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
105 episodes
#105 Reflecting on 2024: Growth, Gratitude, and Goals
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 tal...
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Season 1
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Episode 105
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42:29
#104 Empowered Living: Navigating Alzheimer’s, Cancer, and Caregiving.
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 hea...
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Season 1
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Episode 104
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45:17
#103 Crying Out Loud: Men, Emotions, and Vulnerability
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 w...
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Season 1
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Episode 103
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1:05:14
#102 Building Confidence in Cyber: The DTA Approach.
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 v...
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Season 1
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Episode 102
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25:43
#101 Empowering Small Businesses with Comcast: A Conversation with Bryce Scanlon.
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 dri...
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Season 1
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Episode 101
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21:17
#100 Navigating Medicare: Insights for Veterans and the Community
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 100
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41:27
EP 99. Am I the Fiapoko?
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 a...
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Season 1
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Episode 99
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53:21
EP 98. From Bomb Technician to Entrepreneur: Eduardo Marquez's Journey.
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 98
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27:49
EP 97. Toa Ole Afi Pati Levasa: Australia's First Ailao Afi Fire knife Competition.
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 L...
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Season 1
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Episode 97
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21:43
EP 96. Inside Millcreek Advanced Dental: A Conversation with Dr. Oblad.
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 th...
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Season 1
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Episode 96
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22:48
EP 95. Navigating Faith and Society.
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, re...
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Season 1
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Episode 95
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56:53
EP 94. Celebrating Pacific Heritage: The 2024 Utah Fashion Cultural Extravaganza.
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 f...
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Season 1
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Episode 94
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33:42
EP 93. Magic Pay: Expanding Payment Services to U.S. Territories and Beyond
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 e...
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Season 1
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Episode 93
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29:57
EP 92. Football with Heart: Inside the Utah Islanders.
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 hi...
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Season 1
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Episode 92
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39:01
EP 91. The Second Act: Resilience and Renewal with William Fanene.
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 Sam...
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Season 1
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Episode 91
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1:36:11
EP 90. From Politics to Property: A Conversation with Josh Emfield.
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 integ...
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Season 1
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Episode 90
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42:35
EP 89. Miss Tausala America: Empowering Tama’ita’i Samoa in the US.
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 S...
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Season 1
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Episode 89
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28:07
EP 88. Mindset Matters: Unlocking Financial Success.
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 strategi...
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Season 1
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Episode 85
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1:13:42
EP 87. Identity and Resilience: Jaiyah Saelua's Path as a Fa'afafine Athlete
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'...
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Season 1
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Episode 84
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46:52
EP 86. A Year in Review: Unpacking 2023 and Embracing 2024.
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 gr...
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Season 1
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Episode 83
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51:49
EP 85. Turning Challenges into Opportunities: Matai's Journey Through 2023.
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 share...
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Season 1
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Episode 85
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1:32:14
EP 84. Behind the Pages: Neena Love's Publishing Story.
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 resilienc...
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Season 1
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Episode 84
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41:41
EP 83. Beyond the Airwaves: Frankie and Jess Unplugged.
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 liste...
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Season 1
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Episode 80
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1:03:01
EP 82. Exploring Identity Through Art with David Laumatia.
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 inf...
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Season 1
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Episode 79
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32:19
EP 81. Supporting Veterans: The Frontline Heroes Home Ownership Program
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 hel...
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Season 1
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Episode 78
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26:56