Above the Sides

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 Highlights
02:21 – 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 Experience
01:12:33 – 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.

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 Highlights
00:00 IVAT Summit Introduction
01:41 Camille Rockett honors Pono Shim
03:59 Aloha as Healing
06:37 Pono Takes the Stage
12:37 Earth Day and DoFest
16:55 Naming Navigators and Peaceseekers
19:15 Muir Woods Silence
22:49 The Scarred Redwood
25:31 Mentoring Mary
29:48 Ahonui in Crisis
34:45 Stories That Calm
37:16 Trauma to Joy
39:56 Connection > Correction
40:04 Mau Piailug and Wayfinding Revival
41:39 Hokulea
44:08 Supply Chain of Aloha
47:39 Aunty Pilahi Paki
49:15 Prophecy: Aloha as the Key
52:41 Learning to "Think Hawaiian"
54:45 Five Elements of Aloha
56:02 Practice and Permission
57:49 The Razor's Edge
01:05:55 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.