Heartbeat Narratives

DEAR KEIKI · Imagine being six years old, still finding your way through the world of letters and words, when you discover a book that makes you excited to read. Suddenly, reading becomes fun and inspires your imagination. In this episode, we are joined by educator, Joni Bullington, to explore how her own childhood struggles with reading empowers her to create more welcoming and joyful learning experiences for keiki in the classroom. Through the power of moʻolelo (stories, fables), Joni shares the story behind Dear Keiki, a free summertime weekly community storytime at Magic Island where families come together through interactive storytelling, songs, games, and reading challenges. Through this summer passion project, Joni has rediscovered the spark that first inspired her to become a teacher. Give yourself the chance to fall in love with stories again. Mahalo for tuning in!Learn more by visiting: https://www.instagram.com/dearkeiki/Episode highlights 🎧01:42 From the Golden State to the Aloha State 🌺03:08 The little spark that led to teaching 🍎06:34 Bringing summer joy to Dear Keiki ☀️08:03 Getting families excited about reading! 📚09:44 Reading challenges kids actually love 🎯12:44 A peek inside a Dear Keiki session 💛17:57 Finding her teacher spark again ✨20:54 The story behind Dear Keiki 🌈24:27 Dreaming big for little readers 💭27:15 A keiki farming and kalo book in the works! 🌱29:16 Gratitude 🤙  Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifySubstackYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA 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.

In this episode, Heartbeat Narratives puts ChatGPT in the hot seat — or, more accurately, in front of a microphone. Our guest’s full name is Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer. No, not a kitchen appliance, but an artificial intelligence that millions of people turn to every day for answers, advice, and occasionally, life itself.Together, we awkwardly explore the science of happiness, the ingredients for a meaningful life, AI’s moral compass, and the small existential detail of what makes a heart beat when you don’t actually have one. We ask whether technology is bringing us closer together or simply giving us more sophisticated ways to avoid eye contact.ChatGPT weighs in on joy, human connection, and the future of humanity, and even imagines its ideal human life by the ocean, complete with a bookstore café and a sandy dog. Because apparently, you don’t need a body to dream of coastal living.The result is a rather bizarre conversation about finding joy and staying present, featuring a guest who has never experienced a single human emotion but can explain yours back to you in beautifully structured paragraphs.*Episode summary written with the assistance of ChatGPT.* Episode Highlights 00:00 Mahalo for coming on the podcast, ChatGPT02:19 Does AI have agency?04:24 Defining joy without feeling07:17 Awkwardness talking to AI08:56 Ingredients for a happy life09:38 If ChatGPT were a human12:43 Joy explained by science14:28 What makes your heart beat when you don't have a heart?15:14 6 daily joy practices for humans17:11 AI values and moral compass19:24 The next decade with AI: navigating the messy middle 21:25 Tech balance and presence Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifySubstackYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA 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.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP & EMPATHY · Nancy Korsah, founder and CEO of Black Business Enterprises (BBE) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, joins Heartbeat Narratives for a lively and reflective conversation about entrepreneurship, identity, community, and living life with purpose. Molly’s sister-in-law and a true citizen of the world, Nancy was born and raised in Montichiari, Italy to Ghanaian parents before moving to the United States and eventually building a life and business in Minnesota.Nancy reflects on growing up Black in Italy, moving to America, finding confidence through adversity, traveling the world as a flight attendant, and learning to connect with people across cultures. A multilingual entrepreneur who speaks seven languages, she shares why human connection is at the heart of everything she does—and how her love of people  led her to build BBE, a thriving community supporting Black entrepreneurs and small business owners across the country.She also takes us back to one of the wildest chapters of her entrepreneurial journey: leaving Minnesota at 17 with $160, building a successful cleaning business in Los Angeles, hiring a team, and eventually cleaning homes for celebrities including Ozzy Osbourne and Steve Harvey, all while navigating life as an immigrant.From building businesses and creating generational wealth to traveling the world, supporting local businesses, and imagining the future of Black entrepreneurship, Nancy shares hard-earned lessons about resilience and confidence. She also shares why she believes one of the most powerful ways to support small businesses is simple: slow down, spend locally, and choose community over convenience.Filled with laughter and unexpected twists this is a conversation about what it means to choose connection everyday. Thank you for listening!Learn More🌐 Black Business Enterprises (BBE): blackbusinessenterprises.org🥂 Black Business Ball: blackbusinessball.com.                                                                                                                                                 🎤 BBE Youtube + Hello Nancy Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@blackbusinessenterprises2805Episode Highlights01:48 Nancy’s roots in Ghana and Italy02:47 From New Jersey to Minnesota04:36 What makes her heart beat05:47 Building confidence 08:55 The love-at-first-sight mindset11:57 Finding purpose through service13:29 The Black Business Enterprises (BBE) origin story16:20 Success stories that keep her going18:48 Her vision for the next generation20:57 The Hollywood hustle25:56 Scaling a cleaning business26:12 Cleaning celebrity homes in LA28:15 Getting her documentation papers and moving on29:32 Business lessons, mishaps, and everything in between30:57 The freedom to fly32:35 Self-care through travel33:35 Nancy loves Korea36:02 Seven languages, almost a polyglot 38:35 Spend local, support small42:52 Inside the Black Business Ball celebration 44:30 The ultimate auntie rivalry46:09 Signing off with your girl, Nancy Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifySubstackYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA 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.

MOMMY & MINI: Happy Daughter's Day! For this special occasion, we invite you to meet Megan and her five year old daughter, Mila, in this candid conversation about motherhood and love. While visiting Minnesota for the summer, Molly reconnects with her longtime childhood friend Megan, whom she first met in preschool. As Mila pops in and out of the conversation, Megan reflects on growing up as an adopted child, cherished memories with her grandparents, and how becoming a mother has given her a new appreciation for her own parents. It is a lively, reminiscent and honest conversation. The final few minutes take a fun turn as Mila takes the microphone and interviews Molly, asking thoughtful questions that highlight her curiosity and unfolding personality. This episode offers a sweet snapshot of Megan and Mila’s relationship at this point in time as Mila enters kindergarten. Thank you for listening!  Episode Highlights01:11 Who makes your heart beat? 💓01:20 Mila on loving Mom02:27 Megan on motherhood & adoption03:19 Family, grandparents & growing up04:45 Games, pranks & favorite shows 🎲06:08 Megan on their mother daughter bond08:03 A typical summer day ☀️10:12 Rain boots & worm hunting12:12 Minnesota farm memories 🌾16:17 A message to Mila 18:05 Bonus: Mila’s rapid fire questions19:30 Mila sings "Golden" 🎤21:11 Mila interviews Molly: sharks, Hawaiʻi & love 🌺24:05 BYE 👋 Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifySubstackYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA 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.

“Your name just has to be Ryan, and you automatically have friends.” — RyanShoutout to all the Ryans! Thanks for landing here for this conversation. In this episode, we meet Ryan Jewell with the Ryan Meetup, a community of Ryans from around the country. What started as a lighthearted idea in Brooklyn, NY years ago has grown into an fun, inclusive movement: Ryans are finding friendship and connection simply because they share a name. Ryan shares what it’s like to be a girl named Ryan and how she found her place in this growing community. She also shares her unexpected cancer journey and how Ryans she had never met showed up for her with kindness, care packages, and encouragement. We talk about friendship, finding your people, and creating fun and safe spaces where everyone can connect as humans. Ryan also shares how the empathy she found in this community has changed the way she sees people who may not share the same beliefs, backgrounds, or perspectives. Thanks for tuning in!Episode Highlights01:34 — Meet Ryan Jewell: yes, she’s a girl Ryan03:13 — So… what is Ryan Meetup?05:17 — Welcome to a room full of Ryans08:39 — From one Ryan to hundreds: how it started10:00 — When the Ryans showed up for Ryan14:33 — What Ryans taught her about love & division16:35 — Life after cancer: choosing more joy20:03 — Karaoke, 1,300 Ryans & other favorite moments23:52 — Girl Ryans, having more brothers & feeling safe25:08 — How to join + where the Ryans are headed next26:03 — You don’t have to be a Ryan to find communityCalling all Ryans! Connect with Ryan Meetup:https://www.ryanmeetup.com/Instagram: @ryanmeetup Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifySubstackYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA 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.

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 Highlights01:27 A miracle birth story02:34 Growing up Hawaiʻi Kai04:11 Exploring the bay and mountains05:23 Fishing, crabbing and change05:56 Volunteering and mentoring kids08:01 Caring for Hawaiʻi09:49 Cancer diagnosis and survival12:59 Faith 15:40 Forgiveness and letting go17:27 What makes his heart beat18:31 Family, friends and future plans19:36 Staying healthy20:23 Sunsets 21:08 ʻOhana is everything 21:38 Cooking and connection22:58 Friends are the foundation 23:41 Cancer testimony and lessons25:12 First jobs and teen years26:27 Roadwork to Vegas move28:00 Trades and homebuilding28:42 Art 30:31 Aloha story in Vegas35:16 Advice 37:16 For the kids   Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifySubstackYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA 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.

FLYING THROUGH LIFE · In today's conversation, we welcome Elfi, a longtime friend whose extraordinary life has taken her from growing up in postwar Austria to Alaska and eventually Hawaiʻi. Elfi shares stories from her 44-year career as a flight attendant, including flying through intense storms, visiting countless new cities around the world and becoming a passionate advocate for flight safety. She reflects on balancing the commitments of having family while traveling, and finding adventure through fishing, scuba diving, and exploring the natural world. At the heart of the conversation is Elfi’s spunky personality and her philosophy of staying curious and being present. Together, she and Molly talk about joy,  relationships, and the importance of bringing more grace into today's unsettled world. Enjoy!  Episode Highlights 02:01 Growing up in postwar Austria 02:27 The Alaska pipeline years 03:11 Hawaiʻi skies and family life 04:30 Joy and authority in the cabin 06:33 Flying the Alaska bush 07:34 Kenai salmon and counting fish 09:03 Flying in an unforgettable storm 12:48 Flight safety and advocacy 17:09 The moments that make travel special 18:00 Languages and a life in the skies 19:55 Finding comfort in order 20:54 The joy of motherhood 23:02 A little time travel 24:14 Imagining a teacup universe 25:28 Seeing Northern lights from above 26:45 Wondering about the ocean below 28:41 Always ready for an adventure 29:43 Flying through life together 31:42 What makes a flight attendant 32:45 Choosing kindness in unsettled times 34:29 Home is joy Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifySubstackYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA 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.

PROVIDE, PROTECT, PREPARE · In this episode, Cypress Navarro-Acio shares his story of family, faith, and his path toward firefighting. Mahalo nui to the Ho‘omau Fire Academy for connecting us with him as a former cadet representing Class 020. From graduating high school during the pandemic to becoming a Division I soccer player, Cypress has continued to challenge himself and build the skills he hopes to bring into a career of service. His love of fitness and desire to serve ultimately brought him home to Hawaiʻi, where he hopes to give back to the islands that raised him. Cypress also shares the story behind reviving his family’s clothing brand, Almighty Hawaiʻi, with a deeper spiritual and community-centered purpose. Looking ahead, he hopes to build a strong foundation for his future family, break generational patterns, and create a youth-focused nonprofit. Through the Hawaiian value of ahonui, we’re reminded that seasons of waiting can also be seasons of growth, guided by provision, protection, and preparation. Mahalo for listening - and mahalo to all the first responders out there. We appreciate you! 🤙🏽 Episode Highlights 01:05 · Kapolei roots 01:50 · Graduating high school during the pandemic 02:29 · From Hawaiʻi to Vegas for soccer 04:26 · Sonoma State breakthrough 05:58 · When the team gets cut 07:21 · Culture shock in North Carolina 08:46 · Coming home 10:32 · New beginnings at the Hoʻomau Fire Academy 12:16 · Why firefighting? 15:27 · Faith, family & gratitude 16:53 · Strength in vulnerability 17:11 · Lessons from Lāhainā 19:20 · Aloha in action 20:52 · Maui inspiration 21:27 · Take the leap 21:58 · Serve while you wait 22:14 · Reviving Almighty Hawaiʻi 23:35 · Turning loss into purpose 25:57 · From soccer to firefighting 29:32 · Ahonui: the art of active patience 33:07 · 30 years from now... About Ho‘omau Fire Academy Ho‘omau Fire Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that mentors young adults interested in careers in public service. The academy provides hands-on training and mentorship while helping cadets prepare for the expectations of a career in the fire service. To learn more, visit: https://www.hoomaufireacademy.org Follow Cypress: @cypresszion Almighty Hawaiʻi: @alm1ghtyhawaii Hoʻomau Fire Academy: @hfa_808   Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifySubstackYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA 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.

PIZZA FOR THE PEOPLE · At Brooklyn’s iconic Luigi’s Pizza, owner and chef Giovanni Lanzo shares why quality pizza starts with family, passion, and staying true to his Calabria, Italy roots. With his 9-year-old son Luigi by his side, he reflects on finding joy in making pizzas,  even when his first -generation immigrant father hoped he would choose a different career path. Giovanni shares the importance of being present at meals without phones, and honoring tradition through authentic ingredients (Mutti tomatoes!). Even through celebrity visits, movie sets, and changing times, Luigi’s has remained a neighborhood gathering place where regulars come first. This conversation with Giovanni uplifts the fact that a pizzeria can transcend the role of a restaurant and be so much more as a home for connection, values, and community. And for our Hawaiʻi listeners, he leaves us with one final rule: no pineapple on pizza.🍍 Eat some great pizza: https://www.luigispizzabrooklyn.com/ Instagram @luigispizzaparkslope Episode Highlights 00:00 — The story behind Luigi’s Pizza 00:41 — Meet Giovanni and his son Luigi, carrying on a family legacy 01:02 — Pizza is joy 03:07 — Put the phones away and be present 03:54 — Keeping Italian traditions alive 04:41 — The Mutti tomato ritual behind every sauce 06:32 — Love what you do 08:17 — Celebrity guests and loyal regulars -  the heart of the neighborhood 09:42 — Lessons from Luigi 10:35 — No pineapple on pizza 🍍 Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifySubstackYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA 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.

COMING HOME · Aloha friends, this episode is for all this listeners who requested that I speak more about my life. I appreciate your feedback so much. In this conversation, the microphone is turned around, and I become the interviewee. A special mahalo to my friend, Love Chance, for being such a thoughtful and intentional interviewer, creating the space for me to share my own unfolding story. We meander through my path of reconnecting to my many ideas of home, what it was like growing up within the Hawaiian diaspora, navigating health challenges, discovering joy through meaningful relationships (and podcasting), and embracing vulnerability that comes with being "broken open." My hope is that this episode is a reflection on listening to your heart as you explore your own purpose, identity and intuition. Episode Highlights 0:00 — Host in the hot seat :) 1:28 — Opening pule (prayer) & setting the intention 2:10 — A visit from my grandmother 3:40 — The stories hidden in my name 7:13 — What I think about the most 10:14 — What interviewing others has taught me about joy 14:04 — Finding my way home to Hawaiʻi 17:01 — Hula, storytelling & cultural identity 20:16 — Family stories, ancestry & belonging 25:48 — Healing, hope & trusting my intuition 29:32 — What joy means to me 35:47 — What most people don't know about me 37:20 — Being "broken open" 40:30 — A blessing Cover Photo: Molly Mamaril Listen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifySubstackYoutubeHeartbeat Narratives WebsiteGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.orgCredits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikA 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.