Behind the Lavalava
Welcome to Behind the Lavalava! Here, you will find authentic, firsthand perspectives on Pacific Island culture and life from a group of seasoned veterans. We share stories and express our opinions, all drawn from our own life experiences. This podcast places a special emphasis on all veterans, the people and cultures of the Pacific, and small businesses.
Episodes
We're back with hip hop artist and returning guest THT Cyrus for a powerful and heartfelt episode. We dive into the hot-button topic: Should the American National Anthem be sung in other languages?—with surprisingly thoughtful and hilarious takes. We also reflect on June as Men's Mental Health Awareness Month and ask the tough question: Are people out here exploiting others’ struggles for clout or profit? Fr...
In this episode, we briefly touch on the tense situation unfolding in L.A., sharing our hopes for peace and safety for everyone involved—civilians, law enforcement, and troops alike—without diving into politics. Then we shift into a heartfelt and humorous conversation about giving guidance to young legal immigrants, often referred to in our community as "FOBs" (Fresh Off the Boat). We share the advice we’d g...
In this episode, we kick things off with a funny and wild debate—could 100 random guys (or even 100 random Samoan guys) take down a silverback gorilla? Things get ridiculous fast, with jokes flying about stamina, primal instincts, and even gout. But after all the laughs, we shift gears and dive into something deeper: the Samoan idea of aiga, or family. We talk about how that mindset could be used in things like social...
In this episode, we dive into the world of kava—what it is, how it’s made, and why it holds such a special place in many Pacific Islander communities. We talk about what really goes on in a faikava and kalapu, the difference between ceremonial and social drinking, and how kava has evolved into a way to connect, support one another, and find peace in tough times. Whether you’ve been around kava your whole life or you’r...
In this episode, we dive into the hot topic of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), especially in the military and government. With recent changes eliminating DEI programs, we discuss how these policies impacted service members and whether they were even noticeable during our time in uniform. Did DEI lower standards, or did it open doors for underrepresented groups? Are we even asking the right questions when it co...
We're back! After a long hiatus, we’re kicking off 2025 with a deep dive into the biggest headlines shaping the world today. In this episode, we catch up on life, health scares, and nonprofit work before tackling major current events. We discuss Trump’s first few months back in office, the ripple effects of his policies, and the role of Elon Musk in his administration. We also break down the ongoing conflicts in ...
In this episode, we take a moment to reflect on an eventful 2024. It’s been a year filled with highs and lows, and with the holiday season here, it feels like the perfect time to pause, express gratitude, and think about what lies ahead. We talk about how the podcast has evolved over the past three years, from tackling controversial and meaningful topics to highlighting the incredible journeys of entrepreneurs and vet...
In this episode, we’re joined by Lulu Wolfgramm, Director of Empowered Living Services at PIK2AR (Pacific Island Knowledge to Action Resources), who shares her journey from a volunteer to leading a program that connects Pacific Islanders to health resources in Salt Lake City. Lulu discusses the mission of PIK2AR, which began as a violence prevention group and has evolved into a holistic community organization that sup...
In this episode, we confront the question: is it okay for men to cry? Reflecting on our personal experiences, societal norms, and cultural backgrounds, we explore the impact of emotional expression in men’s lives. From stories of grief to the way the media portrays men’s emotions, we dive into how being open with our feelings can shape family dynamics and mental health. Together, we challenge traditional ideas of masc...
In this episode, we chat with Frank Unpingco III, co-founder of Domination Thru Automation (DTA), about the journey from military service to entrepreneurship in the cybersecurity realm. Frank reveals how DTA emerged from a tight-knit group of veterans who shared a passion for technology and a vision to make cybersecurity accessible for everyone. He explains the significance of their flagship tools, like the Automated ...
In this episode, we talk with Bryce Viliamu Scanlon, a Comcast Business representative who shares his journey from residential technician to business account manager. Bryce now focuses on helping small businesses in Utah find solutions that drive growth and resilience. He highlights the importance of adapting to the times, offering services like enhanced internet and cybersecurity to protect small businesses from down...
In this episode, we dive into the world of Medicare with sales agents Renee Curtis and Kyle Cross, exploring their passion for community service and their journey from different professional backgrounds into the health insurance industry. They discuss the complexities of Medicare, particularly the benefits of Medicare Advantage plans, which offer additional perks like dental, vision, and hearing coverage, especially f...
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 is asked to rebook her trip to babysit for her sister. Finally, we examine the challe...
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 explore his military experiences, focusing on the unique mindset needed for defusing bom...
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 Brisbane, and how his family's legacy in entertainment inspired the format...
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 into the rigorous education and training that prepared him for his profession and the comprehen...
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 personal experiences with religion, including transitions between denominations and the shap...
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 designers. Mai, a graduate student in Pacific Islander studies, highlights the cultural and academic ...
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 a range of solutions from credit card and ACH transactions to integrations with QuickBooks Onl...
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 the team, and the importance of gaining community support. He also highlights the team&ap...
Popular Podcasts
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921. My Favorite Murder is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including historic true crime, comedic interviews and news, science, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, Bananas and more.
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!