Meet Jen Roberts, a retired firefighter with a passion for adventure and a deep love for serving Hawaiʻi. She’s lived a dynamic life - bartending, fighting fires, and leading a women's motorcycling club - all while embracing each moment with gusto. Jen shares career-defining stories, from delivering a baby on the H-1 freeway to the meaningful work of The Pantry in Kalihi, where her team coordinates food distribution to nearly 10,000 residents each month. She also reflects on her side gig as a TV and movie extra (cue EMT!), along with adrenaline-packed travels to Dubai, Thailand, and South Africa with her family. Tune in for a lively conversation about chasing flames, loving big, and the joy of the open road.
Episode Highlights
0:21 Jen: a globe-trotting, motorcycle-riding firefighter
1:32 Volunteering at The Pantry, an e-commerce food distribution center
3:20 Roots: From Florida to Hawaiʻi at 21
4:20 Bartender to Firefighter
5:45 Delivering babies? Just another day on the job
9:25 Juggling a variety of jobs and new skillsets
10:18 Motorcycle magic and the open road
13:00 Steppin'
13:55 World travels with the fam
18:49 Giving back at Chai Lai Orchid in Thailand
22:42 Adrenaline-chasing in Dubai
26:45 Cape Town tales
28:09 Background acting gigs (aloha, Hollywood!)
31:55 Appreciate, volunteer, love big
Learn more about the organizations Jen mentioned by visiting:
The Pantry: https://thepantry.org/ (Kalihi, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi)
Chai Lai Orchid: https://chailaiorchid.com/what-we-do/ (Chiang Mai, Thailand)
Photos: Jen Roberts
Episode Art: Molly Mamaril
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Credits
🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril
🎸 Guitar: Amund Gismervik
A Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.
