In this episode, I share the deeply personal and transformative story of my first pregnancy and birth at the age of 16. From attending high school while dealing with severe morning sickness to navigating labour and a challenging emergency C-section, I describe how this experience not only made me a mother but also instilled a fierce determination and resilience in me. I discuss the emotional highs and lows, the incredible support system around me, and the life-changing lessons I learned. Join me as I open up about this sacred and often untalked-about journey, aiming to spark similar conversations and connections among listeners who have been through their own unique pregnancy and birthing experiences.

To dive deeper into these conversations, stay tuned and check out what I have got going on over at https://beacons.ai/gaylemoanajohnson

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

00:17 The Importance of Birth Stories

02:16 First Pregnancy Challenges

07:21 Labour and Delivery

15:30 Post-Birth Reflections

18:21 Conclusion and Invitation for Future Conversations

In this episode, I dive into the dual experiences of motherhood. The moments that have both saved and broken me. While reflecting on the profound impact of losing my father, I share the transformation from a life of addiction and chaos to one of growth and purpose through motherhood. From teenage struggles, handling grief, to the juxtaposition of public success and private battles, this episode explores the power of resilience, self-care, and the importance of feeling and navigating through life's challenges with authenticity. Join me as I discuss the messy yet beautiful journey of being a young Māori mum and the invaluable lessons learned along the way.

00:00 Introduction and Motivation

00:16 Reflecting on Father’s Passing

01:15 Motherhood: A Path to Growth and Healing

04:56 Struggles and Resilience

08:48 The Impact of Loss and Addiction

12:31 Rediscovering Purpose and Self-Care

19:20 Navigating Motherhood and Personal Growth

22:25 Conclusion and Encouragement

In this episode, I delve deeper into my experiences as a young mother between the ages of 15 and 20. Inspired by a recent therapy session, I discuss the adversities and beautiful moments that shaped my journey. From the chaotic and turbulent relationship with my ex to battling judgement, discrimination, and my struggle with addiction, this episode is about how I persevered through profound challenges. I found strength and purpose in raising my children, which motivated me to finish school and rebuild my life. Join me as I share the powerful lessons and the steps that led me to become the person I am today. Let's get the word out and support those on similar journeys.

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:21 Therapy Insights and Reflections

02:08 Early Motherhood Challenges

02:42 Turbulent Relationships and Family Dynamics

06:42 Struggles with Discrimination and Judgment

08:39 Coping Mechanisms and Addictions

11:36 Finding Strength and Purpose

13:37 Educational Achievements and Support Systems

20:09 Public Speaking and Sharing My Story

23:39 Reflections and Encouragement

27:35 Conclusion and Call to Action

Subscribe to stay tuned!

If you want to deepen your healing and personal development journey, my 11: 11 experience is starting 11th Nov 2025. Dm my socials below

@gaylemoanajohnson (BTS) (Fb, Insta, TT)

@growingwithgayle - podcast and coaching (Fb, Insta, TT)

https://beacons.ai/gaylemoanajohnson

Join me as I share the challenging and transformative journey of becoming a teen mama at 15. In this first episode of a six-part series, I open up about my turbulent childhood, dealing with addiction, abuse, and mental health struggles. I talk about the moment I found out I was pregnant, the fears of telling my parents and school, and the discrimination I faced. Despite these hardships, I outline how these experiences shaped me, leading me to finish school, pursue a career in social work, and become a life coach. This episode is a candid look into the life lessons and resilience that have defined my path.

Come follow the journey @gaylemoanajohnson (BTS) and @growingwithgayle (Podcast & coaching).If you want to deepen your healing journey the 11:11 experience starts 11th November 2025 - DM me on socials for more details.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:29 Vision for the Series01:31 Life Before Motherhood04:59 Finding Out I Was Pregnant07:03 Telling My Family and School12:28 Facing Discrimination and Challenges19:17 Overcoming Adversity20:38 Career and Personal Growth24:28 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Perfection is a straight-up lie. It’s impossible, it’s exhausting, and honestly…it’s just procrastination dressed up fancy.

In this episode, I’m sharing how perfection showed up in my own life. From becoming a mum at 15, to hiding behind masks, to burning myself out trying to “look like I had it all together.” Spoiler: I didn’t.

I cried in the shower most days. Life has been messy as hell. But the messy middle? That’s where all the growth came from.

So here’s what we’re doing today: smashing the myth of perfection, swapping it out for progress, alignment, and intention. I’m giving you 3 permission slips to move NOW - even if it’s messy, even if you don’t feel ready (because ready is a choice, not a feeling).

Reflection for you: what’s one thing you’ve been putting off because you’re waiting for “perfect”?

Messy action gets shit done. Let’s talk about it.

If this aligns or you know someone who needs to watch this - send it to them! & stay around by subscribing to watch more of these conversations.

PS - I do this work deeply with women 1:1 and in my programs - the doors open to join us! DM me on my socials @gaylemoanajohnson or email gayle@moanajohnson.co.nz

See you soon!

Self-doubt is loud - but it doesn’t have to be the one running the show. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the real, messy parts of my own journey. The false starts. The fear. The inner voice that said “Who do you think you are?” and what I did to move anyway.

Whether you’re standing at the edge of your next big move or sitting in the quiet fog of uncertainty, this episode is your reminder: you don’t have to be fully ready. But you do have to begin.

I’m also putting a gentle challenge out there because sometimes, what you need isn’t more time… it’s one brave decision.

Let’s talk self-doubt, self-trust, and starting anyway.

You love your kids. You love your life. And yet… there’s this quiet question that creeps in:“Who TF am I now?”

In this episode, we unpack the invisible identity shifts that so many of us go through, but no one really talks about. We talk about the loss, the guilt, the rebirth… and the power of choosing to come home to yourself.

This one is raw, honest, and for every woman, or human who’s felt like they've disappeared inside the roles and are now ready to rise.

Stay connected below!

Her Next Level xo socials:

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hernextlevelxo/⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/hernextlevelxo/⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@hernextlevel⁠⁠

My personal socials:

⁠https://www.instagram.com/gaylemoanajohnson/⁠

⁠https://www.facebook.com/gaylemoanajohnson/⁠

⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@gaylemoanajohnson

So what am I talking about when I say Her Next Level (one of my signature programs!)

Kia ora everyone. My name is Gayle Moana-Johnson.

I have created this space to bring to light the struggles that women. Go through way too often. The burnout, the stress, the overwhelm, the over-stimulation. Heck even losing and forgetting who we are in amoungst the noise and chaos. I am here to tell you I have been there. I can still end up there, AND it doesnt always have to be like that.So come along for the korero, the conversations, bring your cuppa and lets get real, lets get deep, and lets open up these conversations.Nau mai haere mai -welcome to my lil space on the internet 🩷

Listen to my previous episodes I have up to learn more about who I am - and I cannot wait to walk this journey alongside you!

Much love

Gayle xo

Stay connected below!

Growingfwith Gayle socials:

⁠https://www.instagram.com/growingwithgayle/⁠

⁠https://www.facebook.com/growingwithgayle/⁠

⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@growingwithgayle

My personal socials:

https://www.instagram.com/gaylemoanajohnson/

https://www.facebook.com/gaylemoanajohnson/

https://www.tiktok.com/@gaylemoanajohnson