Pulse of Polynesia
Pulse of Polynesia is a vibrant podcast where Polynesians from all backgrounds unite to share their inspiring stories of resilience, ambition, and success. From growing up in the islands to navigating life across the globe, each episode highlights real experiences of overcoming challenges, embracing cultural identity, and achieving greatness—all while staying rooted in the spirit of Polynesia.
Pulse of Polynesia
They Called Our Hero a Savage. Here's What Really Happened. | History They Never Taught Us Pt. 3
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🌊 Welcome back to Pulse of Polynesia — The History They Never Taught Us | Part 3
In this powerful continuation, hosts Leaso Filoialii and Crystal sit down with Beauman Fuimaono (@thestoryofbeau) to unpack the hidden history of Samoa — the stories erased, reframed, or never taught in classrooms.
We dive deep into the legacy of Mataʻafa Iosefo, the Samoan warrior chief who stood against German and American forces as colonial powers fought over Samoa. From guerrilla warfare in Leulumoega and Fagali’i… to the devastating 1889 Apia hurricane… to the Treaty of Berlin that divided our islands — this conversation explores the resilience, intelligence, and spirit of the Samoan people.
This episode also tackles:
🔥 Colonial narratives & historical erasure
🔥 The “civil war” label placed on foreign invasions
🔥 Samoan military service & sacrifice
🔥 Cultural dependency & the Buffalo analogy
🔥 Why education and cultural identity matter now more than ever
This isn’t just history.
This is OUR story. 🌺
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 — Intro: Mataʻafa — hero turned forgotten
0:57 — Samoan guerrilla warfare & German colonizers
1:59 — Americans bomb Fagali’i; Mataʻafa defends
3:05 — Spokane statue & “savage people of Samoa”
3:51 — Hurricane sinks warships in Apia harbor
4:12 — Treaty of Berlin & division of Samoa
5:00 — “Conquered by pen, not sword”
6:06 — Why young Samoans need this history
7:00 — Samoans & military enlistment
8:51 — Research vs. social media hearsay
10:10 — The Buffalo analogy explained
11:17 — Chasing money vs. preserving identity
13:18 — Prayer & blessings
13:59 — “We Are Pasifika” closing
🎙️ GUEST
Beauman Fuimaono — @thestoryofbeau
🎙️ HOSTS
Leaso Filoialii & Crystal
📍 ABOUT PULSE OF POLYNESIA
Pulse of Polynesia is a global platform built for the culture, by the culture — sharing Polynesian voices, journeys, truths, and untold stories from across the Pacific and beyond.
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