him and moments he’s never spoken about publicly before. We get into the state of our nation, what drove him to stand for ACT, and what he hopes to achieve by stepping into politics. But this isn’t just a political interview. There are stories, surprises, plenty of laughs and a few wines along the way. As the conversation unfolds, we get to see a side of Paul Henry that rarely makes the headlines. No shouting matches. No manufactured drama. Just a fascinating conversation with a man who’s lived one hell of a life. This is Paul Henry beyond the noise and the headlines. Welcome to Episode 10 of Past The Name. Hosted by Martel ‘Shubz’ Wikeepa. Enjoy the kōrero, subscribe to ShubzLive and let us know what surprised you most about Paul Henry. For collaborations, sponsorships or guest suggestions: shubzlive@gmail.com #PaulHenry #PastTheName #ShubzLive #NZPolitics #ACTParty #NewZealand #Podcast 0:00 Introductions and wine 1:04 The art of wine tasting 3:21 Insights from the campaign trail 5:42 Early life and adversity 7:56 Lessons from poverty 11:24 Monarchy and personal legacy 13:27 Broadcasting and music 15:53 Politics and public perception 20:13 Broadcasting standards and content 24:58 Perspectives on wealth 28:38 Reflections on history and work 34:16 The environment and politics 37:11 Interviewing and relationships 39:26 Staying true to oneself 42:08 The Jeep incident and discipline 49:29 Education and guiding the next generation 55:13 Travel, memories, and modern challenges 58:48 Travel stories and notable figures 1:09:45 New Zealand's future and towns 1:17:43 The American road trip 1:24:00 Life lessons and personal legacies 1:30:04 Political vision and final thoughts

  5. Oct 15

    9 | Tama Singh Says Māori Are NZ's Most Openly Racist People

    PAST THE NAME | EPISODE 9: TAMA SINGH Should women have the right to vote? Should women submit to a good man? Are Māori the most openly racist people in New Zealand? Tama Singh has some very strong opinions, and in this episode of Past The Name, he doesn't hold back. From his upbringing in Ōpōtiki to his views on gender roles, relationships, race, COVID, politics and Israel, this is a conversation that will get people talking. But there's a lot more to Tama than his controversial opinions. We dive into growing up in Ōpōtiki, the influence of his entrepreneurial father, becoming a Countdown supervisor at just 15 years old, his journey into business and investing, and his time as a dating coach with a massive billboard that turned heads. In this episode, we cover: • Why Tama believes women shouldn't have the right to vote • His views on traditional gender roles and women submitting to good men • Why he believes Māori are the most openly racist people in NZ • Growing up in Ōpōtiki and his father's influence • Becoming a Countdown supervisor at just 15 • His dating coaching business and controversial billboard • COVID, government and political power • His views and claims about Israel's global influence • The experiences that shaped the man he is today Whether you agree with Tama, disagree with him, or think he's completely wrong, this conversation gives you a chance to understand the thinking behind his beliefs. This is Past The Name. We go beyond the headlines, opinions and public image to discover the person behind the name. Tama's views are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or platform. Drop your thoughts in the comments. What do you agree with? What do you disagree with? Subscribe to ShubzLive for more unfiltered long-form conversations. For collaborations, sponsorships or guest suggestions: shubzlive@gmail.com #PastTheName #TamaSingh #ShubzLive #NewZealand #GenderRoles #NZPolitics 0:00 Introduction 1:05 Growing up in Opotiki 6:16 Early life and soccer 9:11 Business and money lessons 13:18 Town dynamics and gangs 17:50 Career advice and AI 21:31 Supermarket career 31:51 Entrepreneurial ventures 37:11 Property and social media 41:45 Unemployment and Wingman 47:47 Dating coaching business 58:16 Society and conspiracy 1:08:40 Theories on history 1:16:03 New Zealand social issues 1:25:00 Property and politics 1:29:16 Future goals and final thoughts

  6. Oct 15

    8 | WHO IS DAVID SEYMOUR? The Stories Behind the Politician

    You know the name David Seymour. But how well do you know the man? In Episode 8 of Past The Name, we go back to the beginning. David talks about his upbringing, his mother, father and grandfather, the role models who influenced him, and his time working at a think tank in Canada. This is a conversation about the experiences and people that shaped the David Seymour we see today. There are plenty of laughs, a few surprises, and stories that take us well beyond the usual political headlines. Watch the full conversation and tell us in the comments what surprised you most. Past The Name with Martel Wikeepa | Episode 8 #PastTheName #DavidSeymour #NewZealand #shubz #politics Want to collaborate, sponsor the show, or suggest someone we should interview? Reach out: shubzlive@gmail.com 0:00 Early life and influences 2:34 Family dynamics 5:59 Career, family, and politics 8:40 Entrepreneurship and problem solving 12:51 Ideology and public perception 17:12 War, history, and values 22:12 Philosophy and books 26:58 Thinking fast and slow 30:14 Technology and the future 33:26 Risks of innovation 37:00 Rugby and entertainment 43:52 Entering politics 48:00 The journey to ACT party 53:21 International experience 58:31 Personal loss and motivation 1:02:26 Building the ACT party 1:06:47 Political style and mission 1:12:38 The Paul Henry influence 1:17:34 Addressing critics 1:24:07 Education and charter schools 1:33:20 Economic perspective 1:38:04 Closing thoughts

  7. Oct 15

    7 | YEARS IN PRISON. DEPORTED. THEN HE FOUND GOD | Daniel Ahsin “Churchboy” | Past The Name EP 07

    Daniel Ahsin was born in New Zealand and grew up in Sydney with a future in rugby league. Then his father’s life was taken, and Daniel says his own life spiralled into alcohol, drugs and violence. Seven years in prison. Deportation back to New Zealand. Then an encounter with God that changed the direction of his life. For Episode 7 of Past The Name, Churchboy opens up about how reading began for him in prison, finding his faith, joining Destiny Church and why he now spends his time trying to reach young people before they follow the path he did. We also talk about Man Up, what Daniel has seen it do for people, and his strongly held views about Islam and New Zealand’s future. There’s a lot to agree or disagree with here. Hear his full story, then tell me what you think. Hosted by Martel Wikeepa aka Shubz #PastTheName #501 #christian #islam #destinychurch #Churchboy #ShubzLive 0:00 Introduction and prayer 2:02 Early life and tragedy 4:44 Downward spiral and crime 7:35 Deportation and prison life 10:20 Family struggles and coping 13:01 Rugby and childhood memories 16:53 Gang involvement 19:17 Finding purpose through books 21:43 Study of worldviews 26:23 Prison culture and media 28:25 The journey back to NZ 33:32 Turning his life around 38:05 Spiritual transformation 42:25 Destiny Church and ManUp 45:56 Standing for convictions 51:31 Masculinity and values 57:06 The mission of Church Boy 1:14:53 Vision and closing

  8. Oct 14

    6 | OUT OF JAIL. INTO BKFC. Jay “The Dingo” Tonkin’s Comeback | Past The Name EP 06

    Months after getting out of jail, Jay “The Dingo” Tonkin is preparing to make his BKFC debut against Asher Jack. But there’s a whole life behind that fight. For Episode 6 of Past The Name, Jay takes us back to Thailand at just 15 years old. The training, the fights, the packed stadiums and the energy of competing in front of tens of thousands of people. He speaks about his Māori roots and why he believes they’re a huge part of his warrior spirit. We also get into the setbacks, hitting rock bottom, his time in jail and what it means to have another shot at doing what he loves. Now he’s stepping into bare knuckle against Asher Jack. Hear the story behind The Dingo before they meet. Who you got? Jay Tonkin or Asher Jack? Drop your pick below 👇 Past The Name EP 06 Hosted by Martel Wikeepa aka Shubz #PastTheName #JayTonkin #TheDingo #BKFC #ShubzLive 0:00 Introduction to the guest 0:33 Early life and career 1:17 Growth and training in Thailand 2:54 Transition to bare knuckle 4:14 Hardship and redemption 6:12 Upcoming fight preparations 8:01 Reflecting on opponent rivalries 10:08 Memorable fights and experiences 14:53 Handling the crowd and lights 17:08 Cultural identity and respect 20:22 Advice for young fighters 23:03 Final thoughts and sponsors

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About

Past The Name is about the person behind the name you already know. Every guest has a public story. A career. A reputation. A title. A moment people recognise them for. But that’s not where we start. Hosted by Martel Wikeepa, better known publicly as Shubz, Past The Name strips away the public name and goes back to the person underneath it. Before the success, the headlines, the politics, the business, the sport or the spotlight. We talk childhood, family, culture, struggle, mistakes, turning points, relationships, ambition and the moments that shaped someone into who they are today. No rehearsed PR answers. No surface-level interview. Just real conversations about where people came from, what they’ve lived through, what they believe and what it took to become the person behind the name. You might know their name. Now find out their story. Past The Name with Martel Wikeepa.

Information

  • Creator
    Martel Wikeepa
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Martel Wikeepa
  • Show Website
    Past The Name