Above the Sides

IIn this special short episode, we explore the deeper meaning of "hana" in the Hawaiian language and why it extends far beyond the Western concept of “work.” In this clip from a 2022 Zoom presentatio…

In this episode, we revisit one of Uncle Pono Shim’s Zoom presentations, recorded on February 24, 2022. Shared with a group of Hawaiʻi filmmakers, the session centers on the teachings of Aunty Pilahi…

In this heartfelt episode, Brooke Conway reflects on the themes of identity and belonging as she traces her path from San Francisco to Samoa, Hawaiʻi, and Sicily. She shares how the spirit of aloha (…

In this episode, we sit down with longtime Hawaiʻi attorney, Kevin Wakayama, to explore how a heart-led approach has shaped his decades of legal practice. From his roots on Kauaʻi to studying law dur…

In this episode, we sit down with David Fuertes, a farmer, educator and advocate for food sustainability, to explore his path of bringing aloha to agriculture. As a community leader and Executive Dir…

In this reflective episode, Hye Jung Kim Tano and Miki Tomita Okamoto of Education Incubator come together to share the story of their interwoven careers and their commitment to carrying forward Uncl…

In this special episode to celebrate the 2025 Merrie Monarch Festival, we sit down with Kumu Hula, Karl Veto Baker, of Halau I Ka Wekiu for a heartfelt conversation that weaves together the art of hu…

In celebration of our 4th anniversary of "Above the Sides," we eagerly welcome Oahu Economic Development Board member, Robin Campaniano to this episode. In this conversation, we discuss his people-fi…

In this episode, we sit down with Jay King, an action-oriented advocate who has dedicated his life to supporting veterans and other vulnerable communities in need. With his extensive experience in so…

Mahalo for tuning in to our first episode of 2025! We are changing up the format of this "Above the Sides" episode to bring you a story that was gifted from Uncle Pono Shim to our dear friend Hye Jun…

In this last episode of 2024, we are grateful to share the insights of Herb Lee, Jr., the President and CEO of the Pacific American Foundation (PAF). For over thirty years, the PAF Ohana has served c…

In this episode of "Above the Sides," we welcome Camille Rockett who serves as the Director of Community Health and Equity at Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA). As a student of the Aloha Resp…

Tyrone Montayre is the President and Founder of Protect and Preserve Hawaii, an environmental nonprofit founded in 2019 to care for Pia Valley, Oahu. In this episode, we hear first-hand from Tyrone w…

Todayʻs guest, Taylor "Maeʻole" Quanan, has been on a path of self-discovery through different seasons of her life: from moving to Japan for college to serving as a guardian for her younger sister, e…

In this episode, Ben Treviño shares how the values of aloha have shaped him as a father, partner, son and colleague. He was a close student of Pono Shim, and despite the passing of his friend and men…

In this episode we are joined by our friend, business partner and United Fund Advisors Co-Founder, Chris Hasle. For over ten years, Chris and his team have served as consultants to Oahu Economic Deve…

Miki Tomita Okamoto is an educator, navigator, storyteller and student herself. Since April 2022, she has also been mindfully setting the foundation of the next chapter of the Aloha Response as Pono …

In this episode, we had the joy of speaking with Heather Pierucki who shares insights from her life, career and experience as a student of Pono Shim. She is a therapist, clinical consultant, and mana…

In this episode,  we welcome guest and Oahu Economic Development Board member, Tyler Tokioka, who was a close business confidant to Pono Shim. The Tokioka family has been a steadfast presence in the …