In the spirit of National Movie Night, we’re diving into a conversation with Rino Nakajima - a Disney superfan whose life has been shaped by the stories she grew up watching. Originally from Hiroshima, Japan and now living in Hawaiʻi, Rino talks about how movies like The Little Mermaid and Mulan have helped guide her through everything from studying Swahili in college to landing her dream job at Disney World, and even meeting her partner in a dating app meet-cute. With her heart in the ocean and her head full of Disney songs, Rino shares how these films have stayed with her over the years, offering lessons in perseverance and dreaming big. Now living her real-life mermaid dream by the sea, she reflects on what it means to carry a little movie magic with you, wherever you go!🌊 Episode Highlights – Dive In! 🐚0:22 Rino: Mermaid-in-training & Disney dreamer0:55 Japan to Hawaiʻi during the pandemic3:48 What makes your heartbeat? DISNEY!4:31 The Little Mermaid & living her best ocean life in Hawaiʻi6:22  Growing up a Disney Channel wave-rider7:51 Learning English, one High School Musical song at a time9:59 Circle of Life: Majoring in Swahili at Osaka University13:43 Landing her dream job in Orlando17:58 COVID: Goodbye to the happiest place on earth18:31 Quarantined in Hawaiʻi = time to dive into the dating apps19:05 A love story22:56 Exploring Disney parks around the world23:11 Shanghai and Tokyo26:01 Treasure trove: Mickey ear headbands galore26:40 Dream job in Hawaiʻi?28:18 Ariel, the ocean, and the call of the sea29:34 Go-to conversation starters (with a splash of magic)30:31 Favorite song?31:20 An imaginary conversation with Walt Disney32:20 Believing in magic: Dreams really do come true 🌈 Photo Credit: Rino NakajimaEpisode Art: Molly Mamaril 
Credits🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril🎸 Guitar: Amund GismervikListen & SubscribeApple PodcastsSpotifyGuest InquiriesInterested in sharing what brings you joy - what makes your heart beat? Complete our Guest Interest FormHeartbeat Narratives Book RecommendationsOur curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.org

Ver todos los episodios