The Difference podcast
The Difference is a podcast by and for support workers in Aotearoa New Zealand's mental health and addiction sector. Hosted by Alexia Black, Project Lead at Te Pou, this four-episode series dives into the real experiences of support workers, sharing the stories of support workers with honesty, heart, and humour.
Each episode features authentic kōrero with a diverse range of guests - support workers, leaders, and those with lived experience - discussing the challenges and rewards of the role. From worker wellbeing and vicarious trauma to leadership, workforce retention, and reflective practice, The Difference explores the realities of support work with candour and hope.
This podcast is about connection, empowerment, and making a difference. Whether you're already in the workforce, managing a team, or considering a career in support work, these conversations will resonate, inspire, and remind you why this mahi matters.
Tune in for uplifting, insightful, and sometimes hilarious conversations that celebrate the incredible people making a difference every day in our workforce.
Episode 1: I didn’t go through all that for nothing | Using lived experience in your mahi
Join Izzy Young, a youth support worker for Real (Nelson), and James Huata, support worker from Moana House (Dunedin) as they talk to podcast host Alexia Black about how to use lived experience in your mahi. They both share their personal journeys and experiences of struggle, healing and reconnection. They discuss how they use their lived experience in their daily life as support workers. A transcript of this episode can be found here.
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Episode 2: You can’t pour from an empty cup | Worker wellbeing and vicarious trauma
Jonathan Miller is a team coach at Pathways in Auckland, managing a mobile community support team. With five years as a community support worker and two as a manager, he is passionate about support worker wellbeing. He talks to podcast host Alexia Black about his master’s research, which focused on support workers’ perspectives on their own wellbeing. Their kōrero covers vicarious trauma, burnout and compassion fatigue, with some practical tips for support workers on how to look after their own mental health on the job. A transcript for this episode can be found here.
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Episode 3: I had to dig deep | Reflective practice
Tashie Hoffman is a peer support specialist at Springhill Treatment Centre in Napier. After overcoming addiction and completing rehab, she stayed connected to the recovery community and was offered a role at the centre. She talks about her journey, and the value of reflective practice in her mahi. A transcript for this episode can be found here.
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Episode 4: The best job in the world | Leadership
Tremain Tauhinu has more than 30 years’ experience in intellectual disability and mental health services. From Mangere East, Auckland, he has worked in roles from labourer to property manager. Now, as a team lead at Mahitahi Trust, he supports tāngata whai ora with complex needs to re-engage with their communities. He talks about career development and leadership for support workers. What are the opportunities and challenges for recruitment, retention and growth for the sector? A transcript for this episode can be found here.
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