Pasifika Podcasting
Words by Jolénna Deo (she/her)
Bula baddies,
I am Jolénna, and I was one of the hosts of the Salient-produced podcast 20Somethings. Today, my mic is on mute as I present a brief insight into two podcasts you should be listening to.
Our ancestors were amazing storytellers, so it's no surprise that the following podcasts are hosted by some young, beautiful, and brown individuals. The four hosts of the recommended podcasts below have traded in the fue* for microphones and are bringing hyena laughs to all good listening platforms.
Island Roots, Auckland Ways—@islandrootsaucklandways
The first podcast recommendation will have you feeling like you're enjoying a talanoa session with some old mates. Island Roots, Auckland Ways is hosted by two proud South Aucklanders, Mariner Fagaiava (Samoan and Tongan descent) and Allyssa Verner-Pula (Samoan and palagi). Their friendship blossomed in an Onehunga High School classroom where they found a shared appreciation for the iconic 2017 Fifth Harmony VMA performance. Their close relationship acts as a solid foundation for the podcast.
The premise of the show is about following these two 20-somethings through the trials and tribulations of being young, brown, and growing up in Tāmaki Makaurau. With special guests like Joe Daymond and Azura Lane, episodes are filled with advice and life stories that shed light on topics such as mental health and cultural identity, conversations I know I have had with my own Pasifika and Māori friends alike. The two hosts navigate these topics while intertwining personal anecdotes, ultimately presenting a show that provides everything you'd want from a podcast and more.
Two Idiot Girls—@_twoidiotgirls
The second podcast is Two Idiot Girls, hosted by Drew Afualo and Deison Afualo (both Samoan and Irish). Drew, known as the queen of shutting down incel, women-hating men on TikTok, is joined by her older sister as they, essentially, chat. Imagine if those two gossip-loving aunties in your family were given mics and a platform; it would sound something like this.
Although they are sisters, they acknowledge their varied experiences of growing up as Pasifika women. Deison, who went to high school in Oregon at a predominantly white institution (PWI), struggled with being one of the few brown girls, whereas Drew studied in Hawaii surrounded by people who looked and sounded like her. This is just one example of the stories they share on the show for listeners to relate to and have their own experiences validated.
Incorporating these voices and stories from the Pasifika community into the podcasting world not only enriches the medium but also helps foster understanding, connection, and empowerment for both Pasifika individuals and wider audiences. Through their unique perspectives and experiences, these podcasts play a crucial role in celebrating brown excellence while also simply giving us all a chance to have a laugh, and in this economy, we will take what we can get.
Moce mada x
* A fue is a ceremonial whisk from Samoa. The fue is an item of regal importance for a Samoan tulafale (talking chief). They are carried by tulafale or high chiefs when they are acting as an orator and presenting lauga (ceremonial speeches).