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

Rick Blangiardi Opens Up on Love, Loss, and Fatherhood When most people see Rick Blangiardi, they see the Mayor of Honolulu, the former broadcasting executive, the coach, the leader. But in this intimate and emotional conversation, Rick pulls back the curtain on the experiences that shaped him long before public service ever entered the picture. […]

In this powerful and emotional episode, Mano Nguyen opens up about his family’s escape from Vietnam, the challenges of growing up as a refugee, the sacrifices behind his parents’ strength, and the deep sense of duty and resilience that shaped him into a veteran, entrepreneur, and community leader. This conversation dives into identity, gratitude, cultural values, family legacy, and how community support becomes the backbone for overcoming life’s toughest battles. Mano’s story is a reminder that healing, success, and purpose all begin with the people who stand by us—and the courage to keep going no matter what.

In this heartfelt episode of Greater Good Radio, Monty Pereira, General Manager and Sales & Marketing Director of Watanabe Floral, shares the most difficult experience of his life — his daughter’s devastating concussion and the lessons it taught him about faith, patience, and letting go. From his Hawaiian roots in Hilo to his 29-year journey leading one of Hawaiʻi’s most beloved floral companies, Monty opens up about family, resilience, and the deeper purpose behind his work: bringing happiness and connection through flowers. His story is one of love, loss, and learning to trust life’s process — a powerful reminder that sometimes the hardest moments shape us the most.

Dive into an inspiring, no-ego masterclass with longtime Shidler College of Business dean Vance Roley, as he shares the leadership habits that powered two decades of growth at UH Mānoa: putting faculty first, building a culture of transparency, and partnering closely with alumni and donors to expand scholarships, endowments, and global opportunities. In this candid conversation, Vance talks recruiting top professors, the Direct Admit (freshman) pipeline, why study-abroad changes lives, how dedicated career services boost job placement, and what’s next as he transitions back to the classroom. You’ll also hear his early-life grit story, why Hawaii won his heart, and his take on AI in business education—plus practical advice for parents and students navigating college, careers, and the future of work. Watch to learn the real playbook behind sustained institutional excellence and community impact.

From a college apartment startup to a $700 million acquisition, Brett Brewer’s journey is the real story behind MySpace, Intermix Media, and the early internet boom. In this inspiring conversation, Brett shares how luck, hustle, and relentless belief turned failure into one of tech’s biggest success stories. He reveals the lessons from 150 investor rejections, the origins of “fake it ’til you make it,” the inside story of selling to Rupert Murdoch, and how he’s paying it forward through venture investing and youth entrepreneurship. This episode is a masterclass in perseverance, timing, and staying grounded through rapid success.

What does it really mean to live a life well lived? In this inspiring conversation, Jeff Zimmerman—co-owner of AdWalls and founder of Environmental Graphics Hawaii, sits down with Evan Leong to reflect on 40 years in Hawaii, the lessons of resilience after surviving a stroke, and his daily practice of “seeking beauty” in work, family, and community. From building a career in real estate and advertising to mentoring his children and embracing gratitude, Jeff shares candid stories of growth, creativity, and finding purpose beyond success. His journey is a powerful reminder that true fulfillment comes from giving back, creating meaning, and living with intention.

What does it take to rise to the top without a college degree? In this inspiring episode of Greater Good Radio, Dennis Francis—President and Publisher of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser—shares his journey from humble beginnings in Ohio to becoming one of Hawaii’s most influential media executives. Dennis reveals how grit, people skills, and instinct shaped his career, why he chose entrepreneurship over corporate structure, and how community service became central to his leadership philosophy. Whether you're an aspiring leader, college dropout, or seasoned entrepreneur, this candid conversation offers timeless lessons on resilience, decision-making, and building a meaningful life and career in Hawaii.

From Silicon Valley startups to co-founding Mana Up, Meli James has built her career on elevating Hawai‘i’s entrepreneurs while also navigating her own journey of self-discovery. In this powerful conversation, Meli opens up about the challenges of scaling businesses in Hawai‘i, the global potential of the “Hawai‘i brand,” and her personal transitions—from quarter-life crisis to building purpose and authenticity in her leadership. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance achievement with fulfillment, or how to grow world-class companies while staying true to yourself, this episode will inspire and challenge you.

From Hollywood child actress to respected entrepreneur and Hawaii’s former First Lady, Vicky Cayetano shares the personal and professional experiences that shaped her remarkable journey. In this intimate conversation, she opens up about balancing business and family, leading with empathy, building United Laundry Services, and the life lessons she learned from her grandmother, mentors, and even Elvis Presley. Discover how Vicky redefined leadership, service, and legacy on her own terms—with warmth, humility, and wisdom that will inspire anyone seeking purpose and impact in their own life.

What if the real battle isn’t out there—but within? In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Kumu Ramsay Taum joins Evan Leong to explore the spiritual roots of conflict, healing, and transformation. Drawing from Hawaiian practices like Hoʻoponopono and Lua, Kumu Ramsay reveals how alignment, intention, and ancestral wisdom can help us move from tension to peace—from surviving to thriving. Whether he’s discussing his journey through injury, financial collapse, or cultural leadership, his insights offer a roadmap to finding pono (balance) in a chaotic world. If you’re seeking clarity, connection, or a new way of seeing life’s challenges, this episode will resonate deeply.