In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast podcast, I speak with Plains Media (Previously Plains FM) content coordinator, Pia Titus.

Pia has an incredible journey which crosses industries, countries, and experiences from working with boutique Belgian chocolatiers, teaching English in Japan, and now helping broadcasters from a multitude of backgrounds get behind the mic to tell their stories.

We cover a range of topics in this one which all leads back to the core theme of communication and understanding.

This includes exploring what it means to be a fish out of water in a new country and how beneficial it is to learn how to navigate the barriers of language and how beautiful cultural diversity is and the lessons we learn from it.

We also touch on why public access stations like Plains Media (Plains FM) need to exist and why representation in media is so important, in addition to why community-centric media is a great way to empower minority or under-represented groups.

Finally Pia and I take a more reflective moment when discussing the future of public access media and why it is becoming harder for staff in the sector due to uncertainty around funding and limited resources.

While also feeling there is a lot of faith in the future and that Plains is always adapting and trying to find new ways to reach the community.

To learn more about the great work Plains Media does in the community I'd highly recommend visiting their website - https://plains.org.nz/

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If you would like to get in contact you can reach me on the following

Insta - @beyondbroadcastpod

Email - beyondbroadcastpod@gmail.com

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast Podcast, I speak with Paul Campion, an accomplished VFX artist, concept artist, director, and screenwriter.

It all started with a young boy fascinated by special effects & early sci-fi & fantasy films who took this fascination and turned it into a passion and then a career working on some of the most iconic films like Lord of the Rings, X-Men, and Sin City.

Paul discussed the challenges of breaking into the film industry, the importance of traditional skills in a digital age, and his experiences at renowned special effects studios.

Paul Campion shares his journey from working at Framestore to becoming a key player at Weta Digital during the production of 'Lord of the Rings'. He discusses the challenges and excitement of creating iconic characters like the Balrog.

Very early in his career Paul realised the significance of specialisation and networking in a competitive field and how opportunities in the industry were previously difficult to find and you had to be industrious in order to secure roles.

Also, we look at his transition from visual effects to directing, and the lessons learned from his independent film 'The Devil's Rock'. Campion reflects on the film industry's complexities, including the impact of piracy and audience expectations.

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If you would like to get in contact you can reach me on the following

Insta - @beyondbroadcastpod

Email - beyondbroadcastpod@gmail.com

In this episode of the Beyond Broadcast Podcast, I speak with Veeshayne Patuwai, a prominent figure in broadcasting and Māori empowerment.

Veeshayne’s entry into broadcasting came from an unexpected place, but this non-linear path led to her flourishing in the industry and in the same breath incorporating cultural pride and authenticity.

We learn how the little town of Moerewa shaped her upbringing and how matriarchal figures inspired her tenacity and resilience.

Her experience working at the then newly established Mai FM, which went from being treated as a bit of an underdog to becoming the behemoth that it is today in the Mediaworks catalogue.

Additionally we touch on the evolution of representation of Maori media in New Zealand and why media helps establish cultural pride when our own voices are reflected to our communities. In addition to the absolute need for government support which is lacking currently.

Finally we speak on the significance of empowering women and highlighting the systemic barriers that hinder women’s leadership, while also touching on the role of young people in driving social change.

--This interview was recorded just after the controversial passing of the pay equity law in New Zealand dated May 2025. References to this can be found in this podcast --

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To learn more about Veeshayne’s work in the community you can check out the following links:

Mana Wahine Aotearoa (Facebook Community Group for and by Māori wāhine)

Mad Ave Community Trust (Community Organisation)

Relative Media (PR Comms with focus on Wāhine and Whānau Māori)

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If you would like to get in contact you can reach me on the following:

Insta - @beyondbroadcastpod

Email - beyondbroadcastpod@gmail.com