Episodes 55
Avg. Duration 43m
Activity Highly Active
Apple Rating 5.0 (7)
Since Mar 2021
Latest Episode Mar 2026

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Publishing Details

Schedule
Monthly
Format
Episodic
Consistency
79%
Hosting
feeds.simplecast.com

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About This Podcast

Welcome to the Above the Sides podcast! Join us on our journey to uncover what it means to think, act, and live aloha. The inspiration for this podcast is the late Pono Shim, former President and CEO of the Oʻahu Economic Development Board. His stories capture the essence of what it means to live aloha. He made it known that aloha is a lifestyle. It is not a solution to problems, a marketing brand or to be used as an advantage over anyone else. Aloha is to be honored and practiced. The name of this podcast is in reverence of Hawaiʻi's Queen Liliʻuokalani, who wrote: "To gain the kingdom of heaven is to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen, and to know the unknowable – that is Aloha. All things in this world are two; in heaven there is but One.” Through these episodes, we seek to find that singular perspective, the one that is "above the sides" as we strive for universal peace. We welcome you to pause with us as we share the stories and voices of Hawai’i business leaders, educators and community members who have chosen to be lifelong students of aloha. Mahalo nui loa for listening.

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Recent Episodes

A Principal’s Path: Kaui Tanaka on Joy and Caring for Hawaii’s Students

Mar 09, 2026 35m

In this episode of the Above the Sides,  Kaui Tanaka, Principal of Maunawili Elementary School shares her path from growing up on Oʻahu and “playing school” as a child to building a joyful career in…

Finding the Medicine Within: Healing and Education with Cherilyn Inouye

Feb 09, 2026 48m

In this episode of Above the Sides, Cherilyn Inouye, who serves as Compassionate Koolau’s District Education Specialist, shares her winding journey through education, community work, and aloha…

From Listening to Doing: Centering Community Voice in Economic Development with Brent Kakesako (HACBED)

Jan 13, 2026 49m

In this episode of Above the Sides, we sit down with Brent Kakesako, Executive Director of the Hawaiʻi Alliance for Community-Based Economic Development (HACBED). Brent shares stories from his…

Where East Meets West: Celeste Connors on Diplomacy Grounded in Aloha

Dec 08, 2025 56m

In this episode, Celeste Connors, the new President of the East‑West Center in Honolulu, shares how Hawaiʻi’s core value of aloha can guide global diplomacy. Raised in Hawaiʻi with over 25 years of…

Cultivating an “Above the Sides” Approach with Cat Awakuni Colón, Dori Baba, Tyler Mejia and Molly Mamaril

Nov 18, 2025 1h 17m

Mahalo for tuning in to our 50th episode! For the first time, the Oahu Economic Development Board team - Cat Awakuni Colón (President & CEO), Dori Baba (Operations Manager), Tyler Mejia…

The Difference Between Hana and Work with Pono Shim [2022]

Sep 08, 2025 4m

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…

The Two Voyages with Pono Shim [2022]

Aug 05, 2025 55m

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…

"Aloha is Love" with Brooke Conway

Jul 11, 2025 54m

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…

Leading with Heart: Kevin Wakayama on Law and Justice in Hawaii

Jun 10, 2025 45m

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…

Aloha in Agriculture: Growing a Backyard Revolution with David Fuertes

May 20, 2025 51m

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…

Navigating with Hye Jung Kim Tano and Miki Tomita Okamoto

May 05, 2025 1h 4m

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…

Aloha Aku, Aloha Mai with Karl Veto Baker

Apr 20, 2025 56m

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…

Mahalo for tuning in to Above the Sides!

Apr 10, 2025 2m Trailer

Welcome to the Above the Sides podcast! Join us on our journey to uncover what it means to think, act, and live aloha. The inspiration for this podcast is the late Pono Shim, former President and CEO…

Remembering Who We Are with Robin Campaniano

Mar 18, 2025 46m

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…

The Spirit of Yes with Jay King

Feb 19, 2025 46m

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…

Look Deeper: Prince Kuhio Federal Building Blessing Ceremony 2010 [Pono Shim & Hye Jung Kim Tano]

Jan 29, 2025 29m

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…

Reclaiming a Producer Mindset with Herb Lee Jr.

Dec 30, 2024 52m

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…

Healthy People, Healthy Economy: Exploring Equity through Aloha with Camille Rockett

Nov 29, 2024 1h 5m

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…

Planting Purpose in Pia Valley with Tyrone Montayre

Oct 30, 2024 56m

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…

Rebuilding with Intention with Taylor "Maeʻole" Quanan

Sep 05, 2024 59m

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,…

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Above the Sides have?

Above the Sides has published 55 episodes since March 2021, covering topics in Business, Management.

Is Above the Sides still active?

Above the Sides is currently highly active with new episodes monthly. Average episode length is 43m.

How do I contact Above the Sides for sponsorship or guest appearances?

Sign up on Grep.FM to access contact details for Above the Sides, including email and social media links.

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