Lokahi Backstage

with Jamie Ann Blakeman

Lokahi Backstage with Jamie Ann Blakeman is a series of real conversations with leaders, creators, and entrepreneurs navigating bold decisions, pivots, and growth. It began when people asked Jamie how she built what she built—sparking a space to share not just her story, but the stories behind others doing life their own way. At its core, this podcast is about one thing: when people share their stories, it encourages you to step into your own.

  1. S2E5 Biku: Celebrate Yourself: Focus on the Heart

    4 days ago

    S2E5 Biku: Celebrate Yourself: Focus on the Heart

    In this episode of Lokahi Backstage, Jamie Ann Blakeman and Hawaiian Ryan sit down with someone Ryan calls “one of the coolest, nicest human beings” he’s ever known—musician and lifelong friend, Biku. Their conversation digs into the moments that shaped Biku’s path, from falling in love with music at just five or six years old to teaching lessons, becoming a band teacher, and navigating the challenges of trying to fit into a world that didn’t quite fit him back. Even though he never studied music in college, music was always home. But the early mornings, the expectations, the “be stricter” pressure of teaching left him wondering a single question: “Can I just play my own music?” Biku’s story turns deeply personal as he shares his family’s history with heart disease—his father, uncle, and grandfather all passing away from heart attacks—then recounts the day he faced the same fate while jogging in his 30s. A student and the student’s father discovered him and performed CPR, saving his life. It was something they couldn’t do years earlier for the student’s own mother. That moment changed everything. Since then, Biku has treated his life, body, and purpose differently. Softly, he reflects: “I really like being here.” But just three years after surviving his heart attack, he faced another loss—his sister and musical partner passed away. Through all of it, he returns to the one thing that has always held him: “Music is a purpose for me.” Jamie and Ryan talk with him about creativity, healing, and the songs that carry his story—including Ryan’s personal favorite, “Celebrate Yourself.” They also explore his newest work, Vision to Reality, the next high in Biku’s lifelong journey of turning heart, grit, and resilience into sound. This is an episode about friendship, survival, purpose, and the messages within Biku’s music that keeps us going.   🎧Listen on: 🍎Apple Podcasts 📱Spotify ▶️YouTube 💻JamieAnnBlakeman.com for all the links in one place #LōkahiBackstage #LivingLōkahi #podcast

    44 min
  2. S2E4 Paige Brattin: A Mother’s Mission: How Paige Brattin Built Worthy Brands

    9 Jun

    S2E4 Paige Brattin: A Mother’s Mission: How Paige Brattin Built Worthy Brands

    On this episode of Lokahi Backstage, Jamie Ann Blakeman and Hawaiian Ryanwelcome Paige Brattin—founder of Worthy Brands and a woman whose journey isfilled with heart, grit, and true Hawaii spirit. Paige began her path as a teacher in Hawaii, but she always felt the pull towardbranding and creative work. She opened a maternity boutique on the islands,pouring her passion into something uniquely hers—until more shops began opening and she realized she didn’t want to be one of many. Then came a classic Hawaii moment: a philanthropist walked into her store, saw what she built, and offered to buy the business. Life shifted once again as Paige got married and became a mother. When her young daughter was diagnosed with a common eyesight issue that required wearing an eye patch, Paige felt that deep mama instinct—there has to be a better way. She set out to create a patch that was comfortable, stylish, and confidence-building for kids going through the same thing. She talked to everyone she could, followed every lead, and finally connected withthe people who could help her bring the product to life. She was even invitedto try out for Shark Tank. She didn’t get a deal, but the experience wasinvaluable. She secured a patent. She placed her first major order. And throughit all, she stayed committed to doing things the right way—even when it tooktime. Guided by her father’s words—“You have to do what people need, not what peoplewant”—Paige built Worthy Brands with integrity and purpose. Tune in as she shares her powerful journey through motherhood, creativity, and thecalling to make something truly meaningful. #LōkahiBackstage #LivingLōkahi #podcast

    59 min
  3. S2E3 Johnny Helm: Settling In To Being Me

    26 May

    S2E3 Johnny Helm: Settling In To Being Me

    Lokahi Backstage with Jamie Ann Blakeman brings you another honest, wide-open conversation—this time with musician, producer, and two-time Emmy winner Johnny Helm, joined by co-host Hawaiian Ryan. Johnny was born in Hartford, Connecticut, went to college, and entered adulthood caught in a cycle of drugs, alcohol, and undiagnosed OCD. Intrusive thoughts became overwhelming, and drinking felt like the only way out. His sister eventually helped him break free by encouraging him to move to Hawaii—aninvitation that shifted the course of his life. InHawaii, Johnny worked a mix of jobs, including a stretch at Coffee Talk, where he ended up marrying the owner. He later landed at a radio studio, where he learned the power of going the extra mile and building habits that would shape his creative future. It’s also where he stopped partying for good, choosing sobriety at the same time he stepped into the role of Production Director.   A free gig turned into a long-running paid gig at Tiki’s. Years of performing followed, along with two Emmys for his scoring work with Hawaiian Airlines. But under everything, Johnny carried a quiet dream: to be a singer-songwriter. For years, he felt self-conscious about his voice and played small, hiding in thebackground.  Now, after a journey filled with detours, lessons, and a long list of people who helped him along the way, Johnny is finally stepping into his own sound. “I’m getting there,” he says. “Settling into being me.” This episode is a candid look at recovery, creativity, and becoming who you’ve always been—one honest step at a time.

    42 min

  4. 12 May

    S2E2 Kealoha: The Fusion Reaction Between Science and Slam Poetry

    Jamie Ann Blakeman and Hawaiian Ryan welcome Kealoha to Lokahi Backstage for a powerful conversation about finding purpose, redefining success, and trustingthe pull of your passion. Kealoha grew up with one mission: get the good job. A math-and-science kid whothought art was just “fluff,” he set out to solve the world’s energy crisis andearned his way to MIT. But the reality hit hard—cold weather, cultural shock,and a future filled with suits, ties, and endless spreadsheets. In San Francisco, climbing the consulting ladder, he found himself asking the questionthat changes everything: What am I doing with my life? One night at a Bay Area poetry slam changed everything. The energy, the artistry,the euphoria—he knew instantly: I’ve got to do this. Soon he was typing out poems at his desk  instead of working through spreadsheets.  When he was laid off, he stretched what little money he had, slept on his brother’s couch—and felt happier than ever. As his presence in the slam poetry scene grew, so did opportunities. Eventually,Kealoha reached a powerful pivot point: could he fuse poetry with science? Atthe same time, he learned he was going to be a father. When his partner askedif he needed time to sit with the news, he imagined the questions his futurechild might one day ask him—and a story began to form. That story became thefoundation of a stage production, made possible through support from anorganization that believed in his vision. It later evolved into a digital andeducational experience reaching even more people. Kealoha shares what he’s learned along the way: find your passion, follow itrelentlessly, and make sure you are truly living the life you were meant to live.

    1 hr
  5. S2E1 Hawaiian Ryan: Lokahi Backstage in the Islands

    28 Apr

    S2E1 Hawaiian Ryan: Lokahi Backstage in the Islands

    In this episode, Jamie sits down with the legendary Hawaiian Ryan—a Japanese/Chinese/Hawaiian creative who proudly identifies as someone who’s never been easy to categorize. You might know him as the Ryan from The Sam and Ryan Show on 93.9 The Beat, or as the guy who’s been making Hawaii laugh for more than three decades through radio, comedy, music, and the occasional questionable life choice. From bombing math tests in 1990 and disappointing his Asian father, to placing in Brown Bags to Stardom, to winning a Hawaii Music Award for his debut comedy album, to hosting TV shows, to surviving mainland radio and running back home—Ryan’s career has been one big loop of reinvention and full-circle moments. But the real heart of this episode goes far deeper. Jamie and Ryan dive into pivot mode—what it means to adapt, stay curious, and keep yourself in a constant state of learning. They talk about why there’s no wrong way to do things, how interruptions in conversation can actually reveal the most real moments, and why stepping out of your comfort zone is supposed to feel, well, uncomfortable! They explore the artistic life, the myth of “safe vs. risky,” and how redefining both can open up entirely new paths. Most importantly, they circle back to the foundation of every journey: staying true to your roots, even as you grow beyond them. This episode is honest, hilarious, and full of that signature Ryan energy—with just enough chaos to keep it real.

    48 min
  6. S1E10 Ryan Blakeman: From Playbook to Purpose

    09/12/2025

    S1E10 Ryan Blakeman: From Playbook to Purpose

    On this episode of Lokahi Backstage, Jamie Ann Blakeman welcomes her husband, Ryan Blakeman—coach, mentor, and founder of Lokahi Teams—for a conversation about resilience, grit, and the courage to fight for what matters most. Ryan shares how a major setback shifted the course of his life and how it fueled his passion to help young athletes dig deep, rise to challenges, and pursue their goals with purpose.As Ryan puts it: “Life is short. We’ve all heard it—but when was the last time you really let it hit you? It’s not just a phrase, it’s an invitation. To say what you mean. To chase what you love. To stop waiting for someday. Life is short. Live like you know it.” Although Ryan’s life centers heavily on sports and coaching—this episode is about choosing to live fully, showing up with intention, and embracing the process that leads to real growth.

    1hr 7min
  7. S1E9 Susan Bitter Smith: Getting Things Done

    02/12/2025

    S1E9 Susan Bitter Smith: Getting Things Done

    Some people talk about making things happen. Susan Bitter Smith, President of Technical Solutions, actually makes things happen — by knowing how, and who, to connect. On this episode of Lokahi Backstage with Jamie Ann Blakeman, we dive into the art of building bridges, navigating politics, and why being called “The Convenient Woman from the West” says more about power than convenience. This episode is a smart, spirited conversation about influence, relationships, and the power of showing up with the right people at the right time. - Susan Bitter Smith, CAE is a Certified Association Executive, as designated by the American Society of Association Executives. She is a Past Chairman of the American Society of Association Executives, is the Past President of the Arizona Society of Association Executives, and received ASAE’s highest award, the Key Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2001, and ASAE’s Community Service Award in 2011. Susan is a founding member of the Public Affairs Professionals of Arizona and is an Arizona registered lobbyist. She is the Past Chairman of the Walter Cronkite Foundation, the Past President of the ASU Alumni Association, and the Honorary Chairman of the ASU MBA Alumni Council. Susan chaired the Arizonans for Bush campaign in 1988 and 1992 and was Chairman of the Steve Forbes for President campaign in Arizona in 1996. She is a former Vice-Mayor and City Council member in the City of Scottsdale, Arizona, and was active as a Councilman in the areas of economic development, planning and zoning reform, and budgetary reform. She was a Republican candidate for Congress in Arizona's 5th District and is a past President of the Central Arizona Water Conservation District Board of Directors. Additionally, Susan is the former Chairman of the Arizona Corporation Commission. She currently serves as the President of the elected Maricopa Community College District Governing Board and is the President of Technical Solutions.

    49 min
  8. S1E8 Walter Crutchfield: The Power of Starting Over

    18/11/2025

    S1E8 Walter Crutchfield: The Power of Starting Over

    On this episode of Lokahi Backstage, Jamie Ann Blakeman talks with Walter Crutchfield, founder of Vintage Partners, about the moment his project landed on the cover of Autoweek—a dream come true at a young age. But instead of satisfaction, he was met with a haunting question: “That’s it? What’s the rest of my life going to be?” This episode dives into what came next—how that moment of disillusionment sparked a search for deeper purpose, community impact, and a more meaningful legacy, built on a foundation of faith. - Walter Crutchfield is a fourth generation Arizonan whose family has been developing land in Arizona since 1961. He has been a leading executive of numerous companies, including Master Sports Inc., Computer Decisions International Inc., Solaire, and Jonesport Sports Management. Prior to the formation of Vintage, he had been a principal in Crutchfield and Associates and C2 Commercial Properties, The Paladin Group, and Pentad Investments. Walter has led the acquisition through entitlement of a diverse portfolio of residential, resort, commercial, and industrial land holdings.

    55 min
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About

Lokahi Backstage with Jamie Ann Blakeman is a series of real conversations with leaders, creators, and entrepreneurs navigating bold decisions, pivots, and growth. It began when people asked Jamie how she built what she built—sparking a space to share not just her story, but the stories behind others doing life their own way. At its core, this podcast is about one thing: when people share their stories, it encourages you to step into your own.

Information

  • Creator
    with Jamie Ann Blakeman
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © with Jamie Ann Blakeman
  • Show Website
    Lokahi Backstage