Kicked out of school... to respected academic – Meet Dr. Phil Borell

You can watch this on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/YylH01Uz9ww

In this episode of Beyond the Hustle, I sit down with Dr. Phil Borell – educator, researcher, rugby league advocate, and proud tāne Māori.

We unpack his journey growing up in Ōtautahi, navigating identity as a young Māori boy, being kicked out of high school, and the mentors who helped shape his future. Now a respected academic, Phil shares his groundbreaking research on the lived experiences of Māori and Pasifika athletes in professional rugby league – including the heartbreaking stories behind youth suicides, identity struggles, and the role of whānau in sport.

You’ll hear real kōrero about:

• Being raised by a solo mum and losing his dad at a young age
• How te ao Māori saved him
• The pressures of professional sport
• His PhD research and the Te Waka Kōtihi model
• Why whānau support is everything for our tamariki in elite pathways

Whether you’re a parent, coach, educator or just someone who cares about our rangatahi, this one will hit home.

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