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, 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 Hawaiian melodies, she hopes to create more spaces where music and ʻohana come together to kanikapila (play music).
Kukui shares how patience and a “let’s learn together” mindset have shaped her path from her home in Waimānalo to studying at Ka Haka ʻUla ʻO Keʻelikōlani at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. Through stories of spirituality and creative flow, she reminds us that mele transcends sound as identity, prayer, and the heartbeat of family.
Episode Highlights
00:00 Welina mai, e Kukui!
00:32 Moving back to Oʻahu after 7 years
01:54 Big Mama Energy: teaching and mālama through spirituality and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi
04:55 On patience: ʻAʻohe hua o ka maiʻa i ka lā hoʻokahi
06:27 “Let’s learn together”: Hawaiian Club at UH Hilo (Hui Keaomālamalama) & Ka Haka ʻUla ʻO Keʻelikōlani
08:42 Waimānalo roots, learning Hawaiian before English
10:00 Lullabies forever: a musical ʻohana
11:58 The creative force and spirituality
17:22 Music and identity
20:32 Inspo: Afrobeats (Soso is a fav) and Hawaiian throwbacks (she loves Kanaka Waiwai)
22:46 Mele is the heartbeat of ʻohana
29:06 On the horizon
Enjoy mele from a special playlist Kukui created:
Check out Nā Puke Wehewehe for Hawaiian > English translations.
Recorded August 2025
Photo credit: Kukui
Episode Art: Molly Mamaril
Credits
🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril
🎸 Guitar: Amund Gismervik
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Guest Inquiries
Interested in sharing what brings you joy – what makes your heart beat? Complete our Guest Interest Form
Heartbeat Narratives Book Recommendations
Our curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.org
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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