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.
Behind the Lavalava
#109. From Gorilla Battles to Village Leadership
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 welfare, helping the homeless, and even how the military operates. We also imagine what we’d do if we were the matai (chief) of our village—how we’d lead with purpose and take care of our people. It’s a mix of jokes, real talk, and cultural pride all in one episode.
Behind the Lavalava Foundation Sponsors:
Matai, American United Federal Credit Union, Pasifika Foods, Veteran Business Resource Center, Frontline Heroes, Warrior Revival, Top Gun Home Inspection, Natin But Grindz, Ladies in Bloom, All Pro Concrete Cutters, Eni & Hina Faleomavaega Foundation, Humana, Toko Uso Protection, Paradise Porch, Cyprus Credit Union.
988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.