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 culture of the Pacific, and small businesses.
Episodes
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 Life of a Sex Pill Guru," he opens up about his legal troubles and redemption,...
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 intelligence and legislative affairs, Josh explains how he incorporates principles of trust, cha...
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 inspiration behind its name, derived from Nafanua, the Samoan goddess of love and...
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 poignant insights, they address cultural barriers to financial literacy and the imperative...
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 in American Samoa, like bullying and figuring out her identity. She ex...
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, adaptability, resilience, and self-improvement in the new year, making it a must-lis...
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 importance of authentic customer satisfaction. Additionally, Nick opens up about hi...
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 dedication to amplifying voices, particularly those of underrepresented minorities, is ev...
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 together. Thankfully, their friendship kept them going, leading them to dive headfirst ...
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 language, the profound impact of his family's heritage, and the pivotal moments tha...
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 offer unmatched support to frontline veterans and their families. Dan, Mark, and Tony ex...
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 developed a deep understanding of the nuances of stage presence. He unveils the genesis ...
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 involvement in the community, particularly in supporting veterans. Kenn also opens up...
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 beauty needs. Jolisna opens up about the challenges faced during th...
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 enough. But don't worry, it's not all gloomy – we also share practical ti...
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, providing personalized attention and unlimited visits. Addressing misconceptions abo...
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 friendships, emphasizing the importance of trust, mutual respect, and the ability to navigate di...
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 support for veteran entrepreneurs in Utah. Becky highlights the unique STRIVE program...
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 of transitioning back to civilian life. The conversation delves into humorous boot cam...
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, offering a rich tapestry to his identity. His time in American Samoa, although ...
Popular Podcasts
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations.
Every week comedian and infamous roaster Nikki Glaser provides a fun, fast-paced, and brutally honest look into current pop-culture and her own personal life.
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.
If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people.
A straightforward look at the day's top news in 20 minutes. Powered by ABC News. Hosted by Brad Mielke.