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**DR. KAIWIPUNI PUNIHEI LIPE, GUEST ON THE NCHE PRESENTS: LEADERS PURSUING HEALTH EQUITY IN AMERICA PODCAST, TALKS HAWAIIAN CULTURE & CONNECTIVITY WITH THEIR LAND**

Published

2 years ago

January 25, 2023

WASHINGTON– On the premier episode of NCHE PRESENTS: Leaders Pursuing Health Equity in America podcast, host Dr. Gail C. Christopher talks with guest Dr. Kaiwipuni Punihei Lipe. She is an extraordinary leader who discusses the culture of native Hawaiians, the challenges they face and their connectiveness with their homeland.

Uplifting and upbeat, Dr. Lipe believes in a “connectiveness” on earth. “In all places in the world, I believe that at one time or another there were principles that connected us to each other and a place for us in our stories,” she says. “We know that we are born from this land, that the land, the sky, the sea, the birds, the plants, the animals they’re all part of our family. It’s a lens or a framework that invites us always to be thinking of the ways we are connected, even when we’re not biologically related. And so that is a core principle that we are trying to teach anyone who is in our presence.”

Dr. Christopher, executive director of the National Collaborative for Health Equity (NCHE), adds, “It’s very exciting. If we love this place, how can we work together to take care of it? That is just so profound and so important. Thank you for sharing that ancestral wisdom with us. We all hail from ancestral wisdom. We are trying to catch up with our ancestors in learning to live in harmony with our environments and in concert with one another.”

Citing spiritual strength and resiliency of their culture, Dr. Lipe notes that many Hawaiians struggle “in so many ways, all very connected to the loss of our lands; more than half of native Hawaiians live outside of Hawaii. We cannot afford to live on our own homelands.”

Dr. Lipe is the inaugural director of the Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Advancement office at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UHM). She holds a BA in Hawaiian Studies, an MS in Counseling Psychology, and a PhD in Education Administration.

Listen to the engaging conversation HERE

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Dr. Gail C. Christopher is the Executive Director of the National Collaborative for Health Equity, Senior Scholar at the Center for Advancement of Well-Being at George Mason University, former Senior Advisor and Vice President of the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. Her new book, RX-Racial Healing is available HERE. Follow Dr. Christopher on Twitter @drgcchristopher.

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About NCHE

Founded in 2014, NCHE established to promote health equity through action, leadership, inclusion, and collaboration. We work to create environments that foster the best possible health outcomes for all populations, regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or nativity. NCHE also works to improve conditions for health and well-being, including those related to housing, education, income and wealth and the physical and social environment. Further, it is imperative that we address historic and contemporary structural, institutional, and interpersonal racism, which fuels inequities in our society.

Related Topics:hawaiian podcast THE NCHE PRESENTS

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Norwegian Rock Sensation Rocky Kramer: A Rising Star Blazing Across the Global Stage

Published

6 days ago

May 25, 2025

Jimmy Star

Rocky Kramer, the electrifying Norwegian-born rock star, is fast becoming one of the most talked-about names in the world of rock music. Known for his searing guitar solos, charismatic stage presence, and classical training, Kramer is proving that rock ‘n’ roll is alive and well in the 21st century.

From Trondheim to Hollywood

Born and raised in Trondheim, Norway, Rocky Kramer was immersed in music from an early age. With a pianist and very accomplished vocalist mother and a father that was a first violinist for the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra, Kramer had classical and rock influences in his blood. Initially trained in classical violin, he picked up the guitar as a teenager and quickly developed a reputation as a prodigious talent.

In his late teens, Kramer moved to the United States to pursue his rock dreams. It was a bold move that paid off. His distinctive blend of European musicality and American rock energy quickly caught the attention of industry insiders.

Guitar Virtuoso with a Theatrical Flair

What sets Rocky Kramer apart is his powerful fusion of technical proficiency and dramatic flair. Often compared to the likes of Yngwie Malmsteen and Eddie Van Halen, Kramer brings a neoclassical edge to his playing, while his glam-inspired image calls to mind the larger-than-life icons of 1980s arena rock.

Signed to Allied Artist Music Group, Kramer released his debut album Firestorm in 2019. A concept album with sci-fi themes, Firestorm showcased his musical versatility and cinematic storytelling. Songs like “Rock Star” and “Alcohol” became fan favorites and highlighted his ability to combine metal intensity with catchy hooks and thought-provoking lyrics. Firestorm scored a #1 hit on the Global DRT Charts with the hit single “Rock Star.”

Live Shows That Melt Faces

Whether headlining festivals, opening for legends, or lighting up the screen in virtual performances, Rocky Kramer’s live shows are a spectacle. Known for his explosive energy, intricate guitar work, and sometimes pyrotechnic surprises, his concerts are a must-see experience for fans of all ages.

In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Kramer adapted quickly by launching Rock & Roll Tuesdays, a popular weekly livestream show that blended music performance, storytelling, and interaction with fans. The series built a global audience and showcased Kramer’s humor, intelligence, and passion for music.

Expanding Into Film and Media

Rocky Kramer’s talents aren’t limited to music. With his striking looks and natural charisma, he’s branching out into acting and producing. He’s been involved in multiple film and television projects, further expanding his brand and artistic reach.

Kramer is also known for championing causes such as music education, anti-bullying campaigns, and mental health awareness. He frequently speaks about the healing power of music and the importance of self-expression.

What’s Next?

With new music reportedly in the works and an ever-growing fan base, Rocky Kramer is poised to become a defining figure in modern rock. He’s that rare artist who bridges the gap between technical mastery and raw emotion—blending old-school rock theatrics with contemporary relevance.

As the world watches and listens, one thing is clear: Rocky Kramer is not just playing guitar—he’s leading a rock revolution.

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