Above the Sides

Pono Shim, Molly Mamaril
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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. 3 DAYS AGO

    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.

    42 min

  2. 9 MAR

    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.

    35 min

  3. 9 FEB

    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. 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.

    48 min

  4. 13 JAN

    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.

    49 min

  5. 08/12/2025

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

    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 experience as a U.S. diplomat and policy advisor, she brings a distinctive island‑rooted perspective to international relations. Listeners will hear stories of how aloha values such as care, respect, and relationality shape complex global conversations and foster meaningful cross‑cultural connections. Influenced by her dear friend and colleague, the late Pono Shim, she reflects on how Hawaiʻi can serve as a bridge within the Asia-Pacific region, cultivating mutual understanding and shared values through the work of the East‑West Center - and beyond. This conversation offers a fresh, values-driven vision of diplomacy that centers humanity and hope. Episode Highlights 01:56 Celeste Connors' Career Journey 03:41 First Foreign Service Assignment 04:30 International Assignments and Graduate School 06:36 Return to the White House 07:58 Sustainability and the SDGs 10:08 Returning to Hawaii 12:09 Hawaii Green Growth and Community Impact 19:16 Meeting Pono Shim and Coming Home 27:11 The Essence of Aloha in Achieving SDGs 27:58 Hawaii's Leadership and the Aloha+ Challenge 29:53 Hawaii's Next Generation of Leaders 33:56 Reflections on Global Movements and Peace Seekers 35:42 Hopes for Hawaii's Economic Future 39:09 Honoring Pono Shim 48:21 The Role of the East West Center 54:06 Final Reflections   Resources East‑West Center – Promoting Asia‑Pacific dialogue and research Hawaiʻi Green Growth – Advancing sustainable growth and environmental stewardship Aloha+ Challenge – Hawaiʻi’s statewide sustainability and SDG initiative Aloha+ Challenge Program Details – Learn more about Hawaiʻi’s action plan for the SDGs Aina Aloha Economic Futures – Supporting Hawaiʻi’s sustainability and community initiatives United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – Global framework for sustainable development 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.

    56 min

  6. 18/11/2025

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

    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 (Community Outreach & Compliance Specialist), and Molly Mamaril (Community Innovation Connector) - comes together to talk  OEDB’s effort to bring aloha and care into business practices. They share about the origins of the “Above the Sides” podcast and how Pono Shim’s commitment to storytelling continues to drive their approach to community-based economic development and their vision for Hawaii’s future. The team discusses various community-facing programs, offers personal stories, and reflects on striving to live in reverence of aloha in everyday life. The conversation closes with advice for the next generation and what’s ahead for the nonprofit. Mahalo for listening. Episode Highlights 01:51 Meet the OEDB Team: Cat, Dori, Tyler, Molly 05:11 The Origin Story of 'Above the Sides' Podcast 11:23 Continuing Uncle Pono's Storytelling Legacy 20:58 Vision for Hawaii's Future 24:39 OEDB's Approach to Economic Development 36:28 Personal Stories of Aloha 40:45 Aloha in Pop Culture (Movie Recommendations) 42:22 Reflecting on the Aloha Connects Innovation (ACI) Program 46:14 Honoring Uncle Pono Shim 53:23 Personal Stories and Lessons Learned 58:03 Advice for the Next Generation 01:02:30 Planting Seeds for Hawaii's Future 01:09:05 Favorite Memories and Team Dynamics 01:14:59 On the Horizon Learn more about the Oahu Economic Development Board: https://www.oedb.biz 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.

    1hr 18min

  7. 08/09/2025

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

    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 presentation, Uncle Pono Shim reflects on how hana is connected to breath, grace, purpose and ʻohana. Building on themes from last month’s Two Voyages episode, this moment stood out as such a meaningful reflection that we created a dedicated episode to share it. As a complement, we invite you to watch the E Ohana Hou 2020 video here for a fuller understanding of these teachings. 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 min

  8. 05/08/2025

    The Two Voyages with Pono Shim [2022]

    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 Paki and the stories that shaped his life. He reflects on being 13 years old in 1976, going on a walk with Aunty Pilahi and learning the values that would guide his way of thinking. He explore the meaning behind ALOHA: Akahai (meaning kindness to be expressed with tenderness), Lokahi (unity, to be expressed with harmony), Oluolu (agreeable, to be expressed with pleasantness), Haahaa (humility, to be expressed with modesty), and Ahonui (patience, to be expressed with perseverance). Uncle Pono also shares the story of the two canoes - the physical voyage of Hokulea and a second, spiritual canoe with no map; he describes ALOHA itself as the vessel for this journey. Aunty Pilahi once said to him, “I’m not going to teach you how to speak Hawaiian, Iʻm going to teach you how to think Hawaiian.” This episode offers a glimpse into what that means, grounded in her prophecy: "“The world will turn to Hawaii as they search for world peace because Hawaii has the key… and that key is aloha." Mahalo nui loa for listening.  Episode Highlights 02:39 The Star Compass 11:39 1961 - Aunty Pilahi Pakiʻs story, the "librarian" of Hawaii's secrets 17:53 1976 - Pono Shim's story with Aunty Pilahi at age 13 30:00 Aunty Pilahi Paki's ALOHA  - Ahonui, Lokahi, Oluolu, Haahaa, Akahai 40:40 Stories as laau lapaau (medicine) 41:24 2018 - Navigators and Peace Seekers 45:19 1976 - The Two Voyages: synchronicity with Hokulea and Nainoa Thompson First canoe: Physical waa - the manifestation of awakening and recoverySecond canoe: Spiritual waa - the walk, the talk, ha, and no instruction manual. "ALOHA is the largest voyaging canoe in the world"49:40 Two objectives in every story 50:30 "Weʻre not a project, we're the resource"  More ALOHA Resources: Pono Shim Videos and PresentationsFoundation of Aloha with Education Incubator   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.

    55 min
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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
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Above the Sides