'Iolani School Podcast
The 'Iolani School Podcast features conversations with a wide variety of people associated with the K-12 college preparatory school based in Honolulu, Hawai'i, that was founded in 1863. Hosted by John Tamanaha, the school's Director of Interactive Media, the podcast will often make you feel like a fly on the wall of the Faculty Lounge. Jacob Gabriel is the podcast's audio engineer.
Episodes
June 19, 2026 • 82 mins
Standout scholar-athlete C.J. Villanueva '26 contributed to 'Iolani School in many special ways during the past six years. Two days before Commencement, he shares stories and thoughts that kept relating back to resilience, gratitude and teamwork. His speech at Baccalaureate about dealing with hard times, healing through community and building character through adversity was a gift to his classmates as they head off to college. Trul...
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June 2, 2026 • 67 mins
Deeply committed educator Mrs. Leia Yongvanich is in her first year as our Dean of Lower School. She shares stories about her path to Hawai'i, which includes many different locations and formative experiences. She also discusses the growth mindset approach to teaching and what it's like to be an 'Iolani School parent. Please subscribe to the 'Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo!
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June 20, 2025 • 77 mins
One of 10 neighbor island students in the 2024-25 Residential Life Program, Miley Cox '25 contributed to 'Iolani School in many special ways during the past four years. She provides an insider's perspective on the boarding program and its cultural connections, and also shares stories about the 'Iolani fine arts program, independent science research and the Chapel Council. Truly an extraordinary young woman, Miley is headed to the S...
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March 28, 2025 • 66 mins
While on sabbatical during the upcoming 2025-26 school year, Mr. Chase Wiggins '06 will be researching and completing a doctoral dissertation that will connect 'Iolani School's 19th-century founding with its 21st-century future. An Upper School English teacher since 2018, he also discusses his experiences within the school's boarding program and shares thoughts about his path to becoming a teacher, which stretches back to his days ...
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November 8, 2024 • 83 mins
At the end of the 2023-24 school year, the 101st edition of Ka Mo'olelo O 'Iolani was dedicated to fifth-grade teacher Mrs. Robin Hiraki. She became the first Lower School teacher in 11 years to be honored as the 'Iolani yearbook dedicatee. The beloved longtime educator offers her humble perspective about the day of that surprise announcement. She also shares thoughts about many people who make our school special, recounting severa...
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June 13, 2024 • 57 mins
United States Presidential Scholar Michael Kostecki '24 shares his thoughts about a wonderful 13-year journey through 'Iolani School, which included a senior year that also saw him serve as a proconsul, earn the title of valedictorian, captain the boys soccer ILH championship team and publish his research in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. Truly a remarkable young man, Mikey is headed to Harvard University. Please subscribe to ...
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April 1, 2024 • 113 mins
A cherished member of the faculty since 1977, Dr. Carey Inouye '66 shares his unparalleled perspective on 'Iolani School. Topics of discussion include his days as a student, The Rev. David P. Coon, Eddie Hamada '46, Gina Wang '22 and the Sullivan Center for Innovation and Leadership. Please subscribe to the 'Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo!
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October 25, 2023 • 81 mins
After an award-winning career as a documentary filmmaker, Mrs. Risa Beer has taught Film Production in the Sullivan Center for Innovation and Leadership since the day it opened in 2013. During the past decade, several of her students have earned local, national and international accolades for their work. She helps 'Iolani School's young filmmakers develop critical life skills as communicators and collaborators, while guiding them t...
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June 20, 2023 • 83 mins
A beloved member of the faculty and administration since 2005, Mr. Erik Yamamoto '99 has contributed to our 'Iolani School community and "One Team" culture in many roles and ways, most recently as Associate Dean of Students. Ha'aheo Dela Cruz '23 joined the podcast as a student co-host, helping listeners understand Mr. Yamamoto's particularly strong bond with the Class of 2023. Please subscribe to the 'Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo...
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October 6, 2022 • 68 mins
Having learned in the spaces that he's now teaching in, Manny Dayao '97 shares his unique perspective on the performing arts at 'Iolani School. As the director of the marching band and current head of the Performing Arts Department, he stewards traditions of excellence established by the late Wayne DeMello, who was his teacher, colleague and friend. While sitting in a band room filled with trophies, he also explains why a letter wr...
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July 19, 2022 • 59 mins
A native of Seoul, South Korea, Andrew Park '22 arrived at 'Iolani in 2018, as a member of the school's first cohort of boarding students in 59 years. Two days before graduating as one of the Class of 2022 valedictorians, he shares an insider's perspective on the boarding program. He also talks about his experiences with the 'Iolani robotics team and what is was like to be accepted to his dream college, Stanford University. Please ...
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May 31, 2022 • 60 mins
For the past three decades, every visitor to the College Counseling Office has been greeted by Sue Lee. No matter who you are or what you are looking for, she's there to help. Often times, "Aunty Sue" knows what you need before you ask. During this heartwarming discussion, she shares priceless stories about Eddie Hamada and others who helped shape our school's culture, and talks about all the people who continue to make 'Iolani suc...
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April 12, 2022 • 103 mins
Upper School English teacher Lisa-Anne Tsuruda is also the co-advisor of the Class of 2022. Prior to joining the 'Iolani faculty in 2016, she was honored with the prestigious Milken Educator Award while teaching at Mililani High School. Her son Ryan Tsuruda is a member of the Class of 2022, one of three senior proconsuls and one of the football team's four co-captains. Tears of joy and gratitude were shed as a wide variety of topic...
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January 6, 2022 • 77 mins
An integral member of the 'Iolani School community since 2001, Melanie Pfingsten is in her first year as Dean of Lower School. While overseeing our K-6 campus, which has exciting new spaces and continues to be transformed, she is also a parent of two Lower Schoolers. Previously, she was our Dean of Studies, a K-12 administrative position, after serving several years as a history teacher in the Upper School. Please subscribe to the ...
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November 3, 2021 • 86 mins
A beloved member of the 'Iolani School faculty since 1984, Dr. Michael LaGory has contributed to our community in many special ways and hundreds of graduates regard him as their favorite English teacher. He shares amusing stories about growing up in Ewa Beach, his college years in California and the projects he has worked on to support 'Iolani and its students. Please subscribe to the 'Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo!
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August 2, 2021 • 72 mins
Before heading to Georgetown University, John Vierra '21 shares his message of "small things that make big impacts." A remarkable young man, who has contributed to our community in so many special ways, he also talks about his 13-year journey through 'Iolani School, what goes into being a valedictorian and his love affair with golf. Please subscribe to the 'Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo!
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June 16, 2021 • 64 mins
In addition to providing a delicious and diverse menu, Mr. Kevin Wada and his dedicated staff organized and implemented new food service procedures that were an integral part of the campus reopening plan in September of 2020. Of course, one of the many topics discussed is the overwhelming popularity of 'Iolani School's mochiko chicken. The Sodexo general manager is also a talented performer and grateful 'Iolani parent. Please subsc...
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March 24, 2021 • 76 mins
A trailblazing educator, Mrs. Lisa Lee Simon '88 teaches "creative movement" to our youngest students in the new Sidney & Minnie Kosasa Performance Studios. She discusses the process within her curriculum and her deep passion for teaching. Of course, she also shares special stories and insight about her father, Mr. William Y.S. Lee '53, the legendary former Upper School Dean of Students. Please subscribe to the 'Iolani School P...
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December 28, 2020 • 55 mins
Teaching design and technology to our youngest students in the new Kaneshiro Science & Innovation Center is Mr. Michael Fricano's dream job. An award-winning educator, his impact is further magnified since he also assists fellow teachers, helping them become comfortable with new technologies, which was particularly important in 2020, during preparations for distance learning. Please subscribe to the 'Iolani School Podcast. Maha...
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December 14, 2020 • 61 mins
Teaching in the new Kaneshiro Science & Innovation Center is a recent "dream come true" for Mrs. Kathe Nose-Warner '82. An earlier one was becoming an 'Iolani student in 1980, just a year after the school went co-ed. She discusses her longtime love affair with 'Iolani School, which includes several fascinating recollections and touching memories. Please subscribe to the 'Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo!
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