How Hawaiʻi's Great Teachers Keep Learning, Growing, and Changing Lives

Defeating Can't Podcast

Defeating Can't Podcast
How Hawaiʻi's Great Teachers Keep Learning, Growing, and Changing Lives
Jul 31, 2026
Andy Bestwick

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In this episode of Defeating CAN'T, we share the inspiring story of the Hawaiʻi Great Teachers Seminar, a unique retreat that brings together some of Hawaiʻi's most dedicated and accomplished University of Hawaiʻi educators for a week of learning, reflection, and community.

Although the Spirit of CAN. team wasn't able to attend in person, we were honored to support the seminar by sending every participant a CAN. beanie and our CAN. Goal Cards. What began as a simple care package became a meaningful connection with a community of educators who believe the best teachers never stop learning.

Join us for a conversation with seminar leaders Erin Thompson and Amy Shiroma as we explore why investing in educators matters, how great teachers inspire one another, and the ripple effect they create in the lives of their students and communities.

If this episode inspires you and you'd like to support the Hawaiʻi Great Teachers Seminar, you can make a donation here:

Support the Hawaiʻi Great Teachers Seminar

Mahalo for listening, and as always, keep defeating CAN'T.

I also removed "that" from "believe that the best teachers..." because it reads a little more naturally.

Visit our store: Spirit of CAN.
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Remember, the discussions and concepts discussed in this podcast are for informational purposes only. If the 'can't" in your mind ever becomes too much, we encourage you to consult with a qualified professional. CAN. Ask for Help.

Episode Artwork How Hawaiʻi's Great Teachers Keep Learning, Growing, and Changing Lives 53:35 Episode Artwork Keali'i Fathers Day 26:29 Episode Artwork Defeating CAN’T: CAN. THRIVE Series – Ep. 7 | Filtering CAN'T in High-Pressure Moments 19:13 Episode Artwork A Father, A Son, and the Andes: Defeating Can't One Mile at a Time 29:44 Episode Artwork Stefan Gaar, Pt. 2 — 220-Day Check-In: Cycling Across Asia 20:23 Episode Artwork Finding the Glide: Sonny Cruz and the Moloka‘i Hoe - Paddling the World Championships 22:23 Episode Artwork Defeating CAN’T: CAN. THRIVE Series – Ep. 6 | Staying Positive When Others Aren’t: Mindset, Energy & Workplace Culture 22:51 Episode Artwork CAN. THRIVE Series – Ep. 5 | Just Start: The Power of First Steps and Forward Momentum 16:24 Episode Artwork CAN. THRIVE Series – Ep. 4 | Creating a Vision: Anchoring Your Life with Purpose 23:28 Episode Artwork CAN. THRIVE Series – Ep. 2 | Fixed vs. Growth Mindset: How to Catch Yourself in the Act 24:08 Episode Artwork CAN. THRIVE Series – Ep.3 | Resistance, Avoidance & Procrastination: Why We All Do It (and How to Push Through) 20:25 Episode Artwork CAN. THRIVE Series – Ep. 1 | What Does Well-being Really Mean? 21:51 Episode Artwork Kaya Waldman: Sleighing Giants at Nazaré 35:21 Episode Artwork Stefan Gaar: A Journey to Cycle Across Seven Continents 21:23 Episode Artwork Coach Jason Carnegie: My Performance Coach 43:49 Episode Artwork Teacher Jenna Katlin: The I CAN. Jar 26:18 Episode Artwork Kevin Mokuahi: What's your mountain? 38:57 Episode Artwork Denise MacDonald: A champion chasing down criminals and change 28:34 Episode Artwork Chris Simpson: His template to transcend addiction 33:46 Episode Artwork Franci: The fight of her life for mental healthcare 37:47 Episode Artwork Pohaku & Olivia: Leave your comfort zone NOW 36:10 Episode Artwork Makani Taniguchi: How we help kids on Kauai 32:45 Episode Artwork Kealii AKA Hawaiian: Shares his dreams and music 27:47 Episode Artwork Introduction: Defeating can't journey 2:38