Behind the Lavalava

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 the team, and the importance of ga

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 Life of a Sex Pill Guru," he opens up

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 intelligence and legislative affairs, Josh ex

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 inspiration behind its name, derived fro

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 poignant insights, they address cultura

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 in American Samoa, like bullying a

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, adaptability, resilience, and s

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 importance of authentic customer sati

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 dedication to amplifying voices, particular

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 together. Thankfully, their friendship ke