Home is where the heart is, and for Francis “Palani” Sinenci of Hāna, Maui, this statement holds true. He left the islands to spend over 20 years in the military, and then returned home inspired to reconnect with his Hawaiian roots. He later became a master builder of traditional Native Hawaiian houses.

Can you tell me how to get, how to get to Sesame Street? Principal puppeteer Pam Arciero can as she has been with the children’s series for nearly 40 years, primarily as Oscar the Grouch’s girlfriend, Grundgetta. Arciero, who hails from ʻĀina Haina in East Honolulu, got her start in the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. There, she joined a summer program in puppetry – one that would change the course of her life.

Jim Dator of Waikīkī has spent the last 50 years pondering and researching what the future might hold. He is a futurist, a pioneer in this academic field and is an internationally respected voice in futures studies. Learn how a series of family tragedies in his early life propelled him to always look forward, not back.

Honolulu-born Lorenzo DeStefano is a photographer, filmmaker, film editor and writer who uses his skills to explore the hidden lives of those who are often overlooked by society. His play Shipment Day tells the true story of his feisty cousin Olivia, who contracted leprosy at age 18 and was exiled to Kalaupapa, Molokaʻi.

Have you ever found yourself in the right place at the right time? Kauaʻi-based Hawaiian cultural practitioner Puna Dawson certainly has, and she shares these and other experiences and significant events that have touched and shaped her life over the years.

Dr. Terence Knapp recounts his modest beginnings in England and his acting career in Hawaiʻi.

The glamour of the entertainment industry can be alluring, but with its heavy business risks, there are no guarantees of success. Polynesian entertainment company co-owner Cha Thompson; the late radio DJ and concert promoter Tom Moffatt; and former nightclub owner Jack Cione are three “showbiz masterminds” who excelled at entertaining local audiences. Revisit these conversations about their journeys, lessons learned and passion for showbiz.

Learn how Hilo designer Kūhaʻo Zane, son of renowned clothing designer Sig Zane and on his mother’s side, a descendant from an unbroken line of Kanakaʻole cultural practitioners, is navigating his own path in both the design and Hawaiian cultural worlds. He shares how he draws on his Hawaiian roots while approaching his design work with a modern vision.

On this special episode of Long Story Short with Leslie Wilcox, we look back at conversations with three of Hawai‘i’s contemporary authors: Chris McKinney, Susanna Moore and Gavan Daws. These “wordsmiths” have built careers weaving stories of Hawai‘i in distinctive, personal ways and have proven exceptional at bringing these stories to the page. Hear how they approach their craft and get a glimpse into their literary lives.

In this special Father’s Day compilation, we celebrate dads and the life lessons they’ve passed along to their children.