🎙️ BOGANS, BIAS & BLACK SABBATH | Dr. Matt Crawford on Mental Health, Stereotypes & Why Bogan Identity Matters

We’re in New Zealand—home of sheep, world-class rugby, epic landscapes… and the bogan. Yeah, the bogan. You’ve heard the word. Maybe you’ve lived it. But what does it really mean?

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Matt Crawford, senior psych lecturer and metalhead, about how bogan identity is more than just mullets and burnouts. It’s a symbol of belonging, rebellion, and mental resilience.

🧠 We unpack:

• Why heavy metal is more than noise—it's therapy

• How bogan identity shapes self-worth and community

• The psychology behind stereotypes, labels, and group belonging

• Why the brain craves categories—and how it sometimes gets it very wrong

• How owning your label can change your mental health for the better

Crawford breaks it down: identity isn't just about who you are. It’s who you belong to. Whether you’re cranking Sabbath, revving a V8, or just trying to make sense of yourself in a judgmental world—this one’s for you.

🤘 This episode hits hard for anyone into New Zealand heavy metal, blue-collar culture, or questioning the boxes we’re all shoved into.

Five mentions? You got it:
Bogan identity, bogan identity, bogan identity, nz bogans, bogan identity.

What do you get when you cross a Pantera fan, a battle vest, and a therapy room?
You get Richard — the most unexpected New Zealand therapist you’ll ever meet.

Forget soft piano music and polite nodding. This New Zealand therapist walks in with a beanie, band patches, and a full bogan grin. He’s not your usual counsellor. He’s a metal head counsellor, and proud of it.

Richard’s not just smashing stigma—he’s moshing through it. In this episode, the metal head counsellor shows us that sometimes the best way to talk about your feelings… is to scream them with a pirate metal band.
(Yeah, that actually happens.)

This isn’t your mum’s mindfulness podcast. This is full-blown bogan New Zealand wisdom with a headbang and a heart.

We dive into what it’s really like to be a New Zealand therapist in a world that still expects ties and clean-shaven faces. Spoiler: Richard brings neither. But he does bring empathy, humour, and the kind of honesty that hits harder than a double kick pedal.

Whether you’ve ever doubted therapy, or you just want to hear a bogan New Zealand legend talk about stage-diving mid-set (true story), you’ll want to watch this one.

Because behind the metal head counsellor persona is someone who really listens—and doesn’t judge you for your taste in music (unless it’s smooth jazz).

So if you’ve ever felt like a weirdo, an outsider, or just a full-blown member of the bogan New Zealand community trying to get through the day—this is for you.

🖤 Like, comment your most bogan moment, and subscribe for more real-as yarns from Aotearoa’s loudest legends.

Watch the full video here:

https://youtu.be/haqi7JiUQGw

Ever met a therapist who listens to Pantera, rocks a battle vest, and casually drops mental health wisdom between metal gigs?

Meet Richard — a full-on New Zealand bogan, frontline mental health worker, and proud metalhead who’s smashing stereotypes louder than a double kick pedal. 🤘

In this episode, we talk bogan pride, brutal honesty, pirate metal therapy (yes, really), and what it’s like being the most unorthodox therapist in the country.

Richard doesn’t just talk about mental health — he lives it, growls through it, and helps others survive it with black humor and black t-shirts.

So if you’ve ever felt like the world doesn’t get you…
If you’ve ever been called “too much”…
Or if you just want to see what counseling looks like with a Slayer soundtrack—this one's for you.

🔔 Stick around for the wild gig stories, life advice, and emotional gut-punches you didn’t see coming. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll walk away feeling a little more understood.

You can watch the video version here:

https://youtu.be/jSTeV7dx0yQ

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

🔍
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/

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