Best Behind the Lavalava Cast Podcasts (2024)

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EP 99. Am I the Fiapoko? 53:21

17d ago53:21

53:21

Send us a Text Message. In this episode of our podcast, we introduce the new segment "Am I the Fiapoko?" where we dive into real-life dilemmas and offer our candid opinions. First, we discuss a man who refused to congratulate his sister on coming out due to concerns about her relationship choices. Next, we explore a vacation conflict where a woman …

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EP 98. From Bomb Technician to Entrepreneur: Eduardo Marquez's Journey. 27:49

1M ago27:49

27:49

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we sit down with Eduardo Marquez, the founder of Mortal Triumph, to delve into his journey from a bomb technician in the military to a business owner in Utah. Eddie shares his background, including his extensive travels and the challenges of transitioning from California's beaches to Utah's mountains. We exp…

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EP 97. Toa Ole Afi Pati Levasa: Australia's First Ailao Afi Fire knife Competition. 21:43

1M ago21:43

21:43

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, join us as we chat with Su'a Andrew Isaako, the cofounder of Pou O Toa, currently based in Brisbane, Australia. Su'a shares the exciting details of the first-ever Ailao Afi Fireknife Competition in Australia, Toa Ole Afi Pati Levasa, set for September. Discover Su'a's rich journey from American Samoa to Bris…

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EP 96. Inside Millcreek Advanced Dental: A Conversation with Dr. Oblad. 22:48

2M ago22:48

22:48

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Dr. Stephen Oblad, a veteran dentist and owner of Millcreek Advanced Dental in Salt Lake City, Utah, shares his journey and passion for dentistry. Dr. Oblad recounts his life experiences, including living in various parts of the U.S. and serving in the military, which profoundly shaped his career. He delves …

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EP 95. Navigating Faith and Society. 56:53

2M ago56:53

56:53

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, the discussion revolves around societal perceptions and personal journeys intersecting with faith and culture. It begins with a viral video where women are asked if they'd rather encounter a random man or a bear in a forest, revealing underlying fears and societal dynamics. The conversation then shifts to pe…

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EP 94. Celebrating Pacific Heritage: The 2024 Utah Fashion Cultural Extravaganza. 33:42

2M ago33:42

33:42

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we delve into the 2024 Utah Pacific Fashion Cultural Extravaganza with Kalolaine Pahulu Rapp and Fatiatamai Folau of Utah Pacific Fashion. Kalo, a co-founder and the current owner, shares the journey from the inception of the fashion show to its growth into a major event exclusively showcasing Pacific design…

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EP 93. Magic Pay: Expanding Payment Services to U.S. Territories and Beyond 29:57

2M ago29:57

29:57

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we interview Nestor Campos and Milo Amundsen from MagicPay to delve into the world of payment processing. Nestor, originally from Cuba, shares his journey to becoming an expert in the industry, while Milo discusses his unique experiences in American Samoa. They introduce MagicPay, a service provider offering…

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EP 92. Football with Heart: Inside the Utah Islanders. 39:01

3M ago39:01

39:01

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we sit down with Chris Heliin, founder of the Utah Islanders, to discuss the team's origins and his vision for creating a semi-pro football team that honors and represents the Pacific Islander community in Utah. Chris shares his journey from the automotive industry to football, the challenges of establishing…

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EP 91. The Second Act: Resilience and Renewal with William Fanene. 1:36:11

3M ago1:36:11

1:36:11

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we explore the fascinating life of William Fanene, who shares his journey of self-discovery and resilience. Growing up in diverse Samoan communities worldwide, William navigated the complexities of his dual heritage as half Samoan and half black. Through his documentary, "Nameless: Unmasking the Anonymous Li…

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EP 90. From Politics to Property: A Conversation with Josh Emfield. 42:35

4M ago42:35

42:35

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we sit down with Josh Emfield, a real estate broker with a unique background in both the military and politics. Josh shares how his journey from the Army National Guard to real estate was influenced by his desire to bring integrity and service to the industry. Drawing on his experience in military intelligen…

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EP 89. Miss Tausala America: Empowering Tama’ita’i Samoa in the US. 28:07

4M ago28:07

28:07

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we're joined by Gwendolyn Tuaitanu, the founder of the Nafanua Foundation and Miss Tausala America. Gwendolyn shares her journey from humble beginnings in Salt Lake City, Utah, to becoming a passionate advocate for empowering Samoan women. She discusses the foundation's mission to empower women and the inspi…

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EP 88. Mindset Matters: Unlocking Financial Success. 1:13:42

4M ago1:13:42

1:13:42

Send us a Text Message. Join us as we sit down with Savannah Sanitoa and Damian Vaitautolu, financial experts from Global Financial Impact, for an enlightening conversation on mastering personal finance. From life insurance to retirement planning, they unveil strategies to transform financial goals from good to great. With personal stories and poig…

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EP 87. Identity and Resilience: Jaiyah Saelua's Path as a Fa'afafine Athlete 46:52

4M ago46:52

46:52

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we chat with Jaiyah Saelua, the American Samoa national footballer and star of "Next Goal Wins," who made history as the first transgender person to play in a FIFA World Cup qualifier. Jaiyah opens up about her journey as a fa'afafine and transgender individual, discussing the challenges she faced growing up…

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EP 86. A Year in Review: Unpacking 2023 and Embracing 2024. 51:49

5M ago51:49

51:49

Send us a Text Message. We revisit our 2023 resolutions, sharing personal experiences and insights, and transition into our aspirations for 2024. We emphasize that resolutions are not binding contracts but guiding lights, and celebrate significant achievements like graduating with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. The episode is about growth…

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EP 85. Turning Challenges into Opportunities: Matai's Journey Through 2023. 1:32:14

5M ago1:32:14

1:32:14

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we catch up with Nick Williams, the CEO of Matai, as he reflects on the company's journey in 2023. Nick discusses the significance of customer feedback and the implementation of a review system, despite initial doubts. He shares the challenges of managing negative comments on social media and stresses the im…

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EP 84. Behind the Pages: Neena Love's Publishing Story. 41:41

5M ago41:41

41:41

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we meet Corinne Williams, also known as Neena Love, a passionate publisher on a mission to change narratives through storytelling. Neena takes us on her journey from Hawaii to South Carolina, sharing personal tales of resilience, faith, and determination. As the founder of 2 Feet Productions, Neena's dedicat…

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EP 83. Beyond the Airwaves: Frankie and Jess Unplugged. 1:03:01

5M ago1:03:01

1:03:01

Send us a Text Message. Get ready for an inspiring chat with Frankie Corrigan and Jessica Ferguson, former radio pros turned podcasters! With 18+ years of radio under their belt, they reminisce about their favorite moments and the strong bond they've formed with listeners. But when their radio journey hit a sudden end, they faced tough times togeth…

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EP 82. Exploring Identity Through Art with David Laumatia. 32:19

6M ago32:19

32:19

Send us a Text Message. Join us as we chop it up with David Laumatia, a New Zealand-born Samoan artist whose rich tapestry of experiences shapes his captivating artwork. From his upbringing in Auckland to a 35-year career in the police force, David reflects on the influences that have molded his identity and artistry, highlighting struggles with la…

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EP 81. Supporting Veterans: The Frontline Heroes Home Ownership Program 26:56

6M ago26:56

26:56

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we chat with Dan Taylor, Mark Moyes, and Tony Acosta about the Frontline Heroes Home Ownership Program, designed to support veterans. With years of experience in real estate and mortgages, our guests share their passion for helping veterans and their families. We discuss how the program started, aiming to of…

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EP 80. Bringing to the Stage: Mycal Alo's Vision for Stage Excellence 30:55

6M ago30:55

30:55

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we spotlight Mycal Ruben Alo, a stage performance coach and creator of the Bringing to the Stage program. Mycal shares his upbringing in Salt Lake City and his journey to discovering his passion for music and performance. Through formal education and experiences performing alongside notable artists, Mycal de…

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EP 79. Anchored in Service: Kenn Gerber's Journey from Service to Financial Security 29:21

6M ago29:21

29:21

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we spotlight Kenneth Gerber, a Marine veteran and current advisor at Capstone Partners. Kenn shares insights from his diverse life journey, from growing up in Southern California to his service in the Marine Corps. He discusses his transition to civilian life, his passion for fostering children, and his deep…

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EP 78. Beyond Beauty: A Holistic Approach with Jojo & Co Salon. 27:19

7M ago27:19

27:19

Send us a Text Message. Join us for a special episode of "Beauty Unveiled" as we delve into the captivating journey of Jolisna Hong, the owner of Jojo & Co Salon. In this interview, Jolisna shares her heartfelt story, from starting as an apprentice to founding her salon in 2018. Discover the salon's diverse services, serving as a one-stop-shop for …

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EP 77. Seasons of Doubt: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 29:36

7M ago29:36

29:36

Send us a Text Message. Join us for our first episode of 2024, where we talk openly about imposter syndrome. We share our own experiences, from trying to fit into artistic expectations to doubting ourselves in podcasting. We discuss how comparing ourselves to others and caring too much about what people think can make us feel like we're not good en…

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EP 76. NiuOla Health Unveiled: A Conversation with Dr. Tui Lauilefue 49:41

8M ago49:41

49:41

Send us a Text Message. Dr. Tui Lauilefue, an internal medicine and obesity medicine specialist, shared her inspiring journey from American Samoa to becoming a physician. Overcoming initial challenges, she stressed the significance of mentors and a robust support system. Dr. Tui owns NiuOla Health, a practice with a unique direct primary care model…

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EP 75. Crucial Lessons in Friendship: Trust, Respect, and the Art of Letting Go 1:12:57

8M ago1:12:57

1:12:57

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, our hosts dive into the ever-evolving landscape of friendships and how they transform as we navigate through different phases of life. They reflect on the diverse origins of their friendships, ranging from military bonds to childhood connections. The conversation delves into the essence of healthy friendship…

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EP 74. Beyond Business Advising: Nurturing a Veteran Business Community 41:53

9M ago41:53

41:53

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we delve into the Utah Veteran Business Resource Center (VBRC) with manager Becky Guertler. Originating from a visionary idea at the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs, VBRC stands out in its mission to offer free business advising and courses for veterans and their spouses, providing essential…

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EP 73. Keep Walking: Transformative Gratitude with Jake Thomas 57:52

9M ago57:52

57:52

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we interview Jake Thomas, a Marine veteran and founder of Keep Walking. Jake shares his journey from growing up as a Navy brat to enlisting in the Marine Corps straight out of high school. He provides insights into his deployment experiences in Iraq during the initial invasion and reflects on the challenges …

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EP 72. Color Blind 801: Blend In and Stand Out 1:10:59

10M ago1:10:59

1:10:59

Send us a Text Message. In this Business Spotlight episode, Jarrod Ma'alona, the founder of Color Blind 801, unveils a personal journey from his humble beginnings to the creation of his business. Born in American Samoa and raised in California and Utah, his early life's unique blend of experiences spans across different cultures and landscapes, off…

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EP 71. Embracing Diversity: A Journey Through Multiculturalism with Fred Smith. 1:04:16

10M ago1:04:16

1:04:16

Send us a Text Message. Join us for a thought-provoking episode as we dive into a wide range of engaging topics. We kick off with a deep conversation about the use of the N-word and the various perspectives surrounding it, especially within the Black community. Our special guest, Fred Smith aka Fred Omega, shares his experiences and insights, shedd…

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EP 70. Think Brilliantly: Redefining Marketing with Analei Samasei’a. 29:14

10M ago29:14

29:14

Send us a Text Message. Join us on this episode of Behind the Lava Lava Business Spotlight as we dive into the fascinating world of media and marketing with our special guest, Analei Samasei'a, the CEO of Think Brilliantly. Analei takes us on a journey from her beginnings in California to her thriving career in marketing and creative agency. Discov…

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EP 69. Samoan Fa'alavelave: Balancing Tradition and Financial Considerations. 1:04:15

11M ago1:04:15

1:04:15

Send us a Text Message. In today's episode, we delve into the topic of Samoan Fa'alavelave and explore the question: Should one engage in the practice of Fa'alavelave in the event of their passing? We'll discuss different perspectives on this topic, from keeping it simple to the challenges of modern practices. Our hosts discuss the complex nature o…

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EP 68. Veterans' Stories: A Pacific Islander Perspective. 1:25:23

11M ago1:25:23

1:25:23

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we delve into our diverse experiences as veterans and our journeys in the military. Our conversation covers topics such as culture shock, the significance of Polynesian camaraderie, and the unique experiences of Pacific Islander service members. Our discussion also touches on the challenges faced during depl…

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EP 66. New Hope Counseling: Bridging Gaps in Mental Health 43:19

11M ago43:19

43:19

Send us a Text Message. In this Business Spotlight episode, we sit down with Sala Tauanuu Afalava, a licensed mental health therapist and a 15-year veteran of the US Army. Sala, the owner of New Hope Counseling PLLC in Washington State, shares her unique journey from military service to becoming a therapist dedicated to helping her community. Sala'…

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EP 67. Heart of a Warrior: The Inspiring Journey of Fa'apepele Hunkin. 1:04:45

11M ago1:04:45

1:04:45

Send us a Text Message. In this special podcast episode, we sit down with the remarkable Fa'apepele Hunkin, a retired U.S. Army combat veteran, international bestselling author, and life coach. Fa'apepele, known as Pele, shares her incredible journey from growing up in American Samoa to her 19-year military career and her transformation into an ins…

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Episode 65. Cultural Nuances: Polynesian Customs and Father's Day 1:13:10

12M ago1:13:10

1:13:10

Send us a Text Message. In this podcast episode, we delve into Father's Day and share our thoughts on what we would like as gifts. We discuss the significance of Father's Day and the importance of appreciating fathers. The conversation covers various gift ideas, from golf clubs to UFC pay-per-view events, with each host sharing their personal prefe…

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Episode 64. NMMI Football Uncovered: Coach Kurt Taufaasau's Story. 1:13:18

12M ago1:13:18

1:13:18

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we interview Kurt Taufaasau, the head coach of New Mexico Military Institute. We're diving deep into Kurt's journey, from his roots in American Samoa to his football career in the NFL, and now his role as a head coach. As Pacific Islanders, we're proud to highlight individuals who contribute to our community…

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Episode 63. Crafting Stories Through Beats: Mareko's Unique Approach 44:05

1y ago44:05

44:05

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we sit down with Mark Sagapolutele, aka Mareko, a Samoan hip-hop artist from New Zealand's Deceptikonz crew. He shares his humble beginnings in South Auckland, New Zealand, and his journey into hip-hop. He talks about the influence of American rap, his love for the culture, and his unique storytelling style.…

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Episode 62. Finding Balance: Uptown Swuite's Personal and Artistic Growth 1:03:10

1y ago1:03:10

1:03:10

Send us a Text Message. Join us for a special episode featuring the Mighty Uptown Swuite. We'll dive into Uptown Swuite's journey in the music industry, from his early days inspired by Blaxploitation films to his evolution as an artist over the years. Uptown Swuite takes us back to his roots and shares how his time in New Zealand played a pivotal r…

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Episode 61. Myths, Legends, and Personal Stories: Exploring Samoan Folklore and Unexplained Phenomena 1:13:56

1y ago1:13:56

1:13:56

Send us a Text Message. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of myths and the unexplained, blending our own childhood experiences and beliefs with the enchanting folklore of Samoa. In this episode, we dive deep into the realm of the supernatural, sharing our intriguing encounters and unshakable beliefs in beings like Bigfoot, spirits, gho…

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Episode 60. Best States for Pacific Islanders, Life Insurance Insights, and Samoan Matai-hood. 32:32

1y ago32:32

32:32

Send us a Text Message. In our first live session at the Mill Entrepreneurship Center, we discuss the best states for Pacific Islanders to live in, the significance of life insurance, and why young Samoan males should prepare for their Matai-hood. Discover the top states that offer ideal living conditions for Pacific Islanders, taking into account …

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Episode 59. Embracing or Exploiting? Non-Pacific Islanders and Graduation Leis 23:31

1y ago23:31

23:31

Send us a Text Message. Welcome to our first-ever in-person podcast episode, recorded in a proper studio! We tackle a topic that tends to stir up conversation every graduation season: non-Pacific Islanders wearing or selling lei necklaces. Join us as we dive into this issue and hear what people had to say on Facebook. During our discussion, we pose…

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Episode 58. Celebrating Iam Tongi's Historic American Idol Win 50:18

1y ago50:18

50:18

Send us a Text Message. In this week's episode, we dive straight into the excitement that followed Sunday's episode of American Idol. Join us as we discuss the incredible journey of Iam Tongi, the first-ever Polynesian to win American Idol and make history. American Idol, a show that has been a staple of reality television for years, hadn't capture…

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Episode 57. Empowering Samoan Nurses: The Samoan Nurse Initiative with Nicole Tofi Rice. 52:27

1+ y ago52:27

52:27

Send us a Text Message. Join us in this inspiring episode as we sit down with Nicole Tofi Rice, a dedicated registered nurse and the driving force behind the Samoan Nurse Initiative. Nicole, currently serving as the nurse clinical expediter at Providence Medical Center Everett, brings her extensive experience in both long-term care and acute care s…

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Episode 56. Sisters in Surf: Lucy and Sive Jarrard's Surfing Story 55:26

1+ y ago55:26

55:26

Send us a Text Message. In this captivating episode, we sit down with Lucy and Sive Jarrard, two remarkable sisters who have embraced their Samoan heritage while carving their own paths in the world of surfing. Although born in Oceanside, California, their deep connection to American Samoa runs through their veins, as their grandparents hail from t…

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Episode 55. Utah Jumps 4 Autism: A Father's Journey 1:23:22

1+ y ago1:23:22

1:23:22

Send us a Text Message. On this episode of the Behind the Lavalava podcast, we delve into the topic of Autism awareness and advocacy. While April is recognized as Autism Awareness Month, our guest Viliami Paipa reminds us that for many families, Autism awareness is an ongoing reality that deserves our attention beyond just one month. Viliami is a s…

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Episode 54. Hunting, Naming, and Labels: A Pacific Islander Veteran Roundtable 1:17:58

1+ y ago1:17:58

1:17:58

Send us a Text Message. On this episode, we open up about our reasons for joining the military and why they chose the specific branches they served in. In the course of our conversation, we tackle a trending topic: the labels often used to describe Pacific Islander cultures and peoples, such as Polynesia, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Pacific Islander…

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Episode 53. Albie Roebeck: Bringing Mental Health to the Forefront 1:07:49

1+ y ago1:07:49

1:07:49

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we have an insightful conversation with Albie Roebeck, a Petty Officer in the Royal New Zealand Navy and founder of Discipline & Allegiance. With over two decades of experience in the Navy, Albie shares his personal journey and how it has shaped his perspective on life. He talks about the challenges he's fac…

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Episode 52. Behind the Flames: A Conversation with Fireknife Expert Rex Tiumalu 1:13:06

1+ y ago1:13:06

1:13:06

Send us a Text Message. Get ready for an inspiring episode of our podcast as we chat with the Rex Tiumalu, a world fireknife champion and a trailblazer in the entertainment industry. In this episode, Rex shares his incredible fireknife journey and the many opportunities he's encountered along the way. As the founder of Hula Afi and the host of the …

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Episode 51. From Challenging Times to Chart-Topping Hits: Lesā Lani Alo and His Music Career 1:31:01

1+ y ago1:31:01

1:31:01

Send us a Text Message. In this captivating episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Lesā Lani Alo, an award-winning music artist. Lesā Lani shares with us the story of his hit song "Alo I Ou Faiva," revealing that he wrote it during a challenging time in his life while attending university. As we delve deeper into his music career, Lesā Lani…

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Episode 50. One Woman's Journey as a US Marine Recruiter in American Samoa. 1:20:12

1+ y ago1:20:12

1:20:12

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we have the privilege of interviewing SSgt Helenia Porter, a US Marine Recruiter who is currently serving in American Samoa. With years of experience in the Marine Corps, SSgt Porter talks about what it takes to join the Marines and the various benefits that come with it. SSgt Porter speaks passionately abou…

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