Aloha Alive: The Dawn O'Brien Podcast

What's Hawai'i got to do with it? Where does Aloha fit into the Last Days? It's getting real with Pastor Jonathan Steeper--a pastor who refused to shutdown the church during global lockdown, who stood for religious freedom in a national war & looks spiritual war in the eye. After 15 years at Kalihi Union Church, Pastor John reflects on the “gentle” miracles of persistent faith. This is what has lead to the rare sight of many cultures choosing unity under one roof for Christ's sake.If you care about God's true Church, unity, spiritual warfare, religious freedom, & faithful leaders, this conversation will challenge & encourage you. Subscribe, share with a friend; & please comment your greatest takeaway or question... It helps keep ALOHA ALIVE!IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

A pastor walking into prison at 14 should not be normal, and yet Pastor Jay Puahi’s story makes one thing clear: God uses the willing, not the polished. We sit down with Pastor Jay and his wife, Sister Shar Puahi of Straight Up Ministry, to talk about what it looks like to live the aloha spirit as action, especially while serving at Wai'anae Boat Harbor among a large community of houseless neighbors on Oahu’s West Side. This is a Hawaii podcast conversation grounded in local culture, faith, and the kind of love that shows up without a script.We also go personal. Jay and Shar share how they first met as kids, reconnected later through church, and learned to build a life that holds both honesty and hope. We talk about recovery, serving when you feel unqualified, and how God can redeem seasons that feel like loss. Jay opens up about the pull of music, travel, and divided priorities, and why time with family is not optional. If you’ve ever felt torn between calling and distraction, this part will hit home.Then we get practical and powerful: prison ministry, speaking life to incarcerated men, and the difference between preaching at people and reaching for them. We even share a jaw dropping testimony about a “free car” that turns into a lesson on faith, expectancy, and God’s timing. We close with a grounded definition of aloha through the ALOHA acronym and a simple statement that frames the whole episode: aloha is not just a word, it’s Jesus.Subscribe for more stories from the heartbeat of Hawai'i, share this with someone who needs hope, and leave a review telling us what aloha looks like in your life.IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

He’s a beloved Hawaii musician with a reputation for warmth, humor, and that unmistakable “aloha” energy. But what happens when the person everyone loves in public becomes someone his family fears at home? We sit down with Kelly Boy and Leolani Delima for a candid, faith-forward conversation about anger, trauma, marriage, and the long work of healing what you almost lose. We talk about the hidden cost of masking pain, how childhood trauma can shape adult triggers, and what it feels like to stare at a big empty house after your choices push people away. Kelly Boy shares the night everything broke, the moment he tried to walk out, and the spiritual confrontation that made him turn around and start bowing his life low enough to change. We also get real about the process after the breakthrough: anger may still knock, old habits may still call, but awareness, humility, prayer, and faster forgiveness can keep you moving forward. Along the way, we dig into family reconciliation, grief, and rebuilding trust, including how unity returns through honest words, restraint, and consistent love. We end with a simple challenge that hits hard: “Aloha comes from you.” Not from the world, not from social media, not from other people acting right. From you. If you care about anger management, trauma healing, Christian testimony, marriage restoration, and building a healthier family legacy, this conversation will stay with you. Subscribe to Aloha Alive, share it with someone who needs hope, and leave a review with the line that challenged you most.IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

Lightning strikes a plane outside your window and suddenly every “later” turns into “right now.” That’s where we start with Keikoa Carvalho of Pure Aloha and Rasco Idayan of Building Bonds Through Burpees, two men who know fear, addiction, and pressure firsthand and still choose to show up with love. We get honest about what aloha really means when it costs you something, why sacrifice is the clearest proof of love, and how faith changes the way you read the hard moments.We also talk about sobriety as a lifestyle, not a finish line. Keikoa shares how recovery shifts when you stop feeding the old addiction and start putting that same intensity into prayer, family, and community work. Rasco breaks down how burpees became a turning point, leading to a major health transformation and a new brotherhood built on accountability, service, and consistency. If you care about addiction recovery, faith-based healing, and real Hawaii community outreach, this conversation is packed with practical perspective.The most powerful thread might be forgiveness. We connect the dots between childhood trauma, generational patterns, and why letting go is not for the other person, it’s for your own peace. We also share stories from schools where testimony reaches the kids who feel unseen, reminding them change is possible because they can see it standing in front of them. If this hits home, subscribe, share it with someone fighting for their next right choice, and leave a review telling us: what does aloha mean to you today?IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

Your phone says you’re connected, but your relationships might say otherwise. We sit down with Pastor Andrew Yasuhara and get into the kind of faith conversation that actually touches real life: how to reach youth who live online, how to rebuild trust after church hurt, and why the most effective ministry tool is still simple presence.Andrew shares why relationship beats trying to look cool, and how being genuinely interested in someone’s life opens doors that no trend can. We also unpack the Yasuhara legacy through his grandfather, Woodrow Yasuhara, a leader known for fighting for pastors, building literal churches with his hands, and living like a bridge builder long before that became a buzzword. If you care about leadership, discipleship, and healthy church culture in Hawaii, there are practical lessons all the way through.Then the conversation turns personal. Andrew gets transparent about marriage, pride, counseling, triggers, and the moment he realized he was the problem. We talk emotional health, “small t trauma,” and what it looks like for a husband to become a steady rock, especially when life gets physically and emotionally hard. We close with a forward-looking vision for Hawaii, from stopping the brain drain to seeing faith grow among students, and a definition of aloha that challenges all of us: being comfortable being uncomfortable for the sake of love.If this resonates, subscribe, share this with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

Rock bottom doesn’t always look loud. Sometimes it’s a quiet dinner table, an empty house, & realizing the thing holding the marriage together is gone. I sit down with Leolani De Lima, wife of Kapena’s Kelly Boy De Lima, and we talk about what it takes to survive 38 years of marriage when fame, temptation, trauma, & family pressure all take their hits.If you’ve been searching for marriage rescue, press play. Encouragement? Press play! BFF LOLs? PLAY! Share with someone who needs strength today. And if U'd take an extra few seconds & leave the 1 line you’re holding onto from this conversation in comments below, that'd help us push this marriage-saving message out to more hurting homes. Mahalo!IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

HAPPY 1ST BDAY! It's our "BABY LU'AU" Party  featuring da BEST OF BEST highlights for U! Enjoy our 1st baby steps from Dawn's only solo episode & first set (with awkward background & lighting LOL) & then a upgraded set & even our own Podcast mugs. FANCY PANTSY! Time to rock ALOHA ALL OVER & share talk story time with Hawai'I heroes & sheroes. Grab yr popcorn & a favorite refreshing drink & LET'S GOOOOOO! PLUS! BONUS!! Subscribe, share with someone who needs it, & leave a review with yr favorite moments. WE ALOHA U, MAHALO for growing our  'OHANA with YOU & YOUR FRIENDS our 1st YEAR. WIN-WIN-WINNING! ALOHA ALWAYS WINS!  IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

"Your child isn't looking for porn, porn is looking for your child." Michele Okimura, Explicit Movement, talks plainly about s*x, p*rn, & more shocking stuff related to s*x. Why does sex matter to God? What is sacred (vs. secular) sex? And other questions even parents may not know the answers to. Subscribe for more , share with a parent or friend or youth leader, & leave a review so more 'ohana can find help. What’s the hardest sex-related conversation you’ve been avoiding? Comment below, please & shine the Light on a too-often dark & diabolically dominated realm. Mahalo & ALOHA!IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

Persecution isn’t a dramatic headline to us, it’s a promise Jesus already warned us about. Pastor Chris Nair, a pastor and church planter originally from Pakistan, joins us for a clear-eyed talk on what it means to follow Christ when opposition is real and growing. If the word “persecution” makes you tense up, this conversation reframes it with Scripture and lived experience so you can become prepared, not scared.We walk through Jesus’ words in John 15 and the surprising promise in Matthew 5 that calls the persecuted “blessed.” We also zoom out to the global reality of martyrdom and the heavy cost families carry, then zoom in to the work God is doing in Pakistan: churches being planted, believers being discipled, and children receiving free education through life-building centers. Pastor Chris shares how prayer support and consistent giving from ordinary believers can make a lasting difference in high-risk nations where Christians are targeted.You’ll also hear Pastor Chris’s personal testimony of encountering Jesus, how daily prayer and being rooted in God’s Word builds resilience, and why truth still has to be spoken even when it’s unpopular. We close with practical prayer points for Pakistan and a powerful reflection on aloha as compassion, love, and spiritual uplift, with Jesus as the ultimate example.If this encouraged you, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find it. What part of the conversation challenged you most?IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

Have U ever skipped voting as it felt pointless? Then this one's for U! Eva Andrade, Pres. HI Family Forum, & I get straight to the racy truth about political races:  From razor-thin local races to why small margins can steer an entire state. Also why “one voice” still matters.If this helped you, subscribe, share it with one friend in Hawaii, & leave a review so more local 'ohana find it, please! What’s the one issue you want your legislator to hear from you about this year?IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

Does the average Kimo or Kalei make any difference? In surprising answer, Rep. Lauren Matsumoto says yes, POWERFULLY! She also digs into meaty topics like answering to Hawai'i voters about cost of living, public safety, and the need for truth & transparency in gov't. We also get to meet the lady behind the title of Representative: a wife, mom & Hawai'i girl; sharing how her roots keep her grounded. Resource:  HawaiihouseGOP.com Or visit her Website: www.repmatsumoto.com IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

Stop asking, “What’s wrong with me?” & start asking, “What happened & how do I heal forward?” Healing Hearts Creator Rob Gross talks about how trauma leads to so many “bad choices” a.k.a. survival strategies gone wrong.You’ll hear personal stories of ours that make it real: patterns passed down family lines, the pressure to perform for love, & what it looks like to break generational patterns and live FREE! If you want inner healing, family restoration, & breaking generational cycles, you're in the right place. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs hope, & comment to let us know what was your biggest takeaway. AGAPE & ALOHA for YOU ALWAYS!IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

Some lights don’t go out—they move. When Dillon lost dad, Kaulana Pakele of Mana‘o Company, & later hanai uncle, the legendary Fiji, the room dimmed. What came next is a story of regeneration with respect: a bedroom-turned-studio in a Hawaiian homestead, a couch as a reminder of sacrifice, & unwavering  faith & aloha.The Legacy Project is beloved old songs & new with intention & honor.  Featuring collabs & nods to Ehukai, Mana‘o Co., Sudden Rush, Jordan T, & more. And how influence is measured by integrity, not followers. #BOOMkaYAHYOUBeyond music, Dillon’s heart beats for his lāhui (community). As Choose Aloha Ambassador, he brings joy to schools where 30 minutes can change a day... & a life! Dillan reframes pain into songs that always point up.Subscribe for more stories that blend faith, culture, & making music with aloha; pls. also leave a review to our lāhui grow.IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

O, CORRUPTION, what corruption? Hawaii has won "Most Corrupt State in U.S." for years running. We're paying sky-high prices for gas & groceries, housing & everything else. Is there any HOPE?!  Local businessman & advocate for the people, Gary Cordery shares how hope is possible by flipping the political system so that government actually serves people & saves Hawai'I. Really?Vote Gary for Gov. More info? GaryCorderyforGovernor.com. IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

A single punch on a Kalihi street lead to two life sentences, headline news & a family shattered by gang retaliation. BUT GOD! A long broken road across generations lead to hard-won forgiveness. Not just for one man, but two families. And their next generations! CHEEHOO!Matt Taufate'e of 1st L.A.P. Ministries explains how choices shaped a gang member into a godly mentor. It includes quiet damage of growing up beaten by his pastor-dad & church family. But the change came after prison, back in a bar, with a wife, 3 kids & no job. Odd place for God to shop up, but He did!If you care about redemption, fatherhood, & safer communities... If you've struggled with childhood trauma... If you have loved ones in addiction & codependent relationships... this conversation is for you. Watch & please share this episode with someone who needs hope. Then drop a line & tell us: What does real forgiveness look like to you?IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

You'll LOL or "buss laugh" as Hawai'i locals say, then you may cry. He did! Kaleo Pilanca takes us to the heights of joy as he's known the depths too. Join us for history of comedy, current culture & lots & lots of ALOOOHA!Book Kaleo "DJ Aloha" today for your party MC or comic show, school or church event by calling (808) 352-7787. CHEE-PONO!IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

An ex-con-turned-pastor shares how a free camp helps children of prisoners. It's a simple formula of trust, forgiveness, & love that helps kids to rebuild.  From baptisms behind bars, to Angel Tree gifts & weekly mentoring--children, prisoners & entire families are transformed. AGAPE IS REAL!• Why Camp Agape? And who we serve?• Pastor Roy’s story: From a double life sentence to Bible Man• Giving camp kids a friend for all times, even after camp/church• How to stay clean, sober & free? Scripture & Support• Funding, community partners, & global impact• Aloha heroes who keep Agape ALIVE!You can donate to help us host the next Camp Agape: www.campagapehawaii.comMay God bless you 100X! Agape Always WINS!IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

A raw-&-real story of pride, trauma & prison turned to power & purpose!  How a Hawai'i hammah & criminal turned community leader & lasting freedom. World & hurricane surer "Bird" Mahalona leads Wesside men alongside a scrapper wahine-wife to transform the Wild, Wild WESSIDE!• Pride:  The "Shot Caller" behind violence & generational fails• Inner incarceration is personal prison • Deliverance paired with daily discipleship in the Word• The “hardest case” reentry success thru structure & Scripture• Camp Agape, keiki care, & the Love Tunnel• Practical advice for ex-inmates to avoid traps• Forgiveness, accountability & reversing generational curses• What's aloha? Like trust it's EARNED Check out Bird & Lucy Mahelona at Fishers of Men Nãnãkuli, CHEE JESUS & CHEE US!IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

WTBFF?! Two BFFs trace 15 years of faith, family, & service, going from a small Bible study to public miracles & everyday acts of aloha. We share practical tools for prayer, evangelism, parenting, & leading with "crowns down."• Why relationships matter• Prophetic ministry with students & witnessed healings• Serving the houseless with practical compassion• What's yr son's love language? • Leading clean with “crowns down”Mahalo BFF for snapshots of Jesus, LOLs & tears thru the years. ALOHA ALWAYS WINS!  IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

Wanna have best s*x of yr life? Start here! 1st: make sure it's not just full body but full being... What? Dave Willweber, Onipa'a gives answers including... Hot topics: • Sexual intimacy power releases• P*rn*graphy influences • Who's making $$$ of yr sex life? • Parents as primary sex educators, & Onipa'a  as "special ops" support• How sexual health brings generational blessings, emotional & $$$ stability• "Aloha sex" definedDon't lower yr standards any more! Get the full benefits package now.Visit www.onipaa.life for more to  empower youth & parents with truth about sexuality.IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

"In the 21st century the whole world will be seeking peace, & they shall turn to Hawai'I, for the key to peace is ALOHA!" said Aunty Pilahi Paki. This prophecy is being fulfilled thanks to Tiffa Garza & Zeo Worship, for worship is seedbed of REVIVAL! When God calls you to worship in yr mother tongue, He is unloosing generations & nations! For Tiffa Garza, award-winning musician & worship leader, this divine mandate  transformed her ministry & sparked a revival of Hawaiian language worship across the islands.Born into music royalty, Tiffa's musical journey was divinely destined. Now alongside her husband Imua Garza (Opihi Pickers), she's pioneering a worship movement that's reconnecting Hawaii with its spiritual roots thru worship.The birth of Zeo Worship ( Greek, "boiling hot, fervent") came via supernatural confirmation & vision. Tiffa also shares the profound paradigm shift that radically changed her approach to worship: A revelation that freed her from performance pressure & returned her focus to ministering directly to God rather than creating experiences for people.Perhaps most moving is Tiffa's testimony of finding hope amidst devastating loss: The death of her dear dad and two older brothers all within months. Tiffa channeled her grief into her Nā Hōkū Award-winning album "Death, Love & the Second Coming"—a powerful journey from mourning to the hope found in Christ's return.Whether you're a worship leader seeking authentic ministry, someone grieving a profound loss, or simply curious about Hawaii's rich Christian heritage, Tiffa's story reminds us that true worship transcends cultural boundaries while honoring the unique voices God has given each people group to praise Him. Find Worship & More: www.ZeoWorship.com or IG @Zeo.Worship or @TiffaGarzaMusicIG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

Crowd Favorite Counselor Frank returns to share power tools to help couples navigate their most difficult challenges:Q: Does counseling really work?! Q: What if we have different sex drives?Q: How can I forgive adultery? And more on another EPIC episode of Life Coaching & Success with Counselor Frank De Gracia.Find Frank at enjoylifehawaiicounseling.com or on Instagram @frank_couples_counselor.IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

"Like Scrap?!" LET'S GOOOO! Out of Wesside O'ahu comes a grassroots Hawaiian innovation & youth movement that's award-winning & legacy building. Kumu Mikala Piper & student leader Jeremiah Magallones share how their high school is transforming waste into wealth while healing both land & lāhui (community).What makes this conversation especially moving is hearing how personal transformation happens alongside environmental innovation. Jeremiah shares his journey from being "kolohe" (mischievous) after losing his father at age 11 to finding purpose thru cultural connection. Meanwhile, Kumu Piper reveals how her students--many lost parents & face significant hardship--have become her "aloha heroes" thru overcoming, resilience & service to others.Discover how traditional Hawaiian wisdom offers solutions to modern environmental challenges, & how a group of determined Wesside teens are changing their community one cardboard box at a time. Visit hānaikaiāulu.org to support them or bring yr cardboard to their monthly collection on the first Saturday of each month. 'ĒŌ WAIANAE! IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

How do you find strength to breathe when tragedy hits SUDDENLY? Lisa Pakele, widow of beloved Hawaiian musician Kaulana Pakele of the Mana'o Company, shares her "suddenly": a sudden heart attack in 2020 during CV19 lockdown. "I just kept breathing," Lisa reveals, describing how she navigated overwhelming grief while raising four children in the public eye. With remarkable courage, she shares the practical wisdom that sustained her: carefully selecting a "Sacred Circle" of a few friends, stepping away from social media, & finding strength in her faith. Her story isn't just about survival—it's about transformation, as she helped her son Dillon complete the "Faith EP" album they had begun with Kaulana before his passing.Drawing from her earlier experiences as a teen Mom who refused to become "a statistic," Lisa demonstrates how past challenges prepared her for facing seemingly insurmountable grief. Now, she's channeling that resilience into building Kaulana's legacy via music collaborations with artists like High Risk, Pacific Blue, Fiji & Sudden Rush. All while supporting Native Hawaiian businesses thru InPeace's Center for Entrepreneurship.At the heart of Lisa's story lies the Hawaiian concept of "lāhui"—community coming together. "We're not made to do this life alone," she reminds us, defining aloha as grace: extending kindness without knowing what others are going through. Her journey shows how protecting your peace, finding your tribe, and taking one faithful step at a time can transform tragedy into purpose.Have you experienced a life-altering loss or challenge? Lisa's story may give you added courage to take that next breath—and the next step forward. E ola ka lāhui! (Long live our ohana!)IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

What if what's destroying yr marriage started long before you were born?  Couples Counselor Frank De Gracia uncovers generational patterns of marriage killers that sabotage silently–and how to break free from them before the divorce.Frank explains: "If there's a divorce happening now, it's probably because of unresolved issues in your grandparents & in your parents" This offers both cause & cure – while we can't change our history, we can change our trajectory. THERE IS HOPE!From groundbreaking research, Frank introduces the "Four Horsemen" that predict divorce with 90% accuracy. Most revealing is his discussion of how men & women communicate differently during conflict. And the most transformative moment? It comes as Frank explains the role of  vulnerability in healing relationships. Whether you're in a struggling marriage or just want to strengthen a healthy one, this episode offers practical wisdom for turning toward each other rather than away in difficult moments. As Frank powerfully states, "If I can help a couple, I can help a family. If I can help a family, I can help a community." Listen now to uncover how small changes can transform your relationship from battlefield to sanctuary.IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

Hitomi & Sean Nakamoto share about Deeper Still Hawaii, a program that  offers healing retreats for those wounded by abortion experiences. They explore the emotional, spiritual & relational impacts of abortion trauma while emphasizing compassion, healing & HOPE!• 1-in-4 women have experienced abortion; with over 250,000 recorded abortions in Hawaii alone since 1970, when HI was the 1st state to make abortion legal. • Women who've had abortions face 81% higher risk of mental illness & 155% higher risk of suicidal thoughts.• Unresolved abortion trauma can affect parenting abilities, relationships & lead to destructive coping mechanisms.• Men are equally impacted by abortion experiences but often overlooked.• 6-out-of-10 women & 5-out-of-10 men who've experienced abortion are  Christians.• Churches often struggle to address abortion wounds through either condemnation or avoidance.• Deeper Still retreats provide FREE, confidential healing thru prayer, worship & testimonies.• Participants experience transformation from shame & silence to freedom & ability to help others.More info? Deeper Still Hawaii www.NaWaiHoola.org, call 808-945-1151, or email [email protected]. YOU ARE BELOVED!IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

What if becoming great wasn't about massive miracles but small, daily steps? Eric Yamashita, founder of "Every Day Better" Movement, shares this powerful philosophy that's changing lives across Hawaii & God's great beyond.It's refreshingly simple: You don't have to be perfect, just a little bit better each day! It began as a scribble on a notebook & has evolved into a clothing brand & ultimately a movement of positivity that touches on all aspects of wellbeing—physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional. Eric shares how "Every Day Better" resonates  with each person and is transforming our community.Eric weaves together faith, family & fitness into a holistic vision of what it means to live well. Best part? Eric models the authenticity he preaches, even as a cynical Christian. :) His reminder: "Everything starts with loving yourself!" This serves as foundation of the EDB Movement & challenge to anyone seeking meaningful change in their lives.Follow IG @EveryDayBetterHI or visit everydaybetterhawaii.com to join a community that believes in the power of small improvements & the courage to be imperfect while still striving for better. CHEEHOO CHAMPS 'R US!IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

A child victim to violent vigilante to Victorious SuperHero! It's not a plot of a Hollywood blockbuster it's the story of Jesse Jones, Founder, To The Top Hawaii. Along with his fiery-&-fine bride, Ashlee, we see two ordinary people creating extraordinary change for Hawaii's houseless population. BOOMkaAloha!What's In It For You? EASY! A chance to HERO UP with easy, entry-level knowledge, parthers & inspiration. They're  working-class HI residents who hold down jobs while dedicating personal time & resources to saving 'ohana one meal & one story at a time. "Be the aloha you wish to see in the world," says Jesse. Not just when aloha is easy, but when it's the hard in hostile situations--and too many of us are facing a lot of that nowadays... Ready to become an Aloha Advocate? Jesse+Ashlee show us it's not the grand gestures but simply making eye contact & saying hello, with genuine aloha. Follow their journey on Instagram @tothetophawaii & discover how you can join their SuperHero & SuperShero Team ALOHA!IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

How do U take life's deepest pain & turn it into joy? Hawaii Comedy Legend Augie T. reveals the raw truth behind his infectious humor in this very honest talk story.Behind his public persona is a man who has faced profound trauma. With extraordinary courage, Augie discusses childhood sexual abuse, his brother's suicide, & his journey parenting gay sons—all while maintaining his Christian faith. His take? "Comedy is a reflection of society. You say the things that you like to say but have a hard time saying."Whether juggling his early morning radio show, council duties, or stand-up performances, Augie embodies what he believes aloha truly means: "If you're thinking about other things besides yourself... that's aloha." His story reminds us all that our deepest wounds can become our greatest gifts when shared with courage, humor, and love.Ready for Augie's heartfelt comedy? Visit AugieTLive.com to catch upcoming shows & follow his journey of bringing healing laughter to Hawaii & beyond: IG @AugieT or @AugieTulba.hnl.IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

What is the sacred connection of breath & spirit? This is the "ha" in Alo-ha as explained by acclaimed Hawaiian slack key guitarist Kahu Kawika Kahiapo. Known for his award-winning music that carries the sweet "nahe nahe" quality touching listeners' souls, Kahu Kawika shares stories that reveal how deeply spirituality is woven into authentic Hawaiian music & cultural expressions.Discover rare insights into how music becomes a vessel for spiritual connection; including a story of Moses Keale's brush with death while hunting on a Ni'ihau cliff—and the resulting spiritual awakening that influenced generations—demonstrates how personal testimony transforms into cultural legacy through song.Listen & discover how Hawaiian music carries ancient wisdom into contemporary faith practices, & how being fully present may be the most powerful way to perpetuate the true aloha in yr daily life. ALO-HA! Catch Cousin Kawika Kahiapo on his many gigs & events listed on his website Calendar: www.KawikaKahiapo.net. Plus support local artist & 'ohana by ordering divine music for yr soul--also  available on his website. MA-HA-LO!IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

What's a Mom & Pop small biz to do? Success isn't always found in profit margins & growth strategies. It's not necessarily transactions but transformation!"We're in the life-change business," explains Stef Anderson, co-owner of Waioli Kitchen & Bake Shop--a 103-year-old historic restaurant & outreach in Mānoa, Hawai'i. Waioli isn't just serving exceptional scones & French press coffee, they're serving 2nd chances to ex-inmates, former addicts, & houseless individuals.This heart-to-heart talk challenges you to true success & true Aloha! Come enjoy Waioli Kitchen & Bake Shop Tuesdays - Saturdays, 8AM-1PM & taste true ALOHA! IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

What happens when life knocks the wind out of a local boy comedian? Augusto "Augie T" Tulba's journey from the comedy stage to the Honolulu City Council chambers reveals a man whose toughest battle wasn't fought in either arena, but in coming to terms with his brother's unexpected death.Growing up extremely poor in Kam IV Housing, Augie learned resilience early. But when he ran for City Council, life threw an unexpected punch – he & his wife were fired from their radio jobs the very day he filed his candidacy.And it was WHO stood by him in this challenging time that spoke loudest: No one... except his brother & a cousin – both ex-convicts. This hit harder when Augie's brother passed unexpectedly. Now juggling roles as comic, MC, councilman &  radio personality, Augie approaches life with renewed passion. "It's finding the strong, not the wrong," he smiles. His story reminds us that sometimes our greatest growth comes through our deepest pain. Take a moment, take a listen, take a WIN! Catch more Augie T's shows across Hawaii & USA: www.AugieTLive.com IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

It's often hidden this black eye on Hawaii's picture perfect paradise: Our foster care crisis. But in this powerful conversation with Brad & Esther McDaniel, founders of Harvest Family Life Ministries, not only are we shining light & truth but also giving simple solutions for anyone to help.The reality is sobering: ~5,000 children in need & fewer than 600 homes. Many keiki sleep in state offices, closets, or hotel rooms as they wait to be placed. Most troubling is the huge number of Native Hawaiian keiki, highlighting deeper challenges faced by Hawaii's indigenous people.Yet hope shines thru: "If just 10% of Bible-teaching churches engaged with foster care, we could eradicate these needs in about five years," Brad exclaims. And it's simple: there are many entry points for involvement—from occasional baby-sitting to donations or volunteering—everyone can be foster ohana. Why? When faced with abandonment, aloha always wins!Harvest Family Life Ministries:  808-694-0000 /  www.hflhi.org IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

Hailing from a small Hawaiian fishing village to become a powerful State Senator, Samantha DeCorte shares her extraordinary journey from trauma to triumph! She's now the 1st Native Hawaiian woman senator representing West O'ahu. Her faith changed curses into blessings & resurrected a dead marriage to be a blessed home with faithful sons.How can this impossible miracle happen? "Get connected to a Holy Spirit-filled, Bible-believing church. Don't let the enemy isolate you with lies – when we stay under spiritual covering, we find the strength to fulfill God's purpose for our lives." ~ Sen. Sam DeCorte (2025) IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

What happens when Mr. Aloha is actually Mr. Angry? Hawaiian music legend Kelly Boy De Lima & his wife Leolani open their hearts in this raw, powerful conversation about transformation, healing, & the true Source of ALOHA.Kelly Boy, beloved frontman of Kapena, shares the shocking journey that began five years ago when he publicly confessed to being "Mr. Aloha" on stage but "Mr. Angry" at home. With raw vulnerability, he reveals how childhood trauma created patterns of anger that drove his children away & nearly ended his 37-year marriage. His "come-to-Jesus moment? A divine encounter at a yellow traffic light that changed everything.Leolani, Kelly Boy's rock & "straight line," adds profound insights about standing firm in storms, choosing redemption when leaving seemed easier, & watching God restore what anger had broken. Together, they paint a masterpiece of grace, forgiveness, & second chances that resonates with anyone who's ever felt trapped in destructive patterns.This episode tackles tough questions about generational curses, accountability, & daily choices to embody aloha. As Kelly Boy powerfully states, "Aloha comes from you... they cannot steal that from you." His testimony proves transformation is possible, but requires humility, surrender, & a willingness to "bow your head lower to the ground than you ever have in your life."Whether you're struggling with anger or working thru family healing, this  offers hope & practical mana'o (wisdom). Subscribe, share, & join the movement to keep aloha alive in our hearts & 'ohana!IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

Allen Cardinas, Jr. returns to complete ALOHA acrostic with the final "A" & explain why living these values is critical in today's challenging world. The complete framework provides a spiritual & relational compass for transforming relationships and communities through kindness, unity, respectful listening, humility & personal responsibility.• Akahai (A): being kind by controlling yourself, not others• Lōkahi (L): focusing on unity & building bridges, not walls• 'Olu'olu (O): agreeing to disagree respectfully through skillful listening• Ha'aha'a (H): practicing humility by seeking treasures in people, not trash• Ahonui (A): taking extreme personal responsibility for your life & choices• Cultural deconstruction happens when we lose the ALOHA "ti leaf" that holds society together• Prioritize connection over correction & connection before perfection in relationships• The goal of confrontation should be to manage yr own heart, not to control others• Perfect love casts out fear, but fear can also cast out love if we're not mindful• Living ALOHA means asking yourself: "If not I, then who? If not now, then when?"Live Aloha, love Aloha, share Aloha & as we do that, the world will be a better place because of you. ALOHA! IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

Why do I need to live Aloha? Does it matter? Allen is a native Hawaiian from one of Hawaii's hardest-hit areas, yet sits with gov't heads & world changers. As an Aloha Influencer he started life far from aloha, filled with trauma. So how did his life go from death to Aloha Influencer? In this episode he spells it out clearly, A-L-O-H-A is an acrostic of Hawaiian values that transform lives, communities, state governments, global movements and perhaps even you. #AlohaAlwaysWins #AlohaAlive  Allen Cardines, Jr.www.Nanaikapono.orgwww.TOWHawaii.org IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast

It's 2025, Hawai'i & our world are changing FAST! The Aloha State is THE destination vacation... We all want Aloha! But is it real or just ads? Aloha is a life force that is more than any Aloha shirt, it's a mindset & overflow of the heart. As world forces crush humanity, what will save us all is ALOHA. Wanna ALOHA? LET'S GO! #AlohaAlwaysWINS  IG @DawnOBrienHIFB Dawn O'Brien HIwww.ChooseAloha.orgIG @alohaalivepodcastyoutube.com/@AlohaAlivePodcast