E144 | Jemarl Paerata

Episode summary | Jemarl Paerata

Jemarl Paerata was the inspiration for starting our Lowkey Legends series.

He spoke during a presentation at Dave Wood’s Calm Under Pressure workshop earlier this year, and Steve was immediately captivated. Jemarl is as a motivational mentor and the founder of Te Kaiarahi, where he inspires people to reach their full potential based on Te Ao Māori principals and connecting back to nature.

But his journey there has been one hell of a ride.

We unpick his 20-year career as a professional firefighter and the trauma and darkness associated with the job, his relationship with alcohol, hitting rock bottom and how he pulled himself out of his hole, discovering his purpose, starting his own business and realising his vision. We also touch on why his dad was sentenced to 30 years at the notorious Bangkok Hilton in 1991, and how he tried to get him out.

Jemarl is at the start of his journey helping and building community. But his story is one that needs to be heard.

Show notes | Jemarl Paerata

0:00 Jemarl Paerata on Dave Wood

3:12 The original lowkey legend on the power of storytelling

8:30 Dave Wood on Jemarl Paerata

9:54 The back story

16:23 A father jailed for 30 years in the Bangkok Hilton

24:55 20-years in the fire service

31:40 Leadership

34:01 Dealing with trauma

37:03 Running from your problems and hitting rock bottom

48:31 Leaving the fire service and setting up Te Kaiarahi

55:52 Linking up with Dave Wood

1:04:05 Working with troubled youth

1:16:11 Calm Under Pressure

1:21:58 What’s your why?

1:25:13 Last words from Steve, Seamus, and Jemarl

Last words from Steve, Seamus, and Jemarl