In this episode of Island Fever Podcast, hosts Vaelupe, Krit, and Donato sit down with drag icon, performer, and RuPaul's Drag Race winner Sasha Colby for an intimate conversation about purpose, legacy, and what comes after achieving the dreams you've spent your life chasing.From growing up in Waimānalo, Hawaiʻi, to becoming the first Native Hawaiian and openly transgender woman to win RuPaul's Drag Race, Sasha reflects on the people, places, and culture that shaped her journey. She shares what it means to lead the legendary House of Colby as a house mother, the responsibility that comes with representing Pasifika and trans communities on a global stage, and how she's navigated life after reaching some of the biggest milestones in drag.Together, they unpack the unexpected identity shifts that can follow success, the realities of fame, advocacy, chosen family, dating, and the question so many people face after accomplishing a lifelong goal: Where do I go from here?Of course, it wouldn't be Island Fever without a little fun. Sasha dishes on dating, shares what it really takes to win her over, reflects on life on the road, and gives a glimpse into the exciting new ventures she's building beyond the stage.Whether you're chasing a dream, redefining success, or figuring out your next chapter after reaching a major milestone, this conversation is a reminder that the finish line is often just the beginning.🌈 Topics include:Growing up in Waimānalo and Native Hawaiian identityThe House of Colby and ballroom legacyWinning RuPaul's Drag Race and Miss ContinentalRepresenting Pasifika and trans communitiesFame, purpose, and life after achieving your biggest goalsAdvocacy and using your platform for changeDating, relationships, and life beyond the spotlightWhat's next for Sasha Colby🔔 Subscribe to Island Fever Podcast for conversations centering Queer & Trans Pacific Islander voices, storytelling, culture, healing, relationships, and community.For more resources: www.pasifikarootedtherapy.com/islandfeverFollow Island Fever Podcast: Instagram: www.instagram.com/islandfeverpodcastThis episode was made possible by the support of:Trans Justice Funding ProjectNQAPIACredits:Hosts:• Vaelupe Ma'aele• Kristian Fanene Manuwai• Donato FatuesiExecutive Producers:• Aisea Laungaue• Kristian Fanene ManuwaiProducer:• Donato FatuesiEditor:• Peter Filimaua🔔 Subscribe to Island Fever Podcast for bold conversations centering Queer and Trans Pacific Islander voices, culture, creativity, relationships, healing, and community—while building bridges through conversations with changemakers from across the globe.

In this episode of Island Fever Podcast, hosts Vaelupe, Krit, and Donato sit down with actress, stylist, and cultural commentator Asia Jackson for an honest conversation about identity, belonging, and the lifelong journey toward self-acceptance.From growing up in a military family in different parts of the world to Long Beach and navigating life as a Blasian woman with Filipino roots, Asia opens up about existing between communities, confronting colorism, and the complicated realities of erasure within Asian, Black, and Pasifika spaces. Together, they unpack what it means to reclaim your identity, build confidence in an industry that often rewards proximity to whiteness, and discover that belonging begins with accepting yourself.Of course, it wouldn’t be Island Fever without a little fun. Asia also shares her favorite styling tips, talks about fashion as a form of self-expression, and reflects on the balance between celebrating identity without allowing it to become your entire personality.Whether you’ve ever questioned where you belong, struggled with cultural expectations, or are learning to embrace every part of yourself, this conversation is an invitation to take up space exactly as you are.🌈 Topics include:Growing up Blasian and FilipinoFinding belonging across multiple communitiesColorism and cultural erasureBuilding confidence and self-acceptanceRepresentation in Hollywood and content creationFashion as self-expressionMixed-race identity and privilegeCreating your own lane in entertainment✨ About Our Guest: Asia Jackson is an actress, model, stylist, and digital creator on a mission to challenge colorism and celebrate beautiful brown skin. A professional IT girl and founder of #MagandangMorenx. As a Filipino and Black creative, she has become a leading voice at the intersection of identity, representation, and style. Through her work across film, television, and social media, Asia has built a community centered on self-confidence, authenticity, and empowering people to embrace every part of who they are.🔔 Subscribe to Island Fever Podcast for conversations centering Queer & Trans Pacific Islander voices, storytelling, culture, healing, relationships, and community.For more resources: www.pasifikarootedtherapy.com/islandfeverFollow Island Fever Podcast: Instagram: www.instagram.com/islandfeverpodcastThis episode was made possible by the support of:IOANE FoundationDon't Drink the Water CafeSoCal PICRTCredits:Hosts:• Vaelupe Ma'aele• Kristian Fanene Manuwai• Donato FatuesiExecutive Producers:• Aisea Laungaue• Kristian Fanene ManuwaiProducer:• Donato FatuesiEditor:• Peter Filimaua🔔 Subscribe to Island Fever Podcast for bold conversations centering Queer and Trans Pacific Islander voices, culture, creativity, relationships, healing, and community—while building bridges through conversations with changemakers from across the globe.

In this episode of Island Fever Podcast, hosts Vaelupe, Krit, and Donato sit down with Jay Taj—rapper, songwriter, and Rhythm & Flow finalist—for a heartfelt conversation about the power of storytelling, cultural identity, and creating art that honors where you come from.

From his breakout journey on Rhythm & Flow to celebrating his identity as a proud Chamorro & Black artist from Santa Ana. Jay Taj reflects on how music has become a vehicle for preserving culture, challenging stereotypes, and inspiring the next generation of Pasifika creatives. Together, they explore the courage it takes to share your story, the impact of his AAPI Month series, and why representation matters both on and off the stage.

Jay Taj also opens up about navigating creative blocks, overcoming the fear of being vulnerable online, and the unexpected ways his storytelling has deepened his connection with community. Looking ahead, he shares what he's creating next and how he hopes his work continues to amplify Pacific Islander voices around the world.

This conversation is honest, inspiring, and filled with wisdom for anyone searching for the confidence to embrace their identity, trust their creative journey, and tell the stories only they can tell.

🌈 Topics include:

• Why storytelling matters for Pacific Islander communities

• Life after Rhythm & Flow

• Embracing Chamorro identity through music

• The impact of Jay Taj's AAPI Month storytelling series

• Breaking through creative blocks

• Representation, vulnerability, and building community through art

  
  

✨ About Our Guest:

Jay Taj is a Chamorro & Black rapper, songwriter, and storyteller whose music blends lyricism, culture, and personal truth. Widely recognized for his appearance on Rhythm & Flow, he has become a powerful voice for Pacific Islanders in hip-hop, using his platform to celebrate Chamorro identity and amplify stories that have long been underrepresented in mainstream media. Through his music and digital storytelling, Jay Taj continues to inspire audiences by proving that authenticity, culture, and creativity can coexist at the center of artistic success.

This episode was made possible by the support of:

• IOANE Foundation

• Don't Drink the Water Cafe

• SoCal PICRT

  
  

Credits:

• Hosts:• Vaelupe Ma'aele• Kristian Fanene Manuwai• Donato Fatuesi

• Executive Producers:• Aisea Laungaue• Kristian Fanene Manuwai

• Producer:• Donato Fatuesi

• Editor:• Peter Filimaua

  
  

  🔔 Subscribe to Island Fever Podcast for bold conversations centering Queer and Trans Pacific Islander voices, culture, creativity, relationships, healing, and community—while building bridges through conversations with changemakers from across the globe.