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. Returning Home Changed Me

    1D AGO

    Returning Home Changed Me

    Send us Fan Mail “Sometimes healing doesn’t start… until you go back home.” We don’t always realize how much we’re carrying until it finally catches up to us. In this moment from Pulse of Polynesia, we talk about growth, reflection, and what it means to reconnect with where you come from. This is more than a story. It’s something many of us feel… but don’t always say out loud. Watch. Reflect. Take what you need. #fypシ #foryouシ #storytime #healingjourney #selfreflection #growthmindset #pasifika #polynesian #RealStories #mindsetshift Support the show

    2 min
  2. I Chose My Son Over Everything… Then Lost My Mom | Samoa, Culture & Truth (Part 2)

    1D AGO

    I Chose My Son Over Everything… Then Lost My Mom | Samoa, Culture & Truth (Part 2)

    Send us Fan Mail He gave up everything… for his son. And still had to live with the pain of losing his mom. This is the side people don’t talk about. In Part 2 of our conversation with Beauman Fuimaono, we go beyond the surface — into sacrifice, grief, identity, and the truth about Samoan culture today. This isn’t just a story… This is reality for many of us. 🔥 WHAT WE COVER Choosing his son over everything Losing his mom & living with regret Mental health in silence Going home after 9 years Taupou, Pe’a & cultural roles “You’re not the main character” Gatekeeping vs identity The truth about Samoa & its history 🎙️ ABOUT Pulse of Polynesia is a 100% volunteer platform sharing real stories, culture, and voices across the Pacific. Built for the culture. By the culture. 🎧 WATCH PART 1 https://youtu.be/I9Z7j13-z6E?si=n8sFEkRattKH_Ce_ 👤 FEATURED GUEST – BEAUMAN FUIMAONO 🔥 WHAT WE COVER Choosing his son over everything Losing his mom & living with regret Mental health in silence Going home after 9 years Taupou, Pe’a & cultural roles “You’re not the main character” Gatekeeping vs identity The truth about Samoa & its history 📸 Instagram/Tiktok/Facebook/Youtube: @thestoryofbeau 🎥 Story Series: #TheStoryOfBeau 🌐 FOLLOW PULSE OF POLYNESIA 📺 YouTube/Facebook/Tiktok/Instagram:  @pulseofpolynesia 💬 SUPPORT THE PLATFORM If this episode moved you, inspired you, or taught you something… ☕ “Buy us a coffee” / Keep our lights on: 💰 CashApp: $pulseofpolynesia 💰 Venmo: @pulseofpolynesia 📌 KEY MOMENTS 00:00 – Introduction / Samoan proverb opening 01:25 – Choosing his son over everything (stranger gives him $1,800 & he misses his flight) 03:54 – Rich Dad Poor Dad & “don’t chase money” 04:53 – Going home — wanting his mom to meet his son 06:52 – The letter to his mom (writing it drunk, pouring his heart out) 11:13 – Loss, regret & mental health (dad, grandmother & mom) 11:41 – Going home after 9 years (closure at mom’s gravestone) 15:58 – Taupou & cultural roles (family history & identity) 19:06 – “You’re not the main character” (cultural truth) 29:07 – Pe’a, identity & evolution 30:57 – Gatekeeping & truth — “You are Samoan enough” 33:57 – Samoa, kingship & history (why monarchy ended) 40:20 – Colonization — why Samoa was targeted ⚠️ REAL TALK Mental health is real. Culture is deeper than what we see. And some decisions… change everything. 🔥 HASHTAGS #PulseOfPolynesia #TheStoryOfBeau #Samoan #Polynesian #Pasifika #Fatherhood #MentalHealth #PeaTattoo #Taupou #Podcast #ForTheCulture #RealTalk #FYP Support the show

    49 min
  3. You Can't Gatekeep the Pe'a

    3D AGO

    You Can't Gatekeep the Pe'a

    Send us Fan Mail ​ @thestoryofbeau   Beauman Fuimaono You can’t gatekeep the pe‘a. This isn’t just a tattoo… it’s identity, discipline, and culture passed down through generations. The tatau carries meaning, structure, and history — not trends. Let’s learn it. Respect it. Understand it. #tatau #polynesian #pasifika #culture #identity #heritage #Respect #communitysupport #fypシ #YouCantGatekeep #Pea #Tatau #Samoan #Polynesian #Pasifika #IslandTok #CulturalPride #Heritage #Identity #RespectTheCulture #LearnYourRoots #Storytelling #FYP #Viral Support the show

    7 min
  4. He Heard a Bad DJ… Then Changed His Life Forever | Beauman Fuimaono | Part 1

    3D AGO

    He Heard a Bad DJ… Then Changed His Life Forever | Beauman Fuimaono | Part 1

    Send us Fan Mail #PulseOfPolynesia #BeaumanFuimaono #TheStoryOfBeau #SamoanPodcast #Part1 He was criticizing someone on the radio… Then it hit him — he wasn’t even in the game. That moment changed everything. And what happened next… took him from Samoa to Sweden. This is PART 1 of our powerful conversation with Beauman Fuimaono — media personality, storyteller, and proud Samoan now based in Sweden. In this episode, Beauman takes us on a journey across continents and identity: • Growing up in Samoa and first exposure to media • The radio moment that changed his life forever • Walking away… then finding his purpose again • Studying media & journalism at NUS • Culture shock in China (you don’t want to miss this 😂) • Becoming multilingual and raising a global-minded son • The truth about confidence, culture, and knowing who you are Sometimes… all it takes is one moment to realize: “What are YOU doing?” That moment changed everything. 📍 Live from Sweden 🎙️ Pulse of Polynesia — Voices. Stories. Truth. ________________________________________ ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 – Welcome & Introductions 0:41 – Introducing Beauman Fuimaono 2:52 – Early Life & First Exposure to Media 6:44 – What Kept Bringing Him Back to Media 9:22 – Getting Into Music & Recording in Samoa 10:09 – The Radio Moment That Changed Everything 12:35 – Enrolling in Media & Journalism 14:01 – Life as a Media Student 16:48 – Building Confidence 21:01 – Family Lineage & Legacy 21:26 – Scholarship to China 22:31 – Culture Shock (China Story 😂) 26:34 – Learning Languages 30:46 – Raising a Multilingual Son 33:23 – Breaking Stereotypes 36:34 – Samoan Community in Sweden 39:40 – Why Sweden? 40:39 – Life-Changing Decision 44:37 – Meaning Behind His Son’s Name 45:50 – When Everything Started Blowing Up ________________________________________ 🌍 Connect with Pulse of Polynesia 📺 YouTube | 📘 Facebook | 🎵 TikTok | 📸 Instagram @pulseofpolynesia ________________________________________ 💙 Support the Podcast (Help us keep the lights on 🙏) 💰 CashApp: $pulseofpolynesia 💸 Venmo: @pulseofpolynesia ________________________________________ 🔔 Call to Action 👍 Like | 🔔 Subscribe | 📤 Share 💬 Comment below — Where are you watching from? ________________________________________ #Samoan #Polynesian #PacificIslander #Podcast #Fatherhood  #MediaJourney #FaaSamoa #Diaspora #Storytelling #Motivation  #Sweden #Samoa #FYP Support the show

    48 min
  5. Healing Isn’t Weakness… It’s Power | Mele Kanuch (Part 3)

    APR 29

    Healing Isn’t Weakness… It’s Power | Mele Kanuch (Part 3)

    Send us Fan Mail In Part 3 of our conversation with Mele Kanuch, we move beyond awareness… into healing, faith, and purpose. This conversation goes deeper than mental health. It’s about understanding who we are as Pacific Islanders—our trauma, our culture, our responsibilities… and how we begin to heal without losing ourselves. This conversation is for you. 🎙️ Pulse of Polynesia — Voices. Stories. Truth. 🔗 CONNECT WITH MELE KANUCH 🌐 Website: https://www.unitedmindsco.com/ 📱 YouTube: @unitedmindsco 🎥 YouTube: @pulseofpolynesia 📘 Facebook: Pulse of Polynesia 🎵 TikTok: @pulseofpolynesia 📸 Instagram: @pulseofpolynesia ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Intro / Opening 0:27 – What transformation looks like for those being helped 0:48 – The power of healing & gratitude 1:11 – The challenge of getting others to see the value 3:07 – Why long-term sustainability matters 4:45 – Cultural pillars and their role in healing 5:15 – Crystal’s journey: rising without a degree 8:04 – Knowledge is power—and accessible 9:14 – School vs. real-world experience 11:44 – Overcoming doubt and criticism 13:14 – Unhealed trauma, autism & neurodivergency 14:00 – The future of United Minds 17:04 – Is there an end to the data? 18:14 – Partner: NIMA (National API Mental Health Association) 21:47 – Petition for Pacific Islander Mental Health Day 22:17 – Partner: Project Paxton (autism advocacy) 26:38 – Life experiences that shaped the mission 29:31 – Growing up with misunderstood mental health 32:11 – Culture vs. college responsibilities 34:13 – Systems failing Pacific Islander students 36:27 – Family duty vs. personal growth 41:13 – The guilt of self-care 43:00 – Healing through therapy 44:51 – Trauma, anger, and forgiveness 47:52 – Encouragement and reflection 50:49 – Community, networking, and lifting others 53:33 – Message to every Polynesian household 56:50 – Closing Support the show

    35 min
  6. “Are they being disrespectful… or do they just need support?” Part 2

    APR 24

    “Are they being disrespectful… or do they just need support?” Part 2

    Send us Fan Mail “Are they being disrespectful… or do they just need support?” In Part 2 of this powerful conversation on Pulse of Polynesia, Mele Kanuch breaks down a truth many of our communities have misunderstood for generations—the difference between mental illness and neurodivergence, and how lack of awareness continues to impact our people. From cultural expectations and discipline… to generational trauma, suicide rates, and access to care—this episode goes deeper into the realities many families face but rarely speak about. This isn’t about blame. It’s about understanding. It’s about healing—together. 🌍 This conversation is not just for Polynesians. It’s for anyone who has ever felt misunderstood… or watched someone struggle in silence. ⏱ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Intro: Neurodivergency in Community & Cultural Context 0:52 - What Is Neurodivergency? (Mental Illness vs. Neurodivergence Explained) 1:23 - How the Average Brain Works (Neurotypical vs. Neurodivergent) 1:52 - Examples of Neurodivergent Diagnoses (Autism, ADHD, Bipolar, Tourette's) 2:13 - Mental Illness vs. Neurodivergence: Key Differences 2:41 - Physical Health Parallels to Mental Health 3:07 - Supporting Mental Health: Community, Hobbies & Healing 6:24 - The Pushback: Family, Culture & Going Public 7:29 - Finding Community: Connecting with Other Pacific Islanders 8:22 - A Global Pattern: New Zealand, Polynesia, Micronesia 8:38 - Digging into the Data: Why Are These Issues Underreported? 10:12 - Barriers: Financial, Representation & Limited Research 14:20 - Founding United Minds: Mele's Organization 14:51 - How the United Minds Hub Works (Providers & Subscriptions) 15:39 - Collecting Lived Experience Data 18:08 - The Scientific Method Behind United Minds 18:26 - The Hypothesis: Untreated Trauma, Neurodivergency & Suicide Rates 19:11 - Testing the Theory & Early Findings 20:04 - Cultural Roots: The Kramer Book & Samoan History 23:21 - Challenges of Building Something This New 23:57 - The Health Circle: 6 Dimensions of Wellness 25:26 - A Mission Ordained by God 26:35 - Responding to Pushback with Grace 28:07 - Generational Trauma: Breaking the Cycle 29:47 - Healing Our Generation & the Future 🔗 CONNECT WITH MELE KANUCH 🌐 Website: https://www.unitedmindsco.com/ 📱 Youtube: @unitedmindsco 🎙 ABOUT PULSE OF POLYNESIA Pulse of Polynesia is a platform built for the culture, by the culture—sharing real stories, real journeys, and real impact from Pasifika voices around the world. 🎥 YouTube: @pulseofpolynesia 📘 Facebook: Pulse of Polynesia 🎵 TikTok: @pulseofpolynesia 📸 Instagram: @pulseofpolynesia 🧠 TOPICS COVERED Mental Health in Polynesian Communities Neurodivergence vs Mental Illness Generational Trauma Cultural Expectations & Discipline Suicide Awareness & Prevention Access to Care & Representation 🔔 SUPPORT THE MISSION If this episode spoke to you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe, like, and help us continue telling our stories. Support the show

    34 min
  7. Mental health is real… and so are the consequences of silence.

    APR 23

    Mental health is real… and so are the consequences of silence.

    Send us Fan Mail In this emotional clip, Crystal Steffany shares the story of her cousin—her struggles, her pain, and the questions that never leave us after loss. “I keep asking myself… could I have been better? Could I have understood more?” This isn’t just a story.  It’s a wake-up call for our families, our culture, and our community. We have to talk about it.  We have to understand it.  We have to show up for each other. 💬 If you or someone you know is struggling—reach out. You are not alone. 👉 Full episode available now on Pulse of Polynesia #PulseOfPolynesia #MentalHealthAwareness #PolynesianVoices #BreakTheSilence #RealStories #Healing #CommunityMatters Support the show

    2 min
  8. Breaking the Silence: Mental Health in Polynesian Communities | Mele Kanuch (Part 1)

    APR 22

    Breaking the Silence: Mental Health in Polynesian Communities | Mele Kanuch (Part 1)

    Send us Fan Mail ⏱ CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS 0:00 We Don’t Talk About This… (Hook) 0:58 Welcome to Pulse of Polynesia 1:20 Meet Mele Kanuch (United Minds) 2:05 Mele’s Background & Upbringing 3:30 Why Mental Health Isn’t Talked About 4:11 “Brush It Under the Rug” Culture 5:32 The “Happy People” Myth 6:50 Suppression → Anger, Addiction, Self-Harm 7:44 Suicide Rates in Our Communities 8:45 Mele’s Story Begins 9:18 Her Daughter’s Autism Diagnosis 10:04 Facing It Alone & Family Pushback 11:08 Becoming Her Daughter’s Advocate 11:43 Using TikTok to Educate & Heal 12:09 Growing Up Without Affection 14:04 Crystal’s Story: Learning to Show Love 15:40 When Mele Saw the Signs 16:54 Feeling Different Growing Up 18:03 Psychology, Awareness & Recognition 18:57 Protecting Her Daughter’s Identity 20:29 Misdiagnosis in the Islands 21:30 Bringing Knowledge Back Home 21:52 Mental Health Is Real 22:14 A Mother’s Words That Changed Everything Some conversations are long overdue. In Part 1 of this powerful episode of Pulse of Polynesia, we sit down with Mele Kanuch, founder of United Minds, to unpack the reality many in our communities quietly carry—mental health stigma, identity, and healing. From cultural expectations to personal struggles, this is a conversation about what we don’t say… and what it’s costing us. Watch. Reflect. Share. 📢 FOLLOW PULSE OF POLYNESIA 📺 YouTube: @pulseofpolynesia 📘 Facebook: Pulse of Polynesia 🎵 TikTok: @pulseofpolynesia 📸 Instagram: @pulseofpolynesia 💼 FEATURED GUEST – Mele Kanuch Founder of United Minds 🌐 https://www.unitedmindsco.com/ ☕ SUPPORT THE PODCAST If this episode meant something to you and you’d like to support: 💰 CashApp: $pulseofpolynesia 💜 Venmo: @pulseofpolynesia “If you’d like to help keep our lights on or buy us a coffee, we truly appreciate you.” 🙏 CREDITS Host: Leaso Filoialii Co-Host: Crystal Steffany Guest: Mele Kanuch Production: Pulse of Polynesia Support the show

    21 min
See All (64)

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. 

Information

  • Creator
    Leaso
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    64
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Pulse of Polynesia
  • Show Website
    Pulse of Polynesia