Above the Sides

Pono Shim, Molly Mamaril
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Personal Journals

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.

  1. Oct 19

    The Creation of Ke Alaula CoLab with Ashley Ono, Sheri Clark and Lisa Maruyama

    In this episode of Above the Sides, Ashley Ono, Lisa Maruyama, and Sheri Clark share the inspiration behind Ke Alaula CoLab and their commitment to practicing aloha to the best of their ability in their everyday lives. Drawing on their respective backgrounds in medicine and telehealth, nonprofit strategy consulting, and law and business, they offer personal perspectives on fostering connection, strengthening relationships, and bringing aloha into workplaces, ʻohana, and communities. Through open-hearted stories about family, colleagues, and everyday experiences, they explore the challenges of living aloha in practice and the importance of choosing connection over correction. They also share their vision for a prosperous Hawaiʻi, one grounded in meaningful relationships, a strong connection to ʻāina, and a broader understanding of what it means for Hawaiʻi to thrive. Mahalo for tuning in to Above the Sides! Episode Highlights02:21 – Introducing Lisa 05:08 – Introducing Sheri 09:39 – Introducing Ashley 12:25 – The Origin Story of Ke Alaula CoLab 16:55 – Retreats and Practices Rooted in ʻĀina 23:13 – How Ke Alaula Supports Organizations 31:28 – Sheri’s Stories of Aloha 36:18 – Ashley’s Stories of Aloha 40:15 – Navigating a Mother-Daughter Clash 42:02 – Breaking the Airport Pattern 44:35 – Choosing Connection Over Correction 46:02 – Defining Prosperity in Hawaiʻi 46:49 – Understanding Waiwai Beyond Money 48:13 – Equity and Resource Justice 51:04 – Sheri’s Career Journey 54:16 – Ashley’s Calling to Medicine 57:30 – Lisa’s Journey in the Nonprofit Sector 01:05:57 – Ashley Meets Pono 01:08:45 – Lisa’s Whidbey Island Experience01:12:33 – Sheri’s “Sleep Well” Test 01:14:55 – On the Horizon for Ke Alaula CoLab 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.

  2. Sep 21

    Aloha: The Spiritual Canoe — IVAT Summit Closing Plenary with Pono Shim (2022)

    In this special long-form episode of Above the Sides, we share the final public talk given by Pono Shim, recorded at the 2022 IVAT Hawaii International Summit shortly before his passing. Camille Rocket opens by reflecting on Pono’s profound impact as a teacher, mentor, and friend before Pono shares stories of his life and his lifelong journey of aloha. As 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of Hokulea’s first modern voyage to Tahiti, Pono reveals the story of two parallel voyages that began in 1976: the physical voyage of Hokulea and his own spiritual voyage aboard what he came to understand as the canoe of aloha. Through stories of Auntie Pilahi Paki, Mau Piailug, Nainoa Thompson, and his many teachers, Pono uncovers connection and resilience, offering an invitation to carry aloha forward. Mahalo for listening. Episode Highlights00:00 IVAT Summit Introduction01:41 Camille Rockett honors Pono Shim03:59 Aloha as Healing06:37 Pono Takes the Stage12:37 Earth Day and DoFest16:55 Naming Navigators and Peaceseekers19:15 Muir Woods Silence22:49 The Scarred Redwood25:31 Mentoring Mary29:48 Ahonui in Crisis34:45 Stories That Calm37:16 Trauma to Joy39:56 Connection > Correction40:04 Mau Piailug and Wayfinding Revival41:39 Hokulea44:08 Supply Chain of Aloha47:39 Aunty Pilahi Paki49:15 Prophecy: Aloha as the Key52:41 Learning to "Think Hawaiian"54:45 Five Elements of Aloha56:02 Practice and Permission57:49 The Razor's Edge01:05:55 Carrying Aloha Forward Watch on Youtube: Pono Shim at IVAT's 19th Hawai'i International Summit Closing Plenary 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.

  3. Aug 13

    Aloha is the Key: Remembering the Wisdom of Pilahi Paki with Pono Shim [2020]

    In this archival episode of Above the Sides, Pono Shim shares the teachings of Pilahi Paki, a revered Hawaiian elder, through readings from her book, Legends of Hawaii: Oahu's Yesterday. Recorded in June 2020, this conversation explores aloha, Oʻahu's spiritual identity, and Hawaiʻi's kuleana in a world searching for peace. Through Pilahi's words, Pono invites us to remember and perpetuate the wisdom of our kūpuna. Mahalo for listening.  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.

  4. Jul 9

    Pono Shim on Leadership through Struggle [2020]

    In this episode, drawn from recordings in May and June 2020, Uncle Pono Shim reflects on the launch of the Aloha Response cohorts. He describes the early pilot as a leadership development space without credentials, certificates, or external markers of achievement, only a commitment to practice, reflection, and shared experience over time. From those first cohorts, he shares how leadership emerged through struggle, and how aloha is something that must be actively practiced rather than assumed. Mahalo for listening. 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.

  5. Jun 4

    On Emptiness with Pono Shim [2020]

    In this reflection, we revisit a recording from May 31, 2020 with the late Pono Sam as he shares his thoughts on haʻahaʻa, the practice of becoming empty, humble, and open. Through reflections on mindfulness and listening, he reminds us that some of our greatest insights can emerge if we create space for them through 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.

  6. May 13

    Can You Find the Aloha Response? with Pono Shim [2020]

    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.

  7. Apr 7

    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 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.

  8. Mar 9

    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.

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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Pono Shim, Molly Mamaril
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Above the Sides

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