Inspired by Aloha

In true Inspired By Aloha (IBA) fashion, the crew gathers to reflect on a year filled with manaʻo, music, and meaningful connections. Joined by special guest, Camden the IBA Tech Guru , they look back with gratitude on the incredible guests who joined them in 2025 such as Keala Thompson , The Hawaiian Music Perpetuation Society , Prime Hina , and Haunani Miyasato , each bringing their own ʻike, mo...

"...it wasn't till I actually started taking Hawaiian language classes that I learned a lot. And you know with language comes culture right. They're intertwined. You can't separate one from the other. So that's when I really learned my culture too."  ~ Haunani Miyasato, Educator and Founder of Kaulana Mahina The Inspired by Aloha crew welcomes Hawaiʻi island educator,...

The Inspired by Aloha crew gather to reflect on their heartfelt conversations with three remarkable cultural practitioners: Aunty Kuʻuipo Kumukahi, Jeninne Heleloa , and muralist John “Prime” Hina . What starts as a casual catch-up evolves into a rich exploration of art as kuleana, connection to culture, and the transformative power of being given the space to grow. Fresh from time spent with the...

“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 tagg...

🎶 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 Hawa...

"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 thei...

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 live...

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 f...

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 t...

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 nurtu...

"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), Rach...

“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. An...

“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...

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...

"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 relev...

"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 episod...

“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...

"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 bac...

"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...

"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....

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...

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...