What begins as an ordinary evening walk between two brothers becomes an encounter with something ancient, deliberate, and watching. One runs. One remains. Between them, fear, witness, and transformation take hold.

Told through shifting perspectives — human, witness, and other — The Harrower explores initiation, terror, mercy, and the burden of knowledge that cannot be shared. It asks what it means to be chosen, what it costs to see, and how the wild marks those it touches.

This is not folklore remembered, but myth happening now.

A story of the field where worlds meet.

A lighthouse, a storm, and a man charged with holding the light steady as unseen forces move through the night. This episode explores duty, witness, and the cost of looking without intervening.

Nothing is explained. Everything is illuminated.

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.

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.

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.

Rich also rambles about the bright yellow van with a moustache they just purchased that goes into cloaked mode, turning itself invisible on the roads at whim. He also talks about working spaces and his fascination with artists spaces.

The core of the episode features an insightful conversation with illustrator and writer Mat Tait. Mat discusses his journey, focusing on his passion for creating children's picture books that often tackle significant Māori narratives like The Adventures of Tupaea and his bilingual retelling of the Rangi and Papa separation story, Te Wehenga – a project born from a story that deeply resonated with him since childhood. He shares his process, which involves deep research through reading and consulting with knowledge holders, and developing text (often initially in te reo Māori) and imagery side-by-side from rough sketches.

Mat reflects on the permeable boundary between myth and the tangible world, acknowledging the responsibility of carrying these living stories and the guidance found within that connection. He explores the multi-layered truths within these narratives, discussing how interpretations evolve and how they manifest as vital cultural throughlines in contemporary society. The conversation also covers the practicalities of working with publishers like Allen & Unwin, navigating the New Zealand book market, and Mat offers valuable advice for aspiring creators, emphasizing that perseverance is often more crucial than innate talent. He also touches upon the character he felt particularly connected to while illustrating – Tupaea.

Adding another layer of personal reflection, the host also shares a poignant anecdote from their own life about the simple act of making a box, connecting it to a meaningful experience with their father dating back 30 years.

Join us for an episode blending critical cultural commentary, Mat Tait's deep artistic insight into bringing myth and history to life, practical advice for creatives, and resonant personal storytelling.

McDougall discusses his artistic evolution from a soft realism taught by Colin Wheeler to a more distinctive style influenced by artists like Salvador Dali and New Zealand painters Tony Fomison and Philip Clairmont, as well as word paintings. He describes his intuitive painting process, often starting with a wash and directly applying oil paint with a knife, allowing the painting to develop organically. He also touches on his pre-show ritual of running through the gallery.

While generally not overtly political in his art, McDougall acknowledges his left-leaning views and recounts a few deliberately political pieces. He reflects on the freedom of being an artist outside traditional hierarchical structures and shares an anecdote about refusing to give a discount to a billionaire. He also discusses his early struggles to sustain himself as an artist, relying on accident compensation and Sarah's support. He offers advice to aspiring artists to persevere if they love it. Finally, he mentions his website, Instagram, and various galleries representing his work in Dunedin, Christchurch, and Auckland, as well as upcoming exhibitions.

Alongside the practicalities of bus life, Rich delves into their own artistic endeavours, exploring the liminal spaces between painting, sculpture, and digital media. They touch on their ongoing sculptural projects, inspired by the "Heart Songs from Summerland" paintings, and their commentary on the current housing crisis.

The conversation then shifts to the powerful intersection of art and politics, highlighting the work of Hans Belmer, a surrealist whose anti-Nazi stance and resistance efforts resonate deeply. The host reflects on their own politically charged artwork and their upcoming project of creating pointed, edgy t-shirts to raise awareness and funds for charities.

Listeners are invited to share their thoughts and feedback and are encouraged to support the podcast through "buy me a coffee" or by subscribing and liking. Rich also previews upcoming interviews, including Ewan McDougall and Aly Brown, and promises to continue alternating between interviews and these more personal, rambling episodes.

Ari shares their lifelong journey with art, from a childhood filled with sketching to their transformative time at the University of Canberra, and their current work with the vibrant Zappekin Collective. We discuss the challenges of balancing a full-time job with artistic passion, the unpredictable beauty of using fire in their creative process, and the crucial role of failure and perseverance.

In a particularly poignant segment, Ari opens up about the vulnerability of being visible as a trans artist and the importance of creating spaces for understanding and challenging societal norms. We also get a sneak peek into Ari's upcoming exhibition, a series of cloaks that represent pivotal moments in their life, and a powerful message of hope for young people.

This episode is a testament to the power of art to heal, connect, and inspire. Ari’s honesty and vulnerability will leave you deeply touched. Tune in to hear their advice for aspiring artists, and discover where you can find their captivating work.