Rob talks about his life growing up in California as his parents battled with meth addiction. Being the oldest brother, he was often left responsible for his siblings overnight. Against all odds, he leaves California, treading a path outside of the box.

This was actually my first episode, recorded on Thanksgiving!

Guided by intuition, Carole stepped into a fast-paced, travel-filled role with the European Commission — work that fulfilled her deeply, until it no longer did. The rescue of a very special dog in Serbia would go on to change everything.

In this very first episode, I sit down with my friend and manager Pam — the real-life Moana — to talk about how this podcast came to be and what we hope it will become. We unpack the meaning behind the title and how our own life experiences shaped it, from navigating cultural shock to growing up as Pacific Islanders in spaces that don’t always make room for them. Pam also opens up about the often-unspoken, brutal realities of being the eldest daughter in a Tongan family. Honest, reflective, and full of heart, this episode sets the tone for the conversations to come.