Heartbeat Narratives

IN SERVICE OF THE SEA · On this episode, longtime Mālama Maunalua volunteer and science educator Ralph Dykes joins from Maunalua, Oʻahu where he has spent over 15 years helping restore the native marine ecosystem. A consistent presence who kayaks every day, Ralph reflects on what it means to care for a place over time and why that kind of steady, local effort matters. He shares stories from his life shaped by service, including growing up after Pearl Harbor, serving in the Navy, and teaching science for decades before dedicating his retirement to mālama ʻāina (caring for the land). This conversation, recorded from the shoreline of Paikō Beach, is a grounded look at quiet leadership and what being in service of the sea means for Hawaiʻi. Episode Highlights 01:05 – Meet Ralph Dykes - science educator and Mālama Maunalua volunteer 03:01 – Life before the classroom... and what came after 03:41 – From Navy ships to Honolulu shores 05:35 – Teaching science, coaching students, and lessons that stuck 09:52 – Restoring an ecosystem, one kayak trip at a time 13:34 – Volunteering: why community matters more than ever 17:05 – What keeps Ralph inspired after all these years 18:23 – Advice for the next generation To learn more about Mālama Maunalua or volunteer, please visit: https://malamamaunalua.org/ Photo Credit: Alex Awo

ROOTS, REGGAE & RHYTHM. Dr. Sunaina Keonaona Kale, an ethnomusicologist and member of the Hawaiian diaspora, explores the connections between reggae music and her growing interest in her Hawaiian identity. The conversation traces how reggae found a home in Hawaiʻi and how its rhythms echo the islands’ own expansive sense of community and belonging. Sunaina shares her own path of reconnecting to her genealogy through fieldwork, family stories, and unintended (but helpful) “me-search.” The discussion dives into questions of identity, ancestry in Polynesia, India and Europe, and the evolving meanings of being Hawaiian in the modern world. This episode is an unfiltered exploration of how music can shape who we are and where we call home. Sunaina was recently featured in a University of California article about how reggae came to Hawaiʻi , exploring the evolution of the islands’ unique reggae sound and its deep cultural roots. https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/how-reggae-came-to-hawaii She also appears in the documentary In Hawaiian Hands – Part 1, which highlights local voices and stories of connection to place and culture. Part 2 of the film was released recently. https://www.pbs.org/video/in-hawaiian-hands-the-story-of-reggae-in-hawaii-part-1-roots-of-creation-yjkqdc/ Favorite Songs List! Island Music / Island Reggae / Jawaiian Brother Noland – “Coconut Girl” Bruddah Waltah – “Hawaiian Lands” Nā Wai Ho‘olu‘u o Ke Ānuenue – “Girlie Girlie” Kapena – “Masese” Fiji – “Come on Over” Sean Na‘auao – “Fish and Poi” Three Plus – “Honey Baby” Natural Vibrations – “One on One” Anuhea – “Simple Love Song” J Boog – “Let’s Do It Again” Irie Love ft. Fiji – “It Is Wut It Is” Common Kings – “Wade In Your Water” Sons of Yeshua – “We Are Mauna Kea” Paula Fuga (with Jack Johnson) – “Country Road / Give Voice” Maoli – “Whiskey Doesn’t Work” The Vitals – “Kali Ana Au” (a Hawaiian-language cover of Bob Marley’s “Waiting In Vain”) Iam Tongi – “Cool Down” Underground Roots Butch Helemano – “Joshua” Maacho – “Somebody Moved Me” Ooklah the Moc – “Hell Fire” Humble Soul – “Frequency” Ruff Neck Posse – “Down Inna Babylon” Episode Highlights 00:00 – 🎙️ Meet Dr. Sunaina Kale 01:10 – 🌊 Finding Home Across the Pacific 01:47 – 🎶 Nerding Out on Identity & Sound 05:15 – 🌺 Reggae With Aloha 08:03 – 🎧 How Reggae Took Root 11:14 – 💃 Favorite Jams & Behind-the-Scenes Stories 22:41 – 🌱 Roots in Hawaiʻi, India and Europe, Belonging and Spirituality 36:52 – 🤎 Reflections

Sham, a passionate skateboarder and coach, shares about his love of skateboarding and how it became a lifelong source of joy and confidence. From his first drop-in as a teenager to teaching kids as young as three at Skatebruh in Singapore, he talks about finding flow, pushing past fear, and embracing every fall as part of the ride. Now at 40, Sham continues to chase that same thrill that first sparked his love for the sport. Enjoy!

In a remote corner of Norway’s Hardangerfjord, Knut shares stories shaped by stone, silence, and saltwater. We talk about fly-catching, reindeer stew, and what it means to create without rushing. His world is one of quiet craftsmanship, reflection, and strong ties to the land and family. From building a simple pier to teaching children to sail, Knut’s life is woven into the rhythms of nature. This episode explores the slow intelligence of living close to the earth and the clarity that can come from doing less. It is a conversation about presence, connection, and the kind of peace that grows over time. Tusen takk (a thousand thanks) for listening! Episode Highlights / Episodens høydepunkter 00:37 — Introduksjon av Knut / Introduction of Knut 00:56 — Family dinner, reindeer stew, and fly catching skills / Familiemiddag, reinsdyrgryte og fluefanging 01:42 — Connection with nature / Forbindelse med naturen 04:17 — Togetherness / Samhold 05:57 — Living in harmony with the fjord / Å leve i harmoni med fjorden 07:31 — Building, creativity, and resourcefulness / Bygging, kreativitet og oppfinnsomhet 09:42 — Fruit farming in Hardangerfjord / Fruktproduksjon i Hardangerfjord 12:00 — Fishing and the art of self-sufficiency / Fiske og kunsten å være selvforsynt 12:53 — Daily life and quiet contemplation / Hverdagsliv og rolig ettertanke 14:40 — Inner peace / Indre fred 18:11 — Gratitude / Takknemlighet 20:18 — Closing thoughts / Avsluttende tanker Photo credits: Knut, Molly Mamaril

In this heart-to-heart conversation, Paulette Erato, host of La Vida Más Chévere de Childfree Latinas, shares her journey of rewriting life’s narratives. Based in Los Angeles and rooted in her Puerto Rican heritage, Paulette brings humor and relatable insights to the theme of joy. She opens up about taking a non-traditional path, practicing radical self-kindness, and embracing the quiet strength of soft power. Together, we unpack what it means to let go of societal “shoulds” and redefine success on our own terms. Through her stories, Paulette reminds us that it’s never too late to pivot - and that following our dreams is always a path worth taking. Mahalo for tuning in! ⏱ Episode Highlights: 01:07 – Paulette’s Origin Story: From Life to the Mic 01:49 – La Vida Más Chévere 07:01 – Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs 08:35 – Radical Self-Kindness 13:51 – Redefining Success on Your Own Terms 29:50 – TED Talk Dreams & Latinas in Podcasting 🔗 Connect with Paulette Erato 🌐 Website: pauletteerato.com 🎙️ Podcast: La Vida Más Chévere de Childfree Latinas – available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. 📸 Photo Credit: Paulette Erato 🎨 Episode Art: Molly Mamaril