Above the Sides

The Spirit of Yes with Jay King

Episode Summary

In this episode, we sit down with Jay King, an action-oriented advocate who has dedicated his life to supporting veterans and other vulnerable communities in need. With his extensive experience in social services, Jay works with a spirit of "yes," helping individuals find housing, employment, and critical resources to rebuild their lives. His deep empathy and commitment shine through as he connects with those he serves, offering not just help, but heart and humanity in every interaction. Based in Honolulu, Hawaii, Jay’s work has a profound impact on both the local community and the lives of those he touches. Tune in to hear how he leads with care, gusto, and unwavering dedication to making a difference for each person he supports. Episode Highlights 0:24 Introduction to Jay 1:27 Inspiration from the Peaceful Warrior book 3:15 Family foundations in Hawaii 4:29 Moved to Hawaii in the early 2000s 5:23 "Give what you want to receive" 7:06 Working with everyday heroes 9:44 Veterans' services 10:42 The paradigm shift that encouraged him to enter the Marines 13:45 There are immense humanitarian needs here at home and social workers are real heroes 15:48 Aloha (and research) in action: Getting Michael a motorized wheelchair 20:13 Case workers need the autonomy to be impactful 20:58 Benefits of working for a congressional office - the power of YES 25:00 The value of individuals is not always quantified in systems 25:36 Choice 26:15 Civic entitlement vs. authentic need 27:18 Homeless services - the greatest work is what we don't see 27:55 What does a thriving Hawaii look like? Ending choicelessness, strong leadership, livable wages and affordable housing, allocates appropriate resources 34:17 Workforce development and addressing employment and housing barriers 36:18 Sustainable housing initiative for rapid rehousing 38:08 The rising tide doesn't life all boats 39:35 Miracle workers 42:21 Finding equilibrium between compassion, firmness and service 44:26 Workforce development: We need aloha to go from internet to interview

Episode Notes

In this episode, we sit down with Jay King, an action-oriented advocate who has dedicated his life to supporting veterans and other vulnerable communities in need. With his extensive experience in social services, Jay works with a spirit of "yes," helping individuals find housing, employment, and critical resources to rebuild their lives. His deep empathy and commitment shine through as he connects with those he serves, offering not just help, but heart and humanity in every interaction. Based in Honolulu, Hawaii, Jay’s work has a profound impact on both the local community and the lives of those he touches. Tune in to hear how he leads with care, gusto, and unwavering dedication to making a difference for each person he supports.

Episode Highlights

0:24 Introduction to Jay

1:27 Inspiration from the Peaceful Warrior book

3:15 Family foundations in Hawaii

4:29 Moved to Hawaii in the early 2000s

5:23 "Give what you want to receive"

7:06 Working with everyday heroes

9:44 Veterans' services

10:42 The paradigm shift that encouraged him to enter the Marines

13:45 There are immense humanitarian needs here at home and social workers are real heroes

15:48 Aloha (and research) in action: Getting Michael a motorized wheelchair

20:13 Case workers need the autonomy to be impactful

20:58 Benefits of working for a congressional office - the power of YES

25:00 The value of individuals is not always quantified in systems

25:36 Choice

26:15 Civic entitlement vs. authentic need

27:18 Homeless services - the greatest work is what we don't see

27:55 What does a thriving Hawaii look like? Ending choicelessness, strong leadership, livable wages and affordable housing, allocates appropriate resources

34:17 Workforce development and addressing employment and housing barriers

36:18 Sustainable housing initiative for rapid rehousing

38:08 The rising tide doesn't life all boats

39:35 Miracle workers

42:21 Finding equilibrium between compassion, firmness and service

44:26 Workforce development: We need aloha to go from internet to interview