Leslie Wilcox sits down with Chipper and Hau‘oli Wichman, a longtime husband-and-wife team who head the National Tropical Botanical Garden on Kaua‘i. Chipper, chief executive officer of NTBG, grew up on Oahu in a privileged family but attended Roosevelt High School. His wife and executive assistant Hau‘oli had modest beginnings in Nanakuli before her family moved to Kahului. The two reveal how the Hawaiian language and Hau‘oli's tutu led to the couple's romance and discuss their "bigger kuleana" of land stewardship.

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.

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.

This week on Long Story Short, Leslie Wilcox talks story with Sean Priester, executive chef and owner of Soul Café in Kaimuki. From his childhood in a military family, Sean learned to respect the communities where life and duty led them. With this mindset, paired with his culinary talent, Sean launched Soul Café, where he demonstrates how food can nurture community and supports others in overcoming personal adversity. Among his volunteer work is a partnership with Next Step Shelter, where he prepares food for the homeless. Sean also opens up about his past internal struggles, which manifested as drug and alcohol addiction, beginning in his college years at North Carolina State. Fifteen years later, Sean talks about overcoming his vices and fears, and helping others do the same through the power of food.

Leslie Wilcox talks story with Juliet Lee, a Hilo-born poet and novelist who is perhaps better known by her pen name, Juliet S. Kono. Juliet takes Leslie back in time through vivid memories of modest living, teenage rebellion and family hardships. When Juliet was barely three years old, she and her family were swept up in the 1946 Hilo tsunami - a turning point for Juliet's family and inspiration for her future work. Juliet has garnered several honors for her writing, including the Elliot Cades Award for Literature, the American Japanese National Literary Award and the Hawaii Award for Literature. Her latest novel, Anshu: Dark Sorrow, is set in Hawaii and Japan.

The Keaulana ‘ohana of Makaha is a family of watermen and women who’ve grown up in and around the ocean. Brian Keaulana is following in the wake of his dad “Buffalo” as a living legend. Brian is carving out an international reputation as a big wave rider, Hollywood stunt man, ocean risk management expert, inventor and businessman.

Leslie Wilcox talks with Ralph Goto, administrator of the City and County of Honolulu's Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division. Over the past 30 years, he has helped to bring professionalism and respect to an occupation once viewed as being only for beach boys and surfers. Ralph is recognized in the International Swimming Hall of Fame for his contributions to the field of water safety.

Leslie Wilcox talks story with Monty Richards, fifth-generation family member of a ranching dynasty and former President/General Manager of Kahua Ranch on Hawaii island. Known for his pioneering efforts in high intensity rapid rotational grazing techniques and diversified operations like hydroponic farming, Richards is also recognized as a lifetime community volunteer.