This fun podcast shares the unique greetings from several of the islands of the South Pacific, their origins, meanings, and accompanying gestures. A special guest speaker, 'Isileli Tupou, also shares his feelings about the greeting expression, Si'oto'ofa in Tongan, and how it has influenced his life. He shares true stories of his youth and work experiences while living in Tonga. You won't want to miss this episode of The Aloha EQ Podcast that has been created for your education and entertainment. Learn the rich heritage of the islands where the Kongaika's lived, as well as those they have visited and others that are within the South Pacific. 

Can emotional intelligence make a difference in the role of a fahu. Learn what a fahu is and what her responsibilities are in the Tongan society. Listen as the host, Ruth Kongaika, interviews her daughter Liana, who is the fahu in her family. The questions she asks blend personal reflection, cultural insight, and emotional intelligence themes. Share this episode with others in the Polynesian community and please like and comment. 

Living in a fast-paced world, many families feel disconnected, burnt out, or unsure of how to create peace at home. This episode shares five powerful ways to bring the village spirit into your modern parenting, wherever you are. 

I didn't grow up in the islands. I grew up in the land of fry sauce, snow-capped mountains, and "I'm fine" said with a tight smile. Emotions were a bit like Jell-O salad: colorful, but often covered up and served with whipped cream. Then I moved to the South Pacific Islands. Let's just say, it was like going from muted pastels to full technicolor. Suddenly, emotions weren't something you hid in your journal; they were woven into daily life like the laughter of kids chasing chickens.  I talk about some obvious differences between the places I have lived and share my gratitude for both worlds. I tell what the differences are and explain how they both bring much to my life and contribute to my coaching parents and teaching about emotional intelligence. 

After living in Hawaii for 21 years, I was exposed to Hawaiian pidgin, which I enjoyed hearing. This is a brief preview of some of the idioms and humor heard by parents raising children in Hawaii. Please excuse the very poor accent. I thought it might be fun to get an idea of how some keiki (children) are brought up in the Hawaiian Islands. It is emotional intelligence, Hawaiian pidgin style. Not all people in Hawaii speak pidgin, but several do. If you want a list of several pidgin words or phrases, send an email to [email protected] requesting it.

Introduction to The Aloha EQ  Podcast

Welcome back. Today we're talking about raising emotionally smart keiki - our children. In a world full of noise, our kids need more than rules. They need emotional tools. I'll share personal stories, practical tips, and cultural insights to help the next generation grow up emotionally whole.

This episode of The Aloha EQ Podcast blends South Pacific and Mainland American emotional intelligence.  In the South Pacific, EQ involves showing emotions that reflect what your community would expect. In mainland America, emotions are mainly centered on self-expression. Although they are very different, both are beneficial and rooted in deep culture and traditions. Islanders show emotions through actions rather than verbal expressions. Mainlanders express themselves verbally in contrast. Although very different, they can both be very effective. 

Today we're talking about the unique emotional wisdom that lives in the islands. Have you ever wondered why someone raised in a village seems to carry calm even in chaos? There's a reason - and it's rooted in cultural emotional intelligence. So, let's explore how island life teaches us to lead with grace, restraint, and deep connection.

Ruth Kongaika