Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there! In this episode, Scott Nishimoto - dad, husband, community leader, and emerging poet - joins us to share poems from his chapbook, Beautifully Ordinary.He talks story about the highs, lows, and everyday joys (and hiccups) of parenting. A proud Honolulu townie, Scott reflects on how fatherhood has deepened his sense of presence and purpose, with poems like “It’s OK, Daddy,” “Grandpa’s Smile,” and “Wake Up Happy” offering glimpses into his own youth. We chat about growing up, raising keiki, navigating grief, and the small moments that stick with us. It’s a grounded look at fatherhood and what it means to show up with intention for our families and communities. Hau‘oli lā Makuakāne!
Episode Highlights:
00:21 Meet Scott - dad, husband, Honolulu "townie" and emerging poet
01:11 Staying rooted
02:26 Seeing parenthood through the lens of ʻohana
03:42 Beautifully Ordinary - A Poetry Chapbook from a Father's Soul
06:25 On processing grief: “It’s OK, Daddy” and “Band Class”
11:21 Why documenting our stories matters: “Good Boy Kaika” and “Grandpa’s Smile”
17:48 On building confidence: “Milk Carton Opener” and “Not Very Good”
22:11 “Who did you help today?”
23:17 Remembering Aunty Puanani Burgess and “Boy with a Gift”
25:52 The tiny, powerful moments: “Instagram” and “Wake Up Happy”
29:31 Honoring our own parents
30:31 Oral histories hold the emotions that textbooks can’t
31:34 “December 7th, 1941”
33:07 Stories connect us — and connection creates change
37:22 A call to action: write!
Photo Credit: Scott Nishimoto
Episode Art: Molly Mamaril
Listen & Subscribe
Guest Inquiries
Interested in sharing what brings you joy? Complete our Guest Interest Form
Heartbeat Narratives Book Recommendations
Our curated reading list that inspires and connects: Heartbeat Narratives on Bookshop.org
Credits
🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril
🎸 Guitar: Amund Gismervik
