Ke Alaka'i: The Podcast

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 build lasting confidence and security for the future.

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 life. 

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 conversations in a simple but revealing way.

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 understand mental health in everyday life.

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. 

Listen to Sai, Myco and Abbey as they reflect on the podcast's 5-year anniversary and their experiences as hosts this semester. 

Join Pim Hootini, one of the podcast hosts, as she shares how food and travel shape her memories and relationships with people.

Myshaan Komene, a soulful R&B artist from Hamilton, New Zealand, shares how his Māori roots and gospel values influence his music.

LeeAnn Lambert reflects on what she learned from the past two decades of her service as an adviser for Ke Alaka'i at BYU–Hawaii.

Tautai Kealakaikupaa Fano aka "Elder TikTok" shares about his life on social media and what is it like to share the gospel to all walks of life. He also shares about how his social media efforts and his podcasts are a safe space for everyone regardless of their differences.

Heiranie Lacour shares their family's story of faith and sacrifice leaving behind home and career opportunities to study at BYU-Hawaii with their two young kids. 

Kimmy Seechompu and Weerawat Meepralom share their growth from transitioning to another faith and from moving to a different country to study for college. 

Ke Alaka'i: The Podcast hosts welcomes two new hosts, Abigail Adams and Gene Cymmer Ramirez for the first episode of season 12 where they share their opinions about podcasts. 

To wrap up this season, the Ke Alaka'i: The Podcast hosts: Pim, Myco and Valerie talk about their love languages, how they give love and their preference of receiving love.

Rosalind Pedron a senior from Australia majoring in Pacific Island studies and political science and Didier Pedron a senior from Tahiti majoring in business marketing share their journey about how their passion with photography developed as they combined each other's strengths.

Elder Greg Hudnall the founder of Hope Squad, a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program, and Michael Schaumann, an intern working with them share the reality of mental health and how peers can support and protect each other. 

Club presidents of emerging clubs, Golden Mecca and Myanmar club, share how setbacks turned into miracles as they prepared for Culture Night. 

Tautai Kealakaikupaa Fano aka "Elder TikTok" shares about his life on social media and what is it like to share the gospel to all walks of life. He also shares about how his social media efforts and his podcast is a safe space for everyone regardless of their differences.  

Joseph Sant, a senior majoring in political science and peacebuilding who works as one of the key organizers of the ASEAN Perspectives on Human Dignity Conference share the purpose of the conference and why it matters to the students and the community. 

BYUH Pre-law Society Club officers Valerie Agustin and Reese Clarke share how the club can help students prepare for law school. 

Alohalani Housman, an associate professor of the Jonathan Nāpela Center for Hawaiian & Pacific Studies and the Dean of Culture, Language and Performing Arts at BYU-Hawaii joins us in this special episode for the 70th anniversary of BYUH. She shares her experiences at BYUH as a student and how it helped her to fulfill the university's mission to "Enter to Learn, and Go Forth to Serve." 

Elder Stacy Taniguchi, a seasoned mountaineer and international expedition leader with an awe-inspiring resume of summiting some of the world’s most iconic peaks shares his passion and dedication for adventure. He now continues to inspire those who seek to push boundaries and explore new horizons through sharing his learnings through his experiences. 

BYU-Hawaii students Jatuphon Phakdeerat, a hike enthusiast and Jolina Vidal, a member of the running and hiking club presidency shares the lessons they have learned and the experiences they have had during their running and hiking activities around Oahu. 

BYUH alumna Kealani Netane joins to share the journey behind her book, Tala Learns to Siva—a heartwarming story about discovering inner strength through family love and guidance. Hosted by Myco Marcaida and France Valerie Lucillo.

Graduating twins Kristen and Ashley Bull reflect on their BYUH journey, highlighting the importance of supporting others through mental health challenges. Hosted by Myco Marcaida and France Valerie Lucillo. 

Luaupu Taaau, Mahealani Hunter and Poevai Ienfa join us to share their experiences at BYUH as non-church members with Myco Marcaida and Pim Suksuntiwijit. 

Great Ideas 2023 winner Talesha Jensen joins Willes Center’s Jonah Hunter to share tips for building confidence and expanding networks in preparation for the 2024 competition. Hosted by Myco Marcaida and Pim Suksuntiwijit. 

Micah Curtis guides us through Hawaii’s so-called "haunted" sites, sharing eerie tales of the Waimea drowning pool and H3 Highway. Hosted by Myco Marcaida and France Valerie Lucillo. 

From personalized MBTI assessments to professional photoshoots, Career Services specialist Elder Darrel Brock and student supervisor Jerameel Recodig highlight the valuable resources available through Career Services to help students build their professional future. Hosted by Myco Marcaida and Valerie Lucillo.

From IU to BTS,  KPOP Club members Eunji Choi and Mikah Cabanilla discuss their favorite KPOP artists and deep dive into the world of K-pop fandom. Hosted By Valerie Lucillo and Myco Marcaido. 

Jeffrey Maloney, an assistant professor in the Faculty of Education & Social Work discusses the use of slang across different generations with hosts France Valerie Lucillo and Pim Suksuntiwijit.