Pacific Talk Podcast

our Pacific Talk: Podcast Returns

PACIFIC Talk Podcast returns, bringing you new perspectives and stories structured in a series format. Having a podcast helps the Pacific Center in Human Security contribute to conversations that are important to the Center’s mission and goals, as well as increasing awareness of gaps and systemic issues locally.

Self-Advocate Series

Self-Advocates in American Samoa, telling their story from their perspective and lived experience. They go into depth about their victories and challenges they face in the territory that has access to limited resources and needs more disability awareness.

Self-Advocate with Alofaeleuma Fauolo, Hope Maui, Mercy Aperaamo, and Sevelu Liu - "We're Here. Then. Now. Always"

April 13, 2026 - Episode 5
In this episode, host and self-advocate Alofaeleuma Faualo is joined by returning guests Hope Maui and Mercy Aperaamo, along with special guest Sevelu Liu (aka Mr. Teacher), a retired SPED teacher from Matafao Elementary.

Together, they explore the 2026 Developmental Disability Awareness Month theme, “We’re Here. Then, Now, Always.” Through thoughtful conversation, the group reflects on what the theme means to them, shares perspectives on how individuals with developmental disabilities have been viewed in the past, and discusses their hopes for a more inclusive and supportive future in American Samoa.

This episode highlights the importance of listening to self-advocate voices, recognizing progress, and continuing the work toward true inclusion in our communities.

Self-Advocate with Alofaeleuma Fauolo, Hope Maui, Mercy Aperaamo, and Katrina Helsham - Transportation

March 5, 2025 - Episode 4
In this episode, Self-advocates Alofaeleuma Faualo, Mercy Aperaamo, and Hope Maui join Pacific Center in Human Security Communications Manager Katrina Helsham to discuss transportation and how it impacts independence, opportunity, and daily life for individuals with disabilities in American Samoa. They share personal experiences navigating family support, public transportation, and services like Dial-A-Ride, highlighting both current challenges and hopeful possibilities for improving accessibility in the future.

Self-Advocate with Savanah Samaseia and Katrina Helsham

September 3, 2025 - Episode 3
Continuing from the previous episode, Savanah Samaseia, Nafanua Leadership Fellow and Self-Advocate, tells more personal stories and experiences navigating life with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities. She also breaks down some technical terms and definitions for easier understanding with PCHS Communications Manager, Katrina Helsham.

Self-Advocate with Savanah Samaseia and Katrina Helsham

June 18, 2025 - Episode 2
In this episode, Nafanua Leadership Fellow, Savanah Samaseia, tells our Pacific Center in Human Security Communications Manager, Katrina Helsham, about the Nafanua Foundation and the program that has given her a platform to raise awareness for disability, specifically autism. Savanah also shares her own story about navigating life with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities.

Self-Advocate with Alofaeleuma Fauolo, Hope Maui, Wallace Valasi, and Tafaimamao Tua-Tupuola

April 11, 2025 - Episode 1
In this episode, Self-Advocates Alofaeleuma Fauolo, Hope Maui, and Wallace Lavasi, tell our Pacific Center in Human Security State Director, Tafaimamao Tua-Tupuola about their experience of reading the March Disability Awareness Month Proclamations these last two years and what to expect when going to college after high school.

Who's Caring? Series

Pacific Talk: Podcast under Money Follows the Person, Who's Caring? Series. Diving into the challenges and realities of caregiving in American Samoa. Caregiver stories will give special insights to the gaps in healthcare needed for our disability and aging communities.

Who's Caring? Fa'agata Tagoai

May 21, 2025 - Episode 1
In this first episode of the Pacific Talk: Podcast, Who's Caring? Series, the Territorial Administration on Aging (TAOA) Program Manager and Caregiver Coordinator, Fa'agata Tagoai, helps set the stage on what caregiving looks like in American Samoa with inclusive-Emergency Management Student and Podcast Host, Merenita Setu.

About Our 2022 Pacific Talk: Podcast Episodes

PACIFIC Talk Podcast aims to bring stories to the forefront that will inspire and guide action towards diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Pacific. These are all values that we hope to infuse in our conversations and that we hope to highlight, especially during COVID 19, a time that has drastically isolated many in recent years — in different ways. Per our name, PACIFIC Talk is here to center the voices of the Pacific, people, and communities with lived experience.

Amplifying Veteran's Health

November 9, 2022
In this episode, current President of the American Samoan's Veteran Affairs, Mapu Jamias and retired Staff Sergeant, Asosi Ah Ping sat down with us and shared about how the military shaped their lives; Veteran healthcare; and how COVID-19 affected, and continues to affect, the Veteran community.

Remembering the Human

October 12, 2022
In this episode, we learn about how COVID-19 affected those with cancer. Our guest, Va'aTausili Tofaeono also shares what American Samoa can look forward to in the future with American Samoa Community Cancer Coalition's goal to help prevent cancer amongst individuals.

No Accessibility without Inclusion

April 22, 2022
In this episode, we explore the importance of inclusion and accessibility as a Pacific Island. Our guest, Dr. Rosevonne Pato, President of the American Samoa Community College (ASCC), shares her insight on what she learned in the midst of the COVID pandemic and what she hopes to enforce in the upcoming school year, at ASCC.

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