Angela Edward’s podcast title is one of those rare ones that tell you all you need to know about a show in just a few words: “For Micronesians by Micronesians.”
For over a year, Angela has been interviewing Micronesians, telling Micronesian stories and covering issues that impact the community at home and afar. The podcast was born out of her determination to boost Micronesians, even under the strain of a global crisis during PIAA1 Heritage Month. Before the pandemic, in May Angela went to the local college and showed documentaries about the culture.
But last year in May, with 2020 restrictions in place and everyone indoors, instead of foregoing her advocacy efforts, Angela pivoted and got creative.
“In a pandemic, I made the choice to create the podcast. It was an opportunity to highlight Micronesians and let them tell their own stories in the way that our people always have—verbally,” she added.
The rest, as they say, is (oral) history. Angela’s podcast has 75 episodes and counting and rave reviews on Apple Podcasts. She’s spoken to Micronesian officials, creatives, professionals and allies.
A social worker and mental health therapist now living in Michigan, Angela describes herself as Micronesian American daughter, sister, auntie, and change agent. She opens each episode of “For Micronesians by Micronesians” with that neat tagline and closes each email with the same in her email signature.
“My family is from the island of Pohnpei and atoll of Pingelap,” the 34-year-old said. “I was born and raised in the United States in a pretty homogenous community where people didn't know what Micronesian meant and often thought I was Mexican.”
Angela said in the summertime, she’d live with her dad, “where there was a nice sized Micronesian community and I would feel more connected to my roots.”
In a way, Angela is recreating her summers with her podcast, building a space online where there are more Micronesians around, coming together virtually. And listeners and guests alike make and reinforce their connections to each other and their Pasifika roots.
In each episode, Angela speaks with Micronesians or allies living in different parts of the world and working in different industries. They share stories about themselves and discuss identity. They talk about news and issues that impact Micronesians in a casual, upbeat story-story setting. Angela herself is a welcoming and eager host and her passion for the people comes through in each show.
The name for the show was inspired by one of Angela’s mentors and Micronesian powerhouse, Josie Howard. Howard runs We Are Oceania (WAO) in Hawai’i.
Howard “expressed pride in the fact that (WAO) is an organization for Micronesians by Micronesians,” Angela said. “I loved that concept. So many bigger nations, organizations, and entities love to take ownership of Micronesian success if they have a piece in it.
I love the concept of our success being our success and no one being able to touch or tarnish that— and that's how the name came about!”
So far, the episode that’s garnered the most listens is the June 3, 2020 episode with Maria Kind. In that episode, Angela and Maria discuss Black Lives Matter. Maria is Pohnpeian and African American. The episode followed the death of George Floyd.
"It was the first time I had a discussion on a topic instead of highlighting a person. Maria actually felt called to have the discussion. She identifies as half Pohnpeian & half African-American,” Angela recalled.
The episode is so popular because it’s so needed, Angela said.
“So much of our community honors anti-black sentiments— from making fun of our darker colored family members’ skin to honoring white narratives— we needed this discussion. It wasn't just important because it was a current event. It was important because it's been an issue before the news talked about it. It's been an issue because we have family members like Maria who are constantly impacted by the discrimination. I'm glad people are still listening to it,” Angela added.
Since starting “For Micronesians by Micronesians,” she said the most rewarding part has been the support.
“Honestly, so many people have reached out to me to show love and it has made me feel like I've really bridged a gap of some sort. When people say nice things about the podcast and what they feel it's done for our community, it touches my heart,” she said.
“I don't know if people know that I consider myself and the podcast as one and so when someone compliments the podcast, I feel like they're complimenting my work.”
In addition to the podcast, Angela runs the very active @formicronesiansbymicronesians Instagram account. It’s more than just an extension of the show for the social media audience, but a platform of its own. And she does all this on the side.
“This is for sure a side hustle. There are months that I don't make any money from the podcast. I do it cause I'm passionate about it,” Angela said. She also added that she likes that the podcast is a hobby and that she has creative autonomy over the show.
“I think it keeps me passionate and true to what I’m called to do,” she said.
When she’s not wearing her podcasting hat, Angela is a full-time social worker/mental health therapist. She braids her Micronesian American background into that work as well.
“In my professional life, I work to learn more on Racial Imposter Syndrome as my niche so that I can work with others in a therapeutic setting on working through those feelings. This phenomenon is the feeling like you don't belong to the racial background that you share ancestry to— I like working with people to explore that,” she said.
Angela has grown to be a major influence in the Micronesian diaspora community, so it seemed fitting to ask who influences her to do what she does. She pointed to one person: her father.
"I’ve always been proud to be my father’s daughter. My father is a man who makes an impression on just about everyone he meets. He has a vibrant sense of humor, a huge smile, and a brilliant mind (with the capability to speak five languages fluently). My father is brave. He moved to the U.S. before phones and the internet were a common thing. When he left for America, he didn’t know if or when he would see his family again. My father has seen ups and downs in life and kept his joyful disposition. He is resilient!” Angela said.
She added that her father is a trusted voice in the community.
“He came to America in 1979, hoping to do well and more than 40 years later has five kids, all of whom have college degrees. He’s gone to school, worked in numerous career fields, is a car and homeowner, and has helped others find their way when they were new to America,” Angela said. “He has instilled family values, work ethic, kindness, and a good sense of humor in all five of us kids. My father is an amazing man. I can't say enough about how he influences all that I do.”
For the podcast listeners, Angela hopes they come away from the episodes having learned something.
“Or at least feel enlightened, more proud of their Micronesian identity, or feel like they can relate to the guests,” she said.
And for those who like “For Micronesians by Micronesians,” she recommended the Deep Pacific Podcast and said, “It will awaken your inner Pasifika warrior.”
Be sure to subscribe and follow “For Micronesians by Micronesians,” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Anchor or your other favorite podcast platform.
And follow @formicronesiansbymicronesians on Instagram for more Micronesian content.
I’ve been admiring Angela’s work from afar for over a year now. She is one of those people I really hoped to write about here on The Husk so basically, everyone, dreams do come true. I have enjoyed Angela’s podcast and will be following her recommendation to listen to Deep Pacific. It was my absolute honor to write about the great Angela Edward. Angela, I cannot thank you enough.
To you, dear reader, thank you for reading. Write to you again soon.
Cheers,
Jasmine
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