The Waka Family Podcast

Two Fijian-Canadian guys (Jon and Thomas Mills)talk about navigating cultural identity, family ties, and heritage. They reflect on growing up with Fijian roots outside Fiji, the challenges of maintaining connections, and the joys of embracing both cultures. The conversation covers raising families, adapting to new environments, and balancing tradition with modern life. Through personal anecdotes, the episode highlights the importance of community, pride, and resilience for those living far from their ancestral homeland, offering advice and encouragement to others on similar journeys.

Jon and Steph shares candid updates on family life, home renovations, and farming in Fiji. They discuss moving into a temporary house while their new home is built, reflect on the challenges and cultural norms of living with extended family, and share excitement about future plans for their farmhouse and outdoor gatherings, an more. Thanks for joining!

Today's guest is Fayzaan Hussein, a young entrepreneur and founder of Hive Construction, who is building our farmhouse in Fiji. He shares his journey from a challenging upbringing to launching his own business. We chat about the construction industry's challenges, innovative business practices, and the power of authenticity and social media in building trust and brand recognition.

Jon and Steph engage in lively, informal conversation, blending humor, storytelling, and candid reflections. They share jokes, discuss cultural observations, and recount personal anecdotes about travel, hosting guests, and navigating generational slang. They explore topics like reality TV, attraction, entrepreneurship, and the challenges of moving homes. Playful banter and teasing highlight their camaraderie, while moments of vulnerability, such as coping with housing stress add depth.

Jon and Steph reflect on their differing upbringings, parenting philosophies, and how these shape their relationship and family life in Fiji. They discuss discipline, trust, and the impact of moving abroad, while sharing lighthearted memories of past adventures and current hobbies like spearfishing. They also plays a relationship card game, prompting candid conversations about overthinking, personal growth, and pivotal life decisions. Their honest, humorous exchanges highlight the challenges and joys of partnership, parenting, and adapting to new environments together.

I had the pleasure of sitting down and chatting with Steven Andrews, General Manager of Castaway Island Resort, who discusses his upbringing, career journey, and leadership philosophy rooted in faith, family values, and community. Stephen touched on sustainable tourism, conservation efforts like the iguana relocation project, and fostering a supportive team culture. He gave out his tips and advice for young people aspiring to succeed in hospitality, offering a heartfelt look at personal growth and the importance of giving back.

Steph and Jon sit down to talk about what life's really like for their family in Fiji: from dealing with bugs and cooking meals to figuring out family roles. They open up about starting fresh in their 30s, and how mindset plays a big part in getting through tough seasons. They talk parenting, money, and how they try to keep things real online without giving away too much. There's a bit on loyalty, some song lyric reviews, and honest thoughts on raising kids in the public eye.

The family reflects on their recent two-and-a-half-month trip to Canada, sharing highlights and challenges. Steph, engages with Eliki and Seva about their experiences, including homeschooling and family activities. Jon joins later, discussing their day in town, diet, and life reflections. The conversation covers various topics, from the importance of strategy in games to the complexities of adult responsibilities and business challenges. The episode blends humor, nostalgia, and candid reflections, capturing the essence of family dynamics and the importance of shared experiences and communication.

I sat down with Waisale Serevi to hear his story, and I was not expecting to hear stories I never knew about his life. Some stories fun—some emotional. But the craziest part? He really didn't hold back. So join me, Jonathan, as we pull back the layers with one of the best rugby players of all time to ever represent our Fiji.

In this episode we have a chat with WWF Pacific. Jonathan and Kara from WWF Pacific discuss turtle conservation on Kavewa Island, specifically focused on the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle. Jonathan shares his Fijian heritage and his family's move to Fiji in 2020, focusing on creating employment through responsible resource utilization. He envisions supporting the Fiji national rugby team and fostering local culture. Kara, with a background in environmental science, details her work in turtle conservation, emphasizing the integration of traditional knowledge with scientific methods. They highlight the importance of community involvement, technology, and cultural sensitivity in conservation efforts, aiming for sustainable and impactful outcomes. Jonathan then takes on the conversation with Dr. Hugo, the Marine Program Coordinator for WWF New Caledonia. Chatting about his experience in Northern Fiji, what he has been able to pass on to us in Fiji because of his past experience with satellite tagging turtles, and he sure drops a lot of knowledge on Jonathan in this one! What a special guy.

Jon and Dave engage in a reflective conversation on themes of perseverance, waiting, and personal growth within a Christian context. They discuss the difference between joy and happiness, aging and the passage of time, highlighting the importance of active waiting and finding purpose in life's waiting periods. They also touch on practical aspects of life in Fiji, including transportation challenges. The episode encourages listeners to embrace waiting as an opportunity for growth and to find joy in their journeys.

In this podcast episode, Jon and Steph engage in a heartfelt and humorous conversation about the significance of old friendships and personal experiences. They reflect on the depth of relationships formed during their youth, contrasting them with newer, more superficial connections. The discussion touches on the bittersweet nature of growing apart from close friends and the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones. They also delve into societal expectations around emotional expression, particularly for men, and share light-hearted banter about nostalgic media and potential sponsorships. The episode blends nostalgia, humor, and introspection, offering a relatable glimpse into their lives.

In this episode of "On the Mat," Jon and guest Dave engage in a conversation about life in Fiji, farming, and their pasts. Dave, a pastor, farmer, and woodworker, shares his experiences with woodworking projects, the establishment of their farm, "Pneuma Hill Farms", and their positive experiences with Investment Fiji. Amidst humorous stories about vehicles and personal reflections, they emphasize the importance of community, faith, and intentional relationships.

We got to hang out with the founders of the Vou Dance Company, Eddie and Sachiko Soro. Eddie shares how a knee injury led him from rugby to dance, eventually forming the Vou Dance Company alongside his wife, Sachiko, who was also his dance teacher. They discuss the group's evolution, blending traditional Fijian elements with contemporary styles, and the recent venture into the "Fijian Flying Circus." They talked about the challenges and rewards of their artistic journey, the importance of storytelling in their performances, and their commitment to showcasing Fijian culture through innovative dance and circus arts.

In this engaging podcast episode, Jon and Stephanie discuss their experiences during a recent two-month separation, touching on personal topics such as health issues, family dynamics, and public speaking challenges. Stephanie shares her struggles with jet lag and a boil on her eye after returning from Canada, while Jon humorously engages in conversations about their children and household dynamics. They reflect on the difficulties of long-distance relationships and the importance of live interactions over scripted speeches. Additionally, they discuss their plans for building a new home, emphasizing practical considerations and the importance of community support.

In this podcast episode, John and Dave engage in a casual yet profound conversation about their lives in Fiji, touching on personal experiences, community, and faith. They reminisce about their unique encounters, including how they met and the cultural nuances of living in Fiji. Dave shares his background as a woodworker and youth wrestling coach, emphasizing the importance of resilience and community support. They discuss the impact of loss, particularly Dave's experience with his son Justin's accident, and how faith and community helped them cope. The episode blends humor, personal anecdotes, and reflections on discipleship and parenting.

In this episode, Koroi is our Farm Manager, who is from Moturiki Island in Fiji. Koroi shares his upbringing in Fiji, discussing family responsibilities, education, and his diverse experiences, including forestry and traditional sailing Koroi joined Jonathan also talked about the announcement of the 15-man squad for the Paris Olympics, highlighting their excitement for the rugby sevens team. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes, such as the emotional impact of family losses and future aspirations. They explore broader societal issues like public space beautification, vandalism, and negative media portrayals of Fiji. The episode concludes with discussions on employment dynamics and upcoming podcast plans.

In this podcast episode, Jon and Steph, discuss their experiences with childbirth, administrative tasks in Fiji, and the traditional roles of men and women in providing for the family. A question is asked about why men should always be the financial providers in a relationship. The couple also touches on their move to Fiji, homeschooling challenges, and their desire to contribute positively to their community. Thanks for joining!!

Join Jon and Steph in this episode of our podcast as we dive into a fun chat filled with laughter and real-life moments with our kiddos. From hilarious holiday mishaps (ever dealt with a bathroom flood?) to navigating the wild world of parenting, social media, and our favorite outdoor adventures like spearfishing and snorkeling, we cover it all. Plus, we get real about the importance of keeping those lines of communication open at home, especially when it comes to the tough stuff. And hey, we even touch on some serious topics like HIV awareness and why privacy matters in medical situations. Join us for a mix of laughter and heart-to-hearts in this episode that's all about keeping it real.