Heartbeat Narratives
Heartbeat Narratives
Podcast Description
Welcome to Heartbeat Narratives, a podcast about the passions, places and people that we love. Based in Kaimukī, Hawaiʻi, guests from the islands and around the world will share their stories of joy - what makes their hearts beat. Host and producer, Molly Noelaniokekai Gismervik Mamaril, intends for this podcast to be an uplifting space for listeners to glimpse the inner lives and interests of different people. Her hope is that we will recognize that everyone has a valuable story and that we can cultivate more meaningful relationships by leading with curiosity. Enjoy these narratives of the heart!
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on themes of joy, spirituality, community engagement, and conservation, featuring episodes that explore diverse topics like personal journeys in spirituality with guests like Aunty June, the life of a postal worker with Reyna, and conservation through wrestling with Nate Dube, highlighting how these narratives encourage deeper reflection on relationships and purpose.
Welcome to Heartbeat Narratives, a podcast that uncovers stories of joy by celebrating the people, places, and passions we love. Based in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, guests from the islands and beyond explore what makes their hearts beat – what lights them up. Host Molly Noelani Mamaril created this space for uplifting, organic conversations that allow listeners a glimpse into people’s inner lives and interests. She feels that everyone has a valuable story and that by leading with curiosity and aloha, we will cultivate meaningful relationships. Tune in for personal stories that remind us of the power of human connection.
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 your true self. Daniel’s stories are relatable and show the human side of pivoting towards your inner purpose. IMUA! Follow: @dmasifilo @islandskills
Episode Highlights
00: Intro to Daniel Etika Masifilo
01:14 Goal Setting
02:49 Ancestral roots in Tonga, Norway and Switzerland; from Puʻuloa, Oʻahu
03:54 Rediscovering self
07:08 Unlearning to recalibrate and be present
09:05 Homestead life on Hawaiʻi island, living in tune with nature
10:58 Growing up half Tongan, half Caucasian in Hawaiʻi; navigating belonging
11:56 Language toggling: Tongan, English, Pigeon
12:58 Evolving to be proud of our Polynesian names
15:56 American identity: we have to go further back to where weʻre originally from
17:08 A thousand ancestors stand behind us
19:10 Love of football and new beginnings
23:22 High school junior – on a different path
25:07 High School senior – back on track
27:00 Mount Sac Junior College and Arizona State
28:43 Self realizations and growth, joining the University of Hawaiʻi Warriors Football team
29:46 NFL hopes and receiving “Iʻm proud of you”
30:45 Playing professional football in Denmark, redefining character, getting back to the roots
32:26 Arena football in Colorado and Nebraska; still hopeful for the NFL
34:01 A new life trajectory – new relationship, getting back to ʻāina (land), connecting with the Lakota Nation and ancestral ways of being
35:12 One last shot
36:07 Back to Hawaiʻi, full circle moments with coaching
38:43 Ahonui: patience with perseverance
39:59 On the horizon
41:57 The producer mindset
Episode Art: Molly Mamaril
Host and Producer: Molly Mamaril
Guitarist: Amund Gismervik
Heartbeat Narratives Book Recommendations: https://bookshop.org/shop/heartbeatnarratives
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
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