ADAM MCGRATH ANNOUNCED FOR FEEL THE FEAR AT ASPIRING CONVERSATIONS 2026

Aspiring Conversations has announced Adam McGrath as the new speaker for the FEEL THE FEAR session at the 2026 festival, following Mike Chunn’s withdrawal due to unforeseen circumstances. The festival is pleased to welcome another outstanding musician and storyteller to the session.

Feel the Fear takes place on Sunday 29 March at Lake Wānaka Centre and explores how fear shapes decision making, creativity and resilience. The session unpacks the familiar advice to “do one thing every day that scares you”, through lived experience rather than theory.

All ticketholders will receive an email regarding this change. If you have any further questions, please contact the Aspiring Conversations Box Office team on ticketing@festivalofcolour.co.nz

Alongside Adam McGrath, the panel also brings together New Zealand rally driver Emma Gilmour, and award winning journalist Lisette Reymer.

Adam McGrath is best known as the lead singer and songwriter of roots band The Eastern and is widely regarded as one of Aotearoa’s most respected live performers. His career has been shaped by long tours, health scares and a deep connection to community, with the New Zealand Herald describing him as “NZ’s toughest minded songwriter”.

Together, the speakers will share personal reflections on fear, risk and what it takes to keep going when the stakes are high.

Aspiring Conversations runs from 27 to 29 March 2026 at Lake Wānaka Centre.
To book tickets and explore the full programme visit www.aspiringconversations.co.nz.