Ke Alaka'i: The Podcast

From K-pop fans to book and movie lovers, fandoms have become a powerful way for people to connect through shared interests. In "Fandom or Phantom?," the hosts explore how healthy admiration can sometimes develop into unhealthy parasocial attachment, and discuss the ongoing debate over whether it's possible to separate the art from the artist.

As June marks Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, counselor Kaeokalei Alo discusses the pressures many men face to stay strong and push through challenges alone. In "Redefining Masculinity," Alo explores emotional suppression, healthy masculinity, and how men can recognize when resilience becomes avoidance.

Financial confidence doesn’t come from having more money—it comes from knowing how to manage what you have, said family and personal finance educator Elder Jeffrey Hill. In this episode, Elder Hill shares practical insights on budgeting, investing, and intentional spending to help students take control of their finances. Learn how living joyfully within your means can reduce financial stress and b...

Sometimes the hardest boundaries aren’t with strangers—they’re with the people we love most, whether that’s family, friends, or someone we care about deeply. In this episode, BYUH psychologist John Suyama explore why saying “no” can feel like guilt, why family boundaries often feel more complicated than friendships, and how caring for others doesn’t have to mean carrying everyone’s burdens.

To kick off the new season, new host Julia Aunai is joined by former co-host Myco Marcaida to explore individualism, the pressure to stand out and the concept of the "looking glass self" as they discuss what it means to build an identity in a trend-driven world. 

In this episode, BYU–Hawaii counselor Susiane Manning and student leader Shane Reinward break down what distractibility actually looks like in college life—from constant mental overload to the role of curiosity and environment. Drawing from research and real student experiences, they explore why focus is difficult to sustain and share practical ways to better manage attention in everyday academic...

Adrian Pramoso shares his journey as a music student navigating the realities of pursuing a career in music. From nearly quitting music to winning three categories at a national singing competition, he talks about mentorship, the realities behind a music degree and how purpose continues to shape his path forward. 

Lucy Miller shares how curiosity and meaningful conversations have shaped the way she understands others and herself. In this episode, she reflects on why the “art of conversation” feels lost today and how intentional dialogue can lead to deeper connection and self-discovery.  She also demonstrates the Cube–Ladder–Horse exercise with the hosts, an activity you can try at home to help open up conve...

In this conversation, BYU–Hawaii Counseling Services counselor Kaeokalei Alo and student leader Kalela Stone discuss what mental health can actually look like in college life—from everyday habits like sleep and relationships to the role of community and support systems. The episode also answers common questions gathered from students, including motivation, imposter syndrome and how to better under...

Alan Pineda shares his journey of making bold, intentional choices during college—from deleting social media after working in digital marketing to changing his major and co-founding Kahuku App. In this conversation, he reflects on the tension between school and real-world work, the risks of pursuing ambitious ideas early and why living intentionally can shape both personal growth and purpose.

As a young child, Talea Bloomfield struggled with accepting her appearance. Because of her family and choosing to change, she was able to overcome her challenges.  Listen and learn more about her journey on self-love, acceptance, and resilience. 

Are we dating—or just talking? This episode dives into the gray areas of modern campus relationships, including first-date expectations, approach dynamics and the role of dating apps. Don't miss our myth vs. truth breakdown at the end. 

After facing repeated rejection , Dominic "Dom" Belda reflects on how leadership, service, faith, and his educational background as a Communication background opened doors to campus leadership, club founding, and meaningful opportunities to uplift others. 

Having anxiety? Don't know what to do about it? We got you! For today's episode, Sister Linda Wilson and Mika Konno of the Counseling Services will walk us through the process on learning more about what anxiety is how to manage it. 

France Valerie Lucillo and Haley Cowan open Season 14 of Ke Alaka'i: The Podcast by unpacking their New Year's resolutions, examining failed habits, false assumptions and the realistic changes they're making for themselves and the podcast this year.

In this season of Thanksgiving, Valerie, Haley and Abbey closes Season 13 reflecting on the episodes they loved recording and sharing what they are most grateful for. See you next season! 

Lola, Mele, and Sam Morgan talks about their life as a family on and off the theater stage. Listen to their stories of how singing and acting strengthens their bond. 

Ever wondered what it is like to be on stage playing characters while performing songs? In this episode, Mya Muhlestein and Parker Stanley, shares about their roles in the play "Into the Woods," and what life looks like on stage. Mya plays the Witch, while Parker plays both Cinderella's Prince and the Big Bad Wolf. 

Preston Snyder, a sophomore from Vermont, majoring in business finance, shares his experience as a participant on Fox’s reality TV show called 99 to Beat and what it's like to perform under pressure.

Superstitions are created to offer comfort by giving explanations to the unknown, by serving as a reminder, and by honoring our roots from where we came from. In this episode, Ke Alaka'i editors joined us in discussing superstitions we encounter in our lives and how it influences us. 

Peacebuilding is more than just a major. It is any effort that aims to end conflict, says Nate Pierce, a senior from Washington, D.C., majoring in intercultural peacebuilding. In this episode, he shares his hope for the world and how he strives to be a peacebuilder wherever he goes.

Rean Abancia, a senior from the Philippines majoring in communications shares about how faith, perseverance and resilience helped him overcome his challenges growing up. 

Fetuao Tuaina, a senior from Samoa, majoring in information technology, shares what keeps him rooted to his purpose as he furthers his education at BYUH.

Timoci Kean, a senior from Fiji, shares his experiences being featured on a documentary film "Sharing Aloha."  

Abbey Adams and Myco Marcaida share what they wish they knew during their freshman year and their biggest takeaway from college life so far.