Lila: The Podcast

by Alexa Jo Schafer

Hi! I’m Alexa Jo, but you may hear me called Alexa, Lex, Jojo, or Joj on the show.

I founded Lila by Alexa Jo, home to a blog, community, events, and now a podcast.

Lila is defined as: "a wholehearted contentedness upon the recognition that every happenstance in one’s life thus far has led this this very moment, in this very place, with these very people."

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Podcast episodes

  • 19: Bánh mì, Bánh you, Bánh us - Adventures in Vietnam

    19: Bánh mì, Bánh you, Bánh us - Adventures in Vietnam

    Adventures in Vietnam from North to South with my best travel buddy, Minke! You know her, you love her....here's our antics

  • 18: Swing the bat & be proud of what you do - with Shaheer Faltas

    18: Swing the bat & be proud of what you do - with Shaheer Faltas

    This week I'm joined by my Hānai (chosen family in Hawaiian) uncle Shaheer Faltas! This name might sound familiar to you if you listened to last weeks episode with his wife, Maria Faltas. Shaheer took a chance by hiring me for a work-exchange in Hawaii helping manage their vacation rentals back in 2022 in exchange for a room in their home. He has so much wisdom and I'm constantly learning and growing from his guidance. He was one of the people I knew I wanted on the podcast back when it was just an idea. In fact, I launched Lila in Maria & Shaheer's kitchen! Shaheer talks about growing up with immigrant parents, losing his dad at 19, returning to Egypt to connect with his family's culture, and making strides in the teaching space. After an extremely successful career as a teacher and administrator in Waldorf schools, Shaheer has shifted his attention to personal training and life coaching. Back in 2004, Shaheer was offered a job to run a school on the Big Island of Hawaii. In the last 20 years, they have gone back and forth between Hawaii and California while building a successful business called Kona Mountain Refuge. They've created a big, beautiful life on the island, welcomed many into their home, and for that it has become a home to me. I'm overjoyed to share these amazing people with others and to bring the spirit of traveling to people at home. Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. The blog Instagram Don't forget to subscribe, leave a rating, review, and share with friends

  • 17: I'm feeling...dare I say...inspired? With Maria Faltas

    17: I'm feeling...dare I say...inspired? With Maria Faltas

    Today I'm joined by my friend Maria Faltas on the Big Island of Hawaii! WARNING: This episode may make you want to laugh, cry, hug your dad, apply to law school, move to an island, do a work-exchange, make art, swim in the ocean, etc. Maria and I met when she hosted me for a work-exchange position a few years ago. Maria is a practicing lawyer in Hawaii, and she's one of the most free-spirits you'll meet. She was born in Alaska, though raised a little bit of everywhere. Throughout her childhood her parents often packed up the family and drove south without a destination in mind, Often times all the way to Costa Rica! Which makes it no surprise that as an adult she finds herself a free-spirit constantly in pursuit of adventure and being "inspired" Maria's story is one of perseverance, laughs, and building a beautiful life. So excited to share this amazing person with the world and forever grateful for the opportunity I had to live in Hawaii. Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. The blog Instagram Don't forget to subscribe, leave a rating, review, and share with friends

  • 16: Photography, OnlyFans, influencing, and princess parties - creative entrepreneurship with Caylin Ziemelis

    16: Photography, OnlyFans, influencing, and princess parties - creative entrepreneurship with Caylin Ziemelis

    Today I'm joined by my friend Caylin on the Big Island of Hawaii! Caylin has found herself a young entrepreneur at the age of 22, exploring her creativity and passions down a few different avenues. From launching her own family photography business on the island as a teen, to blowing up on TikTok and dabbling in influencing, to exploring the life of pageants, to dressing up as a princess for birthday parties, to giving us the 411 on what it's really like to have an OnlyFans page, this girl is constantly trying new things and fueling her creativity. I love Caylin and you will too! Watch the video version on Caylin's youtube channel! Don't forget to subscribe, leave a rating, review, and share with friends! Lila: The Podcast Solo travel, mental health, & the cool people I've met along the way Lila /ˈLĒLÄ/ (LEE-LUH) NOUN A feeling of wholehearted contentedness upon the recognition that every happenstance in one’s life thus far has led to this very moment, in this very place, with these very people. Contains: warmth, safety, love, connection, and genuine happiness in the moment Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. The blog Instagram

  • 15: To quarter life crisis or to not....turning 25

    15: To quarter life crisis or to not....turning 25

    Happy May 29th...It's Alexa's 25th birthday! To celebrate, Alexa and Clara, talk about how their lives look very different at the same age. Alexa, in the depths of a quarter-life crisis, and Clara, far out of hers, discuss how 25 looks different, not only from the early 20s, but from other 25 year olds. Feeling lost and feeling secure, ups and downs, spiraling and coping, these two best friends speak candidly about what it's like to have a fully developed brain Lila: The Podcast Solo travel, mental health, & the cool people I've met along the way Lila /ˈLĒLÄ/ (LEE-LUH) NOUN A feeling of wholehearted contentedness upon the recognition that every happenstance in one’s life thus far has led to this very moment, in this very place, with these very people. Contains: warmth, safety, love, connection, and genuine happiness in the moment Need some company, a belly laugh, or a hand to hold? Listen to Lila. The blog Instagram