Pacific Empowerment
Akanesi Kaufusi
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About This Podcast
Pacific Empowerment Podcast was founded by a Tongan woman entrepreneur, Akanesi Kaufusi, to uplift and inspire Pacific Island people to take bold action, chase their dreams, and dream as big as they dare. This podcast challenges the limitations of traditional thinking and cultural expectations that often hold our people back. It’s a space to break free from fear, take risks, and rewrite what’s possible - no matter your background or environment. Your situation doesn’t define you. Your vision does.
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Recent Episodes
S1E33 Episode 33 - Patriarchy: Who Makes the Rules and Who Do They Benefit?
In this episode of the Pacific Empowerment Podcast, we explore the concept of patriarchy and ask an important question: who makes the rules, and who do those rules benefit?Looking at history, from…
S1E32 Episode 32 - Power, Sex & Money: Confronting Abuse in Pacific Communities
In this episode, I sit down with Pastor Letitia Shelton, who grew up in Fiji and now serves across Fiji and Australia to have a bold and honest conversation about sexual abuse, exploitation, and the…
S1E31 Episode 31 - Tou’a: Exploited vs Willing Participation
In this episode, I take an honest look at the tou’a practice, focusing on the difficult topic many avoid, the tou’a who willingly engages in relationships with married faikava men.I share real…
S1E30 Episode 30 - Epstein vs. Faikavastein: The Pattern of Predators
In this episode, I unpack the disturbing patterns behind Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes, including the children’s photos and artwork found throughout his home, and what they reveal about how predators…
Episode 29 - Ban Tou‘a Campaign Is Live - Sign the Petition Now!
In this episode, Akanesi Kaufusi launches the Ban Tou‘a campaign, calling for the protection of women, children, and families in faikava spaces.She shares the challenges she has faced online, the…
S1E28 Episode 28 - What 2025 Taught Me: Fearless, Courage & Unstoppable
This episode marks my final podcast for 2025 as I take a short break over Christmas and New Year, before returning after the holidays.In this episode, I reflect on my journey throughout the year -…
S1E27 Episode 27 - Hepatitis B in the Pacific: Hidden Liver Damage in Our Families
⚠️ DisclaimerThis episode is for awareness and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always seek guidance from a qualified doctor before testing or taking any medication.In this week’s…
Episde 26 - Cyberbullying in the Pacific: Our Talk on 16 Days of Activism
This week, I sit down with Lizzie Wong to break down 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and what it means for Pacific Island people. We talk through this year’s theme on ending digital…
Episode 25 - Letting Go of Old Traditions: From Catholic Doctrine to Pacific Practices
In this powerful episode, Akanesi dives deep into how God has been speaking through Scripture - revealing that not all traditions passed down through generations come from Him. Using the recent…
S1E24 Episode 24 - Epstein, Power & the Pacific: Why No One Is Untouchable
In this powerful new episode of Pacific Empowerment, host Akanesi dives into the truth behind the release of the Epstein Files, and why this moment matters for our Pacific communities.In this…
S1E23 Episode 23 - Discussing Academic Papers on the Tou‘a
In this week’s episode, I discuss academic research on the role of the tou‘a - the woman serving kava, and what these studies reveal about women’s experiences inside faikava spaces.I focus on the…
S1E22 Episode 22 - When Research Misses Reality: Why Kava Studies Don’t Reflect Pacific Life
Episode Description:In this episode, I analyze Dr. Apo Aporosa’s article of the University of Waikato, "De-mythologizing and Re-branding of Kava as the New ‘World Drug’ of Choice” - a paper that…
S1E21 Episode 21 - What If Faikava Men and Wives Changed Roles?
Kava addiction has become a silent epidemic in the Pacific, breaking homes, stealing time, and blinding our people to their God-given purpose.In this episode, I read the first testimony from a Samoan…
S1E20 Episode 20 - Is Kava Safer Than Alcohol and Drugs?
Many believe kava is safer than alcohol or drugs, but is it really? In this episode, we take an honest look at the hidden effects of kava, alcohol, and drugs on our Pacific communities.We begin by…
Episode 19 - Is It a Kava Problem or an Individual Problem?
In this powerful episode, I dive into two major conversations happening right now - one global, one close to home.First, we look at the historic peace deal between Israel and Palestine that was…
S1E18 Episode 18 - First Policy on Social Kava Use & the Untold Stories of Wives of Faikava Men
In this week’s episode, I talk about the first-ever policy on social kava use introduced by Otago University - a bold and necessary step toward bringing structure, safety, and accountability to kava…
Episode 17 - The Dark Side of Faikava and Tou‘a
In this powerful and deeply moving episode, I read out the testimonies of women who have served as tou‘a in faikava circles and bravely shared their experiences of sexual abuse. These are stories…
S1E16 Episode 16 - Well-Behaved Women Rarely Make History
In this episode, I dive into the stories of fierce women throughout history - biblical heroines like Deborah, the prophet and judge who led Israel into battle, and Queen Esther, who risked her life…
S1E15 Episode 15 - Charlie Kirk on Marriage & The Testimonies from Wives of Faikava Men
In this episode, I begin with the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk and explore his powerful views on marriage, family, and faith. From there, we shift closer to home, sharing raw, real testimonies…
S1E14 Episode 14 - TOU'A: Women’s Testimonies from the Faikava
In this episode, we dive into the history and role of the tou‘a - women who serve kava in Tongan faikava circles, and why Tonga’s practice is different from other Pacific regions. We explore how the…
Frequently Asked Questions
Pacific Empowerment has published 33 episodes since June 2025, covering topics in Business, Education.
Pacific Empowerment is currently highly active with new episodes weekly. Average episode length is 45m.
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