Pat Saiki, Hilo-born public school teacher, wife and mother of five, became a U.S. Congresswoman and head of the nation’s Small Business Administration. Not one to let racial discrimination, gender bias, government bureaucracy or social injustice get her down, Pat worked to put them down and was elected, as a Republican, to serve in the State House of Representatives from 1968-1974, the State Senate from 1974-1982, and the U.S. Congress from 1986-1990. Today, Pat continues to advocate for women, minorities and those less fortunate, taking a special interest in elder care. And she continues to inspire those she meets.

Olin Lagon is the director of Kanu Hawaii, an environmental and social movement. He calls himself a "geek" raised in Kalihi and Palolo public housing. In his teen years, Olin says he skipped school to catch waves, and jokes that his blood alcohol level was higher than his GPA. In this conversation with Leslie Wilcox, see how Olin found new paths in life and became a tech entrepreneur and community champion.

Leslie Wilcox talks with Shim Kanazawa, often called "the Florence Nightingale of Hawaii." During World War II, Shim became a lifeline for Japanese American families incarcerated at relocation camps. Through the decades that followed, she has advocated for Hawaii's families, especially the elderly. Shim's dedication to helping others could be traced back to her parents' simple advice: to be good to everybody.

Leslie Wilcox visits with Hedda Sharapan, who worked with Fred Rogers on the classic PBS children's program Mister Rogers Neighborhood. Hedda continues Fred Rogers' legacy as Director of Early Childhood Initiatives at The Fred Rogers Company. In her role, she helps incorporate curriculum and life lessons into the company's television productions, including Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood and Peg + Cat, a new kids' series premiering in October on PBS Hawaii.

Eddie Kamae, legendary Hawaii musician and a seminal figure in the Hawaiian Cultural Renaissance of the 1970s, shares early life lessons and musical experiences and how these helped shape his long-running career. Eddie and Myrna talk about some of the most interesting people they have met over their 20+ year journey making documentaries, and reveal how their meeting was love at first sound.

Leslie Wilcox talks story with Sig Zane, a Hilo fashion designer who's been in the business for over 25 years. Sig originally considered careers in architecture, law and real estate before discovering Hawaiian culture and fashion design in the 1970s, when he moved to the Big Island. Sig is one of the first designers to incorporate native Hawaiian plant imagery into his clothing designs, a reflection of his strong affinity for and commitment to Hawaiian culture.

Singer and actress Marlene Sai continues her conversation with Leslie Wilcox about growing up in the golden age of Hawaiian music, of her early years as a recording artist, her unusual after-hours recording session in a bus barn, and her iconic portrayals of Queen Liliuokalani on stage and on television.

Singer and actress Marlene Sai tells Leslie Wilcox about growing up in the golden age of Hawaiian music, of her early years as a recording artist, her unusual after-hours recording session in a bus barn, and her iconic portrayals of Queen Liliuokalani on stage and on television.

Leslie Wilcox sits down with Chris McKinney, a Kahaluu-raised author who is best known for his novel, The Tattoo. As a teenager with a strict upbringing, Chris was initially content with honoring his mother's wishes in pursuing a stable, lucrative law career. Instead, Chris discovered writing and now enjoys a successful career - The Tattoo is on student reading lists across the US. In this episode, he also opens up about the internal conflicts he experiences as he raises a daughter of his own.

Leslie Wilcox talks story with Sam Gon, who's been with the Nature Conservancy of Hawaii for over 25 years. As the organization's senior scientist and cultural advisor, Sam brings together his two passions: science and culture.