Island Fever

In this episode of Island Fever Podcast, hosts Vaelupe, Krit, and Donato sit down with drag icon, performer, and RuPaul's Drag Race winner Sasha Colby for an intimate conversation about purpose, legacy, and what comes after achieving the dreams you've spent your life chasing.From growing up in Waimānalo, Hawaiʻi, to becoming the first Native Hawaiian and openly transgender woman to win RuPaul's Drag Race, Sasha reflects on the people, places, and culture that shaped her journey. She shares what it means to lead the legendary House of Colby as a house mother, the responsibility that comes with representing Pasifika and trans communities on a global stage, and how she's navigated life after reaching some of the biggest milestones in drag.Together, they unpack the unexpected identity shifts that can follow success, the realities of fame, advocacy, chosen family, dating, and the question so many people face after accomplishing a lifelong goal: Where do I go from here?Of course, it wouldn't be Island Fever without a little fun. Sasha dishes on dating, shares what it really takes to win her over, reflects on life on the road, and gives a glimpse into the exciting new ventures she's building beyond the stage.Whether you're chasing a dream, redefining success, or figuring out your next chapter after reaching a major milestone, this conversation is a reminder that the finish line is often just the beginning.🌈 Topics include:Growing up in Waimānalo and Native Hawaiian identityThe House of Colby and ballroom legacyWinning RuPaul's Drag Race and Miss ContinentalRepresenting Pasifika and trans communitiesFame, purpose, and life after achieving your biggest goalsAdvocacy and using your platform for changeDating, relationships, and life beyond the spotlightWhat's next for Sasha Colby🔔 Subscribe to Island Fever Podcast for conversations centering Queer & Trans Pacific Islander voices, storytelling, culture, healing, relationships, and community.For more resources: www.pasifikarootedtherapy.com/islandfeverFollow Island Fever Podcast: Instagram: www.instagram.com/islandfeverpodcastThis episode was made possible by the support of:Trans Justice Funding ProjectNQAPIACredits:Hosts:• Vaelupe Ma'aele• Kristian Fanene Manuwai• Donato FatuesiExecutive Producers:• Aisea Laungaue• Kristian Fanene ManuwaiProducer:• Donato FatuesiEditor:• Peter Filimaua🔔 Subscribe to Island Fever Podcast for bold conversations centering Queer and Trans Pacific Islander voices, culture, creativity, relationships, healing, and community—while building bridges through conversations with changemakers from across the globe.

In this episode of Island Fever Podcast, hosts Vaelupe, Krit, and Donato sit down with actress, stylist, and cultural commentator Asia Jackson for an honest conversation about identity, belonging, and the lifelong journey toward self-acceptance.From growing up in a military family in different parts of the world to Long Beach and navigating life as a Blasian woman with Filipino roots, Asia opens up about existing between communities, confronting colorism, and the complicated realities of erasure within Asian, Black, and Pasifika spaces. Together, they unpack what it means to reclaim your identity, build confidence in an industry that often rewards proximity to whiteness, and discover that belonging begins with accepting yourself.Of course, it wouldn’t be Island Fever without a little fun. Asia also shares her favorite styling tips, talks about fashion as a form of self-expression, and reflects on the balance between celebrating identity without allowing it to become your entire personality.Whether you’ve ever questioned where you belong, struggled with cultural expectations, or are learning to embrace every part of yourself, this conversation is an invitation to take up space exactly as you are.🌈 Topics include:Growing up Blasian and FilipinoFinding belonging across multiple communitiesColorism and cultural erasureBuilding confidence and self-acceptanceRepresentation in Hollywood and content creationFashion as self-expressionMixed-race identity and privilegeCreating your own lane in entertainment✨ About Our Guest: Asia Jackson is an actress, model, stylist, and digital creator on a mission to challenge colorism and celebrate beautiful brown skin. A professional IT girl and founder of #MagandangMorenx. As a Filipino and Black creative, she has become a leading voice at the intersection of identity, representation, and style. Through her work across film, television, and social media, Asia has built a community centered on self-confidence, authenticity, and empowering people to embrace every part of who they are.🔔 Subscribe to Island Fever Podcast for conversations centering Queer & Trans Pacific Islander voices, storytelling, culture, healing, relationships, and community.For more resources: www.pasifikarootedtherapy.com/islandfeverFollow Island Fever Podcast: Instagram: www.instagram.com/islandfeverpodcastThis episode was made possible by the support of:IOANE FoundationDon't Drink the Water CafeSoCal PICRTCredits:Hosts:• Vaelupe Ma'aele• Kristian Fanene Manuwai• Donato FatuesiExecutive Producers:• Aisea Laungaue• Kristian Fanene ManuwaiProducer:• Donato FatuesiEditor:• Peter Filimaua🔔 Subscribe to Island Fever Podcast for bold conversations centering Queer and Trans Pacific Islander voices, culture, creativity, relationships, healing, and community—while building bridges through conversations with changemakers from across the globe.

In this episode of Island Fever Podcast, hosts Vaelupe, Krit, and Donato sit down with Jay Taj—rapper, songwriter, and Rhythm & Flow finalist—for a heartfelt conversation about the power of storytelling, cultural identity, and creating art that honors where you come from.From his breakout journey on Rhythm & Flow to celebrating his identity as a proud Chamorro & Black artist from Santa Ana. Jay Taj reflects on how music has become a vehicle for preserving culture, challenging stereotypes, and inspiring the next generation of Pasifika creatives. Together, they explore the courage it takes to share your story, the impact of his AAPI Month series, and why representation matters both on and off the stage.Jay Taj also opens up about navigating creative blocks, overcoming the fear of being vulnerable online, and the unexpected ways his storytelling has deepened his connection with community. Looking ahead, he shares what he's creating next and how he hopes his work continues to amplify Pacific Islander voices around the world.This conversation is honest, inspiring, and filled with wisdom for anyone searching for the confidence to embrace their identity, trust their creative journey, and tell the stories only they can tell.🌈 Topics include:Why storytelling matters for Pacific Islander communitiesLife after Rhythm & FlowEmbracing Chamorro identity through musicThe impact of Jay Taj's AAPI Month storytelling seriesBreaking through creative blocksRepresentation, vulnerability, and building community through art✨ About Our Guest:Jay Taj is a Chamorro & Black rapper, songwriter, and storyteller whose music blends lyricism, culture, and personal truth. Widely recognized for his appearance on Rhythm & Flow, he has become a powerful voice for Pacific Islanders in hip-hop, using his platform to celebrate Chamorro identity and amplify stories that have long been underrepresented in mainstream media. Through his music and digital storytelling, Jay Taj continues to inspire audiences by proving that authenticity, culture, and creativity can coexist at the center of artistic success.This episode was made possible by the support of:IOANE FoundationDon't Drink the Water CafeSoCal PICRTCredits:Hosts:• Vaelupe Ma'aele• Kristian Fanene Manuwai• Donato FatuesiExecutive Producers:• Aisea Laungaue• Kristian Fanene ManuwaiProducer:• Donato FatuesiEditor:• Peter Filimaua🔔 Subscribe to Island Fever Podcast for bold conversations centering Queer and Trans Pacific Islander voices, culture, creativity, relationships, healing, and community—while building bridges through conversations with changemakers from across the globe.

In this episode of Island Fever Podcast, hosts Vaelupe, Krit, and Donato sit down with Kid Fury—comedian, writer, actor, podcast host, and longtime co-host of The Read—for an honest conversation about building a career that lasts in entertainment while staying true to yourself.From growing up as a Jamaican kid in Miami to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in podcasting, Kid Fury reflects on the moments that shaped his perspective, the chemistry behind The Read, and what it really takes to stand out in an industry full of talented people. Together, they explore storytelling, comedy, mental health, creative longevity, dating, representation, and why authenticity remains your greatest advantage.Kid Fury also shares his thoughts on Pacific Islander representation in Hollywood, offers practical advice for aspiring Black and Brown queer creators, and opens up about transforming personal challenges into deeply meaningful art.This conversation is hilarious, insightful, deeply personal, and filled with wisdom for anyone navigating creativity, identity, and the pursuit of a life that feels authentically their own.🌈 Topics include: Building a lasting career in entertainment The success and legacy of The ReadComedy, podcasting, and finding your creative voice, Mental health and turning pain into art, Advice for Black, Brown, and LGBTQ+ creators✨ About Our Guest:Kid Fury is a comedian, writer, actor, and podcast host best known as the longtime co-host of the award-winning podcast The Read. Over more than two decades in entertainment, he has built a career spanning stand-up comedy, television writing—including HBO Max's Rap Sh!t—live touring, and his solo podcast Furious Thoughts. Known for his sharp wit, cultural commentary, and vulnerability, Kid Fury continues to inspire audiences by blending humor with deeply personal storytelling.🌺 This episode was made possible by the support of:• IOANE Foundation• Don't Drink the Water Cafe• SoCal PICRT🎬 CreditsHosts:• Vaelupe Ma'aele• Kristian Fanene Manuwai• Donato FatuesiExecutive Producers:• Aisea Laungaue• Kristian Fanene ManuwaiProducer:• Donato FatuesiEditor:• Peter Filimaua🔔 Subscribe to Island Fever Podcast for bold conversations centering Queer and Trans Pacific Islander voices, culture, creativity, relationships, healing, and community—while building bridges through conversations with changemakers from across the globe.

In this special episode of Island Fever Podcast, host Donato Fatuesi is joined by Dezonikah Michaelz, Agaiotupu Viena, and Tru Koroi for a powerful conversation exploring a question many MVPFAFF+ people are asking right now:What are the safest cities for Pasifika trans people in the United States?Together, they reflect on the places that shaped them, the communities that embraced them, and the realities of navigating life as Pasifika trans people across different cities and regions. From family expectations and cultural responsibilities to dating, career opportunities, and finding chosen family, this conversation dives into what safety truly means beyond laws and policies. The group shares stories of growing up, moving away, building community, and creating lives where they can not only survive—but thrive. Along the way, they unpack the role of visibility, leadership, and collective care in today’s political climate, while celebrating the resilience and brilliance of MVPFAFF+ communities. This conversation is honest, affirming, hilarious, and heartfelt. 🌈 Topics include:What MVPFAFF+ means and why representation mattersThe safest cities for Pasifika trans people in the U.S.Family, culture, and community support. Dating as a Pasifika trans personEconomic opportunity and quality of lifeBuilding chosen family and trans sisterhoodLeadership, visibility, and advocacyThriving in today’s political climateWhat home, safety, and belonging really mean✨ About Our Guests: Dezonikah Michaelz is a former Miss Island Goddess 2025, trans advocate, and fisheries professional whose work bridges community leadership, cultural identity, and environmental stewardship. Agaiotupu Viena is a communications and gender messaging strategist and co-founder of Trans Women of Color Solidarity Network, dedicated to amplifying Pacific Islander voices and advancing social change through storytelling and advocacy.Tru Koroi is a creative, journalist, and storyteller whose work explores culture, identity, community, and the evolving experiences of Pasifika people.💖 Whether you’re looking for community, considering a move, or simply curious about how Pasifika trans people are creating lives filled with joy and possibility, this episode offers insight, wisdom, and a reminder that safety is about more than a place—it’s about people.🎧 Listen now and join the conversation.