Hu‘e Kaona: Chief of War Talk Story Sessions

Kanaeokana

Hosted by Thomas Pa‘a Sibbett — Executive Producer, Co-creator, and Head writer of Chief of War — these talk story sessions bring together community and the voices behind the show to explore the history, language, and cultural foundations grounding the Apple TV+ series in a Hawaiian worldview. Through mo‘olelo, we breathe life into ea—past, present, and future—and honor the collective effort of those who came before, those creating now, and those yet to come.

Episodes

  1. BONUS: Embedding Ancestral Knowledge In Every Scene | Chief of War

    27 OCT

    BONUS: Embedding Ancestral Knowledge In Every Scene | Chief of War

    In this bonus episode, Pa‘a Sibbett sits down with Kaumakaiwa Kanakaʻole to reflect on her journey with Chief of War and the weaving of ancestral knowledge into a global television production. Their talk story honors the depth of hula lineage and mele as living repositories of wisdom, explores the kuleana of grounding costuming, chanting, and ceremony in ʻike kupuna, and lifts up the voices and practices that make Hawaiian worldview visible on screen. Together, they reflect on how carrying forward ancestral lineages of ceremony and expression strengthens the mana of kānaka and ensures that these stories remain rooted, resonant, and real. kanaeokana.net/chiefofwar

    1h 19m
  2. The Finale is Just the Beginning | Chief of War Talk Story Ep. 9

    20 SEPT

    The Finale is Just the Beginning | Chief of War Talk Story Ep. 9

    Pa‘a and Producer Brian Keaulana reflect on reshaping the show’s arc, amplifying Hawai‘i’s gifts, and building capacity and community. Their talk story explores kuleana and the balance of authenticity and scale—whether filming with 300 crew across five units, capturing Kalapana as the volcano erupted, or holding ceremony both behind the scenes and in front of the camera—with an effort that extends far beyond the series itself.

    43 min
  3. Cultivating Groves of New Talent and Possibility | Chief of War Talk Story Ep. 8

    13 SEPT

    Cultivating Groves of New Talent and Possibility | Chief of War Talk Story Ep. 8

    Pa‘a Sibbett sits down with Mainei Kinimaka. Their talk story explores Mainei’s path into acting, the importance of creating space for Hawai‘i and Pasifika voices, and the kuleana of telling stories with care. They reflect on the weight of portraying historical trauma, the responsibility of nurturing talent, and the power of story to shift perceptions and build community. kanaeokana.net/chiefofwar

    1h 8m
  4. Spilled Brains and Sharpening Minds | Chief of War Talk Story Ep. 7

    6 SEPT

    Spilled Brains and Sharpening Minds | Chief of War Talk Story Ep. 7

    Pa‘a Sibbett sits down with Kaleikoa Kā‘eo to discuss Episode 7: The Day of Spilled Brains. Their conversation explores the actions of Captain Metcalf, touches on the events at Olowalu, and examines the far-reaching costs and consequences of colonialism. Together, they reflect on the human and environmental toll of greed, and how the pursuit of wealth in ways that are not pono continues to disrupt ʻāina, ea, and community. These impacts are not just historical—they continue to shape our world today.

    42 min
  5. Our Ali‘i Ensuring Abundance Even Through Today | Chief of War Talk Story Ep. 6

    30 AUG

    Our Ali‘i Ensuring Abundance Even Through Today | Chief of War Talk Story Ep. 6

    Pa‘a Sibbett talks story with Dr. Kēhaunani Abad. They explore the chief’s kuleana to ensure abundance for the community, guiding principles like peace and mercy, and how kānāwai like Māmalahoe and Kolowalu continue to shape the way our communities live and care for one another today. kanaeokana.net/chiefofwar

    1h 16m
  6. Ancestral Tracks: From Hāloa to Hōlua | Chief of War Talk Story Ep. 5

    23 AUG

    Ancestral Tracks: From Hāloa to Hōlua | Chief of War Talk Story Ep. 5

    Pa‘a Sibbett sits down with guests Pohaku Stone, Anne Stone, and Dr. Kēhaunani Abad. They ground us in the values and practices that build ‘ohana and kaiāulu, highlight the political power and mana of Hawaiian women like Ka‘ahumanu and Kānekapōlei, and carry us along ancestral tracks from Hāloa to hōlua that continue to shape who we are today. kanaeokana.net/chiefofwar

    1h 1m
  7. Beyond War and Seeing Ourselves As One People | Chief of War Talk Story Ep. 4

    18 AUG

    Beyond War and Seeing Ourselves As One People | Chief of War Talk Story Ep. 4

    Pa‘a Sibbett sits down with guests Kaleikoa Kā‘eo, Kaina Makua and Dr. Kalehua Krug. They explore the deep connections between people across Moananuiākea, the multiple dimensions of ali‘i beyond war, the importance of telling our own stories, and the role of mentors and role models in inspiring the next generations of ‘Ōiwi mo‘olelo makers. kanaeokana.net/chiefofwar

    52 min
  8. Aliʻi, Relationships, and Hōʻailona That Guided the Series | Chief of War Talk Story Ep. 3

    11 AUG

    Aliʻi, Relationships, and Hōʻailona That Guided the Series | Chief of War Talk Story Ep. 3

    Paʻa Sibbett, Kaina Makua, and Dr. Kalehua Krug talk story about aliʻi along with themes of leadership tied to Kamehameha, Kekūhaupi‘o, Kalaniōpuʻu, Kīwalaʻō, and Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula; the presence, influence, and power of Kūkāʻilimoku; and relationships involving aikāne, ho‘āo, and ho‘omaukeiki – dive into Episode 3 of Chief of War. Pa‘a is the Executive Producer, Head Writer, and Co-Creator of the Apple TV+ series. kanaeokana.net/chiefofwar

    1h 14m
  9. Making History Through the Power of ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i | Chief of War Talk Story Ep. 2

    4 AUG

    Making History Through the Power of ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i | Chief of War Talk Story Ep. 2

    Pa‘a Sibbett, Kaho‘okahi Kanuha, and Keawe Goodhue of Awaiaulu talk story about making history through the power of ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i, the depth of ‘ike Hawai‘i, and a rising national consciousness—diving into Episode 2 of Chief of War. Pa‘a is Executive Producer, Head Writer, and Co-Creator of the Apple TV+ series. kanaeokana.net/chiefofwar

    1h 54m
  10. Bringing the Best of Our Ancestors Forward | Chief of War Talk Story Ep. 1

    4 AUG

    Bringing the Best of Our Ancestors Forward | Chief of War Talk Story Ep. 1

    Pa‘a Sibbett and Brian Keaulana talk story about the Kingdom of Hawai‘i, the ocean that connects us, and bringing the best of our ancestors forward—diving into Episode 1 of Chief of War. Pa‘a is Executive Producer, Head Writer, and Co-Creator of the Apple TV+ series. kanaeokana.net/chiefofwar

    1h 16m
  • 10 Episodes

About

Hosted by Thomas Pa‘a Sibbett — Executive Producer, Co-creator, and Head writer of Chief of War — these talk story sessions bring together community and the voices behind the show to explore the history, language, and cultural foundations grounding the Apple TV+ series in a Hawaiian worldview. Through mo‘olelo, we breathe life into ea—past, present, and future—and honor the collective effort of those who came before, those creating now, and those yet to come.

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