Shows
Talk Story with Aunty PiilaniEpisode 23: Waikiki Years Part 2: Vice⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of sexual assault, adult themes, and crime. Listener discretion is advised. In The Waikīkī Years, Part 2, Aunty Piilani concludes a turbulent chapter marked by loss, survival, and hard lessons. She reflects on the aftermath of a failed marriage, dangerous relationships, and experiences she never expected to face. Along the way, she recalls pieces of Waikīkī nightlife from the era, including drag performers and Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand. For privacy, the name of one individual has been intentionally replaced with a duck quack.
2026-01-1117 min
Talk Story with Aunty PiilaniEpisode 22: Christmas Talk StoryIn this Christmas episode, Aunty Piilani shares memories of the holidays in Keaukaha, from the traditions of her childhood to the years when she was raising her own family. She reflects on how Christmas has changed over time and what the season means to her now. Along the way, she sings a few beloved Christmas songs and sends heartfelt holiday greetings to friends and family, making this episode a fun and nostalgic pause in the story.
2025-12-1529 min
Talk Story with Aunty PiilaniEpisode 21: Wakiki Part 1: Hot Dog Stand⚠️ Content NoteThis episode includes adult subject matter related to Honolulu’s 1970s nightlife, including discussion of an adult bookstore, sex work, and crime. Listener discretion is advised.In this first half of the Waikīkī years, Aunty Piilani remembers her time running a small hot-dog stand that just happened to sit beside an adult bookstore on Kuhio Avenue—right in the middle of the wild Waikīkī nightlife of the 1970s. The stand drew every kind of customer imaginable, each with a story of their own. Amid the chaos, she also meets her third husband, who...
2025-11-2923 min
Talk Story with Aunty PiilaniEpisode 20: Kahuna & Boogeymen⚠️ Content note: This episode contains discussion of Hawaiian spiritual practices, including kahuna and spirits.In this special Halloween episode, Aunty Piilani shares stories of the unseen—her encounters with kahuna who helped lift curses, calm spirits, and make sense of her lifelong gift of sight. She also recalls a childhood prank gone wrong, when she and her friends blamed their mischief on the “boogeyman.” A mix of mystery, laughter, and island spirituality, this episode offers a glimpse into the supernatural side of growing up in Hawaiʻi.
2025-10-2727 min
Talk Story with Aunty PiilaniEpisode 19: Olaa Bakery Part 2In Part 2 of the Olaʻa Bakery story, Aunty Piilani serves up more history and hilarity. She recalls how the Shipman family’s influence helped change Olaʻa’s name to Keaʻau. Then, legend or fact? From Mr. Sonoda, she shares how the Hilo Macaroni Company got its famous saloon pilot cracker recipe and how those cracker tins found new life as kulolo pans. There’s also a laugh-out-loud moment when childhood Kye breaks a bad mood with an embarrassing confession, memories of hippies flocking for her bread pudding, and one unintentional but very audible guest star: Kady the dog...
2025-10-1121 min
Talk Story with Aunty PiilaniEpisode 18: Olaa Bakery - Part 1In this episode, Aunty Piilani shares how she was taken under the wing of Mr. and Mrs. Kazuyoshi Sonoda, who passed on their recipes, skills, and bakery know-how at the Olaʻa Bakery in Keaʻau, Big Island. From learning to handle commercial mixers to producing hundreds of the bakery’s famous manju, this was a year filled with both hard work and lasting memories. Along the way, her children pitched in—sometimes with comic disasters, like overflowing cupcake batter and run-ins with an unforgiving mixer paddle, and as the chapter closed, a surprising discovery is revealed as a hidden...
2025-09-2619 min
Talk Story with Aunty PiilaniEpisode 17: The Hilo YearsFrom a disastrous family partnership to star-studded nights on Hilo’s Banyan Drive, this episode follows Aunty Piilani through her first restaurant, Keoni’s, and into the world of hotel row dining and entertainment. Along the way, she brushes shoulders with Hawaiian greats like Danny Kaleikini, Don Ho, and Peter Moon, while navigating the hard truths of business partnerships and marriage. The story includes plenty of laughs, a dose of chaos, and reflections on the lessons learned when both love and business fall apart.
2025-09-0220 min
Talk Story with Aunty PiilaniEpisode 16: A Caterer Is BornIn this episode, Piilani returns to the Big Island, where bartending at the Naniloa Hotel and baking cakes in the KHBC kitchen set the stage for a bold leap into catering. She shares the story of her first big event—a building dedication for Senator Elroy Osorio—pulled off with the help (and exhaustion) of aunts, sisters, and friends. Along the way, she fills in a portrait of her grandmother, Julia Stevens, a remarkable woman with 17 siblings, 11 children of her own, and five husbands, each lost to the rugged ranch life of Hawaii.
2025-08-1123 min
Talk Story with Aunty PiilaniEpisode 15: Origin StoryFrom waiting tables in Waikīkī to serving at Tiki Tops restaurant and eventually launching her own lunchwagon, this episode traces the early days of Aunty Piilani’s food service career. With the help of Honey and Pappy Ho — and their son Don Ho, who was just on the rise — she found her footing at the legendary Honey’s Tavern in Kaneohe. She shares stories of first-day disasters (sorry, Aunty Ginny!) and a sweet rendition of the “Taro Patch Song” and closes with advice for would-be restauranteurs from the lessons she learned.
2025-07-2329 min
Talk Story with Aunty PiilaniEpisode 14: The First MarriageIn this episode, Aunty Piilani brings closure to the stories of Jimmy and Phillip—and the circumstances that led to her marriage to Kenneth Haina. It was a union shaped by family pressure, misplaced hopes, and withheld truths, including love letters that never reached her. Though the marriage didn’t last, and the divorce brought its own heartbreak, Aunty Piilani reflects on that time with honesty and acceptance. This is a story about youthful naiveté, quiet resilience, and learning what love is—and isn’t.
2025-07-1028 min
Talk Story with Aunty PiilaniEpisode 13: High School Heartbreaker Part 2In Part Two of High School Heartbreaker, Aunty Piilani looks back on what happened to her engagement to James Higashita, a few other teenage romances, and some creative sneaking out of the house. There’s also a bathing suit mishap, and a hint of how her dream of becoming the perfect 1950s housewife eventually met real life.
2025-06-2719 min
Talk Story with Aunty PiilaniEpisode 12: High School Heartbreaker: Part 1In this first half of our look at her high school years, Aunty Piilani shares a few memories of daily life at Hilo High—her least favorite classes, her time as a cheerleader, and the steady stream of suitors who didn’t quite make the cut (often for some hilarious reasons). Next episode, we’ll pick up with her final high school romances and escapades.
2025-06-2017 min
Talk Story with Aunty PiilaniEpisode 11: P. O. W. DadIn this episode, we start by talking about Uncle Abe’s role in the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, then touch on new details about Uncle Herbert’s time in the Korean War. From there, we look at Aunty Piilani's father, Frank Rupert, and his time as a prisoner of war in Japan during World War II. But, as often happens, the conversation wandered into other stories — from how he fell in love with a Red Cross nurse, to how both he and Aunty's mother went on to build very different lives after the war. It’s a bit of history...
2025-06-1325 min
Talk Story with Aunty PiilaniEpisode 10: Take 10: OuttakesTo celebrate our tenth episode, we’re sharing some outtakes—false starts, unexpected tangents, and a lot of laughter. And no, we weren’t drinking. We just get like this sometimes. Thanks for being with us. We’ll be back next time with more stories.
2025-06-0319 min
Talk Story with Aunty PiilaniEpisode 9: WWII: Hawai'i at WarOn this Memorial Day, my mom shares what she remembers about World War II and the relatives who answered the call to serve. Though she was very young, Aunty Piilani recalls foxholes in the yard, the arrival of Spam, and the powerful feeling of patriotism that shaped her view of the U.S. military. She reflects on family members who served—especially Uncle Jimmy, who gave up a promising Olympic swimming future, and Uncle Herbert, wounded in the Korean War. And yes, of course there’s singing—each military branch gets its anthem, delivered Aunty Piilani-style.
2025-05-2632 min
Talk Story with Aunty PiilaniEpisode 8: 'Women of the Civil Air Patrol'In this episode, Aunty Piilani looks back on her time in the Civil Air Patrol as a teenager in the 1950s. She shares what she learned, how she earned a spot at a national encampment at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, and how she unexpectedly found herself starring in a military training film—complete with Hollywood treatment. Along the way, she recalls a side trip to ride the roller coaster at Coney Island and reflects on a dream she had about her son becoming an Air Force pilot… a dream that eventually came true.
2025-05-2126 min
Talk Story with Aunty PiilaniEpisode 7: Hilo Tidal Wave: Part 2⚠️ Content Warning: This episode includes personal accounts of natural disasters and loss.In part two of our tsunami story, Aunty Piilani continues her reflections—this time touching on the 1960 Hilo tsunami and the lives, both human and otherwise, lost in its wake. She remembers the long road to recovery, from clean-up efforts to finding a sense of normalcy again. Along the way, she shares how these two tidal waves shaped her sense of safety, community, and memory—including a surprising story about Suki the monkey, who left as memorable a mark as any storm. This episode is about lo...
2025-05-1522 min
Talk Story with Aunty PiilaniEpisode 6: Hilo Tidal Wave: Part 1⚠️ Content Warning: This episode includes personal recollections of a natural disaster and may be distressing to some listeners.In this first part of a two-parter, my mom shares her memories of the 1946 Hilo tsunami—an event that shaped her childhood. It’s a subdued episode, as we take a look at what happened in the days leading up to and following the disaster. While it’s a departure from the lighthearted episodes we’re used to, this story is also a part of her history, so we are capturing and sharing it here. In Part 2, next week’s episode, we’...
2025-05-0821 min
Talk Story with Aunty PiilaniEpisode 5: Songbird of WaiākeaIn this reflective episode of Talk Story with Aunty Piilani, we follow her winding journey through childhood song. From class song contests at Keaukaha School to serving as the principal’s “songbird” at Waiākea, and later performing with the Rainbow Girls and the Haili Church Junior Choir, Aunty Piilani shares glimpses of her early singing life. Along the way, she offers heartfelt renditions of songs like “Trees,” “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and “Ke Kali Nei Au.” Though the path is meandering, the melodies and memories offer a touching look at the role music played in shaping her youth.
2025-05-0232 min
Talk Story with Aunty PiilaniEpisode 4: Money, MoneyIn this week’s episode of Talk Story with Aunty Piilani, we follow the trail of candy bars, paper routes, and piggy banks as Aunty shares her earliest money memories—and the creative, scrappy ways she learned the value of a dollar. From selling fish to riding her bike through Keaukaha with the local newspaper, her entrepreneurial spirit shines. But it doesn’t stop there! Buckle up for some laugh-out-loud tales of brakeless car rides, and enjoy a special treat as Aunty strums her ʻukulele and attempts to sing “Manuela Boy.” This episode is full of mischief, music, and moments tha...
2025-04-2432 min
Talk Story with Aunty PiilaniEpisode 3: Hula MemoriesAs the Merrie Monarch Festival approaches, Aunty Piilani reflects on the legacy of hula in Keaukaha—beginning with her vivid memories of “Aunty Edith,” the beloved Edith Kanakaʻole. In this episode, she shares how Aunty Edith nurtured the children of Keaukaha through hula, language, and aloha, especially during one unforgettable post-WWII May Day celebration. From lei contests and lūʻau to lessons that lasted a lifetime, Aunty Piilani takes us back to the heart of her community. Along the way, she remembers other legendary kumu hula, including Rose Kuamoʻo, George Naʻope, Johnny Lum Ho—and even a surprise ap...
2025-04-1730 min
Talk Story with Aunty PiilaniEpisode 2: Laundry, Hijinks & U.S.E.D.Dive into a whirlwind of memories in this episode of Talk Story with Aunty Piilani, where we explore life's simpler yet spirited times. Join us as Aunty Piilani recounts the meticulous laundry rituals of the 1940s— a time when precision and patience were a daily necessity. We'll also sneak into tales of childhood mischief, from covert cigarette escapades to clubhouse capers with neighborhood friends. Through laughter and song, Aunty Piilani shares humorous and poignant neighborhood anthems that poke fun at everything from Primo beer to government projects. It's an episode that transports you to a world where teasing was al...
2025-04-0836 min
Talk Story with Aunty PiilaniEpisode 1: Keaukaha BeginningsStep back in time with Aunty Piilani as she shares her memories of growing up in Keaukaha, Hawaii. In this debut episode, Aunty Piilani takes us on a nostalgic journey through her youth on Hawaiian Homes land— from the carefree days of swimming at Awili Beach to her schooling in the 1940s at Keaukaha School. She paints a picture of a close-knit community where kids could muster a football team on a whim, where meals meant fresh catch or harvests, and where everyone shared a single party line phone. Join us to discover the simple joys and enduring spirit of...
2025-04-0228 min
Island BeatThe true Hawaiian story of 'The Wind and the Reckoning' with Jason Scott Lee and Lindsay WatsonThe Hawaii International Film Festival kicks off Nov. 3 with "The Wind and the Reckoning." The film centers on the real-life events of the 19th century leprosy outbreak and the events of the Koolau Rebellion in Hawaii. In this episode of Island Beat, Billy V talks to two of the movie's stars: Hawaii actors Jason Scott Lee, who plays Koolau, and Lindsay Watson, who plays Piilani. They share what it was like working on the movie and overcoming some challenges, including filming during the height of the pandemic and speaking in Olelo Hawaii.
2022-10-2729 min
The Cosmic Laundry PodcastThe 7 Goddesses: Which one are you?Join Gisele and Chantal in this episode to learn all about the 7 Goddess Archetypes: The Mystic, The Huntress, The Maiden, The Sage, The Queen, The Mother, and The Lover. This podcast was inspired by the upcoming Seven Sisters Archetype Workshop that Gisele will be co-hosting with Tahiti Kulia on November 19th and 20th.
Sign up for the virtual workshop
Order a Sol Guide
Follow the 7 Sisters:
@rootsrisingco
@tahitikulia
@danicaslattery
@chloepestana
@uilanitevega
@w_piilani
2022-10-151h 15
Can I Pet Your Dog?CIPYD 263: Kristen Torres and LucyWell hi! Just two one-take-wonders here, who've never once goofed, back for another show! ;) This week in Crumboaty Alexis says goodbye to Rooney and Renee is dipping her toe back into Tugboat daycare. We've got a fantastic My Mutt Minute from Piilani and her dog Kohai. Plus, Kristen Torres, one of the best producers and storytellers in the biz, is here to tell us all about her pup Lucy!
2020-11-1748 min
The EstherpreneurA Cleansed Temple is KeyDo you ever find yourself complaining a lot? Do you experience "Brain Fog"? Are you tired of just existing? Do you feel that there is more for you in life? Piilani Schneider, a fellow islander from Hawaii, discovered her purpose in life when she made her health a priority. Once she took charge of her own happiness by focusing on herself, she realized that we have more control of our life than we think we do. She nourished and detoxed herself, cleansed the nasty chemicals from the foods she was eating, and started eating an affordable organic food source; s...
2020-08-2840 min
The EstherpreneurA Cleansed Temple is KeyDo you ever find yourself complaining a lot? Do you experience "Brain Fog"? Are you tired of just existing? Do you feel that there is more for you in life? Piilani Schneider, a fellow islander from Hawaii, discovered her purpose in life when she made her health a priority. Once she took charge of her own happiness by focusing on herself, she realized that we have more control of our life than we think we do. She nourished and detoxed herself, cleansed the nasty chemicals from the foods she was eating, and started eating an affordable organic food source; s...
2020-08-2840 min
What The Trio?!Summer Series (EP4): Norwex with Piilani ErbeIn episode four of our Summer Series, Missy and Kidd sit down with Pi’ilani Erbe, an independent consultant with Norwex. We learn about safe cleaning products and some great options to utilize in the home while Missy recovers. Connect with Pi’i Erbe:Facebook: www.piilanierbe.norwex.biz Connect with the Show: Instagram: @whatthetriopodcast Facebook: What The Trio?! Website: www.whatthetriopodcast.com Venmo: @WhatTheTrioPodcast Help keep us ad-free. We’d appreciate it! Please rate and subscribe and don't forget to listen! Submit a...
2020-07-1419 min
Tapping Q & A - Getting the most out of tapping and EFTEFT Before, During, and After a Catastrophe w/ Gwenn BonnellSupport the podcast! EFT and tapping are powerful tools in the face of strong emotions in the moment. It is amazing how quickly we can feel better just by tapping without words as we are experiencing difficult or overwhelming feelings. Some events are so big, however, that they bring emotions that need be dealt with both before and afterwards and for these a more strategic plan is needed. Recently, Gwenn Bonnell and her family lived through a major hurricane. Knowing that the hurricane was coming meant they had to deal with the anxiety...
2017-11-0128 minUkulele Shopping Tips And Maui’s Dragons Teeth: Show 35The Hawaii Travel Podcast Show 35 for Tuesday August 27th 2013. On this episode we’ll yak it up while we uke it up. That’s right, its all about the ukulele. All that and more, on this episode of the Hawaii Travel Podcast.
Joanne wrote in with a question about ukuleles. She wrote…
Thanks for a great podcast. I will be visiting Oahu and the Big Island in November. I’m looking to upgrade my starter Ukulele. Do you have any recommendations on where to go for my next ukulele?
Thanks,
Joanne
Here...
2013-08-2725 min
Hawaiian Concert GuideHawaiian Concert Guide Show 156Aloha mai kakou,
Aloha Festivals Falsetto
Contest Winners, 8
This evening's podcast features the music of Eddie Kamae and the Sons of Hawaii, James Kimo West, John Pi'ilani Watkins, Elijah Isaac, Leokane Pryor and Darren Benitez. See the song list below for links to purchase their music.
Click here to hear this show:
Songs featured in this podcast include:
Kawika Slack Key Eddie Kamae And The Sons Of Hawai`i Yesterday & Today
Ka Lama `Ae One Eddie Kamae And The Sons Of Hawai`i Yesterday & Today
The Hawaiian Wedding Song (Ke...
2008-04-211h 14Hawaiian Concert GuideHawaiian Concert Guide Show 156Aloha mai kakou,
Aloha Festivals Falsetto
Contest Winners, 8
This evening's podcast features the music of Eddie Kamae and the Sons of Hawaii, James Kimo West, John Pi'ilani Watkins, Elijah Isaac, Leokane Pryor and Darren Benitez. See the song list below for links to purchase their music.
Click here to hear this show:
Songs featured in this podcast include:
Kawika Slack Key Eddie Kamae And The Sons Of Hawai`i Yesterday & Today
Ka Lama `Ae One Eddie Kamae And The Sons Of Hawai`i Yesterday & Today
The Hawaiian Wedding Song (Ke...
2008-04-211h 14