The Micronesian Podcast

What does China want in the Pacific Islands?

China is making a lot of moves in the Pacific Islands. In recent weeks, the news outlets in the Pacific and the west have reported on Chinese missions to the Pacific Islands. Recently, a question was asked on Quora about this subject, and this is my reply.

Discussing Human Trafficking with Lori Williams from the FSM Department of Justice

Kaselehlie Maingko, We are pleased to share this awesome episode on Human Trafficking.  Ms. Lori Williams from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Department of Justice, was interviewed and shared information about Human Trafficking.  She spoke with PJ about the history, methods of human trafficking, and a recent workshop that was held in Chuuk, FSM to discuss human trafficking in the FSM.  Enjoy this very informative episode and thank you for listening.  

Micronesian Podcast is back... for now

Been a while, a little busy on this end of the world... like everyone else.  Thanks for joining me, as we get reacquainted and I share a little bit of what is going on in Micronesia, specifically the Federated States of Micronesia.   Check out my blog for updates as well: https://micronesianblog.blogspot.com/ See you on the next episode.  

Enough of the 'Rona, let's remember and be grateful

It was memorial day in the USA today. I couldn't let the day go by without saying something about this day.   Memorial Day is a time to remember and be grateful.  Grateful to be alive, and grateful for knowing those who are no longer here with us.  So let's just do that, not just today, but every day.  #Gratitutde #MemorialDay

Importance of an Open Government, part 2 of interview with H.E. David W. Panuelo, President of the FSM

Hey podcast, here is the second part of our interview with our ninth FSM President, David W. Panuelo.    Mr Eric Thomas leads off the interview with an excellent question on the importance of the government sharing information with the people.  What follows are some precious gems of information from the President himself on information, social media, knowledge, accountability, power and clarifying that the government's business is the people's business.   Catch the previous episode here:...

Believe in Yourself - Interview with H.E. David W. Panuelo, 9th President of the FSM

Hey podcast, an absolute honor and privilege was granted to the Micronesian Podcast to interview the ninth President of the Federated States of Micronesia, David W. Panuelo.  This is part one of a three part series. On this episode we talk about the Youth and our citizens abroad.  He gives the youth some advice, like believe in yourself, don't compare yourself with others and tells us that the most important aspect of our economy is our human resources.  Our future belongs to the youth and ...

Top stories of 2019 - Micronesian Podcast

Hey Podcast, 2019 is almost gone.  How did it fare for you? I thought it went pretty well for Micronesia. In this episode, I am sharing what I thought were some of the top stories of 2019.  I think looking back at this year, the end of this decade, it was a pretty busy year for us and I believe  2019 was the year that the people spoke out more than ever.  A good thing, a good change.   45% off any item priced $399 & up (excluding Clearance items), plus free ground ship. Coupon Code: NEWYEAR...

Interview with Caroline Fisheries Corporation's Marko Kamber with Eric Thomas

Hey Podcast, today I sit down with the Marko Kamber from Caroline Fisheries Corporation and Eric Thomas from the FSM Open Forum.  We talk about fisheries, philanthropy and a little about Marko.  We find out about a new passion that he and his wife, Michelle, have started called Eco-Friendly Options - making eco-friendly and certified compostable products here in Pohnpei.  Check it  out facebook.com/EFO96941/ 50% off Dell Latitude E5470 Laptops (excludes Clearance items) plus free ground shi...

What next after the ConCon and state elections?

Hey Podcast, we had two elections in the beginning of the month. A national ConCon and Pohnpei state general elections. What now? We talk about that on this episode. Thank you for joining us.

Micronesian Podcast with Patrick Pedrus (Trailer)

The Micronesian Experience Podcast (Trailer)

The Micronesian Podcast (Trailer)

Today is FSM Veterans Day, a day to remember those who served and honor those who gave all.

Hey Podcast, FSM Veterans day is a special for those who served. However and wherever you served, we want to say thank you, and a special thank you to the families of lost service members. Kalanghan, Kinisou, Kamagar and Kulo.

ConCon results (so far) AND... Rape is NOT acceptable in Micronesia, contrary to popular belief!

Hey Podcast, sharing results so far on the FSM Constitutional Convention elections so far, plus I share my take on a Pacific Islands Times piece that says Micronesian culture accepts rape! WTH?... Yep, couldn't believe it.

FSM Independence Day speeches: Today, yesterday and tomorrow

Hey Podcast, I attended the 33rd FSM Independence Day celebrations here in Pohnpei and listened to some great speeches. Our President, Vice Speaker, First Speaker and a youth representative gave us inspiring words from today, yesterday and tomorrow. Enjoy and thanks for listening.

Happy 33rd Independence Day my fellow FSM citizens!

Hey Podcast, today is the 33rd anniversary of our FSM becoming a country. We are a sovereign country, in a compact of free association with another sovereign country. All this, because We, the People decided.

Across Micronesia: Latest official from Yap, Hospital policy and FSM 33rd Independence Day.

Hey Podcast, we test a new Mic and discuss what's going on across our beautiful Micronesia from the latest on the Yap murder investigation to our FSM Independence day. Little short today, but sharing nonetheless. Thanks for listening.

Interview from Fiji with June at the Early childhood development forum

My usual suspect/co-host June is down in Fiji covering an early childhood development forum for UNICEF. Congratulations to him first of all, and we talk a little about the forum and his experience down in Fiji. We'll get more info on his return in a couple of days.

Norman, Lana and Mia kids podcast- Interview Patrick Pedrus

Hey Podcast, the kids took over today and asked me some questions. We had fun and hope you enjoy this little break from the usual suspects.

An update in Yap and a big holiday for FSM in November

Hey Podcast, the Yap state government released an update on the investigation of their acting AG's death and our country is coming up on it's 33rd anniversary of being a sovereign nation, do you know the date? Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next episode.

First 100 days of 9th FSM President

Hey Podcast, the FSM President, David W. Panuelo has been leading our country for over 100 days now. How is he doing? From the perspective of information, I think he's doing great. Without timely and accurate information, we have no sense of what our President is doing. So far, so good. We hope to see more information and transparency from the Office of the President in the years to come. Also, if you like our podcast, please consider making a small donation to help us spread the word: https:...

Sad news out of Yap and some Micronesian History from the Trust Territory times

Hey Podcast, we had some really sad news from our state of Yap this week. The acting Attorney General Rachelle Bergeron was killed by an unknown assailant. We offer our deepest condolences to her family. We also talk a look at "The Edge of Paradise" by P.F. Kluge again. Yes, it is my favorite book about the early days of our nation, and the period before that when we were all the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Please consider supporting this podcast and the Micronesian News Broadcast...

Politics is a numbers game... Why do you vote?

Hey Podcast, a recent letter to the editor on the Guam Daily Post got me thinking about our election and political process here in Micronesia, the FSM. Why do you vote? Do you vote? How do decide who to vote for?? Me and June from the Micronesian News Broadcast talk about this issue and we hope you ask the same questions come elections. By the way, here is the article from the Guam Daily Post: https://www.postguam.com/forum/letter_to_the_editor/letter-to-the-editor-at-the-end-of-the-day/artic...

First suspected Dengue Fever case in FSM capital of Pohnpei

Hey Podcast, I spoke of Dengue concerns on a recent episode and now we have our first suspected case in Pohnpei. The department of health issue an alert and we are the latest island in Micronesia to be affected. We hope the lessons learned in the other islands can be applied here to keep our community safe and strong 🙏.

FSM Open Forum with Eric Thomas: Change with civility and respect.

Hey Podcast, today I speak with an old friend of mine, Eric Thomas. He created the FSM Open Forum on Facebook. We talk about freedom of speech, traditions and change in Modern day Micronesia. Check out the FSM Open Forum: https://www.facebook.com/groups/fsmopenforum/

The Fourth Constitutional Convention of the Federated States of Micronesia

Hey Podcast, the Constitutional Convention is on! The consolidated candidate list is out and FSM Public Law number 21-19 lays out the timeline, composition, procedures and expenses. We'll continue to follow and share more information.

10K plays! Tarawong Nauru Airlines, cabinet nominations and the power of social media

Hey Podcast, I start with gratitude for over 10K plays on the podcast! Thanks to all who have listened to this man with a microphone from Micronesia. I share news about Nauru Airline's departure, pending cabinet positions and the power of Micronesians on social media to gain the attention of their leaders. Thanks for listening folks, and see you on the next one.

Kosrae congressional audit, plus tragedy at home and abroad

Hey Podcast, today June from the Micronesian News Broadcast joins us on the podcast as we talk about the Kosrae congressional audit...whew! Amazing 😢. Plus we talk about recent tragedies here in Pohnpei and in the USA affecting our young people and those who leave Home for better opportunities abroad. Check out the Micronesian News Broadcast: https://www.facebook.com/Microbroadcast/

Dengue concerns in Micronesia

Dengue fever is spreading across Micronesia. From Palau to Marshall Islands, and now Guam. Pohnpei and Chuuk still have not had any issues. We hope it stays that way. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure I hear. We talk a little about prevention and some news from FSM. Thanks for listening.

A little history about Pohnpei's Liberation Day

Hey Podcast, a little background on our Liberation Day holiday here in Pohnpei. My special guest is my daughter and high school student, Alana. We talk a little about the history behind our recent holiday. This is just a mini history lesson, so if we left something out, forgive us, we were just enjoying some quality family and history time.

Educating 'hearts and minds' in Micronesia by the Joint Committee on Compact Review and Planning

Hey Podcast, I was joined by my usual suspect/co-host June from the Micronesian News Broadcast, on this episode. We go over Fact sheet #1, a Q and A on the amended compact by the FSM Government's joint committee on compact review and planning. To read the fact sheet visit Medianesia's blog: https://mymedianesia.blogspot.com/2019/09/across-micronesia-10-september-2019.html

Liberation day coming to Pohnpei

Short one today. Liberation Day is coming to Pohnpei. Sports and fun on that day to mark our liberation during the last World War. Catch events as they unfold leading up to Liberation Day: https://youtu.be/00yzIsPA7Sw

Edge of Paradise excerpt and discussion about recent Micronesian history

Hey Podcast, on this episode I talk with my kids about some Micronesian history. We also read some excerpts from the book 'Edge of Paradise' by P.F. Kluge, one of my favorite books about Micronesians. Check it out on Better World Books: http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-9168431-13423012?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.BetterWorldBooks.com%2Fproduct%2Fdetail%2FKluge-9780824815677%3Futm_source%3DCJ_feed&cjsku=9780824815677 See you on the next podcast, and thank you for listening :)

Self-government section on the Compact of Free Association

Hey Podcast, we continue delving into this hardly read, often misunderstood but extremely important document called the Compact of Free Association. Along with our constitution, the compact is the defining document of our people and our future. Thanks for joining me. See you in the next episode. You call also get more news and updates from Micronesia on our Facebook page: Micronesian News Broadcast, and on Twitter @PatPedrus

Compact of Free Association - The Preamble and expiration

One of the most important documents of our country, but how many know what is contained in this document? I go over some parts on this episode and hope to continue sharing more of this document that shapes the lives of our people. You can access the compact online here: http://www.fsmlaw.org/compact/

Historic visit by US Secretary of State to Micronesia

Recently the US Secretary of State came to Micronesia. He met with the leaders of FSM, RMI and Palau. He brought great news about renegotiations of our compact of free association with the USA. It is great news. Over in Guam, our neighbors and a US colony, the news was not so great. We talk about that and what this visit means to Micronesians.

US Secretary of Veterans Affairs listens to FSM Veterans

The US Secretary of Veterans Affairs was recently in Pohnpei FSM to talk to our Veterans. Not much was passed, but we had a bitch session and that counts for something. https://twitter.com/FSMPIO/status/1155395628664414208?s=19. Follow me on Twitter for comments and updates: Check out Patrick K. Pedrus - The Micronesian Podcast (@PatPedrus): https://twitter.com/PatPedrus?s=09

Our Public Servant, our President, His Excellency David W. Panuelo

https://gov.fm/index.php/component/content/article/35-pio-articles/news-and-updates/118-h-e-david-w-panuelo-inaugural-address?Itemid=177 Here is the video of the inauguration: https://youtu.be/Q_bWGcWns-U

Miss Micronesia or Miss FSM?

Hey Podcast, sharing some news about the Miss Marshall Island pageant happening now and the upcoming Miss Independence in Palau in late September towards October 1. How about one for FSM?

Across Micronesia: Independence day, FSM President meets partners, and other news.

Hey Podcast, sharing news from across Micronesia. Talked about our Independence day, news from the FSM President, a Marshallese MIT fellow and all that stuff in Guam, again. Thanks for listening.

FSM President responds on social media

Hey podcast, wanted to share a message that our FSM President shared with his people. This is awesome, why? Because our President is talking to us and explaining his decisions... That's good 👍, that's change👍

Marijuana bill? Plus Chinese in Pohnpei....

Two stories today that are amazing. First, a marijuana bill? Not sure if this valid, but we're asking and wondering. Second, a Facebook post that went beyond Facebook and how that is just crazy, in our opinion.

Low blow article and special elections

Hey Podcast listeners, sharing my take on an article that hits below the belt, in my opinion and doesn't offer any value. Plus,the special elections for the 4 year at large seats to the FSM Congress in Pohnpei and Kosrae are underway. Listen to find out who your candidates are. Here is the link to the article in question: http://www.hawaiifreepress.com/ArticlesMain/tabid/56/ID/23635/Lyon-Corruption-Will-Peter-Christian-Run-or-Turn-Himself-In.aspx?fbclid=IwAR3rpi5hFjXuUkiW9NCa38PUB5kqJBzWPUW49...

FAS Presidents met the US President, now what?

Hey there Micronesian Podcast listeners, we continue on today from the previous podcast. The three Presidents of FSM, RMI and Palau met with President Trump. A joint statement was issued, now what? That is the question... Now what? We have all the "unprecedented focus" on us and what will be the plan to benefit our country? Be sure to check out our video broadcast, The Micronesian News Broadcast where the discussion continues: https://youtu.be/JGlNnFeYhqI

The island Presidents meet the US President

Hey Micronesian Podcast listeners! Thanks for joining. We are continuing our mission to share news, updates and the good and bad from our beautiful islands. Today we talk about the upcoming meeting of our Presidents with the Orange one of USA,. Donald Trump. Interesting...

Interview with Muslim Imam in Pohnpei

Today, we are talking to Serjeel, who is the Imam of the local Islam community.   I mentioned this in our last podcast.  There has been a lot of discussion on the FSM and Micro Forums on Facebook.  We talk about that. He shares a little about Islam today and we look forward to more from him in future podcasts.  

Imam on next podcast and next leaders of FSM.

We're going to have the Imam from the local Muslim community on the next podcast, so stay tuned. Plus, a little reminder that our next President is coming soon... Like next week!

Veterans, Robots and Speaking Out

Kaselehlie, we talk about Veterans healthcare, the first Robo challenge in Pohnpei and how we are liking all the different views and opinions we are reading on social media 😁👍.

F4, Drug Trafficking and Muslims in Micronesia.

Hey everyone, been a while. Today, me and June talk about the recent successful F4 festival, drug trafficking in Micronesia and our take on Muslims and Islam in Micronesia.

Partners and how to influence Micronesians

Thanks for joining us on the Micronesian Podcast. We are talking about our partners and how we (Micronesians) can be influenced for greater good.