In this episode, Pono Shim explores the power of catalyzing connection with students. Many of the participants in this Zoom call were Hawaii-based educators interested in Social Emotional Learning strategies and how to integrate the values of aloha in the classroom. It was recorded on June 14, 2020 during a weekly Aloha Response cohort call. The episode also features insights from Miki Tomita Okamoto and Hye Jung Tano of Education Incubator.  Special thanks to Roy Kimura for uncovering this audio clip that makes this episode possible. Mahalo for tuning in! 

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.