With Love and Aloha - A Life Coaching Podcast

For today’s Aloha Friday episode, I want to teach you about Lei Day and May Day 🌺   In this episode, we explore the origins of both holidays, and how in 1927 Lei Day was first celebrated as a Hawaiian expression of a tradition rooted in renewal, life, and connection 🤍   Across cultures, May Day has long been a celebration of the changing seasons, of flowers blooming and life returning. And here in Hawaiʻi, that spirit is beautifully reflected through the tradition of the lei 🌺   But a lei represents so much more than just flowers. It carries aloha, respect, presence, and intention. Transforming this day into a meaningful reminder of love, connection, and renewal 🫶🏼🤍   Tune in to learn more about the history behind both holidays, and to take a moment to slow down and appreciate the natural cycles of life 🌿   If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow on instagram   #mayday #leiday #alohafriday #hawaii #podcast

In this Aloha Friday episode, I want to teach you the Hawaiian word “puahiohio,” which means whirlwind or dust devil.   Breaking it down, “pua” can mean to emerge or burst forth, while “hiohio” describes spinning or swirling movement.  Therefore together meaning whirlwind or something that spins.   During my experiences on the volcano, I often playfully call these phenomena “volnados” as they are dust devils that also have elements mixed in from the volcano 🔥🩶 like tephra and lava  Kīlauea creates her own weather at times with itense heat, rising air, and shifting winds… creating the perfect conditions for a puahiohio to appear 🌪️   Fun fact too: During my very first eruption, I captured this phenomenon on video… and those clips were even featured on the news where I called it a Volnado 😃🌋🌪️ Here's a link to that video: https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/11/11/volnado-seen-during-kilauea-eruption/   Join me for a fun episode where I teach more about the language, nature, and the powerful ways the earth expresses itself 🩶   #hawaiianlanguage #hawaiianwords #puahiohio #dustdevil #volnado #kilauea #volcano #eruption

In this episode, I share a bit of history of Earth Day, and how the start of the US holiday in 1970 sparked change (policy changes, protective efforts) 🌱 And how it even grew into a global holiday where  190+ countries now bring awareness to our shared responsibility to protect the planet we call home 🌎🩵   I talk about sustainability in our every day lives - not perfection, but how small, mindful choices can add up over time. From simple habits to a deeper awareness of how we interact with nature, this episode is all about finding ways to live more intentionally and in harmony with the world around us 🫶🏼🤍   I also share what Earth Day means to me personally 🩵How being surrounded by powerful, ever-changing landscapes has shaped my perspective, and why nature isn’t just something we observe, but something we’re deeply connected to ✨   At the end of the day, taking care of the Earth is taking care of ourselves. We are not separate from nature, we are part of it. And when we nurture it, we nurture our own well-being, our future, and each other.   This episode is a reminder to slow down, reconnect, and appreciate the beauty and balance of this planet 🩵 and to honor the role we each play in protecting it 🌿   #earthday #happyearthday #sustainability

In today’s Aloha Friday episode, I wan to teach you about the the Hawaiian word “Maluhia” 🤍 Which means to calm, peace, tranquility, and a sense of safety 🕊️   In this episode, I’m offering a gentle reminder to slow down, breathe, and come back to a place of inner stillness… even when life feels a little chaotic. We live in a fast-paced world that can feel like it’s constantly asking more from us 🩵   But peace isn’t something we have to go out and find, it’s something we return to. It’s always available to us, and it just takes creating the space and allowing ourselves to receive it 🫶🏼✨   If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow on instagram   #alohafriday #meluhia #innerpeace #healthandwellness #wellnesspodcast

Episode 72: Mrs. Marquez - My 1st Grade Teacher 🍎🤍   In this episode, I have a guest that is very near and dear to my heart - my first grade teacher, Mrs. Marquez! 🍎 With National Teacher Appreciation Week coming up in early May, this felt like the perfect time to reflect on just how much teachers shape us during such an important growth stage of our lives 🤍   After 30 years of teaching, Mrs. Marquez shares what she’s learned, the moments that have stayed with her.   We talk about our own memories together… the funny moments, the classroom activities, my friends, singing songs in choir, and … even my baking soda volcano project I did later in elementary school  🤓🌋🧪(which feels very fitting now 😄)   Also, Mrs. Marquez got to see Episode 40 at Kīlauea! 🌋 So we reflect on that too and share our experience and awe of our beautiful volcano. We also share a love for photography 📸 which made this conversation even more special.   Tune in for a feel-good wholesome episode about about gratitude, growth, and honoring the people who help shape who we become 🫶🏼🤍   #teacherappreciation #teachersmatter #fullcircle #gratitude #kilauea #volcano #podcast #aloha

In this Aloha Friday episode, we explore two Hawaiian words: “pau” (finished) and “hana hou” (go again).   Life is full of cycles, natural endings and resets 🤍   We regularly see chapters closing, seasons shifting, and moments of pausing before beginning again. Even just yesterday, Kīlauea marked “pau” on her 44th episode, and now we wait as she prepares for her “hana hou,” which, in part, inspired this episode 🌋   In this episode, we talk about how each pause or ending brings the opportunity to begin again, and how this is a natural rhythm of life ☀️ Just like the way each day comes to a close, and a new one begins 🤍   It’s a reminder to honor what is complete, while staying open to what’s ready to start anew… and that life offers a beautiful rhythm of pau and hana hou 🫶🏼🤍   If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow on instagram   #pau #hanahou #hawaiianwords #hawaiianculture #alohafriday

Today’s episode was inspired by the Artemis II mission, as it’s made me think about the Pale Blue Dot quote by Carl Sagan and the humbling perspective it gives us about life on Earth 🩵   “Look again at that dot. That’s here. That’s home. That’s us.”   In this episode, we explore the story behind those words 🌎 We talk about who Carl Sagan was, the moment that inspired the quote, and why it continues to resonate so deeply today 🤍   We also connect this perspective to what astronauts are experiencing now, as they return on their voyage back from the moon. The same awe and wonder… that can give an entirely different perspective on life and what it means.   This conversation is an invitation to zoom out.   To let your problems feel a little smaller. To remember how short and precious life is. To reconnect with what really matters.   Join me for a conversation around awe and a new perspective.  As these space missions remind us that we are all part of something bigger 🫶🏼🩵✨   If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow on instagram   #lifecoach #lifecoachingpodcast #palebluedot #carlsagan #artemis

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Julia Tanguay to explore the heart behind her new baby care company (BabyCare LLC), and the journey that led her there 🍼✨ She is a very special guest to me, as we have been long-time friends since high school 🤍💙   With a background in pediatrics, Julia shares how her firsthand experience caring for little ones, combined with the gaps she personally encountered in her own motherhood journey, shaped her understanding of what babies and parents truly need 👶🏼 What began as a professional calling in pediatrics naturally evolved into building her own company rooted in care and real-life experience 🌿   Dr. Tanguay dives into the inspiration behind her brand, the gaps she saw in the baby care space, and the mission that continues to guide her work today 💫 This conversation offers a thoughtful look at entrepreneurship through a purpose-driven lens, blending clinical expertise with real-life insight.   We also share different perspectives on pregnancy and motherhood, including aspects of those journeys that aren’t often talked about 🤍   Whether you’re a new parent, an aspiring founder, or simply curious to learn more about baby care through the lens of a pediatric professional, this episode is for you 🫶🏼🎙️🩵   Connect with Julia: https://www.babycarellc.com/meetdrtanguay   If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow on instagram   #babycare #pediatrics #motherhood #healthandwellnesspodcast #podcast

For today’s Aloha Friday episode, we are going to talk about our wonderful and beloved honu 🐢✨ “Honu” means sea turtle in Hawaiian, and in this episode, I share what they represent here in the islands — from their meanings in Hawaiian culture to their symbolism of wisdom, strength, and resilience 🤍 I also touch on my own experiences volunteering in sea turtle conservation efforts, and how much care and intention goes into protecting these beautiful creatures in the islands 🌊 I always say the honu are my spirit animal… they carry this peaceful, “go with the flow” energy, while also embodying a quiet strength and wisdom that we can all learn from 🩵🐢 If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow on instagram   #honu #seaturtles #alohafriday #maui #podcast    

Today’s episode was inspired by a movie I saw the other night, Project Hail Mary. It’s a fun, well-written story about a middle school teacher, played by Ryan Gosling, who unexpectedly finds himself on a solo mission in space to save the sun and humanity. Along the way, he meets an alien friend, Rocky, and the two form the most unlikely (and honestly adorable) bond through a shared mission and purpose 🫶🏼✨   In watching this movie, I realized there were a couple of beautiful themes I wanted to speak to:   1)Connection isn’t about speaking the same language, but rather about alignment in energies, values, and shared goals 🤍   2)We sometimes underestimate ourselves—and what becomes possible when we step into moments that ask more of us than we think we’re capable of ✨   In this episode, I talk about how alignment is everything, and how their bond was built through shared timing, purpose, and a mutual openness to one another. We explore how curiosity, on both sides, allowed that connection to grow into something meaningful 🤍   And we talk about how sometimes, the only thing holding us back from achieving more… is ourselves. Because sometimes, the version of you that can handle it simply hasn’t been called forward yet 🩵   It’s a wonderful movie by the way :) I highly recommend it! It’s also a book, so that may be worth checking out if you’re a reader 📚✨   If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow on instagram.   #projecthailmary #ryangosling #andyweir #podcast #lifecoachingpodcast

For today’s Aloha Friday episode, I’m going to teach you about the word “Kūlia” 🌺 Kūlia means to strive, to persevere, to keep going ✨   It feels like the right word for this week, with the weather we’ve been experiencing here in Hawaiʻi, with all the rain, flooding, and cleanup 🌴🌧️   Kūlia is about continuing on, one step at a time, even when things feel uncertain. It’s a grounded, steady way of taking things as they come 🙏   And we see this concept in nature. After a storm, the land doesn’t rush to fix itself. The beaches slowly reshape and restore. The water clears over time. Birds return to their trees. Everything continues, just at its own pace 🌱   Tune in for a gentle reminder to take things in stride, and that one step at a time, especially in times of uncertainty, is simply enough 🩵   #perserverance #onestepatatime #kulia #podcast #konastorm

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! ☘️ This episode is inspired by the holiday, often associated with “luck” and the phrase “luck of the Irish.” ✨   Some people seem lucky.  But what if luck isn’t random at all?   In this episode, we talk about the concept of “luck” and what truly creates the conditions for a “lucky” moment 💫   Ultimately, luck is when preparation meets opportunity 🤍   Tune in as we talk about the why and how to build preparation, consistency, and readiness - so you can recognize and step into opportunities when they appear. We also explore where the phrase “luck of the Irish” came from (a fun little history moment) 🍀   Luck isn’t random… it’s absolutely something you can build ✨   If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow on instagram. #luck #luckoftheirish #stpatricksday #happystpatricksday 

In this Aloha Friday episode, we explore the Hawaiian word Lokomaikaʻi - a word that speaks to kindness, generosity, and goodness of heart.  It's the type giving that doesn't expect anything in return 🤍   The word itself carries a beautiful meaning when we break it down: Loko – inner feelings, heart, or spirit Maikaʻi – good, kind, beneficial, or excellent   Together, Lokomaikaʻi reflects a goodness that comes from within 🤍 A sincere kindness and generosity of spirit that we offer to others 🌿✨   Lokomaikaʻi reminds us that true abundance doesn’t come from what we accumulate, but from the love, compassion, and goodwill we share with others. Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness carry the greatest mana 🫶🏼✨   If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow

In this episode, I’m honored to be joined by Sarah Nielsen — a board-certified health & well-being coach, outdoor educator, and founder of A New Way to Nature, her Austin-based practice dedicated to helping people reconnect with the natural world in ways that support both mental and physical well-being 🌎💚 I met Sarah at a Wellness Summit in Austin last year, and this conversation beautifully blends science, lifestyle, and lived experience. We talk about Austin as an outdoorsy city, about the lake, hiking trails, and tacos 🌮, and how “urban nature” allows us to build meaningful connection with the outdoors even in the middle of a city. Sometimes it’s as simple as watching the clouds move across the sky ☁️ We talk about the science behind nature’s impact on stress, mood, and creativity — especially how time outdoors supports nervous system regulation 🧠🌿 Sarah shares practical, approachable ways to integrate nature into daily life, making wellness feel accessible. We also reflect on the metaphors nature offers us — seasons, cycles, growth, and the reminder to slow down and trust life’s rhythms 🌊 🌋  Nature doesn’t rush, yet everything unfolds in its time 🤍 This episode is an invitation to step outside, look up, and reconnect in small, meaningful ways 🌿 Books Mentioned: • The Nature Fix — Florence Williams • Connecting with Nature in a Time of Crisis — Melanie Shukus Bradley • The Nature of Cities — Tim Beatley Connect with Sarah: 🌿 Website: https://sgwellnessatx.com 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-nielsen-m-ed-nbc-hwc-ab446717/  If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow on instagram  

In today’s Aloha Friday episode, we explore the Hawaiian word pōmaikaʻi. While it can be translated simply as “blessing,” the meaning is much deeper   The word can be understood through its parts: Pō, meaning night or the spiritual realm, a place of origin or unseen source. Maikaʻi, meaning good, beautiful, beneficial, or excellent. Together, pōmaikaʻi reflects the idea of goodness and blessings that come into our lives — often from sources we cannot always see.   It’s a reminder to recognize the moments, people, and experiences that bring blessings and meaning into our lives. Sometimes the greatest blessings aren’t the ones we chase… but the little ones we learn to notice :)   #blessings #pomaikai #hawaiianwords #hawaiianculture

  In this episode, I’m joined by Liliane Roux, a Holistic Wellness Coach and Leadership Executive Coach joining us all the way from Dublin, Ireland 🇮🇪🤍   Liliane and I worked together many years ago in the tech world in Dublin, and I’ve always admired her journey — stepping away from success in the corporate world to take a leap and build her own health and wellness business, “Healthy Over 50.” (Our paths are incredibly similar, by the way… 😊)   In our conversation, we explore the multifaceted nature of leadership — what it means to lead teams, to lead ourselves, and to continually grow in self-awareness and emotional intelligence. We talk about the real challenges of leadership, the importance of resilience and personal growth, and how our health and well-being are foundational to being a strong and steady leader 💛   Liliane also shares how caring for her father during health issues as he aged deeply influenced her wellness philosophy and inspired the evolution of her company, “Healthy Over 50.” It’s a powerful reminder that we must be proactive about our health as we grow older, and that investing in our well-being allows us to truly live our best and healthiest lives at any stage 🌿   Join us for a thoughtful conversation around leadership, longevity, and wellness — and a grounding reminder that our health is truly our wealth 🤍   Connect with Liliane: Website: https://www.healthy-over50.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilianeroux/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilianehealthyover50/   If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow on instagram

As we transition from the Year of the Wood Snake into the Year of the Fire Horse, I wanted to dedicate an episode to this rare once-in-60-year cycle and explore how we can embody and apply these energies to our own growth & happiness 🧡   The Wood Snake represents shedding, quiet transformation, and outgrowing what no longer fits 🤍 Snakes shed because they’ve grown, and sometimes evolution is subtle 🐍🌿 Fire Horse energy, on the other hand, is bold, independent, and in motion 🔥🐎 It’s movement that comes from alignment and self-awareness. The transition from one to the other feels like a powerful rebirth of shedding old skin and confidently stepping into the new version of you ✨   In this episode, I tie in Alysa Liu, who beautifully embodies Fire Horse energy 🧡 After watching her win gold and learning more about her inspiring journey, I felt moved to include her as a real-life example of what it means to move boldly toward your dreams… and on your own terms🥇✨   I also share why Kīlauea feels like a symbol of Fire Horse energy to me 🌋 She doesn’t erupt because she’s watched, she instead moves when she’s ready and on her own terms 🫶🏼🧡   Tune in to hear how you can embrace this rare and inspiring year — and how you, too, can move boldly and confidently in a direction that feels true to you 🎧🩵   If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow   #yearofthefirehorse #firehorse #alysaliu #kilauea #rebirth   Also, I mention my photography in this show, if you'd like to follow along there too, my photography IG is: alee_maui_photography

Today’s episode was inspired by a quote from the show The Office 🤓 “I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.”    We often talk about the good old days as something behind us — moments we only recognize once a season has passed. But what if they’re happening right now?   There will be a day when you look back and want to be in this exact moment again — in the same body, with the same health, the same opportunities, and the same people surrounding you 🫶🏼🤍   In this episode, I share reflections on presence and what it means to truly live inside a season while it’s unfolding 🪴 I also talk about some of my past “good old days” and understanding of my current time at the volcano — aware that this, too, is incredibly special and can change at any time 🌋🧡And how it could evolve, simply into another “season” that would be different from what I know now.    Tune in for a conversation about presence, gratitude, and recognizing the beauty in both ordinary and extraordinary moments, before they quietly turn into memories 🤍   If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow on instagram   #presence #gratitude #theoffice #inspirationalquote #lifecoachingpodcast

Happy Aloha Friday & Happy Valentine’s Day! 💖🌺 In today’s episode, I share how to say “I love you” in Hawaiian 💬✨ We break down the meaning of Aloha wau iā ʻoe 🤍 and explore what Love and Aloha mean beyond words as energy, intention, and a way of being in Hawaiian culture 🌈🌊 Tune in to learn more Hawaiian words and discover how love and aloha are energies embody and create deeper connection, warmth, and presence 🫶🏽🌴 If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow on instagram  

With February being the month of love and Valentine’s Day around the corner, I wanted to talk about love 💕 Not as a feeling and the type we think of with romance, but rather as but as a state of being and a daily choice.   In this episode, I talk about love and fear states, based on concepts I learned from the book Love Is Letting Go of Fear 📚 🤍 When we become aware of which state we’re operating from, we gain the power to consciously choose love in our thoughts, our actions, and how we show up 🫶🏼   When we lead with love, our energy shifts — and that shift ripples outward, positively influencing our relationships, our environment, and the way we experience ourselves.  Leading with love creates more clarity, connection, and ease in all aspects of our lives 🤍   Tune in to learn more about how to lead life in a softer, more aligned way with Love 🫶🏼🎧💕   If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow on instagram   #love #loveislettinggooffear #alignment #connection #healthandwellnesspodcast

This episode was inspired by a recent visit to a local farmers market 🌽 🍅 where I met the owner of Kīlauea Tea and learned all about Mamaki tea 🍵   Mamaki is endemic to Hawaii, meaning it’s only grown here, and it has a long history of traditional use as a healing tea. 🍵🤍 In this episode, I talk about where māmakī comes from, why it’s so special, and how it’s been used for generations to improve health.   Also Mamaki tea can help ease symptoms related to volcanic gases 🌋 (pretty cool! And good to know)   Tune in to learn about this unique and special tea 🎧🍵🤍 which is a beautiful reminder of the deep connection between nature, culture, and healing in Hawaii 🌴   If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow on instagram  

🎙️ Episode 55: Dr. Jamela Urban 🤍 Unlocking Holistic Wellness through Functional Medicine 🌿   Today I’m joined by the very intelligent Dr. Jamela Urban, tuning in from beautiful Colorado 🏔️ In this episode, Dr. Urban shares about her work as a hospital pharmacist and in her own business in functional medicine, and why it’s so important for our health to look at root causes (rather than symptoms) and the mind-body connection 🧠🩵   We talk about gut health, lifestyle choices, and detox practices that can help prevent disease and support a clearer, fuller life ✨ She shares holistic approaches to reducing inflammation, removing toxins, and explains a bit of what’s going on “under the hood” in our bodies 🤍   We also discuss mindset and its role in healing — and how, especially in this month of love (February 💕), practicing self-love and bringing intention into all areas of life can truly improve our overall well-being   I learned so much from speaking with Dr. Urban, and I hope you do too 🤍 The more we understand how to care for and clear our bodies, the more fulfilling life becomes 🫶🏼💕   If you’d like to learn more or work with Dr. Urban, you can visit her website: 🌐 www.doctorjamela.com   We also reference Environmental Working Group (EWG) for helpful resources: 🌐 ewg.org   If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow on instagram

In today’s Aloha Friday episode, I would like to teach you a couple of Hawaiian lava words 🖤 pāhoehoe and ʻāʻā are two words used to describe different types of lava - smoothy and billowy vs. rough and jagged 🩶 I find it all incredibly fascinating, and the resulting textures from these flows are all so beautiful in their own unqiue ways.   Join me for an episode where I share the origins of the words, characteristics of the lava flows, and what can cause each 🌋    If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow.

This episode was inspired by something that was said to me last year that became a mantra. During a conversation with my doctor about timelines to move forward with some health and fertility decisions, she said: “This is the youngest you’ll ever be.”   That sentence stayed with me - not just in relation to my body & health, but across so many areas of my life. It became a reminder that time is a finite resource, and that waiting for the “perfect conditions” or “the right time” can mean postponing what matters to you.   In this episode, we talk about the imaginary cages we can create of “someday” or “one day” — and how easily we delay joy, presence, and meaning while waiting for more certainty, clarity, or permission.   I share different perspectives and simple mindset shifts to help you build a habit of living now - making plans for what truly fulfills you, and choosing what you value instead of postponing it. I always say the best litmus test for being fully present and fulfilled, is when you have a feeling of being truly "alive" 🤍   Life is short. Take the trip.  Do what you love.  This is the youngest you’ll ever be.  Tune in to learn how to make the most of your days, and find comfort in letting go of worry about the past or the future 🤍

Did you know banyan trees in Hawaii were gifts from India? And that the very first one planted in Hawaii still lives on Maui? 🤍   In this episode, I share history of banyan trees in Hawaii and spotlight some of my favorites: those on Banyan Drive on the Big Island, iconic banyans in Waikīki, and of course, Maui’s beloved Lahaina banyan 🌳 I also highlight the Great Banyan in India, covers over 5 acres 😮 (how wild!)   Tune in for a little nature history, a little island love, and a gentle reminder of how roots, resilience, and connection shape everything we grow 🌿   If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow on Instagram.

💥 Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Life Lessons – oh my! 💥   Today I’m joined by geologist Martin Laback, who shares his journey of getting into Geology, his love for earthquakes & volcanos, his gold expeditions (yes, that was an assignment), and what about his work really resonates with him. We chat about the power of nature, and how elements of it can teach us about resilience and happiness. 🌿   Also, Martin and I met through cosplaying, specifically, Fallout ☢️💙 So we also chat about parallels of exploring as a Geologist and exploring in the games of Fallout :)   Tune in to hang out with us to learn more about the Geology world and concepts around finding what you truly love to do.   If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow on instagram

This Aloha Friday marks Episode 50 🎉, and in this episode I’m sharing one of my favorite Hawaiian words and concepts: Lokahi.  A word that teaches us about harmony, unity, and alignment. I tie this idea into "Aloha," because Aloha is more than a word, it's a way of life. A way of moving through the world with respect, presence, balance, and care for ourselves, others, and the land. Lokahi holds similar values and reminds us that harmony itself can also be a way of life. Lokahi teaches us that harmony doesn’t mean perfection. It means allowing different energies to coexist — fire and ice, rest and action, strength and softness — and still work together 🩵 And for any video game fans 🎮, you might recognize the symbol of Lokahi from "The Legend of Zelda", where it represents balance, unity, and wholeness in another form. May this episode invite you back into alignment as you head into the weekend. Happy Aloha Friday, friends 🫶🏼🤍

In this episode, we explore one of my favorite concepts I often teach my clients: Balance and the Yin & Yangs of life ☯️✨ Yin & Yang reminds us that balance isn’t about perfection—it’s about harmony and responding to the ebbs and flows of life 🌊 We need both. However, when we lean too heavily into one side, we can feel disconnected or out of sync. True fulfillment comes from allowing both energies to coexist and support one another 🤍 We begin with a brief look at the history of the Yin & Yang concept, exploring its ancient roots and the wisdom behind this timeless philosophy 🕯️📜 From there, we dive into the dance between opposite forces - rest and action, softness and strength, intuition and intention ⚖️ We also talk about feminine and masculine energy, and why honoring both is essential for a happy, fulfilling, and aligned life ✨ Tune in for a conversation that helps you notice where your energy wants to recalibrate—and how rebalancing can bring more ease, clarity, and joy into your life 🌿💫   If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow on instagram

In today’s Aloha Friday episode, I’m going to teach you about our Hawaiian Snow Goddess, Poli’ahu 🩵   Some strength arrives quietly, like snow blanketing the mountain. In a land known for fire, lava, and creation, Poliʻahu represents a different kind of power - one rooted in stillness, restraint, and balance. Her presence reminds us that not all strength erupts.   In this episode, we explore the lore and meaning of Poliʻahu,  including the deeper significance of her name, which translates as “the embrace of snow.” Through her story and her contrast with Pele, tune in as I share the Hawaiian lore and reflect on what it means to have power in stillness 🫶🏼 🤍   If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow on instagram   Also, if you would like to see my vlog of my visit to see snow on Mauna Kea, visit my YouTube here (@lava_love_and_aloha): https://youtu.be/3Ie_zcpOnRs?si=Za2YzDdBLagUP_sc

For today’s episode, I’m joined by my first guest of 2026! and I’m so honored to welcome my talented friend Tony Moy, an accomplished watercolor artist, author, and storyteller 🌊🎨   Ten years ago, Tony made a bold leap - transitioning from a Director-level role in technology to turning his lifelong love of art into a full-time business. What makes his journey especially inspiring is how intentionally it unfolded - by blending creative passion with the skills, discipline, and experience he gained throughout his career. 🤍   In this episode, Tony shares his story from working full-time in tech, to moonlighting as an artist, to eventually taking the leap into entrepreneurship. We talk about what it really takes to build a sustainable creative business, the mindset shifts required along the way, and how to know when you’re ready to go all in ✨   Together, we explore: How to find (or reconnect with) your muse or hobby How to build a strong foundation before making the leap What’s truly required - mentally, emotionally, and practically - to turn a passion into a business 💛   Whether you’re an aspiring artist or someone dreaming of turning any passion into a business, Tony offers grounded wisdom, honest perspective, and encouraging advice.   Connect with Tony: 🌐 Website: https://www.tonymoy.art/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tony_moy 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tonyMoy   If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow on instagram

Happy New Year! 🥂🤍 This is the first episode of 2026, and the kickoff of Season 2 of With Love & Aloha 🌴🌈 In this mini Aloha Friday episode, we explore the new year's phrase "Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou" and break down how to pronounce and the deeper meaning behind each word: ✨ hauʻoli (joy) 🌾 makahiki (season or cycle) 🌱 hou (new or renewed) Rather than rushing into resolutions or pressure-filled goals, this episode is an invitation to slow down and reflect on what it means to enter a new year with presence, alignment, and aloha 🤍🌊 If you’re looking for a gentle way to begin the year or step into your new cycle, this episode is for you 🌺✨ Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou 🤍🌈 If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow on instagram

Episode 45: Happy New Year! 🥂✨ Creating Alignment for 2026 🤍 As we step into a new year, it’s natural to think about goals, intentions, and what we want more of in our lives ✨ But alignment goes deeper than resolutions or productivity 🤍 it’s about orienting your life towards and setting sail towards your north star - what you care most about ⛵   In this episode, I explore what it means to align your goals with your values, your energy, and the way you actually want to feel each day 🤍   I want you to reflect on this question for 2026: What costs you more to keep than to let go of? 🤍 Whether it’s a habit, a commitment, a belief, or a version of yourself that no longer fits, alignment often begins with release 🌊🍃 This then will allow you to say yes more to the things that matter to you ✨   Tune in as I talk about how to listen to your heart and gut as a compass for 2026 - helping you make decisions, set goals that feel supportive instead of draining, and create a year that feels good and allows you to focus on what really matters to you 🥂   If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow on instagram

When we’re children, Christmas magic feels effortless 🎅🏼 The excitement for Santa, Christmas lights, making cookies, and that amazing feeling on Christmas morning opening gifts 🎁 In this episode, I reflect on that childhood sense of awe and how, as adults, we can reconnect with it again.   Whether it’s through a walk down memory lane to a feel-good memory 🤍, or by finding wonder in something nearby in the present moment - like watching a fireplace or enjoying the smell of hot cocoa or apple cider - all of these little things can bring moments of awe ✨   In this episode, I share a few personal memories of falling asleep under the tree, discovering Pokémon Blue in my stocking, and spending a magical Christmas in Paris ✨ Which was also my first time out of the country :) Wandering the Christmas markets and seeing the Eiffel Tower glowing against the winter sky is something I’ll never forget 🌌🤍   Lastly, I explore how nature is always offering us gifts of awe - the stars, the trees, the quiet…the beauty that doesn’t ask for anything in return. Wonder truly is all around us - it just takes slowing down and letting ourselves take it in to enjoy it 🕊️   If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow on instagram

As we approach the Winter Solstice on December 21st, I wanted to talk about Makahiki, which is a Hawaiian season of rest, gratitude, and renewal 🤍✨   Makahiki reminds us that slowing down is not falling behind. That rest is part of our cycles and allows us to then after step into a renewal 🌱   The winter solstice lands at the peak of this season of rest (celebrated from October to February), and serves as a turning point where darkness begins to turn to light 🤍   This season teaches us to honor both the dark and the light. How shedding what no longer serves us or our “darkness”, makes room for lightness, balance, and renewal. Like yin and yang, both energies have value and create a balance ☯️   I hope this episode grounds you as we approach the solstice and brings you some love, light, and aloha on your aloha Friday 🫶🏼🤍🌴✨   #makahiki #wintersolstice #seasonofrest #selfcare #alohafriday

With the holidays and New Year just around the corner, I wanted to create an end-of-year reflection episode :) And what better guest to bring back than my best friend, Maya Klein, who was also my very first guest on the show (Pharmacist & Home Organizer) 🤍   In this conversation, we reflect on our personal and professional journeys over the past year, sharing lessons learned, moments of synchronicity, and the importance of mindfulness, nature, and honoring life’s seasons 🌿✨ Maya also shares grounding practices she’s embracing around the Winter Solstice ❄️ and in her daily meditation 🧘🏽‍♀️   I also reflect on starting this podcast this year - what it’s meant to me, how it’s grown, and how meaningful it is to connect with listeners around the world 🌍 (I share stats of where everyone is tuning in from)   One of our favorite themes is the idea that there are many “New Years” - January 1st 🎉, Chinese New Year (year of the Snake), birthdays 🎂, seasonal shifts 🍂, or any moment you choose for renewal 🌱 It’s also okay to be in progress at these point, because life is all about the journey.   Tune in as we talk about gratitude, growth, reflection, and defining your own new beginning ✨ I hope this episode helps you reflect on your own path and how you define your on your timelines and renewals 🤍   If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow on instagram :)

In this mini Aloha Friday episode, I’m sharing soothing coqui frog sounds, a few fun facts, and a gentle reflection inspired by them 🤍 Coqui frogs are only a couple inches big at most, yet their presence fills the night in the sweetest, most comforting way. They’re a reminder that something small can still have a big presence - that you don’t have to be big or take up a lot of space to be felt 🌿🩵   Let this episode fill you with some fun facts about our little coquis, and be a calm moment, a soft exhale, and a peaceful way to ease into your weekend 🌙

This episode was inspired by lyrics from a song called “Timelines” by Motion City Soundtrack 🎶 — a line that has quietly become a mantra for me over the years: “It’s not a matter of time, it’s just a matter of timing.”  ⏳✨🩵 I come back to this phrase because it’s grounded me through so many seasons of my life 🌿. It’s helped me understand that life isn’t just about putting in the hours or pushing harder… there’s a luck element, a rhythm, a flow, and a moment when things finally align. And that alignment often shows up when we’re ready to receive it 🤍✨  In this episode, I talk about how trusting timing has shaped my perspective on growth, creativity, relationships, and big life choices 🌱💫 And how nature even shows examples of it (like the volcano 🌋 and waves 🌊). I share how this mantra has helped me soften into patience, and how it’s taught me to recognize that the right opportunities don’t disappear - they simply arrive when we’re able to receive them 🩵 I also compare this to waves — how there are always multiple sets rolling in, multiple chances, multiple moments we could catch one 🌊 But the wave you end up riding becomes your experience because you were ready for that one. Not earlier. Not later. That one 🩵   To me, that’s what timing is: the meeting point of readiness, alignment, intuition, and a little bit of luck 🌿 If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow on instagram  

Happy Aloha Friday! 🌴 ✨ In today’s mini episode, I want to teach you a Hawaiian word, hoʻomanawanui — which carries a powerful meaning of cultivating deep patience, steady perseverance, and quiet inner strength. 🤍  We talk about how to pronounce it, and breakdown the meanings within the word: hoʻo (to cultivate), manawa (time, breath, the present moment), and nui (great, abundance).  And then after, explore how the concept of the word can apply to your life to create a sense of peace 🤍 Embracing this value can shift the way we move through uncertainty, waiting seasons, and personal growth. Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is trust our own timing and breathe through what’s still unfolding. This episode is a gentle reminder to be kind to yourself and trust the process and find appreciation in the in-between moments 🩵 If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow on instagram

Today I’m honored to be joined by David Smith — a 15-year veteran police officer, former SWAT sniper, and now a dedicated wellness coach helping first responders take back their health, purpose, and emotional well-being🤍   In this episode, David opens up about the challenges of life on the front lines — the pressure, the trauma, the constant adrenaline — and shares his personal journey of how stepping away from the SWAT team led to a loss of identity and purpose. He walks us through how he rebuilt his confidence, clarity, and inner strength, while learning to navigate the unique mental and emotional demands of the job ✨   We also dive into the powerful work he’s now doing through Apogee Responders, where he helps first responders break free from burnout, self-doubt, and limiting beliefs so they can step into their full potential and live more aligned, fulfilling, purpose-driven lives 🌟   Join us for a meaningful conversation about purpose, confidence, resilience, and mental wellness — in a profession that’s both emotionally and physically demanding in unique ways 🩵   I always say wellness is for everyone - so we need to remember that even those that take care of us (first responders), need to be taken care of too  🤍   Connect with David: 🩵 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsmithar/ 📸 Instagram: @davidsmith.ar & @apogeeresponders 🌐 Website: www.apogeeresponders.com   If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow on instagram

Gratitude is usually tied to the moments that went well 🤍 But in reality, all of our experiences shape who we’re becoming 🌿 The good, the hard, the unexpected, the in-between — each offers a lesson, a perspective shift, or a deeper understanding of ourselves.   In this episode, I share a more expansive view of gratitude - one that honors the full yin & yang of life. 💛   I also talk about a practice I really love: keeping a gratitude jar. Each day, write down one thing you’re grateful for and place it inside. On the days when you’re feeling low, you can return to the jar and be reminded of your own light, your own growth, and the beauty you’ve already lived through. ✨   And for a fun synchronicity… this is Episode 37 of the podcast — and I just witnessed Episode 37 of the volcano yesterday 🌋💫 Kind of a special reminder that life is always offering us threads of meaning if we slow down long enough to notice them.   Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! 🦃 With love and aloha, always 🤍🌺

This week’s Aloha Friday mini-episode was inspired by both my recent trip to the Big Island 🤍 and the cups of coffee I made with Jamey’s coffee enhancer earlier this week ☕️🩵 It got me thinking about Hawaii coffee, and especially the stories behind our famous Kona coffee 🤍 In this episode, I share the meaning of the word “kona” in Hawaiian and a little history of how Kona coffee began here in the islands. From the first coffee seedlings in the 1820s to why Kona’s leeward climate makes it one of the best coffee-growing regions in the world… this is a sweet little episode with a blend of culture, nature, and fun facts to enjoy... maybe even with your next morning brew ☺️☕️🤍✨   If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow on instagram

This week I’m joined by the very intelligent Dr. Jamey Maniscalco, whom I met at a Wellness Summit earlier this year 🩵 Jamey is a neuroscientist, university professor, wellness coach, and founder of Manifest Wellness. 🌿   With a powerful background in psychology and neuroscience, he has a deep understanding of how the brain and body work together — and he blends scientific expertise with practical, real-world perspectives to help people build sustainable habits for clarity, focus, and overall well-being.   Jamey is also developing his own supplements to support brain health and memory, and we actually start this episode with me making a cup of coffee using a prototype of his coffee enhancer ☺️☕️🍄 (including ingredients I already know are great for the brain, like lion’s mane 🦁) alongside his wellness cards with simple two-minute reset practices.   Join us for a conversation where we talk through simple habits that can calm and reset your nervous system 🌿, the science behind why they work, and different ways to reframe your thoughts toward healthier, more grounded perspectives ✨   A clear mind is a healthy mind — and if you’re looking for approachable, science-backed ways to support that, this episode is for you 🧠💙🩵   Jamey’s Contact: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameymaniscalco/ 🌐 Website: https://manifestwellness.co/contact 📸 Instagram: @manifestwellnessconsulting / @nextdoorneuro   If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow on instagram

In this Aloha Friday educational episode, I’m sharing volcano safety tips and what to keep in mind when visiting Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.  I share tips on how to stay informed, what to pack and bring, and what to be aware of that is unique to the volcanic environment (Pele’s hair, volcanic gases, etc). It’s an environment where you need to be prepared for anything and everything - so I’m here to share reminders to help you prepare for a trip to Kīlauea, so you can enjoy her beauty safely and comfortably 🌋✨   If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow on Instagram 🩵

This week’s episode centers around a theme that’s I believe is core to living with peace and fulfillment.  To enjoy the journey and all the moments along the way, not just the destination 🌿   This idea was inspired by my trip to Kīlauea, our active volcano on the Big Island. I arrived on November 1st, with the eruption window predicted for the 1st through the 10th… and it happened to erupt on the very last day of my trip on the 9th 🌋    While the eruption was the “destination,” what truly stayed with me was the "journey" in those nine days leading up to it. From exploring the park’s trails, meeting new friends, and sharing stories under the stars, to capturing quiet, peaceful moments photographing gentle lava flows at night and sunrise. 🌋📸🌅   It reminded me that the most meaningful parts of life often unfolds on the way to a destination - in the waiting, the wonder, and the moments we don’t plan 💫   Tune in as I share about my trip to Kilauea, and how this trip deepened my appreciation for patience, presence, and the beauty of the journey itself 🩶✨   If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow on instagram

This week I’m on the Big Island to visit our amazing active volcano, Kilauea 🌋🩶   In this fun fact aloha Friday episode, I share about how to pronounce Kilauea, its meaning as well as some of its history and ties to the mythology of Pele, Hawaii’s volcanic goddess 🌋🩶   Tune in to learn more about our awe-inspiring volcano that is capturing hearts (and cameras!) with its mesmerizing eruptions ✨   There’s also a nice touch of coqui frogs in the background, which was perfect for a big island recording 🐸🌿   If you’re interested in seeing some volcano photos, check out my photography instagram at @alee_maui_photography 📸 🤍   And if you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow on Instagram 🩵

Today I’m joined by a very good friend of mine, Maryann Ramirez - who shares stories and learnings from her personal health journey as a diabetic & her 20 years working at Disney (She just had her 20th anniversary!) 🐭 🏰✨   We talk about topics like happiness is a choice, putting yourself and health first, and the importance of community & finding your people 🤍   Maryann also shares lessons from her time at Disney, such as taking care of your people, and how people remember moments - how they felt - more than anything else 💛  And we tie in how the aloha spirit is very similar to the Disney guest service spirit and other customer service models 🌺   Join us while we talk about important life lessons, how the magic and experience of life is in how we treat each other, and as we talk about fun stories with Disney autography books, Winnie the Pooh, how music / orchestras have parallels to life, and more 🤍   If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow on Instagram

Happy Halloween! Or as said in Hawaiian: Hauʻoli Lā Heleuī 🎃 And for all the trick-or-treaters: Kiliki o Lapu (“Trick or treat!” 🍬) In this Aloha Friday mini episode, I share how to say these Halloween phrases in Hawaiian and explore the history of Halloween and Trick-or-Treating. From ancient Celtic traditions and honoring ancestors to how trick-or-treating, I talk about how the sweet tradition became what we know today 🎃🕯️ Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays.  It's a playful, creative day that reconnects us with imagination, costumes, and keeps us young at heart ✨ Tune in to celebrate and learn about the holiday with a touch of aloha 🤍 If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow on Instagram

In this episode, we explore one of nature’s most calming gifts — lavender.   I share how I first began using it to help me sleep 🛌, and how it’s now woven into small rituals in my everyday life — from sipping blueberry lavender tea 🍵 to surrounding myself with its peaceful, soft color that helps bring me back to center 🧘🤍   We explore the science behind lavender’s calming and healing properties, and dive into its history and ancient roots, dating back thousands of years ⏳ Long before modern research confirmed its benefits, civilizations like the Ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks intuitively understood its power to soothe, restore, and renew ✨   Lavender was often used in sacred rituals, offerings to the gods, beauty and comfort, and for healing wounds and ailments, symbolizing purity, healing, and cleansing 🌿   Whether you’re hoping to invite more peace into your evenings or simply feel more grounded throughout your day, I’ll share easy ways to integrate lavender into your own life — through scent, color, or daily habits 💜   If you are enjoying these episodes, please feel free to rate, review, & share the show :) And give with @love_and_aloha_life a follow on instagram

In this episode, we’re celebrating the nēnē, Hawaii’s beloved state bird. 🪶🌺 We explore the meaning of its name, the history of how it came to the islands, and why it’s one of the rarest and most unique birds in the world. Once nearly extinct, the nēnē now stands as a beautiful symbol of resilience, gentleness, and harmony with the ʻāina. 🎧 Listen now on this aloha friday's episode of With Love and Aloha — a story of quiet strength, adaptation, and aloha. 🌈 If you’re enjoying the show, please feel free to follow, rate and review 🎧🩵 and you can also follow me on Instagram at @love_and_aloha_life ✨

October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month, and while I spent the official day privately honoring my little ones, I also wanted to share my story 💜  to bring more light, understanding, and compassion to this topic 🤍   This year, I experienced both a failed IVF transfer and a miscarriage (early losses of two baby boys). And I wanted to share to bring awareness of what it really feels like — because I didn’t fully understand the depth and intensity of this kind of grief until I went through it myself 🩵   The first failed transfer brought its own wave of loss and heartbreak, even before the intensity of my miscarriage that followed. Both carried unique feelings that were hard to name but impossible to forget.   We’ll talk about: 🌿 Misconceptions about miscarriage and IVF 💜 The emotional complexity of loss 🤍 How to begin finding your way through it — perspectives and mindsets that helped me heal 💫 And how to truly support someone who’s experienced it If you’ve been through miscarriage or pregnancy loss, know you’re not alone. And if you haven’t but want to understand how to support someone who has, this episode can help you hold that space with more empathy and care. 🩵   ✨ Please share this episode with anyone who this may help and allow them to feel seen — whether they’ve experienced loss themselves or want to better support someone who has.   If you are enjoying these shows, please feel free to follow, share, and rate the “With Love and Aloha Podcast” 🎧✨ and give @love_and_aloha_life a follow on IG 🩵