Inside the Desert Oasis Room

Today we chat with Clive Farrington, original founder, member, writer and lead singer of the 80's new wave band, When in Rome! Join me and our friend Shaun Moffett to learn about his start in music, stories from the When in Rome heyday and what he's doing today! On the web: @wheninrome.uk To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

Today we chat with Lady Layrite, Francesca Po along with Justin and Malia Lawrence of Makanalani, makers of fine Aloha wear! On the web: @fancy_po and @aloha.makanalani www.shopmakanalani.com Use code "20polynesianpop" to save 20% site wide until September 1, 2026 (Not combinable with any other discounts). To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

Today we chat with Erica Luera and Boris Hamilton. Erica is a lead bartender at Strongwater, a craft cocktail bar in Anaheim, Ca and we are joined by our friend Boris Hamilton to talk about cocktails, funny and sexy bar stories and more! To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

Today we are welcomed into The Shag House in Palm Springs, CA to visit with Josh Agle aka The Artist Shag and Brandon McBurney owner of The Shag House! Learn aboudt Shag's art background and how he and Brandon approached the design and build of The Shag House! On the web: @theartistshag www.shag.com @theshaghouse www.theshaghouse.com To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

Today we stop by Tiki Teddy's LA Art Studio to chat with Alex Angeles aka "Tiki Teddy!" Teddy is a talented artist and sign painter who's work harkens back to the golden age of artistic hand painted signs. Hear about how he got started, what the hand-painted sign making world looks like in the midst of AI and much, much more! On the web: @teddystiki www.tikiteddy.com

Today we are joined by Nick Petty, Shaun Moffett and Nick Papadakis to reflect on the LA Fires that ravaged the Pacific Palisades and Alta Dena neighborhoods in January of 2025. Hear experiences from 3 different perspectives: An Alta Dena resident who lost his home, a first responder who helped with the fire-fighting and recovery effort and a volunteer who helped with managing donations and aid from and for the communities affected the most. To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

Today we are joined Ash Tsai, Jason Markoff and Frank Merle, the lead actors and director of the new movie Namaka! We chat about the making of the movie, our interpretations of the story and more! Warning: Spoilers ahead! From IMDb: "A musician on a tropical vacation meets an extraordinary young woman who may be much more than she appears."  For information on where to watch the film, go to www.namakamovie.com To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

On this episode we are joined by The Bash Royal Court including Lyric Reverie (Queen of the Bash), Sweet Darlin' Marie (Princess of the Bash), Siren (Lady of The Bash), along with the pageant producer and reigning Lady Layrite, Francesca Po! To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

Today we chat with Mitchell Yee, Michael Gall and Eddie Agin, all of them former skippers from the Jungle Cruise attraction at Disneyland in Anaheim, California! Hear some fun behind the scenes stories of their time on the Jungle Cruise as well as Indiana Jones Adventure and the Enchanted Tiki Room!  To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

On this episode we chat with author, bartender and cocktail historian, Martin Tummino! Learn about his path to cocktailing and becoming a multi-published author of cocktail books in Latin America! To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

On this episode we chat with glamour photographer Susana Vestige about her new book, 20 Years of Modern Pinup! To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

Today we chat with Steve and Grace Ewald, the founders and proprietors of spirits brand, Kavahol! Kavahol is a zero proof kava based spirit that works equally well in any tropical cocktail as many of their spirited counterparts. Hear Steve and Grace's journey to creating Kavahol and how Kavahol fills a new market niche in the zero spirits cocktail scene! To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

Today we bring you Henrik Van Ryzin aka VanTiki from his "Made in Hawaii" symposium at this year's Tiki in Waikiki Weekender in Oahu, Hawaii. This is the audio piece from his fun and fascinating symposium, telling the story of his upbringing on the island of Oahu and how his art journey ultimately led to him making custom tiki mugs from the mainland state of Oregon! To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

On this episode, we are joined by Elle Festin, tattoo artist, cultural revivalist and founder of Spiritual Journey Tattoo. We chat about traditional Filipino tattooing methods and hear stories from his journey to the village of Buscalan, high in the Philippine mountains to meet with the legendary Whang Od; at 107, the oldest tattoo artist in the world and last traditional tattoo artist of the Kalinga tribe.  To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

Today we chat with Sweet Lou Montague and Harry Le Djangles of the iconic Southern California party band The Dirty Lowdown! Hear their origin story and learn about both of their platinum level award winning musical backgrounds, ranging from hip-hop's Cypress Hill to Latin boy band sensations Mermelada! To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

On this episode, we come to you live from Tiki in Waikiki during Skull and Crown's pop-up from Don the Beachcomber's Tribute Treehouse at the International Marketplace in Waikiki Beach for what may very well be the first full length podcast recorded from this historic banyan tree! To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

On this episode, we are joined by Francesca Po, PhD in Religious Studies and Kristine Angeles, apprentice at Spiritual Journey Tattoo to chat about traditional Filipino tattooing methods, history, practices and more! To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

On this episode, we chat with our friends Maria Cabrero and Israel Orellana from Cocomama Tiki Room in Cozumel, Mexico! And joining us is Kim Brandi owner and founder of Deadhead Rum! We talk about tiki culture in Mexico, the similarities between Polynesian and Mayan art and culture, and little tease about their upcoming festival, Creepy Tiki, happening at the end of October! To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

On this episode, we chat with our friend Fini! Fini is the producer of the upcoming documentary "Cabali and the Tiki Mug Obsession" a movie about tiki mugs, mug making and collecting. We chat about how the movie came to fruition and how he got started on his own tiki mug obsession!  To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

On this episode, we chat with Skip Heller. Skip is an exotica musician and the front man of Skip Heller's Voodoo 5. We chat about his musical roots dating back to his youth in Philadelphia, his thoughts, origin and philosophy on exotica music, and the future of his band Voodoo 5! To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

On this episode, we chat with Mark Riddle. You might better know Mark under his stage pseudonym, Marty Lush! On this episode we chat about his musical background, his journey into exotica music and how he got started playing the vibes, his radio show and podcast The Quiet Village and his new album, Lahaina Sunset!  To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

On this episode, we chat with artist David Gambale. You might have seen David's work at Tiki Kon or other tiki events but his most prolific piece was the album cover for Licensed to Ill for the Beastie Boys. Learn about David's journey from art school through today and hear the fascinating story of how he got hired to paint the Licensed to Ill album cover and what became of the art after the album became one of hip-hop's most iconic releases! To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

Today we chat with Jayme Lynn Blaschke! Jayme is a tiki enthusiast and YouTuber out of New Braunfels, Texas who makes instructional videos on lamp building, cocktails, tiki carving and more. We talk about how he got started in tiki and YouTube, his building and production process, and what's in store for his channel! To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

Today we chat with Duke and Lola Bossanova of the YouTube Channel, Bossanova Life! If you've ever thought about getting started in content creation, this episode is for you! We talk about what it's like to start, develop and maintain a YouTube channel, our favorite fellow YouTubers, we share our experiences in content creation, as well as lessons we learned the hard way (over the years)!   To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop  

Today we chat with Nick Petty aka Echo Island Tiki and talk about building home tiki bars, our favorite defunct watering holes, thrifting vintage glassware and barware, his approach to cocktails, and much, much more!  To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

On this episode we record a podcast during our Inland Empire Home Tiki Bar Crawl right here Inside the Desert Oasis Room for the upcoming documentary film, Talking Tiki. Join us from an impromptu session with The River Kai, The Chi Chi Lounge, Artist Brad Ableson, Echo Island Tiki, the Deep Sea Divers and much, much more! To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

Today we chat with the team behind the Fugu Lounge. Our friends Steve and Dana of the Fugu Lounge talk about their use of EVA foam to create south seas inspired works of art that mimic raw, natural materials. Learn about their motivation for thinking outside the box to bring these unique and creative pieces to life! And joining us is our friend and Tiki-Ti regular, Flashblend Tiki, jumping in with his own variations of Tiki-Ti's tropical cocktails!  To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

Today we chat with tiki collector and craftsman, Robert Miller. Robert is the builder, owner and proprietor of The River Kai, a hidden, tropical paradise he built himself in the wilds of Riverside. We chat about what it took to build The River Kai, home tiki bar projects, home bartending and much, much more! On Social Media: @theriverkai Watch a walkthrough of The River Kai: https://youtu.be/ROkvI4CyEnw To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

Today we chat with artist and carver Vic Hernandez at his art ranch in Pinion Hills, California! Vic is most notably known for his large, detailed tiki carvings, having carved the tikis and moldings in the recently remodeled Royal Hawaiian in Laguna Beach. Learn about his upbringing and background in art, his art inspirations, the future tiki bar projects he's working on, and how you too can get some of his amazing art! On Social Media: @_vics_art_ Watch the vlog we recorded: https://youtu.be/gEWvGP5x-lQ?si=Uk6qlTiQibjDEja7 To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

Today we chat with burlesque performers Miss Spent Youth and Jessabelle Thunder! Both of which, will be performing at this year's Hollywood Burlesque Festival! Get to know them on a deeper level as we play a round-robin game of questions along with a special guest cameo by our friend Gustavo Rojas of Frogtown Brewery! And get all the details for the upcoming Hollywood Burlesque Festival as we play this game! To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

Today we chat with Asali Echols, Casey Beck, Chris Wooten and Alex Nisnevich, the team behind the upcoming documentary film, "Talking Tiki!" Learn about what's in store with this exciting film, what they've learned about the tiki subculture on this journey, how it's changed who they and hear some behind the scenes info about when this film gets released! On the web: www.talkingtikifilm.com @talkingtikifilm To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

Today we chat with Bryan Inman. You might know Bryan by his pseudonym, The Rum Champion, a rum enthusiast and educator who runs The Rum Curious Club, a monthly meetup where he hosts rum tastings at various bars across Southern California! On this episode, we share our very candid and sometimes controversial opinions on rum, cocktails, spirits snobbery and more! To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

Today we chat with Jeremy Floyd and Alex Lamb. Jeremy is the voice, producer and historian behind Distinguished Spirits a channel that deep-dives into classic and obscure cocktails, and Alex is the co-director of The Donn of Tiki, a documentary about the Godfather of Tiki, Ernest Gannt aka Don the Beachcomber! To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

On this episode we chat with Chad Yoho! Chad is Southern California face of Kuleana Rumworks, makers of world class spirits from estate-grown heirloom sugarcane on the big island of Hawaii. Learn about Chad's path to Kuleana from working hospitality in Northern California to working summers in Maui and finding his way back to the mainland! To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

Today we welcome our friend David Badgerow for a return visit Inside the Desert Oasis Room, and with a cameo by his partner Jess! David is the host and producer of the fun and always entertaining "Cocktail Fridays" channel on YouTube so on this episode, we naturally chat about all things rum and cocktails!    To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

On this episode we chat with Justin Peterson, Art Director of 23 Restaurants. Recorded on location from Tiki Oasis in San Diego, we sit down with Justin to recap our sold out Don the Beachcomber panel for those that couldn't attend. Get all the details of the upcoming Don the Beachcomber brand of restaurants from its upcoming locations to its future plans! To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

On this episode we chat with Kent Thompson! Kent has influenced and created cocktails for some of the best spots in the LA area, including Tasting Kitchen, Grain, Here's Looking at You and currently runs the bar program at Isla in Santa Monica. And joining us for this session is our old friend Boris Hamilton, a fan-favorite of the show and our first ever guest on the podcast! To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

On this episode we are joined by Ken & Heather Pleasant. Heather is the granddaughter of the famous furniture manufacturer William Westenhaver of Witco fame and Ken, her husband, was trained by Wil himself and has been manufacturing and restoring furniture and art in that same style for the last 2 decades. We chat about all things Witco, including the history, legacy and future of the business and even give you tips on how to authenticate that Witco piece you stumble upon! To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

Today we join our friends Brandon & Kim Grilc, owners of The Kazan Room, Kobe Japan's first and only tiki bar! Hear what brought them from Portland, Oregon to Kobe, Japan and what it took to open their bar, what the cocktail scene is like, the differences in culture, palates and ingredients, and where you can see and possibly sample more from the Kazan Room right here in the United States! To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

On this episode we chat with Marie King! Join us as we learn about her ecclectic background, her start as a hostess at Jolly Roger to the moment where she almost left hospitality altogether to join the medical industry and the full circle story to her becoming the new Director of Beverage for the upcoming launch of the iconic, Don the Beachcomber brand and their new chain of restaurants! To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

Today we welcome the boys from Don Papa Rum- Tomas De Los Reyes and Ben Rojo! Tomas is a bartender, artist and DJ, and one of the founders of Jeepney in New York City. And also from New York comes Ben Rojo, mixologist extraordinaire and founder of Black Emperor Bar. Both, extremely talented cocktailians both, instrumental in the current Filipino food movement and both, representing the iconic Filipino rum brand Don Papa! To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

Today we are joined by burlesque performers, Miss Spent Youth and Veronica Voss! Learn about the history of burlesque, their backgrouunds in burlesque, and get details on their upcoming Hollywood Burlesque Festival, coming March 17, 18 and 19 in Hollywood, California! To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

It's ladies night inside the Desert Oasis Room as we are joined by Addie Alonzo from Bamboo Club and Crystal Mendoza from Roxanne's and The Exhibition Room! On this episode we chat about their dynamic backgrounds in mixology, their creative processes, their approach to competitive bartending, share travel stories and more!  To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

Today we chat with bartender mixologist Sonny Esponda! Sonny is the winner of the first ever Tropical Shakedown cocktail competition which earned him a trip to this year's Tiki Oasis. On this episode we chat on all topics cocktails, mixology, the hospitality and service industry and more! Watch the cocktail tutorial we recorded here: https://youtu.be/CVCwwPCJvok To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

Today we chat with Evan Reiner! Evan is the owner and founder of Droogies Ultra Dog, manufacturers of Southern California's newest gourmet hot dogs! As a 3rd generation butcher, Evan is a master at delicious meat blends and combinations. We chat about the art of the butcher and the nuances of this profession as well as industry secrets in the underground food scene, unscrupulous restaurant practices and more! To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

On this episode we chat with our friends Los Pakalolos! Los Pakalolos is a surf music band from right here in the inland empire that have just released their new album Lolo-a-Gogo! Hear about how they started during the pandemic, their song writing process, musical influences and more! To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

Today we come to you live from Frogtown Brewery, and chat with our friend Noa Laporga. Noa, along with his partner Angelina, are the founders of Skull & Crown Trading Company on the island of Oahu. They also produce and run the largest event in all of Hawaii, known as Haunted Plantation. Learn about what it took to open Skull & Crown and hear stories about Haunted Plantation and what we are partnering on for a mainland event coming this Halloween season! To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

Today we chat with Stefan Immke, Executive Producer of Squeezed Up - Tales of Polynesian Pop and Kustom Kulture! Squeezed Up documents an unforgettable road trip across Southern California, combining Hot Rodding, Polynesian Pop, Tiki Culture, and Kustom Kulture! On this episode, Stefan talks about traditional hot-rodding, rattlesnake breeding, tiki in Europe and more! On social media: @stefan_immke @squeezedupmovie On the Web: http://www.squeezed-up.com To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

Today we chat with Sam Schwall, founding member of the Hawaiian musical trio, The Deep Sea Divers! Hear about Sam's start in Tiki, how he formed his band, his musical influences and, listen to tracks from their live performance at the legendary Mai Kai! To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop

Today we chat with our friends Alex Lamb and Gustavo Rojas! You might know Alex as co-director of the upcoming documentary film, "The Donn of Tiki," a biographical story of the life of Donn Beach aka Don the Beachcomber. And joining us is our friend Gustavo, partner of our favorite brewery in LA, Frogtown Brewery! On this episode we chat about the origins of Frogtown Brewery, our recent Don the Beachcomber inspired beer collaboration, how we approached and made the beer and what's in store for the big release event when it's debuted to the beer & tiki community, including information on our tie-in with the Oceanic Arts farewell events! To follow our adventures, subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/polynesianpop For exclusive content subscribe to our Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/polynesianpop