Fau Gagana Podcast. A Samoan nurse's perspective on mental health.

Send us Fan Mail Part 2, in this episode Misa revisited her childhood memory living with her parents in her village of Pata Falelatai.  She talks fondly about how she observed her father's devotion to his christian faith, his prayers Misa believed has blessed her life journey.  Misa's lived experience in the Samoan culture and knowledge has grounded her practice.  She credited her upbrin...

Send us Fan Mail Part 1,  in this episode a Samoan counsellor Misa Fia Turner talks about different roles she plays in her practice in NZ.  Misa discusses how her Samoan culture strengthen her practice and enables her to support Samoan people in her care. Her understanding of the Gagana Samoa and values of ole vā fealoaloa'i (sacred space) has set her apart from others in her profession.  Mis...

Send us Fan Mail Part 2 of the conversation with RN Moelagi Jackson.  In this episode Moelagi talks about her understanding of the connection of spiritual healing and mental health.  Also, why understanding Samoan cultural values strengthen her nursing practice in different roles she occupied in her career. Moelagi shared her insights on her nursing journey and the lessons she has learned to help...

Send us Fan Mail This episode Moelagi shares her perspective on the podcast theme, and her nursing journey from Samoa, Australia and New Zealand.  Moelagi shares her experience and how her Samoan culture shaped the way she provides care in different roles she occupied. Ole talanoaga ma le tama'itai tausi soifua ia Moelagi Jackson i lona soifua galue amata mai Samoa, Ausetalia, ma Niu Sila. O...

Send us Fan Mail Part 2 of the talanoa with Fuimaono Dr Karl Pulotu Endemann.  His perspectives on spirituality, and why he develops the Fonofale Model- the first Pacific health belief model in New Zealand healthcare.  The fonofale model is mentioned and recognised in healthcare organisations and training institute for undergraduate nursing in NZ. Ole vaega 2 ole talanoaga ma Fuimaono Dr Karl Pulo...

Send us Fan Mail This is the first episode for Season 3, 2026.  The theme is 'culture is the medicine' Fuimaono is a pioneer of Pacific mental health in NZ.  He was the first Samoan nurse working in mental health, and he developed the Fonofale Model to guide mental health practice and care in NZ.  Fuimaono is sharing his perspective on the theme with examples from his practice and career...

Send us Fan Mail This is the final episode for Sesaon 2 and to celebarate Christmas.  Registered Nurse Mulipola Leonia will share her experience about the holiday season and why this is important to a Samoan.  We will talk about the value of reflection on the year that was, setting goals for the new year, tips on looking after each others, and to how to be safe during the holidays.  Ole polokalame...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode,  my sister Priscilla and I will share our experiences about the loss of our father- the late Mua'au Lea'itua Niko Liaina.  We will talk about how we cope with the news and how we deal with the feelings of loss and grief during this darkest hours and times. Apology in advance for the background noise as this episode was recorded in Samoa. Ole polokalame l...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I will share my experience in raising my two special need daughters.  Taupa'u Irina has learning disability and Victoria has mild autism.  I will share the challenges and positives of the journey.  Also, why people should learn more about disability to get a better understanding on how to better support people with disability in our community. O le polokalame...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode I reflected on my memories growing up in my family and village with my sister Priscilla.  Why are these memories important to my sense of belonging and identity?  I believe this episode will resonate with many born and raised Samoans, and I hope it will help us understand why environment, community, village and family are important to mental wellbeing. Apology in a...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Galumalemana will talk about the role of a Samoan nurse in Aotearoa, NZ and why this is valuable for our population seeking healthcare.  The importance of the Samoan language to communicate with health professionals. Galumalemana will also talks about her current role as a CEO of the Pacifika Family Health Group in Auckland, NZ. Apology in advance for the backgrou...

Send us Fan Mail This is a continuing episode from Maiava Moana Solomona.  She discussed the qualities of a Samoan mental health specialists with examples from her practice.  Maiava highlights the value of cultural awareness of people who works in the field in order to provide good care for our people. Also, the need to continue conversation and initiative already happening to address stigma, and...

Send us Fan Mail Maiava Moana Solomona a Samoan clinical therapist will talk about her experience working with Samoan mental health consumers in Australia, New Zealand and Samoa.  Maiava will share how her understanding of the Samoan culture and language strengthen her approach in supporting not only Samoans in her care but also, people she works with.  O le'a fa'asoa mai Maiava Moana So...

Send us Fan Mail in this episode, Lina discussed her practice of fofo and why this is important to our health and wellbeing.  Lina talks about how her fofo heals many people not from her village but also from other villages.  People also seeks her out from overseas.  Lina is aware that traditional healing is important to Samoans holistic wellbeing. Also, the need for conversation about mental heal...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode Pastor Moasegi and faletua Tafea discussed the link between  spiritual faith and Samoans health and wellbeing.  The practices of faith is core to Samoans and why church is the anchor for diaspora Samoan.  Within the church the Samoan values of alofa, fa'aaloalo and va fealoaloa'i are practised in every aspects of the church. Ole'a talanoa Pastor Moas...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode three matais (chiefs) representing the Mulpola family explain what this cultural practice and why it is core to Samoans wellbeing.  They provide examples of this practice from their own family in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Ole talanoaga ma susuga ia Mulipola Tofiga, Mulipola Afano, ma Mulipola Mataupu ile uiga ole tautua aitaumalele, ae fa'apea le taua ole fa&apos...

Send us Fan Mail Ole ala ile pule ole tautua meaning 'the path to leadership is through service'.  In this episode, Seulupe Dr Tominiko explains the practice of tautua, also, different types with examples.  Dr Tominiko explains what good leadership leadership is about through actions, and words. The practice of tautua can be stressful for some and spiritually fulfilling for others-this d...

Send us Fan Mail This episode Dr Tominiko talks about his reserach about the fa'a matai (chief) in the Samoan culture.  He will explains the characteristics of the fa'a matai and what leadership looks like.  Importantly, how the matai leadership can uplift and support mental wellbeing of the extended family. Ole polokalame lenei o le'a talanoa ai Dr Tominiko i lana su'esuega sa...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode Tauanu'u discussed the cultural meaning of the concept 'ole va' and the application of this practice in Samoans daily life.  Also, the fundamental role of family in developing healthy future Samoan generations. Importantly, the role of language in understanding medical conversations with healthcare professionals.  O le polokalame lenei o lea fa'...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode Tauanu'u will explore the importance of the Samoan language and cultural practices to identify, sense of pride, connections and mental wellbeing. Also, the significant of the Polyfest event to Samoan young people in NZ, and why the family is core to the fundamental health and wellbeing of a Samoan person.  In addition, Tauanu'u explain the practices of la...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode Dr Fuafiva Fa'alau will talk and explain about her research about Dementia for Pacific people in NZ.  There are limited information about Dementia for Pacific available, and her research will hope to produce resources that are culturally appropriate for our Samoan/Pacific population. Ole polokalame lenei o le'a fa'amatala ai e Dr Fuafiva lana su&apos...

Send us Fan Mail Dr Fuafiva Fa'alau will talks about the importance of the Samoan worldview in Pacific health education and research in university studies.   She defines the term positionality and why this is core to who we are as people and our connection with others.  Dr Fuafiva talks about what mental health means to her and why her Samoan culture is important to the different roles she pl...

Send us Fan Mail This is a special episode to celebrate the holiday season.  Registered Nurse, Leonia Mulipola is sharing her experience about Christmas & New Year with her family and community.  She also shared useful tips and advice on how to look after your mental wellness during the holidays.   This is the final episode for Season One.  Season Two will be launched in February 2025. O fautu...

Send us Fan Mail This episode focus on counselling, the benefit of talking to a counsellor in your own language to find solutions to achieve peace with self and others, as well as learning coping skills. Registered Counsellor Misa Fia Turner is our guest for this episode.  Apology in advance for the slight echo in the audio. Ole polokalame e talanoaina ai le counselling po'o fa'a talanoa...

Send us Fan Mail Migration to a new country has both positive and negative effect on migrants.  this episode will include general information about the effect of migration to holistic health and wellbeing of people.  I will talk from my own experience as a migrant and a mental health nurse. O le malaga ese mai ma nonofo i seisi atunu'u e iai ona itu lelei ma itu e a'afia ai le soifua man...