Close to Home Ep. 1 | Beyond the Crown: Litara Ieremia-Allan

Litara Ieremia-Allan reflects on her experiences as Miss Samoa and Miss Pacific Islands, sharing insights on cultural responsibility, representation, and staying connected to her heritage. She also opens up about the role language plays in shaping identity, belonging, and community. Close to Home is a Pacific podcast exploring language, identity, and belonging for Pasifika people across Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, and the wider diaspora. ------------------------------------------------- CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introductions 01:30 - Family roots and growing up in New Zealand 05:04 - Navigating Samoan identity before pageantry 13:16 - Dealing with grief and grandfather’s legacy 17:22 - Perspective on faith and indigenous culture 26:49 - Managing public criticism and social media 33:24 - Importance of Samoan language and proverbs 41:43 - Connecting to ancestors through Samoan dance 52:49 - Advice for Pacific youth on identity and service 54:39 - One for the Village segment 56:15 - Quick fire questions ------------------------------------------------- CREDITS Producer: Antonia Utanga-Taefu Director & Host: Hanalei Temese-Foliaki Podcast Engineer: Jared Pickstock BTS Camera Operator: Justin Moore Production Assistants: Peyton Tofaeono & Saints Tuitama Editor: Emiliano Foliaki Cultural Advisor: John Pulu Translator: Neueli Mauafu Hair Stylist: Sandra Halaholo Makeup Artist: Fina Latu A Create08 Production. Made with the support of Pacific Media Network through the Moana Reo Fund.