Landon's Lists and Gems

About Landon's Lists and Gems

Join Landon Sikahema as he counts down his top 10 lists of best things when it comes to all kinds of topics such as: travel, current events, mental health, history, culture, entertainment, education, and much more!

Publisher

Landon Sikahema

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

17 Dec 2025

Latest episode

13 Jan 2026

Latest episodes

7 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   13 Jan 2026

   Intro to Landon's Lists and Gems

   New to my podcast? Here is an introduction to what this is all about!

2. 

   10 Jan 2026

   Top Travel Destinations pt. 3 with Scott Muhlstein

   Exploring Portugal: Unveiling the Hidden Gems of Scott's Top 10 Countries Join host Landon Sikahema and recurring guest Scott Muhlstein as they delve into the wonders of Portugal, Scott's sixth favorite country in his countdown of the top 10 countries he has ever visited. In this episode, they discuss Portugal's stunning natural beauty, rich architecture, vibrant street music scene, and unforgettable cultural experiences. From the lush island of Madera to the lively streets of Lisbon and a spontaneous countryside gathering, discover why Portugal stands out as a travel destination. Don't miss out on the insights and stories that make this episode truly special! 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:16 Recap of Previous Episodes 00:52 Scott's Sixth Favorite Country: Portugal 01:35 Unexpected Love for Portugal 06:08 Exploring Madera Island 13:28 Primeval Fear in Madera's Forest 23:23 A Forest So Dense, It's Like a Movie Scene 24:01 Connecting Experiences Across Continents 24:14 The Mystical Forests of Madera 27:01 From Madera to Lisbon: A Journey Begins 27:08 Lisbon: A City of Color and History 28:53 Lisbon vs. The Big Three: A Surprising Preference 30:53 The Allure of Lisbon's Music and Atmosphere 34:47 A Warm Welcome in the Portuguese Countryside 38:07 Reflecting on Portugal: A Memorable Journey 42:04 Wrapping Up: Join Us Next Time!

3. 

   10 Jan 2026

   Top Travel Spots pt. 2 with Scott Muhlstein

   Scott's Top 10 Travel Destinations #8 & #7 | Amazing Experiences in Morocco and Malaysia Join host Landon Sikahema and his guest Scott Muhlstein as they continue counting down Scott's top 10 favorite countries he's ever visited. In this episode, Scott dives into his memorable experiences in Morocco and Malaysia. From unique marketplaces and snake charmers in Marrakesh, to Malaysian culinary delights and an unforgettable bus journey, this episode covers cultural highlights and unforgettable travel stories. Don't miss the lively conversation and insights on what makes these destinations special! 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:17 Recap of Previous Episode 00:50 Scott's Number 8: Morocco 01:24 Travel Story: How Scott Ended Up in Morocco 02:53 Cultural Insights: Morocco vs. Jordan 05:07 Exploring Marrakesh: Markets and Snake Charmers 14:08 Moroccan Carpets and Aggressive Sales Tactics 17:50 Architectural Wonders of Morocco 29:55 Moroccan Cuisine and Mint Tea 33:58 European Influences and Unique Moroccan Culture 37:54 The Blue City and Future Travel Plans 40:47 Cultural Experiences in Morocco 41:16 Exploring the Music Shops of Morocco 42:48 Introducing Malaysia: A Memorable Journey 44:24 Travel Challenges and Health Issues 46:54 Urban Adventures in Kuala Lumpur 50:14 The Culinary Delights of Malaysia 52:34 The Epic Bus Ride 01:00:01 Reflections on Travel and Resilience 01:10:07 Concluding Thoughts and Next Episode Teaser

4. 

   17 Dec 2025

   The Spratly Island Dispute

   Exploring the South China Sea Dispute with Dr. Dylan Michael Beatty, PhD In this episode, I, Landon Sikahema, welcome my good friend Dr. Dylan Michael Beatty, a PhD graduate in geography from the University of Hawaii. We dive deep into his research on the incredibly complex geopolitical dispute of the South China Sea, specifically focusing on the Spratly Islands. Dr. Beatty provides a unique perspective emphasizing the everyday lives of people directly affected by this dispute, contrasting traditional state-level analyses. This is the first of a series of episodes where we'll continue to unpack his significant PhD dissertation and its broader implications for social science theories of territory and sovereignty. Tune in as we explore this cutting-edge issue in critical geopolitics. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction 01:10 Discussing Dr. Beatty's Accolades 01:52 Overview of the PhD Dissertation 02:48 Research Focus: Raley Island Dispute 03:34 Field Work in the Philippines 11:32 Challenges and Political Climate 16:40 Law of the Sea and Territorial Claims 23:52 Introduction to the Disputed Territories 23:58 Military Occupations and Artificial Islands 27:28 Philippines' Sovereignty Performance 29:15 Vietnam and Other Claimants 30:22 The Kalayaan Island Group 34:40 Geopolitical Consequences and Theoretical Perspectives 39:15 Grassroots Impact and Personal Anecdotes 46:30 Conclusion and Future Discussions

5. 

   17 Dec 2025

   Pacific Islanders - Mental Health and the Arts

   From Theater Arts to Therapy: A Journey of Healing with Sam Lutui - A Polynesian Perspective Join me, Landon Sikahema, as I sit down with my uncle, Sam Lutui, to delve into his incredible life journey. Despite having a background in theater arts, Sam now runs his own therapy practice. We explore his early love for performing arts, growing up in Tonga, and how these experiences shaped his unique approach to therapy. Sam also shares the emotional story of a tragic accident during his senior year of high school that steered him towards mental health. We discuss the role of storytelling, music, and Polynesian culture in healing, and touch on the urgent issue of mental health within the Polynesian community. This episode is a deep dive into resilience, culture, and the transformative power of art and therapy. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:21 Sam's Unique Path to Therapy 01:31 Early Life and Education in Tonga 03:04 Theater and Performance in Tonga 08:01 Cultural Performances and Storytelling 12:31 Polynesian Talent in Performing Arts 16:45 Transition to College and Theater Arts 29:04 Pursuing Passions: Music and Acting 29:51 Turning Down the First Acting Offer 32:36 Balancing Music and Youth Corrections 35:51 A Tragic Event and Its Impact 38:44 Creating Melody Healing4 7:50 Polynesian Mental Health Insights 56:19 Concluding Thoughts on Mental Health

6. 

   17 Dec 2025

   How Pacific Islanders Get Into Top Universities

   Unlocking Educational Opportunities with Manuia Foundation: A Conversation with Geraldine and Alema Fitisimanu In this episode, I sit down with my Auntie Geraldine and Uncle Alema, founders of the Manuia Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping pacific island youth with their educational journeys. We delve into the foundation's origins in Samoa, its expansion to Arizona and Utah, and its mission to assist students in finding the right fit for their higher education. Uncle Alema and Auntie Geraldine share insights about educational consulting, the importance of visiting college campuses early, and the impact of tailored one-on-one coaching in college essay writing and financial planning for school. Join us as we discuss the heartwarming success stories and the essential role of parents in nurturing their children's educational dreams. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:35 Origins of the Mania Foundation 01:47 Understanding Educational Consultants 02:50 The Role of Educational Consultants in College Admissions 04:25 Personal Experiences and Insights 05:21 Mission and Impact of the Mania Foundation 06:47 One-on-One Coaching and Services 10:54 Encouraging Early College Visits 21:25 Tailoring Education Paths for Polynesian Students 35:42 The Importance of College Essays 36:18 The Importance of Understanding the Prompt 37:31 Crafting a Compelling Story 38:44 The Role of Emotions in Essays 39:37 Editing and Coaching Process 40:17 The Significance of Authenticity 40:53 The Complete Application Picture 41:57 Personal Stories and Unique Perspectives 45:32 Parental Involvement and Support 54:15 Success Stories and Achievements 59:54 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

7. 

   17 Dec 2025

   Top Travel Destinations with Scott Muhlstein

   Favorite Travel Destinations with Scott Muhlstein Welcome to the first episode of my podcast series where we dive into all kinds of subjects from travel to current events and more! I'm your host, Landon Sikahema, and today I'm joined by Scott Muhlstein, Vice President of Pomelo Travel and Flights from Home, and a master's student in American Studies. In this episode, Scott shares his favorite countries to visit, starting with Norway and Spain. Hear Scott's unique stories and insights about the incredible natural beauty of Norway, from its famous fjords to the rich sauna culture. Then, travel with us to Spain as we explore the walkable streets of Barcelona, admire Gaudi's breathtaking architecture, and savor the delicious food. Whether you're a travel enthusiast or just curious about these destinations, this episode is packed with personal experiences and travel tips. Stay tuned for more episodes as we delve further into Scott's top travel destinations! 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:04 Scott's Top 10 Favorite Countries: Starting with Norway 02:14 Exploring Norway: Fjords and Sauna Culture 14:58 Norwegian Cuisine: A Surprising Delight 20:59 Nightlife and Dancing in Oslo 24:23 Bergen: The Jewel of Norway 28:33 Exploring the Natural Beauty of Norway 28:59 Unique Camping Laws in Norway 29:24 Fjord Tour Experience in Bergen 30:16 Green Mountains and Valleys of Norway 32:39 Travel Tips and Food Recommendations in Norway 33:08 Introduction to Spain: Number Nine Favorite Country 33:53 Walkability and Architecture of Barcelona 45:05 Gaudi's Masterpiece: La Sagrada Familia 50:55 The Alhambra: A Blend of Cultures 56:11 Spanish Food and Cultural Experiences 01:02:34 Conclusion and Future Travel Plans

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