MEI, the Podcast

In this episode, we are honored to feature Wendy Chinglong, a remarkable volleyball player and an inspiring figure within the Marshallese community. Wendy has made her mark on the court as a middle blocker for the Har-Ber Lady Wildcats, a member of the NWA Junior Storm, and a two-time MVP with her competitive team, 'Iakwe.' Beyond her athletic achievements, Wendy’s story highlights resilience, discipline, and a deep connection to her Marshallese identity. Our conversation explores her journey to becoming a standout athlete, the challenges and triumphs she has encountered along the way, and the vision she carries for her future both in sports and in her community.About Our GuestWendy Chinglong is a rising star in the world of volleyball. Wendy proudly represents the Republic of the Marshall Islands on the international stage and has competed in major beach volleyball tournaments across Oceania, training under some of the best coaches in the Philippines. Currently a senior at Harber High School, she’s a key middle blocker for the Lady Wildcats, a standout with the NWA Junior Storm, and a two-time MVP with her local competitive team, IAKWE. From starting her journey in 7th grade to preparing for a collegiate volleyball career, Wendy’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and passion for the game.MORE INFO. Har-Ber Wildcat Volleyball (@harberwildcatvolleyball) • Instagram photos and videos Marshall Islands Volleyball Federation-Stay Tuned! MEI INFO:Email: Info@mei.ngo Please support us! Make sure to follow and subscribe:FacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeThe theme music for “MEI, the Podcast” was composed by Matthew John. All rights reserved. Season 1, Episode 12 was recorded at MEI on September 22, 2025. Marcina Langrine and Matthew John co-hosted, and Marino Morris co-produced and edited this episode. Jessica Schwartz did post-production. The transcript is available HERE.© MEI 2025.

In this episode, Chapel joins host Marcina Langrine and Matthew John to talk about their passion for advocacy and their career aspirations. From moving to the U.S. at age seven to becoming a triple major at the University of Arkansas, Chapel’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and purpose. Balancing life as a student, an intern at the Marshall Islands Consulate, and a clerk for an attorney, they still find time to create powerful art on the nuclear and climate crisis — artwork that has reached global audiences, even the United Nations. Their passion for giving back shines through in teaching English to Salvadoran immigrants and mentoring youth in their community. With dreams of becoming a lawyer, Chapel hopes to inspire Marshallese youth to chase higher education, believe in their potential, and never be afraid to pursue multiple passions at once.About Our GuestChapel was born in Majuro, Marshall Islands, and moved to the United States at the age of seven. Before Springdale, he and his family lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He is currently a senior at the University of Arkansas with a triple major. Chapel plans to apply to Law School and has goals to apply to a Masters Program. Chapel currently serves as an intern at the RMI Consulate's office.MORE INFO. RMI Consulate: https://www.facebook.com/rmiconsulatearkansas/Artpiece with MEI: https://www.mei.ngo/exhibit-Stay Tuned! MEI INFO:Email: Info@mei.ngo Please support us! Make sure to follow and subscribe:FacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeThis episode was supported, in part, by UCLA’s Academic Senate Faculty Grants Program.The theme music for “MEI, the Podcast” was composed by Matthew John. All rights reserved. Season 1, Episode 10 was recorded at MEI on August 29, 2025. Marcina Langrine and Matthew John co-hosted, and Marino Morris co-produced and edited this episode. Jessica Schwartz did post-production. The transcript is available HERE.© MEI 2025.

...willingness, dedication, community engagement, support, connection...In this episode, we speak with our special guest, Christopher Balos, about his upbringing since childhood as a Marshallese born in the Islands and his personal experiences with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We discuss his role at the Arkansas Support Network, where he serves as a vital resource for the Marshallese community, providing information and services related to intellectual and developmental disabilities. About Our GuestChris Balos, born in the Marshall Islands and raised in the United States, is an accomplished advocate and support professional with years of experience in disability services. As a Family-Focused Planning Specialist with Arkansas Support Network, Chris specializes in bridging Marshallese families and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to vital resources and services.Through his dedicated role, Chris enhances community engagement and fosters a culture of understanding and accessibility, ensuring that families receive the support they need to thrive. Known for his thoughtfulness, openness, and passion to empower his community. Chris believes in the importance of family, culture, and purpose in the lives of those he serves. His personal experiences and insights into the challenges faced by the Marshallese community have made him a trusted resource among individuals and families alike. In his personal life, Chris values time spent with loved ones, enjoys coffee and attending sporting events, and is actively exploring ways to support those around him more effectively. He approaches his work with a commitment to person-centered principles, cultural bridging, and advocating for improved outcomes and quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as their families.MORE INFO. Arkansas Support Network-Stay Tuned! MEI INFO:Email: Info@mei.ngo Please support us! Make sure to follow and subscribe:FacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeThis episode was supported, in part, by UCLA’s Academic Senate Faculty Grants Program.The theme music for “MEI, the Podcast” was composed by Matthew John. All rights reserved. Season 1, Episode 9 was recorded at MEI on August 27, 2025. Marcina Langrine and Matthew John co-hosted, and Marino Morris co-produced and edited this episode. Jessica Schwartz did post-production. The transcript is available HERE.© MEI 2025.

...belonging in-between and finding a pathway to purpose through identity and culture...In this episode, we will be interviewing PhD candidate and Marshallese scholar Corinne Salter about her path to education and her life growing up in Louisiana, USA. We explore her struggles with Identity and her adoption story, as she was born in the Marshall Islands in 1999 and adopted by an American family at birth. We also tap into her journey as a “Youth for Nuclear Justice” Fellow and her upcoming role as a PhD candidate at Louisiana State University (LSU).About Our GuestCorinne Salter is a PhD candidate at Louisiana State University, studying for her degree in environmental sciences. She was born in the Marshall Islands on Ebeye and was adopted by an American family from Louisiana, where she was raised. She began working at MEI in early 2023 as a Youth for Nuclear Justice fellow, but has more recently joined other projects to help local Marshallese pursue higher education and navigate the American education and financial systems, as well as the expectations associated with them. She graduates this Fall from her PhD program. She plans to continue her career in environmental work with Marshallese communities in the U.S. and back home, as well as with other climate-vulnerable communities. You can check out her podcast, Climate Pelicans’ Brief, which she co-hosts with fellow LSU doctoral student, Jill Tupitza, “as they bridge the gap between the science of climate change and environmental impacts in Louisiana frontline communities.”MORE INFO. Corinne's IGClimate Pelicans' Brief Podcast:CPB IGCPB iHeartCPB RSSCPB SpotifyCPB Amazon-Stay Tuned! MEI INFO:Email: Info@mei.ngo Please support us! Make sure to follow and subscribe:FacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeThis episode was supported, in part, by UCLA’s Academic Senate Faculty Grants Program.The theme music for “MEI, the Podcast” was composed by Matthew John. All rights reserved. Season 1, Episode 8 was recorded at MEI on July 17th, 2025. Marcina Langrine and Matthew John co-hosted, and Marino Morris co-produced and edited this episode. Jessica Schwartz did post-production. The transcript is available HERE.© MEI 2025.

Unity, culture, and making music that connects.In this episode, host Marcina Langrine is joined by Matthew John and Kairo Langrus to discuss the origins of MARK Harmony. Matthew and Kairo share their experiences as a rising Marshallese boy band, known for their smooth vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and island-inspired rhythms. They delve into the creative process behind crafting their songs, highlighting how they blend modern melodies with their cultural heritage. Matthew and Kairo also emphasize the strong brotherhood that has contributed to their current success. MARK Harmony is more than just a band; they are a voice for their generation, showcasing the beauty and resilience of Pacific Island youth through their music.About Our GuestMARK Harmony is a four-member boy band of Marshallese descent that grew up in Northwest Arkansas and graduated from Har-Ber High School and Springdale High School. The members include Matthew, Arsi, Raygon, and Kairo. Guided by their artistic vision, MARK Harmony’s mission is to amplify the voices of Marshallese youth, reflecting the vibrant pulse of their community through music. While they are dedicated to sharing their cultural history, their primary goal is to empower more Marshallese and Micronesian youth to pursue their dreams, overcome their fears, and spread love on behalf of the displaced Marshallese people worldwide.MORE INFO. Email: markharmonymusic4@gmail.comInstagram: @markharmonyofficial Facebook: @markharmony4 Tiktok: @mark.harmonyStay Tuned! MEI INFO:Email: Info@mei.ngo Please support us! Make sure to follow and subscribe:FacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeThis episode was supported, in part, by UCLA’s Academic Senate Faculty Grants Program.The theme music for “MEI, the Podcast” was composed by Matthew John. All rights reserved. Season 1, Episode 7 was recorded at MEI on June 23, 2025. Marcina Langrine hosted, and Marino Morris co-produced and edited this episode. Jessica Schwartz did post-production. The transcript is available HERE.© MEI 2025.

An artist, a future barber, and a teacher. Can one person do it all? In this episode, Mashiro joins hosts Marcina Langrine and Matthew John to discuss his high school experiences, accomplishments, and new passions. A leader who strives to learn, but also finds opportunities to give back to his community. Mashiro discusses his new passion and explores ways to refine his craft as a barber. In essence, each role can be seen as an artistic endeavor, requiring skill, creativity, and a dedication to sharing knowledge and inspiration with others.About Our GuestMashiro Yamane is a recent graduate from Springdale High School. He was born and raised in Arkansas. Mashiro was the president of the Springdale High School Islander Club from 2024 to 2025 and was an active member of the club throughout high school. During his time as Islander Club president, Mashiro organized numerous cultural and educational activities, often in collaboration with the Marshallese Educational Initiative. He was a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, and the Ambassador program, and participated in Junior Leadership. Mashiro was also a member of the track team during his junior year and was on the basketball team as a sophomore. He is currently working on his barbershop license. He plans to attend Northwest Arkansas Community College to earn his associate's degree, after which he will further his education at the University of Arkansas to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Education.Contact:link to IG : https://www.instagram.com/mxshiro/IG handle : @mxshiro Stay Tuned! MEI INFO:Email: Info@mei.ngo Please support us! Make sure to follow and subscribe:FacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeThe theme music for “MEI, the Podcast” was composed by Matthew John. All rights reserved. Season 1, Episode 6 was recorded at MEI on May 28, 2025. Marcina Langrine and Matthew John co-hosted, and Marino Morris co-produced and edited this episode. Jessica Schwartz did post-production. The audio-synced transcript is available HERE© MEI 2025.

How do Marshallese students rise as leaders in their community while still in high school? How do Marshallese youth leaders balance the day-to-day pressures of school, family, and work with their efforts to promote culture in organizations, such as the Islander Club?In this episode, Honey Andrew joins hosts Marcina Langrine and Matthew John to discuss these issues — namely, how she balances her roles as Islander Club president, senior student in the student class council, student athlete, and part-time worker outside of school. We cover her future endeavors and goals, as well as hearing her personal stories about sports and her experience as a Marshallese student in the Springdale School district.About Our GuestHoney Andrew recently graduated from Har-Ber High School's Class of 2025. She served as the president of the Islander Club during the 2024-2025 school year. She helped organize and run various cultural and educational events in this role, often collaborating with the Marshallese Educational Initiative. She successfully balanced school and work. Honey plans to attend college in Taiwan to pursue her dreams and aspirations.MORE INFO. Springdale Islander Club (Facebook)Stay Tuned! MEI INFO:Email: Info@mei.ngo Please support us! Make sure to follow and subscribe:FacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeThe theme music for “MEI, the Podcast” was composed by Matthew John. All rights reserved. Season 1, Episode 5 was recorded at MEI on May 27, 2025. Marcina Langrine and Matthew John co-hosted, and Marino Morris co-produced and edited this episode. Jessica Schwartz did post-production. The audio-synced transcript is available HERE© MEI 2025.

More than ever, it takes a village to lead. A proverb that conveys the idea of collective support from the community. In this episode, Consul General Anjanette Anjel joins hosts Marcina Langrine and Matthew John to discuss her role as a CG serving the Midwest and the opportunities that led her to choose this career path. CG highlights her time studying abroad and how it exposed her to different cultures, values, way of life, broadening her perspective and fostering a greater understanding of the world. CG emphasizes the importance of pursuing higher education and how it can contribute to our country’s economic growth and development. CG Anjanette is a natural-born leader whose mission is to support, empower, and lead with collective action.About Our GuestAnjanette Anjel, Consul General of the Republic of the Marshall Islands in Arkansas, has a 10-year career in the Republic of the Marshall Islands’ foreign service. She holds a Global Politics and Economics degree from Tamkang University in Taiwan. She is skilled in international relations, diplomacy, protocol, negotiations, policy development, and administration. Anjanette serves as the Consul General or CG for Arkansas and the Midwest. MORE INFO. Northwest Arkansas RMI Consulate ContactsConsul General's Office AddressPhone: +1 479-419-9332Email: rmiconsulatearkansas@gmail.comFacebookStay Tuned! MEI INFO:Email: Info@mei.ngo Please support us! Make sure to follow and subscribe:FacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeThe theme music for “MEI, the Podcast” was composed by Matthew John. All rights reserved. Season 1, Episode 4 was recorded at MEI on May 13, 2025. Marcina Langrine and Matthew John co-hosted, and Marino Morris co-produced and edited this episode. Jessica Schwartz did post-production. The audio-synced transcript is available here.© MEI 2025.