Greater Good Radio - Connect, Learn, Heal, and Grow

Michelle Bartell walked away from what she calls "the best job in the whole bank" to lead Aloha United Way — after turning the role down more than once. Michelle opens up to Evan Leong about the ALICE data showing more than 40% of Hawaii households working hard but still struggling to make ends meet, standing up an in-person 211 table after the Kona low flooding in Waialua, and the moment her college-bound daughter cried on the plane because she feared she could never afford to live in Hawaii again. She also shares how a military childhood without deep roots shaped her purpose, wh...

U.S. Senator Brian Schatz sits down with Evan Leong for a candid look at the person behind the title, from growing up as one of four brothers in Hawaiʻi to winning a State House seat at 26, getting demoted after a failed leadership challenge, and finishing sixth in a run for Congress. Schatz opens up about the lessons that shaped his approach to public service: why words are actions, why losing builds humility, and why the U.S. Senate is far more bipartisan than cable news lets on. He also shares what Washington gets wrong about Hawaiʻi, how a...

What makes a leader who has everything blow it all up? Jason Lazzerini, Executive Vice President at Central Pacific Bank, joins Evan Leong to unpack why successful leaders self-sabotage, and why the answer usually lives in unmet needs rather than bad strategy. Jason traces his path from jazz saxophonist on cruise ships to pitching bank products in grocery store aisles to the executive suite, sharing his framework for balancing desire with service and building an "ark" of character before the flood comes. The conversation goes deep, from reconnecting with a biological father who never truly came back from Vietnam to...

John Komeiji went from a self-described C student who planned to be an auto mechanic to a 30-year trial lawyer, president of Hawaiian Telcom, general counsel at Kamehameha Schools, and now the first volunteer chair of the Mauna Kea Stewardship Oversight Authority — the toughest job of his life. Sitting down with Evan Leong, he traces the mentors who redirected his path (Uncle Keiji Kawakami, Wesley Park, Dr. Ma), the Rocky mindset that made him outwork everyone as a lifelong underdog, and the leadership regret he still carries from his early years. He also opens up about the deeply held feelings on...

Professional surfer Jack Ho grew up in Waikiki chasing waves after every school day at Punahou, envious of the homeschool kids who surfed dawn to dusk. Years later, holding a Duke Kahanamoku scholarship to UH Manoa, he walked away from the conventional path to build his "Jack From Town" brand and chase swells across Fiji, Indonesia, France, and beyond. He and Evan Leong dig into the unglamorous reality behind the highlight reels: the airport yard sales of foil gear, the fear of paddling in alone from a mile out at sea, the localism you earn by respecting a lineup, and...

Chenoa Farnsworth, managing partner of Blue Startups, sits down with Evan Leong for a wide-ranging conversation that moves from Hawaii's startup ecosystem to the inner life of the people who build it. She traces her winding path from a Big Island macadamia nut farm to health policy in Washington, D.C., to founding Hawaii Angels, Kolohala Ventures, and Blue Startups — and why she turned down a Silicon Valley VC job to raise her kids at home. Along the way she and Evan dig into the shame that quietly powers so many founders, the loneliness epidemic haunting high performers, the sexism th...

Long before Washington, D.C., Ed Case was a kid from Hilo who describes his childhood as "Norman Rockwell, but Hawaii" — the only haole in his class, surfing after school and never once thinking about race or ethnicity. In this wide-ranging conversation, Ed traces the unlikely path from a small-town upbringing on Hawaii Island to the U.S. Congress: the family that left a Kansas law firm generations ago, the culture shock of an elite New England college, the poster on a career-office wall that sent him to D.C., and the lessons he absorbed working for Senator Spark Matsunaga. It...

From the deadliest mass shooting in American history to the most devastating wildfire tragedy in modern U.S. history, Chief John Pelletier has spent his career leading through the unthinkable. As incident commander during the 2017 Mandalay Bay shooting in Las Vegas and now Chief of the Maui Police Department during the catastrophic 2023 wildfires, Pelletier opens up about what it actually takes to make life-or-death decisions under unimaginable pressure — and what it costs him personally as a husband and father. He shares the moment his wife told him to leave for a hostage rescue on Christmas Eve, the truth behind the fa...

Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami sits down with Evan Leong for a rare, unfiltered conversation about leadership, loss, and legacy. From surviving Hurricane Iniki as a teenager to losing his mother, father, and brother within eighteen months, Derek opens up about grief, mental health, and why he refuses to stay silent about his brother's suicide. He shares how his wife Monica's wisdom shaped his run for office, why he built Kauai's first inclusive playground, and what's driving his campaign for Lieutenant Governor. Watch now to hear why real leadership starts with honesty, not perfection.

Steve Sawyer grew up in a home where silence was the deadliest weapon — and rage could erupt without warning. As founder of the Developmental Trauma Training Institute, Steve draws on his own childhood wounds to reveal how unhealed trauma shapes every relationship, addiction, and behavior we carry into adulthood. From the neuroscience of the nervous system and the four core survival wounds identified by Anna Freud, to the life-changing power of repairing better as a parent, this conversation is a roadmap for breaking generational cycles and reclaiming connection. Watch now to discover why healing trauma isn't about soothing the pain — it's...

⚠️ Content Advisory: This episode contains discussions of drug use, suicide, death, and abuse. Viewer discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available by calling or texting the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. What if the key to healing trauma, anxiety, and depression has been misunderstood for decades — and the answer lies in a medicine most of us were taught to fear? Mike DeMattos, Chair of the Bachelor of Social Work Program at the University of Hawaii, joins Evan Leong for a deeply honest and wide-ranging conversation about psychedelic-assisted therapy, the roots of self-rejection, and what it tru...

Brad Yates spent six decades coaching elite athletes, leaders, and even legendary college football head coach Bill Curry — and his hardest lesson came from looking inward at his own unprocessed anger. At 84, the former Punahou School educator and high-performance coach sits down with Evan Leong to unpack "Accept Love," his framework for elite performance, why most of what we call passion is actually stored anger, and how grief, fear, and agency intertwine in every leader's life. From getting recruited to Georgia Tech to coaching at Punahou for 30 years, surviving FBI protection alongside Bill Curry at Alabama, and writing a coach's ma...

Scott Simon walked away from a high-paying executive career to become a leadership coach — and the journey that led him there is anything but ordinary. From playing D3 volleyball at Santa Clara after turning down Princeton, to navigating corporate law and a company bankruptcy, to ultimately trading a corporate paycheck for the freedom to build something on his own terms, Scott brings a rare depth of lived experience to every coaching conversation. In this episode, he and Evan Leong unpack the mindset shifts, practical frameworks, and personal turning points that define a life built around continuous reinvention and service to ot...

Pal Eldredge has lived one of Hawaii’s most extraordinary sporting lives — from a three-sport athlete at Punahou and a College World Series competitor at BYU, to decades coaching baseball, scouting for Major League Baseball, and teaching fifth grade to a boy the world would come to know as Barack Obama. Evan Leong sits down with Coach Pal for an unflinching conversation about aging, legacy, physical decline, and what it truly means to give back to the game and the people who shaped you. Pal shares raw and moving reflections on losing his brother and sister, raising daughters he’s fierce...

What if a tech CEO isn’t self-made—but community-made? In this powerful conversation, Forest Frizzell shares his raw, deeply personal journey from a troubled childhood marked by learning struggles, self-doubt, and survival, to becoming the co-founder of a globally recognized clean energy company. This episode goes beyond entrepreneurship—it’s about being “Hānai’d” (nourished and lifted) by people who believed in him, finding belonging in Hawaii, and redefining success through impact, humility, and service. Forest opens up about overcoming the belief that he wasn’t smart, learning to lead without losing himself, and why community—not credentials—is what truly builds...

Sherry Menor, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, sits down with Evan Leong for one of the most candid conversations about leadership, identity, and personal growth you'll hear from a Hawaii executive. Born in Tokyo and raised in Hilo in a strict Japanese-Filipino household, Sherry's path to becoming the first female CEO in the Chamber's 175-year history was anything but linear — it included detours through Hollywood extra work, a stint with Elton John's production team, a statewide political campaign, and years of learning to stop performing and start being herself. She opens up about imposter syndrome, th...

What does it really mean to lead with Aloha in business? In this episode of Greater Good Radio, Pacific Business News Publisher Lei Pedro shares how her Hawaiian heritage, family legacy, and life experiences shaped her approach to leadership, connection, and community. From growing up in a family of traditional lei makers to becoming one of Hawaiʻi’s most influential business media leaders, Lei explains why great leaders connect people, speak with radical candor, and always lead with purpose. This conversation explores the deeper meaning of Aloha, culture in the workplace, and how business success can still honor values and...

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Evan Leong sits down with Christine Camp — Korean immigrant, single mother, runaway teen, and founder & CEO of Avalon Group — for a raw, unfiltered conversation about survival, identity, healing, and what it truly takes to build something meaningful in Hawaiʻi. Christine opens up about leaving Korea as a child, losing her father shortly after arriving in America, running away from home at 15 and working multiple jobs to survive, and the defining moment that sent her back home and set her on a path toward education, real estate, and purpose. From founding one of Hawai...

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, Johnny Chankhamany joins Evan Leong to share his remarkable journey from growing up in a low-income immigrant household to becoming a respected finance leader, venture capital connector, and mentor helping others break into Wall Street and beyond. Johnny opens up about watching his parents sacrifice everything, the mindset shifts that pulled him out of scarcity, the grit it took to navigate college and corporate finance, and how pivotal mentors changed the trajectory of his life. He talks candidly about rejection, imposter syndrome, financial literacy, and why building authentic relationships—not just resumes—creates real...

In this powerful episode, Evan Leong sits down with Ian Kitajima for a deeply personal conversation that traces Ian’s journey from a childhood shaped by freedom, curiosity, and trust to a career defined by courage, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership. Ian reflects on how early life experiences influenced his willingness to take risks, challenge conventional paths, and step into uncertainty—both in business and in life—while sharing lessons on resilience, creativity, and staying grounded in values as responsibility grows. This episode goes beyond titles and achievements, offering an honest look at fear, confidence, and what it really takes to lead w...

In this deeply honest and emotionally powerful episode, Evan Leong sits down with Corey Campbell, CEO and Founder of Akamai Training & Consulting and a Hoffman Process teacher, for a raw conversation on pain, grief, shame, and the lifelong work of emotional freedom. Corey opens up about childhood conditioning, identity, racial awareness, imposter syndrome, losing his brother, becoming a father, and how unprocessed emotions live in the body—shaping our patterns, leadership, and relationships. Together, Evan and Corey explore inner-child work, trauma, surrender, somatic release, the voice in our head, and what it truly means to heal rather than cope. This ep...

In this deeply personal and vulnerable episode, Nolan Hong sits down with Evan Leong to unpack a lifetime of self-doubt, fear of failure, and abandonment—and the long, courageous journey toward self-love and wholeness. Nolan opens up about growing up with shame and anxiety, navigating ADHD, perfectionism, and fear-driven success, and how storytelling, healing work, and honest emotional connection have helped him reconnect with his heart instead of just his mind. Through powerful reflections on childhood wounds, identity, purpose, and what it truly means to “just be,” this conversation explores how healing happens not by fixing ourselves, but by understanding and ac...

In this powerful conversation, Josh Green sits down with host Evan Leong to share the deeply human journey that shaped his path from physician to Governor of Hawaiʻi—one defined by service, lived experience, and a commitment to bringing people together. Drawing from childhood health challenges, medical missions in India, Africa, and Samoa, years as a community doctor in Kaʻū, and leadership through crises like COVID-19 and the Maui wildfires, Governor Green explains how frontline healthcare and compassion inform his approach to policy, homelessness, public trust, and healing divided communities. This episode goes beyond politics, offering rare insight into resil...

In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi opens up about the defining moments of his life—his parents’ sacrifices, the pain of loss, the challenges of fatherhood, the guilt and growth that shaped him, and the enduring love that guided every major decision he made. Rick reveals vulnerable stories about raising his children from afar, rebuilding after heartbreak, honoring his father’s legacy, and striving to live with purpose in the “twilight” of his career. This episode goes far beyond politics, offering an intimate portrait of a man shaped by family, resilience, and an unwavering sense of respons...

In this powerful and emotional episode, Mano Nguyen opens up about his family’s escape from Vietnam, the challenges of growing up as a refugee, the sacrifices behind his parents’ strength, and the deep sense of duty and resilience that shaped him into a veteran, entrepreneur, and community leader. This conversation dives into identity, gratitude, cultural values, family legacy, and how community support becomes the backbone for overcoming life’s toughest battles. Mano’s story is a reminder that healing, success, and purpose all begin with the people who stand by us—and the courage to keep going no matter what.

In this heartfelt episode of Greater Good Radio, Monty Pereira, General Manager and Sales & Marketing Director of Watanabe Floral, shares the most difficult experience of his life — his daughter’s devastating concussion and the lessons it taught him about faith, patience, and letting go. From his Hawaiian roots in Hilo to his 29-year journey leading one of Hawaiʻi’s most beloved floral companies, Monty opens up about family, resilience, and the deeper purpose behind his work: bringing happiness and connection through flowers. His story is one of love, loss, and learning to trust life’s process — a powerful reminder that someti...

Dive into an inspiring, no-ego masterclass with longtime Shidler College of Business dean Vance Roley, as he shares the leadership habits that powered two decades of growth at UH Mānoa: putting faculty first, building a culture of transparency, and partnering closely with alumni and donors to expand scholarships, endowments, and global opportunities. In this candid conversation, Vance talks recruiting top professors, the Direct Admit (freshman) pipeline, why study-abroad changes lives, how dedicated career services boost job placement, and what’s next as he transitions back to the classroom. You’ll also hear his early-life grit story, why Hawaii won his h...

From a college apartment startup to a $700 million acquisition, Brett Brewer’s journey is the real story behind MySpace, Intermix Media, and the early internet boom. In this inspiring conversation, Brett shares how luck, hustle, and relentless belief turned failure into one of tech’s biggest success stories. He reveals the lessons from 150 investor rejections, the origins of “fake it ’til you make it,” the inside story of selling to Rupert Murdoch, and how he’s paying it forward through venture investing and youth entrepreneurship. This episode is a masterclass in perseverance, timing, and staying grounded through rapid success.

What does it really mean to live a life well lived? In this inspiring conversation, Jeff Zimmerman—co-owner of AdWalls and founder of Environmental Graphics Hawaii, sits down with Evan Leong to reflect on 40 years in Hawaii, the lessons of resilience after surviving a stroke, and his daily practice of “seeking beauty” in work, family, and community. From building a career in real estate and advertising to mentoring his children and embracing gratitude, Jeff shares candid stories of growth, creativity, and finding purpose beyond success. His journey is a powerful reminder that true fulfillment comes from giving back, creating meaning, and li...

What does it take to rise to the top without a college degree? In this inspiring episode of Greater Good Radio, Dennis Francis—President and Publisher of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser—shares his journey from humble beginnings in Ohio to becoming one of Hawaii’s most influential media executives. Dennis reveals how grit, people skills, and instinct shaped his career, why he chose entrepreneurship over corporate structure, and how community service became central to his leadership philosophy. Whether you're an aspiring leader, college dropout, or seasoned entrepreneur, this candid conversation offers timeless lessons on resilience, decision-making, and building a meaningful life and ca...

From Silicon Valley startups to co-founding Mana Up, Meli James has built her career on elevating Hawai‘i’s entrepreneurs while also navigating her own journey of self-discovery. In this powerful conversation, Meli opens up about the challenges of scaling businesses in Hawai‘i, the global potential of the “Hawai‘i brand,” and her personal transitions—from quarter-life crisis to building purpose and authenticity in her leadership. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance achievement with fulfillment, or how to grow world-class companies while staying true to yourself, this episode will inspire and challenge you.

From Hollywood child actress to respected entrepreneur and Hawaii’s former First Lady, Vicky Cayetano shares the personal and professional experiences that shaped her remarkable journey. In this intimate conversation, she opens up about balancing business and family, leading with empathy, building United Laundry Services, and the life lessons she learned from her grandmother, mentors, and even Elvis Presley. Discover how Vicky redefined leadership, service, and legacy on her own terms—with warmth, humility, and wisdom that will inspire anyone seeking purpose and impact in their own life.

What if the real battle isn’t out there—but within? In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Kumu Ramsay Taum joins Evan Leong to explore the spiritual roots of conflict, healing, and transformation. Drawing from Hawaiian practices like Hoʻoponopono and Lua, Kumu Ramsay reveals how alignment, intention, and ancestral wisdom can help us move from tension to peace—from surviving to thriving. Whether he’s discussing his journey through injury, financial collapse, or cultural leadership, his insights offer a roadmap to finding pono (balance) in a chaotic world. If you’re seeking clarity, connection, or a new way of seeing l...

From flunking high school to leading one of Hawai‘i’s most iconic companies, Allen Doane’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. In this inspiring conversation, the former CEO of Alexander & Baldwin shares how his grandmother’s sacrifices, his military experience, and lessons in humility and leadership shaped his rise. From cleaning rooming houses to running a multi-billion-dollar company, Allen opens up about mentoring, decision-making, and the power of purpose. Whether you're an aspiring leader or simply love a good underdog story, this episode is packed with wisdom, heart, and a reminder that it’s never too late to change you

From a tight-knit village on Hawai‘i Island to the top ranks of Disney and now co-founding his own hospitality firm, Elliot Kawaiho‘olana Mills shares the powerful story behind his rise—and the deeper meaning guiding his journey. In this episode of Greater Good Radio, Elliot opens up about his Big Island roots, the legacy of his ancestors, the cultural vision behind Aulani, and how his daughter’s simple Christmas wish changed the course of his life. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to succeed in business without losing your soul, this deeply personal and inspiring conversation is for you

How does a top attorney balance business success, community leadership, and family — all while staying grounded in her Native Hawaiian values? In this inspiring episode of Greater Good Radio, Crystal Rose, founding partner of one of Hawai‘i’s leading law firms and the first alumna trustee of Kamehameha Schools, shares how her passion for justice and service shaped her extraordinary career. From litigating major cases like the Bishop Estate reform to mentoring future leaders and serving on influential boards like Hawaiian Airlines and Central Pacific Bank, Crystal reveals how purpose and impact guide every decision she makes. Whether you’re an as...

What if your biggest sales blocks aren’t about tactics—but trauma? In this powerful conversation, executive coach and founder of Simple Lens, Walter Roth, joins Evan Leong to explore how unresolved childhood and generational trauma can unconsciously sabotage success in sales, leadership, and life. Walter breaks down how high-performing founders often use ambition to mask emotional wounds and how true sales mastery begins with self-awareness, nervous system regulation, and healing. Whether you’re a founder, executive, or someone on a growth journey, this episode will shift how you think about performance, connection, and the cost of staying closed off.

What does it take to rescue billion-dollar institutions and still lead with heart? In this powerful episode, John Dean—former CEO of Silicon Valley Bank and Central Pacific Bank—shares how trust, passion, and values-driven leadership helped him turn around some of the largest banking failures in U.S. history. From Peace Corps beginnings in Samoa to becoming one of Forbes’ “50 Most Powerful Dealmakers,” John opens up about building great teams, empowering communities, and why real success is about making a difference. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or purpose-driven leader, this conversation will inspire you to lead with integrity and impact.

Join Kamaka Pili, beloved storyteller, cultural advocate, and host of KHON2’s "Aloha Authentic," in this deeply personal and enlightening conversation. Kamaka openly shares his journey of discovering his kuleana (purpose), embracing his Hawaiian identity, and integrating Hawaiian values into his everyday life. From candidly discussing challenges with acceptance and identity to inspiring stories of his tutu's wisdom, Kamaka reveals how storytelling became his pathway to healing, community connection, and spiritual fulfillment. If you've ever questioned your purpose or sought to live authentically, this episode offers profound insights rooted in Hawaiian culture and universal truths. Watch now to find your ku...

Legendary coach June Jones shares his inspiring journey of faith, football, and second chances in this powerful conversation. From overcoming a near-fatal accident to leading one of the greatest turnarounds in college football history, Coach Jones reveals the mental toughness, leadership principles, and spiritual faith that have defined his career. He dives into the grueling life of a coach, his belief in redemption, and the lessons learned from giving players a second chance—including those who went from prison to becoming top athletes. If you're looking for motivation, insights on building winning teams, or a story of resilience and faith, th...