Moana Nui Podcast
Honoring our ancestors and celebrating indigenous heroes throughout history through storytelling, pop culture, media, and publishing.
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Episodes
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
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 Hawaiian Language Immersion Program. His fluency in the Hawaiian language and his commitment to keeping it alive is truly heartwarming. Kamaka's musical journey has taken him to prestigious stages across Hawaii and beyond, and he's even been featured in the Hawaiian language version of Disney's Moana as the voice of Tamatoa, the shiny crab!
Join us as Kamaka takes us on a melodious journey, sharing his origin story, his love for the ukulele, and the art of falsetto singing. He beautifully bridges the musical connection to Hawaii's ancestors, honoring the past while sharing the cultural treasures of Hawaii with the world.
We also dive into the rich history of African-American ties to Hawaii and explore Kamaka's unique identity in a world that often questions his ties to the island. His perspective is as enlightening as it is inspiring.
So, sit back and let Kamaka's music transport you to the lush landscapes of Hawaii. His voice and stories are a reminder of the beauty and diversity of Hawaiian culture. Mahalo for joining us on this wonderful journey! 🌴🎶
00:00 Introduction to Kamaka Kehao Fernandez
00:25 Kamaka's Early Life and Adoption
00:46 Immersion in Hawaiian Culture and Education
01:27 Musical Journey and Achievements
03:45 The Concept of Hanai and Kamaka's Origin Story
07:27 Discovering the Ukulele and Falsetto Singing
10:59 Performing with Hawaiian Legends
13:00 Cultural Identity and Bridging Cultures
15:56 Voice Acting in Moana and Language Preservation
19:55 Learning the Hawaiian Language
23:12 Exploring Hawaiian Music and Culture
23:59 Memorable Performances and Personal Stories
27:32 A Special Song Performance
29:38 Discussing the Song 'Wahi Mahalo'
35:54 The Inspiration Behind 'He Mele No Hina'
44:37 The Power of Music and Connection
46:00 Where to Find More Music
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#MoanaNuiPodcast #DiversityInEntertainment #HawaiiansInMedia #WomenInMedia #Aloha #HawaiianMusic #KamakakehauFernandez #HawaiianCulture #Ukulele #Falsetto #HawaiianLanguage #Immersion #OliAloha #Hawaii #HawaiianHeartAndSoul #CulturalHeritage #IslandLife #MusicJourney #HawaiiStories #IslandVibes #LiveMusic #PolynesianCulture #CulturalConnect
Friday Oct 25, 2024
Friday Oct 25, 2024
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 gig on American Dad to his upcoming projects like "Two Black Dudes" and "Jacob Beats Up Nate." And if you're a music buff, don't miss Jʻs take on classical influences and his eclectic playlist that's got everything from Beethoven to rain sounds.
We also get personal, touching on mental health in the entertainment industry and the evolution of Jʻs creative process over the years. Whether you're a fan of his acting, writing, or just his infectious humor, this episode is packed with insights and laughs.
So, if you want to keep up with Jay's adventures, follow him on social media @jleefilm.
00:00 Welcome to the Moana Nui Podcast
00:14 Discussing Diversity in The Orville
01:18 Memorable Roles and First Paycheck
03:06 Managing Mental Health in Entertainment
03:49 Evolving as an Actor and Writer
04:49 Musical Influences and Playlist
05:25 Exploring Musical Tastes and Instruments
06:12 Teaching the Next Generation of Violinists
06:35 Upcoming Projects and Collaborations
08:00 Social Media and Following Jay Lee
Are you an Orville fan? Tell us what you love about the show in the comments.
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#MoanaNuiPodcast #BlerDCon #BlerDCon2024 #GuestInterviews #ConventionInterviews #JLee #TheOrville #Orville #Acting #Actor #AmericanDad #VoiceActing #MentalHealth #ClassicalPiano #ActingCareer #UpcomingProjects #Comedy #TVShows #DiversityInEntertainment #HawaiiansInMedia #WomenInMedia
Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
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, who played his on-screen dad in Black Panther. It's touching to hear about their unique father-son dynamic both on and off the set. Ever wondered what it's like when the actor you admire at work is the same guy who reminds you to do the dishes at home? Atandwa spills the beans on that!
We also explore the powerful impact of Black Panther on young viewers of color, and how seeing heroes who look like them can inspire dreams and break barriers. Atandwa passionately talks about celebrating African culture and its rich history, emphasizing the importance of unity and authenticity in storytelling.
And of course, we had to ask about the meaning behind his beautiful name, Atandwa, and what South Africa means to him. His love for his homeland shines through, and he paints a picture of its tranquility and his deep-rooted connection.
Finally, we chat about the evolution of diversity in Hollywood and global media. Atandwa shares his thoughts on the ongoing mission for inclusivity and equality, urging us all to keep pushing for change and never settle for complacency.
00:00 Family and Acting Legacy
00:38 Working with His Father
02:03 Impact of Black Panther
04:46 Cultural Significance of His Name
06:05 Family Dynamics
06:47 Special Aspects of South Africa
07:46 The Emotional Connection to Ancestral Lands
08:20 Experiencing Cultural Differences
08:53 Diversity and Representation in Media
09:19 The Ongoing Fight for Equality
10:51 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell
What was your favorite Black Panther moment? Tell us in the comments.
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#MoanaNuiPodcast #BlerDCon #BlerDCon2024 #GuestInterviews #ConventionInterviews #AtandwaKani #BlackPanther #RepresentationMatters #FamilyStories #DiversityInMedia #SouthAfrica #CulturalSignificance #AfricanAmericanHistory #HawaiianHistory #PacificIslanderCulture #ArtAsAWeapon #Equality #PayEquality #BlackNerds #GlobalMedia #HollywoodRepresentation #HawaiiansInMedia #WomenInMedia
Learn About Hawaii | Life in Hawaii | Hawaii Life | Native Hawaiians | Hawaiian Health | Moʻolelo | 808 Life | Hawaii Media
Monday Oct 21, 2024
Monday Oct 21, 2024
Voice actor Phil Lamarr, known for his roles in Futurama, Static Shock, Justice League, and more, discusses the impact of his various roles on fans and reflects on his evolution as a voice actor. He shares memorable moments from his career, including working with icons like Carol Burnett and Adam West. Phil also talks about balancing multiple roles, his mental health, and his presence on social media platforms.
00:00 Welcome to the Moana Nui Podcast
00:11 Phil Lombard's Iconic Roles
00:17 Impact on Fans and Diverse Audiences
03:03 Balancing Multiple Roles
04:07 Memorable Career Moments
05:36 Evolution of Voice Acting
07:35 Following Phil Lamar
What's your favorite Phil Lamarr role? Let us know in the comments!
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#MoanaNuiPodcast #BlerDCon #BlerDCon2024 #GuestInterviews #ConventionInterviews #PhilLamarr #VoiceActing #Animation #DCUniverse #MarvelComics #SamuraiJack #Futurama #JusticeLeague #StaticShock #MadTV #BlerdCon #MoanaNuiPodcast #ComicBooks #LegendaryVoices #ActingJourney #MentalWellbeing #IconicCharacters #HawaiiansInMedia #WomenInMedia
Thursday Oct 17, 2024
Thursday Oct 17, 2024
Ahmed Best, famed for his role as Jar Jar Binks in the Star Wars universe, delves into his personal journey of growth and resilience. Best shares his experiences transitioning from voicing Jar Jar Binks to embodying a Jedi Master, drawing on his martial arts background to highlight themes of discipline and balance. He candidly discusses the cyberbullying he faced after the release of The Phantom Menace in 1999, offering valuable lessons on overcoming public criticism.
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
01:56 Interview with Ahmed: Star Wars Journey
03:51 The Philosophy of the Jedi
05:58 Balancing the Force: Light Side vs Dark Side
07:07 Exploring the Concept of Balance
07:17 Martial Arts Philosophy and Yin Yang
08:28 Hawaiian Culture and Balance
08:49 Navigating Social Media and Cyberbullying
10:13 The Importance of Community and Healing
11:04 Concluding Remarks and Gratitude
Who's your favorite Star Wars character? Let us know in the comments!
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#MoanaNuiPodcast #BlerDCon #BlerDCon2024 #GuestInterviews #ConventionInterviews #AhmedBest #Actor #Musician #Comedian #VoiceActor #Producer #Director #Dancer #StarWars #JarJarBinks #JediMaster #KelleranBeq #TheMandalorian #BookHimForYourCon #Podcast #Interview #Jedi #CyberBullying #MartialArts #Balance #HawaiiansInMedia #WomenInMedia
Learn About Hawaii | Life in Hawaii | Hawaii Life | Native Hawaiians | Hawaiian Health | Moʻolelo | 808 Life | Hawaii Media
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
Dive into this engaging conversation as host James Herndon interviews WWE superstar Rikishi, delving into his experiences as a representative of Pacific Islanders in wrestling. The discussion spans Rikishi's Samoan cultural background, the influence of faith and family, and the significant impact of his uncles on his career. Highlights include his reflections on diversity in professional wrestling, dreams of portraying a Polynesian superhero, and his cherished friendship with The Undertaker. Additionally, the script explores the strong bonds within the BSK crew as he recounts dramatic Hell in a Cell moments.
00:59 Representing Pacific Islanders in WWE
01:11 Family and Cultural Roots in Wrestling
02:52 DragonCon and Wrestling
04:15 Induction into DragonCon Wrestling Hall of Fame
06:16 Superhero Inspirations and Future Aspirations
08:44 Reflecting on The Undertaker
09:28 The Brotherhood of BSK
11:17 Hell in a Cell: A Memorable Match
This episode is brought to you with sponsorship from Papa Ola Lōkahi (https://www.papaolalokahi.org/).
Learn About Hawaii | Life in Hawaii | Hawaii Life | Native Hawaiians | Hawaiian Health | Moʻolelo | 808 Life | Hawaii Media
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#MoanaNuiPodcast #KanakaMaoli #NativeHawaiians #PacificIslanders #IslandLife #HawaiianMedia #WomenInMedia #HawaiianCulture #DragonCon #Rikishi #WWE #ProfessionalWrestling #Culture #Entertainment #PolynesianCulture #ComicCon #WrestlingHallOfFame #Superheroe #Cosplay #TheUndertaker #Undertaker #BSK #PacificIslands #IndependentWrestlers
Sunday Oct 13, 2024
Sunday Oct 13, 2024
Empowering Native Hawaiian Health: A Discussion with Key Community Leaders
In this episode of the Moana Nui podcast, host Moana talks with leaders from Papa Ola Lokahi, Ke Ola Mamo, and other organizations dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Native Hawaiians. The discussion highlights initiatives such as the Ku'Ola mobile clinic and the Pono Health Legacy Study, which aim to address health disparities by integrating cultural practices with modern healthcare solutions. The program emphasizes the importance of community engagement, cultural practices, and the need for increased representation of Native Hawaiians in health sciences.
Host: Moana McAdams
Panelists:
Leia Leong
Dr. Alika Maunakea
Dr. Kevin Cassel
00:00 Welcome to Moana Nui Podcast
00:59 Introducing Our Esteemed Guests
06:18 Discussing the Ku'Ola Mobile Clinic
08:36 The Journey and Challenges of the Mobile Clinic
12:12 Community Engagement and Cultural Practices
15:34 Pono Health Legacy Study
24:50 Best Practices and Tips for the Community
32:04 Exploring Epigenetics and Health
33:17 Biological Aging in Native Hawaiians
34:39 Impact of Lifestyle and Environment
37:07 Community-Based Health Studies
41:06 Engaging the Next Generation in Science
45:13 Collaborative Health Initiatives
50:24 Conclusion and Future Directions
58:22 Closing Remarks and Call to Action
This episode is brought to you with sponsorship from Papa Ola Lōkahi (https://www.papaolalokahi.org/).
Learn About Hawaii | Life in Hawaii | Hawaii Life | Native Hawaiians | Hawaiian Health | Moʻolelo | 808 Life | Hawaii Media
Follow the Moana Nui Podcast:
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#MoanaNuiPodcast #KanakaMaoli #NativeHawaiians #PacificIslanders #IslandLife #HawaiianMedia #WomenInMedia #HawaiianCulture #NativeHawaiianHealth #KeOlaMamo #HealthWellness #KupunaStories #CommunityHealth #Epigenetics #HealthcareInnovation #CancerPrevention #Aloha #NativeHawaiianPride #HealthEquity #PacificIslanderHealth #MobileClinic #AncestralKnowledge #CultureIsHealth #UHManoa #UniversityofHawaii
Friday Oct 11, 2024
Friday Oct 11, 2024
In this thought-provoking episode of the Moana Nui Podcast, Adam Keawe Manalo Camp, a native Hawaiian cultural historian, shares his insights on Hawaiian and indigenous histories. Camp, with roots in both Papakolea Homestead and the Philippines, discusses his upbringing, the impact of colonialism on Hawaiian culture and language, and the generational trauma experienced by his family. The conversation underscores the vital role of women in Hawaiian history and challenges faced by indigenous communities, including issues of colorism and cultural preservation. Camp advocates for collective liberation, calling out discrimination against the Micronesian community in Hawaii. The dialogue also touches on gender roles within Hawaiian culture, highlighting the concept of mahu. Camp emphasizes the importance of education and empowerment for future generations.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement
00:54 Keawe's Early Life and Education
02:22 Generational Trauma and Language Loss
05:38 Influential Figures and Family History
10:27 Role of Women in Hawaiian Culture
16:49 Understanding Mahu and Gender Roles
20:56 Finding Your Voice and Advocacy
26:00 Supporting the Micronesian Community
35:14 Historical Connections and Blackbirding
47:35 Concluding Thoughts and Future Hopes
This episode is brought to you with sponsorship from Papa Ola Lōkahi (https://www.papaolalokahi.org/).
Learn About Hawaii | Life in Hawaii | Hawaii Life | Native Hawaiians | Hawaiian Health | Moʻolelo | 808 Life | Hawaii Media
Connect with Adam:
https://adamkeawe.com/
@adamkeawe
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#MoanaNuiPodcast #KanakaMaoli #NativeHawaiians #PacificIslanders #IslandLife #HawaiianMedia #WomenInMedia #HawaiianCulture #IndigenousHistory #NativeHawaiian #Podcast #AdamKeaweManaloCamp #CulturalHeritage #HawaiianLanguage #HistoricalTrauma #IndigenousVoices #Education #HawaiianHistory #GenerationalStrength #HawaiianWomen #PacificIslander #Māhu #Diversity #CulturalPreservation #ColonialHistory #Activism #CommunitySupport #OralHistory #Blackbirding #CulturalResilience #Kuleana #IndigenousRights