Pacific Empowerment

Episode 42 - Why Do So Many Pacific Men Treat Their Wives Badly?

In this episode of the, we discuss the shocking rates of domestic violence and sexual abuse against women in the Pacific and ask the hard question: Why do so many Pacific men treat their wives badly? We dive into culture, faikava, fatherhood, biblical masculinity, and what the Bible actually says about how husbands should love their wives. I also share personal lessons from my own marriage and practical solutions for families, churches, governments, fathers, and husbands to help break these generational cycles. A wife should feel peace around her husband, not fear. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2511269/support] Help us continue making great content for listeners everywhere. Sign the Petition to ban tou'a and protect women and children.            https://pasifikaempowerment.org/campaigns [https://pasifikaempowerment.org/campaigns] You can watch the video podcast on https://www.youtube.com/@pacificempowerment [https://www.youtube.com/@pacificempowerment]

Episode 41 - The Impact of Father Absence on Children.

In this episode of the Pacific Empowerment Podcast, I dive deep into the impact of father absence on children, especially within Pacific communities. Drawing on international studies and real-life experiences shared by women in the community, I discuss the emotional, psychological, and social effects of absent fathers on children. This is a much-needed conversation about why fathers matter, why children need present and loving leadership, and how the choices adults make today can shape future generations. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2511269/support] Help us continue making great content for listeners everywhere. Sign the Petition to ban tou'a and protect women and children.            https://pasifikaempowerment.org/campaigns [https://pasifikaempowerment.org/campaigns] You can watch the video podcast on https://www.youtube.com/@pacificempowerment [https://www.youtube.com/@pacificempowerment]

Episode 40 - How Touʻa Changed From Men to Women.

In this episode, we dive deep into the history and evolution of Touʻa in Tongan faikava culture. Was Touʻa originally a male role? How did it change over time from sacred ceremony into modern faikava settings? Drawing from academic research, oral history, and historical records, we explore the three types of faikava identified by Futa Helu and discuss how war, migration, and social change transformed the role of Touʻa in Tongan society. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2511269/support] Help us continue making great content for listeners everywhere. Sign the Petition to ban tou'a and protect women and children.            https://pasifikaempowerment.org/campaigns [https://pasifikaempowerment.org/campaigns] You can watch the video podcast on https://www.youtube.com/@pacificempowerment [https://www.youtube.com/@pacificempowerment]

Episode 39 - Pagan Origins of Kava.

In this episode, we go deeper than culture and tradition to uncover the true origins of kava. Where did it come from? What beliefs shaped it? And why does its history matter today? We explore ancient Tongan stories like Kavaʻonau and ʻAhoʻeitu, revealing a world rooted in pagan beliefs, sacrifice, hierarchy, and spiritual systems very different from what many people follow today. From stories involving sacrifice and cannibalism to the role of kava in royal ceremonies connected to divine ancestry, this episode challenges the idea that kava is simply harmless tradition. We also compare this history with the Bible, looking at how God commanded His people to completely remove idol worship and not mix it with their lives, raising an important question: Why are some practices from the past rejected, while others are preserved and defended? This is not just about kava, it’s about truth, discernment, and the courage to question what we’ve been taught. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2511269/support] Help us continue making great content for listeners everywhere. Sign the Petition to ban tou'a and protect women and children.            https://pasifikaempowerment.org/campaigns [https://pasifikaempowerment.org/campaigns] You can watch the video podcast on https://www.youtube.com/@pacificempowerment [https://www.youtube.com/@pacificempowerment]

Episode 38 - When Culture Becomes an Idol: You Shall Have No Other Gods Before Me

In this episode, I explore what happens when culture is placed above God, and why that becomes idolatry. After sharing that kava is classified as a drug, someone responded, “We know it’s true… but it’s our culture.” That statement reveals a deeper issue: knowing the truth is not enough if we refuse to change. Drawing from Scripture, I unpack how idolatry is not just about statues, but anything we prioritise, defend, or refuse to let go of, even when it goes against God. This episode challenges us to reflect on what we are truly putting first. Are we choosing God… or culture? Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2511269/support] Help us continue making great content for listeners everywhere. Sign the Petition to ban tou'a and protect women and children.            https://pasifikaempowerment.org/campaigns [https://pasifikaempowerment.org/campaigns] You can watch the video podcast on https://www.youtube.com/@pacificempowerment [https://www.youtube.com/@pacificempowerment]