The Waka Family Podcast

Jon and Steph are back talking through everything from motorbikes in Fiji to the reality of raising kids in today's world. They get into the difference between growing up in Canada vs Fiji, what they're seeing with youth smoking, and why some of it feels like it's getting worse, not better. The conversation moves into bigger topics too: government control, unhealthy food, and the uncomfortable stu...

Two Fijian-Canadian guys (Jon and Thomas Mills)talk about navigating cultural identity, family ties, and heritage. They reflect on growing up with Fijian roots outside Fiji, the challenges of maintaining connections, and the joys of embracing both cultures. The conversation covers raising families, adapting to new environments, and balancing tradition with modern life. Through personal anecdotes,...

Jon and Steph shares candid updates on family life, home renovations, and farming in Fiji. They discuss moving into a temporary house while their new home is built, reflect on the challenges and cultural norms of living with extended family, and share excitement about future plans for their farmhouse and outdoor gatherings, an more. Thanks for joining!

Today's guest is Fayzaan Hussein, a young entrepreneur and founder of Hive Construction, who is building our farmhouse in Fiji. He shares his journey from a challenging upbringing to launching his own business. We chat about the construction industry's challenges, innovative business practices, and the power of authenticity and social media in building trust and brand recognition.

Jon and Steph engage in lively, informal conversation, blending humor, storytelling, and candid reflections. They share jokes, discuss cultural observations, and recount personal anecdotes about travel, hosting guests, and navigating generational slang. They explore topics like reality TV, attraction, entrepreneurship, and the challenges of moving homes. Playful banter and teasing highlight their...

Jon and Steph reflect on their differing upbringings, parenting philosophies, and how these shape their relationship and family life in Fiji. They discuss discipline, trust, and the impact of moving abroad, while sharing lighthearted memories of past adventures and current hobbies like spearfishing. They also plays a relationship card game, prompting candid conversations about overthinking, person...

I had the pleasure of sitting down and chatting with Steven Andrews, General Manager of Castaway Island Resort, who discusses his upbringing, career journey, and leadership philosophy rooted in faith, family values, and community. Stephen touched on sustainable tourism, conservation efforts like the iguana relocation project, and fostering a supportive team culture. He gave out his tips and advice...

Steph and Jon sit down to talk about what life's really like for their family in Fiji: from dealing with bugs and cooking meals to figuring out family roles. They open up about starting fresh in their 30s, and how mindset plays a big part in getting through tough seasons. They talk parenting, money, and how they try to keep things real online without giving away too much. There's a bit on loyalty,...

The family reflects on their recent two-and-a-half-month trip to Canada, sharing highlights and challenges. Steph, engages with Eliki and Seva about their experiences, including homeschooling and family activities. Jon joins later, discussing their day in town, diet, and life reflections. The conversation covers various topics, from the importance of strategy in games to the complexities of adult...

I sat down with Waisale Serevi to hear his story, and I was not expecting to hear stories I never knew about his life. Some stories fun—some emotional. But the craziest part? He really didn't hold back.  So join me, Jonathan, as we pull back the layers with one of the best rugby players of all time to ever represent our Fiji.

In this episode we have a chat with WWF Pacific. Jonathan and Kara from WWF Pacific discuss turtle conservation on Kavewa Island, specifically focused on the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle. Jonathan shares his Fijian heritage and his family's move to Fiji in 2020, focusing on creating employment through responsible resource utilization. He envisions supporting the Fiji national rugby team...

Jon and Dave engage in a reflective conversation on themes of perseverance, waiting, and personal growth within a Christian context. They discuss the difference between joy and happiness, aging and the passage of time, highlighting the importance of active waiting and finding purpose in life's waiting periods. They also touch on practical aspects of life in Fiji, including transportation challenge...

In this podcast episode, Jon and Steph engage in a heartfelt and humorous conversation about the significance of old friendships and personal experiences. They reflect on the depth of relationships formed during their youth, contrasting them with newer, more superficial connections. The discussion touches on the bittersweet nature of growing apart from close friends and the importance of cherishin...

In this episode of "On the Mat," Jon and guest Dave engage in a conversation about life in Fiji, farming, and their pasts. Dave, a pastor, farmer, and woodworker, shares his experiences with woodworking projects, the establishment of their farm, "Pneuma Hill Farms", and their positive experiences with Investment Fiji. Amidst humorous stories about vehicles and personal reflections, they emphasize...

We got to hang out with the founders of the Vou Dance Company, Eddie and Sachiko Soro.  Eddie shares how a knee injury led him from rugby to dance, eventually forming the Vou Dance Company alongside his wife, Sachiko, who was also his dance teacher. They discuss the group's evolution, blending traditional Fijian elements with contemporary styles, and the recent venture into the "Fijian Flying Circ...

In this engaging podcast episode, Jon and Stephanie discuss their experiences during a recent two-month separation, touching on personal topics such as health issues, family dynamics, and public speaking challenges. Stephanie shares her struggles with jet lag and a boil on her eye after returning from Canada, while Jon humorously engages in conversations about their children and household dynamics...

In this podcast episode, John and Dave engage in a casual yet profound conversation about their lives in Fiji, touching on personal experiences, community, and faith. They reminisce about their unique encounters, including how they met and the cultural nuances of living in Fiji. Dave shares his background as a woodworker and youth wrestling coach, emphasizing the importance of resilience and commu...

In this episode, Koroi is our Farm Manager, who is from Moturiki Island in Fiji. Koroi shares his upbringing in Fiji, discussing family responsibilities, education, and his diverse experiences, including forestry and traditional sailing Koroi joined Jonathan also talked about the announcement of the 15-man squad for the Paris Olympics, highlighting their excitement for the rugby sevens team. The c...

In this podcast episode, Jon and Steph, discuss their experiences with childbirth, administrative tasks in Fiji, and the traditional roles of men and women in providing for the family. A question is asked about why men should always be the financial providers in a relationship. The couple also touches on their move to Fiji, homeschooling challenges, and their desire to contribute positively to the...

Join Jon and Steph in this episode of our podcast as we dive into a fun chat filled with laughter and real-life moments with our kiddos. From hilarious holiday mishaps (ever dealt with a bathroom flood?) to navigating the wild world of parenting, social media, and our favorite outdoor adventures like spearfishing and snorkeling, we cover it all. Plus, we get real about the importance of keeping th...

In this podcast episode, Jonathan and Stephanie delve into a candid discussion about their personal experiences and parenting approaches. They reflect on their childhood freedoms, the influence of their upbringings, and the challenges of maintaining friendships. The couple also addresses the impact of toxic relationships and the importance of genuine connections. They express concerns about societ...

Jonathan and Stephanie, reflect on their recent trip to Suva, Fiji, meeting interesting people like Bruce from Zoom Fiji. They discuss the cultural differences in taxi conditions and reminisce about their first date and early relationship memories. The couple also shares their love for books like "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers, movies, and the importance of capturing family history. They cons...

In this podcast episode, Jonathan and Stephanie engage in a heartfelt and humorous discussion about their personal lives, including parenting fears, health concerns for their children, and the emotional impact of family. They candidly share their experiences with pregnancy, a vasectomy decision, and Stephanie's sister's childbirth challenges. The conversation also touches on end-of-life wishes, th...

In this podcast episode, Jon and Steph engage in a light-hearted and informal chat, covering a range of topics from personal anecdotes to pop culture. They discuss the behind-the-scenes of their podcast, including potential sponsors and their children's antics. The conversation also veers into their personal experiences with cleaning injuries, baking apple crisp, and one speaker's heritage. Additi...

Stephanie and Jon share their recent travel experiences, including Steph and her friend from Canada (Roz) stay at various hotels in Fiji and their participation in a Women's Convention as speakers. They discuss the influence of mentors on their entrepreneurial journey and their approach to handling criticism, particularly in response to negative social media comments. They also reflect on their pe...