What even is a bogan? In this episode, we don’t just ask the question — we live through the answers. 🎧

Join us in the gritty, hilarious, and honest world of New Zealand’s heavy metal and bogan culture. Featuring Dave, Sam, Jolene, and Hamish, this isn’t about stereotypes — it’s about real people navigating music, labels, mental health, tattoos, and the power of self-expression.

Hamish thought he was just "bad at life" — turns out, he had ADHD. Jolene was told no one hires women in her industry — she made it anyway. Sam took a one-way ticket to a metal tour with no plan. Dave breaks down identity in a way your philosophy teacher never could.

🔥 From burnouts to breakdowns, from headbanging to heartbreak, these stories crank the volume on what it means to be 100% yourself.

🎧 Listen now to learn, laugh, and maybe even scream (just a little bit).

watch here:

https://youtu.be/ogLcTcGvNDc

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What is a bogan in NZ culture, heavy metal and identity podcast, ADHD and creativity stories, women in tattoo culture NZ, personal stories of identity, Kiwi bogan life, New Zealand subcultures podcast, music and mental health stories, being different in New Zealand

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NZ bogan culture, heavy metal stories, Hamish Blood podcast, ADHD in adults, tattoo industry NZ, women in subcultures, Kiwi music identity, cultural labels podcast, alternative lifestyle NZ, New Zealand podcasts

🎸 Ever met someone who wears steel-cap boots, loves loud music, and once did a suicide tequila shot (don’t try this at home, kids 😅)? Meet Hamish Blood — a proud New Zealand bogan with a big heart, wild stories, and ADHD superpowers! 🧠⚡

We talk about music, funny party fails, Māori pride, and what it really means to be yourself — even if that means waking up next to a gas station once or twice! ⛽🤣

Watch the video version here:

https://youtu.be/VNLjLSGyUqE?si=28Y8zAGpfgI7LqrT

Meet Jolene Tempest – Tattoo Artist, Heavy Metal Singer, and Proud New Zealand Bogan

Jolene Tempest isn’t just a tattoo artist—she’s also the powerful voice behind a New Zealand heavy metal band. As a self-described boganette (Female version of bogan), Jolene lives a life that breaks the mold and embraces everything loud, bold, and real.

In this interview, Jolene opens up about what it means to live as a New Zealand bogan and be part of the heavy metal scene. She shares her journey into tattooing, what it’s like to be a woman in a male-dominated music genre, and how she deals with people who judge her just for being different.

From motorcycles to music, and from ink to identity, Jolene talks about the things that make her feel alive—and why she wouldn’t change a thing. Her story is a reminder that being different is something to be proud of, and that staying true to yourself is what really matters.

If you’re into music, tattoos, or just love hearing from people who carve their own path in life, this video is for you.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• What it really means to be a New Zealand bogan

• How tattoos and heavy metal culture connect

• Why being yourself—loudly and proudly—is the ultimate power move

  
  

  Watch the full video here:

  https://youtu.be/V-fgwjRRTvI

🎸💚 As NZ Music Month wraps up, I want to give a massive shoutout to the amazing guests who joined me on the podcast. You brought the riffs, the rhythm, the real talk—and reminded us why local music matters. Here’s to you, you glorious legends:Steve Francis 🤘🎤Steve proved that being an outcast just means you haven’t found your mosh pit yet. Even when metal wasn’t “cool,” he cranked it up anyway—and found connection, community, and the courage to be himself. Loud guitars, louder heart. 🖤Nick Clark 🥁🎸ADHD? Learning struggles? Nick turned them into superpowers. He’s now an artist, musician, teacher, and full-time legend. Also probably has three side projects and a drum solo happening right now. 🎨💥Nick Granville 🎶🎸Nick’s never had a “normal” job and we fully support that life choice. From jazz to rock to “wait, what key is this in?”, he’s always ready. Cool under pressure, fast with a fretboard, and plays for the love, not the LinkedIn. 🎧🔥Mark Mundell 📚🎮Mark writes songs inspired by old books, comics, and video games—and somehow makes it all sound metal. He’s the wizard of Wellington’s heavy scene, summoning catharsis with every scream. Total bard energy. 🧙‍♂️⚡Sam Leamy 🎹🎸Sam’s unique brain is his secret sauce. Being autistic gave him a fresh way of seeing—and hearing—the world. Now he crafts music that’s honest, interesting, and full of feeling. Also: ultimate bandmate vibes. 💫💬Sam Sheppard 🥁🔥Raised on Iron Maiden and good taste, Sam brings heart, humour, and hammering drums to every band. For him, metal is freedom. Therapy. A full-body YES. Also probably the guy keeping your group chat alive. 🧨🤟Ben Mulchin 🏟️🎛️Scientist turned venue wizard, Ben runs Valhalla like a boss. Without him, half of Wellington’s gigs wouldn’t happen. He’s proof that you don’t need to play an instrument to change the game—just care a lot and know how to fix a PA at 11pm. 🙌🎟️💥 To all of you—thank you. For your passion, your stories, and your sound.NZ Music Month was louder, prouder, and way more awesome because of you. 🎉See you at the next gig—or side stage with snacks. 😉🎤#NZMusicMonth #SupportLocalMusic #ThanksLegends #MetalWhānau #ValhallaVibes #HeavyMetalHearts #AotearoaSounds🍿

Get ready to dive deep into the world where bogan culture and heavy metal collide, as we sit down with Sam Sheppard—renowned drummer, audio engineer, and true heavy metal devotee. He is also the front man of a heavy metal band Imperial Slave - hailing from Palmerston North in New Zealand.In this episode, you'll get an insider perspective on what it really means to be a bogan in the heavy metal scene, and why this unique subculture remains such a powerful force in New Zealand and beyond.Sam shares his own story of growing up , blasting Metallica and Iron Maiden, and navigating the challenges—and wild fun—of playing in heavy metal bands. From recounting crazy stories on tour, recording in Berlin, and building a tight-knit community around music, Sam reveals the unfiltered reality of a life fully immersed in heavy metal. You’ll also hear his take on the often misunderstood bogan label: is it just about mullets and classic metal, or is there something more meaningful at its core?Whether you’re proudly bogan, a heavy metal enthusiast, or just curious about this raw corner of music culture, this episode is packed with laughter, real talk, and insider advice for anyone looking to dive into the world of heavy metal. Expect to discover the connections between bogan identity and heavy metal bands—the riffs, camaraderie, and freedom that make this lifestyle unforgettable.What’s in it for you? You’ll walk away with a genuine understanding of bogan culture and the heavy metal scene, hear never-before-told stories from the road, and get practical insights on music, creativity, and thriving as an outsider. If you love metal, are intrigued by the bogan spirit, or just want unfiltered behind-the-scenes stories, this episode is for you.Turn it up and connect to the true heart of bogan and heavy metal culture!New Zealand Music Month and New Zealand Music Culture. New Zealand heavy Metal.

You can find the band here:https://www.facebook.com/ImperialSlave/

--------------bogan culture, heavy metal, Sam Sheppard, New Zealand metal, metal bands, rock music, audio engineering, metal community, band life, metal interviews, metal drumming, music podcast, metal stories, musician insights, metal fan, alternative culture, music lifestyle, band tour, recording music, underground music, metal scene

Bogans of New Zealand! In this episode, we talk with Dave Snell, who wrote the book “Bogan - An insiders guide to Metal, Mullets, and Mayhem.” Dave knows a lot about what it means to be a bogan and shares cool stories about growing up loving heavy metal, rock music, and being part of New Zealand’s working class culture.What is a bogan?

In New Zealand, “bogan” is a word for someone who likes loud rock music, drives cool cars, and doesn’t care what others think about how they dress or what kind of music they listen to. Some people think bogans are uneducated or rough, but Dave shows that bogans can be smart, kind, and have their own interesting culture.In this interview, Dave tells us about writing his book, going to concerts, and what it’s like to be a bogan in New Zealand. He explains how music, friends, and working hard are important parts of the bogan life. Dave also talks about why some people judge bogans and why those ideas are wrong.

f you want to learn what makes New Zealand bogans so unique and fun, or you’re interested in heavy metal, rock music, or Kiwi culture, this video is for you!

Dave Snell’s book “Bogan an insiders guide to metal mullet and mayhem” is a great read for anyone who wants to understand more about everyday people in New Zealand.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment if you enjoyed the video!#bogans #newzealand #davesnell #boganbook #kiwiculture #rockmusic #heavymetal #workingclass #identity #subculture #nzbogans #aotearoa #davesnellbogan

You can watch the video here:

https://youtu.be/5kRqbk02X3c

Sam's story is a blend of cultures and sounds, having been born in the UK and moving to New Zealand multiple times during his childhood. He takes us back to his early days of musical discovery, listening to his parents' records and feeling a profound connection to The Stranglers and other iconic bands.This episode dives deep into Sam's unique musical path—from piano lessons at the age of five to exploring the electrifying world of heavy metal. Sam opens up about his experiences as a neurodivergent artist and how his autism diagnosis in 2021 has influenced his understanding of himself and his creative process.Join us as Sam candidly discusses the highs and lows of forming bands, his eclectic music influences that range from atmospheric sludge metal to pop, and the liberating nature of letting go of preconceived ideas in music creation.Don't miss out on:-Sam's amusing anecdote of singing Stranglers' lyrics as a child-How an encounter with a Metallica tape at age 8 changed his life-Insights into playing in various bands across New Zealand and Australia-His heartfelt advice for young neurodivergent musiciansSam's gigs:Drums at After The FleshAmbient Sonic Maximism at ThoughtsexplodethruskullsNoisesmith/Atmospheric Tantrums at Opium EaterComposer/Performer/Producer at SporkConjurer of sonic nightmares at Opiate SleeperDJ Doran at The Anger Management ShowStudied at New Zealand School of Music—Te Kōkī, Victoria University of Wellington

Mark Mundell is a passionate enthusiast of science fiction, video games, and heavy metal music, having developed a love for these interests over time.

Fond of immersive gaming experiences, Mark finds joy in being absorbed in fantastical worlds, despite the mixed opinions such games elicit. He also has a penchant for the iconic sounds of Prague rock, particularly enjoying bands like Pink Floyd and Jethro Tull.

Growing up in the early nineties, Mark's musical journey included a mix of genres, experiencing the rise of bands like Korn, Linkin Park, and Papa Roach, although he sometimes found these transitions a bit unsettling.

Through his diverse tastes, Mark continues to explore the realms of alternative music and digital escapism.

Mark's Bands

FVKVSHIMA:

https://fvkvshima.com/

https://www.instagram.com/fvkvshima_band/

Planet of the Dead:

https://www.facebook.com/planetofthedeadband/