Best Iolani School Podcasts (2024)

1
Michael Kostecki '24 -- U.S. Presidential Scholar 57:05

14d ago57:05

57:05

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. Trul…

1
Carey Inouye -- AP Physics Teacher 1:53:27

3M ago1:53:27

1:53:27

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!…

1
Risa Beer -- Film Production Teacher 1:21:27

8M ago1:21:27

1:21:27

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 …

1
Erik Yamamoto '99 -- Associate Dean of Students 1:23:34

1y ago1:23:34

1:23:34

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 stron…

1
Episode 25: Haunani-Kay Trask speaks at the ’Onipa’a event at ‘Iolani Palace, Honolulu, on January 17, 1993 24:04

1y ago24:04

24:04

Welcome to another episode of the Comrades Classroom Podcast! We are finally back. Our team has been hard at work trying to keep our two core programs running. In this episode, we listen to a speech from Haunani Kay Trask, a scholar poet, and champion of sovereignty for the Hawaiian people. Her life's work was dedicated to the liberation and self-d…

1
Manny Dayao ’97 -- Performing Arts Department Head 1:08:38

1+ y ago1:08:38

1:08:38

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…

1
Andrew Park '22 -- Boarding Student & Valedictorian 59:15

2y ago59:15

59:15

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 a…

1
(Book Launch Replay) Atmospheres of Violence: Structuring Antagonism and the Trans/Queer Ungovernable 1:32:02

2y ago1:32:02

1:32:02

Welcome back to another episode of the Comrades' Classroom podcast. This month, our community took time to study concepts and frameworks that have emerged out of queer the liberation movement and especially those that are grounded in the revolutionary tradition of Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. On this episode, we play back a brilliant book l…

1
Sue Lee -- College Counseling Office Secretary 1:00:16

2y ago1:00:16

1:00:16

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 …

1
Lisa-Anne Tsuruda & Ryan Tsuruda '22 -- Upper School Teacher & Senior Proconsul 1:43:17

2y ago1:43:17

1:43:17

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 tea…

1
A Conversation with the OC Rapid Response Network 1:27:39

2y ago1:27:39

1:27:39

On this episode, we sit down with members of the Orange County Rapid Response Network (OCRRN). OCRRN is an interconnected system of non-profit and grassroots organizations, civil rights attorneys, law school clinics, and individuals working together to respond to dehumanizing immigration enforcement activities and policies in Orange County. Through…

1
Neighbor Newspaper Live Report w/ Dr. Cornel West 1:45:21

2+ y ago1:45:21

1:45:21

Welcome to another episode of the Comrades' Classroom Podcast! On it, we playback for you a live interview done by Neighbor Program with Dr. Cornell West (watch the full video here). In this interview, Dr. West talks about growing up in Sacramento, the History of the Black Panthers in Oak Park, and the Importance of the Malcolm X Academy being deve…

1
Building a Liberation School (w/ Neighbor Program & Agape Mvmt) 1:44:11

2+ y ago1:44:11

1:44:11

What up everybody! We're back and trying to get on schedule for some weekly content for our listeners. On this episode of the Comrades Classroom Podcast, we sit down with members of Neighbor Program and Agape movement to discuss their development of a community center called the Shakur Center for Health and Wellness. If you haven't yet, go back and…

1
Melanie Pfingsten -- Dean of Lower School 1:17:58

2+ y ago1:17:58

1:17:58

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 ser…

1
The Aqueduct Between Us (audio documentary) 44:37

2+ y ago44:37

44:37

On this episode of the Comrade's Classroom Podcast, we've turned one of our favorite documentaries into an audio episode for our listeners. 'The Aqueduct Between Us' is a film project that documents radical oral histories about water in los angeles county as told by the Indigenous people of tovaangar (los angeles) and payahuunadü (the owens valley)…

1
Accomplices Not Allies (an Audio Essay) by Indigenous Action Media 22:04

2+ y ago22:04

22:04

For this episode, we turn the Zine 'Accomplices Not Allies' by Indigenous Action Media into an audio essay for our listeners! "This provocation is intended to intervene in some of the current tensions around solidarity/support work as the current trajectories are counter-liberatory from my perspective. Special thanks to DS in Phoenix for convos tha…

1
Michael LaGory -- AP English Teacher 1:26:47

2+ y ago1:26:47

1:26:47

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 …

1
Re-Envisioning the Revolutionary Body, a Talk from Mia Mingus (YouTube) 50:40

2+ y ago50:40

50:40

Welcome to another episode of the Comrade's Classroom Podcast! In this episode, we turn y'all onto one of our favorite Disability Justice resources from our curriculum titled "Re-envisioning the Revolutionary Body" a talk by Mia Mingus. This talk is about the ways in which ableism and disability impact organizing, organizations, and so much more. I…

1
[Audio Essay] Autonomous Resistance to Slavery and Colonization (Part Two), by Russell ‘Maroon‘ Shoatz 1:07:49

3y ago1:07:49

1:07:49

For Black August, we began by honoring the legacy of Russell 'Maroon' Shoatz and that's how we hope to end this month as well. Shoatz is a dedicated community activist, founding member of the Black Unity Council, a former member of the Black Panther Party, and a soldier in the Black Liberation Army. He is serving multiple life sentences as a US-hel…

1
[Audio Essay] Autonomous Resistance to Slavery and Colonization (Part 1) by Russell 'Maroon' Shoatz 1:00:43

3y ago1:00:43

1:00:43

For Black August, we begin by honoring the legacy of Russell 'Maroon' Shoatz. Shoatz is a dedicated community activist, founding member of the Black Unity Council, a former member of the Black Panther Party, and a soldier in the Black Liberation Army. He is serving multiple life sentences as a US-held political prisoner/prisoner of war. In the next…

1
John Vierra '21 -- Son of ‘Iolani and Valedictorian 1:12:11

3y ago1:12:11

1:12:11

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 subscrib…

1
A Conversation with the Hosts of ‘Building Our Power‘ 54:47

3y ago54:47

54:47

On this episode of the Comrades Classroom Podcast, we sat down with the hosts of the podcast 'Building Our Power' to talk about the process of political education and the state of political consciousness on the Western Left. Subscribe, leave a review, and share with the homies—we appreciate everyone's support thus far. If you fuck with the work we …

1
Kevin Wada -- Sodexo General Manager at 'Iolani School 1:04:34

3y ago1:04:34

1:04:34

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 g…

1
A Conversation With From the Heart PNW 1:19:45

3y ago1:19:45

1:19:45

What up everybody! The purpose of this project is to raise political consciousness and encourage our listeners to get involved with or form their own abolitionist organization. In this episode, we sit down with Red and Lindsay from From The Heart PNW. We discuss the foundations of From the Heart PNW, building institutions hand-in-hand with our neig…

1
A Conversation With Feed The Block IE 1:11:43

3y ago1:11:43

1:11:43

What up everybody! The purpose of this project is to raise political consciousness and encourage our listeners to get involved with or form their own abolitionist organization. In this episode, we sit down with Mikey and Michaela from Feed The Block Inland Empire. We had an amazing discussion about the foundations and guiding principles of Feed The…

1
A Conversation w/ mel from Agape Mvmt 1:06:39

3y ago1:06:39

1:06:39

What up everybody! The purpose of this project is to raise political consciousness and encourage our listeners to get involved with or form their own abolitionist organization. In this episode, we sit down with the founder of a political education project called, Agape Movement where we had an incredible conversation about political education and r…

1
Urgent Help For Activists in Colombia 53:47

3y ago53:47

53:47

EMERGENCY EPISODE! In this episode, we spoke to the Red Condor Collective to learn about the current situation in Colombia. As protestors throughout the country mobilized against the government’s recent neoliberal reforms, we have seen the Colombian government use repressive tactics to eliminate the possibility of a liberation movement. To understa…

1
Revolutionary Abolition & Community Defense 1:12:17

3y ago1:12:17

1:12:17

In this episode, we sit down with Malik, a member of the Revolutionary Abolition Movement who was one of the authors of Burning Down the American Plantation. They're also joined by one of their comrades and fellow educators, Christy! They both guide us through some important conversations about revolutionary Abolition, the inevitable societal colla…

1
Shut the F*ck Up & Listen to Sex Workers 1:17:03

3y ago1:17:03

1:17:03

In this episode, we get to sit down with a panel of sex workers and grassroots organizers (@adrierising, @prolepeach, @xoxoLaurenKiley, and @GemmaParadiseXO) to talk about decarceration of the sex industry and how idealism on the left produces harmful discourse that minimizes the material conditions of sex workers and erases their liberatory organi…

1
Pan Afrikan Struggle w/ Kings & B. 1:25:30

3y ago1:25:30

1:25:30

In this episode, we get to sit down for a conversation with Kingsley, a graduate student and member of the All African People's Revolutionary Party, and Broderick, a graduate student and member of the Black Power Collective out in IE. They share a lot of expertise about direct organizing and why it's important to study alongside the work we do in t…

1
Lisa Lee Simon '88 -- Lower School Dance Teacher 1:16:50

3+ y ago1:16:50

1:16:50

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 legenda…

1
A Conversation w/ Neighbor Programs 1:09:06

3+ y ago1:09:06

1:09:06

Welcome to another episode of the Comrades Classroom Podcast! On it, we get to sit down with two of our comrades from Neighbor Program up in Sacramento and they talk a bit about their own journey of political education as well as the survival programs they're building within their community. Follow and support their work @NeighborProgram (@neighbor…

1
Ableism and Disability Justice w/ Sam and Arti 53:39

3+ y ago53:39

53:39

In our final episode of our Disability Justice Series, we get to sit down with two of our comrades Sam and RT as they discuss the everyday violence of ableism through their personal experiences. To support our work please subscribe to our Patreon or donate via Venmo! Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Youtube, or wherever else you get your podcasts…

1
Disability Justice (Part 2—Classroom Snipets) 59:39

3+ y ago59:39

59:39

In this episode, you'll get to listen in on snippets from our weekly conversations in December and January! Our comrades sat down to talk about the "Cripping Transformative Justice" and the difficulties of addressing harm within collective spaces, accountability, grace, and all the ways we imagine implementing Disability Justice frameworks into our…

1
Disability Justice (Part One) w/ Neighbor Programs 52:32

3+ y ago52:32

52:32

In this episode, we sit down at Neighbor School with our homies from Sacramento to talk about Disability Justice and other frameworks of collective care developed by Eliot Fukui. On it, we discuss why we, as a collective, believe it's important to implement practices of Disability and Healing Justice to sustain our survival programs. For access to …

1
The Black Liberation Army 1:25:30

3+ y ago1:25:30

1:25:30

In this episode, we playback audio from a documentary done with former Black Liberation Army member, Thomas "Blood" McCreary (starts at 2 min. 8 sec.). Following the audio playback, you will hear clips from our group discussion (starts at 52 min. 3 sec.) -- we talk about the BLA's impact on the community, security culture, and how our current movem…

1
Michael Fricano -- Design & Technology Teacher 55:23

3+ y ago55:23

55:23

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 prepara…

1
Kathe Nose-Warner '82 -- Lower School Science Teacher 1:01:45

3+ y ago1:01:45

1:01:45

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. P…

1
Palestinian Liberation 58:49

3+ y ago58:49

58:49

This discussion centers on the movement for Palestinian liberation through sources provided by our wonderful guest facilitators from the Palestinian Youth Movement—follow them @palestinianyouthmovement on Instagram. We outline the barbaric history of Zionism, we discuss the Palestinian Liberatio Front, and we also talk about why the occupation of P…

1
Our Political Foundation 46:56

3+ y ago46:56

46:56

This discussion centers on the political and organizational foundations of The Peoples Coalition. In an interview with graduate students from Cal State Dominguez Hills, two members of the Coalition share the history of the foundation and growth of the organization and the principles that guide the mutual aid and survival programs undertaken by We G…

1
Minh Ngo '21 -- Third-Year Boarding Student 1:16:42

3+ y ago1:16:42

1:16:42

A native of Vietnam, Minh Ngo '21 arrived at 'Iolani in 2018, as a member of the school's first cohort of boarding students in 59 years. Now a senior, he provides an insider's perspective on the boarding program and explains what drew him to 'Iolani. Known to many for his unforgettable portrayal of "Adolpho" in our spring musical, The Drowsy Chaper…

1
Gabriel Yanagihara -- Video Game Design Teacher 1:00:06

4y ago1:00:06

1:00:06

An iDepartment teacher since Day 1 of the Sullivan Center for Innovation and Leadership, Mr. Gabriel Yanagihara also has served as the head coach of ‘Iolani School's eSports teams since 2019. The video game design teacher gets us up to speed on the eSports scene, in addition to providing valuable insight on other issues related to video games and t…

1
Jeffrey Hackler '71 -- Longtime History Teacher 1:24:28

4y ago1:24:28

1:24:28

With a connection to ‘Iolani School that spans seven decades, Mr. Jeffrey Hackler '71 has been a campus favorite as a student, teacher, colleague and friend. A U.S. History teacher for 37 years prior to his recent retirement, he shares stories, reflections and insights on a wide variety of subjects, including his fascinating sabbatical trips. Pleas…

1
Benny Agbayani -- ‘Iolani Head Softball Coach 55:19

4y ago55:19

55:19

Local sports legend Benny Agbayani, who coached the 'Iolani varsity softball team to the HHSAA State Championship in May of 2019, chats remotely a year later, after the 2020 season was officially canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A parent of an 'Iolani graduate and current student, he also shares his thoughts about the school and its "One Team…

1
Rev. Tim Morehouse -- Upper School Chaplain 1:15:51

4+ y ago1:15:51

1:15:51

After just a few months on campus, Upper School Chaplain Rev. Tim Morehouse provides a newcomer's perspective of 'Iolani School and its unique culture. He also shares his refreshing insight on a wide variety of other subjects, including "One Team" lessons found in the Bible and the importance of non-digital experiences. Please subscribe to the 'Iol…

1
Allison Blankenship ’02 -- Director of External Education Programs 1:08:45

4+ y ago1:08:45

1:08:45

More than a dozen years ago, Mrs. Allison Blankenship ’02 researched and envisioned what a community partnership between 'Iolani School and Pālolo Valley would look like. This past summer, the KA'I Programs, which has continued to grow, celebrated its 10th anniversary. She takes us behind the scenes of the program and its creation, before touching …

1
Taylor Venenciano '19 -- U.S. Presidential Scholar 41:41

5y ago41:41

41:41

Senior class president Taylor Venenciano '19 shares her thoughts about her seven-year journey at 'Iolani School, which concludes as a United States Presidential Scholar, championship athlete and indispensable leader. Truly a remarkable young woman, she is headed to Pomona College. Please subscribe to the 'Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo!…

1
Dean Shimamoto '94 -- Former Boys Basketball Head Coach 1:29:32

5+ y ago1:29:32

1:29:32

Three-time state champion boys basketball coach Dean Shimamoto '94 surprised many people when he stepped down from his coaching position on March 1, 2019. Also a member of the school's Information Technology Services Department, he discusses his big decision, explains why he loves coaching so much, recounts memories of his playing days at 'Iolani u…

1
Nate Chinen '94 -- 2019 Keables Chair Holder 1:07:28

5+ y ago1:07:28

1:07:28

Internationally acclaimed jazz music critic Nate Chinen '94 returned to 'Iolani as the 2019 Harold Keables Chair Holder. The Director of Editorial Content at WBGO (Newark, N.J.) and longtime New York Times writer touches on a little bit of everything, including how his 13-year journey as a Son of 'Iolani shaped his life. Please subscribe to the 'Io…

1
Holly Chung -- Art Department Head 51:02

5+ y ago51:02

51:02

Creator of perhaps the most magical classroom on campus, mixed media art teacher Mrs. Holly Chung defines the word "art" and explains its role in an 'Iolani School education. The Art Department Head also provides insight on all her brilliant colleagues, who bring out the best in their students. Please subscribe to the 'Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo…

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Iolani School Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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