Heartbeat Narratives

In this episode, we’re joined by “Otto” (name changed for privacy), a German-born, Hawaiʻi-based ocean lover who lives by a reduce, reuse, and recycle mindset - finding value in what others often overlook. We get into his life shaped by discipline, curiosity, and the occasional late-night dumpster dive. From free diving in the Pacific to "adventure diving" into dumpsters, Otto shows how resourcefulness and sustainability can be fun. He also opens up about his experience learning to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and how seeking mental health support has become an important part of building a balanced routine. With roots in East German efficiency and respect for structure, he shares how budgeting and spotting loopholes help him create stability in an expensive place. This conversation is thoughtful, a little unexpected, and a reminder that value isn’t always where you think it is. Friends, grab your budget and get ready for this one! Episode Highlights 00:53 — Germany to Hawaiʻi on a budget ✈️ 02:21 — How he afforded staying after graduation 03:28 — What makes his wallet (and heart) beat 💸 04:40 — A money mindset that actually sticks 07:02 — East Germany lessons in saving everything 10:46 — Building an efficient, low-cost life 14:04 — Dumpster diving 🗑️ 16:31 — The childhood cup hustle 22:26 — Grocery hacks that save real money in Hawaiʻi 🛒🥬🥒🍅 26:48 — Everyday life as a treasure hunt for value 💰   🌱 Sustainable Living Resources ♻️ Reuse, Share & Community Giving Freecycle Network Give and receive items for free in your community to keep usable goods out of landfills. 🔗 https://freecycle.org Buy Nothing Project Join a hyperlocal sharing network built on generosity—no buying or selling required. 🔗 https://buynothingproject.org Little Free Library Access free books through neighborhood book-sharing boxes around the world. 🔗 https://littlefreelibrary.org 🍽️ Food Waste Reduction & Food Access Too Good To Go Save perfectly good surplus food from local restaurants and stores at a discounted price. 🔗 https://www.toogoodtogo.com/en-us Feeding America Find local food banks, access resources, and learn how to reduce food insecurity and waste. 🔗 https://feedingamerica.org 🌿 Urban Foraging & Sustainable Living Falling Fruit Discover public fruit trees and edible plants near you with this global foraging map. 🔗 https://fallingfruit.org Freegan Info Explore guides on dumpster diving, urban foraging, and low-waste living practices. 🔗 https://freegan.info/what-is-a-freegan/freegan-practices/urban-foraging/diving-and-the-law/ ⚖️ Laws, Guidelines & Sustainability Education FindLaw Search and learn about local laws related to property, trespassing, and waste collection. 🔗 https://findlaw.com United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA Waste Basics) Learn the fundamentals of reducing, reusing, and recycling from official U.S. guidelines. 🔗 https://epa.gov 🤝 Sharing Economy & Sustainable Culture Shareable Get inspired by stories, tools, and ideas centered on community-driven, sustainable living. 🔗 https://shareable.net   Episode Art:  Molly Mamaril Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

YOGA · What if the way you move on your mat could change how you meet the world? Today’s guest is Devi Sakti, a Honolulu-based yoga teacher (RYT 500) who was born and raised in the Bay Area. She honors her Indian heritage while staying rooted in ancestral wisdom and grounded in the modern world. She moves between the lineage of yoga and her lived experience as a millennial woman who works in tech and loves pop culture. Devi's teaching style blends Sanskrit, philosophy, playfulness, and real life in a way that feels both accessible and intentional. She teaches a strong, fiery Vinyasa practice shaped by movement, dance, and creative expression. This conversation offers a refreshing perspective on yoga that is expansive, relatable, and lived rather than performed. Mahalo for tuning in!  Follow Devi's yoga journey here: https://www.devisaktiyoga.com/ Episode Highlights 01:27 Finding joy in teaching yoga ✨ 03:14 Devi’s origin story on the mat 🌱 04:11 Culture, roots, and movement 06:28 From physical practice to deeper philosophy 08:01 Yoga in the West and the teacher’s responsibility 🌍 10:27 Honoring lineage while teaching in modern spaces 15:03 Joy as resistance 🔥 18:07 Lessons that follow you off the mat 19:45 Sanskrit, made simple 📖 20:32 Saying yoga words without fear 21:18 Language, loss, and what gets erased 21:41 Teaching Sanskrit with care and respect 22:45 What yoga really means 23:51 Practice as liberation 24:49 Living yoga beyond the studio 25:43 Anxiety, awareness, and reframing the mind 28:04 Finding the students who find you 30:17 What makes Devi’s heart beat 31:20 Pop culture, joy, and the little things 32:53 What’s next for Devi 35:52 Namaste  Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

WHIMSY · What if the cure for burnout was… bubbles? 🫧✨✨In this episode, Molly chats with David (aka Uncle Bubble), the human behind Honolulu’s dreamy nighttime bubble parties where strangers become a community and “dancing ugly” is highly encouraged. What started as a quirky pandemic experiment turned into a full-on movement of joy, play, and unexpected healing. Alongside his bubble work, David is also pursuing his doctorate in occupational therapy, exploring how to help the body release tension and reconnect through movement, play, and presence - something that subtly weaves its way into every bubble-filled gathering. They talk about following what lights you up, creating spaces where people can just be, and why a little absurdity might be exactly what we all need right now. Consider this your official invitation to let loose, chase some bubbles, and remember how to play. Episode Highlights 00:53 meeting uncle bubble 🫧 02:04 how the bubble journey began 02:59 pandemic “joy drops” 05:42 what actually brings us joy 06:29 dancing ugly 07:54 bubbles meet bodywork 11:29 enter the joy portal 🌀 14:16 wild & wholesome bubble encounters 17:16 purpose, passion & ikigai 20:44 self-care pillars that keep us grounded 25:04 big dreams: the nonprofit vision 28:13 where to find david + upcoming events 📍   Check out Davidʻs bubble adventures at: https://www.instagram.com/thatbubbleguyhawaii/ https://www.instagram.com/bubbaloha/ Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

"Love is all that matters" · This dynamic conversation with Chaplain Brianna Higa of Kailua, Hawaiʻi was the culmination of an unexpected meeting that unfolded into something beautiful. She shares what it looks like to sit with people in moments of fear, transition, and letting go, and how presence alone can be an offering. We learn about the role of a chaplain, how it differs from traditional roles in church settings, and the importance of meeting people where they are by honoring and respecting their individual belief systems - whether rooted in Buddhism, Christianity,  Islam or beyond. We explore the path that has led her to a life of purpose through interfaith care and hospice work, supporting individuals and families as they navigate grief, loss, and end-of-life transitions. From the quiet moments of honoring a person’s story to witnessing love at the end, Chaplain Brianna offers a grounded perspective on what it means to be present with another human being. We are reminded that, in the end, everything comes back to love. Episode highlights 01:33 What chaplains really do 02:37 Interfaith care and presence 05:25 Finding chaplaincy through Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) 09:35 Hospice work and death talk 11:50 Self care in nature 13:07 Everyday chaplain moments 13:54 Navigating cultural differences with authenticity 18:18 Witnessing grief without fixing 21:25 Confession and forgiveness 23:03 Living differently and practical tips 24:38 Presence before disaster 25:40 Presence over hustle 26:57 End of life truths 28:49 Silence as ministry 31:04 Training a quiet mind 32:02 Retreats and emptying out 33:43 Faith practices worldwide 36:14 Becoming a chaplain 38:12 Interfaith respect required 42:05 Books for the journey 45:46 Hope and softening 47:02 Gratitude Books mentioned by Chaplain Brianna Higa A Course in Miracles – Dr. Helen Schucman A Course in Love – Mari Perron The Book of Joy – 14th Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, and Douglas Abrams The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective – Richard Rohr The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery – Ian Cron & Suzanne Stabile Mother of the Unseen World: The Mystery of Mother Meera – Mark Matousek Episode Photo Credit: Brianna Higa  Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

Meet Kai Uyehara, originally from the south shore of Oʻahu, who is helping revitalize the traditional art of making Hawaiian fishnets. Kai shares about his love of the ocean and how his reverence for Hawaiian culture continues to grow. From learning how to throw net to spending long hours observing the shoreline, he reflects on how slowing down and going analog has shaped the way he approaches fishing, community and life in Hawaiʻi. In this conversation, Kai explains how so many parts of his story begin with - and circle back to - the YMCA. It’s where his parents met, where he first discovered a love for ʻāina as a teenager, and where he has now worked for more than a decade. Along the way, mentors welcomed him in and shared their knowledge and practices, from farming to making throw nets, that continue to guide his path today. Through these relationships, Kai has paid it forward by mentoring youth and helping keep cultural traditions alive in the present day. Episode Highlights 00:49 Throwing net, making friends 03:28 Growing up on Oʻahu's south shore 05:23 The moment throw nets clicked 06:52 From looking cool to cultural perpetuation 09:21 Learning how to make Hawaiian fishnets 12:02 Belonging and hā (breath) 18:29 What fishing looks like today 21:05 ʻĀina and spirituality 21:59 When nature responds - the puhi (moray eel) story 23:47 Knowing when to stop 25:01 Chanting at the lele (altar)  28:30 Kilo and reading ocean signs 29:17 Why I never sell nets 31:13 Trading, time, and value 34:13 Teaching takes commitment 35:47 YMCA roots 39:11 Coming full circle   Check out Kai’s work at the YMCA and their student spring break trip on Molokaʻi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCItXIhxl6g Photo Credit: Kai Uyehara Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

ALOHA ʻĀINA & ART · In this episode, Lily Māhealani Mitchell invites us into the in-between - between Hawaiʻi and England, painting and design, emotions and healing. She traces her path from meticulously painting roses as a kid to creating protest-inspired archival work like a hidden-ink Kumulipo typography piece that questions who knowledge is really for. Living abroad sharpened her awareness of aloha ʻāina, water, urbanization, and what it means to carry culture in spaces that don’t always reflect it back. We talk murals in underground markets, research as resistance, and why sometimes the message chooses the medium, not the other way around. This conversations is about staying rooted while roaming and becoming the sun wherever you land. Mahalo for tuning in! Learn more about Lily's art: Website: https://mahealily.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madebymahealily/ Episode Highlights 00:00 meet lily māhealani mitchell 🌺 01:49 a multi-medium artist — why pick one when you can do it all? 🎨 03:22 home: oʻahu, hawaiʻi island, england & choosing leeds beckett university 06:25 storytelling, culture, and the heartbeat behind the art 06:51 roses, realism, and learning to really see  08:58 letting the message choose the medium  10:37 inspiration abroad: missing hawaiʻi, aloha ʻāina, and community contrast 14:58 reforest leeds: water, biophilic design, and reconnecting people to ʻāina 🌿 19:12 save our surf (sos): archival posters, shoreline protests & urbanization 🌊 21:36 research as healing: archives, primary sources, and cultural continuity 25:04 kumulipo typography project: hidden knowledge, reverence, and decolonizing text 30:21 making the work: emotion, therapy, and the leeds market tunnel mural 33:37 art is for everyone  36:30 leo rising ♌ Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

PRESENCE · In this season of heart-to-hearts, we sit down with Love Chance - a mother, entrepreneur, ʻāina lover, and dreamer. She is also the founder and creative force behind The Indigenous Soap Company. Guided by ancestral wisdom and reverence for the land, Love weaves Cherokee and Hawaiian teachings into her motherhood, her business, and the way she moves with intention. What began as a chance meeting at Pāʻaiau fishpond in Pearl Harbor unfolds into a reflective conversation on presence as the doorway to joy. Love shares how she gathers meaningful moments like flowers in a sacred lei, snapshots to be treasured and carried forward. Along the way, she offers insights on conscious entrepreneurship, happy soap stories and leading with aloha. Mahalo for joining us on this path to living in the moment. Episode Highlights00:52 A chance encounter02:07 What’s in a name? The love story03:41 Roots, rituals, and where we come from06:43 Aloha everywhere: the Hawaiian diaspora09:53 Finding joy in the now12:45 Lāʻau lapaʻau, plant medicine16:34 Sacred beginnings: Hawaiian birth wisdom20:02 From vision to lather: the soap origin story21:34 How Hawaiʻi happened (unexpectedly)22:27 Expanding The Indigenous Soap Company  23:07 Babies, business, and balance24:56 Entrepreneurship 26:53 Aloha forward: business with intention30:53 Creative sparks and muses33:09 Happy soap 36:54 Gratitude  Learn more about Indigenous Soap Company:🌿 Website: https://www.indigenousoap.com/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indigenoussoap/?hl=en Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

What does it mean to believe you are enough? In this episode of Heartbeat Narratives, Teron Buford, author, storyteller, and founder of Grace Through Soul, joins the conversation for a reflective discussion on identity and self-worth. Teron and Molly reconnect as friends from their college days, reflecting on how shared history deepens the conversation. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Teron shares how his life experiences have shaped his approach to leadership, fatherhood, and service. He reflects on insights from his book, "What If I’m Enough?" and the roles that storytelling and love play in making meaning of our lives. The conversation explores vulnerability, masculinity, and a reminder that your story isn’t a shackle, it’s the key.Teron’s Website:https://www.gracethroughsoul.com/Buy the Book “What If I’m Enough?”https://www.gracethroughsoul.com/about-3Episode Highlights02:34 Reconnecting03:31 Teron's journey and life lessons09:57 Role Models: the candy fundraiser story16:28 Reflections on identity and vulnerability21:49 Meeting Dee: a love story27:22 Living fully and embracing the present38:01 Future plans Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

GOOD NEIGHBORS · In this solo episode, I reflect on what it means to be a good neighbor during a time of uncertainty and injustice. While I touch on ICE operations in Minnesota, my aim is to move beyond politics and into a place of shared humanity and respect for dignity. I’ve noticed that most of my neighbor interactions happen during crisis, and I wonder how much stronger our communities could be if we connected in everyday blue-sky moments too. I share stories from Minneapolis and Hawaiʻi, from neighbors stepping up to strangers showing unexpected kindness. Letʻs see the dignity in the people next door and choose again and again, to show up for one another.Ways to show solidarity with Minnesota communities: https://minnesotanonprofits.org/ally-solidarityEpisode Highlights00:52 — We see you, Minneapolis01:37 — “Good neighbors”: Esther Perel’s insight on caring for others03:11 — Minnesota Nice: reflecting on ICE operations in the Twin Cities and the kind ways neighbors are stepping up04:59 — "Choose one's own way": Viktor Frankl's teachings on cultivating resilience during the Holocaust 06:56 — Brave breakfast conversations: unexpected honesty, history repeating, and the urgent need to speak up 09:26 — Aloha in action: how strangers have shown me kindness over the years 13:49 — Lessons from the woods: a simulation of the Secret War, building empathy with immigrant communities and never being a bystander 19:28 — Dignity next door: my heart sees your heart  Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

HANAHAU'OLI: JOYOUS WORK · Step back into the magic of elementary school as Kauʻi, an Oʻahu-based elementary school principal, shares how care and heart guide her work in education and leadership. From the power of a welcoming classroom to the small, meaningful moments that shape a child’s day, she reflects on why elementary school environments matter so deeply. Caring for our keiki extends beyond academics - it’s about helping children feel seen, safe, and supported every day. Through stories from campus life, Kauʻi highlights the humor, connection, and humanity that show up in everyday interactions with students. This episode is an honest, uplifting look at education rooted in presence and relationships. Mahalo for tuning in!Episode Highlights01:04 🏫 Welcome to Our Classroom – Creating a Joyful School Environment02:04 ✏️ Lessons That Stick – Why Elementary School Matters03:38 🌺 Where I’m From – Growing Up in Hawaiʻi04:20 🌈 Joyful Work – Loving Life in Education11:49 ⚖️ Recess Balance – Managing Work and Real Life14:21 😂  Students & Classroom Laughs16:13 🧠 Third Grade Clicks – When Learning Starts to Connect19:10 ☀️ Best Day Ever – What Fills the Cup20:13 💛 End of the School Day – Gratitude and Reflection Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

Aloha · In this first mini episode of 2026, we explore pivots - pivots to slow down, to shift energy, and to find grounding amidst chaos. Together, let’s uncover ways to dance through it all. I’m grateful for your support, feedback, and stories over the past twelve months since we launched Heartbeat Narratives. Mahalo for listening and sharing this journey with me.As we step into the new year, please consider rating and reviewing Heartbeat Narratives on Spotify or Apple Podcasts - your stars mean so much. We’d also love for you to fill out our Listener Survey. Mahalo nui loa ~Episode HighlightsEpisode Highlights00:00 🌺 Aloha 2026, let’s go01:01 📖 Looking back 02:11 🎤 New year, new podcast rhythm02:53 🕊️ Slowing down and filling my cup03:43 🤝 Roses, Thorns and Buds04:04 🤎 Giving forward08:47 🔄  Storytelling through truth, Queen Lili'uokalani's wisdom12:13 🔹 Dancing through the unknown15:11 🔮 Looking ahead Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

DO YOUR BEST · This week, Heartbeat Narratives turns 1! To mark the milestone, we welcome the most requested guest, Amund Gismervik, a steady presence who has quietly shaped the podcast behind the scenes. Note: he is the guitarist behind the podcast's intro and outro music! A lifelong athlete with a deep passion for springboard and platform diving, Amund has transformed his love for the sport into coaching. Born and raised in Norway, he followed his zest for diving to Hawaiʻi on a University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa scholarship and later represented Norway in the 10-meter platform at the 2012 London Olympics. In this conversation, Amund shares what makes his heart beat - from adrenaline and meticulous training to travel, and life beyond competition. This episode is a reflection on courage and doing your best, offering an example of what can unfold when you fully show up for what you love.Episode highlights00:00 Heartbeat turns 1! 02:07 Amund’s journey from Norway to Hawaiʻi07:29 Discovering a lifelong love for diving10:37 Lessons learned through international competition17:41 Olympic dreams and a defining moment23:22 Training, coaching, and growth30:26 Life beyond diving 🎥 VideosInstagram Reel — Amund at 2025 Singapore MastersVimeo — Amund Gismervik Interview / Olympic and UH Mānoa Feature   Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

EVERY WORD COUNTS · In this episode, playwright Sean Dunnington shares stories that travel as freely as he does from Hawaiʻi Island to New York, Singapore, and beyond. He reflects on growing up in the misty hills of Waimea, finding refuge in theater, and learning how art can belong anywhere including libraries, community circles, and far off stages. The conversation drifts through queerness, power, memory, and the  magic of theatricality when life is mirrored onstage. Sean explores how his writing has evolved from personal survival to creative world building, and how playwriting can be a communal, living practice. This fun, flowing conversation is a reflection of the radical intimacy of telling stories out loud.Episode Highlights02:12 Opening SceneGrowing up in Waimea and peering into the world of theater.05:06 Finding the StageDiscovering playwriting as refuge and an invitation to imagine new worlds.09:37 Moments of IllusionFormative theater experiences and the performances that transformed spectatorship into devotion.12:40 Behind the ScriptThe writing process, deadlines, and the challenges of making meaning on the page.20:26 Ensemble BuildingThe creation of Tree Moss Collective and reimagining what playwriting in Hawaiʻi can be.24:49 The Circle WidensPlaywriting as communal process, storytelling as listening, and theater as a place of healing.33:19 Final CurtainWhere to find Sean’s work and what comes next beyond the stage.To explore more of Sean work and writing, visit https://www.seandunnington.com/and learn about Tree Moss Collective at https://www.treemosshawaii.com/. Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

Health Content Advisory: This conversation centers on pregnancy and birth, including personal experiences. Please listen with care – mahalo.In this life-affirming episode, we sit down with PuaOEleili Pinto - mother of two, cultural health provider, and keeper of lomilomi, lāʻau lapaʻau, and Hawaiian childbirth traditions. Raised in Kailua, Oʻahu, with ancestral roots across Maui and Hawaiʻi Island, Pua honors her lineage through both research and lived practice via Ēwe ʻOiaʻiʻo, the company she founded to teach Hawaiian healing and birth. She shares how Hawaiian history, ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, sound, and land restoration shaped her journey and guided the reclamation of ʻŌiwi birthing practices. Reflecting on her own birth experiences, Pua explores rebuilding trust in body wisdom, blending Hawaiian and Western healing methods, and restoring birth as a family-centered journey. The conversation also touches on food sovereignty, highlighting traditional Hawaiian food and the distinction between food and medicine, and the critical role of restoring Hawaiian forests as the foundation of well-being for all life. This episode is a reminder that indigenous practices are living, vital, and essential for healing families and communities today.Episode Highlights00:52 – Exploring Hawaiian birth practices01:30 – Connecting to home: Kailua05:32 – Navigating joy and challenges in Hawaiian healing07:21 – In her ancestors' footsteps - re-membering birth practices10:09 – Traditional Hawaiian medicine14:27 – Connecting past and present in birthing practices24:16 – Creating safe birthing spaces26:57 – Discovering pregnancy and early challenges29:05 – Helping others overcome birth trauma30:29 – Empowering couples in birth32:29 – The role of ancestral practices in birth37:22 – The importance of Hawaiian diet in pregnancy38:38 – Advocating for Hawaiian food and food sovereignty42:35 – Restoring the Native Hawaiian forest46:00 – Future hopesPregnancy and Birthing Resources:PuaOEleili's Cultural Birth Education Website: Ēwe ʻOiaʻiʻoPuaOEleili’s Online Birth CourseCookbooks & Resource LibraryMust We Wait in DespairʻO ʻOe nō Paha Ia e ka Lau o ke Aloha – An Essay by Kīhei de SilvaNohopapa – Hawaiian Cultural Heritage Stewardship ServicesMotherwit – Postpartum Food DeliveryKauluakalanaKaulunani Urban & Community Forestry Project“Grow Hawaiʻi” Book – Native Books HawaiʻiHawaiʻi Forest Institute – Go Native: Growing a Native Hawaiian Urban ForestAwaiaulu Kīpapa – Hawaiʻi History Educator ResourcesPuOEleili's Academic ResearchPua kanikawī kanikawā: The Intimacy of Hawaiian ChildbirthNative Hawaiian Complementary Feeding Practices as Told by GrandparentsEpisode Photo: PuaOEleili Pinto and Kicking Bird Photography Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

WILDLAND FIREFIGHTING · Meet Harry Baden, a wildland firefighter based in Montana who followed an unexpected path from Minnesota to Hawaiʻi and into a life of fire service. In this episode of Heartbeat Narratives, he shares the fun, camaraderie, and standout moments that come from working long days on the fire line with friends who quickly become family. Harry talks about how discipline, training, and his athletic background influenced the way he approaches both the physical grind and the mental focus the job demands. He talks about the balance between intense, high stakes work and the joy found in teamwork, laughter, and shared purpose. At its core this episode is about adventure, friendship, and finding meaning through service. Mahalo for listening! Episode Highlights01:01 From Minnesota to Hawaiʻi01:39 College days, diving boards, and big energy02:24 How Harry traded campus life for the fire line03:40 Training days, chainsaws, and learning the craft06:06 Life inside the flames and what it really feels like10:07 Crew chemistry, trust, and lifelong friendships12:57 Fueling the body for long days and longer hikes16:38 Stories from the frontlines24:14 Thinking about fire life?  Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

COURAGE TO COMMERCE · In this mini episode, we meet Reshma in the bustling marketplace at Katong Square in Singapore, where commerce and community come alive. She shares how losing her job at 50 sparked the courage to turn her lifelong love of fashion and handmade goods into a vibrant, affordable boutique. Reshma’s journey is a joyful reminder that reinvention is part of life and taking the courageous jump into entrepreneurship can lead to meaningful new beginnings.  Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

SPEARFISHING · In this episode, Cindy Kan shares her perspective as a waterwoman, spearfisher, and lifelong ocean lover. She reflects on how the Pacific has taught her balance and presence, shaping the way she moves through life both in and out of the water. Her story follows a path from Vancouver, Canada to the reefs of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi where learning to source her own food strengthened the kinship she feels with the islands. Cindy shares about turning points that led her to the practices that now ground her, including free diving and sustainable harvesting. Through her eyes, the ocean is both a teacher and an ice box, especially for a waterwoman who is always learning and loves a fresh seafood meal. Ocean enthusiasts and foodies, this one is for you! Episode Highlights01:44 Her heart belongs to Hawaiʻi04:05 Discovering a deep love for the ocean07:08 Memorable spearfishing adventures16:13 Finding her place in a male-dominated sport22:18 Connecting with the fish22:57 Sustainable spearfishing23:43 Honoring the ocean29:05 Chefs, community, and invasive species30:35 Favorite book: “Hawaiʻi’s Reef Fish: Food, Science, and Tradition”33:37 The infamous fish picture (on the apps)35:38 The perfect spearfishing day40:20 Gratitude found in the oceanResourcesBooks: "Hawaiʻi’s Reef Fish: Food, Science, and Tradition" by Cassandra Pardee and Craig OmoriNamea HawaiʻiNative Books Hawaiʻi"Native Use of Fish in Hawaii" by Margaret Titcomb Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

As Heartbeat gets close to turning one, I’ve been thinking about how much joy this whole pod-life journey has brought me. And with my birthday this month, it felt like the perfect time to share a fun bit of serendipity - I discovered a video time capsule from when I was sixteen. I popped in a few audio clips at the end so you can get a quick peek into my teen years (midwest accent and all). Aloha nui  -MNM Episode Highlights00:00 — Aloha future me02:09 — Roses, thorns & throwbacks04:49 — Joy, but make it early-2000s07:21 — Time08:20 — The cassette tape that time-traveled15:00 — 20 years later17:27 — Sweet sixteen - meet mini me (circa 2005) Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

A serendipitous encounter in Kīhei opens the door to the enchanting world of Maui musician Don Lax, whose hurdy-gurdy and violin shimmer with their own personalities. Don shares the spellbinding history of these instruments and brings them to life with music that feels as if it drifted in from another era. As he and Molly talk story on the sidewalk of a grocery store, Don reflects on his globe-trotting childhood and the Christmas violin that set his musical path in motion. He also shares his rare gift for hearing and playing the song of a person’s soul, turning frequencies into melody - even offering a spontaneous musical interpretation of Molly’s heart. Don can often be found playing outside the Hawaiian Moons Natural Foods most Sunday nights from 6 PM to 8 PM. Enjoy the whimsy and wonder of this conversation!Learn more:Don V. Lax Website: https://www.mauiviolin.com/Soul Song Readings: https://www.mauiviolin.com/soul-song-readingsDon V. Lax YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@donvlax Episode Highlights00:00 A chance encounter in Kīhei, Maui00:47 Discovering the heart of the hurdy-gurdy03:23 Violin magic06:02 The beginning of a musical path08:35 Playing the song of the soul09:31 Music across Maui10:44 The ocean’s healing presence11:59  Follow your joy - why else be alive? Photo credit: Don LaxEpisode Art: Molly Mamaril Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

Pop, pop, POP! It’s SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY! 🍿At Lani’s Island Snack Shack in Hilo, Hawaiʻi, Cassi of Kravin' Munchies brings pure joy to every conversation about handmade treats and the laughter-filled energy of the shop. Cassi dives into the beginnings of those flavored popcorn experiments and the mouthwatering power of Lani's beloved teri burger (with mustard!) that customers can’t stop ordering. Be sure to support your favorite small businesses today! Enjoy this mini-sweet treat episode.🍬Follow along:🍧 Kravin' Munchies — https://www.instagram.com/kravinmunchies/?hl=en🍔 Lani’s Island Snack Shack — https://www.instagram.com/lanisislandsnackshack/?hl=enPhoto Credit: Kravin' Munchies Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

Content Advisory: This episode contains sensitive themes, including discussion of suicide and suicide awareness. Please listen with care -  mahalo.In this season of gratitude, I’m excited to share an episode recorded with a close college friend of mine, Coco, an artist in every sense of the word. During a reunion at our alma mater in St. Paul, Minnesota, we revisit our college years and the beautiful, ever-evolving creative path they’ve carved through dance, theater, and - of course - the influence of Beyoncé(!).Coco opens up about their journey of self-discovery and healing through art, including a pivotal memory of organizing a Suicide Awareness Show in honor of a close friend. Our conversation explores the power of performance, how confidence can be a choice, and what it means to find a sense of home within the arts community as a queer Black person.Along with plenty of giggling, you’ll hear about our dramatic 19-year-old selves, our carefully curated Cowboy Carter concert outfits, and how Coco’s long-held creative ambitions are taking shape. Mahalo for listening with love.Episode Highlights00:47 College memories take center stage01:18 From Sierra Leone to St. Paul02:43 We had the walkie talkies04:24 When creativity calls04:47 A performance from the heart06:31 Art as medicine14:14 Reunion magic17:51 Friendship forever18:34 Titanic Dreams, because main character energy19:48 Beyoncé love20:38 Enter the Beyhive25:58 Find home in the Twin Cities dance community31:13 Confidence as a choice33:32 Final bow Instagram & TikTok: @unapologetically_cocoYouTube: youtube.com/@unapologeticallycocoPhoto Credit: CocoEpisode Art: Molly Mamaril Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

ZEST & ZIPLINING· Molly and Dina meet atop Mount Ulriken in Bergen, Norway, where Dina works as a zip line guide overlooking her ancestral homeland. It is the most beautiful "view from the office" you could imagine. She shares how growing up on a multigenerational family farm surrounded by sea, mountains, and animals shaped her love of nature and adventure. She talks about the rush of adrenaline that fuels her, from parachuting in Australia to cold water dips and the joy of helping nervous visitors leap into freedom on the zip line. The conversation weaves in sustainable tourism, language, and Dina’s lifelong love Japan. It is clear that she moves through her world with curiosity and enthusiasm, bringing that forward in everyone she meets. Episode Highlights00:30 Dina’s love for the mountain 01:16 The thrill of zip lining01:55 Ancestry in Bergen03:57 There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing ("Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlig klær")07:22 Visiting Norway with a leave-no-trace mindset08:49 Adrenaline in everyday moments13:06 Obsessed with Japan15:45 Joy is better shared (but solo moments matter too!)  Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

5 DAYS OF SILENCE · After ten years of dreaming about doing a meditation retreat, I finally found the courage to do it last month. In this solo episode, I share what it was like to spend five days in silence at a mountain retreat center in California. I had written it down as a New Year’s resolution because I LOVE exploring personal development strategies, but following through on this goal was SO HUMBLING. When I recorded this episode, I had just gotten back into the "real world," so I (very slowly) talk about the funny moments, spiritual downloads and realizations that floated in to my mind when there were no distractions.  I hope that this reflection can serve as a touchpoint for how silence can reset our minds and hearts if we give ourselves enough time to slow down. Mahalo :)Episode Highlights00:20 – POD NEWS! New website, listener survey, guest interest form! Plus, rate & review us - mahalo!01:45 – Doing 5-day silent meditation retreat06:42 – Daily breadth: a day in the life of a yogi, cultivating a meditation practice13:14 – The vow of noble silence, meals, the four most important words, laughing26:59 – Reemergence: From silence to society31:40 – Closing bells Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

In this episode, we share space and song with Kukui, a musician, law student, and ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi advocate whose life flows with aloha and mele (song, poetry, chant). This conversation is a testament to her love of music and how to her, mele is moʻokūʻauhau (genealogy). After seven years away, she returns home to Oʻahu with kuleana to teach and nurture others through oli (chant), cultural protocol, and ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language).  Kukui was raised in a family of musicians and has always been surrounded by music. From Afrobeats to '70s throwbacks to classic Hawaiian melodies, she hopes to create more spaces where music and ʻohana come together to kanikapila (play music).Kukui shares how patience and a “let’s learn together” mindset have shaped her path from her home in Waimānalo to studying at Ka Haka ʻUla ʻO Keʻelikōlani at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. Through stories of spirituality and creative flow, she reminds us that mele transcends sound as identity, prayer, and the heartbeat of family. Episode Highlights00:00 Welina mai, e Kukui!00:32 Moving back to Oʻahu after 7 years01:54 Big Mama Energy: teaching and mālama through spirituality and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi04:55 On patience: ʻAʻohe hua o ka maiʻa i ka lā hoʻokahi06:27 “Let’s learn together”: Hawaiian Club at UH Hilo (Hui Keaomālamalama) & Ka Haka ʻUla ʻO Keʻelikōlani08:42 Waimānalo roots, learning Hawaiian before English10:00 Lullabies forever: a musical ʻohana11:58 The creative force and spirituality17:22 Music and identity20:32 Inspo: Afrobeats (Soso is a fav) and Hawaiian throwbacks (she loves Kanaka Waiwai)22:46 Mele is the heartbeat of ʻohana29:06 On the horizonEnjoy mele from a special playlist Kukui created:Apple Playlist: 8/8 vibez🌈💧Spotify Playlist: 8/8 vibez🌈💧Check out Nā Puke Wehewehe for Hawaiian > English translations.Recorded August 2025Photo credit: KukuiEpisode Art: Molly Mamaril Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

Aloha friends - today on Heartbeat Narratives, we’re sitting cross-legged on the floor in Kaimukī, Honolulu, with the windows open and the trade winds carrying stories. Our guest, Angelina Elido, is a traveler in every sense of the word. This past year, you could find her dog sledding across icy Minnesota landscapes, building earthships in New Mexico and ideating a wellness retreat in Turkey. We talk about what it means to come home to Kalihi, Oʻahu, and how to dissolve old patterns and reframe our thoughts. By prioritizing her interests, Angelina shares how she is chasing her joy by proactively cultivating communities of connection. The conversation is about finding our own rootedness and how to follow your dreams NOW. Enjoy this larger than life interview with Angelina - the girl who is everything, everywhere, all at once. 👉 Follow Angelina’s journey on📸 Instagram: @angelinaelido🎥 YouTube: Angelina ElidoEpisode Highlights01:21 — Home in Kalihi, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi02:37 — Minnesota to New Mexico adventuring: homesteading, acting, earthships03:53 — Building a regenerative community through earthships08:31 — “Dog sledding was epic”12:03 — Unplugging from technology, campfire connections14:31 — Travel business ventures17:03 — “Life is short” — follow your dreams20:06 — Life hacks and the power of reframing24:41 — CONNECTION is everything26:18 — Next big project: “It requires a village to make a village”29:43 — Creating a new reciprocal economic model for community32:56 — Book recommendations35:23 — Building an empathetic world, starting from withinBooks That Guided Angelina on Her JourneyBelonging: Remembering Ourselves Home — Toko-pa TurnerThe Way of Integrity: Finding the Path to Your True Self — Martha BeckWhen Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times — Pema ChödrönHow to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy — Jenny OdellThe Secret Life of Plants: A Fascinating Account of the Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Relations Between Plants and Man — Christopher Bird & Peter TompkinsPhoto Credit: Angelina Elido Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

IN SERVICE OF THE SEA · On this episode, longtime Mālama Maunalua volunteer and science educator Ralph Dykes joins from Maunalua, Oʻahu where he has spent over 15 years helping restore the native marine ecosystem. A consistent presence who kayaks every day, Ralph reflects on what it means to care for a place over time and why that kind of steady, local effort matters. He shares stories from his life shaped by service, including growing up after Pearl Harbor, serving in the Navy, and teaching science for decades before dedicating his retirement to mālama ʻāina (caring for the land). This conversation, recorded from the shoreline of Paikō Beach, is a grounded look at quiet leadership and what being in service of the sea means for Hawaiʻi. Episode Highlights01:05 – Meet Ralph Dykes - science educator and Mālama Maunalua volunteer03:01 – Life before the classroom... and what came after03:41 – From Navy ships to Honolulu shores05:35 – Teaching science, coaching students, and lessons that stuck09:52 – Restoring an ecosystem, one kayak trip at a time13:34 – Volunteering: why community matters more than ever17:05 – What keeps Ralph inspired after all these years18:23 – Advice for the next generationTo learn more about Mālama Maunalua or volunteer, please visit: https://malamamaunalua.org/Photo Credit: Alex Awo Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

ROOTS, REGGAE & RHYTHM. Dr. Sunaina Keonaona Kale, an ethnomusicologist and member of the Hawaiian diaspora, explores the connections between reggae music and her growing interest in her Hawaiian identity. The conversation traces how reggae found a home in Hawaiʻi and how its rhythms echo the islands’ own expansive sense of community and belonging. Sunaina shares her own path of reconnecting to her genealogy through fieldwork, family stories, and unintended (but helpful) “me-search.” The discussion dives into questions of identity, ancestry in Polynesia, India and Europe, and the evolving meanings of being Hawaiian in the modern world. This episode is an unfiltered exploration of how music can shape who we are and where we call home.Sunaina was recently featured in a University of California article about how reggae came to Hawaiʻi, exploring the evolution of the islands’ unique reggae sound and its deep cultural roots.She also appears in the documentary In Hawaiian Hands – Part 1, which highlights local voices and stories of connection to place and culture. Part 2 of the film was released recently.Favorite SongsIsland Music / Island Reggae / JawaiianBrother Noland – “Coconut Girl”Bruddah Waltah – “Hawaiian Lands”Nā Wai Ho‘olu‘u o Ke Ānuenue – “Girlie Girlie”Kapena – “Masese”Fiji – “Come on Over”Sean Na‘auao – “Fish and Poi”Three Plus – “Honey Baby”Natural Vibrations – “One on One”Anuhea – “Simple Love Song”J Boog – “Let’s Do It Again”Irie Love ft. Fiji – “It Is Wut It Is”Common Kings – “Wade In Your Water”Sons of Yeshua – “We Are Mauna Kea”Paula Fuga (with Jack Johnson) – “Country Road / Give Voice”Maoli – “Whiskey Doesn’t Work”The Vitals – “Kali Ana Au” (a Hawaiian-language cover of Bob Marley’s “Waiting In Vain”)Iam Tongi – “Cool Down”Underground RootsButch Helemano – “Joshua”Maacho – “Somebody Moved Me”Ooklah the Moc – “Hell Fire”Humble Soul – “Frequency”Ruff Neck Posse – “Down Inna Babylon”Episode Highlights00:00 – 🎙️ Meet Dr. Sunaina Kale01:10 – 🌊 Finding Home Across the Pacific01:47 – 🎶 Nerding Out on Identity & Sound05:15 – 🌺 Reggae With Aloha08:03 – 🎧 How Reggae Took Root11:14 – 💃 Favorite Jams & Behind-the-Scenes Stories22:41 – 🌱 Roots in Hawaiʻi, India and Europe, Belonging and Spirituality36:52 – 🤎 Reflections   Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

Sham, a passionate skateboarder and coach, shares about his love of skateboarding and how it became a lifelong source of joy and confidence. From his first drop-in as a teenager to teaching kids as young as three at Skatebruh in Singapore, he talks about finding flow, pushing past fear, and embracing every fall as part of the ride. Now at 40, Sham continues to chase that same thrill that first sparked his love for the sport. Enjoy!  Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

In a remote corner of Norway’s Hardangerfjord, Knut shares stories shaped by stone, silence, and saltwater. We talk about fly-catching (for fun!), reindeer stew, and what it means to create without rushing. His world is one of quiet craftsmanship, reflection, and strong ties to the land and family. From building a simple pier to teaching loved ones how to sail, Knut’s life is woven into the rhythms of nature. This episode explores the slow intelligence of living close to the earth and the clarity that can come from doing less. It is a conversation about presence, connection, and the kind of peace that grows over time. Tusen takk (a thousand thanks) for listening! Episode Highlights / Episodens høydepunkter00:37 — Introduksjon av Knut / Introduction of Knut00:56 — Family dinner, reindeer stew, and fly catching skills / Familiemiddag, reinsdyrgryte og fluefanging01:42 — Connection with nature / Forbindelse med naturen04:17 — Togetherness / Samhold05:57 — Living in harmony with the fjord / Å leve i harmoni med fjorden07:31 — Building, creativity, and resourcefulness / Bygging, kreativitet og oppfinnsomhet09:42 — Fruit farming in Hardangerfjord / Fruktproduksjon i Hardangerfjord12:00 — Fishing and the art of self-sufficiency / Fiske og kunsten å være selvforsynt12:53 — Daily life and quiet contemplation / Hverdagsliv og rolig ettertanke14:40 — Inner peace / Indre fred18:11 — Gratitude / Takknemlighet20:18 — Closing thoughts / Avsluttende tanker Photo credits: Knut, Molly Mamaril  Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

In this heart-to-heart conversation, Paulette Erato, host of La Vida Más Chévere de Childfree Latinas, shares her journey of rewriting life’s narratives. Based in Los Angeles and rooted in her Puerto Rican heritage, Paulette brings humor and relatable insights to the theme of joy. She opens up about taking a non-traditional path, practicing radical self-kindness, and embracing the quiet strength of soft power. Together, we unpack what it means to let go of societal “shoulds” and redefine success on our own terms. Through her stories, Paulette reminds us that it’s never too late to pivot - and that following our dreams is always a path worth taking.Mahalo for tuning in!⏱ Episode Highlights:01:07 – Paulette’s Origin Story: From Life to the Mic01:49 – La Vida Más Chévere07:01 – Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs08:35 – Radical Self-Kindness13:51 – Redefining Success on Your Own Terms29:50 – TED Talk Dreams & Latinas in Podcasting🔗 Connect with Paulette Erato🌐 Website: pauletteerato.com🎙️ Podcast: La Vida Más Chévere de Childfree Latinas – available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.📸 Photo Credit: Paulette Erato🎨 Episode Art: Molly Mamaril Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

In this episode of Heartbeat Narratives, we talk story with Hiʻilei, a carpenter from Lāhainā, Maui who shares how following your intuition can lead to a fulfilling career. From her early days on the basketball court to navigating a male-dominated industry, she shares how grit and discipline shaped her path in the construction industry. Hiʻilei reflects on the heartbreaking Maui wildfires of August 2023 and how she found her calling to rebuild homes across Lāhainā. She opens up about walking in her purpose, trusting in Ke Akua and managing self care while off the job. With the dream to have Lāhainā ʻohana return home, Hiʻilei's sincerity invites us into her day-to-day life and what 'rebuilding' means in all senses of the word. Mahalo nui for listening. Episode Highlights00:00 Welina mai Hiʻilei 01:43 Lāhainā 02:13 Becoming a carpenter 04:40 Basketball laid the foundation for hard work, grit, resilience06:47 Maui wildfires in August 202308:13 Changing the narrative for herself 09:52 Walking in purpose: rebuilding homes for Lāhainā ʻohana12:58 Giving aloha no matter what -  loving on others is key 13:55 Dreams for the future of Lāhainā - getting families home15:24 Focusing and self care17:35 What makes your heart beat? 18:38 Advice for those interested in carpentry and construction 20:32 Working in a male dominated industry, balancing the inner feminine and masculine21:57 Build merit: how to hold your own on job sites25:15 Tools and tricks 10126:53 On the horizon Photo credit: Hiʻilei Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

In this mini travel episode of Heartbeat Narratives, Molly meets Leah Robb on a sunny morning by the river in Copenhagen, Denmark at Islands Brygge. Leah shares how swimming, from high dives to icy winter baths, has become a profound way to move through grief. What started as a tribute to a loved one’s suggestion of "winter bathing," has grown into a ritual of healing and helps her embrace difficult emotions. As an artist, Leah has also transformed her experiences with loss and a friend’s addiction into art exhibitions that spark conversations and inspire young people. Together, Leah and Molly reflect on resilience, mindset and transforming pain into purpose.Episode Highlights00:00 – A Sunny River Meet-Up in Copenhagen, Denmark00:38 – Diving into Joy01:39 – The Spark of Winter Bathing04:05 – From Grief to Gallery06:53 – Words to Live By Explore Leah’s work: Art Website | YouTube: Leah Robb the Arm-Wrestling ArtistBook: Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times  Photo Credits: Leah Robb and Molly Mamaril Episode Art: Molly Mamaril Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

At Singapore’s National Botanic Garden, Molly sits down with Paul for a lively conversation about his love for his country. Paul, a fourth-generation Singaporean and tour guide, reflects on the nation’s independence in 1965 and its transformation into a vibrant global city in just 60 years. He shares what brings him joy - from family and friends to the colorful cultures, foods, and traditions that shape day-to-day life. Paul also jokes about Singapore’s nickname as the “red dot” (a tiny speck on the map beside Malaysia and Indonesia) and how residents can help it shine as a united community. This mini-sode offers is a glimpse into Singapore through the eyes of someone who proudly calls it home.Episode Highlights00:00 Strolling into Singapore00:47 Fourth-Generation Roots01:32 From Kampong Days to Global City02:22 What Brings Paul Joy03:22 A Colorful Mix of Cultures04:49 The “Red Dot” That ShinesEpisode Art: Molly Mamaril Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

Aloha friends, this episode gave me the opportunity to reflect on my travels this summer and what it means to cultivate empathy across borders. From witnessing an American naturalization ceremony, to watching an international diving competition in Singapore, to experiencing Norway’s election this September, my thoughts have been spinning about what it means to be a global citizen. How do we treat others with grace and empathy as we each pursue our higher callings - and allow space for others to do the same? Iʻm carrying gratitude for how the past few months have led me to these new layers of understanding people and places; and Iʻm open to the spontaneous "downloads" that come next. There was so much to reflect on that I couldn’t call this one a mini episode! Mahalo for listening and learning alongside me. 🌍 Episode Highlights: 00:28 – Singapore: Reflections from the Lion City 04:50 – Thorn: We are what we eat 05:11 – Bud: Diving in 08:56 – Rose: Global citizenship + becoming a US Citizen (naturalization ceremony, immigration process) 14:58 – Election Day in The Land of the Midnight Sun 16:28 – Norway's King Harald V and his viral speech on equality 20:27 – Future episodes & ways to engage with Heartbeat   Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

Welcome to Singapore’s Little India, where the air is buzzing with voices, incense, the the heavy heat of the sun. Amid the vibrant bustle is Nagaraj, a street vendor from Tamil Nadu, India who has spent the past decade handcrafting flower garlands of jasmine, marigold, and roses. Woven for celebrations including weddings and festivals like Pongal (Harvest festival) and Deepavali (Festival of Lights), each garland is made with speed and skill. Many of the blossoms are flown in fresh from India, carrying a reverence much like Hawaiian flower lei. Nagaraj and his colleagues work long hours to transform baskets of flowers into offerings of color and care. He speaks to the joy he finds in his work and his appreciation for life in Singapore.Photo Credit: Molly Mamaril  Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

Two hearts = one solution. In this love story episode (recorded in a classroom), DJ and Hye Jung Tano interview each other about the beginnings of their relationship as math teachers at the same Honolulu school. DJ, a football coach from Kailua, Oʻahu, and Hye Jung, a waterwoman with roots in South Korea, Florida and now Hawaiʻi, built a foundation of trust through years of friendship before giving love a chance.Their story takes you through the quiet patience of DJ’s secret crush, the turning point into love, and the joys of marriage and welcoming keiki. Along the way, they share the humor  and the real-life problem-solving that keeps them grounded as partners and parents. Looking to the years ahead, DJ and Hye Jung promise to keep laughing through the lasterdays and tomorrows.Episode Highlights00:00 Welcome to the classroom01:33 Meet Hye Jung and DJ02:10 Who makes your heart beat?03:54 When two paths intersect at new teacher orientation06:11 From friendship to dating — shifting the equation09:06 Three years of friendship (extra credit for trust)13:11 The second chance14:45 Love lessons18:35 Life’s aha moments19:06 First impressions that added up21:33 Parenting joys and balancing acts25:47 Growing old together33:40 Laughing forever = solutions without end Episode Photo Credit: DJ and Hye Jung Tano Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

This mini episode takes you on a short stopover in Sydney, Australia as Molly (in her search for coffee and cabs) has happenstance meetings with Jane and Louie who each live and work in the city, ✨ Molly shares her rose, thorn, and bud with reflections about embracing her middle name, Noelaniokekai (Noelani) and leaning into our own voices and character amidst the efficiency of AI. Think: "make art, not content."☕ Jane, our new favorite Balinese barista talks about finding meaning in her work and relationships. Her motto is: “I’m selling your day, not selling a coffee.”🚕 Louie, a cab driver who is fluent in Italian, Tagalog and English, offers a glimpse into his joy of travel to the Philippines and the variety of meeting new riders every day.Episode Highlights00:23 On the road in Australia and Singapore02:05 Roses,Thorns & Buds:Bud: Embracing Noelani03:10 Thorn: donʻt lose your voice to AI03:33 "Make art, not content"04:23 Rose: Opportunity to travel and work remotely05:54 Jane: your favorite Balinese barista08:06 "I'm selling your day, not selling up a coffee"11:42 Louie: the cab driver who loves the Philippines Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

In this episode, we dive into the life of Dan Worden, athlete, nonprofit founder, ocean safety expert, adventurer, and photographer, known to many as @adventuremandan through his social media following. Growing up in Oregon with dreams of swimming at a Division 1 school, Dan’s path eventually led him to the University of Hawaiʻi, where joining the swim team, biomechanics research, amazing friends and love of helping others helped him put down roots. He shares stories of cliff dives, his infamous turquoise van, and the body-mind connection that fuels his athleticism and curiosity. We also dive into the origins of his next venture, founding Palekana Aquatics Academy, and his mission to make ocean safety education accessible. As always, it is his hope to find balance between pushing limits and respecting the sea. Through it all, Dan reminds us that adventure is for everyone - if you match the positive energy.Episode Highlights00:21 Meet Adventure Man Dan, your favorite wave-chasing, cliff-jumping storyteller01:07 Big dreams of swimming for a Division 1 school01:58 How Hawaiʻi stole his heart through biomechanics research, film swim lessons, and social media magic04:38 Why friends make every adventure better07:10 The origin story of @adventuremandan08:47 That moment when someone recognizes you in public10:39 Wearing more hats than your average lifeguard11:45 The infamous turquoise adventure van15:41 The cliff dive he’ll never forget17:49 The body–mind connection and pushing the limits of what’s possible20:57 Revisiting favorite wild places through new seasons, new friends, and new perspectives22:58 Kilo (observe)24:33 Why adventure is for everyone if you bring the right energy25:17 Roses & Thorns -  leading life with curiosity26:49 Founding Palekana Aquatics Academy to spread ocean safety skills28:25 Discovering his purpose by helping others level up29:09 How to push the limits while honoring the ocean’s power30:08 The essential aquatic safety skills everyone should know32:31 What’s next for Adventure Man Dan33:26 “Smiles are for miles”Photo Credit: Dan Worden@adventuremandan @swimmingwithdan Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

Seven-year-old Elle Nishimoto is a rising second grader with a big heart and dozens of stories to share. From breakdancing battles to running her own Honolulu-based shave ice business, Little House of Pure Aloha, Elle shows how creativity and hustle can start anytime. She talks about loving her baby brother, supporting classmates even when it means standing out, and the joy that comes from being brave and trying new things, like rock climbing and working in the loʻi kalo (taro patch). Through her parent's encouragement, Elle reminds us that having a good attitude and embracing fun can make anything possible. Mahalo for tuning in!✨ Episode Highlights ✨00:34 👋 Meet Elle! She’s 7, full of smiles and ready to share her stories01:00 💃 Busting moves in breakdancing battles03:42 📿 Making bracelets and bead buddies galore05:15 ❤️ Baby brother love08:29 😄 How a good attitude makes everything more fun10:08 🤝 Cheering for friends and teaming up with teachers14:00 💥 “Hammah guys do hammah tings”16:05 🧗‍♀️ Climbing like a rockstar18:26 🍧 Serving sweet shave ice at Little House of Pure Aloha22:03 🌱 Getting muddy and happy at the loʻi kalo24:00 🦁 Finding courage and being brave every day Photo Credits: Scott NishimotoEpisode Art: Molly Mamaril Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

Today we’re joined by Nanea Lo, a fellow Native Hawaiian podcaster, and the unapologetically joyful voice behind Naughty + Native. Nanea who is from Papakōlea, Oʻahu shares her path of understanding native joy as a way to reclaim identity as a Kanaka Maoli wāhine and to live in her purpose to uplift the lāhui (Hawaiian nation) in everything that she does. We talk story about what it means to live at the intersection of indigenous and western worlds, and how to shift from just surviving to fully thriving. Nanea unpacks her tips on journaling, stacking positive habits, manifestation, and embracing the law of attraction. We also touch on the power of community and imagining a future where kamaʻāina (children of the land) live in abundance.We use many words from the Hawaiian language ('ōlelo Hawaiʻi) in this episode, so if you want to look them up to learn, www.wehewehe.org is a great starting place. Revival of indigenous languages is a key to understanding indigenous worldviews and ways of being so we invite all you to learn and grow in understanding of your own lineages. Where do YOU come from? What are the traditions, practices, and languages of YOUR ancestors? Mahalo for pausing and listening alongside us in this conversation.  Episode Highlights00:21 Intro to Nanea, your favorite "Naughty + Native" podcast host02:48 Her origin story of creating a podcast about native joy04:52 Purpose, identity and empowering lāhui (the Hawaiian nation)09:54 Reconnecting with ourselves and other wāhine through Hoʻomana Hale Oʻahu with Moonkinetingz13:19 Does it bring you joy? Navigating between two worlds: indigenous and western14:51 Survival mode to thriving mode: reaching for our best selves, setting goals, honoring deadlines, sticking to the calendar, planning, positive habit stacking18:37 Reflection through journaling19:30 Manifestation and the Law of Attraction23:22 Identifying the gray space (feeling stuck) and then pivoting29:16 "I think of the future as today": Envisioning a thriving Hawaiʻi with forward facing Kanaka Maoli forward facing33:31 "As native people, we create"Photo Credits:Episode art: Molly MamarilProtest Photo: Nanea LoKahana Bay Photo: Tâm Koppelaar Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

Meet Chie Shimada, a multifaceted artist and tour guide based in Kyoto, Japan. Trained as a traditional Maiko (apprentice geisha) at age 15, Chie once embodied centuries-old customs before stepping into new roles as a grammar school teacher, hip hop dancer, DJ, and surfer. She shares how her ever-curious personality and pull towards the extremes has led her to the elegance of Japan’s history and the pulse of its creative scene. From teaching Japanese cooking classes to visitors (think fresh ramen and dumplings!) to creating beats behind the DJ booth, Chie approaches each season of her life with fluidity and rhythm. Her story shows how our evolving sense of self can stretch gracefully across both timelines and turntables. Kiite kurete arigatō!Episode Highlights00:21 Chie Shimada of Kyoto, Japan01:02 Training to be a Maiko, an apprentice geisha01:59 A renaissance woman: surfer, DJ, teacher, tour guide, dancer!05:11 Becoming a grammar school teacher and loving it07:59 Yoshi, a favorite student11:10 Experiences as a Kyoto history, cooking and foodie tour guide15;36 Cooking tours: ramen, sushi, okonomiyaki, beef soup, dumplings18:26 Love of dancing and hip hop culture20:47 From traditional Maiko dances to the nightclub, drawn to the extremes23:46 Favorite musicians: Grover Washington, Jr. and DJ Premier25:02 How can travelers be better visitors in Japan?25:25 Learn Japanese hand gestures (read between the lines!)26:31 Do your food research27:02 Choose a theme for each day of travel: food, culture, history, shopping, etc.28:10 Hobbies are the joy of life - stay curious!  Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

In this episode, Kevin, a tax attorney takes us back to Kauaʻi in the 1950s, where nature shaped his sense of home. He reflects on the tension between logic and the subtle pull of intuition and how we must learn to trust our gut feelings to connect back to ourselves. Kevin shares how certain truths live in the body, beyond what words can reach. We talk about love at first sight, finding connection in unexpected places, and our lifelong search for belonging. He also discusses how the law can be a tool for shaping society, while gut instinct shapes how we move through it. This episode is about paying attention to what feels authentic and learning to live in alignment with it. Mahalo for listening.  Episode Highlights00:22 Introduction to Kevin, Kauaʻi in the 1950s02:03 Nature is dominant03:32 Fish for days, forest was the icebox06:18 Education and career as a tax attorney07:43 Nature is home09:23 Heart and body wisdom; accessing the deeper seat of our soul12:09 Love at first sight: feelings stem from our search validation and security in the "home"15:35 Love for strangers through recognition and connection18:06 Falling in love on the internet21:20 Love at first sight (that lasts)26:43 The law as a form of social engineering: Balancing feelings and the legal world28:25 William OʻDouglas' autobiography30:08 Tapping into our gut feelings and seeing connections34:54 Living an authentic life Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

In this episode, Daniel Etika Masifilo shares a journey that spans the football field, ancestral lands, and the inner work of reconnecting with his identity. Raised between cultures in Ewa Beach, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, with roots in Tonga, Norway, and Switzerland, Daniel speaks about his desire to belong, rediscovering his name, and embracing the ever-shifting path forward through the deep internal work of building character. From the intensity of Division I football and professional leagues across the U.S. and Denmark, to coaching and homestead life, this conversation is an honest recollection of how to "unlearn" to become your true self.  Daniel's stories are relatable and show the human side of pivoting towards your inner purpose. IMUA! Follow: @dmasifilo @islandskillsEpisode Highlights00: Intro to Daniel Etika Masifilo01:14 Goal Setting02:49 Ancestral roots in Tonga, Norway and Switzerland; from Puʻuloa, Oʻahu03:54 Rediscovering self07:08 Unlearning to recalibrate and be present09:05 Homestead life on Hawaiʻi island, living in tune with nature10:58 Growing up half Tongan, half Caucasian in Hawaiʻi; navigating belonging11:56 Language toggling: Tongan, English, Pigeon12:58 Evolving to be proud of our Polynesian names15:56 American identity: we have to go further back to where weʻre originally from17:08 A thousand ancestors stand behind us19:10 Love of football and new beginnings23:22 High school junior - on a different path25:07 High School senior  - back on track27:00 Mount Sac Junior College and Arizona State28:43 Self realizations and growth, joining the University of Hawaiʻi Warriors Football team29:46 NFL hopes and receiving "Iʻm proud of you"30:45 Playing professional football in Denmark, redefining character, getting back to the roots32:26 Arena football in Colorado and Nebraska; still hopeful for the NFL34:01 A new life trajectory - new relationship, getting back to ʻāina (land), connecting with the Lakota Nation and ancestral ways of being35:12 One last shot36:07 Back to Hawaiʻi, full circle moments with coaching38:43 Ahonui: patience with perseverance39:59 On the horizon41:57 The producer mindset Episode Art: Molly Mamaril   Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

Still buzzing from Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter concert, this special episode of Heartbeat Narratives takes you into the heartbeat of Houston through the voices of the BeyHive on June 29, 2025. From Galveston to Tokyo, Louisiana to Hawaiʻi, fans reflect on what Beyoncé means to them as an artist, icon, and source of empowerment. We hear from best friends to mother-daughter duos, each sharing how Queen Bey's music brings them joy and strength. Whether through her genre-defying artistry or the deep resonance of her lyrics, this is a love letter to Beyoncé and a celebration of the connection, representation, and aliveness she inspires. With electric energy and heartfelt gratitude, these are the voices moved by the music — with shoutouts to fan-favorite tracks including “Tyrant,” “Yaya,” “16 Carriages,” “Spaghetti,” “Two Hands to Heaven,” “Daughter,” and more. 🎤 Episode Highlights – BeyHive Edition00:21 – Beyoncé returns to Houston — Cowboy Carter hits home01:16 – Saying yes to Texas, and every unforgettable moment02:53 – The BeyHive shows up strong and full of heart04:35 – Mikayla from Michigan on Virgo sisterhood and lifelong fandom05:41 – Anushka & Jules reflect on vocals, artistry, and the Renaissance era07:55 – Angel & Josh talk representation, growing up with Beyoncé10:15 – Midori from Japan and Texas shares how Beyoncé inspires empowerment11:02 – Jayla: “It’s in Houston’s DNA to love her”13:44 – Cindy from Hawaiʻi on genre-hopping, femininity, creativity, and unity16:10 – Niecy & Rikaya from Louisiana reflect on growing up with Beyoncé as a mother-daughter duo18:34 – Yasmine calls her “the artist of our generation” — a celebration of the diva20:04 – Adam from Australia and Kenya on the Beyoncé blues, euphoria, and Beyoncé’s boundless grace #BeyHive #BeyoncéPodcast #CowboyCarterTour #BeyHiveWithLove #BeyoncéFans #QueenBey #BeyoncéCommunity #BeyoncéConcert #BeyoncéHoustonPhoto Credits from concert: Molly Mamaril Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

To celebrate National Postal Worker Day, we’re stamping this episode with extra love and bringing back our favorite mail carrier, Reyna! In this delightfully unfiltered conversation, Reyna returns to the mic to deliver more behind-the-scenes gems from life on the route. From coconuts and tuna to postal lingo and stamp hacks, we hear about the weird and relatable moments of the job. With humor and sincerity, Reyna peels back the envelope on what it’s really like to wear many different hats as a frontline worker. Donʻt forget to mahalo your postal carrier this week! Episode Highlights00:00 Welcome back Reyna! Our favorite carrier01:13 Feedback from the first episode02:18 Uniforms04:09 Weirdest deliveries - brooms, coconuts and tuna!06:07 Tell us about the mail truck07:22 Interactions with kids and teenagers  09:58 The many hats of frontline workers12:01 Postal worker bat signals!13:05  Fun working dynamic with colleagues14:39 "Doing my time"19:21 Postal lingo16:57 Precious cargo19:11 The weather23:41 Hydration!21:11 Political mail and papercuts22:29 The dreaded damaged package25:22 Stamps - just add more!27:58 Cute, demure (and ugly) mail trucks Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

Live from Tokyo, Jamie Christy shares his path from growing up Japanese-American in Minnesota to reconnecting with his roots while living in Kawasaki, Japan. He opens up about the complexities of relearning Japanese as a native speaker and how language continues to shape his identity. From The X-Files and John Grisham novels to the intricacies of Japanese legalese, Jamie reflects on the quirky and unexpected joys of bilingual discovery. We also dive into travel tips, the fun of filmmaking, onsen life, and Star Wars fandom, including a peek behind the scenes at the Star Wars Celebration in Tokyo. It’s a lively conversation about curiosity, creativity, and uncovering the in-between spaces of culture and self. Enjoy! Episode Highlights00:21 Jamie: live from Hibiya, Tokyo!02:11 Japanese language learning as a native Japanese speaker03:20 Moving to the states at 5 - everything was in English!04:39 Frustration at not being able to express himself06:11 Relearning Japanese as an adult06:35 The X-Files, John Grisham, Japanese crime novels, all things legalese08:21 Love of film and Star Wars9:37 Japan travel tips - global cuisines, Sumo, Chanko hotpot!13:34 Jamie's life - onsen life, being a foodie, working remote14:17 Navigating the in-between space of being Japanese-American16:00 [In Japanese] All about the Star Wars Celebration in Tokyo17:06 Favorite thing about Japan?18:08 Commit to lifelong learning and growing Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there! In this episode, Scott Nishimoto - dad, husband, community leader, and emerging poet - joins us to share poems from his chapbook, Beautifully Ordinary. He talks story about the highs, lows, and everyday joys (and hiccups) of parenting. A proud Honolulu townie, Scott reflects on how fatherhood has deepened his sense of presence and purpose, with poems like “It’s OK, Daddy,” “Grandpa’s Smile,” and “Wake Up Happy” offering glimpses into his own youth. We chat about growing up, raising keiki, navigating grief, and the small moments that stick with us. It’s a grounded look at fatherhood and what it means to show up with intention for our families and communities. Hau‘oli lā Makuakāne!Episode Highlights:00:21 Meet Scott - dad, husband, Honolulu "townie" and emerging poet01:11 Staying rooted02:26 Seeing parenthood through the lens of ʻohana03:42 Beautifully Ordinary - A Poetry Chapbook from a Father's Soul06:25 On processing grief: “It’s OK, Daddy” and “Band Class”11:21 Why documenting our stories matters: “Good Boy Kaika” and “Grandpa’s Smile”17:48 On building confidence: “Milk Carton Opener” and “Not Very Good”22:11 “Who did you help today?”23:17 Remembering Aunty Puanani Burgess and “Boy with a Gift”25:52 The tiny, powerful moments: “Instagram” and “Wake Up Happy”29:31 Honoring our own parents30:31 Oral histories hold the emotions that textbooks can’t31:34 “December 7th, 1941”33:07 Stories connect us — and connection creates change37:22 A call to action: write!  Photo Credit: Scott NishimotoEpisode Art: Molly Mamaril Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

In the spirit of National Movie Night, we’re diving into a conversation with Rino Nakajima - a Disney superfan whose life has been shaped by the stories she grew up watching. Originally from Hiroshima, Japan and now living in Hawaiʻi, Rino talks about how movies like The Little Mermaid and Mulan have helped guide her through everything from studying Swahili in college to landing her dream job at Disney World, and even meeting her partner in a dating app meet-cute. With her heart in the ocean and her head full of Disney songs, Rino shares how these films have stayed with her over the years, offering lessons in perseverance and dreaming big. Now living her real-life mermaid dream by the sea, she reflects on what it means to carry a little movie magic with you, wherever you go!🌊 Episode Highlights – Dive In! 🐚0:22 Rino: Mermaid-in-training & Disney dreamer0:55 Japan to Hawaiʻi during the pandemic3:48 What makes your heartbeat? DISNEY!4:31 The Little Mermaid & living her best ocean life in Hawaiʻi6:22  Growing up a Disney Channel wave-rider7:51 Learning English, one High School Musical song at a time9:59 Circle of Life: Majoring in Swahili at Osaka University13:43 Landing her dream job in Orlando17:58 COVID: Goodbye to the happiest place on earth18:31 Quarantined in Hawaiʻi = time to dive into the dating apps19:05 A love story22:56 Exploring Disney parks around the world23:11 Shanghai and Tokyo26:01 Treasure trove: Mickey ear headbands galore26:40 Dream job in Hawaiʻi?28:18 Ariel, the ocean, and the call of the sea29:34 Go-to conversation starters (with a splash of magic)30:31 Favorite song?31:20 An imaginary conversation with Walt Disney32:20 Believing in magic: Dreams really do come true 🌈 Photo Credit: Rino NakajimaEpisode Art: Molly Mamaril  Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

In honor of the United Nations' World Environment Day, we're excited to welcome Frank Oscar Weaver to todayʻs episode. Frank is a talented educator, filmmaker, and host of the Indigenous Earth Community Podcast which recently celebrated 5 years on air! Frank is also a fellow AIR Media New Voices AMPLIFY podcaster, and when he and Molly first connected, they quickly discovered a shared passion for Indigenous identity, storytelling, and a deep love of the natural world. He tells the story his homeland of Paraguay, where his Brazilian and Guaraní roots and upbringing under a military dictatorship shaped his path as a cultural advocate and storyteller. He shares how those early experiences and kinship with land laid the foundation for his work today in the U.S., spotlighting Indigenous stories through film, writing, and education. We also explore the mission behind the Indigenous Earth Community nonprofit, which hosts youth-led workshops around the world. From Panama to Uganda to the Philippines, the organization focuses on preserving traditional ecological knowledge and fostering intergenerational wisdom. This conversation is a reminder that the stories of our ancestors can guide us forward.🔗 Learn more about Indigenous Earth Community at indigenousearth.org🔗 Check out AIR Mediaʻs 2024 New Voices AMPLIFY fellows at https://airmedia.org/announcing-airs-2025-new-voices-amplify-fellows Episode Highlights:0:20 Intro to Frank Oscar Weaver, host of Indigenous Earth Community podcast1:44 Joy after a hard dayʻs work 3:08 Paraguay4:05 Medicinal plants and traditional drinks: Yerba Mate and tereré7:31 Guaraní roots 8:33 Tribal traditions and coming-of-age 9:32 Representing Paraguay in the U.S. through storytelling; partnering with the Smithsonian and being recognized by National Geographic11:50 Born a storyteller; childhood under a military dictatorship13:02 Hosting the Indigenous Earth Community Podcast; protecting the earth and the transmission of knowledge between elder and youth16:11 Building community-based workshop curriculum for indigenous youth - food forests, indigenous plants, freshwater resources17:38 Speaking multiple languages: Portuguese, Spanish, Guaraní, English, French 20:51 Launching a nonprofit and a podcast21:51 Oral storytelling is in our DNA25:25 The human body and happiness Episode Photo: Frank Oscar WeaverEpisode Art: Molly Mamaril  Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.

Aloha and welcome back to a mini episode of Heartbeat Narratives! In this bite-sized reflection, I’m looking back on the first five months of the podcast - what I’ve learned and what’s coming up next. Since January, we’ve reached listeners in 29 states and 19 countries which energizes me to stay curious and continue to amplify stories of joy from Hawaiʻi and beyond. And as always, I’m also going to share a round of Roses, Thorns & Buds to highlight life updates. Mahalo nui for being part of this growing community of heart-centered humans. Let’s keep the momentum going! 🌺✨Episode Highlights00:00 Aloha friends!02:15 Roses, Thorns & Buds02:49 A thorn: Realizing how much I wish I were multilingual05:19 A bud: Grateful to be part of AIR Media’s New Voices AMPLIFY Fellowship09:32 A rose: Experiencing the volcanic magic of Kīlauea 🌋19:07 Shelf-Care: Book recs!20:49 Episodes on the horizon  AIR's 2025 New Voices AMPLIFY PodcastsShe Well Read by Alana BaumannA podcast hosted by two best friends in their late 20s, rediscovering their love for books and inviting listeners to join the journey.Spotify: She Well Read on SpotifyApple Podcasts: She Well Read on Apple PodcastsKeep the Flame Alive by Alison BrownA podcast for fans of the Olympics and Paralympics, sharing inside stories from athletes, coaches, historians, and gamesmakers.Spotify: Keep the Flame Alive on SpotifyApple Podcasts: Keep the Flame Alive on Apple PodcastsBayou’s Wrath by Anita WilliamsA gripping serialized audio drama set in Natchez, Mississippi, blending suspense, mystery, and Southern Gothic elements.Spotify: Bayou's Wrath on SpotifyApple Podcasts: Bayou's Wrath on Apple PodcastsBe Well, Sis by Cassandre DunbarA transformative wellness podcast delivering evidence-based health information through authentic conversations.Spotify: Be Well Sis on SpotifyApple Podcasts: Be Well Sis on Apple PodcastsThe Transcendent Farmer by Emily RenoA podcast designed to inspire and empower farmers with information related to human design, manifestation, and more.Spotify: The Transcendent Farmer on SpotifyApple Podcasts: The Transcendent Farmer on Apple PodcastsIndigenous Earth by Frank Oscar WeaverAn empowering journey alongside Indigenous heroes from around the world, exploring inspiring stories and wisdom from Indigenous cultures.Spotify: Indigenous Earth on SpotifyApple Podcasts: Indigenous Earth on Apple PodcastsRed Flags Everywhere by James Arthur MartinA podcast where humor meets heart to explore the messy, hilarious, and sometimes cringe-worthy world of relationships.Spotify: Red Flags Everywhere on SpotifyApple Podcasts: Red Flags Everywhere on Apple PodcastsLove and Murder: Heartbreak to Homicide by Ky ToureA true crime podcast telling stories of love turned to murder, where passion turns into obsession and heartbreak leads to homicide.Spotify: Love and Murder on SpotifyApple Podcasts: Love and Murder on Apple PodcastsYokai Detective Agency by Laura GerardAn audio drama set in a world where supernatural creatures exist, following the adventures of the Yokai Detective Agency.Spotify: Yokai Detective Agency on SpotifyApple Podcasts: Yokai Detective Agency on Apple PodcastsJuventud Maldito Vacío by Laura UbatéA coming-of-age story of a young woman in her 20s, chasing the dream of becoming a radio DJ in Colombia.Spotify: Juventud Maldito Vacío on SpotifyApple Podcasts: Juventud Maldito Vacío on Apple PodcastsYour American Money by Michelle JacksonA podcast discussing all things money, exploring the intersection between pop culture, policy, and polarization.Spotify: Your American Money on SpotifyApple Podcasts: Your American Money on Apple PodcastsAbove the Sides by Pono Shim and Molly MamarilA podcast exploring what it means to think, act, and live aloha in our personal and professional lives.Spotify: Above the Sides on SpotifyApple Podcasts: Above the Sides on Apple PodcastsLa Vida Más Chévere de Childfree Latinas by Paulette EratoThe only biweekly Spanglish podcast for childfree Latinas, focusing on liberating from toxic cultural brainwashing.Spotify: La Vida Más Chévere on SpotifyApple Podcasts: La Vida Más Chévere on Apple PodcastsNavigating Cancer TOGETHER by Talaya DendyA podcast offering support, information, and inspiration to anyone affected by cancer.Spotify: Navigating Cancer TOGETHER on SpotifyApple Podcasts: Navigating Cancer TOGETHER on Apple PodcastsOf Black Wombhood by Tanya LatortueAn oral history project exploring the interiority of Black womb-bearing people beyond pregnancy and birthing experiences.Spotify: Of Black Wombhood on SpotifyApple Podcasts: Of Black Wombhood on Apple PodcastsSpeak Your Vision by Tarik WilliamsA podcast creating a safe space for underrepresented voices and individuals with disabilities to feel seen, heard, and empowered.Spotify: Speak Your Vision on SpotifyApple Podcasts: Speak Your Vision on Apple PodcastsEpisode Art Photo: Molly Mamaril (Kīlauea, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park)  Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.