🎶 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 Jeninne Heleloa, co-founders of the Hawaiian Music Perpetuation Society (HMPS). Together, they share powerful stories of ʻohana, mele, and resilience. From kolohe childhood memories and musical roots to the founding of HMPS during COVID, their mission continues to be the preservation and perpetuation of Hawaiian culture through song. Filled with laughter, emotion, and deep cultural insights, this episode reminds us that Aloha is more than a word. It is a soothing melody that washes over the soul and deeply connects us in ways we never thought possible. It is a way of life, passed down, protected, and meant to be shared with future generations.

This episode is all heart, humor, and the living Aloha. Whether you're kanaka ʻōiwi, kamaʻāina, or just beginning your journey to understand Hawaiʻi, this conversation will both uplift and ground you.

As a special bonus, Aunty Kuʻuipo graces us with her beautiful, mesmerizing leo, a voice that invites you to close your eyes, listen deeply, and feel your heart overflow with gratitude. We hope you enjoy this gift of mele from the Hawaiian Music Perpetuation Society!

🎶👉🏽Check them out today at https://www.hmpshawaii.com/

Connect with your Inspired by Aloha (IBA) crew! We look forward to hearing from you!
Instagram: @inspiredbyaloha808
Email: inspiredbyaloha808@gmail.com

"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! First, they reflect on the good work of visionary founders of Kilohana Farms and Big Island Meadery, Vanessa Houle and Devin Magallanes (Season 1, EP 13), who are not only crafting delicious honey products and mead, but also using their platform to educate communities about the vital role bees play in our agricultural ecosystems, and what we risk if we don’t protect them.

Then, the conversation continues around the impactful contributions of Keala Thompson (Season 2, EP 1), creator of an international business dedicated to guiding individuals toward personal growth, mental well-being, and discovering their deeper purpose in life. His dedication to his own self-healing in order to help others do the same is truly a model of behavior to be celebrated.

From sustainable farming to mental health empowerment, this episode is a heartfelt exploration about personal stories of passion and grace from everyday people who do extraordinary acts of aloha!

May you find the moments to celebrate and the courage to share YOUR STORY, because within you lies the power to inspire, uplift, and help others thrive!

Connect with your Inspired by Aloha (IBA) crew! We look forward to hearing from you!
Instagram: @inspiredbyaloha808
Email: inspiredbyaloha808@gmail.com

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 value of community, connection, and faith. He credits his family for teaching him the grounding value and meaning of Aloha.

"I learned a lot from my dad. The Aloha he showed was more like an unconditional type of love. It was unconditional in the sense that you don't have to do anything to earn my love. I love you as you are, without having to earn my love or earn my respect. I love you because of the love, the aloha I already have inside of my heart, that I want to give to you. Not all love has the power to heal. I think conditional type of love doesn't have the power to heal...the unselfish, unconditional type of love has the power to heal. That's what I've seen." ~ Keala Thompson

Through hard work and dedication, Keala has become a positive role model for men, women, and families around the globe. His passion for building stronger relationships, healing brokenness, and empowering others has made him a sought-after speaker and advisor.

Join us as we dive deep into Keala’s story, uncover the wisdom he’s gained along the way, and explore the powerful ways we can all heal, grow, and build lasting connections. Learn more about Keala Thompson at KT Advising!

Get ready to be inspired!

Connect with your Inspired by Aloha (IBA) crew! We look forward to hearing from you!
Instagram: @inspiredbyaloha808
Email: inspiredbyaloha808@gmail.com

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 with your Inspired by Aloha (IBA) crew! We look forward to hearing from you!
Instagram: @inspiredbyaloha808
Email: inspiredbyaloha808@gmail.com

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 podcast, we would like to sincerely MAHALO all of our guests, supporters, listeners, and followers for being a part of this magical journey. You all helped to make this dream come true and we are so grateful to be...Inspired by Aloha!

Mālama pono and see you in 2025 for Season 2! 🤗🤗🤗

Connect with your Inspired by Aloha (IBA) crew! We look forward to hearing from you!
Instagram: @inspiredbyaloha808
Email: inspiredbyaloha808@gmail.com

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 their production process, Vanessa and Devin are dedicated to excellence at every step.

“As beekeepers, we've kind of learned over the years what our bees need. We've watched those seasonal shifts, the fluctuation in their health and when to step in, to help either create more colonies or ensure that we sustain our current colonies. It's just a symbiotic feeling of giving more than you take.” ~ Vanessa Houle

We will also learn about the time, patience, and craftsmanship that goes into each jar of honey and bottle of mead, and how the farm's commitment to quality and sustainability shines through. Inspired by Aloha celebrates the thoughtful achievements of Vanessa and Devin and their Kilohana Honey and Big Island Meadery businesses. This small, local business is making huge, positive impacts in our islandʻs environment and communities. Check out their story and contributions at https://bigislandmeadery.com/.

Connect with your Inspired by Aloha (IBA) crew! We look forward to hearing from you!
Instagram: @inspiredbyaloha808
Email: inspiredbyaloha808@gmail.com

"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 Gabriel (a successful, thriving hotel general manager in Hawaiʻi who rose to the top by embracing both her career and the richness of Hawaiian culture, EP 11).

These mana wāhine shared how embracing all aspects of who we are, and taking the time to discover our passions, is the key to living an authentic and joyful life. Through their stories, the Inspired by Aloha hosts learn invaluable lessons about the importance of not judging others, the power of giving aloha to everyone we meet, and the essential truth that the greatest love we can offer is love for ourselves.

Connect with your Inspired by Aloha (IBA) crew! We look forward to hearing from you!
Instagram: @inspiredbyaloha808
Email: inspiredbyaloha808@gmail.com

“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

In this episode of Inspired by Aloha, we dive into the remarkable story of Christina Gabriel, General Manager of one of Hawaiʻi’s newest lodging establishments in Waikiki. Born and raised on Oʻahu, this Pearl City native was first introduced to Hawaiʻi’s travel industry by observing her hardworking grandparents who both dedicated their lives to the hotel industry. Fueled by their legacy, she faced skepticism and challenges head-on. Despite being told she wouldn’t succeed in her college program, she persevered, climbing the ranks at major hotel chains across three Hawaiian islands and successfully inspiring others throughout her 30+ year travel industry career.

Today as a prominent general manager, Christina has not only shattered the glass ceiling in a male-dominated field, but also remains deeply committed to honoring Hawaiʻi’s indigenous people and ʻāina. By collaborating with Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners, she ensures that visitors learn about Hawaii's rich history and traditions, emphasizing that the islands are more than just a tourist destination—they are a vibrant community with invaluable lessons on living with aloha.

Join the Inspired by Aloha hui as we hear her incredible journey, the wisdom she’s gained along the way, and her vision for a more culturally respectful and enriching travel experience in Hawaii.

Connect with your Inspired by Aloha (IBA) crew! We look forward to hearing from you!
Instagram: @inspiredbyaloha808
Email: inspiredbyaloha808@gmail.com