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 Noelaniokekai 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.
This episode is a back porch conversation from the heart with Uncle John Kauhi, a humorous, resilient, heart on his sleeve kind of person who has lived a life full of unexpected turns. Born premature and fighting for his life from the very beginning, John has carried that same determination through growing up in Maunalua (Hawaiʻi Kai), Oʻahu, forming lifelong friendships, and working for years in road construction before building a new life between Las Vegas and Hawaiʻi. He opens up about battling stage four prostate cancer, navigating heartbreak, and finding his way through difficult moments without losing his capacity to love. With so much lived experience, John now finds joy in cooking for his kids and grandkids, connecting with old friends, creating art, and watching sunsets. He does his best to lean into aloha wherever he goes, even when the world around him feels less than friendly. This is a conversation about finding the reasons to “keep kicking for life.” Mahalo for tuning in.
Episode Highlights
01:27 A miracle birth story
02:34 Growing up Hawaiʻi Kai
04:11 Exploring the bay and mountains
05:23 Fishing, crabbing and change
05:56 Volunteering and mentoring kids
08:01 Caring for Hawaiʻi
09:49 Cancer diagnosis and survival
12:59 Faith
15:40 Forgiveness and letting go
17:27 What makes his heart beat
18:31 Family, friends and future plans
19:36 Staying healthy
20:23 Sunsets
21:08 ʻOhana is everything
21:38 Cooking and connection
22:58 Friends are the foundation
23:41 Cancer testimony and lessons
25:12 First jobs and teen years
26:27 Roadwork to Vegas move
28:00 Trades and homebuilding
28:42 Art
30:31 Aloha story in Vegas
35:16 Advice
37:16 For the kids
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Guest Inquiries
Interested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest Form
Heartbeat Narratives Book Recommendations
Our curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.org
Credits
🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril
🎸 Guitar: Amund Gismervik
A Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.
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.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.