Heartbeat Narratives

DO YOUR BEST · This week, Heartbeat Narratives turns 1! To mark the milestone, we welcome the most requested guest, Amund Gismervik, a steady presence who has quietly shaped the podcast behind the scenes. Note: he is the guitarist behind the podcast's intro and outro music! A lifelong athlete with a deep passion for springboard and platform diving, Amund has transformed his love for the sport into coaching. Born and raised in Norway, he followed his zest for diving to Hawaiʻi on a University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa scholarship and later represented Norway in the 10-meter platform at the...

EVERY WORD COUNTS · In this episode, playwright Sean Dunnington shares stories that travel as freely as he does from Hawaiʻi Island to New York, Singapore, and beyond. He reflects on growing up in the misty hills of Waimea, finding refuge in theater, and learning how art can belong anywhere including libraries, community circles, and far off stages. The conversation drifts through queerness, power, memory, and the  magic of theatricality when life is mirrored onstage. Sean explores how his writing has evolved from personal survival to creative world building, and how playwriting can be a communal, living practice. This fun...

Health Content Advisory: This conversation centers on pregnancy and birth, including personal experiences. Please listen with care – mahalo.

In this life-affirming episode, we sit down with PuaOEleili Pinto - mother of two, cultural health provider, and keeper of lomilomi, lāʻau lapaʻau, and Hawaiian childbirth traditions. Raised in Kailua, Oʻahu, with ancestral roots across Maui and Hawaiʻi Island, Pua honors her lineage through both research and lived practice via Ēwe ʻOiaʻiʻo, the company she founded to teach Hawaiian healing and birth. She shares how Hawaiian history, ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, sound, and land restoration sh...

WILDLAND FIREFIGHTING · Meet Harry Baden, a wildland firefighter based in Montana who followed an unexpected path from Minnesota to Hawaiʻi and into a life of fire service. In this episode of Heartbeat Narratives, he shares the fun, camaraderie, and standout moments that come from working long days on the fire line with friends who quickly become family. Harry talks about how discipline, training, and his athletic background influenced the way he approaches both the physical grind and the mental focus the job demands. He talks about the balance between intense, high stakes work and the joy found in te...

COURAGE TO COMMERCE · In this mini episode, we meet Reshma in the bustling marketplace at Katong Square in Singapore, where commerce and community come alive. She shares how losing her job at 50 sparked the courage to turn her lifelong love of fashion and handmade goods into a vibrant, affordable boutique. Reshma’s journey is a joyful reminder that reinvention is part of life and taking the courageous jump into entrepreneurship can lead to meaningful new beginnings. 

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SPEARFISHING · In this episode, Cindy Kan shares her perspective as a waterwoman, spearfisher, and lifelong ocean lover. She reflects on how the Pacific has taught her balance and presence, shaping the way she moves through life both in and out of the water. Her story follows a path from Vancouver, Canada to the reefs of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi where learning to source her own food strengthened the kinship she feels with the islands. Cindy shares about turning points that led her to the practices that now ground her, including free diving and sustainable harvesting. Through her eyes, the oce...

As Heartbeat gets close to turning one, I’ve been thinking about how much joy this whole pod-life journey has brought me. And with my birthday this month, it felt like the perfect time to share a fun bit of serendipity - I discovered a video time capsule from when I was sixteen. I popped in a few audio clips at the end so you can get a quick peek into my teen years (midwest accent and all). Aloha nui  -MNM 

Episode Highlights

00:00 — Aloha future me

02:09 — Roses, thorns & throwbacks

04:49 — Joy, but make it ea...

A serendipitous encounter in Kīhei opens the door to the enchanting world of Maui musician Don Lax, whose hurdy-gurdy and violin shimmer with their own personalities. Don shares the spellbinding history of these instruments and brings them to life with music that feels as if it drifted in from another era. As he and Molly talk story on the sidewalk of a grocery store, Don reflects on his globe-trotting childhood and the Christmas violin that set his musical path in motion. He also shares his rare gift for hearing and playing the song of a person’s soul, tur...

Pop, pop, POP! It’s SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY! 🍿At Lani’s Island Snack Shack in Hilo, Hawaiʻi, Cassi of Kravin' Munchies brings pure joy to every conversation about handmade treats and the laughter-filled energy of the shop. Cassi dives into the beginnings of those flavored popcorn experiments and the mouthwatering power of Lani's beloved teri burger (with mustard!) that customers can’t stop ordering. Be sure to support your favorite small businesses today! Enjoy this mini-sweet treat episode.🍬

Follow along:

🍧 Kravin' Munchies — https://www.instagram.com/kravinmunchies/?hl=en

🍔 Lani’s Island Snack Shack — https://w...

Content Advisory: This episode contains sensitive themes, including discussion of suicide and suicide awareness. Please listen with care -  mahalo.

In this season of gratitude, I’m excited to share an episode recorded with a close college friend of mine, Coco, an artist in every sense of the word. During a reunion at our alma mater in St. Paul, Minnesota, we revisit our college years and the beautiful, ever-evolving creative path they’ve carved through dance, theater, and - of course - the influence of Beyoncé(!).

Coco opens up about their journey of self-discovery and healin...

ZEST & ZIPLINING· Molly and Dina Hammersland meet atop Mount Ulriken in Bergen, Norway, where Dina works as a zip line guide overlooking her ancestral homeland. It is the most beautiful "view from the office" you could imagine. She shares how growing up on a multigenerational family farm surrounded by sea, mountains, and animals shaped her love of nature and adventure. She talks about the rush of adrenaline that fuels her, from parachuting in Australia to cold water dips and the joy of helping nervous visitors leap into freedom on the zip line. The conversation weaves in sustainable tourism, language, a...

5 DAYS OF SILENCE · After ten years of dreaming about doing a meditation retreat, I finally found the courage to do it last month. In this solo episode, I share what it was like to spend five days in silence at a mountain retreat center in California. I had written it down as a New Year’s resolution because I LOVE exploring personal development strategies, but following through on this goal was SO HUMBLING. When I recorded this episode, I had just gotten back into the "real world," so I (very slowly) talk about the funny moments, spiritual downloads and rea...

In this episode, we share space and song with Kukui, a musician, law student, and ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi advocate whose life flows with aloha and mele (song, poetry, chant). This conversation is a testament to her love of music and how to her, mele is moʻokūʻauhau (genealogy). After seven years away, she returns home to Oʻahu with kuleana to teach and nurture others through oli (chant), cultural protocol, and ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language).  Kukui was raised in a family of musicians and has always been surrounded by music. From Afrobeats to '70s throwbacks to classic Hawai...

Aloha friends - today on Heartbeat Narratives, we’re sitting cross-legged on the floor in Kaimukī, Honolulu, with the windows open and the trade winds carrying stories. Our guest, Angelina Elido, is a traveler in every sense of the word. This past year, you could find her dog sledding across icy Minnesota landscapes, building earthships in New Mexico and ideating a wellness retreat in Turkey. We talk about what it means to come home to Kalihi, Oʻahu, and how to dissolve old patterns and reframe our thoughts. By prioritizing her interests, Angelina shares how she is chasing her joy...

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...

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 u...

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! 

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In a remote corner of Norway’s Hardangerfjord, Knut shares stories shaped by stone, silence, and saltwater. We talk about fly-catching (for fun!), 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 loved ones how 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...

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...

In this episode of Heartbeat Narratives, we talk story with Hiʻilei, a carpenter from Lāhainā, Maui who shares how following your intuition can lead to a fulfilling career. From her early days on the basketball court to navigating a male-dominated industry, she shares how grit and discipline shaped her path in the construction industry. Hiʻilei reflects on the heartbreaking Maui wildfires of August 2023 and how she found her calling to rebuild homes across Lāhainā. She opens up about walking in her purpose, trusting in Ke Akua and managing self care while off the job. With the dr...

In this mini travel episode of Heartbeat Narratives, Molly meets Leah Robb on a sunny morning by the river in Copenhagen, Denmark at Islands Brygge. Leah shares how swimming, from high dives to icy winter baths, has become a profound way to move through grief. What started as a tribute to a loved one’s suggestion of "winter bathing," has grown into a ritual of healing and helps her embrace difficult emotions. As an artist, Leah has also transformed her experiences with loss and a friend’s addiction into art exhibitions that spark conversations and inspire young people. Together, Leah...

At Singapore’s National Botanic Garden, Molly sits down with Paul for a lively conversation about his love for his country. Paul, a fourth-generation Singaporean and tour guide, reflects on the nation’s independence in 1965 and its transformation into a vibrant global city in just 60 years. He shares what brings him joy - from family and friends to the colorful cultures, foods, and traditions that shape day-to-day life. Paul also jokes about Singapore’s nickname as the “red dot” (a tiny speck on the map beside Malaysia and Indonesia) and how residents can help it shine as a united community...

Aloha friends, this episode gave me the opportunity to reflect on my travels this summer and what it means to cultivate empathy across borders. From witnessing an American naturalization ceremony, to watching an international diving competition in Singapore, to experiencing Norway’s election this September, my thoughts have been spinning about what it means to be a global citizen. How do we treat others with grace and empathy as we each pursue our higher callings - and allow space for others to do the same? Iʻm carrying gratitude for how the past few months have led me to the...

Welcome to Singapore’s Little India, where the air is buzzing with voices, incense, the the heavy heat of the sun. Amid the vibrant bustle is Nagaraj, a street vendor from Tamil Nadu, India who has spent the past decade handcrafting flower garlands of jasmine, marigold, and roses. Woven for celebrations including weddings and festivals like Pongal (Harvest festival) and Deepavali (Festival of Lights), each garland is made with speed and skill. Many of the blossoms are flown in fresh from India, carrying a reverence much like Hawaiian flower lei. Nagaraj and his colleagues work long hours to transform ba...

Two hearts = one solution. In this love story episode (recorded in a classroom), DJ and Hye Jung Tano interview each other about the beginnings of their relationship as math teachers at the same Honolulu school. DJ, a football coach from Kailua, Oʻahu, and Hye Jung, a waterwoman with roots in South Korea, Florida and now Hawaiʻi, built a foundation of trust through years of friendship before giving love a chance.

Their story takes you through the quiet patience of DJ’s secret crush, the turning point into love, and the joys of marriage and welcoming keik...

This mini episode takes you on a short stopover in Sydney, Australia as Molly (in her search for coffee and cabs) has happenstance meetings with Jane and Louie who each live and work in the city, 

✨ Molly shares her rose, thorn, and bud with reflections about embracing her middle name, Noelaniokekai (Noelani) and leaning into our own voices and character amidst the efficiency of AI. Think: "make art, not content."

☕ Jane, our new favorite Balinese barista talks about finding meaning in her work and relationships. Her motto is: “I’m selling your day, not selling a coffee...

In this episode, we dive into the life of Dan Worden, athlete, nonprofit founder, ocean safety expert, adventurer, and photographer, known to many as @adventuremandan through his social media following. Growing up in Oregon with dreams of swimming at a Division 1 school, Dan’s path eventually led him to the University of Hawaiʻi, where joining the swim team, biomechanics research, amazing friends and love of helping others helped him put down roots. He shares stories of cliff dives, his infamous turquoise van, and the body-mind connection that fuels his athleticism and curiosity. We also dive into the origins of...

Seven-year-old Elle Nishimoto is a rising second grader with a big heart and dozens of stories to share. From breakdancing battles to running her own Honolulu-based shave ice business, Little House of Pure Aloha, Elle shows how creativity and hustle can start anytime. She talks about loving her baby brother, supporting classmates even when it means standing out, and the joy that comes from being brave and trying new things, like rock climbing and working in the loʻi kalo (taro patch). Through her parent's encouragement, Elle reminds us that having a good attitude and embracing fun can make a...

Today we’re joined by Nanea Lo, a fellow Native Hawaiian podcaster, and the unapologetically joyful voice behind Naughty + Native. Nanea who is from Papakōlea, Oʻahu shares her path of understanding native joy as a way to reclaim identity as a Kanaka Maoli wāhine and to live in her purpose to uplift the lāhui (Hawaiian nation) in everything that she does. We talk story about what it means to live at the intersection of indigenous and western worlds, and how to shift from just surviving to fully thriving. Nanea unpacks her tips on journaling, stacking positi...

Meet Chie Shimada, a multifaceted artist and tour guide based in Kyoto, Japan. Trained as a traditional Maiko (apprentice geisha) at age 15, Chie once embodied centuries-old customs before stepping into new roles as a grammar school teacher, hip hop dancer, DJ, and surfer. She shares how her ever-curious personality and pull towards the extremes has led her to the elegance of Japan’s history and the pulse of its creative scene. From teaching Japanese cooking classes to visitors (think fresh ramen and dumplings!) to creating beats behind the DJ booth, Chie approaches each season of her life with fluidity an...

In this episode, Kevin, a tax attorney takes us back to Kauaʻi in the 1950s, where nature shaped his sense of home. He reflects on the tension between logic and the subtle pull of intuition and how we must learn to trust our gut feelings to connect back to ourselves. Kevin shares how certain truths live in the body, beyond what words can reach. We talk about love at first sight, finding connection in unexpected places, and our lifelong search for belonging. He also discusses how the law can be a tool for shaping society, while gut instinct s...

In this episode, Daniel Etika Masifilo shares a journey that spans the football field, ancestral lands, and the inner work of reconnecting with his identity. Raised between cultures in Ewa Beach, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, with roots in Tonga, Norway, and Switzerland, Daniel speaks about his desire to belong, rediscovering his name, and embracing the ever-shifting path forward through the deep internal work of building character. From the intensity of Division I football and professional leagues across the U.S. and Denmark, to coaching and homestead life, this conversation is an honest recollection of how to "unlearn" to become yo...

Still buzzing from Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter concert, this special episode of Heartbeat Narratives takes you into the heartbeat of Houston through the voices of the BeyHive on June 29, 2025. From Galveston to Tokyo, Louisiana to Hawaiʻi, fans reflect on what Beyoncé means to them as an artist, icon, and source of empowerment. We hear from best friends to mother-daughter duos, each sharing how Queen Bey's music brings them joy and strength. Whether through her genre-defying artistry or the deep resonance of her lyrics, this is a love letter to Beyoncé and a celebration of the connection, representation, and aliv...

To celebrate National Postal Worker Day, we’re stamping this episode with extra love and bringing back our favorite mail carrier, Reyna! In this delightfully unfiltered conversation, Reyna returns to the mic to deliver more behind-the-scenes gems from life on the route. From coconuts and tuna to postal lingo and stamp hacks, we hear about the weird and relatable moments of the job. With humor and sincerity, Reyna peels back the envelope on what it’s really like to wear many different hats as a frontline worker. Donʻt forget to mahalo your postal carrier this week!

E...

Live from Tokyo, Jamie Christy shares his path from growing up Japanese-American in Minnesota to reconnecting with his roots while living in Kawasaki, Japan. He opens up about the complexities of relearning Japanese as a native speaker and how language continues to shape his identity. From The X-Files and John Grisham novels to the intricacies of Japanese legalese, Jamie reflects on the quirky and unexpected joys of bilingual discovery. We also dive into travel tips, the fun of filmmaking, onsen life, and Star Wars fandom, including a peek behind the scenes at the Star Wars Celebration in Tokyo. It’s...

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there! In this episode, Scott Nishimoto - dad, husband, community leader, and emerging poet - joins us to share poems from his chapbook, Beautifully Ordinary. He talks story about the highs, lows, and everyday joys (and hiccups) of parenting. A proud Honolulu townie, Scott reflects on how fatherhood has deepened his sense of presence and purpose, with poems like “It’s OK, Daddy,” “Grandpa’s Smile,” and “Wake Up Happy” offering glimpses into his own youth. We chat about growing up, raising keiki, navigating grief, and the small moments that stick with us. It’...

In the spirit of National Movie Night, we’re diving into a conversation with Rino Nakajima - a Disney superfan whose life has been shaped by the stories she grew up watching. Originally from Hiroshima, Japan and now living in Hawaiʻi, Rino talks about how movies like The Little Mermaid and Mulan have helped guide her through everything from studying Swahili in college to landing her dream job at Disney World, and even meeting her partner in a dating app meet-cute. With her heart in the ocean and her head full of Disney songs, Rino shares how these fil...

In honor of the United Nations' World Environment Day, we're excited to welcome Frank Oscar Weaver to todayʻs episode. Frank is a talented educator, filmmaker, and host of the Indigenous Earth Community Podcast which recently celebrated 5 years on air! Frank is also a fellow AIR Media New Voices AMPLIFY podcaster, and when he and Molly first connected, they quickly discovered a shared passion for Indigenous identity, storytelling, and a deep love of the natural world. He tells the story his homeland of Paraguay, where his Brazilian and Guaraní roots and upbringing under a military dictatorship shaped his path as...

Aloha and welcome back to a mini episode of Heartbeat Narratives! In this bite-sized reflection, I’m looking back on the first five months of the podcast - what I’ve learned and what’s coming up next. Since January, we’ve reached listeners in 29 states and 19 countries which energizes me to stay curious and continue to amplify stories of joy from Hawaiʻi and beyond. And as always, I’m also going to share a round of Roses, Thorns & Buds to highlight life updates. Mahalo nui for being part of this growing community of heart-centered humans. Let’s keep the mome...

Meet Jen Roberts, a retired firefighter with a passion for adventure and a deep love for serving Hawaiʻi. She’s lived a dynamic life - bartending, fighting fires, and leading a women's motorcycling club - all while embracing each moment with gusto. Jen shares career-defining stories, from delivering a baby on the H-1 freeway to the meaningful work of The Pantry in Kalihi, where her team coordinates food distribution to nearly 10,000 residents each month. She also reflects on her side gig as a TV and movie extra (cue EMT!), along with adrenaline-packed travels to Dubai, Thailand, and South Afr...

We appreciate you tuning in to Heartbeat Narratives! On this podcast, we celebrate stories of joy through organic conversations about the passions, places and people that our guests love. Letʻs continue to build our connections with others in our circles by leading with curiosity and aloha. Episodes are released every other Wednesday! 

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Heartbeat Narratives Book Recommendations
Our curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.org

It's game on in today's episode as we sit down with Aunty Helen Nakano, the enthusiastic founder of Hanafuda Hawaiʻi. From her childhood in the 1940s on South King Street to teaching across Kauaʻi and Japan, Aunty Helen shares her journey of reviving the traditional Japanese card game, Hanafuda, for players across the islands. Learn how she’s using these “flower cards” to bridge generations and inspire joy in players from ages 5 to 104 including at kūpuna centers, correctional facilities and local schools. Discover the story behind the latest Hanafuda Pilina cards, which celebrate Hawaiʻi’s native flora...

If you love food, you will fall in love with Rachel Fukumoto, a business owner and agricultural enthusiast based in Keaʻau, Hawaiʻi. In this insightful episode, we learn about Rachel's foodpreneur endeavors through her business, The Pastry Farmer. From living in a convent on a sustainable farm to training to become a farmer, she shares her winding path into agriculture and her deep-rooted desire to feed communities across Hawaiʻi. We dive into the functional quirks of being a petite, female farmer, the meditative power of observing land and the importance of connecting to our food sources. Rac...

To celebrate the 62nd Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, Hawaiʻi this week, we honor the legacy of Karl Veto Baker, a kumu hula of Hālau I Ka Wēkiu, alongside Michael Lanakila Casupang. With five decades of experience as a hula dancer and teacher, Kumu Veto reflects on his journey that began in 1975 under the mentorship of renowned Kumu Hula, Robert Cazimero, whose 50th year of dancing is being honored this spring. Kumu Veto shares stories of learning hula during the Hawaiian Renaissance in the 1970s, his ʻūniki (graduation exercises), and the founding of his hula school, Hālau...

Snap happy is a real thing. In this episode, Tâm Koppelaar, our new Dutch bestie shares about why he loves photography. From an unexpected airplane friendship to scenic hikes and a cozy Friendsmas party, Tâm brings a sharp eye and sarcasm to our conversation. We follow his journey from the Netherlands to Hawaiʻi, tracing the spark that turned a “real” camera into a gamechanging tool for storytelling. Tâm opens up about documenting weddings (cue unhinged uncles), and his love of capturing fleeting memories. Of course, no Dutch guest leaves without some good travel tips from charming...

For our first LOVE STORY of Heartbeat Narratives, we welcome middle school sweethearts, Gigi and Jesse, to reflect on nearly 20 years of being together. With their baby daughter, Samara, in tow, they reminisce about Jesse's memorable *first sight* of Gigi at age 13, their slow-burn high school romance, and the perks of growing up together in Minneapolis. They talk about their cultural backgrounds and how these influences have shaped their relationship. Gigi moved from Italy to Minnesota and has Ghanaian roots, while Jesse was raised in Minnesota and identifies with the Hawaiian diaspora. From midnight phone calls in the early 2000...

Valentina is a heart-forward social worker with a decade of experience serving houseless communities in both Hawaiʻi and California. Born in Honolulu and raised in San Diego, she moved back to the islands to attend the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Through her undergraduate capstone project, she discovered a deep passion for helping others during an internship at a large shelter in the city. Since then, Valentina has helped about 1,000 individuals find stable housing by navigating social services resources, building a strong team of colleagues with a shared vision, and aiming to embody the principle of "cor...

What did we learn, honey? Let them bee!  In this buzzworthy episode, Darin Olson, a master beekeeper based in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, shares his deep knowledge of bees and their critical role in our food system. Originally from Illinois, Darin's beekeeping lineage dates back to the 1400s in Norway, giving him true perspective on the craft (and, of course, an inherited sweet tooth). He describes how bees strive for symbiotic harmony with bears (and humans) while also expressing the problem of antibiotics in commercial farming pollination practices. As an antidote to chemicals, Darin's goal is to create a natural be...

Monroe, known in the musical world as Sulubika, is an Oʻahu-based street musician. He is a gifted flautist who has spent years traveling with various artists and groups across Turkey, Italy and beyond, eventually making his way to Oʻahu. Urban Honolulu residents may recognize him by the trills of his flute at community parks and well-trod street corners. Monroe recognizes that music, and all forms of art, allow us to tap into a higher consciousness, giving way to our path towards divinity. He recollects his connection to his family, being in the flow state of sound, and hi...

This is a mini episode to say Happy Heart Day ♡ Even if you don't celebrate Valentine's Day, it's always worthwhile to connect in a heart x heart conversation to unpack and reflect. Molly highlights the unexpected surprises of producing this podcast, shares a recent "heart" moment and introduces Roses & Thorns. She also has a few dream interviewees for future episodes so be on the lookout for storytellers who work civil service roles. This could include (but not be limited to) accountants, bus drivers and anyone (anyone!) at the DMV who loves their job and wants to talk about it. Se...

Meet Francine Clores, a recent medical school graduate with a heart that beats for two things: medical voluntourism and letter writing. Balancing her time between the Philippines, Maui and now Oʻahu, Francine is all about making real, tangible impacts. Whether she’s helping underserved communities get the medical care they deserve or sending handwritten letters to her grandma, she thrives in spaces where she can see the difference she’s making. In this episode, Francine takes us back to her roots in the Philippines, where she worked alongside other medical volunteers to bring healthcare to rural, indigenous communities. She b...

When life gives you perspective, share it. Born in Honolulu in 1937, Aunty June Naughton reflects on her lifelong spiritual journey to uncover what really matters. We get into some BIG questions about awe and purpose in this philosophical and honest episode. In her words, it all comes down to love: "Nothing is as important to who we are and what we are; it is the relationships we form with ourselves, with our God and with one another that are truly important." Aunty June shares about growing up in a Chinese neighborhood near Punahou, Oʻahu in the 1940s after t...

Postal workers got your back. That is the theme of this lively conversation with Reyna, a charming (and sassy!) mail carrier who loves their job. Reyna shares about what it is like delivering mail to the masses. Have you ever wondered where your carrier eats lunch, how many miles a day they walk, how they manage zillions of Amazon packages and what its like driving the little box trucks? Reyna gets into the details of the all funny and strange interactions with humans, dogs (and yard decorations) on their California routes. We end the episode with ways that we...

Your favorite babyface giant slayer is behind the mic today! Nate Dube is dynamic, forward-thinking conservationist and pro wrestler based in Hawaiʻi. He has blended his two passions into one scrappy, value-driven character in the ring: "The Naturalist" Natron Richards aka THE Natural I.S.T." Nate is a self proclaimed 'āina advocate and feral beast wrestling to spread environmental awareness and inspire action. In Lion King-esque fashion, he is known to enter the ring with a native Hawaiian plant raised above his head as a nod to his love for planet Earth. In his day-to-day job, he...

This was a fun one. Bábàc Saiedi is our guest on today’s episode and his appreciation for Hawaiʻi’s culture, people and natural beauty resonates in his stories. When he moved from Oklahoma to Honolulu nearly ten years ago, he found a community of like-minded individuals where he could be his authentic self. He enjoys working in technology and spends most of his free time outdoors trying to eke out every sunrise and sunset. Early on, his friends introduced him to surfing and he fell in love with the adventures he’s had on his board - b...

In this episode, we are thrilled that Elaine (Molly's mom), joins us to share about the ins and outs of her career as a librarian. Her story is an example of a passion becoming a vocation. She followed her love of books (and bookmobiles!) from Minnesota to Honolulu to attend the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa to earn an M.S. in Library Information Science. We get into all the details about her life as a reference librarian - aka Google before Google - and the quirky encounters that happen when working in a public library. Elaine sh...

In today’s episode, we are traversing through Copenhagen with a new friend, Tim Jansen! Tim is a birdwatching enthusiast and has an incredible knack for sharing travel tips for the city of Copenhagen in Denmark. Originally from the Netherlands, Tim is a student and biking tour guide that Molly met in September 2024. He was so knowledgeable, kind and well-versed in the history and urban landscape of the city that she was inspired to ask him if he’d be willing to be a Heartbeat Narratives guest. Thank goodness he said “yes!” to an overzealous podcaster girl from Hawaiʻi. He sha...

Welcome to our first interview of Heartbeat Narratives! We welcome Taylor who shares her love with others through baking. Sourdough bread is her speciality and she even launched her own company called Sweet T's Test Kitchen. Taylor reflects on her time in Hawaiʻi as a student, details her "sourdough journey," and how she puts a vegan twist on all of her favorite Mexican dishes from her youth. As the cherry on top of the episode, we also hear about her full-time job working in animal welfare at the local humane society. Taylor's story is rooted in empathy and w...

Aloha friends! Welcome to Heartbeat Narratives, a podcast about the people, places and passions that we love. Through storytelling, guests from Hawaiʻi and around the world explore what what brings them joy. Host and producer, Molly Mamaril, intends for this podcast to be an uplifting space for listeners to glimpse the inner lives of different people. Her hope is that we will recognize that everyone has a valuable story and that we can cultivating more meaningful relationships by leading with curiosity. Starting with you, what makes your heart beat?  

Episode Highlights

0:23 Welcome to Heartbeat Na...