Media, Mentorship, and Meaning—Guiding the Next Generation of Storytellers with John Allen

In this interview with storyteller John Allen, we explore his evolution from a young teen captivated by the power of cinema to an educator inspiring the next generation of creators. John reflects on his early experiences in media, the challenges of working in news straight out of high school, and the "no brainer" decision that led him to a fulfilling career in teaching students on Oʻahu’s west side. With over 30 years of shaping a unique and thriving media program, he shares the highs and lows of his journey as a creative, and the inextricable link between teaching and his creativity.

John's insights offer a glimpse into the power of storytelling, the impact of mentorship, and his dedication to empowering young creatives.

MUDRA LOVE: You mentioned loving storytelling, especially watching people experience stories unfold on screen. What about that felt special and unique to you?

JOHN ALLEN: I just thought it was cool to see how people reacted to my ideas.  It was fun to bring joy or awareness in people.

ML: How did those same feelings translate to a career in media?

JA: I really didn’t plan to have a career in media. I guess I just found I was pretty good at building a vision and executing a plan that brought that vision to life. Next thing I know people were excited to see what I was creating.

ML: What shows or films captivated you in high school? Were there any that left a lasting impression?

JA: I’m a huge Star Wars fan, I guess I love universe building. It was such a different time too, shows and movies were very big events. I really liked the spectacle of it all back then.

ML: Landing a job at KGMB right out of high school is an incredible start. What were those first few years like for you?

JA: It was rough. I really was blessed to have people who pulled me in and allowed me to grow into the job. I was not prepared for the rigor of daily news and being thrust into it was, as my boss would say, “trial by fire”. I was working overnights for the first 6 months which was good and bad.

ML: Did your school education prepare you for your profession?

JA: Yes and no. Our program at the time was in it’s infancy and the skills I had learned were enough to get me in the door. I always attribute my time at KGMB as my real college education.

ML: In what ways did your education help you, and where did you find yourself scrambling to learn on the spot?

JA: The few things that kept me going was my thirst for learning, some relationship building skills and just sheer determination. I would go and sit with every department in that station - sales, marketing, production, sports, admin - and just ask a thousand questions. I just wanted to know how it all worked. Along the way I picked up more and more tricks and my knowledge/relationships at the station really helped me move up quickly.

ML: You had the potential for a lucrative career in news, but you chose to teach at Waianae High School when the opportunity arose. What about this opportunity resonated with you more than a corporate career path?

JA: Honestly, it was a no brainer. A corporate career could have been financially rewarding but I never wanted that. I wanted to do something I enjoyed and teaching others how to tell stories really resonated with me. The fact that I got to do it back at home in Waianae was a bonus. I think if I grew up in this generation I probably would've had a Youtube channel.

ML: Can you tell us about the program you currently teach to students on the west side? What makes it unique?

JA: How much space do you have?  At the core of our program are three majors - video/journalism, photography, graphic design. We have layered in several community outreach programs, high school and college internships, retail and service work based learning opportunities. I think what makes it super unique is that we’ve been able to build and maintain a level of excellence for over 30 years. It’s a testament to the work students who year in and year out.

ML: We all face crossroads in life. Can you share one you had to face in your career?

JA: I reached a point where I was not doing anything creatively for myself. I had put all my efforts into building our educational program, and I was not feeling fulfilled. I thought it might be because I was burned out. Ultimately, Covid came around and I found my love for creating again during the pandemic.  I tell people that if it were not for the break, I probably would've quit. But since I was able to start creating for myself again, I found joy in helping others learn again.

ML: What do you think the youth would miss out on if the program you teach didn’t exist?

JA: That’s hard to answer. It wouldn’t be the same obviously. I really think it’s a collective effort—there’s so many people that have helped us along the way that without them things would be drastically different.

ML: Turning art into a profession can sometimes dampen the passion we have for it. How do you keep your creative energy alive?

JA: I thrive on this idea.  Honestly if I’m not creating for myself I have a harder time teaching.  I think students can see the joy and passion I have for my work and I tell them I want that same pride and passion for them.

ML: Social media has reshaped the media industry. What are some of its positive and negative impacts, and how do you guide your students in navigating it effectively?

JA: It’s a double edged sword. It’s given more opportunities to more people and basically destroyed others' confidence or ability to operate freely without judgement.  There’s so much nuance to navigate that most people are overwhelmed. Also, it’s very addictive.

ML: If you could choose one superhero power, what would it be and why?

JA: The power to manipulate time. I just want more time to do more things. It would be great not to have to worry about deadlines too.

ML: What’s next for you? What projects or goals are you most excited about?

JA: Just continue to grow the program. My role is also transitioning into more of an administrator one as well.  We have the foundation that we created, and now we can reach many more students and create more exciting opportunities for them to engage and grow.