“We’re not just painting walls. We’re locking in the DNA, the mana, and the stories of the community.” ~ John "Prime" Hina Get ready for "Prime Time!" In this powerful, laughter-filled, chicken-skin conversation, Amy, Erin, and Shareen sit with renowned graffiti artist, philosopher, farmer, and storyteller John “Prime” Hina, founder of 808 Urban and Dear Love Story. From tagging his first bedroom wall in the 1980s to building one of Hawaiʻi’s most influential community art movements, Pr...

🎶 Recorded live from the Hawaiian Music Perpetuation Society in Maunalua, Oʻahu. “My mother was putting the Hawaiian words into my mouth through mele, because my father wouldn’t speak Hawaiian to me…but at least I would have the words in my mouth through mele.” ~ Aunty Kuʻuipo Kumukahi In this very special Inspired by Aloha episode, the crew takes their first road trip to Maunalua (aka Hawaiʻi Kai) to sit down with two remarkable women: Aunty Kuʻuipo Kumukahi and Jen...

"Your story will help lots of people too. YOUR Story will help people realize that they're not alone, that they have someone. There's so many people that hold safe spaces for you to come and talk to them and have help." ~ Shareen Poynter Get ready for an episode packed with inspirational stories and plenty of "aha!" moments where Amy, Erin, and Shareen reflect on their conversations with two incredible guests who are turning passion into purpose in wildly different, but equally amazing, ways!...

Welcome to Season 2 of Inspired by Aloha, a podcast dedicated to spotlighting extraordinary individuals who use their special gifts to bring more aloha into our world. In this episode, we are honored to feature Keala Thompson, a local boy turned international speaker and relationship specialist, who is on a mission to guide people towards their own healing while living their most empowered lives. Keala's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Growing up in Hilo, Hawaiʻi, he learned the ...

Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou! Happy New Year! As we welcome in 2025, the Inspired by Aloha family is happily getting ready to launch Season 2. If you were with us last season, mahalo nui for your continued support! If you are new to our podcast, welcome to our ʻohana! We hope to bring a smile to your face and some pep in your step as we send you a big hug over the airwaves. May 2025 be the best year yet for us all! Me ke aloha pumehana, Amy, Erin, and Shareen (and Camden, our tech guy!) Connect wit...

The Inspired by Aloha crew wishes you and your ʻohana a happy and healthy holiday season! In this episode, Amy, Erin, and Shareen reminisce about their favorite family holiday traditions in Hawaiʻi. Laugh, relax, and feel the festive vibes as we share heartwarming stories, cherished memories, and lots of holiday cheer. And because no celebration is complete without kanikapila, we’ll even attempt to serenade our listeners and share our joy! As we close out 2024 and the first year of our podc...

Bees are life! 🐝 In this episode, the Inspired by Aloha crew talks story with the “dynamic duo” of Vanessa Houle and Devin Magallanes, co-owners of Kilohana Honey and Big Island Meadery in Keaʻau, Hawai’i. Join us as we explore how this local, family-owned farm produces raw, pure honey and artisanal honey mead with a deep respect and aloha for the ʻāina and the bees. From their careful and nurturing efforts to ensure the bees thrive, to the innovative, sustainable techniques used in the...

"If you find your passion, your life is happy and full. Here's to everyone finding their passion!" ~ Erin Thompson, IBA host In this episode, Amy, Erin and Shareen reflect on the lives and wisdom of three incredible women who each embody the spirit of aloha in unique ways. These guests include a Abigail Eli (a selfless pastor who has dedicated her life to serving others, EP 9), Rachel Radona (a fearless Gen Z artist whose boundless energy and creativity inspire change, EP 10), and Christina ...

“When I first started in this industry, I had the privilege of being a part of this training led by Dr. George Kanahele….and I was fascinated and captivated. The information that he shared truly resonated with me and I carried it through my entire career. And one of the things that he said was that when you say ʻaloha,ʻ you have to mean it. And if you don't mean it, then don't use it. And so I remembered that throughout my career.” ~ Christina Gabriel, Inspirational Leader and General Manager...

“Sometimes when everybody dreams about goals or what they want to reach in life, sometimes you feel like you have to do everything at once and you have to keep on pushing no matter what. But I've learned that good things take time and you definitely have to give yourself time to rest, time to grow, and good things will come eventually.” ~ Rachel Radona, Inspirational Muralist and Designer The ʻōlelo noʻeau, “Aʻohe pau ka ʻike i ka hālau hoʻokahi” teaches us that “Not all knowledge comes from...

Disclaimer: Please note that some topics discussed in this episode, including sexual assault and domestic violence, may not be suitable for children. Listener discretion is advised. “When people are at their worst is when they need to be loved the most.” ~ Abigail Eli "Inspired by Aloha" spotlights the extraordinary journeys of everyday heroes who make a difference in our world. In this episode, our hosts meet one of these exceptional champions, Abigail Eli, who shares her remarkable story o...

"If we quiet our minds, and we slow down a little bit, you see things that are always there, but they're ʻpatiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper,ʻ so that we can see and embrace and participate in this life with them." ~ Erin Thompson, IBA Host In this episode, Amy, Erin, and Shareen come together to reflect on the crucial theme of self-care, a topic that’s become more relevant than ever. They take a thoughtful pause to discuss the importance of slowing down and being present, drawin...

"I think that it really kind of comes down to just noticing each other...and giving yourself permission to be full of wonder and appreciation and allowing for the miraculous and the marvelous." ~ Phyllis Look, Certified Forest Bathing Guide Join podcasters Amy, Erin, and Shareen on a transformative journey into the world of Shinrin Yoku, the Japanese art of forest bathing. In this episode of "Inspired by Aloha," they engage in a heartfelt conversation with Phyllis Look, Hawaii's first certif...

“Share Aloha by living it…because I am…we are.” ~ Jamel Soltau In this episode, learn the wisdom of the mind-body connection and how we can empower ourselves to become more present and lead more meaningful lives, mind, body, heart and spirit. Join Amy, Erin and Shareen as they connect with Jamel Soltau, a certified yoga therapist, yoga instructor, and Reiki 2 practitioner. Through her insights, we'll learn how to embody and share Aloha, creating a ripple effect of love and healing. Visit Ja...

"There's nobody in the world exactly like you...we are all uniquely designed and made!" ~ Amy Shiroma, IBA host Join long-time friends, Amy, Erin, and Shareen, as they bring their positive energy and genuine camaraderie to the mic. In this special episode, they reflect on the last two podcasts (i.e., EP 3: Dondra Rose on Strengths and EP 4: Margaret Bailey on Education) and peel back the layers to share their own strengths as well as send out a heartfelt tribute to the educators who've made ...

"The world is your classroom." ~ Margaret Bailey Educators play a significant role in our society, serving as mentors, guides, and champions of knowledge. They dedicate their lives to nurturing young minds, empowering students to reach their full potential, and fostering a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. In this episode, join Amy, Erin, and Shareen as they embark on a heartfelt conversation with the remarkable educator, Margaret Bailey. With over 60 years of dedicated service to edu...

"Don't waste another moment on your mediocrity. Instead, focus on where your superpowers are!" ~ Dondra Rose There is no one in the world who is exactly like you! Every single one of us is special and unique. In this episode, join the Inspired by Aloha crew as they talk story with Native Hawaiian lomilomi practitioner, wellness counselor, and innovative strengths coach, Dondra Rose. This deep dive discussion into harnessing your strengths and knowing how amazing you are is the first step to ...

Join "Inspired by Aloha" hosts, Amy, Erin, and Shareen, as they take you on a heartwarming journey down memory lane to reminisce about their Hanabata Daze and childhood experiences of growing up in Hawaiʻi. In this special episode, these three longtime friends share nostalgic tales of beach days, B52 cockroach bombers, da manapua man, and more! Through laughter, anecdotes, and heartfelt reflections, the trio celebrates the privilege of being raised in Hawaiʻi and the enduring impact of Aloha ...

Episode 1: Welcome to Inspired by Aloha sets the stage for an exploration of friendship, Hawaiian culture, and the power of Aloha in our daily lives. Amy, Erin, and Shareen share the foundation of their 35-year friendship and express their intention to build community while inspiring positivity and hope throughout the world. As they embark on this new venture, they invite listeners to join them in discovering the transformative power of Aloha in their own lives. Connect with your Inspired by ...