Tricks of the Trade

Jesse is an 8th grade science teacher but moonlights as a standup comedian.  As the man behind Hawaii Top Comics, he curates a weekly comedy showcase every Tuesday at the Kona Elk's Lodge.  He shares his comedic journey, tips and tricks of the trade, as well as promoting some awesome shows coming to town. 

Ben is a fun guy super interested in fungi. (EY!) Back in the hot seat for the third time we catch up on whats evolved for him in the last five years, some cool happenings in the mycology realm, and a little bit of a lot else. Let's get weird. 

Heston is a window tint specialist by trade. But the reason he and I became friends was through our daring pursuit of stand up comedy.  Heston started Good Times Comedy Club in Hilo and has performed on stage alongside some of your favorite local comedians.  We talk about his journey and the art form of stand up, creating opportunities for local people in comedy, and plans for the future.  "He really is a funny guy!" -Henry Hill 

New year, new tricks and what better way to start a new season than checking back in with my 5X world champion jiujitsu neighbor. Moku dives into some of the  struggles of running the business side of  a jiujitsu academy but the real reason he wanted to come on was to promote a jiujitsu tournament that hes putting on in March. LET’S ROLL. 

You may have recognized this larger than life gentleman singing your favorite songs at one of your favorite restaurants… or maybe you’ve seen him throwing up HUGE WEIGHT at the gym…what’s crazy is that is barely 1/3 of his story. Strap up and buckle down this was a lot of fun with one of big islands finest. Let’s go.  

Let’s get HAPPY. Logan is a musician by trade who’s created a very unique musical experience that he’s curated over the last two-plus years, PROJECT HAPPY CHAIR. An apolitical and appropriate one of a kind freestyle experience sure to make you smile, laugh, and happy. Logan is the ultimate vibes guy I’m always stoked to chop it up with him … mic check. 

Chief of War season 1 is out and I thought it'd be a lot of fun to break it down.  Aspiring actor and friend Kamuela Chandler was a background/extra on the series and provides a lot of insight into the climactic episode 9 Kalapana battle to end the season. I've always wanted to record an episode to nerd out about a tv show or movie. This was a lot of fun and maybe a springboard for future tv/movie discussions.  Congratulations and Mahalo to all who brought this epic show to life. 

I was lucky enough to sit down with Delaney in the midst of her moving to Oahu to pursue her PhD in ethnomusicology UH Manoa.  Growing up and around the Aloha Theatre, she felt her calling to the performance arts from a very young age and looks to eventually bring those lessons and energy back to the Big Island once her program is completed.   This was a real fun one...

Imagine getting the epiphany to intentionally gain 60 pounds, only to lose all that weight while documenting the whole journey....Then imagine doing it again 10 years later. Yea, thats what Drew did and through that experience he was able to help a lot of people and gain a huge insight into the physical AND mental/emotional vigors of health and fitness. Make sure you stretch for this one. 

Kamuela is a lifetime artist who has found his new passion; acting. Appearing in the upcoming Chief of War as well as working on numerous other productions over the last few years. He shared how he got his start in the acting game, his experiences on set, and some other great stories. He also shares his insight as to how the film industry in Hawaii is in dire need of every day people like him to pursue their passion in the space... His origin story is a great one and I cant wait for what the future has in store for this guy. ACTION!

Steve is the founder of Kuleana Rumworks out of Kohala, Hawaii... after a sailing trip took him and his wife to the Caribbean, they learned a little about distilling rum straight from the source; the pacific heritage sugar cane plant. Almost 20 years later and they are a world-renowned award winning spirit…from one of the most isolated places on the planet. This one was a lot of fun… cheers! 

HANAPA'A! Jeff is a fisherman. From Miloli’i to the Deadliest Catch, his message is always that Hawaii fishing is at the apex. He dives in to his background in the industry, his influences and inspirations, as well as his relationship with Kona Brew. This was a lot of fun with a real serpent of the seven seas, let’s go. 

The boss of Boss Cutz in Kona just hit the ten year mark which was as good an excues as any to get my old friend and official barber of the pod in the hot seat.  He touches on some of the lessons and takeaways hes dealt with since we last spoke.....but the juicy stuff surrounds his involvement on the Chief of War production and we really nerded out on that stuff.  This was a fun one fueled by Kuleana Rum. CUT!

Alex is an actor, driector, and writer and someone who had the confidence and charity to cast me in a one-line role in his new feature, ENTITY. 

Alexia is the founder and CEO of Symbrosia. In effort to combat methane emissions from livestock, they’ve developed and cultivated a Hawaiian red algae that’s been proven to reduce methane emissions by up to 80%.  Pretty neat. Alexia breaks down what her and the team have been working on to scale up production and what’s on the horizon. A lot of “whoa” moments in this one. Let’s go. 

WHERE'S THE FIRE??! Hoku is a rookie in the Hawaii Fire Department and one of my dearest and oldest and best friends.  As one of the handful of badass wahine in HFD, she shares about her calling to become a firefighter, getting through the training program, what the community means to her and how her first year on the job is going.  Connect the hose and climb the ladder this was a real fun one. 

Yes, Chef!  Ippy stops in for our long-awaited talk story.  It couldn't have come at a better time as he's about to head to Europe to be a Chef on board a River Cruise and is about to release his second cookbook.  Eating your Roots, his cooking series highlighting the farm to table cooking practices in Hawaii, also is available to binge and is gearing up for a second season.  Our boy has been busy! Oh, and did I mention he also owns two restaurants in Waimea and is on the CoH Water Board?  H'yea... ORDER UP!

Sean is a fellow movie and film enthusiast. After spending the better part of the last decade on the mainland in the thick of the industry he saw an oppurtunity and shift in the technological landscape, moving back to kona in the process.  He discusses the tools and tech advancements that can really help Hawaii entrepreneurs and film makers reach a worldwide audience. Quiet on the set. 

HANA HOU! Got a chance to check in with my recycling brother and get an update as to what he's up to, what we're working on together, and what we can do to improve recycling on the island.  We also reflect on the importance of having a solid team to work with, as well as family dynamics involved in small business.  A little bit of everything in this one.  Cheers. 

"Take it easy, but take it."  The man behind the official aloha shirt of the podcast stops by for a few beers and a check-in as to what he's been up to.  Four years ago we sat down for the first time and have remained good friends since.  We touch on the entrepreneurial spirit of Hawaii, the value of friendships and relationships in Hawaii, and we officially establish a promo code sponsorship between our two establishments ... you're going to have to listen all the way through for that though.  Giddy up.

Quiet on the set! Fresh off the premier of his zombie apocalypse film Decade of the Dead at the Hawaii International Film Festival, Fairai hopped over from Oahu to talk story about his life as a filmmaker. We touch on DotD being a Hawaii-based production with a predominately local cast and crew,  he really emphasizes the need to uplift local filmmakers and film economy in Hawaii. He also indulges me with his Mount Rushmore of favorite movies which was a lot of fun because you can always tell a lot about a person by the movies they love. His recall and knowledge of the history and operation of the film industry was on full display in this one. Punch it, Chewie! 

Art. Healing. Psychedelics.  Not much else to disclose. I always have a great time talking shop with Daniel as he's one of the most genuine and artistic humans I've encountered.  We talk shop on everything surrounding the "art world" and how some trauma in his life has shaped his artistic expression in a positive and holistic way.  Let's go. 

Originally starting out in the culinary arts, Kelii tells how working in restaurants gave him his first taste of the warzone that is the kitchen and how that shaped his interests and ventures going forward.  That background helped immensely as he was able to help organize, prepare, and distribute tens of thousands of meals in the aftermath of the Lahaina wildfires.   We also literally and figuratively dove in to a bottle of 3tres Tequila as he broke down the finer details of the fastest growing spirit in the world and how he and his partner Mark Becker were able to carve out their own little piece of the industry...and let me tell you, the tequila was delicious.  Cheers. Salud. Let's go. 

Hey, neighbor! Christina is the woman behind Cookie's Clothing Company.  The fun, flirty and affordable woman's boutique  has been a staple in Hawaii for the last 15 years.  We dive in to the relentless and merciless world of retail and how shes had to constantly pivot, evolve, and straight up GRIND.  We both really let our hair down for this one and had a blast.  Let's go.

Check one two.  Evan is the front man of the unofficial official band of the podcast, Through the Roots. Fresh off their 3-show Hawaii tour I got a chance to get him in the hot seat to tell his story.  He dives in to his musical inception, growing as a musician and band, and finding an excuse to sit back and smell the roses.  This was a lot of fun with an absolute legend. Let's go. 

WILD.  Ikaika is a Veteran, husband, father of 4, but most importantly, he's a god damn TRUCK DRIVER. We go off the deep end on a plethora of topics ranging from military service, the toll it takes on you once you're out, the Hawaii food table and native gathering rights, among other issues surrounding Hawaii.  At times, this was a very impassioned and emotional episode, but the rest of the time it was an absolute riot.  Buckle up, QRF enroute. 

HE'S BACK. The hiatus is over and what better person to christen our ears for this next iteration of the pod than Brandon.  We dive off the deep end on a handful of topics all the while exchanging our hot takes and bright ideas to solve all of Hawaii's issues.  Sarcasm aside its just so great be back. Let's go.

Bio-scape Hawaii is a landscape design/build company that emphasizes using native Hawaiian plants as well as implementing elements that are chemical-free, and require significantly less water usage and maintenance.  Operating  mostly on the Big Island's arid and hot western coast, Micah has found a way to work in lockstep WITH the land and surrounding areas to create beautiful, unique, and environmentally conscious landscape design.  I learned  A LOT in this one. Let's go. 

Aren't you that guy from that thing?  Dave is an actor.  He's made appearances on Hawaii 5-0 and Magnum P.I. and was one of the two faces of Kona Brewing Company's marketing campaign for the better part of a decade.  We dive in to getting his first paid acting gig, where its taken him, and the doors that's opened in other areas of the industry.  Lights camera ACTION.

THAT'S art.  Mark moonlights as an artist specializing in gyotaku-style canvas prints using scavenged, recycled, or repurposed beach gear.  A life time surfer and ocean enthusiast, Mark dives in to the inspiration behind his beautiful art pieces and the tangible process behind creating each one-of-a-kind print.  He carved out two of his 48 hour trip back home to get in the hot seat and talk story with me, this was a blast. Let'a go. 

Throw a rock, you hit a dumpster.  Evan is the founder of Circle Pack, where his goal is to seek out, foster, and provide solutions for the people of Hawaii to recycle, responsibly dispose of, and repurpose scrap/waste cardboard.  We dive in to how he got his start, where he sees a need for establishing better recycling practices in Hawaii, and where we can begin to instill these systems.  I always jump at the opportunity to get someone in the hot seat that speaks my language, this one was a lot of fun with a brother of industry.  Let's go.  

Anecdotally clandestine is how one might describe the Willy Wonka of mushrooms.  We checked in, put our mushroom hats on and dove in to the primordial soup. We talked shop on everything going on at Malama, as well as plans for the future.  This was a lot of fun with one of the coolest cats in town, MUSH LOVE, let's go.

I need a cut! Jason is the boss of his very own barbershop, Bosscutz.  Located in the heart of Kailua Kona, it is THE spot to get lined up and faded.  We dive in to his inspiration, the "gentlemen's hangout" aspect of barbershops, and the importance of a fresh clean cut.  A true artist, this one was a lot of fun and it was a blast being able to record it in his element.  Let's go.  

Home for a month, I got a chance to get Brady back in the hot seat.  We got caught up on everything going on with the official band of the podcast, Through the Roots, as they gear up for another album release and cross country tour this summer.  We also discussed posture, mental health, the importance of a strong support system, and the consequences of over-drafting.  This was a fun one with one of my best friends. Let's go. 

Protect Pololū.  As a teacher at Kohala High School,  Loa has taken an active role in stewarding the well-being and preservation of Pololū Valley.  He dives in to the issues surrounding a proposed development surrounding the valley entrance, local and tourist access, traffic,  as well as solutions to address them.  This was a great talk story with one of my best friends about one of the most beautiful places on earth, let's go. 

Hana Hou! Nick and his wife Sarah started Hana Hou Recycling to address a growing problem in our community; the lack of avenues for people to recycle.  We discuss some of the problems  and misconceptions surrounding  recycling in Hawaii, where one can make a difference in their individual households, and some of the rigors of running a small business.  This was a lot of fun with someone who speaks my language.  Let's go. 

Let's roll.  Moku is a FIVE time jujitsu world champion and along with his wife Keala founded and run the Hawaii Jujitsu Academy in Kona.  He dives in to how he got into jujitsu, where it's taken him, and his journey to be a world champion .  He definitely has an intimidating, calculated presence, I'm glad I was across from him in an interview instead of on the mat.   

Blue Skies.  Baby, baby don't cry.  Ikaika is the keyboardist of the worldwide music powerhouse that is The Green.  We dive in to how the band was formed, representing Hawaii, and where they're headed as they drop their new album "Brand New EYES" and start touring again.  We also discuss his new side job in front of the camera on Big Island Television as the host of his own segment, "Ikaika's Kitchen."  This one was a lot of fun with my new co-worker.  Sound check.  Let's Go.  

What’s  the lesson here?  Danny is a guy's guy.  A jack of all trades, master of none...And apparently builds and races ORV's for a living when he isn't hunting, fishing, diving, surfing, or turning wrenches.  We scratch the surface of  who he is, how he is, WHEN he is....uhh, well you get the picture.   Welcome to the Boar Cave, buckle up. 

Cheee.  Kuha'o is an artist, graphic designer, cultural practitioner and the Hula equivalent of a Jedi Knight.  As a prodigal son two times over, he's involved heavily in Sig Zane Designs with his dad, and also the Edith Kanakaole Foundation and Halau O Kekuhi with his mom, Nalani.  He dives in to the responsibility and kuleana of working in family business and ushering it ever forward.  He also touches on Hawaii as a "brand" and how he finds inspiration in "telling the story" of Hawaii through his work with art and design.  This was a lot of fun with an old friend. Let's go KARAOKE! 

Brandon and Johnny are two vital cogs in the machine that is Napua.  They share invaluable insight in to what makes the official restaurant of the podcast the tour de force of flavor and ambiance that it is.  They discuss the value of creating and fostering a healthy work environment, empowering and motivating your team members, and went off the deep end on a few random topics...per usual.   If you don't already, please tune in to their "Tasting Tuesday's" show as they enthusiastically and hilariously discuss different libations that they carry at the restaurant.   This one was a blast with my favorite restaurateur and Somalian, enjoy. (if you get the joke, you get the joke).

Jimmy is the Managing Director of Hawaii Island Recovery.  After battling his own monster, he found his true calling facilitating substance abuse education, prevention, treatment, and recovery.  Originally from Rwanda, Jimmy dives in to how he strives to provide more opportunities for people on the Big Island to get the help and support they need in their time of struggle.  It also doesn't hurt that he's one of the most genuinely nice human beings on planet Earth.

HFD Roundtable #2!  Kevin and Nate are both Hilo boys, graduating from Class 41.  They dive in to what their motivations were for joining the department, a bunch of hilarious stories from recruit class and live action calls, and the bond and camaraderie that's formed as a member of the HFD.  They eventually stop talking over each other long enough to have a great conversation filled with heart, sincerity, and laughs.  This one was a lot of fun with two of my best friends. "FORTY ONE!" 

Family.  Alex is the oldest of four brothers who are all involved in running their family business, Matsuyama Market and Food Mart.  We dive in to his role in the business, and how his affinity for diving and fishing is incorporated to provide fresh caught fish at their stores.  He also hits on how vital it is to maintain cohesion, love, and support with his brothers and how important family businesses are in the community.  Let’s go. 

What page turner!  Tessa is an author who's just published "Out of the Shadows,"the first in "Velieri Uprising" trilogy of books.  NO SPOILERS!  We dive in to how she became interested in authoring her own stories, her motivations and inspirations behind her stories and characters, and the publishing process.  Shes also another self-proclaimed cinephile so we have a lot of fun with that.  Get cozy and enjoy.

Fire up the STOKER MACHINE!  Darieus is a world-traveled surfer-dude turned film-maker.  Combining both of his passions, he's been able to carve out an awesome career for himself creating films of all lengths and genres.  We dive in to his birth and upbringing aboard a 42-foot sailboat, his life as a quintessential surfer boy in Hawaii, and his affinity for telling stories and creating art.  He opens up about a few of the projects hes currently working on including his recent foray into the medium of hand-drawn animation and how he looks to incorporate that to create and tell surf stories catered to the youth of Hawaii.  Be on the lookout soon for 'The Stoker Machine," his latest project featuring Chad Campbell.  He also does a pretty spot-on Joe Pesci impersonation.

Mic check.  Keoni is a singer-songwriter from the Big Island.  If you've dined at a resort restaurant in the last five years, you're sure to have heard the silky smooth vocal stylings of our boy.  We dive in to how he was drawn to music, how it shaped his life, and how he recognizes how fortunate he is to be able to perform for audiences big and small on a daily basis.  We also discuss his down time during the pandemic and how he used that to focus on writing and producing new music.  He currently has a couple songs on the radio so keep your ears tuned for those.  Check him out on Spotify, iTunes and YouTube for all his awesome music and videos.   

Shucks.  Napua is one of the people I think of when it comes to the sport of volleyball.  After taking the helm as head coach of the  Waiakea Boys Volleyball team before covid, he's since taken on a more intimate role hosting private coaching lessons with HI Performance Volleyball Gym.  With a highly decorated scholastic career under his belt and having played the game for the better part of two decades, he brings invaluable knowledge, experience, and skill to whatever ball of clay his hands have the opportunity to mold.  We dive in to what drew him to the sport, its popularity and growth in Hawaii, and the importance of fostering and guiding the uber-talented young athletes of Hawaii.  SIDE OUT!!!!

Where's my tape-measure??? Ellie is one half of the duo behind Paradise Tiny Homes, based out of Puna on the Big Island.  Along with her brother Dan, they've been able to combine their strengths to build beautiful, one of a kind tiny homes.  She shares her story of what brought her back to the Big Island after living in Montana, and how her brother was able to convince her that, if done correctly, they could create something special.  I can't say enough how cool it was to record this episode in one of their finished units.  Take my word for it, it was more luxurious than you might expect, and absolutely beautiful down to the last detail. This one was a lot of fun, hope you enjoy it.  

Fish on!  Christina is the one woman show and prodigal daughter of Sundot Marine, or as its most affectionally known, FISH FLAGS.  We dive in to how she came about taking over the business, which was started in the SIXTIES, how she's put her own contemporary spin on it and some of her plans for the future.  We also talk about her sense of community and how here in Hawaii, more than anywhere, a positive standing in it is vital to running a successful business.  Guide the line and keep it tight, let's fill up the coolers and fly some fish flags, baby!