Fascinating People

Shen Brown is a multiplatinum producer, lyricist, songwriter, vocalist, front man, and ukuleleist from Hawaii. He's a classmate of ours at 'Iolani School and someone we always knew had a thing for music. We just didn't know it would be THE thing. And look how far he's come.

He started his musical career in Japan when he met his partner Micro and formed the group “Def Tech”. Their 1st album “Def Tech” sold over 2 million copies. Between 2005 and 2006, Def Tech’s 3 album releases sold over 5,000,000 copies.

In 2008, Shen released his first solo album “SOLAIRO” and collaborated with popular Hawaiian artists such as Jake Shimabukuro, KONISHIKI and others by participating in their albums and performing at their concerts.

Along with 8 critically acclaimed albums, Def Tech’s songs have also been used for numerous commercial tie ups with major corporations such as Sony Ericsson, Fuji Television, Yokohama Tires, Toyota, and The Red Cross Japan.

Shen also regularly heads collaborations with top level artists and creators through his new creative collective project “ALOHA DAMASHII”, and also tours throughout Japan, Asia, and Hawaii playing some of the largest venues in the regions.

On this episode, we talk story with Shen about where he gets his inspiration and motivation, what advice he would give to artists just getting started, the benefits of conscious breathing, how to find balance and peace in life, and many more fascinating topics. Shen had a lot of perspective and wisdom to share, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

On this episode of Fascinating People, we speak with Dr. Thomas Lee. Born and raised in Hawai'i, Dr. Lee has a Masters in Public Health in Epidemiology along with a PhD in Epidemiology from the University of Hawai'i at Manao. Dr. Thomas Lee also is a forecaster for HI-EMA or Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and has been frequently interviewed by local and national news outlets during the COVID-19 pandemic. In short, he's one of the go-to people for the facts and forecasts about COVID-19 in Hawai'i. He's also a U.S. Army reservist, an avid crossfit trainer, and a father of a baby girl.

In our talk with Dr. Lee, we discuss a wide range of issues around COVID-19 to get a clearer picture of where we're headed and what we can do on both individual and collective levels to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. No matter where you stand on vaccines, masks, and mandates, you'll want to listen to this episode to learn what you need to know about COVID-19 right now.

*This podcast was recorded on December 31, 2021.

Hosts: Cliff Hsia and Derek Kamm

On this episode of Fascinating People, Derek and I spoke with Alex Kinsey, singer, songwriter, and just a really interesting guy. We talk about a range of topics including the ups and downs of fame, the joy of performing—and cooking, and the importance of authenticity in music and life. 

Ladies and gentlemen, Alex Kinsey: 

Born in Daytona Beach, Alex Kinsey is a singer/songwriter best known as one half of X Factor winning duo, Alex & Sierra.

After winning the US talent competition in 2013, the duo went on to have two successful albums and three successful tours. In 2017, Alex formed the band BoTalks. Their first single ‘Know U Anymore’ with Modern Family's Sarah Hyland was a breakout hit, with over five million streams and two-and-a-half million plays.

In 2019, Alex launched his solo career with the edgy, raw pop track 'Simple'. Produced by Johan Lindbrandt, and written by Lindbrandt and Jackson Morgan, Simple was released independently through Alex’s own label ‘Kinsey’.

Of this next chapter, Alex said: “I’ve been so fortunate to have an already varied career in music, but it feels like now’s the time to step out from behind the safety of a band and show who I am as a solo artist. I can't wait to see where my own music can take me.” Alex released his solo EP ‘Party of One’ in 2019.

Collectively, Alex has over 450 million plays on Spotify and 170 million views on YouTube. 'Party of One’ features an eclectic mix of genres including his first single, infectious, dark hit ‘Simple’ and lead single, sexy sultry tune ‘Hot Mess’.

Influenced by John Mayer, Andy Grammer, The Beatles, and his friend Jason Mraz, Alex’s music is a mix of pop, hip-hop and his own style that has already shown to resonate with audiences around the world, and leave them wanting more.

Dustin Reynolds is the first double amputee to sail solo around the world. It took him almost 8 years, multiple restarts, a global pandemic, encounters with pirates, near financial poverty, broken boats, and not to mention all his blood, sweat, and tears to get through his crazy journey. Dustin is an inspiration for all. 

His motorcycle accident by a drunk driver could have been the beginning of his end. But it was just the beginning of all the amazing adventures that would be in store for Dustin. Without an arm and a leg, Dustin pretty much hit rock bottom in 2008, but it was only up from there. 

With a dream and a boat, Dustin set sail from Kona, Hawaii to sail over 30,000 miles and visit over 30 countries over the course of almost 8 years, all by himself. This man has been through many literal and figurative storms in his life, and he's made it out alive and even better. You can see all his articles and photos on his blog at singlehandedsailor.com and also make sure to follow his Instagram @thesinglehandedsailor

Sit back, relax, and get ready to be inspired by Dustin's story and how you can make your dream a reality, no matter how big or crazy it might be. 

Hosts: Cliff Hsia and Derek Kamm

Dr. Paige Yang is back on the Fascinating People podcast for another interview with Derek Kamm and Cliff Hsia. This time, Dr. Paige Yang speaks specifically about acupuncture and how it works, her unique approach to helping her patients heal themselves, how she empowers her son to make good decisions, the importance of being in nature every day, and how and why she gives back to the people in her community. 

Originally from Hawai'i, Dr. Yang started her quest to become a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) during her junior year abroad in Hangzhou, China. She studied one-on-one with a TCM doctor and learned the fundamentals of Chinese medicine. After graduating from college, she then spent a second year in China, it was only when she was frequently sick and seeking out TCM for her own care that she knew she wanted to be a doctor of Chinese Medicine. With that clarity, Paige returned to the United States and received both her Master’s and Doctorate degrees at American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco. She now specializes in women’s health, including fertility, emotional health, and facial rejuvenation and has a thriving traditional Chinese medicine practice in Kailua, Hawai'i.

Information about services and products by Dr. Paige Yang is here: https://paigeyangacupuncture.com and here: https://www.yangface.com

Hosts: Cliff Hsia and Derek Kamm

Heather Greenwood Davis is a truly fascinating person. Heather's parents immigrated from Jamaica to Canada, where she currently still resides. She is a mother, a lawyer turned writer, storyteller, world traveler, on-air personality, and a keynote speaker. In 2011, her family of four went on a round the world trip through 29 countries on 6 continents and she wrote about it on her website GlobetrottingMama.com. In 2012, her family was recognized as National Geographic Traveler's Travelers of the Year.

Heather Greenwood Davis is currently a Contributing Writer and on-air storyteller for National Geographic and a Feature Writer with The Globe and Mail. Her work appears regularly in a host of national and international publications. And her words and opinions have been featured in spaces ranging from O Magazine to NPR.

In this podcast, we speak with her on a range of topics including her journey to becoming a travel writer and Mom, how to approach life with joy and wonder, and how to own and share your voice. Heather also shares some great stories about her travels with her kids, how she's raised her sons to be empathetic and kind human beings, and what her advice would be to people trying to find their true path in life. 

This week's episode of Fascinating People is an interview with Cliff Hsia, co-host of Fascinating People.

Cliff Hsia is a realtor, marketer, podcaster, and writer. During his over 17-year corporate marketing career in China and the Bay Area, California, Cliff worked for companies including Alibaba, Cisco, and Google. In 2014 and 2015, Cliff's family went on a gap year of world travel in more than a dozen countries with short-term study abroad experiences for their two daughters in Guatemala, Taiwan, China, Thailand, and Spain. Cliff Hsia is originally from Honolulu, Hawaii where he graduated from 'Iolani School. He has a Bachelors of Arts in International Economics from UCLA and studied abroad in Tokyo, Japan at Sophia University.

On this podcast, Cliff Hsia talks about growing up in Chinatown of Honolulu, Hawaii, how some timely interventions have helped change the trajectory of his life, and how lucky he was to receive the Stone Scholarship to attend 'Iolani School. Cliff also shares how he traveled the world together with his family to 25 countries on 4 continents, how he's overcome various obstacles and setbacks in his life, and he gives his perspective on happiness, grace, discipline, and freedom. Cliff Hsia's mantras for life are live abundantly, love your journey, and be present with aloha.

Listen to Cliff's interview on Fascinating People to learn how he strives to live a full and present life of joy and wonder, each and every day.

Since June 2018, Noel Harmon has been the President and Executive Director of Asian Pacific Islander American Scholars or APIA Scholars, which is the largest non-profit organization that provides college scholarships to APIA students in financial need. The numbers are impressive: 7,200 scholars have been awarded since 2003, 65% are first generation college students, 70% live below or at the poverty line. With an annual portfolio of $15 million with a staff of about 15 people, over $150 million in scholarships awarded in total to date.

Prior to APIA Scholars, Noel Harmon worked as the Senior Vice President for Strategic Partnerships for Yes to Education. She spent the first decade of her career in direct service to students, working in administration at Hofstra University, University of Michigan, Western Illinois University, and four years in Athletic Student Services at the University of Iowa. Noel Harmon holds a PhD in Higher Education and a BA in English from the University of Iowa, and a MA in Student Affairs Administration from Ball State University.

Noel Harmon is also a mother to a beautiful daughter, wife to retired NFL player Ronnie Harmon, and a Korean adoptee who was mostly raised in Iowa of the United States.

In our conversation, we talked about Noel's journey starting all the way back from when she was a baby born in Daegu, South Korea, how her unique background and experiences have shaped her lens and perspective in addressing social and racial inequities, what it takes to lead a thriving non-profit scholarship organization, and how she stays present in her daily life. We were inspired by the drive, passion, and wisdom that Noel has for life, leadership, and education—and hope you will, too.

Hosts: Cliff Hsia and Derek Kamm

On this week's episode of Fascinating People, Derek and I decided to switch things up and interview each other. First up, Derek.

Where should I start with Derek Kamm? First off, I know Derek as a classmate at 'Iolani School in Hawaii. Derek was on the school's chess team and was an avid surfer outside of school. It wasn't until our 15th year high school reunion did Derek and I reconnect and develop a friendship that has grown wonderfully over the years. We've connected over long and deep discussions about family, fatherhood, faith, philosophy, relationships, real estate, and now our collaboration for this podcast Fascinating People.

So, a little bit about Derek Kamm. According to Newsweek's ranking of America's Best Realtors in 2020 for Hawaii, Derek and his team Kamm & Partners of Coldwell Banker ranked in the top 5 in total sales volume. I've participated in some of his coaching sessions and team meetings and it's no surprise that he's been successful with his real estate practice in Oahu. He leads with expertise, empathy, and authenticity. Derek has a bachelors of arts from the University of Hawaii and previously worked in sales for Marriott. Derek is many things to many people, whether it's a realtor, coach, business consultant, or a teacher. He's also a loving husband and father. I consider him to be a great friend, mentor, and partner.

In this episode, we talk story and go deep into Derek's mindset, values, and daily schedule. You'll learn what it takes to not only be successful at business, but also in life. You'll learn the importance of faith, family, and time for yourself. This is one podcast that you'll want to listen to until the end, and on repeat. I've learned so much from Derek over the years, and I hope you will too with this podcast.

Dr. Paige Yang, founder of Paige Yang Acupuncture and Yang Face, started her quest to become a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) during her junior year abroad in Hangzhou, China. She studied one-on-one with a TCM doctor and learned the fundamentals of Chinese medicine. After graduating from college, she then spent a second year in China, and it was only when she was frequently sick and seeking out TCM for her own care that she knew she wanted to be a doctor of Chinese medicine. With that clarity, Paige returned to the United States and received both her Master’s and Doctorate degrees at American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco. She now specializes in women’s health, including fertility, emotional health, and facial rejuvenation and has a thriving traditional Chinese medicine practice in Kailua, Hawai'i. 

In this podcast, we talk about Dr. Yang's journey to traditional Chinese medicine, how healing is achieved through TCM and acupuncture, the stigmas and biases around TCM, and simple daily tweaks and rituals that may just change your life. After listening to this talk, your perspective of healthcare and healing may never be the same—and that might be a good thing. 

Hosts: Cliff Hsia and Derek Kamm

On this episode of Fascinating People, we speak with Clarice Casamina. She has a bachelors of arts in marketing from George Washington University and is currently a loan officer and director of sales and marketing at House of Finance in Hawaii. She's one of the top producers of residential loans in Hawaii and has propelled House of Finance to become Oahu’s #1 producer of USDA loans. The USDA loan program was designed to help provide opportunities for people who normally cannot receive a traditional mortgage. House of Finance is a thriving family business in Hawaii and Clarice is proud to carry on her father's legacy to be of service to their community. Oh and by the way, she's a mother of a beautiful daughter.

In our chat with Clarice, we opened some wine bottles and had an open and honest discussion of how she helps families become homeowners through her practice, how her family's humble beginnings have shaped who she is today, and the importance of giving back to her community. We also go deep into important topics like finances, family, values, and philanthropy.

Hosts: Cliff Hsia and Derek Kamm

Marc Pomerleau is a certified professional co-active coach, strategy consultant, speaker, facilitator, designer of live experiences, and writer and producer of short films. Marc's most recent project is his short film "Seeking Home." The film follows Marc's personal exploration of Asian identity, San Francisco Chinatown, the Asian American experience, and the desire that resides in all of us to discover who we are and what it means to be home. Marc previously worked as an executive in creative and experience design agencies. He has a masters in arts in Asian Studies and International Economics from John Hopkins University and studied abroad at Beijing University and National Taiwan University. 

With so many insights into the psyche and situation of Asians in America, Marc shared with us some deeply personal stories about how his awakening came to be and how he has made it his mission to empower others to become the best versions of themselves.

Hosts: Cliff Hsia and Derek Kamm

On this episode of Fascinating People, Cliff Hsia and Derek Kamm speak with Jordi Lippe-McGraw. She's a travel writer, certified holistic health coach, wife, and mother. Jordi's career actually started out in the entertainment industry. For almost ten years, she worked as an entertainment reporter where she was spotted on red carpets, fancy parties, and with A-list celebrities. She was frequent guest on the Wendy Williams talk show and was even interviewed on CNN for the story she broke about Stormy Daniels and Donald Trump. But she got tired of writing and talking about other people's lives rather than living her own life. So she quit, started traveling, and started writing about it. Her work has been featured on Conde Nast Traveler, Travel Leisure, the New York Times and more. Since then, she's refocused her life on health, wellness, and happiness—and is helping others along their journeys back to their true selves.

Hosts: Cliff Hsia and Derek Kamm

Listen to Cliff Hsia's and Derek Kamm's Fascinating People podcast with Cindy Villanueva. She is the author of Don't Fight Mad, A Black Belt's Quest to Recapture Joy. Through deeply personal stories, Cindy shares how martial arts became a metaphor for recapturing her strength, identity, and joy. In her book, she offers a candid and authentic blueprint for those who long to rekindle the wonder of a well-lived existence. Cindy has been through it all. After rejecting Stanford for UCLA, she subsequently dropped out of university to give birth to her daughter at age 19. Whether it was through domestic abuse, adultery, embezzlement, two divorces, and many other personal setbacks, Cindy found a renewed joy for life through her faith, family, martial arts, education, and teaching. Join us as we hear Cindy's inspiring message of fighting for joy and living in grace.

Hosts: Cliff Hsia and Derek Kamm

Join Cliff Hsia and Derek Kamm on this week's Fascinating People podcast with Anthony Provenzano. He is a Senior Vice President with Cushman & Wakefield ChaneyBrooks, which is the oldest commercial real estate firm in Hawaii. Anthony is one of the top producers for commercial real estate in Hawaii and has earned several accolades for his work including the #1 broker in 2019 at Cushman & Wakefield Hawaii. Anthony's path to success wasn't an easy one. After the passing of his father when he was 14 years old, he was in and out of foster homes and lived on the streets of East Oahu until he was 17 years old, not knowing where his next meal was going to come from or where he was going to sleep at night. He eventually earned his G.E.D. and graduated from the University of Hawaii with a business and finance major in 2008. Now, he's a husband, father, brother, big-wave rider, and world traveler.

Hosts: Cliff Hsia and Derek Kamm