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Behind the Lavalava
Behind the Lavalava Cast
111 episodes
1 month ago
Send us a text We're back with hip hop artist and returning guest THT Cyrus for a powerful and heartfelt episode. We dive into the hot-button topic: Should the American National Anthem be sung in other languages?—with surprisingly thoughtful and hilarious takes. We also reflect on June as Men's Mental Health Awareness Month and ask the tough question: Are people out here exploiting others’ struggles for clout or profit? From calling out dirtbag opportunists to sharing our own pasts, it’s a ra...
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All content for Behind the Lavalava is the property of Behind the Lavalava Cast and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Send us a text We're back with hip hop artist and returning guest THT Cyrus for a powerful and heartfelt episode. We dive into the hot-button topic: Should the American National Anthem be sung in other languages?—with surprisingly thoughtful and hilarious takes. We also reflect on June as Men's Mental Health Awareness Month and ask the tough question: Are people out here exploiting others’ struggles for clout or profit? From calling out dirtbag opportunists to sharing our own pasts, it’s a ra...
Show more...
Society & Culture
Education,
Business
Episodes (20/111)
Behind the Lavalava
#111. THT Cyrus Returns: Men’s Mental Health & The National Anthem Debate
Send us a text We're back with hip hop artist and returning guest THT Cyrus for a powerful and heartfelt episode. We dive into the hot-button topic: Should the American National Anthem be sung in other languages?—with surprisingly thoughtful and hilarious takes. We also reflect on June as Men's Mental Health Awareness Month and ask the tough question: Are people out here exploiting others’ struggles for clout or profit? From calling out dirtbag opportunists to sharing our own pasts, it’s a ra...
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4 months ago
1 hour 11 minutes

Behind the Lavalava
#110. What Every Young FOB Should Hear
Send us a text In this episode, we briefly touch on the tense situation unfolding in L.A., sharing our hopes for peace and safety for everyone involved—civilians, law enforcement, and troops alike—without diving into politics. Then we shift into a heartfelt and humorous conversation about giving guidance to young legal immigrants, often referred to in our community as "FOBs" (Fresh Off the Boat). We share the advice we’d give if we met a young islander fresh off the plane—how to survive, succ...
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4 months ago
38 minutes

Behind the Lavalava
#109. From Gorilla Battles to Village Leadership
Send us a text 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 ope...
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4 months ago
48 minutes

Behind the Lavalava
#108. Mixing More Than Kava: Culture, Connection, and Care
Send us a text In this episode, we dive into the world of kava—what it is, how it’s made, and why it holds such a special place in many Pacific Islander communities. We talk about what really goes on in a faikava and kalapu, the difference between ceremonial and social drinking, and how kava has evolved into a way to connect, support one another, and find peace in tough times. Whether you’ve been around kava your whole life or you’re just curious, this conversation offers an honest, personal ...
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6 months ago
33 minutes

Behind the Lavalava
#107. The DEI Debate: Are We Asking the Right Questions?
Send us a text In this episode, we dive into the hot topic of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), especially in the military and government. With recent changes eliminating DEI programs, we discuss how these policies impacted service members and whether they were even noticeable during our time in uniform. Did DEI lower standards, or did it open doors for underrepresented groups? Are we even asking the right questions when it comes to DEI? We share personal experiences, debate the balance...
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7 months ago
57 minutes

Behind the Lavalava
#106 New Year, New Chaos: Catching Up on Life, Politics, and Global Conflicts.
Send us a text We're back! After a long hiatus, we’re kicking off 2025 with a deep dive into the biggest headlines shaping the world today. In this episode, we catch up on life, health scares, and nonprofit work before tackling major current events. We discuss Trump’s first few months back in office, the ripple effects of his policies, and the role of Elon Musk in his administration. We also break down the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, touching on the media's influence and...
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7 months ago
58 minutes

Behind the Lavalava
#105 Reflecting on 2024: Growth, Gratitude, and Goals
Send us a text In this episode, we take a moment to reflect on an eventful 2024. It’s been a year filled with highs and lows, and with the holiday season here, it feels like the perfect time to pause, express gratitude, and think about what lies ahead. We talk about how the podcast has evolved over the past three years, from tackling controversial and meaningful topics to highlighting the incredible journeys of entrepreneurs and veterans. While we’ve faced challenges like balancing our schedu...
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10 months ago
42 minutes

Behind the Lavalava
#104 Empowered Living: Navigating Alzheimer’s, Cancer, and Caregiving.
Send us a text In this episode, we’re joined by Lulu Wolfgramm, Director of Empowered Living Services at PIK2AR (Pacific Island Knowledge to Action Resources), who shares her journey from a volunteer to leading a program that connects Pacific Islanders to health resources in Salt Lake City. Lulu discusses the mission of PIK2AR, which began as a violence prevention group and has evolved into a holistic community organization that supports both men’s and women’s empowerment. Now approaching its...
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11 months ago
45 minutes

Behind the Lavalava
#103 Crying Out Loud: Men, Emotions, and Vulnerability
Send us a text In this episode, we confront the question: is it okay for men to cry? Reflecting on our personal experiences, societal norms, and cultural backgrounds, we explore the impact of emotional expression in men’s lives. From stories of grief to the way the media portrays men’s emotions, we dive into how being open with our feelings can shape family dynamics and mental health. Together, we challenge traditional ideas of masculinity and vulnerability. Join us as we delve into the heali...
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1 year ago
1 hour 5 minutes

Behind the Lavalava
#102 Building Confidence in Cyber: The DTA Approach.
Send us a text In this episode, we chat with Frank Unpingco III, co-founder of Domination Thru Automation (DTA), about the journey from military service to entrepreneurship in the cybersecurity realm. Frank reveals how DTA emerged from a tight-knit group of veterans who shared a passion for technology and a vision to make cybersecurity accessible for everyone. He explains the significance of their flagship tools, like the Automated Compliance Evaluator, which simplifies security checks for or...
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1 year ago
25 minutes

Behind the Lavalava
#101 Empowering Small Businesses with Comcast: A Conversation with Bryce Scanlon.
Send us a text In this episode, we talk with Bryce Viliamu Scanlon, a Comcast Business representative who shares his journey from residential technician to business account manager. Bryce now focuses on helping small businesses in Utah find solutions that drive growth and resilience. He highlights the importance of adapting to the times, offering services like enhanced internet and cybersecurity to protect small businesses from downtime and cyberattacks. Bryce’s passion for supporting the loc...
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1 year ago
21 minutes

Behind the Lavalava
#100 Navigating Medicare: Insights for Veterans and the Community
Send us a text In this episode, we dive into the world of Medicare with sales agents Renee Curtis and Kyle Cross, exploring their passion for community service and their journey from different professional backgrounds into the health insurance industry. They discuss the complexities of Medicare, particularly the benefits of Medicare Advantage plans, which offer additional perks like dental, vision, and hearing coverage, especially for veterans. Renee and Kyle emphasize the importance of perso...
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1 year ago
41 minutes

Behind the Lavalava
EP 99. Am I the Fiapoko?
Send us a text In this episode of our podcast, we introduce the new segment "Am I the Fiapoko?" where we dive into real-life dilemmas and offer our candid opinions. First, we discuss a man who refused to congratulate his sister on coming out due to concerns about her relationship choices. Next, we explore a vacation conflict where a woman is asked to rebook her trip to babysit for her sister. Finally, we examine the challenges faced by a disabled 22-year-old confronting her father about paren...
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1 year ago
53 minutes

Behind the Lavalava
EP 98. From Bomb Technician to Entrepreneur: Eduardo Marquez's Journey.
Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Eduardo Marquez, the founder of Mortal Triumph, to delve into his journey from a bomb technician in the military to a business owner in Utah. Eddie shares his background, including his extensive travels and the challenges of transitioning from California's beaches to Utah's mountains. We explore his military experiences, focusing on the unique mindset needed for defusing bombs and the camaraderie among his fellow service members. Eddie discusse...
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1 year ago
27 minutes

Behind the Lavalava
EP 97. Toa Ole Afi Pati Levasa: Australia's First Ailao Afi Fire knife Competition.
Send us a text In this episode, join us as we chat with Su'a Andrew Isaako, the cofounder of Pou O Toa, currently based in Brisbane, Australia. Su'a shares the exciting details of the first-ever Ailao Afi Fireknife Competition in Australia, Toa Ole Afi Pati Levasa, set for September. Discover Su'a's rich journey from American Samoa to Brisbane, and how his family's legacy in entertainment inspired the formation of Pou O Toa. We delve into the challenges and passions that drive his fireknife d...
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1 year ago
21 minutes

Behind the Lavalava
EP 96. Inside Millcreek Advanced Dental: A Conversation with Dr. Oblad.
Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Stephen Oblad, a veteran dentist and owner of Millcreek Advanced Dental in Salt Lake City, Utah, shares his journey and passion for dentistry. Dr. Oblad recounts his life experiences, including living in various parts of the U.S. and serving in the military, which profoundly shaped his career. He delves into the rigorous education and training that prepared him for his profession and the comprehensive dental services he offers, from complex root canals to f...
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1 year ago
22 minutes

Behind the Lavalava
EP 95. Navigating Faith and Society.
Send us a text In this episode, the discussion revolves around societal perceptions and personal journeys intersecting with faith and culture. It begins with a viral video where women are asked if they'd rather encounter a random man or a bear in a forest, revealing underlying fears and societal dynamics. The conversation then shifts to personal experiences with religion, including transitions between denominations and the shaping of values and daily life. We finally talk religion. Behi...
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1 year ago
56 minutes

Behind the Lavalava
EP 94. Celebrating Pacific Heritage: The 2024 Utah Fashion Cultural Extravaganza.
Send us a text In this episode, we delve into the 2024 Utah Pacific Fashion Cultural Extravaganza with Kalolaine Pahulu Rapp and Fatiatamai Folau of Utah Pacific Fashion. Kalo, a co-founder and the current owner, shares the journey from the inception of the fashion show to its growth into a major event exclusively showcasing Pacific designers. Mai, a graduate student in Pacific Islander studies, highlights the cultural and academic significance of the event, emphasizing its role in empowering...
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1 year ago
33 minutes

Behind the Lavalava
EP 93. Magic Pay: Expanding Payment Services to U.S. Territories and Beyond
Send us a text In this episode, we interview Nestor Campos and Milo Amundsen from MagicPay to delve into the world of payment processing. Nestor, originally from Cuba, shares his journey to becoming an expert in the industry, while Milo discusses his unique experiences in American Samoa. They introduce MagicPay, a service provider offering a range of solutions from credit card and ACH transactions to integrations with QuickBooks Online and Shopify. Highlighting their commitment to honesty and...
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1 year ago
29 minutes

Behind the Lavalava
EP 92. Football with Heart: Inside the Utah Islanders.
Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Chris Heliin, founder of the Utah Islanders, to discuss the team's origins and his vision for creating a semi-pro football team that honors and represents the Pacific Islander community in Utah. Chris shares his journey from the automotive industry to football, the challenges of establishing the team, and the importance of gaining community support. He also highlights the team's unique approach to player development, providing opportunities for...
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1 year ago
39 minutes

Behind the Lavalava
Send us a text We're back with hip hop artist and returning guest THT Cyrus for a powerful and heartfelt episode. We dive into the hot-button topic: Should the American National Anthem be sung in other languages?—with surprisingly thoughtful and hilarious takes. We also reflect on June as Men's Mental Health Awareness Month and ask the tough question: Are people out here exploiting others’ struggles for clout or profit? From calling out dirtbag opportunists to sharing our own pasts, it’s a ra...