Pulse of Polynesia

Leaso

Pulse of Polynesia is a vibrant podcast where Polynesians from all backgrounds unite to share their inspiring stories of resilience, ambition, and success. From growing up in the islands to navigating life across the globe, each episode highlights real experiences of overcoming challenges, embracing cultural identity, and achieving greatness—all while staying rooted in the spirit of Polynesia. 

  1. MAR 10

    The Silent Burden Polynesian Women Carry | Oreta Mapu-Tupola | Pulse of Polynesia

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Pulse of Polynesia, we sit down with community advocate Oreta Mapu-Tupola to discuss the silent pressures many Polynesian women and Pacific Island families carry and how our communities can begin healing from generational trauma. Pulse of Polynesia is a podcast dedicated to amplifying Polynesian and Pasifika voices, sharing stories of culture, leadership, resilience, and community from across the Pacific diaspora. Born and raised in Laie, Hawai‘i, Oreta shares her powerful journey of becoming a young mother, returning to school as a non-traditional student, and eventually becoming a leader serving Pacific Island communities through health equity programs, mentorship, and community advocacy. Throughout this conversation, Oreta opens up about the cultural expectations placed on Polynesian women, the pressure to always appear strong, and the emotional burdens many quietly carry while supporting family, church, and community. She also shares why creating safe spaces for honest conversations between parents and youth is essential for breaking cycles of trauma and building healthier futures for our people. This episode is a powerful reflection on identity, resilience, healing, and the strength of Polynesian communities. In This Episode• Oreta’s upbringing in Laie, Hawai‘i  • Becoming a young mother and returning to school  • The influence of strong Polynesian women  • The silent struggles Polynesian women carry  • Cultural expectations and the pressure to always be strong  • Generational trauma within Pacific Island families  • Why many Polynesian families struggle to talk about mental health  • Creating safe spaces for parents and youth to communicate Timestamps00:00 Introduction  01:28 Meet Oreta Mapu-Tupola: A Community Advocate  02:04 Oreta's Journey: Overcoming Obstacles  09:33 Support Systems: Finding Strength in Community  12:37 Motivation to Pursue Education  16:20 The Silent Struggles of Polynesian Women  18:31 The Pressure to Be Strong: A Cultural Perspective  24:11 Breaking the Cycle of Trauma  31:45 Creating Safe Spaces for Conversations Support Pulse of PolynesiaIf you believe in amplifying Polynesian voices and preserving our stories, you can support the podcast. Venmo: @pulseofpolynesia CashApp: $pulseofpolynesia Your support helps us continue sharing powerful stories from across the Pacific diaspora. Follow Pulse of PolynesiaYouTube  https://youtube.com/@PulseofPolynesia Facebook  https://facebook.com/PulseofPolynesia TikTok  https://tiktok.com/@pulseofpolynesia Instagram  https://instagram.com/pulseofpolynesia Support the show

    39 min
  2. 🔥In the Hot Seat: Ventry Parker "Poetik"– PART 1 | ROOTS & BECOMING🔥

    12/23/2025

    🔥In the Hot Seat: Ventry Parker "Poetik"– PART 1 | ROOTS & BECOMING🔥

    Send us Fan Mail Every story has a beginning — this is his. In Part 1 of our conversation with Poetik, we step into the foundation of his life: the village that raised him, the music that shaped him, and the people who poured into him before the world ever knew his name. This episode isn’t just about music. It’s about identity, belonging, gratitude, and how our beginnings quietly prepare us for what’s ahead. Whether you’re from a small village, a big city, or anywhere in between — this story is for anyone who’s ever wondered how their roots shape who they become.  PART 1 sets the foundation. PART 2 goes deeper. “And that’s where the story really begins…” IMAGE & FOOTAGE CREDITS Some real images and archival visuals used in this episode are credited to: Poetik (official media / archives) coconet.tv Additional public/editorial sources used respectfully for storytelling and educational purposes All visuals are used to honor the story and amplify the voice behind it. FOLLOW & SUPPORT Pulse of Polynesia is a community-driven platform sharing stories from around the world. YouTube: @PulseofPolynesia Podcast: Pulse of Polynesia (Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more) Facebook: Pulse of Polynesia TikTok: @pulseofpolynesia Instagram: @pulseofpolynesia SUPPORT THE PLATFORM If you’d like to help us keep the lights on or simply buy us a coffee, your support means everything Cash App: $pulseofpolynesia Venmo: @pulseofpolynesia Support the show

    19 min
  3. Brothers Building a Legacy: Changing the Pasifika Drinking Narrative | Pulse of Polynesia Podcast

    12/08/2025

    Brothers Building a Legacy: Changing the Pasifika Drinking Narrative | Pulse of Polynesia Podcast

    Send us Fan Mail This episode shares the story behind Uso Beer — not to promote alcohol, but to highlight a cultural movement led by four Pasifika entrepreneurs reshaping conversations around unity, identity, and responsible celebration. Jack, Love, Sione, and Ghanit created something deeper than a beverage — a legacy rooted in brotherhood, culture, and a mission to change the Pasifika drinking narrative. This is a story about leadership, identity, responsible gathering, and the power of four brothers building something for our people. It’s a movement. It’s culture. It’s community. ⭐ CHAPTERS00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:27 Introduction to Uso Beer and Its Founders 00:03:59 The Journey of Uso Beer: From Concept to Creation 00:10:17 Changing the Pasifika Drinking Narrative 00:17:59 Future Plans and Community Engagement for Uso Beer 00:25:46 The Importance of Education and Community Engagement 00:29:21 Crafting a Unique Beer Experience 00:43:18 Navigating Business Challenges and Team Dynamics 00:54:43 Culturally Rooted Brands in the Pacific 01:02:25 The Personal Connection to Uso Beer 01:17:42 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations ⭐ SUPPORT THE PODCASTIf you enjoy our podcast and would like to support Pulse of Polynesia — whether it’s helping keep our lights on or simply buying me a coffee — we appreciate you deeply. 🌺 Cash App: $pulseofpolynesia 🌺 Venmo: @pulseofpolynesia Your support helps us continue amplifying Pasifika stories and creating space for our people worldwide. Thank you for being part of this journey. Support the show

    1h 19m
  4. The Future Doesn’t Wait — Leadership, Identity & Purpose w/ Elijah Jenkins

    11/28/2025

    The Future Doesn’t Wait — Leadership, Identity & Purpose w/ Elijah Jenkins

    Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode, we sit down with Elijah Jenkins — a proud Chamorro, two-term Undergraduate Student Government President at the University of Chicago, Stamps Scholar, poet, storyteller, and one of the most promising young leaders of the Pacific diaspora. From growing up far from the islands…  to reclaiming his cultural identity…  to leading in elite spaces where he was often the “only one in the room,”  Elijah shares how culture, ancestry, and purpose shaped his path. This conversation is emotional, inspiring, and full of wisdom for students, leaders, the Pacific diaspora, and anyone searching for purpose. To every Pacific Islander, to every student far from home, to every young leader trying to rise — this episode was made for you. 00:00 Introduction to Elijah Jenkins 05:42 Guamanian or Chamorro 09:17 Navigating College Life as a Chamorro 11:55 Pride in Chamorro Identity 18:46 Engaging with Pacific Issues 23:33 Reflections on Home and Change 29:59 Motivation and Ancestral Legacy 40:02 Navigating Challenges and Responsibilities 46:44 The Role of Brotherhood in Personal Growth 51:30 Building Unity Through Coalition Leadership 56:18 The Myth of Constant Busyness in Leadership 01:00:00 Learning from Failure: A Path to Growth 01:06:12 Defining Success Beyond Titles 01:12:54 Inspiration and Pride in Heritage — 📱 Connect With Elijah Jenkins Instagram: @elijahjenkins61 TikTok: @elijahjenkins YouTube: @EjenkinsVlogs Email: ejenkins26az@gmail.com 📸 Photo Credits Image Credit: Doriyon Ward (@_dwcreatives) Photo Credit: The Visuals Series at UChicago (@visualsuchi) Support the show

    1h 21m

About

Pulse of Polynesia is a vibrant podcast where Polynesians from all backgrounds unite to share their inspiring stories of resilience, ambition, and success. From growing up in the islands to navigating life across the globe, each episode highlights real experiences of overcoming challenges, embracing cultural identity, and achieving greatness—all while staying rooted in the spirit of Polynesia.