Fau Gagana Podcast. A Samoan nurse's perspective on mental health.

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In this episode David Lui shares his experience on his role in developing the Pacific mental health service.  Also, he shares why cultural competence is important in mental health care for Samoan and Pacific consumers in NZ.

O le'a fa'amatala e David Lui lon soifua galue i le taumafaiga ole auaunaga mo le Pasefika, aemaise le aogā ole silafia ole aganu'u Samoa ma le Pasefika i totonu ole matagaluega a le soifua maloloina i NZ. 

Faugagana Practice: www.faugaganapractice.com 

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Part 2, in this episode Misa revisited her childhood memory living with her parents in her village of Pata Falelatai.  She talks fondly about how she observed her father's devotion to his christian faith, his prayers Misa believed has blessed her life journey.  Misa's lived experience in the Samoan culture and knowledge has grounded her practice.  She credited her upbringing from Samoa and how this has shaped how she care for people needing her support.  Also, Misa offers her pearls of wisdom to help guide Samoans who may consider counselling as a career.

Va...

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Part 1,  in this episode a Samoan counsellor Misa Fia Turner talks about different roles she plays in her practice in NZ.  Misa discusses how her Samoan culture strengthen her practice and enables her to support Samoan people in her care. Her understanding of the Gagana Samoa and values of ole vā fealoaloa'i (sacred space) has set her apart from others in her profession.  Misa discusses the barriers faced by Samoans to access counselling support and would like in this talk to offer solutions and to clarify some of these barriers.

Vaega 1 ole...

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Part 2 of the conversation with RN Moelagi Jackson.  In this episode Moelagi talks about her understanding of the connection of spiritual healing and mental health.  Also, why understanding Samoan cultural values strengthen her nursing practice in different roles she occupied in her career. Moelagi shared her insights on her nursing journey and the lessons she has learned to help inspire nurses or Samoans who may want to consider working in government organisation in NZ.

Vaega 2 ole talanoaga ma Alaimoana Moelagi Jackson.  O lona fa'auigaina ole soifua fa'aleagaga ma le feso'otaiga ma le...

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This episode Moelagi shares her perspective on the podcast theme, and her nursing journey from Samoa, Australia and New Zealand.  Moelagi shares her experience and how her Samoan culture shaped the way she provides care in different roles she occupied.

Ole talanoaga ma le tama'itai tausi soifua ia Moelagi Jackson i lona soifua galue amata mai Samoa, Ausetalia, ma Niu Sila. O le'a fa'ailoa ai e Moelagi le taua o lona malamalama ile fa'a Samoa i galuega eseese o lo'o ia tauaveina i le taimi nei.

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Part 2 of the talanoa with Fuimaono Dr Karl Pulotu Endemann.  His perspectives on spirituality, and why he develops the Fonofale Model- the first Pacific health belief model in New Zealand healthcare.  The fonofale model is mentioned and recognised in healthcare organisations and training institute for undergraduate nursing in NZ.

Ole vaega 2 ole talanoaga ma Fuimaono Dr Karl Pulotu Endemann.  O sona finagalo ile tāua ole fa'a lea agaga ile soifua ole mafaufau, aemaise le mafua'aga sa ia fausia ai le fonofale model.  O lenei model o lo'o fa'aogāina i totonu...

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This is the first episode for Season 3, 2026.  The theme is 'culture is the medicine' Fuimaono is a pioneer of Pacific mental health in NZ.  He was the first Samoan nurse working in mental health, and he developed the Fonofale Model to guide mental health practice and care in NZ.  Fuimaono is sharing his perspective on the theme with examples from his practice and career.  This is the first part of the talanoa with Fuimaono.

Talanoaga ma Fuimaono Dr Karl Pulotu Endemann i sona finagalo ile autū ole polokalame.  O Fuimaono ole tausi...

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This is the final episode for Sesaon 2 and to celebarate Christmas.  Registered Nurse Mulipola Leonia will share her experience about the holiday season and why this is important to a Samoan.  We will talk about the value of reflection on the year that was, setting goals for the new year, tips on looking after each others, and to how to be safe during the holidays. 

Ole polokalame mulimuli lenei ole tausaga e taualuga ai le Season 2.  Ole polokalame fa'apitoa mo le Kerisimasi.  Ua ma fa'atasi ai ma Mulipola Leonia e talanoaina le ao...

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In this episode,  my sister Priscilla and I will share our experiences about the loss of our father- the late Mua'au Lea'itua Niko Liaina.  We will talk about how we cope with the news and how we deal with the feelings of loss and grief during this darkest hours and times.

Apology in advance for the background noise as this episode was recorded in Samoa.

Ole polokalame lenei o le'a fa'asoa ai lo ma lagona ma le uso ia Faumuina Priscilla ile maliu o lo ma tama.  O lagona sa...

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In this episode, I will share my experience in raising my two special need daughters.  Taupa'u Irina has learning disability and Victoria has mild autism.  I will share the challenges and positives of the journey.  Also, why people should learn more about disability to get a better understanding on how to better support people with disability in our community.

O le polokalame lenei o le'a fa'asoa ai le auala sa our faia e tausia ai le fanau o lo'o iai manaoga fa'apitoa.  O nei auala e fa'amoemoe e fesoasoani mo i lato...

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In this episode I reflected on my memories growing up in my family and village with my sister Priscilla.  Why are these memories important to my sense of belonging and identity?  I believe this episode will resonate with many born and raised Samoans, and I hope it will help us understand why environment, community, village and family are important to mental wellbeing.

Apology in advance for the background noise as this episode was recorded in Samoa.

Ole ma talanoaga ma Faumuina Priscilla e toe tomanatu ai i aso ua ma...

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In this episode, Galumalemana will talk about the role of a Samoan nurse in Aotearoa, NZ and why this is valuable for our population seeking healthcare.  The importance of the Samoan language to communicate with health professionals. Galumalemana will also talks about her current role as a CEO of the Pacifika Family Health Group in Auckland, NZ.

Apology in advance for the background noise.

Ole talanoaga ma Galumalemana ile taua ole galuega a tausi soifua Samoa i totonu ole soifua maloloina i NZ.  Ole taua ole gagana Samoa e ta...

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This is a continuing episode from Maiava Moana Solomona.  She discussed the qualities of a Samoan mental health specialists with examples from her practice.  Maiava highlights the value of cultural awareness of people who works in the field in order to provide good care for our people. Also, the need to continue conversation and initiative already happening to address stigma, and this should involve the community.

Ole fa'aauauina lenei ole talanoaga ma Maiava Moana Solomona.  O le taua ole tu ma le aganu'u ile auaunaga aemaise o le aoa'oina o isi ina...

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Maiava Moana Solomona a Samoan clinical therapist will talk about her experience working with Samoan mental health consumers in Australia, New Zealand and Samoa.  Maiava will share how her understanding of the Samoan culture and language strengthen her approach in supporting not only Samoans in her care but also, people she works with. 

O le'a fa'asoa mai Maiava Moana Solomona i lana galuega fa'a therapist i totonu ole mental health.  O le aoga o lona silafia ile tu ma le aganu'u fa'aSamoa i lana galuega, aemaise o sana fautuaga i auala ese...

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in this episode, Lina discussed her practice of fofo and why this is important to our health and wellbeing.  Lina talks about how her fofo heals many people not from her village but also from other villages.  People also seeks her out from overseas.  Lina is aware that traditional healing is important to Samoans holistic wellbeing. Also, the need for conversation about mental health to start and strengthen in her village of Vailu'utai.

O le polokalame lenei o le'a fa'asoa ai le taulasea Samoa o Lina Tupuola mai Vailu'utai, Samoa i lan...

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In this episode Pastor Moasegi and faletua Tafea discussed the link between  spiritual faith and Samoans health and wellbeing.  The practices of faith is core to Samoans and why church is the anchor for diaspora Samoan.  Within the church the Samoan values of alofa, fa'aaloalo and va fealoaloa'i are practised in every aspects of the church.

Ole'a talanoa Pastor Moasegi male faletua ia Tafea ile taua ole soifua fa'aleagaga i o tatou tagata Samoa.  Ole taua ole lotu ile soifua filemu ole mafaufau ole tagata. O totonu ole lotu o lo'o ao'a...

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In this episode three matais (chiefs) representing the Mulpola family explain what this cultural practice and why it is core to Samoans wellbeing.  They provide examples of this practice from their own family in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Ole talanoaga ma susuga ia Mulipola Tofiga, Mulipola Afano, ma Mulipola Mataupu ile uiga ole tautua aitaumalele, ae fa'apea le taua ole fa'asinomaga ma aiga ile soifua manuia ole mafaufau o tagata Samoa.

Faugagana Practice: www.faugaganapractice.com 

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Ole ala ile pule ole tautua meaning 'the path to leadership is through service'.  In this episode, Seulupe Dr Tominiko explains the practice of tautua, also, different types with examples.  Dr Tominiko explains what good leadership leadership is about through actions, and words. The practice of tautua can be stressful for some and spiritually fulfilling for others-this depends on your own perspectives. Importantly, Dr Tominiko reminds how the role of women within Samoan families should be valued and respected at all times.

Ile polokalame lenei o le'a talanoa ai Dr Tominiko il...

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This episode Dr Tominiko talks about his reserach about the fa'a matai (chief) in the Samoan culture.  He will explains the characteristics of the fa'a matai and what leadership looks like.  Importantly, how the matai leadership can uplift and support mental wellbeing of the extended family.

Ole polokalame lenei o le'a talanoa ai Dr Tominiko i lana su'esuega sa faia ile fa'a matai, ma ta'ita'i ole Pasefika.  O le'a fa'asoa ile matafaioi a le matai ile ta'ita'iina o lona auaiga, aemaise le ta'ita'i e alofa ma fesoasoani ile soifua manuia ole aig...

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In this episode Tauanu'u discussed the cultural meaning of the concept 'ole va' and the application of this practice in Samoans daily life.  Also, the fundamental role of family in developing healthy future Samoan generations. Importantly, the role of language in understanding medical conversations with healthcare professionals. 

O le polokalame lenei o lea fa'asoa ai Tauanu'u ile uiga ole fa'aupuga ole va tapuia ma lona fa'aogaina i totonu o aso faiso'o i aiga ma fa'alapotopotoga. Ole taua o totonu o aiga ile tapu'eina ole soifua maloloina ato'atoa ole tino, agaga, ma le...

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In this episode Tauanu'u will explore the importance of the Samoan language and cultural practices to identify, sense of pride, connections and mental wellbeing. Also, the significant of the Polyfest event to Samoan young people in NZ, and why the family is core to the fundamental health and wellbeing of a Samoan person.  In addition, Tauanu'u explain the practices of lauga (oratory), fa'afiafiaga (performance), tauloto (poetry), fa'agogo (storytelling),  etc communicates emotions and feelings of people in different contexts.

Ole polokalame lenei o le'a talanoa ai Tauanu'u ile taua ole so'otaga ole ga...

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In this episode Dr Fuafiva Fa'alau will talk and explain about her research about Dementia for Pacific people in NZ.  There are limited information about Dementia for Pacific available, and her research will hope to produce resources that are culturally appropriate for our Samoan/Pacific population.

Ole polokalame lenei o le'a fa'amatala ai e Dr Fuafiva lana su'esu'ega o lo'o faia ile taimi nei e fa'atatau ile Dementia i NZ.  O le'a fa'amalamalama ai le tele o tatou fesili e fa'atatau i le Dementia aemaise o fesoasoani mo i latou ua a...

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Dr Fuafiva Fa'alau will talks about the importance of the Samoan worldview in Pacific health education and research in university studies.   She defines the term positionality and why this is core to who we are as people and our connection with others.  Dr Fuafiva talks about what mental health means to her and why her Samoan culture is important to the different roles she plays in our community.

Ole talanoaga ma Dr Fuafiva Fa'alau e fa'alia ai le galuega o lo'o galue ai i totonu o NZ, ma le mafua'aga o lo...

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This is a special episode to celebrate the holiday season.  Registered Nurse, Leonia Mulipola is sharing her experience about Christmas & New Year with her family and community.  She also shared useful tips and advice on how to look after your mental wellness during the holidays.  

This is the final episode for Season One.  Season Two will be launched in February 2025.

O fautuaga mo le puipuia ole soifua ole mafaufau i le vaitau o aso fiafia.  O Leonia Mulipola ole Nurse ua fa'asoa mai lona silafia i auala sogalemu e fa'am...

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This episode focus on counselling, the benefit of talking to a counsellor in your own language to find solutions to achieve peace with self and others, as well as learning coping skills. Registered Counsellor Misa Fia Turner is our guest for this episode.  Apology in advance for the slight echo in the audio.

Ole polokalame e talanoaina ai le counselling po'o fa'a talanoaga malu puipuia e fesoasoani e fa'ato'a filemu le mafaufau, ma silafia ai ni auala e fesoasoani ai i mafatiaga ole mafaufau i le tatou gagana Samoa.  Ole Afioga ia...

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Migration to a new country has both positive and negative effect on migrants.  this episode will include general information about the effect of migration to holistic health and wellbeing of people.  I will talk from my own experience as a migrant and a mental health nurse.

O le malaga ese mai ma nonofo i seisi atunu'u e iai ona itu lelei ma itu e a'afia ai le soifua manuia ole mafaufau.  O le'a ou fa'aogaina lo'u iloa i lo'u malaga mai ma le aiga i NZ, ae fa'apea lo'u galue ai i t...

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Penina is a non-government organization supporting Samoan/Pacific people in NZ, especially mental health consumers.  In this episode Senior Social Worker Toa Tavita Gafoi will talk about Penina Trust and the different services available for the Pacific community.  

Ole auaunaga a le Penina Trust e mo tagata Pasefika i totonu o NZ.  O Penina Trust e fesoasoani ile atunu'u i so'o se vaega tau ile si'osi'omaga i le lotoifale ma feso'otaiga ma isi auaunaga e aoga mo le soifua to'a filemu ole mafaufau. Aemaise fesoasoani mo aiga.

Faugagana Pra...

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This episode will include tips on ways to look after mental wellbeing and where to find support in the community in NZ.  Samoan Registered Nurse, Mutu'i Temukisa Alao-Snyder will share her experience and knowledge in this episode.

O le polokalame lenei e talanoaina ai ni auala e va'aia lelei ai le soifua manuia ole mafauau.  Aemaise o ni fesoasoani i le fa'ato'afilemuina ole mafaufau pe'a mana'omia.  Ole tama'ita'i toausi soifua Samoa o Mutu'i Temukisa Alao-Snyder o le'a fa'asoa atu lona tomai i lenei polokalame.

Faugagana Practice: www.faugaganapractice.com...

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Samoan Registered Nurse and HIP practitioner Mutu'i Temukisa Alao-Snyder will discuss and explain how her role can support people with mental health distress in the community. This role is part of GP practice in most primary care services in the community. 

O le polokalame o le'a fa'asoa atu ai le tama'ita'i Samoa o le tausi soifua i totonu ole GP e fa'amalamalama lana tautua mo tatou tagata e fia maua lea auaunaga.  O auaunaga e a'afia ai fa'atalanoaga ma isi vaega e fesoasoani ile soifua manuia ole mafaufau.

Fa...

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This Episode is about a Samoan family experience as consumers of mental health services.  A Samoan mother Tuitogatupu Sarauati Lilo is sharing her personal experience and tips to support our listeners when in need of accessing mental health services.

O le polokalame lenei o le'a fa'asoa mai ai le tina ia Tuitogatupu Sarauati i lona silafia ai ole auaunaga sa latou fa'aogaina ma lona aiga.  O le'a fa'asoa mai ai i mataupu aoga e tatau ona silafia e tatou tagata Samoa e fa'atatau ile auaunaga a le mental health pe'a mana'omia.

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This episode discuss the effect of drugs, alcohol and substances to mental health and wellbeing.  An experienced Counsellor/Clinician Sailiivao Aukisitino Senio of the Salvation Army in Samoa is joining this episode to talk about this issue for our listeners.

O le mataupu o le a'afiaga o le ava malosi ma fuala'au fa'asaina ile soifua to'afilemu ole mafaufau.  O le afioga ia Sailiivao Aukusitino Senio o lo'o galue i le Salvation Army i Samoa ua fa'atasi mai e talanoaina lenei mataupu.

Faugagana Practice: www.faugaganapractice.com 

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A Samoan  NZ Registered Nurse Ainoama Scanlan shared her experience working in the Mental Health Psychological and Medicine services in the Emergency Department.  She shared the most common challenges she experience in her role and her advise on ways to health and wellbeing for our listeners.

Ole tama'ita'i tausi soifua o Ainoama Scanlan o le'a fa'asoa i lenei polokalame lona silafia ile galue ai i totonu ole Mental health ile Emergency care.  O le'a fa'asoa mai ai va'aiga o lo'o ia mata'ituina o feagai ma o tatou tagata pe'a fa'aogaina lea aua...

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The benefits of using the Pacific services in mental health for our Samoan people.  Also, other available services that our Samoan families should know.

Ole aoga o auaunaga a le Pasefika i totonu ole Mental Health aemaise isi auaunaga o lo'o maua e aoga mo tatou tagata.

Faugagana Practice: www.faugaganapractice.com 

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This episode will discuss different pathways to access mental health services in New Zealand, and other services available. Also, useful tips on how Samoans can be benefitted from different services available and ways to look after mental wellbeing. A Samoan Social worker Lemalu Toilalo is joining me in this episode.

O le mataupu o le'a talanoaina o le fa'alauiloa o auala e maua ai le auaunaga pe'a mana'omia.  Aemaise o isi auaunaga o lo'o maua i totonu ole mental health.  E aofia ai ma  fautuaga i auala e maua ai le fes...

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This episode discussed the most common causes and symptoms of mental illness in general.  Two Samoan mental health professionals share their knowledge in this episode- Lemalu Toilalo Lemalu, Registered Mental Health Clinician and Registered Mental Health Nurse Tafea Moasegi-Pulotu.  Also, included information on how to access help and support with language when needed.

Ole polokalame o le'a talanoaina ai auga ma mafua'aga lautele ole gasegase ole mafaufau.  Ole Afioga ia Lemalu Toilalo ole Social Worker ma le faletua ia Tafea Moasegi-Pulotu ole Registered Nurse po'o le tausi soifua o le'a fesoasoani mai...

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This episode introduces the author and the rationale of starting this podcast.  
Includes: A brief story of the author's journey from Samoa to New Zealand.
Nursing journey and specialising in mental health.
Post graduate studies and discovering the need for Samoan/Pacific resources in care.
Doctorate study and deciding to create the podcast to disseminate research findings to the Samoan community in New Zealand, Samoa and around the globe.

Ole polokalame muamua lenei e fa'ailoa atu ai le mafua'aga o lenei taumafaiga.  E aofia ai:  Fa'amatalaga pu'upu'u ile...

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This episode briefly describes the difference between the World Health Organization and Samoans view mental illness.  The Samoan interpretation is focused on the causes and the WHO describes the symptoms.  Also, Samoans interpretation is based on cultural practices and values, and relationship with others.

O le polokalame lenei o le'a talanoaina ai le gasegase ole mafaufau ma le fa'auigaina e tatou tagata Samoa.  O le'a aofia ai ma mafua'aga ole gasegase ma le eseesega ole fa'aliliuina e le soifua maloloina ole lalolagi olea fa'aupuga ma tatou talitonuga e fa'atatau ile gasegase ole...

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This episode explains the difference between the World Health Organization definition of mental health and Samoan understandings. Also, explains Samoans worldview on holistic health and wellbeing.  In addition, the Pacific health belief model used in mental health care in NZ for Pacific mental health consumers and healthcare in general.

O le'a le soifua ole mafaufau.  Ole fa'aliliuina e le soifua maloloina ole lalolagi ma tatou Samoa.  O le fa'avae o le tatou talitonuga ile soifua maloloina ole tagata atoa, le tino ma le mafaufau.  O le'a talanoaina ai fo'i le fa'asinoala po'o...

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Talofa lava, this is the Fau Gagana Podcast. A mental health podcast delivered in the Gagana Samoa (Samoan language) and caters to Samoan migrants in New Zealand and around the globe, as well as Samoans living in Samoa.  Tune in for general information about mental health and mental illness, ways to manage and looking after mental wellbeing, and where to find support when needed in New Zealand. If you would like to support this work, please subscribe to my podcast.

Fa'amatalaga pu'upu'u e fa'atatau ile tatalaina ole Fau Gagana Podcast.  E aof...