Moana Nui Podcast

As the Merrie Monarch Festival approaches, we take a deep dive into the heartbeat of hula and the journey of the dancers who dedicate themselves to this world-renowned competition. From grueling rehearsals to the sacred protocols of their hālau, we explore what it truly takes to prepare for the stage — and why hula is so much more than a performance. Hear firsthand from dancers and cultural practi...

Aloha! In this episode of Kāne Voices, we feature special guest, Aaron Siple who is a recipient of Papa Ola Lokahiʻs Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship. Join Lisa Ka'anoi as she chats with Aaron, a native Hawaiian navigating his way through the complexities of the mainland while pursuing his passion for healthcare. Aaron shares his deep-rooted desire to return to Hawaiʻi, giving back to his commun...

Hey there, movie buff! 🎥 Ever wonder what goes into making a blockbuster action film? Well, you're in for a treat! Join us as we dive into the journey of creating a star-studded action thriller that's streaming worldwide across eight countries. 🌍 From the adrenaline-pumping helicopter scenes to the intense conference room choreography, our incredible cast and crew share their personal highs and...

Lisa Ka'ano'i and Dr. Corey Lehano take center stage to explore the journey of Native Hawaiian healthcare professionals. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at the impactful Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program and its mission to uplift Kāne and their profound contributions to the healthcare sector. Dr. Lehano shares his personal story, from contemplating a career in the military for a free...

Today, we're diving deep into a topic that hits home for so many of us: those pesky negative emotional states. You know, the kind that creeps up when life's responsibilities start piling up. We chat about the everyday struggles of feeling overwhelmed and burnt out. We share our personal stories, discuss how these feelings impact us, and explore some simple, yet powerful, ways to get back on track....

Deep Connections: Integrating Native Hawaiian Healing into Modern Healthcare In this episode of the Moana Nui podcast, Kuaiwi and Keoki discuss the integrative approach of traditional Native Hawaiian healing practices, La'au Lapa'au. Key principles like ha'aha'a (humility) and aloha (compassion) are emphasized. Keoki shares his personal journey, including the transition from university teaching to...

In today’s chat, we explore the delicate balance of setting boundaries while maintaining compassion. It’s all about sticking to your guns and recognizing when you’re letting too many chances slide. We share real-life experiences and insights into how to communicate effectively and lay down those boundaries while still keeping the aloha spirit alive. Whether it’s family, friends, or even the workpl...

May we get out of our own way, out of our head, and be more about action than talk in 2025. This episode is all about shedding those old habits and excuses as we dive into a fresh year filled with boundless opportunities. We're sharing our rituals and the mindset shifts that serve us well at the turn of the year. From creating vision boards to assigning a guiding word for personal growth, we're al...

As the year comes to a close, it’s time to reflect and prepare for 2025 with a refreshed mindset. We’re talking about how we’re all drowning in information yet starving for wisdom—pretty deep, right? With social media and tech bombarding us with endless data, it’s easy to get lost. But, as we’ve discovered, true wisdom is about learning from life experiences, not just facts and figures. This episo...

We explore the difficult yet freeing journey of breaking the cycle of people-pleasing. We all know how easy it is to fall into the trap of trying to make everyone happy except ourselves. It's time to stop giving people more chances to disappoint you and start being radically honest with yourself. This episode unpacks the irony of life when you're a people pleaser, an unconditional lover, or a risk...

We're peeling back the layers on a topic that's both heavy and incredibly important: depression. Life is filled with many struggles that people often carry in silence, and we want to foster awareness and understanding around these unspoken battles. This week's 'Mana Bombs' episode centers on the truth that people don't fake depression; they fake being okay. We're sharing personal insights, experie...

Today, we're diving deep into how to truly love life without getting caught up in the need for a romantic partner. It's all about finding joy and purpose from within and not relying on others for your happiness. 🌺 We'll chat about personal experiences, like overcoming the quest for outside validation after a tough breakup. Maybe you've felt that too, right? Our discussion extends to the effects o...

Meet Ian Awai, a Physician Assistant who transitioned from Washington's chilly landscapes to the warm, welcoming shores of Hawaii, fueled by Papa Ola Lokahiʻs prestigious Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program. Ian shares his story, starting as a kid inspired by marine explorers, then making a career leap from paramedic to Physician Assistant—one that's as brave as it is heartening. We chat ab...

Professor Qiana Whitted delves into the fascinating world of Black women superheroes - live from Atlantic Comic Con. Our conversation begins with Dr. Ravynn K. Stringfield, Alitha Martinez, and Grace D. Gipson, who share their unique perspectives and passion for diversifying comic narratives. Dr. Ravynn, transitioning from academia to fiction writing, reveals her love for Ironheart and the power b...

'Stay humble because I've seen those who mock people become those people.' It's a heart-to-heart chat about the importance of humility, introspection, and breaking the cycle of fruitless complaints. Kanoelani and Moana share honest reflections on personal growth, acknowledging how easy it can be to become what we disdain. The conversation explores the beauty of gratitude, the need for radical hone...

Join us at the Atlantic Comic Con with Moana from the Moana Nui podcast, as we dive into a conversation with the extraordinary Wadeline Venlogh, an Olympian, author, and creator extraordinaire. Discover her journey from the Olympic tracks to the creative world of writing. Wadeline shares her experiences competing in track and field during the unique COVID-era Olympics, providing an insider look at...

In this episode of the Moana Nui podcast, we discuss nonprofit law with Kumu Manu, the resident legal expert. The conversation covers the foundational aspects of starting and operating a nonprofit, including defining a mission and vision, board of directors' roles, incorporation, and bylaws. The episode also delves into the practicalities of financial management, grant writing, and ethical conside...

In this episode, we dig deep into how our habits and patterns can both help and hinder us on our healing journeys. It's all about recognizing those routines, good or bad, and learning how to break free from the ones that no longer serve us. We touch on the importance of self-awareness, integrity, and the often overlooked positive patterns that lead us towards growth and resilience. If you've ever...

Learn about the essential steps, financial considerations, and emotional support resources available during these life-altering transitions. Key topics include the division of assets, alimony, property settlement agreements, and the importance of legal advice. The episode also highlights alternative arrangements like domestic partnerships and the potential benefits of prenuptial and postnuptial ag...

Aloha mai kākou, friends! 🌺 Welcome back to the Moana Nui Podcast and our empowering mana bomb segment. Today, we're diving deep into the world of expectations and the inevitable disappointment they often bring. Whether it's expecting others to act a certain way or setting impossibly high standards for ourselves, we're all guilty of it. As someone who battles with perfectionism, I totally get it!...

Aloha, friends! 🌺 Welcome to the Moana Nui podcast, where we're thrilled to reintroduce the Mana Bombs segment in collaboration with Pō Mahina Designs. This is your go-to for nuggets of wisdom to enrich your life. Today, we're diving deep into self-awareness with Kanoelani Davis, the heart behind Mana Bombs, as she shares her journey of healing and growth. 🌈 Get ready to explore the power of un-...

Join us for the launch of the Kupu Ola podcast series, presented by Hale Ho'onauao and Papa Ola Lokahi's Native Hawaiian Learning Institute. This episode explores the cultural significance of breastfeeding, featuring Kumu Kainoa Revilla and Kawehi Moderow. Our discussions delve into the cultural practices, health benefits for both mothers and babies, barriers faced by Native Hawaiian mothers, and...

Meet Kamakakēkahu Fernandez, an incredibly talented musician whose journey from Little Rock, Arkansas to the beautiful shores of Maui, Hawaii, is nothing short of inspiring. Born with a Hawaiian heart and soul, Kamaka's story is a beautiful blend of cultural heritage and musical passion. In this episode, Kamaka shares his deep love for Hawaiian culture and music, nurtured by his education in the H...

Aloha friends! 🌟 Thanks for joining us for another episode of the Moana Nui Podcast, live from BlerDCon! This time, we're thrilled to chat with the talented J Lee, best known for his role on the groundbreaking show, The Orville. We dive into what it's like being part of a series that champions diversity and complexity, and how he manages to keep it real. He shares hilarious stories from his first...

Aloha, welcome to another exciting episode of the Moana Nui podcast, recorded live at BlerDCon 2024! We had the pleasure of sitting down with the incredibly talented Atandwa Kani, who you might recognize from his role in Black Panther. But today, we're diving deeper into his journey, family, and the importance of representation. Atandwa shares heartfelt stories about working alongside his father,...