Episode Playlist
2026 - ep66 God Will Travel – No One Is Ever Too Far Away (Interview with Petra from YWAM)( 0:33:33)
Episode Information
Someone once told me "Kids don't care about how much you know, until they know how much you care!"
On today’s episode, I have a chat with an incredible young 'caring' woman named Petra, who felt the call to travel from the cold snowy mountains of the South Island of New Zealand to the vast, rugged, very hot, desert-wilderness known as the Kimberley Region, situated in the far north of Western Australia. There she met some kids...
There are all kinds of people in all kinds of places, that desperately need love and hope. Many in this region, sadly, have very limited access to mental health care and it has one of the worst suicide rates in the entire world!
Petra shares about what her and her very small team of fellow volunteers rocked up to, as well as the incredible transformation that happened, within just a few short days and what the strategies were, to enable love to be received and then shared...She also shares of the "God Who Provides," as she trusted for the $7,500 that was needed to arrive in just one week, so that flights could be booked for such a trip!
Let hope arise and faith be fueled in your heart as you tune in to this episode. May you be encouraged that you are never too far away, for God to reach ... you! Also be encouraged by a great track from Mercy Me, a heart and soul sound from a young Filipino-Norwegian plus our local Nelsonian, Joy from the band "Home Sweet Homies" with her song, "Beautiful."
Thanks for listening x April May.
Published: 6/01/2026 7:30:00 p.m.
2025 - ep65 The Eves( 0:29:54)
Episode Information
Oh, The EVES …
Christmas Eve, New Years Eve…
What does EVE even mean? Hint: Let’s just ‘breathe,’ amidst all the “What’s!” “What if I’ve got it wrong?” What if so-and-so doesn’t like their present?” “What if that person rocks up at the family gathering?” “What are we actually responsible for?” “What are we actually in control of?” And, “What (or rather, Who,) is available to help me with my New Year’s resolution?”
Then, there’s that Eve that we blame, for every hurt and suffering in the world since day dot! It made me ask another question…Can we try and help her ditch her bad reputation?
Also, “Do you need to know just who you are?” Well, let Lauren Daigle sing a great answer to that question to you on this episode and get happy with Austin French’s lively ‘Good Feeling.’ See “Who’s Calling” too and maybe, answer?
Enjoy. Thanks for listening. x April May
Published: 23/12/2025 7:30:00 p.m.
2025 - ep64 Pre-Christmas Peace Hope and Love( 0:31:15)
Episode Information
In this episode I have gathered a collection of songs to bring some pre-Christmas Peace, Hope and Love to your heart.
The kind of peace that’s unspeakable, that brings stillness and quietness even if you're in the middle of a raging life storm? The kind of peace that keeps you afloat when you feel like you're drowning, with heavy weights gripping at your ankles and you're like “Yep, this situation is certainly tryin’ to pull me under, BUT in the midst of the turmoil and the strife and the stress, you just have it. Real Peace. (It’s Who you know.)
The kind of love that came down to our level. I fill in the blanks this episode for the question “What is love? Well, “ ___ “ is love!
The kind of joy that is not the “I just laughed at the Christmas cracker joke,” temporary kind of happiness. No. Real Joy that is indescribable and glorious and fills your heart and stays with you, even in the midst of suffering.
I also play some very cool Peace, Love and Joy filled tracks. A couple from my fave Aussie duo boy band 4K&C as well as one from my own personal friend from Perth (Hi Amanda Arndell). Josh Baldwin also gets a play and the beautiful voice of Kim Walker Smith too.
Be encouraged. Thanks for listening. Happy Pre Christmas. x April May
Published: 9/12/2025 7:30:00 p.m.
2025 - ep63 Is There a Case for Christ?( 0:31:22)
Episode Information
I had a few convos recently and interesting questions came firing … “When I die, if I want to go to hell and have beers with my mates, what concern is that of yours?” “If I have my truth and you have your truth, can’t we just be cool with that?” And ofc the ultimate, “Where is God?”
“Is there a Case for Christ” is NOT a question about religion. Religion in my opinion is something I never want to be a part of and I say that because of my experience. A certain religious ritual that I had no say in, left me with a disability. I did not have the ‘ability’ to receive grace from God! Instead, I was caught in the trap of feeling like I had to be a good girl to have God like me and if I didn’t be a good girl then I would probably just be struck down with a bolt of lightning one day!
Well, I couldn’t be a good girl and even if I tried really hard, I knew deep down that I’d never be good enough, for such a ‘Holy God!’ So, I just flipped the switch and became a bad girl and went on looking for love in all the wrong places.
Thankfully, that Holy God rocked up in my life one day when I was in my 20s in a totally supernatural way! He showed me that He did love me, despite my years of wickedness and rebellion and He showed me that all my ‘badness’ could be wiped clean if I just did one thing. It was simple – but it wasn’t easy for me.
In this episode I tackle those fired questions and I ask one myself. Is there a Case for Christ? Is there a reason we should want Jesus in our world, in our neighborhood, in our family or in our schools? The One who brings healing and hope, rest and restoration? Well, because He brings relationship – not religion, I believe the answer is Yes.
Thanks for listening x April May.
Published: 25/11/2025 7:30:00 p.m.
2025 - ep62 Finding What's Lost( 0:31:4)
Episode Information
Ever lost something valuable? I have. An apple watch given to me for my birthday, air pods that were a Christmas present, a diamond cross necklace - also a gift, even a wedding ring, not once but twice! (I now have a wedding ring tattoo!) I have also lost three different cats, (and an expensive cat tracker!) and even a valuable friend. Did I ever find any of these things? Yes! All of them. How? I had help!
Do you feel lost? Lost in life? Lost in your own thoughts? Lost on the inside? Lost in the midst of this world shouting at you to, “Go this way…” or “Go that way…?” I can assure you, there is a man known as “The Way” and He thinks you are so valuable. You are valued. You are very precious and very much loved, by the One who created you. You are worthy of love and worthy of being found. I was once lost. Incredibly lost. I’m not anymore.
Be encouraged listening to this episode and be assured, there is hope for you. I hope you enjoy the music too. Thanks for listening. x April May
Published: 11/11/2025 7:30:00 p.m.
2025 - ep61 STAY IN YOUR LANE !!( 0:31:51)
Episode Information
Staying in my lane implies that I have my own one, right? A personal lane? Designed, especially for me? Well, what is it? How do I find it? Where does it lead? Is this lane clear? Or, are there hurdles involved? Will there be other surprise obstacles? If so, what are they? And how do I overcome them? Or, remove them? What if they are too big to get over or too hard to get out of my way? Is there help available? Maybe a hand? And if I persevere and endure, all the way to the end, do I get a prize? And what of those many helpful voices that are being yelled at me from the sidelines and from the crowd? (Not to mention the unhelpful ones.) A lot of yelling can be awfully confusing! Which one should I listen to? And what of the others in this race, of whom I am so conscious that they are seemingly advancing, on either side of me? By the way, what’s with the blindfold? I can’t see where I’m going.
Such is life...
How often do we feel like we are blinded, trusting in a prize we so often cannot see. Unclear of the right direction we ought to go, unclear of who to follow, conscious of people right beside us who appear to be succeeding in their lane. Voices of many, yelling out at us, confusing voices, discouraging voices, sometimes creating so much noise that we can’t distinguish anymore what is truth and what is yelled out to trick us and make us stumble, not to mention the obstacles thrown into our path, set to make us fall.
Listen in to be encouraged. There is a path set before you. Its narrow. Be you!
Published: 28/10/2025 7:30:00 p.m.
2025 - ep60 Honoring a Real Baby Who Went Straight to Heaven (for P.I.C.L Awareness Month)( 0:29:42)
Episode Information
Have you ever known someone who was joyfully pregnant but then the unthinkable happened - their precious baby just … died?
October is International Pregnancy, Infant and Child Loss Awareness month - a time to remember and support families who have been through the tragedy of having to say goodbye, too soon, to their little one.
Why does awareness for this even matter?
Well, it aims to break the taboo of ‘not talking about it’ and promotes the action of starting a conversation! It also acknowledges the significant impact of such a loss. (I can attest - its HUGE!) And it highlights the fact that it’s more common than most people think.
“The Baby Who Went Straight to Heaven” is a story about a real baby – my baby. It was written to bring healing and hope and I read it out loud on this episode. Be encouraged, be uplifted and be inspired to reach out and start a conversation with someone who needs to know their little one is remembered today.
This episode includes timeless tracks from Casting Crowns and Natasha Beddingfield and introduces a beautiful song called Heaven Took You Too Soon. Thanks for listening.
April May x
Published: 14/10/2025 7:30:00 p.m.
2025 - ep59 When the Death of a Stranger Rattles Us (like Charlie Kirk)( 0:32:28)
Episode Information
Charlie Kirk, Did I know You?
I know this much. I remember the day Princess Di died and man, I cried a lot! Watching Michael Jackson's funeral brought me to a sobbing mess as well and I wailed at the back of a cinema during the Fast and furious 7 movie, as the final scene came on, as a tribute to Paul Walker! As for Charlie Kirk, when I read that he had been killed, I felt like I went into shock - a state of sheer disbelief. It was as though I’d just received news that my own brother had died.
Did I know any of these people personally? No. So, why did their deaths rattle me so much? Did they rattle you? What about when a close relative or loved one died? Why does death, rattle us? Even the death of a stranger like Charlie Kirk or even Elvis?
Well, I share two of my reasons here on this episode of the April May Gems Show this week. I also play a Charlie tribute on the show, that was written and sung by a country rap truck driver called Diesel.
I also hope to challenge you with these two words (which also happen to be the titles of two other songs I play on the show today) … Rise Up.
Be encouraged, inspired, uplifted and maybe even challenged. Thanks for listening.
April May
Published: 30/09/2025 7:30:00 p.m.
2025 - ep58 From Dire to Doctor? Encouragement is a Super Power that Can Change a Life( 0:29:48)
Episode Information
What good is encouragement? Seriously, what words do? Can they cause a poor Filipino boy, the youngest of eight siblings, with one grieved and penniless parent, struggling to provide for him, to follow his dreams, from dire to doctor?
Let me ask a different question. Have you ever seen those moving videos of ‘Sponsor Mum's’ meeting up for the first time with their now grown-up ‘Sponsor child,’ from that third world country and the touching, tear-jerking story of encouragement, success, and achievement, that goes along with it?
Well, that was me and that little Filipino boy (turned “young man with a degree now”) in Christchurch just last weekend.
Encouragement is actually a SUPER POWER!
It empowered me too - on the same weekend, to embark upon writing a poetry book!
Wanna hear my first poem for the new book? Only on this episode!
Be encouraged. By the music too. “Unstoppable,” by a fearless soul, and a track that helps me “Lift My Eyes” - (to see where my help comes from!) Enjoy.
Published: 16/09/2025 7:30:00 p.m.
ep57 - Honoring a Kind Kiwi, Whose Grave Aint Gonna Hold Him Down and Whose Treasures Aint Gonna Rust!( 0:31:1)
Episode Information
Have you ever heard of a day coming, when people will be separated into two groups known as the sheep or the goats? I’m convinced, there will be such a day and I know what side I want to be on, but it will all depend on my generosity. Generosity is an interesting thing and I believe it has its rewards.
In this episode, I share of a kind, kiwi man who just died the other day and I believe he would have been overwhelmed by the treasures in store for him, treasures that will never rust, all because he was generous, even though at times he had very little and even though he suffered a number of unfortunate circumstances that would likely cause many a heart to harden, yet his heart became soft and kind and remained bent on being a giver, right to the end.
I also share of a 12 year old boy who gave us a great song while dying of the deadly, contagious disease known as white death (tuberculosis) and I share my favourite saying – that ‘whatever is intended to bring harm to us, it can be turned around and used for good, even for the good of others.’
Also have a listen to 4K&C and Dolly Parton and be encouraged to know that "God knows what you’ve been through..."
Published: 2/09/2025 7:30:00 p.m.
ep56 - Letting Your Broken History Decompose - in Order To Push Up a Rose!( 0:32:5)
Episode Information
Do you have a broken history?
What if I told you that you can let it be dead and buried and as it decomposes, it can push up some beautiful roses! (That’s a paraphrased line I stole from Switchfoot’s front man by the way but I love it.)
Speaking of history, do you sometimes feel that you had to grow up too fast or that you forgot somewhere along the line what it felt like to just be childlike and carefree and have fun and enjoy life and each of its special wonder-filled moments along the journey?
In this episode I share a true story of a stolen innocence that was restored, youth that was renewed and a real freedom that was found, that included dancing like a bird that you would not want to cage. I hope this encourages you and the songs too, a ballad, a country hit and a rap from a yoghurt shop kid. Enjoy.
Published: 12/08/2025 7:30:00 p.m.
ep55 - Is Jesus Even Coming Back?( 0:30:54)
Episode Information
I am certainly no theologian and I’m far from ‘religious’ but I have definitely had more than my fair share of what I call super natural experiences, including ones that have unquestionably cemented in me that – Yes! Jesus is most definitely coming back!
When? Well now, that’s a big can of worms because apparently there are all sorts of opinions out there, even amongst those who are smart and educated (unlike myself.)
How can I be sure of this ‘Return of the Christ?’ and … Am I ready? These are just a couple of questions I know I can answer with absolute confidence. What about you? Be encouraged that there are steps you can take to be sure and ready as well.
You don’t need to fear. There’s a perfect love that can drive that away!
I’m also playing a whole handful of great songs in this episode including the famous "Peace Train" by Cat Stevens. Enjoy!
Published: 29/07/2025 7:30:00 p.m.
ep54 - Going for a Crying Out Loud Walk. Ok. Who Cares?( 0:30:4)
Episode Information
Have you ever gone for a walk that turned into a 'yelling at the sky, nobody cares, crying out loud’ walk? I have. Very recently! My cry walk included getting completely lost and fearing I might fall into a sinkhole and no one would ever find me. It also included judging a handful of human beings, (at their worst) who showed me they did not care, as well as being awe-filled by the One who, on the contrary, showed me (at His best) that He truly does!
This cry walk of mine ended up being like Psalm 23 - as a real life experience. The guidance, the provision and the rest, green pasture, quiet water, even a valley with all of its shadows and finally, the safe (and warm) dwelling that I thankfully, ended up at.
Be encouraged. This same promise keeper can guide you to rest, if you choose to be led and He can open your eyes in wonder, so you can know He is there, if you choose to see. He can also lead you out of life’s slippery, swampy dark valleys and into the warmth of safety. May you know this, whether you’ve resorted to yelling out and swearing at the sky or weirdly finding some way to act out your prayer, He sees. He cares. He hears you.
Published: 15/07/2025 7:30:00 p.m.
ep53 - GOD WINKS( 0:32:37)
Episode Information
Have you ever just needed a special little something? Even an uplift to boost your faith or give you hope that Somebody up there actually cares? Maybe it wasn’t even anything major (or maybe it was) and suddenly, Whalah! Like a tap from a fairy godmothers wand, God shows up and blesses you big time. In fact, it hits you like a big surging wave of love and you feel like, if you looked up, you’d see God giving you a wink like, “Yep, that was Me, Happy Birthday (even though it’s, not even your birthday!)
Recorded where the river meets the sea, off the coast of WA, in Australia, this week’s show, episode 53 (gosh, that’s more shows than an entire deck of cards) reminds me a bit of a deck of cards, especially the ol’ one eye jack because its titled “GOD WINKS” and on today’s show my very flamboyant, faith filled, tenacious and very stylish (leopard print loving) God chaser friend, who never gives up hope, even when all the odds are stacked against her - Mel from Perth, joins me to play a game of - not cards, but a tennis battin’ style, back n forth game of “God Winks” as we take it in turns at sharing short n sweet stories of times when God has given us a bit (or a lot) of a wink.
Songs include God Shows Up and Honey in the Rock. Enjoy. Be encouraged. God sees and oh, how He loves to surprise us.
Published: 1/07/2025 7:30:00 p.m.
ep52 - Art of Arrow Bouncing - We're Talking Hurt and Offence( 0:32:30)
Episode Information
I hope my words are helpful to you today on this episode and bring you hope because you know sometimes, words can do the opposite. They can bring pain. They can be like arrows aimed right at our heart. They can penetrate and embed themselves and really, really hurt.
Tonight I wanna share the art of arrow bouncing.
I also ask the question: Do you think there’s a difference between hurt and offence? And: What do we do with these?
Arrows can come in many forms by the way, not just words. Actions or even inactions, like broken promises or being excluded or being bullied can pierce our heart too. Some of these arrows can be intentionally aimed like in the form of some kind of abuse or they can be completely unintentional like a trauma from a tragedy, such as the unexpected death of close loved one or destruction of a relationship. Arrows can even be a disappointment, something that just didn’t go the way you’d hoped or planned.
Be encouraged as I share steps that I’ve taken to enable me to become an arrow bouncer. I hope you can become one too.
Published: 17/06/2025 7:30:00 p.m.
ep51 - Can We Enter a Second Time into our Mothers Womb to be Re-Born (Good One Nico!)( 0:28:24)
Episode Information
Have you ever felt like you just wish you could go back, like in time and be re born? Like start life over? A ‘take two’ / try again? Make it all different. Better! Well, I have. As in, I have felt like that. So, I did. I started over. It was an actual event that happened and it was so significant I recorded the date and called it my second birth-day!
It was quite a wee while after my rebellious teen-aged years, when on any given Friday night I could be seen climbing into nightclub windows and so that I wouldn’t get caught sneaking in without paying, I’d draw a fake entry stamp on my wrist with a ‘nico pen.’ That’s what we called them back in the 80s. They were kind of like a sharpie I guess and they were black. A black Nico.
Such was the colour of the sky when a guy, I like to call Nico, came along one night, ‘under the cover of night time,’ thousands of years ago, to ask the hip rabbi of the day a few important questions and one of his questions was, “Can we enter a second time into our mothers womb to be born, like all over again?” (Good one Nico!)
Weird question. But the answer, surprisingly, if you have ears to hear, is not so weird.
Be encouraged as you listen to this episode and know that your slate CAN be wiped clean and you actually can start over just like a brand new baby. But be ready, there’s a whole new world to see with those new eyes!
Published: 4/06/2025 1:00:00 p.m.
ep50 - EPISODE 50 JUBILEE (The 5.0 Prize Give Away Episode) ( 0:28:51)
Episode Information
Wahanga rima tekau! That’s right, episode number 50 - celebrating the April May Gems Radio Show and Podcast JUBILEE!
To thank YOU for your support, I’d like to offer you the chance to WIN some 50th Episode celebration presents so be sure to tune in and have a listen to the 5.0 list of fave songs from the last 50 episodes, including one from the Extra Terrestrial episode, one from the epic ‘on location episode’ concert in Christchurch, of course a track from the "Project of Love" dude (who produces a song every week!) plus a ‘beautiful’ tune from our very own local Nelsonian talent, Joy Gutschlag, from local band “Home Sweet Homies” and of course my all time fave LD makes the list with her Kaleidoscope look on life.
Enjoy! Be encouraged. Be filled with hope and ... Be in it, to WIN it!
Published: 20/05/2025 7:30:00 p.m.
ep49 - Jesus Sees - In Honour of My Mum (1950-2025)( 0:30:18)
Episode Information
A few weeks ago I wrote two little words up on a huge whiteboard that was positioned on a wall, in a palliative care ward. Right in the middle of a bunch of quotes and nice sayings I wrote, just two small words. “Jesus sees.” The next day someone had rubbed those words out, from on that whiteboard. Only those two words. So, I wrote them up there again, and I continued to, every day that I walked onto that ward, until it stopped being rubbed out / written off.
Jesus sees.How easy it is, for us to just simply ‘write off’ those words, unless you absolutely know them to be your personal truth. Be inspired this episode, to open your spiritual eyes to the truth of what Jesus can show you! Be encouraged that He not only sees but He also shares what He sees. I dedicate this episode in honour of my Mum, in gratefulness to the sentiments and secrets she shared with me, while I visited her on that ward. I play a few of her fave beats in this episode too, including Fleetwood Mac and Kate Bush. Enjoy.
Published: 6/05/2025 7:30:00 p.m.
ep48 - SCARS Interv with Jules Riding( 0:34:47)
Episode Information
A few nights ago I had a dream. In the dream, a man by the name of Jules Riding (of whom I knew nothing about) was sitting across from me in the Fresh Fm Studios in Nelson. I woke up and emailed this Jules person and two days later, I was interviewing him, just hours before he shot off to Hokitika to begin his New Zealand Tour!
I had no idea he was a NZ household name, having produced 12 albums, two of which have been awarded 'Gospel Album of the Year' at the NZ Music Awards, nor did I know the depth of his compassion for those in need of hope, particularly those who are suffering with depression or wandering through life as though in a wilderness.
May this interview bless your heart. May his songs encourage you and his incredible story too! I consider it a privilege to have met this ‘man of my dreams’ (lol) in person and that I get to share him with all of you, right here, my faithful listeners. Enjoy.
Published: 22/04/2025 8:00:00 p.m.
ep47 - Hope( 0:31:19)
Episode Information
“I hope it all works out.” “I hope I’m gonna be ok.” “I hope things get better…” - Sheesh, that all sounds like a ‘pie in the sky kinda hope’ to me. The truth is that sometimes things don’t work out, no matter how much we ‘hope’ for them to and sometimes things really don’t feel ok and ‘we’ don’t feel ok and sometimes things just don’t appear to get any better and even if they do, it can sometimes take a really long time and no matter how much hope we can conjure up during that long journey it cannot quicken the process.
What can just hoping do? Well, I’ll tell you what hoping did for me. A big fat nothing that’s what! Because hope in and of itself, in my experience is pointless. It’s just like a feeling and feelings in my hormonal body and mind, fluctuate and change, while changing nothing! Hope to me was just a feeling. Until one day, I found the real hope. Hope that is solid, that I believe we can each choose to put our trust in, so that even if things are not ok and even if things don’t turn out like we plan or dream or wish they would and even if situations are taking ages and ages to ‘get better’ - even if they don’t get better, this hope, is like a concrete anchor that can help us feel so secure. It’s big and it’s capable and it’s super strong.
Strong enough to hold us firm and calm us, giving us peace and keeping us still and steady and grounded, especially in the midst of turmoil or even, tragedy. This hope, that I liken to an anchor has the capacity to be embedded super deep (if we let it) and it can enable us to withstand the storms AND the waves – no matter how big they are. This hope, He's a person.
Published: 8/04/2025 8:00:00 p.m.
ep46 - The Love Letter( 0:27:12)
Episode Information
An old brown envelope...addressed to you! What do you do? Open it of course! Or in this case, I'll do the honours and I'll just let it be read out loud to you so you can hear the words and hopefully, let them soak in, to your heart and be blessed to know, just how loved you are. What about love after hurt? What if there is so much hurt in your past that your past can be symbolised as a monumental mountain that you know you could never, ever conquer, climb or 'get over' on your own. What if there was someone who is willing to 'give you a hand?' Someone who is standing, just waiting at the bottom of that mountain, and all you have to do is give Him, your hand. Would you? I did.
Been hurt? Be loved! Not just by any old love. There's a different kind of love that is not only possible, it's attainable and available, even after hurt, along with that hand. So, what are you waiting for?
Published: 25/03/2025 7:30:00 p.m.
ep45 - Choosing Joy Despite Circumstances - International Happiness Day( 0:31:19)
Episode Information
Who on earth came up with the idea of a Worldwide International Day of Happiness? Well, I can tell you it was someone who was born into a circumstance that most of us would not likely wish for! The idea of this International Happiness Day was suggested however, to ‘increase’ happiness. - Go figure! Anyhow, the United Nations accepted the proposal and so now, it’s a thing! Celebrating happiness, all over the globe, every March. And its aim? Well, to make people around the world realise the importance of happiness “within their [own] lives,” of course! And that’s what I want to talk about today. Happiness, within life, whatever that life looks like. Your life, whatever it may bring.
So, what if your life is indeed one big ball of sad? Happiness, in all honesty may seem unreachable, or to some, even unthinkable. Is finding the happy amidst dreadful circumstances even achievable? What is it? What does it look like? How do we make it last? How can we capture it so we can endure through the tough times, with it?
Perhaps there is something deeper than just ‘temporary happy’ or ‘faking’ the happy. An inner joy, that is inexpressible. Indescribable. Unspeakable. A continual joy that brings real strength for times of weakness, or even grief! And a peace that surpasses all understanding, amidst a sad circumstantial season or despite a dire situation. I found it. You can too.
Published: 11/03/2025 8:00:00 p.m.