The Island Wave

🌊 The Island Wave Podcast 🌊 🎙️ New Episode! Hosts Oreta Tupola and Kamaile Tripp sit down with Jolisna Hong, founder of Ladies in Bloom, a powerful organization dedicated to empowering young women through self-love, education, and advocacy. 🌺 Our Vision: Ladies in Bloom uplifts young women by focusing on four key pillars: ✨ Self-Love – Building confidence and emotional well-being 🩺 Feminine Healthcare – Promoting knowledge of reproductive health and self-care 📚 Education – Transforming lives through learning 🚨 Domestic Violence Awareness – Equipping young women with the tools to protect themselves and others In this episode, we dive into Jolisna’s inspiring journey, the passion behind her work, and how her heritage shapes her mission. Learn about the impactful programs Ladies in Bloom offers and how YOU can support this movement! 🎧 Tune in now! Don’t miss this insightful and uplifting conversation. Mahalo! 💙 #TheIslandWavePodcast #LadiesInBloom #EmpowerYoungWomen #SelfLove #Education #PolynesianHeritage

On this episode of the Island Wave Podcast, Oreta and Kamaile welcome community experts; Ciriac Alvarez Valle with Voices for Utah Children and Jeannette Villalta, CHW with Vamos Healthcare.  Join us as our panel unpacks the latest executive orders that have profoundly impacted the communities we serve. Learn about your rights—regardless of your immigration status—and gain valuable insights on how to navigate these changes. Our guests share messages of solidarity, empowerment, and unwavering support, reminding us that we stand together. We will not stop fighting for justice and will continue advocating for our diverse communities. For more information about Emergency Family Planning and to know your Immigrant Rights, go to the Utah Immigrant Advocacy Coalition. Mahalo!

On this episode, Oreta and Kamaile sit down with an incredible panel of guests: Celina Diaz, a Clinical Community Health Worker at the University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine. Michael Anaafi and Brooke Larson, University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine Students and Leaders of the South Main Student-Led Clinic. We delve deep into their inspiring backgrounds, the motivations that led them to medicine, and the unique journeys they've embarked upon. Join us as we explore the inner workings of the South Main Clinic, a remarkable initiative that addresses the social determinants of health for its patients. We'll discuss: The clinic's unique approach to patient care, including tailored interventions and resource connections. The vital role of community engagement in improving health outcomes. The diverse perspectives and life lessons our panelists bring to the table, reflecting the rich tapestry of the Utah community. This episode offers a glimpse into the compassionate and innovative spirit of healthcare, and the profound impact it can have on individuals and communities. To book an appointment at the South Main Student-Led Clinic, call (801) 587-2525 ~ Mahalo

In this episode, Oreta and Kamaile sit down with Lucia Benitez, a dedicated Community Health Worker (CHW) from Wendover, Utah – a rural and frontier town with a rich history and unique healthcare challenges.  Lucia shares her inspiring journey of addressing social determinants of health and her tireless efforts to bring health equity to her community. She discusses:    ✅ The obstacles residents face in accessing essential healthcare   ✅ How Lucia connects local leaders and resource providers to support the community's needs   ✅ Heartfelt stories from the community and their fight for better healthcare resources   ✅ A look into her new initiative aimed at improving health access for Wendover’s residents, despite the end of funding for her position with the Tooele County Health Department.   🔍 Wendover, Utah, sits on the edge of the Utah-Nevada border and is historically known for its isolation and rural roots. With limited access to healthcare and resources, the town faces ongoing struggles—but Lucia's work is making a difference one step at a time. 💪 Tune in to hear about Lucia’s experiences, her community’s resilience, and the miracles needed to bring health equity to frontier towns like Wendover. 🎧 Listen now and be inspired by Lucia’s unwavering commitment to her community! #Podcast #HealthcareAccess #HealthEquity #RuralHealth #WendoverUtah #CHW #SocialDeterminantsOfHealth #FrontierTown

Join hosts Oreta and Kamaile as they dive into the stories of Pacific Islanders making waves in their communities and beyond. In this special episode, Oreta and Kamaile sit down with Lusia Tamala, a student from the University of Utah, along with her mentors Dr. Mary Playdon and Dr. William Holland. Together, they explore Lusia's journey as a Haumana o' Pasifika student intern, delving into her experiences shadowing medical professionals and conducting groundbreaking research at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Discover how Lusia navigates her path towards her dream career while embracing her Pacific Islander heritage. Dr. Playdon and Dr. Holland also share invaluable insights into their efforts to enhance access to education, wellness, and research tailored to the unique experiences of Pacific Islanders. ~ Mahalo    Lusia Tamala & Dr. Mary Playdon   Dr. William Holland

On this episode Kamaile and Oreta are joined by fellow Community Health Worker, Yeny Arones. It is National Community Health Workers week! Join our hosts and guest as they share information about this vital healthcare workforce and celebrate the many ways CHWs eliminate barriers, assist with systems navigation and build self-advocacy in others.  For more information about the Utah Community Health Worker's Association, go to www.uchwa.org Utah residents, to be connected with a Community Health Worker, go to https://ualhd.org/ to find your local health department. There is a team of CHWs ready to help you! Or feel free to send us an IM at https://www.facebook.com/TheIslandWave/ ~ Mahalo  

                                On this episode, Kamaile and JR Hardman share an interview and conversation they had with Dr. Jonathan Osorio. An Associate Producer of PBS Utah, JR is joining Kamaile in an effort to create a documentary about Iosepa, Utah from the Native Hawaiian history and perspective. As Hawaii's beloved historian, educator and musician; Dr. Osorio teaches them the history of Hawaii to give a perspective of what the people of Iosepa were experiencing at the time they left.  Dr. Osorio shares details of the transfer of power during the time of the first missionaries. We learn about the populations experiences after discovery, the wave of health disparities, the political and economic changes Hawaii is experiencing at the time. The deeper changes for the people in the control of land, language, religion and even their weekly calendar. Dr. Osorio shares details of Hawaii's ruling monarchs of the time. JR then went to Hawaii for a week, visiting various destinations. Hear the conversation Kamaile and JR have, when she returns from her trip ~ Mahalo  

Aloha, We have teamed up with the Pacific Island Chamber of Commerce to bring you this special series. On our first show we get to know, Tooele County Community Health Worker, Damianah Lupeamanu. We learn about her story, her efforts as a Manager at the Road Home Shelter and her efforts to conduct a needs assessment in the Tooele County Pacific Island Community. We discuss the subject of Community Engagement and what it is like for our Pacific Island people, but also how the broader community can effectively engage with us.  Our panel answers questions about our Pacific Island regions, our history, the contrast of tradition on the Islands and in the continental United States. As always we ask the hard questions and encourage you to stand up, be counted, be heard ~ Mahalo For more information about the Pacific Island Chamber of Commerce, go to:  www.PIChamber.org Complete the PICC Utah Pacific Island owned Business needs assessment here.  If you would like to connect with a Community Health Worker in Tooele, Utah, send an email to chw@pik2ar.org Complete the Pacific Islander Tooele County resident needs assessment here.     

We are excited to share this special episode with you. Our Producer, Kamaile, chats with Irish Family Historian and Cousin, Jack Johnston of County Tyrone, Ireland. Joining Kamaile for this episode is her mom, Hawaiian Family Historian, Noelani Phillips.  We learn about Jack's journey as a historian, his work to connect sides during the troubles; He also helps clear up and shed light on some family legends. We hear about the connection made between Jack and four generations of Kamaile's family. The family had no knowledge of their link to Ireland until Kamaile's Great-great-grandfather confessed to his son that he had changed his name and run away from home in Ireland. That son, Kamaile calls Tutu Man, returned to Ireland in 1976 to meet his family. This trip would influence the trajectory of Jack's life as he then focused on his career as a historian. Jack has corresponded with cousins all over the world, which produced some books so is now Author of; The Clogher Story and The Johnstons of Aughendrummond and Annagarvey. According to the US Census Bureau, over 30 million Americans can trace their roots back to Ireland. Be on the lookout for the annual St. Patrick's Day sale from Ancestry DNA. Family Members can request a transcript and video recording of this show by sending an email to theislandwavepodcast@gmail.com ~ Mahalo  

On this episode Kamaile introduces us to the work of Ty Bellamy, Founder of the Black Lives for Humanity Movement Group. A Community Health Worker who addresses the immediate needs of the Unsheltered Community. Going right to the individual, providing food, clothing, advocacy and support.  Learn about Ty's efforts to create safe space and healing for our Unsheltered Relatives. As a one person operation, Ty is dedicated to showing up for the needs of those in need. Hear the influence behind their passion to serve the community. We talk about chronic homelessness, addiction and healing.  Ty shares their hopes and plans for their work. Please listen and if you are able, support Ty's work by sending a contribution to their Venmo funds. For more information about the organization or to connect with Ty personally, follow the links below ~ Mahalo   Black Lives For Humanity Movement Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/2549635111952353   Ty Bellamy  https://www.facebook.com/ty.bellamy.37  

On this episode Oreta and Kamaile get to know the new Director of Utah's Pacific Island Chamber of Commerce, Alyn Toalepai. Also the owner of Koko Creations Company Instant Koko Samoa Hot Drinks. We learn about the idea behind the product and the moment he knew he had a product his Samoan people could embrace. Hear about his journey through the hospitality industry and the community minded values that he brings to the PIK2AR ecosystem.  We talk about the need for educational equity in our community and how the Chamber hopes to foster this connection for our Pacific Island people in the State of Utah. Find out about how you can get involved with their programs and events this year.  ~ Malo Here are links to the information provided in our show; Koko Creations Company https://www.kokocreationscompany.com/s/order?location=11ec985a73aff006a7d5ac1f6bbba828 Utah Pacific Island Chamber of Commerce https://www.pik2ar.org/picc Utah Pacific Islander Health Coalition https://www.upihc.org/ Pacific Island Knowledge to Action Resources https://www.pik2ar.org/    

Happy New Year! On this episode Oreta and Kamaile talk with the Men of the Behind the Lavalava Podcast. All Samoan US Veterans, they connected in the service and have maintained a strong bond through their love of the game "Call of duty". Seeing each other through love, family and loss; They are now united through their podcast which addresses all relevant subjects to their demographic. Even the tapu or taboo.  They share their experiences being raised by parents from the island, of different cultures and means. We hear about their journey through depression, anxiety and share their pathway to receiving support. We look forward to supporting their work and visiting with them again.  The Behind the Lavalava Podcast is an official retailer of Matai Watches. To hear their current and past episodes, go to https://behindthelavalava.buzzsprout.com/. For more information about the Kava Talks Men's Support Group, go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/kavatalk/ ~ Mahalo      

On this episode we talk to Lonzo Liggins, Co-host of the Roots, Race & Culture show on PBS Utah. We get to know about his experience growing up on the east side of Salt Lake City. We learn about his journey through his career as an actor. We hear about his journey to becoming Co-host of a PBS Utah show.  As always we ask the hard questions and share space for important conversation. We share the importance of knowing our own roots, and the diverse cultures of our Community neighbors. We learn about plans for season 2 of Roots, Race & Culture and hear some insights about Pacific Island culture. 

On this episode we talk to Wendy Garvin, Founder of Unsheltered Utah. We first learn how she was inspired to begin the organization. We hear about what happens during abatements and how Unsheltered Utah is ready to activate a response; To assist the unsheltered community to move and save their belongings, but also to be emotional support for them to endure what is to come. Wendy walks us through what they must face when attempting to provide resources for their unsheltered clients, with no place to go. We learn that most of the resources, and unsheltered community, are within the confines of Salt Lake City and other cities within the county have said they do not want the community or services in theirs. We also compare the Salt Lake County Homeless policies to the likes of the Honolulu County. Where one can be compensated for being homeless and take advantage of a waiver for a photo ID, for comparison of policies created to provide a cohesive plan throughout the island chain. We ask Wendy about barriers the unsheltered community might face when seeking resources like food, housing, and healthcare. She shares some of the conversations she has had with service providers to advocate for their care. We learn about the policy experts who advocate for their work in responding to the needs of the unsheltered community. Wendy shares her research in understanding the expense of our current Utah homeless policy verses one more conducive to the human condition. She states that Utah could spend approximately $13,000 per person per year to house them and provide wrap around services to improve their livelihood. Instead, we spend $98,000 per person per year for homeless resource centers, policing and jail. We learn about the barriers to dietary specific food and the limited ability one has to cook over an open flame on the street. We hear about the work Unsheltered Utah does to partner with organizations to fulfill clients’ specific needs. As well they work to provide public service education for health and personal safety, like carbon monoxide poisoning. Wendy reminds us about the intersectionality and diverse populations that our unsheltered relatives represent. Finally, we hear about efforts to provide health care to the unsheltered population in the field, through an Andy’s clinic implemented by Dr. Jen Plumb. We learn that homelessness is not a burden or problem to focus on but a response to complex traumas and social determinants of health that have been unaddressed, untreated, and even denied for a long period of time. To support Unsheltered Utah by donation: http://unshelteredutah.org/donate/ To volunteer for Unsheltered Utah: http://unshelteredutah.org/volunteers/ To provide the resource of needed items: http://unshelteredutah.org/most-needed-items/ *Special thanks to Talia Keys ~ Mahalo 

On this episode we talk to Carl Moore, Co-Founder of PANDOS and SLC Air Protectors. We learn about Carl's work serving and advocating for the Unsheltered Community in Salt Lake City. He tells us about his work with Unsheltered Utah, a non-profit organization focused on meeting the immediate needs of the unsheltered residents of Utah, coordinating with existing social services, while working toward creating employment and permanent housing solutions. As well as Our Unsheltered Relatives (OURS), a community collective effort led by Dave John to provide meals for Unsheltered populations in Salt Lake City. We hear about the barriers to healthcare and resources for unsheltered communities. And hear about the trauma they must endure when abatements occur. As usual, we ask the hard questions and hold safe space to discuss trauma, mental health and wellness.  To support Carl Moore and his work in the community, Venmo: @camo36 Mahalo ~   

On this episode we meet Jakey Siolo - Case Manager with the Pacific Island Knowledge to Action Resources (PIK2AR) and Community Health Worker for the Utah Pride Center. We learn about his demanding schedule of being on-call 24 hours a day to respond to calls from Community Members and serving as a Certified Advocate for Victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. Jakey says that communication, reaching out for assistance and emergency planning are important dialogue for families experiencing domestic violence.  As always we talk about heritage and ask the hard questions when discussing being raised an individual with many different cultures. Jakey shares the ways he is able to keep his work and life in balance. We discuss how Community Health Workers share life experiences with the people they serve, making it possible to understand what they are going through. CHWs are able to provide assistance with shared strength and without judgement.  We discuss the vital role that Community Health Workers and Case Managers have in connecting families with resources, providing a one-stop approach to ensure equitable access. CHWs fill the gaps in service by representing our diverse communities and building the trust with community members to extend education or resources. Jakey shares his passion for policy advocacy and stresses the importance of community representation on the hill.   We learn about programs and education provided through PIK2AR and the Utah Pride Center. Community members can send an email to chw@pik2ar.org to request COVID-19 care kits, utility or rental assistance, food resources & violence prevention advocacy.  ~ Mahalo

*Trigger warning: Episode includes sensitive subjects such as domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse.  On this episode we talk to Adrian Swensen - Community Advocate and Development Director with the Pacific Island Knowledge to Action Resources (PIK2AR). He shares personal stories of growing up with domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse in the home. He tells about how he learned to survive, dealing with this cycle of abuse, moving toward a pathway of understanding and forgiveness. We learn about his enduring relationship with PIK2AR's founder, Susi and how he came to live with her as a young boy.  We talk about the importance of violence prevention advocacy, providing resources for families and kids to heal from trauma. Sharing personal experiences of resilience and self healing, we talk about therapies and measures to take that break the cycle of abuse. We speak to the adults with children around them to be more mindful of their developing mental, emotional and physical health. As these things will provide emotional and intellectual fortitude that is needed to determine right from wrong, be able to self advocate and make appropriate decisions toward a healthy future.   Adrian shares more of his life experiences; how he has learned from his mistakes, attempts to repair his past, advocating for those who need help and working for the National Coalition for Criminal Justice Reform. PIK2AR provides advocacy for anyone who is a victim of crime, abuse, or in need of assistance. Services include accompanying victims to court appointments or meetings (with law enforcement officers, lawyers, DCFS workers, etc.) to advocate on their behalf, helping victims find resources, and even just being a listening ear to help victims process trauma and feel less alone. If you need food, rental or utility assistance send an email to chw@pik2ar.org today. There are Community Health Workers ready to help and provide support.   ~ Aloha  

On this episode we talk to Nisi La'a, a Community Health Worker with the Pacific Island Knowledge to Action Resources (PIK2AR). We learn about the ways they are supporting the community during the pandemic and the many programs that they offer. Nisi shares her journey as a Community Health Worker and how she stays motivated and inspired. We share resources we use for self-care and rejuvenation.   We talk about the need for more youth programming during the pandemic. With recent events in our Pacific Island Community, there is evidence that youth are turning to other forms of outlet that have been fatal. We begin to put our heads together as a community to create a Utah Youth Connection, Empowerment and Health Care Initiative.    PIK2AR will be holding a vaccination clinic tomorrow Friday, January 21, 2022 from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Pacific Heritage Academy 1755 W 1100 N in Rose Park. Get your vaccine or booster, COVID Care Kits and some swag.   For more information about PIK2AR or the vaccination clinic, send an email to Nisi@pik2ar.org.   ~ Mahalo  

On this episode we connect with Kamaile's old friend from the UVU Women of the Mountains conference, Jesler Molina, who is now working for Utah Recruiting Firm, PrincePerelson & Associates. We learn about the pathway to job opportunities and discuss some professional goals to take charge of one's career.  We learn about the Alianza Venezolana de Utah a community based organization for Utah's Venezuelan Community Jesler founded to provide pathways to business and other resources. We talk about the importance of representation and connection to resources.  PrincePerelson & Associates has opportunities in permanent & contract placement, temporary staffing and Executive positions. For more information, reach out to Jesler today at Jesler@Perelson.com or call (801) 532-1000.   Mahalo ~

On this episode we talk to our good friend Maisa, seasoned Community Health Worker and Administrative Manager for Utah AHEC at the University of Utah Division of Public Health. We learn about the projects she is working on to inform parents about opportunities for Youth to secure funding for Medical certifications and careers beginning in Junior High and High School.  We also learn about a couple of the monthly projects conducted by first year med students to shadow CHWs in their work and to establish an Asylum Clinic. To connect medical students with a foundation in community outreach and cultural humility.  Book references mentioned in this recording; The Hospital: Life, Death, and Dollars in a Small American Town, Brian Alexander . New York: St. Martin’s Press, 2021. 320 pp. ISBN 9781250237354, $28.99 (hardcover). https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/00197939211015142 Book Review: Gang Leader for a Day: A Rogue Sociologist Crosses the Line Sudhir Venkatesh London/New York: Allen Lane, 2008. 302 + xiv pp. £18.99. ISBN: 0713999934 Martin O'Brien https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/17416590090050010603