Above the Sides

Can You Find the Aloha Response? with Pono Shim

In this reflection episode of Above the Sides, the late Pono Shim shares the personal origin story behind his lifelong aloha practice. Recorded from a 2020 Zoom conversation, Uncle Pono reflects on a formative walk with his great-aunt, Pilahi Paki, who taught him not how to speak Hawaiian, but how to “think Hawaiian” through presence, humility, and intentional practice. Through stories of his ʻohana, silence, and real-world experiences, he shares how he navigated aloha as a lived practice - a way of responding to life with awareness and connection. Mahalo for tuning in.  Episode Highlights 01:04 ʻOhana roots and influences 02:20 Early lessons 04:14 The walk that changed everything 05:17 "Think Hawaiian" 07:17 Three layers of meaning 09:53 Aloha practice: Ahonui to Lokahi 15:26 Permission to share the teachings 16:36 Lifetime discipline of aloha 17:51 Hiking Koko Head - a revelation 21:05 Practicing in silence 24:24 Real-world case study 26:52 Presence 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.

Storyfinding with Denise Karratti

In this episode of Above the Sides, Denise Karratti, vice principal of Waimea High School on Kauaʻi, shares her journey into education and the sense of kuleana she carries for her community. Denise reflects on the power of “storyfinding,” uncovering meaningful lessons in everyday moments and using them to lead with clarity, humility and aloha. She offers insights from her experience working in a tight knit, multigenerational community, where the impact of education can be seen across decades. Through thoughtful stories, Denise highlights the importance of planting seeds of growth, even when the results may not be visible for years to come. Listeners will find that this conversation is a reflection on how practicing aloha in real, imperfect circumstances is how positive change can take root. Mahalo for tuning in! Episode Highlights 01:07 Home: Waimea, Kauai 01:53 Why education matters 05:18 From engineering to teaching 08:11 Seeds that grow later 10:53 Cultural revival through games 14:49 Finding Foundations of Aloha [https://eduincubator.org/our-work/] 16:36 Intuitive nudges 18:12 Story finding and a lei lesson 26:21 Aloha in action role models 30:31 Practicing aloha in systems 33:27 Hopes for abundance in Hawaii     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.

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

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 education. She talks about how the Foundations of Aloha program influences the way she approaches communication and finding solutions in her work. Through stories from her career and reflections on teachings of the late Pono Shim, she discusses how the values of aloha show up at school. Kaui also reflects on what it means to work with Hawaii’s keiki and the role schools play in shaping both learning and character. The conversation explores how simple practices like listening, patience and respect can shape stronger relationships in our Hawaii schools and communities. Mahalo for tuning in! Episode Highlights 01:47 Growing Up on Oahu 02:22 Called to Teach 03:52 Journey to Maunawili Elementary School 06:17 Joy of Working with Keiki 07:58 Discovering Foundations of Aloha 09:51 Healing a Work Relationship 13:07 Aloha in Practice 14:13 Aloha Fridays and Student Legacy 16:50 Everyday Aloha Moments 19:33 Meeting Foundations Team 21:21 Presence 23:18 A Cup and Half of Flour 26:34 Why Teaching Fulfills 29:01 Gratitude and Practice 31:52 Saying Yes in 2026 Learn more about Education Incubatorʻs Foundations of Aloha program: https://eduincubator.org/our-work/   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.

Finding the Medicine Within: Healing and Education with Cherilyn Inouye

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 centered leadership in Hawaii. Grounded in place, story, and ike kupuna, Cherilyn reflects on how listening deeply and honoring aina have shaped her path from classroom teacher to community connector. She speaks candidly about trauma informed education, the power of Foundations of Aloha, and the mentors and communities that continue to inspire her hana. Through stories from schools and fishponds to loi kalo and chance meetings, Cherilyn illustrates what aloha looks like in daily practice. Mahalo for listening!   Learn more about Compassionate Koolau. [https://sites.google.com/k12.hi.us/compassionatekoolau/home] Episode Highlights 01:09 Cherilyn’s background and roots 02:45 Her path into education 03:47 Teaching and early career 06:09 Advanced studies and pivotal experiences 18:50 Foundations of Aloha 23:55 Reflecting on the gift of lessons 24:59 Grounding in Aloha values 26:02 Integrating Aloha in education 28:45 Challenges and personal growth 32:18 Aloha in the community 40:32 Compassionate Koolau 45:20 Final thoughts 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.

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

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 upbringing in Honolulu, Hawai'i and reflects on the experiences that shaped his path into community-based economic development. We explore HACBED’s approach to development rooted in active listening, facilitation, and uplifting community voice. The conversation also touches on aloha in action and Brent’s connection to Pono Shim and the integration of the aloha values into his day-to-day life. We hope you find this conversation to be a thoughtful look at how values, relationships, and place-based work can shape a more caring and connected future for Hawaii. Learn more about HACBED at: https://hacbed.org/ Episode Highlights 00:52 Brent's Background  01:57 HACBED's Mission and Approach 02:40 Programs and Community Impact 07:36 The Power of Active Listening 10:29 Brent's Journey into Economic Development 17:57 Influence of Mentors and Community Connections 20:07 Aloha in Action and Personal Reflections 25:40 Navigating Parenting 25:51 Understanding Oluolu  26:40 Incorporating Aloha in Daily Life 27:09 Honoring Mentors and Community Values 27:39 Economic Development Grounded in Values 27:59 Hopes for Hawaii's Economy 28:45 Challenges and Opportunities in Community Work 32:34 Institutional Commitment to Community 37:44 What is Enough? Workplace Culture and Wellbeing - 4 Day, 32 Hour Work Weeks 45:33 Reflections on Aloha and Community Engagement 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.