Malia Villarreal Staheli is 28 years old and is from a town called Othello, which is an extremely small farming community in Eastern Washington. She is a beautiful mix of a bunch of different cultures and identifies as Latina-Polynesian. Malia loves fashion, thrifting, food, traveling, listening to ABBA, anything to do with the beach. She also currently works as a marriage and family therapist.

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Malia, who shares her experiences as someone with both Latina and Polynesian heritage. We talk about racism, microaggressions, and the importance of representation for BIPOC communities. Malia reflects on her time in Argentina, the challenges of the Trump administration for minority groups, and how she balances her work as a family therapist supporting BIPOC individuals while also navigating her own fears. Her perspective offers a powerful reminder of both the struggles and the resilience that come with advocating for change.

We also dive into her marriage with Colton—a conservative white man with a very different background—and how the two of them have built a beautiful life together despite political differences. Malia shares how they’ve learned to grow alongside each other, even when they disagree, and how love and empathy can transcend partisanship. Through it all, she emphasizes resilience, growth, and the importance of paving the way for others. (Colton’s episode will be posted next week so stay tuned!)

Support the show

Mitchell Price grew up in St. George, UT and currently resides in Provo, UT with his wife, Emma. He graduated from SUU with a degree in Political Science. He works as a data content specialist at Ancestry, but is an aspiring environmental lawyer and author.

Mitch’s story is one of curiosity, growth, and finding his place in a complex political landscape. Growing up in Colorado with liberal-leaning ideas but in a conservative household, Mitch found those values reinforced when his family moved to Utah, where the community, church, and schools largely aligned with his parents’ beliefs. But a political placement test in high school revealed his ideals leaned further left—and that realization sent him on a journey of discovery. From living in El Salvador during a time of monumental political change, to weighing the balance between liberty and safety, Mitch has seen firsthand how political climates shape people’s perspectives.

Today, Mitch is working toward becoming a lawyer with a focus on helping people and protecting the environment, driven by a belief that caring for the earth is a moral responsibility. He shares how writing and creating art can be powerful tools for spreading ideas, fostering empathy, and inspiring change—often in subtle but lasting ways. His story is a reminder that political identity is often a lifelong work in progress—and that listening, learning, and using your voice are all part of the journey.

Support the show

Naomi Lin-Anderson is a half-Taiwanese/half-white Utahn who loves to dance, read, and paint. She’s also a church goer and elementary school teacher.

Naomi has always had a heart for people—whether that’s her elementary school students, her community, or those she’s met around the world. In this episode, she shares her journey of embracing her identity as a mixed-race Asian American in a community that hasn’t always reflected her background. She opens up about reconnecting with her Taiwanese heritage later in life, the importance of representation in media and leadership, and how visibility can inspire others to embrace who they are. Her experiences living in Guatemala brought new perspectives, from navigating culture shock to recognizing stark differences in how women are treated and objectified.

In this episode, Naomi reflects on how these life experiences shaped her commitment to kindness, empathy, and open-minded conversation — especially in a world that can feel divided by extreme views. She believes that representation isn’t just about being seen; it’s about showing others that they belong, that their voice matters, and that diverse perspectives strengthen communities. Naomi’s story is a reminder that listening to others, even when you disagree, can create the space for real understanding and change.

Support the show