Pacific Women Podcasts to listen to
- Neisau Tuidraki
- Sep 30
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 1
3 years ago I started my podcast, it was an idea sitting on paper for a while and I took the plunge and pitched it to the Nia Tero Pacific Journalism Fellowship and I am now about to drop season 3 of Kokonati Talk.
Kokonati Talk is the space where I talk with Fijians about contemporary culture and arts. I wanted to speak with the people who were working in the creative arts spaces in Fiji and the diaspora communities.
The podcast idea came to me during lockdown. In an effort to curb the overwhelming feeling of being cut off my family and island home I searched high and low for Fijian or Pacifika podcasts and there was such a small number of Pasifika voices and an even smaller number of Pasifika women podcasters.
Today is International Podcast Day and to celebrate, I’m sharing a list of podcasts either hosted or produced by Pasifika women, that I’m currently or have listened to.
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 5
Ask Sis the Podcast features interviews with Pasifika and Māori women. It’s witty banter with heartfelt conversations around resilience, identity, self care and empowerment. The host Puni is relatable, gracious and downright hilarious and steers the conversation with ease that grabs you attention from start to finish.
Seasons: 2
Episodes: 11
3 Bonus Episodes
Deep Pacific is hosted and produced by Kalani Reyes an indigenous Chamorro woman and Marine researcher.
Kalani speaks to indigenous people from the Oceanic region about decolonisation, indigenous identity, family and religion. They are difficult conversations and sometimes graphic but it’s told with an authenticity that speaks to the passion and integrity of our people.
Seasons: 5
Episodes: 67
6 Bonus Episodes
2 Brownish Girls holds no punches, it’s real talk about being Pasifika Australian women in Western Sydney trying to find a their place in a world where they don’t seem to fit in.
It’s unfiltered and raw so please put your earphones on, I say this with a huge smile on my face. Talica and Cribbs speak about dating, sex, colorism and breadth of subjects that often leave me rethinking, laughing and cringing.
They are exactly my cup of tea, loud, brown and proud Pasifika women speaking truth to their reality.
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 7
Digressions of a Fijian is hosted by UK based Fijian writer Isabella Naiduki. Isabella speaks about parenting in the UK, the strain of maintaining culture away from home, academia and indigenous identity.
I especially love her episodes recorded during lockdown, readings of the book Ratu Sukuna: Soldier, Statesman, Man of Two Worlds by Deryck Scarr.
Seasons: 2
Episodes: 10
Who asked her is a podcast hosted by Papua New Guinean woman Elvina Ogil. Elvina speaks about gender inequality and colonial legacies. The podcast is recognised as PNG’s first feminist podcast.
Elvina speaks on a range of topics such as her traditional tattoo journey to PNG politics. Her conversations with other PNG women are nuanced and left me having a deep think about the gender gap we face in the Pacific region.
Note: Though she has published 11 episodes there are only 3 episodes currently available on Soundcloud.
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 8
Insight Your Success is hosted by Fijian businesswoman Sharyne Fong who speaks to fellow business women about their journeys to success, the wins and losses.
They are heartfelt conversations that range from a diverse range of businesses/entrepreneurs with practical lessons and insights. Sharyne’s seasoned business background comes through with her sharp questions and her empathy and soft voice draws you in thinking you’re listening to your aunt having a good yarn.
Seasons:1
Episodes: 5
Two Fishes is hosted by Mere Nailatikau and Krystelle Lavaki. They speak with about politics, drain guppies and it’s done with a good does of Fijian cackling.
My favourite episode is Citizen Know Thyself. The conversation about Fijian politics hooks you and keeps you listening to her take on the political scene in the run up to the 2023 elections (I think?). Great Fijian storytelling for those of us that are missing home.
Seasons: 3
Episodes:28
VOSA is podcast supported by World Bank in the Pacific. It covers a range of topics with talanoas with a range of Pacific Islanders. This makes my list because of the strong Pacific women led team over 3 seasons. Disclaimer, I was part of that team in season 3.
Arieta Rika is pitched the idea of VOSA to the World Bank and produced and hosted season 1. The baton was passed to Mere Nailatikau who hosted and produced season 2 and finally for season 3 the Mama T’s of Tonga, Katrina Fatiaki and Talita Tu’ipulotu hosted while I was producer.
Proud to say that this podcast had a strong Pacific women led voice for all 3 seasons.
While these are podcasts that I have listened to, there are more to add to the list (below) that I am making my way through.
If there are podcasts I've missed, please let me know in the comments and please show your support by following or commenting on their podcasts.
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