MEI, the Podcast

In this episode, we are honored to feature Wendy Chinglong, a remarkable volleyball player and an inspiring figure within the Marshallese community. Wendy has made her mark on the court as a middle blocker for the Har-Ber Lady Wildcats, a member of the NWA Junior Storm, and a two-time MVP with her competitive team, 'Iakwe.' Beyond her athletic achievements, Wendy’s story highlights resilience, discipline, and a deep connection to her Marshallese identity. Our conversation explores her journey to becoming a standout athlete, the challenges and triumphs she has encountered along the way, and the vision she carries for her future both in sports and in her community.About Our GuestWendy Chinglong is a rising star in the world of volleyball. Wendy proudly represents the Republic of the Marshall Islands on the international stage and has competed in major beach volleyball tournaments across Oceania, training under some of the best coaches in the Philippines. Currently a senior at Harber High School, she’s a key middle blocker for the Lady Wildcats, a standout with the NWA Junior Storm, and a two-time MVP with her local competitive team, IAKWE. From starting her journey in 7th grade to preparing for a collegiate volleyball career, Wendy’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and passion for the game.MORE INFO. Har-Ber Wildcat Volleyball (@harberwildcatvolleyball) • Instagram photos and videos Marshall Islands Volleyball Federation-Stay Tuned! MEI INFO:Email: [email protected] Please support us! Make sure to follow and subscribe:FacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeThe theme music for “MEI, the Podcast” was composed by Matthew John. All rights reserved. Season 1, Episode 12 was recorded at MEI on September 22, 2025. Marcina Langrine and Matthew John co-hosted, and Marino Morris co-produced and edited this episode. Jessica Schwartz did post-production. The transcript is available HERE.© MEI 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, hosts Marcina Langrine and Matthew John are joined by Ailing Gideon, a  Marshallese dreamer-someone who is striving to advocate, educate and guide our community through the different systems and resources here in NWA. Ailing talks about how his journey is about more than just navigating challenges; it's about creating pathways, lifting others up, and keeping our culture strong. Through their work, they not only connect individuals with vital resources but also encourage younger Marshallese voices to step into leadership and advocacy. Balancing youth with responsibility, Ailing has remained motivated by the resilience of our people and by the belief that the future holds opportunities for greater representation, equity, and empowerment for Marshallese families in the region.About Our GuestAiling Gideon is a Special Programs Coordinator at Community Clinic, the largest medical and dental provider for the Marshallese community in Northwest Arkansas and the largest employer of Marshallese in the medical field. In his role, he oversees the Arkansas Department of Health BreastCare program at Community Clinic and co-manages the Community Supported Agriculture program with his colleague Jazmin Rivas. His work bridges healthcare, cultural connection and resource accessibility, with a strong focus on serving the Marshallese community. Ailing is passionate about creating awareness and sharing knowledge of the many programs and services available to families, ensuring that community members are empowered to live healthier, fuller lives. Grounded in his heritage and driven by his commitment to service, Ailing brings both professional expertise and a personal mission to his work, advocating for better health outcomes, building cultural understanding and strengthening the voices of Pasifika communities in Northwest Arkansas.MORE INFO. Website: https://www.communityclinicnwa.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cclinicnwa/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cclinicnwa/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_ctZYg1jTMAqsd8dkIaWEw/featured-Stay Tuned! MEI INFO:Email: [email protected] Please support us! Make sure to follow and subscribe:FacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeThis episode was supported, in part, by UCLA’s Academic Senate Faculty Grants Program.The theme music for “MEI, the Podcast” was composed by Matthew John. All rights reserved. Season 1, Episode 11 was recorded at MEI on September 8, 2025. Marcina Langrine and Matthew John co-hosted, and Marino Morris co-produced and edited this episode. Jessica Schwartz did post-production. The transcript is available HERE.© MEI 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Chapel joins host Marcina Langrine and Matthew John to talk about their passion for advocacy and their career aspirations. From moving to the U.S. at age seven to becoming a triple major at the University of Arkansas, Chapel’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and purpose. Balancing life as a student, an intern at the Marshall Islands Consulate, and a clerk for an attorney, they still find time to create powerful art on the nuclear and climate crisis — artwork that has reached global audiences, even the United Nations. Their passion for giving back shines through in teaching English to Salvadoran immigrants and mentoring youth in their community. With dreams of becoming a lawyer, Chapel hopes to inspire Marshallese youth to chase higher education, believe in their potential, and never be afraid to pursue multiple passions at once.About Our GuestChapel was born in Majuro, Marshall Islands, and moved to the United States at the age of seven. Before Springdale, he and his family lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He is currently a senior at the University of Arkansas with a triple major. Chapel plans to apply to Law School and has goals to apply to a Masters Program. Chapel currently serves as an intern at the RMI Consulate's office.MORE INFO. RMI Consulate: https://www.facebook.com/rmiconsulatearkansas/Artpiece with MEI: https://www.mei.ngo/exhibit-Stay Tuned! MEI INFO:Email: [email protected] Please support us! Make sure to follow and subscribe:FacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeThis episode was supported, in part, by UCLA’s Academic Senate Faculty Grants Program.The theme music for “MEI, the Podcast” was composed by Matthew John. All rights reserved. Season 1, Episode 10 was recorded at MEI on August 29, 2025. Marcina Langrine and Matthew John co-hosted, and Marino Morris co-produced and edited this episode. Jessica Schwartz did post-production. The transcript is available HERE.© MEI 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

...willingness, dedication, community engagement, support, connection...In this episode, we speak with our special guest, Christopher Balos, about his upbringing since childhood as a Marshallese born in the Islands and his personal experiences with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We discuss his role at the Arkansas Support Network, where he serves as a vital resource for the Marshallese community, providing information and services related to intellectual and developmental disabilities. About Our GuestChris Balos, born in the Marshall Islands and raised in the United States, is an accomplished advocate and support professional with years of experience in disability services. As a Family-Focused Planning Specialist with Arkansas Support Network, Chris specializes in bridging Marshallese families and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to vital resources and services.Through his dedicated role, Chris enhances community engagement and fosters a culture of understanding and accessibility, ensuring that families receive the support they need to thrive. Known for his thoughtfulness, openness, and passion to empower his community. Chris believes in the importance of family, culture, and purpose in the lives of those he serves. His personal experiences and insights into the challenges faced by the Marshallese community have made him a trusted resource among individuals and families alike. In his personal life, Chris values time spent with loved ones, enjoys coffee and attending sporting events, and is actively exploring ways to support those around him more effectively. He approaches his work with a commitment to person-centered principles, cultural bridging, and advocating for improved outcomes and quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as their families.MORE INFO. Arkansas Support Network-Stay Tuned! MEI INFO:Email: [email protected] Please support us! Make sure to follow and subscribe:FacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeThis episode was supported, in part, by UCLA’s Academic Senate Faculty Grants Program.The theme music for “MEI, the Podcast” was composed by Matthew John. All rights reserved. Season 1, Episode 9 was recorded at MEI on August 27, 2025. Marcina Langrine and Matthew John co-hosted, and Marino Morris co-produced and edited this episode. Jessica Schwartz did post-production. The transcript is available HERE.© MEI 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

...belonging in-between and finding a pathway to purpose through identity and culture...In this episode, we will be interviewing PhD candidate and Marshallese scholar Corinne Salter about her path to education and her life growing up in Louisiana, USA. We explore her struggles with Identity and her adoption story, as she was born in the Marshall Islands in 1999 and adopted by an American family at birth. We also tap into her journey as a “Youth for Nuclear Justice” Fellow and her upcoming role as a PhD candidate at Louisiana State University (LSU).About Our GuestCorinne Salter is a PhD candidate at Louisiana State University, studying for her degree in environmental sciences. She was born in the Marshall Islands on Ebeye and was adopted by an American family from Louisiana, where she was raised. She began working at MEI in early 2023 as a Youth for Nuclear Justice fellow, but has more recently joined other projects to help local Marshallese pursue higher education and navigate the American education and financial systems, as well as the expectations associated with them. She graduates this Fall from her PhD program. She plans to continue her career in environmental work with Marshallese communities in the U.S. and back home, as well as with other climate-vulnerable communities. You can check out her podcast, Climate Pelicans’ Brief, which she co-hosts with fellow LSU doctoral student, Jill Tupitza, “as they bridge the gap between the science of climate change and environmental impacts in Louisiana frontline communities.”MORE INFO. Corinne's IGClimate Pelicans' Brief Podcast:CPB IGCPB iHeartCPB RSSCPB SpotifyCPB Amazon-Stay Tuned! MEI INFO:Email: [email protected] Please support us! Make sure to follow and subscribe:FacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeThis episode was supported, in part, by UCLA’s Academic Senate Faculty Grants Program.The theme music for “MEI, the Podcast” was composed by Matthew John. All rights reserved. Season 1, Episode 8 was recorded at MEI on July 17th, 2025. Marcina Langrine and Matthew John co-hosted, and Marino Morris co-produced and edited this episode. Jessica Schwartz did post-production. The transcript is available HERE.© MEI 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unity, culture, and making music that connects.In this episode, host Marcina Langrine is joined by Matthew John and Kairo Langrus to discuss the origins of MARK Harmony. Matthew and Kairo share their experiences as a rising Marshallese boy band, known for their smooth vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and island-inspired rhythms. They delve into the creative process behind crafting their songs, highlighting how they blend modern melodies with their cultural heritage. Matthew and Kairo also emphasize the strong brotherhood that has contributed to their current success. MARK Harmony is more than just a band; they are a voice for their generation, showcasing the beauty and resilience of Pacific Island youth through their music.About Our GuestMARK Harmony is a four-member boy band of Marshallese descent that grew up in Northwest Arkansas and graduated from Har-Ber High School and Springdale High School. The members include Matthew, Arsi, Raygon, and Kairo. Guided by their artistic vision, MARK Harmony’s mission is to amplify the voices of Marshallese youth, reflecting the vibrant pulse of their community through music. While they are dedicated to sharing their cultural history, their primary goal is to empower more Marshallese and Micronesian youth to pursue their dreams, overcome their fears, and spread love on behalf of the displaced Marshallese people worldwide.MORE INFO. Email: [email protected]: @markharmonyofficial Facebook: @markharmony4 Tiktok: @mark.harmonyStay Tuned! MEI INFO:Email: [email protected] Please support us! Make sure to follow and subscribe:FacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeThis episode was supported, in part, by UCLA’s Academic Senate Faculty Grants Program.The theme music for “MEI, the Podcast” was composed by Matthew John. All rights reserved. Season 1, Episode 7 was recorded at MEI on June 23, 2025. Marcina Langrine hosted, and Marino Morris co-produced and edited this episode. Jessica Schwartz did post-production. The transcript is available HERE.© MEI 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An artist, a future barber, and a teacher. Can one person do it all? In this episode, Mashiro joins hosts Marcina Langrine and Matthew John to discuss his high school experiences, accomplishments, and new passions. A leader who strives to learn, but also finds opportunities to give back to his community. Mashiro discusses his new passion and explores ways to refine his craft as a barber. In essence, each role can be seen as an artistic endeavor, requiring skill, creativity, and a dedication to sharing knowledge and inspiration with others.About Our GuestMashiro Yamane is a recent graduate from Springdale High School. He was born and raised in Arkansas. Mashiro was the president of the Springdale High School Islander Club from 2024 to 2025 and was an active member of the club throughout high school. During his time as Islander Club president, Mashiro organized numerous cultural and educational activities, often in collaboration with the Marshallese Educational Initiative. He was a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, and the Ambassador program, and participated in Junior Leadership. Mashiro was also a member of the track team during his junior year and was on the basketball team as a sophomore. He is currently working on his barbershop license. He plans to attend Northwest Arkansas Community College to earn his associate's degree, after which he will further his education at the University of Arkansas to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Education.Contact:link to IG : https://www.instagram.com/mxshiro/IG handle : @mxshiro Stay Tuned! MEI INFO:Email: [email protected] Please support us! Make sure to follow and subscribe:FacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeThe theme music for “MEI, the Podcast” was composed by Matthew John. All rights reserved. Season 1, Episode 6 was recorded at MEI on May 28, 2025. Marcina Langrine and Matthew John co-hosted, and Marino Morris co-produced and edited this episode. Jessica Schwartz did post-production. The audio-synced transcript is available HERE© MEI 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do Marshallese students rise as leaders in their community while still in high school? How do Marshallese youth leaders balance the day-to-day pressures of school, family, and work with their efforts to promote culture in organizations, such as the Islander Club?In this episode, Honey Andrew joins hosts Marcina Langrine and Matthew John to discuss these issues — namely, how she balances her roles as Islander Club president, senior student in the student class council, student athlete, and part-time worker outside of school. We cover her future endeavors and goals, as well as hearing her personal stories about sports and her experience as a Marshallese student in the Springdale School district.About Our GuestHoney Andrew recently graduated from Har-Ber High School's Class of 2025. She served as the president of the Islander Club during the 2024-2025 school year. She helped organize and run various cultural and educational events in this role, often collaborating with the Marshallese Educational Initiative. She successfully balanced school and work. Honey plans to attend college in Taiwan to pursue her dreams and aspirations.MORE INFO. Springdale Islander Club (Facebook)Stay Tuned! MEI INFO:Email: [email protected] Please support us! Make sure to follow and subscribe:FacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeThe theme music for “MEI, the Podcast” was composed by Matthew John. All rights reserved. Season 1, Episode 5 was recorded at MEI on May 27, 2025. Marcina Langrine and Matthew John co-hosted, and Marino Morris co-produced and edited this episode. Jessica Schwartz did post-production. The audio-synced transcript is available HERE© MEI 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More than ever, it takes a village to lead. A proverb that conveys the idea of collective support from the community. In this episode, Consul General Anjanette Anjel joins hosts Marcina Langrine and Matthew John to discuss her role as a CG serving the Midwest and the opportunities that led her to choose this career path. CG highlights her time studying abroad and how it exposed her to different cultures, values, way of life, broadening her perspective and fostering a greater understanding of the world. CG emphasizes the importance of pursuing higher education and how it can contribute to our country’s economic growth and development. CG Anjanette is a natural-born leader whose mission is to support, empower, and lead with collective action.About Our GuestAnjanette Anjel, Consul General of the Republic of the Marshall Islands in Arkansas, has a 10-year career in the Republic of the Marshall Islands’ foreign service. She holds a Global Politics and Economics degree from Tamkang University in Taiwan. She is skilled in international relations, diplomacy, protocol, negotiations, policy development, and administration. Anjanette serves as the Consul General or CG for Arkansas and the Midwest. MORE INFO. Northwest Arkansas RMI Consulate ContactsConsul General's Office AddressPhone: +1 479-419-9332Email: [email protected] Tuned! MEI INFO:Email: [email protected] Please support us! Make sure to follow and subscribe:FacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeThe theme music for “MEI, the Podcast” was composed by Matthew John. All rights reserved. Season 1, Episode 4 was recorded at MEI on May 13, 2025. Marcina Langrine and Matthew John co-hosted, and Marino Morris co-produced and edited this episode. Jessica Schwartz did post-production. The audio-synced transcript is available here.© MEI 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is it considered taboo to discuss sexual violence within the Pacific Islander community? What exactly is sexual health? How can we break down the stigma and cultural barriers surrounding conversations about our bodies?In this episode, Nina Jusuf from NAPIESV joins hosts Marcina Langrine and Matthew John to discuss sexual violence in Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities. She emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space for healing, accountability, and building trust within the Pacific Island community. Nina also highlights the significance of understanding intersectionality concerning culture and upbringing. Cultural norms and family practices vary greatly and are shaped by individuals' unique combinations of social identities. Nina reminds us that “healing is possible.”About Our GuestNina Jusuf has been working on domestic violence and sexual assault issues since 1992, starting as a hotline volunteer before becoming a shelter-based domestic violence advocate and later as the Executive Director of the San Francisco Women Against Rape for five years. She is one of the founders of NAPIESV and has led numerous trainings and technical assistance on sexual assault and domestic violence issues in general and API-specific trauma-informed services. Nina believes in collective wellness beyond self-care and has led/facilitated training on organizational sustainability, multicultural wellness, sustaining activists and activism, and genuine security for survivors, activists, and women human rights defenders in Asia, the Balkans, and the United States. In addition, Nina has experience leading an experiential learning-based youth organization and overseeing the Home Based Childcare Center and Federal Nutrition Program.MORE INFO. National Organization of Asians and Pacific Islanders Ending Sexual Violence (NAPIESV)Monsoon Asians and Pacific Islanders in SolidaritySan Francisco Women Against Rape​​National Sexual Assault Hotline: Confidential 24/7 Support | RAINNNational Domestic Violence HotlineThis episode was developed and produced with a UCLA Center for the Study of Women (CSW)|Streisand Center Faculty Research Grant. We appreciate the generous support.Stay Tuned! MEI INFO:Email: [email protected] Please support us! Make sure to follow and subscribe:FacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeThe theme music for “MEI, the Podcast” was composed by Matthew John. All rights reserved. Season 1, Episode 3 was recorded at MEI on April 30, 2025. Marcina Langrine and Matthew John co-hosted, and Marino Morris co-produced and edited this episode. Jessica Schwartz did post-production. The audio-synced transcript is available here.© MEI 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nuclear and climate activist Benetick Kabua Maddison, Executive Director of the Marshallese Educational Initiative, joins the podcast to discuss MEI's programs and services, sharing his journey of amplifying the voices of the Marshallese people. Engaged in education, research, and advocacy, Benetick emphasizes the connection between nuclear power and climate change, as well as the broader social and environmental injustices linked to both issues.In this episode, hosts Marcina Langrine and Matthew John ask Benetick about his life in the Marshall Islands, his experiences as executive director of a nonprofit, the importance of community engagement and collaboration, and the need to amplify the voices of communities affected by nuclear issues. Leading with heart and vision, Benetick navigates the ever-changing landscape of organizational leadership and his life as a COFA migrant, embracing change and growth.About Our Guest: Benetick Kabua Maddison serves as the Executive Director of the Marshallese Educational Initiative (MEI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Springdale, Arkansas, where the largest concentration of Marshallese resides. Maddison migrated to the United States from Majuro, Marshall Islands, at the age of six, partly due to the threat of rising sea levels. Maddison first worked at MEI in 2014, collecting and translating Marshallese oral histories in Arkansas and leading educational efforts to improve educational attainment levels among his peers. He rejoined MEI in 2019, where he led efforts to raise awareness of nuclear and climate issues. Maddison was named Executive Director at the nonprofit in 2022, where he leads efforts to raise awareness about the multifaceted consequences of nuclear testing that have left an indelible mark on his homeland.Stay tuned with us on our social platforms: @meinonprofit on Instagram and the Marshallese Educational Initiative on Facebook.Special thanks and credit to our media team, Marino Morris, Jessica Schwartz, Marcina Langrine, and Matthew John, for putting this episode together.MORE INFO:Email: [email protected] Please support us! Make sure to follow and subscribe:FB: https://www.facebook.com/MEInonprofit/IG: https://www.instagram.com/meinonprofit/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iakwe_meiYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MEInonproftThe theme music for “MEI, the Podcast” was composed by Matthew John. All rights reserved. Season 1, Episode 2 was recorded on April 8, 2025, at MEI. Marcina Langrine and Matthew John co-hosted, and Marino Morris co-produced and edited this episode. Jessica Schwartz did post-production work. The transcript is available here.All rights reserved MEI 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Iọkwe, and hello! Welcome to "MEI, the Podcast," the official podcast for the Marshallese Educational Initiative, a nonprofit based in northwest Arkansas. In this episode, you'll meet our co-hosts, MEI's Marcina Langrine and Matthew John, and learn about upcoming episodes in 2025. In the meantime, check out MEI's website to learn more.Music excerpted: "Do You Hear What I Hear" by Keola BeamerThe theme music for "MEI, the Podcast" was composed by Matthew John. All rights reserved.Jessica Schwartz, MEI co-founder and academic advisor, produced this episode and edited the audio and transcript, available HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.