With their Two Fat ‘Fine podcast, Alex and MahMah present bold body positivity, staunch self-love, and Pasifika pride. They talk to Oliver Hall about leaving the safety of the studio and stepping up on stage at The Court’s Rainbow Theatre Weekend.
For Alex and MahMah, the vibrant hosts of Two Fat ‘Fine, the journey from podcasting behind the mic to performing live on stage has been both thrilling and a little nerve-wracking. But when Rainbow Theatre Weekend invited them to bring their unapologetic celebration of self-love, queerness, and Pacific identity to The Court Theatre in Christchurch, they knew it was time to step up, step out, and take up space—loudly, proudly, and fabulously.
Now, they’re gearing up for Two Fat ‘Fine: LIVE!—an electrifying live podcast recording on Sunday, 23 March, promising raw conversations, laughter, and a celebration of self-worth that will leave audiences feeling empowered and seen.
A Podcast Born from Lived Experience
Since its launch less than a year ago, Two Fat ‘Fine has been about more than just witty banter and hilarious anecdotes. It’s a love letter to their identities—proudly self-identifying as “fat, queer, and Moana”—one that challenges narratives of shame and invisibility with joy, resilience, and real talk.
Bringing the show to a live audience wasn’t initially part of the plan. “Imposter syndrome is real,” Alex admits. “We weren’t sure if people would actually want to come.”
But thanks to the unwavering belief of The Court Theatre’s Associate Artistic Director, Tim Bain, and the support of Moana Vā and Plains FM, the pair found the courage to take the leap. “Their belief in us reminded us why Two Fat ‘Fine exists in the first place—to create spaces where fat, queer, Moana voices are heard, valued, and celebrated.”
Now, what began as a grassroots podcast is set to become an unforgettable live event, where self-love, identity, and unfiltered joy take centre stage.
Embracing Their Full Identities
For Alex and MahMah, their identities aren’t just aspects of who they are—they are the heart of their storytelling.
“Being fat and queer in Pacific communities comes with complexities, but also deep joy,” says MahMah.
Their podcast serves as both a platform for visibility and a safe space for talanoa (open conversations). “We challenge dominant narratives about body size, gender, and sexuality through laughter, talanoa, and love, because joy itself is resistance.”
At its core, Two Fat ‘Fine is about reminding people—especially those who have ever felt unseen—that they are not alone. “We exist loudly and proudly so that others know they’re not alone. We’re right here, laughing, loving, and living together.”
The Power of Live Performance
Unlike a traditional podcast recording, Two Fat ‘Fine: LIVE! introduces a new, electric element: direct audience engagement. “Performing live brings a whole new energy,” says Alex. “It allows us to connect with our audience in a deeper, more immediate way.”
For these two, live performance aligns perfectly with Pacific storytelling traditions. “Talanoa, humour, and collective experience have always been central to how we share stories,” MahMah adds. “A live show brings that dynamic to life in a way that’s both exciting and deeply Pacific in its essence.”
And let’s be real—there’s also the unfiltered, unedited chaos that comes with being in the moment. “Some things we can’t always bring to radio,” Alex laughs. “But in a live setting? Anything can happen.”
A Favourite Podcast Moment
Over the course of their podcasting journey, Two Fat ‘Fine has featured deeply personal and powerful conversations. But one episode stands out for Alex.
“One of my favourite episodes was the one with my mum, Lana Shields. That conversation deepened our relationship in such a meaningful way,” they recall. “It brought back memories of how incredible she was during my coming out journey.”
Lana’s ongoing advocacy for young rainbow people makes the episode even more special. “She continues to do this important work, helping the next generation just as she helped me. I’m so proud of her.”
Self-Love as an Act of Resistance
A central theme of Two Fat ‘Fine is self-love—not just as a personal practice, but as an act of resistance against societal norms that often tell queer Pasifika people they should shrink themselves.
“Self-love is ongoing,” says MahMah. “It evolves, deepens, and sometimes gets tested. But at its core, it’s about embracing our fullness—not just in body, but in spirit, identity, and the way we take up space in the world.”
Their advice for anyone struggling with self-love?
- Be gentle with yourself. Healing isn’t linear, and unlearning harmful messages takes time.
- Find people who uplift you. Surround yourself with community and spaces where you feel seen.
- Take up space. Your existence is not just valid—it’s beautiful.[Text Wrapping Break]
“Joy isn’t just something you deserve,” Alex adds. “It’s something that belongs to you.”
Podcasting for Pasifika and Rainbow Voices
With the rise of podcasting, more LGBTQIA+ and Pasifika creators are finding their voices. For those thinking of stepping into the space, Alex and MahMah have some advice.
“Your voice matters. Too often, our stories have been told about us rather than by us,” says MahMah. “Podcasting is a powerful way to reclaim our narratives on our own terms.”
Their top tips for aspiring creators:
- Start with what you have. You don’t need fancy equipment—authenticity is what truly matters.
- Lean into the power of talanoa. Our Pacific ways of storytelling are already rich, vibrant, and deeply communal.
- Don’t be afraid to take up space. As queer, Pacific voices who also proudly call themselves ‘fat‘, the world often tells us to shrink. Podcasting is a space where you can be as loud and unapologetic as you want.
- Build a supportive community. Find people who believe in your voice and remind you why your stories are worth sharing.[Text Wrapping Break]
“Representation changes lives,” says Alex. “You never know who needs to hear exactly what you have to say.”
Don’t Miss Two Fat ‘Fine: LIVE! at Rainbow Theatre Weekend
As Rainbow Theatre Weekend returns to The Court Theatre from 20–23 March, Two Fat ‘Fine: LIVE! is set to be one of the most anticipated events. The weekend will feature an eclectic mix of drag, cabaret, comedy, and cocktails—celebrating the vibrancy of the rainbow community and beyond.
Tickets start from just $5, with binge passes available for those wanting to soak up the full festival experience.
Secure your spot now at courttheatre.org.nz and join Alex and MahMah for an unforgettable night of self-love, laughter, and Pacific joy.
The Two Fat ‘Fine podcast can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, and plainsfm.org.nz.
