Host: Kaʻiminaʻauao Kahikina

Guests: Tatiana Kalaniʻōpua Young, Sami Akuna, and Phylesha Brown-Acton

Works Featured: Four Principles of Māhū Leadership and On MVPFAFF+

Theme: Māhū and QTPI become leaders by sitting at the feet of our elders

Description:

This episode bridges Hawaiʻi, Niue, Aotearoa, and the greater Moananuiākea as Kaʻimi sits with māhū and QTPI leaders Tatiana Kalaniʻōpua Young, Sami Akuna, and Phylesha Brown-Acton. Together, they explore how the principles of māhū leadership—leʻaleʻa, aloha ʻāina, kuleana, and ʻohana—and the Pasifika-born term MVPFAFF+ reframe how Indigenous queer(ed) communities build networks of care and resistance across oceans.

Listen & Learn: What can māhū and QTPI leadership teach the world about sitting at the feet of our elders—to raise, nurture, and guide the next generation of leaders?

*This episode engages Hawaiian worldviews and social contexts, and explores themes of sexuality, gender, and erotics. Some language and content may be considered strong or triggering. Viewer/listener discretion is advised. 

Art concept: Kaʻiminaʻauao Kahikina @mahucha_art

Art design: Sara Saffery @sarasaffery

Music: “Pua Līlīlehua,” Mokihana Flood, Tree of Life

Follow the podcast on IG: @kukakikipodcast