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

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 the parents who told him to do what makes him happy. This is a story about connection, risk, and figuring out who you are when nobody hands you the map. Watch now to see why Jack bet on himself.

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 that lives loudest in parenting, and a meditation-retreat experience that reshaped how she sees success. Watch now to learn why the whole person — not just the CEO persona — may be the real key to building something that lasts.

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's an honest look at forks in the road, close-fought elections, and what it really means to find your passion and chase it. Watch now to hear how staying home shaped everything that came after.

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 false narratives that spread after the Maui fires, and why officer wellness matters as much as crime fighting. Watch now to learn how Chief Pelletier leads with compassion through tragedy.

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 about moving through it.

⚠️ 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 truly means to heal. Mike shares how his initial skepticism gave way to compelling research — and how psilocybin, MDMA, and other psychedelics may offer something traditional treatments have struggled to provide: a new way of seeing the world, free from the emotional patterns that have held us back. From unpacking childhood trauma and the "ruminative conditions" that trap us, to the power of IFS therapy and his own deeply personal unburdening, Mike brings both the clinical expertise and the lived experience of someone who has done the hard work himself. Watch now to discover why healing is never a solo journey — and why being whole matters more than being good.

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 manual at 84, Brad shares the wisdom that only comes from a life fully lived. Watch now to learn why elite performance starts with accepting the work — and why repressed emotions quietly destroy even the strongest leaders.

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 others. Watch now to discover what it really takes to lead — and to let go.

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 fiercely proud of, and why the greatest thing a player could ever say is “I learned a lot from that man.” Watch now to hear the honest truth about a life lived fully — and what really matters when the innings run out.

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 leaders. If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t fit the traditional path to success, this story will change how you see what’s possible.

Greater Good TV Debuts at #1 Konishiki interview Greater Good Events Project SBA Small Business Journalists of the Year Award HPU Young Alumni Award Greater Good Book update Kyle’s wedding Setting deadlines Offshoring

Greater Good Book #1 update Philippines trip Greater Good TV update Ma’o Organic Farm fund raiser at Town Restaurant Small world – Pierre Omidyar, Jack Johnson and MySpace

On October 6, 2006 Kari and Evan Leong were featured on PBN Friday with Howard Dicus on PBS Hawaii. Here is the video for your viewing pleasure. CLICK HERE FOR VIDEOS: WINDOWS MEDIA QUICKTIME FLASH

Check out the most recent trailer for Greater Good TV which debuts on KGMB9/CBS on January 6, 2007. The show will air on Saturdays and Sundays at 4:30 PM leading into the 5 PM news. This was made from short clips filmed in the radio studio. GGTV is currently being filmed in the KGMB9 television […]

Earthquake in Hawaii Greater Good Anniversary Party Greater Good Month Proclamation Greater Good TV update Book update and feedback from Dick Gushman Email feedback and response Chinatown project update Kari was the #2 woman in the Fittest CEO contest for Hawaii Business Magazine

USS Abraham Lincoln My brother’s wedding Kauai trip Meeting with John Dean and small group Sunrise Rotary Star Bulletin Article TV Pilot Screening Advice from the wife

PBN Forty under 40 10 more interviews to go Events in the pipe Envision Hawaii Conference Chinatown Summit Greater Good Television New interns

I’m Back Current Update Punahou reunion Kolton Party Community GGR/GGTV Kiting with VC’s Reality TV PRSA GGTV update

Arts at Marks mtg Downtown Planet mtg PBN update Mike McCartney and Rick Blangiardi mtg Erik Hormann of California State University at California State University at Chico SIFE team Larry Johnson – retired CEO of Bank of Hawaii interview Joey Caldarone – President of Joseph Caldarone Inc interview Colin Yokoyama meeting regarding BRIDGE Program WeSellThings4U […]

Pacific Century Fellows Military Day Party at Jeff Watanabe’s house Bridge Program for Philippines Andrew Aoki from 3Point Consulting Interview Back up audio Help from Chris Chang Greater Good TV Pacific Edge Magazine Why vs What – french fries and Jon de Mello The mission is the differentiator

Funeral and thoughts of life Andy Kluger’s insights Star Network Public Service Broadcasting Meeting with Clint Arnoldus and Blenn Fujimoto Chinatown meeting Walter Dods, Kevin Sypniewski and James Yamada Jr. Interviews this week

Feedback on my journal Chinatown recap Audio player syndication New project for ChinatownHI.com New project for SBRC Super sick Negotiations and chunking Philippines outsourcing Pacific Leadership Forum Kipapa Lecture Series Keeping up TV news – meant to be? Greater Good TV

Meeting with Joan Bennet owner of the Bennet Group What’s the true measure of value? Star Bulletin and MidWeek launch Mayor Mufi Hanneman interview Jeff Coelho meeting Broadcast mistakes Tough negotiations Pacific Century Fellows Lunch with Congressman Ed Case, Congressman Neil Abercrombie, Mayor Mufi Hannemann and Jennifer Sabas Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebration the dog […]

What is your greatest accomplishment? Blessed life Kiting in zero degrees Stay focused Interview today with Darren Kimura CEO of Energy Industries Subscription for aftershows is almost ready Interns Engaging for PR Watch for our Star Bulletin columns this Saturday in the Business section

Our 100th Show Chinatown Project gets press coverage Honolulu Advertiser Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebration article Advertiser Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebration article Dead air conditioner New equipment Star Bulletin section starting soon Insight into small business strategies – Padovani vs Alan Wong’s

Epiphany – Birth of a breakthrough idea Interns and Kokua Project Furman line conditioner Dr. Hank Wuh – CEO of Cellular Bioengineering, Inc interview this week Jon McManus – Managing Partner of BayWest Equities interview this week

TV and another chance meeting Wally “”Famous”” Amos – Founder of Chip and Cookie interview John Dean – Former CEO of Silicon Valley Bank and currently with Startup Capital Ventures, Tuputele Ventures and Entrepreneur’s Foundation of Hawaii VC exercise Magazine pitch Roy Yamaguchi – CEO of Roy’s Restaurants interview Meeting and advice

Guy Kawasaki – CEO of Garage Technology Ventures and author of “The Art of The Start” panel at University of Hawaii – Part 2 This speaking engagement was put on by Bill Richardson – Managing Partner of HMS Hawaii Management Partners This is a recording of the dual panel discussion 12-05-2005 at University of Hawaii. […]

Guy Kawasaki – CEO of Garage Technology Ventures and author of “The Art of The Start” panel at University of Hawaii – Part 1 This speaking engagement was put on by Bill Richardson – Managing Partner of HMS Hawaii Management Partners This is a recording of the dual panel discussion 12-05-2005 at University of Hawaii. […]

Pay it forward Christmas tree Duane Kurisu from AIO Group Rob Farrow from Catalyst Creative Services Good to go with Star Bulletin Meeting recap with Clint Arnoldus CEO of Central Pacific Bank and Blenn Fujimoto Executive Vice President of Central Pacific Bank

Get a discount on your cell phone Chef Alan Wong of Alan Wong’s Restaurants and the Pineapple Room interview HiBEAM project with Kevin Sypniewski, CEO of Assist Guide Do what you say you’re going to do Meetings – Duane Kurisu, Clint Arnoldus, Blenn Fujimoto, Keven Matsuura

Clint Arnoldus CEO of Central Pacific Bank Blenn Fujimoto Executive Vice President of Central Pacific Bank Progress report Dr. Patrick Sullivan Chairman of Oceanit and CEO of Hoana Medical I learned some things today We need better prep Chamber of Commerce partnership Honolulu Star Bulletin partnership

Travel takes its toll Chance meeting with Edward Sugimoto from Oceanic Around Town Pacific Century Fellows retreat at Ihilani Transcripts for Evan’s Journal uploaded First day running the board How do we take the group picture? Lane Muraoka, CEO of Big City Diner interview today Dr. Patrick Sullivan, CEO of Oceanit interview tomorrow Please send […]

My new mic Chance meeting at the Podcast Expo Barry Weinman of Allegis Capital interview Why Barry Weinman came on Greater Good Radio Exerpts from Barry Weinman’s interview today Don’t buy money books article Preparing for the Pacific Century Fellows retreat Sports Radio 1420 rebroadcast of Greater Good Radio Pigeon holed by assumptions – what […]

Portable Media and Podcasting Expo Didn’t eat or drink the first day Mobile devices Set your objectives in advance Break your routine iPod Video Startup Nation Do what you love The business plan continuously changes Personal time is key Investing in yourself Maslow’s self actualization Barry Weinman of Allegis Capital, Dragon Bridge Capital and HiBEAM […]

The rules of engagement Mitch D’Olier interview and reinforcement Weekly recap The Apprentice Martha Stewart recap What’s up w/ the cigar? Where’s the leadership? Activity vs. Productivity What value does Martha’s daughter provide? Where’s the real Martha? Great 1 hour infomercial Evan Leong: This is Evan Leong from Greater Good Radio, Today is November 8, […]

Flat Earth Ventures Darrick Branch – retired NFL player and founder of Hawaii Team Sports interview today Columns Podcast Expo My Popo Transcript: Today is October 25th, 2005. This is Evan’s Journal coming to you live from Honolulu, Hawaii. (00:00:08) First topic of the day is Flat Earth Ventures, a project that Peter Kay is […]

Pacific Leadership Forum Don’t make key decisions from your chair Dinner with AIO Group and Pacific Leadership Forum Serendipity – Star Bulletin Meeting with bankers Commerce portion of website www.sustainhawaii.org Christine Camp-Friedman interview tomorrow Transcript: Today is October 18th, 2005. This is Evan’s Journal coming to you live from Honolulu, Hawaii. Today I was able […]

What are the Aftershows? Money, time and passion – and/or Yahoo podcasts Ryan Ozawa and LOST The Transmission Podcast http://www.hawaiiup.com/lost/ Serendipity – Entrepreneur’s handbook and best practices Transcription services Payment systems and subscription Jeff Arce partner in The MacNaughton Group Show this Saturday at 3:00 PM Gary Maunakea Forth Founder of Ma’o Organic Farm Show […]

Raising successful children Tracking issues Horse before the carriage First who then what Conversation with Jon de Mello Transcript: Tonight is October 10, 2005. This is Evan’s Journal coming to live from Honolulu Hawaii. It’s been a little while since I did the last journal and I don’t know it’s been I think I’m going […]

Everyone’s sick People have been hearing the promos Momentum First real month has been a success Gwen Watanabe – Partner in Saratoga Ventures interview

Audio production is back on track http://limpacific.com Ryan Ozawa at HawaiiUP.com and LOST Pacific Century Fellows Acceptance Feedback and suggestions please Chris Hart at Sports Radio 1420 Gary Maunakea Forth of Ma’o Organic Farm interview New commercial

What’s next? Systems needed Pacific Century Fellows Flavors of Technology Marketing update BJ Kobayashi of the Kobayashi Group interview tomorrow Class reunion party time Transcript:

My haircut part 2 Chatt Wright – President of Hawaii Pacific University Updated business model Chris Lee – CEO of Legendary Pictures interview tomorrow

Class reunion time When it rains it pours First aftershow purchase Chatt Wright – President of Hawaii Pacific University interview tomorrow Chris Lee – Former President of Paramount/Tristar Movie Studio Transcript: Today is September 20, 2005. This is Evan’s Journal coming to you live from Honolulu, Hawaii. It is 11:18 at night and I just […]

Second show and aftershows Tiffany Tanaka owner of We Sell Things 4 U interview New show format Aftershows Transcript: Today’s September 19, 2005 and this is Evan’s Journal for today. Well, it’s been a little while since I did the last journal but it’s been a little bit hard to keep up so rather then […]

Senator Hiram Fong’s vision Getting the message across AIO Group mtg Huge waves no surfing Lost premier in Waikiki Hale & Kimi Takazawa interview up soon

Get by with a little help from my friends Interviewee special CD This week no interviews scheduled This is a great learning process Will the work ever stop? Lots of meetings Accident update

The dark before the dawn No show this week Serendipity Luck again Transcript: Tonight is September 9, 2005. This is Evan’s Journal coming to live from Honolulu Hawaii at midnight. Anyways, this week I tell you it was very long. Thanks goodness I took a shower and just kind of relaxed a little bit. Chatted […]