You'll never believe this, folks... we're back(sort of, kind of, not really)to introduce our friend Tony Vega and his exciting new podcast:  Transmissions from Hawaii!   Each episode features a new storytelling adventure, with special attention to the weird, wacky, and wonderful.  If you like what he has to say about the mac nut (starting at 5:01), then check out the links below for more episodes and great content!!!

www.transmissionsfromhawaii.com

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/transmissionsfromhawaii/
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/transmissionsfromhawaii
Twitter
https://twitter.com/hawaii_podcast

URGENT TRANSMISSION FROM HAWAII: WHAT'S UP WITH MAC NUTS?!?!?

Back in early April, we sat down with Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa, who represents Hawaii's First Congressional District (Honolulu and the 'burbs), and is also running to unseat Hawaii Governor David Ige in August's Democratic Primary.  

We met the Congresswoman in her Honolulu office, where we talked about Senator Daniel Akaka's legacy, our fracturing national politics in DC, North Korea and missile defense, homelessness, #MeToo,  'Ōlelo Hawaii, legalizing marijuana, and much more (We also get 2 restaurant shoutouts from her -- Nico's and Alan Wong's).  Next week, you'll hear Part 2 of our interview with the Congresswoman, where we dig deeper into the race for governor and get her thoughts on TMT and PTA.  And she takes listener questions in both parts! 

Plus: Ryan and Josh talk about volcanic eruptions, Liverpool and Real Madrid advancing to the UEFA Champions League Final, one Hawaii congressional candidate's VERY bad week, and their surprising new ancestry updates from 23AndMe -- watch out for those Cossacks!

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Episode 16 - Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa (Part 1 of 2)

This week we're talking about: (1) the sad loss of Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade; (2) Trump-Kim Singapore Summit; (3) why Josh is so salty about the Warriors greatness; (4) who can do a better version of Matisyahu's "One Day";  and tell you who you should pull for during this year's World Cup! 

Then, at 16:54 we sit down with Kim Coco Iwamoto, the trailblazin', policy makin' candidate running to be Hawaii's next Lieutenant Governor. We talk about affordable housing, education, and (we wouldn't be Millennials if we didn't) student debt.  Restaurant shoutouts include Helena's Hawaiian Food and Grondin -- and you better get to Grondin before it closes at the end of June!

This one is the real deal, folks. Listen, like, tag, and share!

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Episode 21 - Sad Goodbyes and a Pleasant Hello

We're back! After a quick news recap (Aloha Poke Co, Charlottesville 2: Electric Nazi Boogaloo, and #SpaceForce),  we give you the first part of our Primary Election breakdown!  At 14:12, we talk about Governor David Ige holding off Rep. Colleen Hanabusa to get re-elected, Josh Green's carpenter $$$ putting him over the top (and his stand-up comedy debut at the Democrat unity breakfast), and what to expect in the November showdown between David Ige and Andria Tupola (hint: TrumpTrumpTrumpTrumpTrump).  Plus, we talk about Ed Case's victory in the Hawaii CD1 primary -- a rich white guy going to Congress? How is he going to fit in???

Then, at 28:19, we've got an AMAZING interview with Dr. Akiemi Glenn, a Honolulu-based scholar and cultureworker. She is the founder and curator of the Pōpolo Project, a multimedia exploration of Blackness in Hawai‘i and the larger Pacific, and she's also the director of Tele!, a language revitalization and engagement project in Hawai‘i's Tokelauan community.  She shares her story and we talk about her work in language revitalization, how racism and racial structures differ between Hawaii and the mainland, and why we're currently living through a new civil rights movement.  Plus, she previews some of Popolo Project's #BlackAugust programming, including TA-NEHISI COATES COMING TO THE DORIS DUKE THEATER ON AUGUST 25TH -- GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!  
(PS: her "restaurant" rec is 
Kaimuki Superette! Check them out for #BuyLocal #sustainable fresh fish and fresh veggies). 

Stay tuned for our next episode -- friend of the show Alan Akao will join us to help complete our post-primary breakdown, including Congressional, local, and Office of Hawaiian Affairs races. Until then, please listen, share, rate, subscribe, and hit us up on social media!

MLK Audio Credit: University of Texas

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Episode 29 - Election Recap Part 1 and #BlackAugust with Dr. Akiemi Glenn

In this episode, we start by recapping Hawaii's Little League World Series Win(!) before getting into the destruction and disappointment of Hurricane Lane.

Then, at 11:15, we hop into the first of our 2 part series called Southern Stories. Back in May, Ryan went South to see his family and friends and was privileged to sit down with his friend Tony Davison. They're similar in a lot of ways. They're both Christians, they both love football, and they both love performing in theatrical productions. But, there's one big difference -- Tony is black and Ryan is (reeeeeaaally) white. They got into the roles of religion and race in Southern culture, the renaissance of black art, what it's like to grow up as a black man in Alabama, and, of course, the dopest places to eat if you're ever passing through Montgomery, Alabama. Have a listen, let us know what you think. Did you like it? Want to hear more stuff like this? Let us know!

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Episode 31 - Southern Stories Pt. 1

Goin' live with 35! This episode finds the guys talking about the things you're always supposed to talk about: politics and religion! At 3:20, they chat about whether racial reconciliation and Christianity are divorceable or inextricably linked. At 8:12, they dive into James C. Cobb's interview with Gregory Rodriguez of ZocaloPublic Square about why America has been so reluctant to own the South. At 21:39, local news starts, with a quick-hitter on the opportunity for a Hawaii Constitutional Convention. At 25:25, there's a piping hot BIKILEAK about how a certain minority political party in Hawaii is melting down, despite the 'rah rah' BS spouted on a recent visit by a diaper-wearing-man-child and a woman only famous for being mean. Then, at 27:25, they chat with Maui-resident and Twitter celebrity Delilah Asterales (@HawaiiDelilah) about the current state of affordable healthcare, the ongoing saga of serial-virgin Brett Kavanaugh, and her efforts to get out the vote. Delilah also gives them her restaurant recs for Maui (Fish Market on Lower Hanoapiilani Rd., Honu, Mala Tavern, Merriman's, and Monkeypod). Keep the conversation going on Twitter (@bluehawaiipod) -- and don't forget to rate us, tag us, like us, and share us.

Episode 35 - Hey There, (Hawaii) Delilah

On Episode 37, we get right to it: this was a rough week for America, but things look a bit brighter on the other -- or should we say "under" -- side of the world. We're of course talking Kavanaugh, we're of course talking the decline of the American republic, but, we're also tempering our national depression with a bit of cheery news from Josh and Antoinette in New Zealand! They talk about what a fantastic country the 'ole N-Z is, how New Zealand navigates tough cultural issues, and why Josh has been pretty stinky lately. 

Then, at 26:17, Ryan talks with friend-of-the-show Alex Marks, a Millennial candidate running for office in the Victorian seat of Kew in Australia. Alex is running on a progressive platform that includes massive public investment in green infrastructure, jobs training for underemployed workers, and *gasp* a rail!

All that and *so* much more this week. Please be sure to like our facebook page, tag us on your Instagram posts, and share this episode with your friends!

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Episode 37 - Your Plutocracy at Work

We've got a supersized 3-part episode for you!  Starting at 3:07, we hit the Local 5 picket line in Waikiki to talk to friend of the show Paola Rodelas and two striking hotel workers about their dispute with Kyo-Ya, what the #OneJobShouldBeEnough campaign means to them, and the better deal they're fighting for.  Then, at 18:30, Josh and Ryan combine their strong male energy to discuss an unexpected turn in Melania's "#BeBest" campaign, America's relationship with Saudi Arabia, and the cataclysmic death of our planet.  Last but not least, at 34:30, we sit down with our new friend Sha Ongelungel, a Palauan digital activist and host of the Sha Nanigans podcast.  She tells us about working in Micronesian politics and growing up in an activist family (actual quote: "I knew the word 'decolonize' before I quite knew how to read"), and we discuss her #BeingMicronesian twitter thread that was picked up by Civil Beat and is making headlines around the world.  Our restaurant recs are Umeke Market, Jun Bo Chinese Restaurants, Coquito's Latin Cuisine Restaurant, Bravo/Anna Miller's, and Papa's Cafe.

And because we could all use some more good news, we've got an announcement: our first-ever live show will take place at Mark's Garage on Thursday, November 8!!!! Stay tuned for more details and please keep listening, rating, and sharing!

Episode 38 - #OneJobShouldBeEnough / #BeingMicronesian

We've got some ugly politics and beautiful art in this episode!  What does Elizabeth Warren's problematic attempt to outfox Trump have in common with a recent lawsuit over Guam's referendum on sovereignty? Native Hawaiians who remember Rice v. Cayetano know all too well (shoutout to UH Law Professor Troy Andrade for his awesome scholarship).  

Plus, with election day fast approaching, the Hawaii Supreme Court cancels our most controversial ballot issue, the wagons circle in opposition to a Constitutional Convention, and there are serious shenanigans in a big city council race.  We've also got a hot new Bikileak for you, fresh off our text messages: is a leadership shakeup coming in the Hawaii Legislature? 

Our guest (32:00) is Matt "Maka" Kwock, local photographer extraordinaire and our former artist of the month. Hear his story, how he got into photography, what inspires his art, and where he goes for the best glimpses of Hawaii's natural beauty. Check his work out at @mmkwock, at https://www.mattkwockphotography.com/, or on the Hawaiian Airlines website! (PS - His restaurant rec is Duk Kee in Kaimuki!)

Don't forget to come by and visit us at our first-ever live show at The ARTS at Marks Garage on Thursday, November 8, from 7:30 - 9:30!!! We promise it will be better (and cheaper) than Bill and Hillary's new speaking tour. Hope to see you soon!

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Episode 39 - "Throw it in the ocean" /  "Purpose in the water"

40! The news is bleak (just ask #TopYouthSoccerRecruitsForTrump).  But after some cathartic banter on the "caravan," a vanishing island, Megyn Kelly, transphobia, and baby boomers on the internet, as well as a next level #Bikileak, we've got a wonderful interview at 23:23 with the inimitable Bassima Al-Ghussein!  Bassima is the 
CEO of Alghussein Global Strategies, which specializes in government affairs and strategic communications in the United States and the Middle East. True story: CSIS paid her 55 cents on the dollar, so she quit and started her own company!

We talk about her journey from Kahuku High School to Washington, D.C. and ask what it's like to hang your own shingle as a consultant and international media commentator (especially on the president's favorite show). We also pick her brain about the biggest stories in the middle east and DC: the murder of Jamal Kashoggi and what it means for the US-Saudi relationship, the futures of Palestine and Israel and the possibilities for peace in the region, and the shamelessness of Hillary's #MeToo double standards and the bigoted corruption of California Republican Duncan Hunter.  And we had to ask -- her restaurant recs are Le Diplomate (in DC), and Giovanni's Shrimp Truck and Ono's Hawaiian food (on Oahu)! 

PS: is former Iranian PM Mahmoud Ahmadinejad "woke" now??

PPS: RIP to Nairobi, the Honolulu Zoo Giraffe 

PPPS: Shoutout to St. Oscar Romero, Frost City, and Snoop Dogg's new cookbook!

PPPPS: We'll see you at the live show at Marks Garage on November 8!!!!

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Episode 40 - Heartbreak and Hope, from Pittsburgh to Palestine

"F*ck it, we'll do it live!" If you couldn't make it down to see us at Marks Garage, or if you just want to relive the glory, give this episode a listen! 

After we introduce ourselves and tell you a little bit about the show (we shamelessly ripped off Desus and Mero; have we mentioned we were on KHON???),  at 4:20, we chat with our new friend Izik, a Na Hoku Hanohano award-winner and up-and-coming local music superstar.  We talk about his covershot for Lei Magazine, his Molokai roots and musical influences, and Mariah Carey's glorious dominance of the holiday season. His fire new album, Obsidian, is available now on iTunes -- don't miss his upcoming big show (with some very special guests) December 5 at the Hawaii Convention Center! 

At 13:00, we get the audience up for a game of "mad libs," inspired by Alessandra Mussolini, granddaughter of the infamous Benito.  Be sure to hit her up on Twitter @Ale_Mussolini_  and let her know how much you enjoyed this segment!  

At 19:45. we jump in to our election digest, focusing on both local and national contests (2020 suicide pact, anyone?)

At 38:00, we're joined by our BFF BF -- Beth Fukumoto!  She tells us about the "not chill" job of running the coordinated campaign for the Democratic Party of Hawaii, why she voted yes for a constitutional convention, and why the "pink wave" on the mainland didn't make it to Hawaii.  Starting at 50:30, we open it up to the audience for an #AMA.   Plus, we talk about her exciting new project (and forthcoming podcast): SOLVING EQUAL! 

You get some fun live commercials in there too, but just in case you miss them, shout out to our wonderful sponsors: Homebrew in Paradise, Living Wage Hawaii, Pukoa Sunscreen, Royal Thai Garden Ewa Beach, New York Life (Jason Anthenien), and Hi Design Barber and Lounge!!!.  Additional shoutouts to our MC Chris Garth, our executive producer Jordan Little, The Arts at Marks Garage for hosting us, YPDA, Allison Hartson and The Young Turks TYT Army, and most importantly....shoutout to YOU, for listening and making this all possible!!!!!!  Like, share, subscribe, and let us know what you want to hear next season!

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Episode 42 - Live from Marks Garage/ "Not haole enough for Pod Save America"

51! Ryan has some fightin' words for Grassroots Institute of Hawaii and the #Kochtopus, R. Kelly is doing his best Brett Kavanaugh impression, Hawaii's infrastructure gets a not-so-great report card, and we look at some bills that are definitely NOT passing the state legislature this year. 

Then, we sit down with author and journalist Melanie Warner, formerly of Fortune Magazine and the New York Times, to talk about her latest opus: The Magic Feather Effect: The Science of Alternative Medicine and the Surprising Power of Belief.  We talk about where she gets her inspiration, what the "placebo" effect is really all about, and what discoveries surprised her along the way.  Oh, and her favorite restaurant in Honolulu is Mud Hen Water! Check her out at melanierwarner.com or on twitter @melanie_warner

Plus! Shoutouts to Russian Cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev, outgoing UH Law School dean Avi Soifer, birthday celebrant Hokulea (she doesn't look a day over 43!), LeBron James, the Cook Islands, Southwest Airlines, and most importantly -- Iolani Baseball/Auburn baseball stud Everett Lau! 

Listen, Enjoy, Subscribe, Share, and GET IN TOUCH! Brought to you, as always, by Royal Thai Garden Ewa Beach. Accept no substitutes!

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Episode 51 - An Otherwise Blameless Podcast

Ryan is still on the continent, but Josh is taking us international with this week's news.  Instead of telling you about New Zealand's reaction to the Christchurch tragedy, we decided to bring on an actual Kiwi on to share his perspective with us (starting at 13:00) -- Dr. Simon Gray of the University of Waikato, who specializes in international relations and security studies with a focus on violent extremism and radicalization. He tells us about what's happening on the ground and where he expects New Zealand to go from here. 

*At the time we spoke with Dr. Gray, his understanding was that 51 people had been killed, but later confirmed this to be 50, with a number still in intensive care.
 
We've also got updates on Brexit and the love affair between Donald Trump and Bibi Netanyahu. Which is more cringey and damning? You decide! 

Closer to home, a Hawaii case makes it to the Supreme Court, there's another series of questionable government expenditures, and one 2020 candidate puts some skin in the game and takes a stand against harmful cuts. Plus, an update on the one thing holding our fractured nation together: College Basketball.  And don't forget to mark your calendars for 2 great events: Island Soldier screening on PBS Hawaii (3/28) and Rock for Justice III (4/18)

Listen, like, subscribe, and share -- you know what to do!

Episode 53 - The BHP World Service

*Recorded before Auburn's win over Kentucky and Duke's loss to Michigan State*

Surprise! It's been another insane week. We extol the virtues of Bruce Pearl, refer Devin Nunes to our favorite constitutional law scholar, and debate the merits of student loan forgiveness.

Then, at 19:30, we sit down with Cindy Ng and  Kaʻimi Cambern, two University of Hawaii undergrads who host The Social Manoa podcast, which highlights the many cool happenings around UH's social science departments (https://soundcloud.com/user-741700868). Spoiler alert: their restaurant recs are Olive Tree and Fook Yuen!

Shoutouts to: Zippy's for making big moves, Brian Piotrowski and the Colgate Pep Band for beating the drum of truth, and Carolina King (and friend of the show from episode 22) ReUp843 for dropping his FIRE new music video.  

Listen, discover, enjoy, subscribe, share, get in touch, and stay tuned for more!

Episode 54 - William Barr didn't say anything about the pee tape

BONUS SUPER SPECIAL SECRET PROMO EPISODE ALERT! 

Josh sat down with Cathy Lowenburg and Dave Hayakawa, the organizers of Rock for Justice III, a rip-roaring rager starring musical acts from all over Honolulu's legal community and the courthouse ohana.  (https://www.facebook.com/events/590346724817468/).  All proceeds will benefit Advocates for Public Interest Law at the University of Hawaii at Manoa William S. Richardson School of Law.  4/18, 5:30 PM, at Artistry Honolulu in Kakaako. Be there or be square!

Episode 54.5 - Special Rock For Justice III Promo!

Why are Josh and Ryan so worked up?  Well, The Atlantic published a pearl-clutching #boomer screed about the so-called "radicalization" of the Democratic Party (by a #NeverTrump Republican who worked for Reagan, both Bushes, and now for a Koch-funded thinktank, so you know he really cares!), and we had to digest it line-by-line.  

From the #GreenNewDeal to #Medicare4All to #AbolishIce to #FreeCollege to #Taxes to #Israel to abolishing the electoral college and packing the Supreme Court,  we discuss why you don't have to be "radical" to know that huge changes to the status quo are needed for young people in the US and around the world to have a real shot at a better future. 

At 31:15, our guest is author, wordsmith, and visionary Michael Poore. His latest novel, Reincarnation Blues, was named one of National Public Radio’s Great Reads of 2017 (https://www.npr.org/2017/08/26/543933403/take-a-walk-on-the-wilder-side-of-death-with-reincarnation-blues).   You can visit him at michaelpoore.live and follow him on Twitter at @mikepoore227.

PS: Shoutout to our dear friend Delilah Asterales (a.k.a. @HawaiiDelilah on twitter) for coming down to Honolulu to hang with us, shoutouts to Bar Leather Apron and Bethel Union for showing the three of us a good time, and shoutout to the fine folks at Hawaii Public Radio for letting us join them and answer phones at their pledge drive! What a fun week.

Listen, discover, enjoy, subscribe, share, get in touch, and stay tuned for more!

Episode 55 - Manic Pedantic Atlantic Panic

We're definitely having another normal, stress-free week! Josh and Ryan discuss the daily deluge of bad-faith garbage streaming out of our nation's capital, with last week's kerfuffle over Ilhan Omar and "white nationalism" being the latest example. (PS: Stephen Miller is definitely a white nationalist, and Lee Zeldin is an embarassment). We also talk about Bibi's return to power in Israel, Brexit's new Halloween surprise, and Luke O'Neil's (@lukeoneil47 on Twitter) New York Magazine article about how the Fox News fear-and-outrage machine is ruining lives and destroying families around the country. 

In the sports world, Dirk, D-Wade, and Magic all concluded their NBA careers last week, but former Auburn football coach Tommy Tuberville is looking for a new job carrying water for Donald Trump in the U.S. Senate! If you think Roy Moore's defeat was our last foray into Alabama politics, you were sadly mistaken. As much as Ryan hates it, if it's #WarEagle vs. #RollTide for Mitch McConnell's job...then #RollTide and #RollDougJones! 

PS: Shoutout to friend of the show Jun Shin for our quote of 2019 so far:  “'Land and Power in Hawaii' is not meant to be an instruction manual!”  Listen, discover, enjoy, subscribe, share, get in touch, and stay tuned for more!

Episode 56 - “I hate what they’ve done to almost everyone in my family.”

Back by popular demand!  After such a positive reaction to last year's epic sportschat (Episode 20 - Let's Go Bows!), we brought back friends of the show and UH aficionados Peter Boylan and Danny Cup Choy to help us do a review of the truly epic (and distressing) year it's been in the world of sports (and politics).  After friend of the show Jon Schoenfeld makes Josh say nice things about the New England Patriots (shudder), we each share our greatest sporting heartbreaks of 2018-19: Auburn basketball in the final 4, the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game, Liverpool in the Champions League final, and the Detroit Lions... existing.

We also discuss some of this year's key questions: What the hell happened to LeBron and the Lakers? How many Nancy Pelosis would it take for you to do a "Pete Rose?" Dirk Nowitzki or Hakeem Olajuwon?  Can Rolo take Cole McDonald (EIEIO) and UH football to the next level? How can UH basketball coach Eran Ganot get better recruits and more Eastern European wonderkids? Why is Max Holloway so much better at 145 pounds than at 155 pounds? When will meathead human thumb Dana White bring the #UFC to Aloha Stadium? Why does Conor McGregor insist on validating every toxic stereotype about the Irish? And WHY THE HELL AREN'T WE PAYING COLLEGE ATHLETES???

Finally, we host our first-ever award show, and hand out some trophies for Human Achievements Of Legendary Excellence, (also known as H.A.O.L.E.'s).  Honorees include: 
Golden State Warriors
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Bruce Pearl
Tiger Woods
Pete Buttigieg
Clay Travis 
Diego Maradona
J.R. Smith
Gritty
Rand Paul's neighbor
Attorney General William Barr 
Tom Brady kissing his kids on the mouth
Patrick Mahomes
Zion Williamson 
and many more! 

PS: Congrats to the UH Rainbow Warriors Men's Volleyball team -- after our recording, they beat Long Beach State to win the Big West Championship and punch their ticket to the NCAA tournament! 

If you like what you hear, subscribe and listen for more audio goodness coming soon!

Episode 57 - The 2nd Annual Blue Hawaii Sportscast (#KyleGuyFieri)

Another shooting at a synagogue, because we live in a normal, healthy, well-adjusted country.  The Supreme Court looks set to help the GOP rig the census, make it legal to fire gay people, and keep screwing American workers.  And our nation turns its lonely eyes to...Joe Biden?!?!?!

Plus, continued fallout from the horrible Easter attack in Sri Lanka:  how do the privileged and well-off end up becoming suicide bombers? And how are American Evangelicals' grievances over things like cake-baking minimizing the real persecution faced by Christians around the world? 

The Hawaii Legislature refused to increase the minimum wage or pass automatic voter registration (clearly they aren't listening to our show -- so much for the Blue Hawaii Bump), but there is one nice piece of local news:  Jahlani Tavai (Detroit Lions) and John Ursua (Seattle Seahawks) are going to the big show! 

Like, tag, share, and stay tuned for more!  PS: Shame on you, Prince William.

Episode 58 - Pain, Politics, Persecution, Pizzazz

*Recorded before Hawaii volleyball lost to Long Beach State :-(*

Happy early Mother's Day to all the mamas and mamacitas out there!  It's time for some more of that sweet podcast magic you've grown accustomed to: our favorite rants about Joe Biden, Indonesia moving its capital city before it falls into the ocean (definitely nothing to worry about in Honolulu, right?) and cute animal stories from around the world.

Plus, it's easy to get lost in the 2020 speculation and madness (trust us, we do it all the time) but don't forget -- there are elections happening THIS YEAR! Our guest (at 22:30) is the wonderful Amanda Pohl, a chaplain and healthcare worker who is running to unseat an extreme right-wing nutjob incumbent in Virginia's 11th Senatorial District. Hear about her strong pro-woman, pro-family, pro-education, and pro-healthcare platform, the hopeful rise of the religious left, and why we need to focus on more than just who occupies the Oval Office. 

PS: Shoutouts to our friend Kimiko LaHaela Walter of YPDA, Japan's Emperor Emeritus Akihito, John John Florence, and Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, and much aloha to former world surfing champion Sunny Garcia.

Like, tag, share, and stay tuned for more!

Episode 59 - Belugas and Kakapos and State Legislators, oh my!

"If we can't do it, let's fail in the most beautiful way." - Jurgen Klopp

What. A. Week.  After going down a Wikipedia rabbit hole about Sewanee University, we discuss Liverpool's triumph over Barcelona, Tiger Woods and the Red Sox visiting the White House, and True Confessions: Bernie Sanders edition.  Then, because all the human news is depressing (and Mike Pompeo sees the melting polar ice caps and gets dollar signs in his eyes), we continue our pivot to cute animal stories from around the world.   

Plus, a Blink-182/Lil Wayne mashup takes Ryan and Josh down memory lane to the dawn of their adolescence. (CD burners and debating the Iraq War, good times!) And Charlie Kirk's honorary PhD from Liberty University gets us thinking -- what's our best bet for a future right-wing sellout grift? Just picture it: Jacob Wohl, Ben Shapiro, Dave Rubin....and The Blue Hawaii Podcast! #IntellectualHaoleWeb

We have some killer interviews and features lined up over the next month that we can't wait to share with you -- but until then, like, tag, share, and stay tuned for more!

Episode 60 - The Teachings of Cathol

This week we put a bow on our way-too-long Lil Wayne/Weezer
discussion. Spoiler alert: Ryan's opinions are still very white.

Then, we jump into another #sharestoshouts challenge shout from a totally real, living, actual person. 

After that, we talk about who made the best decisions of their lives this week -- following us on Twitter!

Then, we get into the news: 

Apparently, Republicans don't like numbers? Makes sense when you look at their tax bill.

Also, congratulations Millennials, payday lenders will now lend you rent money at 6,000,000% interest!

We also briefly discuss whether you'd prefer to be drafted into our war with Iran, or our war with Venezuela, since it looks like we're gonna do both -- especially if Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas)(but, we didn't have to say the R part, did we?) has anything to say about it!

The trade war with China also slogs on with no end or reason in sight. It's almost like 90% of everything this administration does makes zero sense and lacks realistic objectives.

Also! Joe Biden showed that delusions aren't just for Donald Trump -- he thinks republicans are going to have an epiphany and work with him if he's elected. Because that worked out really well for the last 3 democratic presidents.

Also, Trump loves fascists (gasp!), the conservative propaganda war machine is making bad faith claims of anti-semitism (double gasp!), and Mike Pence tries to act like Christians are persecuted in the United States (TRIPLE GASP, Y'ALL.).

Then, we sit down with the lovely Lucy Valentine of the Podcast Boonta Vista Socialist Club to talk about: her show; Australia's national nightmare and why bad people keep convincing everyone that they're the guy to vote for; what can be done to prevent this all from happening again; and just how lovely our Australian accents are. 

Crikey!

So, throw some shrimp on the barbee, grab a Foster's, and share. this. episode. And don't forget to like our facebook page, follow us on Twitter, and follow us on Instagram!

Episode 61 - Lucy Valentine's Day

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE INTERVIEW ALERT!

Alright, gang. Today you're going to hear our chat with Senator Mike Gravel -- a statesman, icon, rabblerouser, and true O.G. We get into: how a group of young activists convinced him to run at 88 years young, his policy platform, what he hopes to accomplish with this run, and how he would implement his finer policy points.

We're also joined by our good friend, THE Kauai Prosecutor: Justin Kollar, who introduced us to the legend himself.

Y'all, you don't want to miss this one.

Episode 62 - Senator Mike Gravel

Bombing #Iran. Concentration Camps. #Reparations. #Abortion. The #NBA Draft. And most controversial of all....we say something positive about Brett Kavanaugh?  

Mahalo to our dear friend Sarah Sumire for joining us and sharing her personal story -- and for saving you from having to listen to two dudes ignorantly rant about women's reproductive healthcare! 

PS: Josh mixes up Aaron Brooks and Aaron Gordon at 89:11   

PPS: The race for Tulsi Gabbard's #Hawaii congressional seat is already getting feisty! 

PPPS: Marlins pitcher and St Louis alum Jordan Yamamoto is killing it! 

PPPPS: Narluga. 

PPPPPS: LIKE, SHARE, RATE, AND SUBSCRIBE!!!

Episode 66 - Cocked and Goaded / The Abortion Distortion

SPECIAL EPISODE ALERT: DANE COOK IS IN THE STUDIO (by phone). 

Episode 69 (nice) is LIVE. We talk with world-famous comedian Dane Cook about his new "Tell It Like It Is" tour; his show THIS SATURDAY, JULY 20th, AT THE BLAISDELL CONCERT HALL; how his comedy's changed over the years; what he's been up to since we last saw him; and whether he'll follow us back on Twitter (probably  not). 

Look, we know we're *supposed* to be on summer break, but we couldn't turn down an interview with the guy who shaped comedy for a generation -- and you shouldn't either! Take a listen, and share with your friends!

Also, be sure to grab tickets to his show tomorrow (7/20)! You can get tickets here: https://www1.ticketmaster.com/event/0A005587A2D93115?camefrom=CFC_BLAISDELL_DANECOOK_WEB

Also, Summer Break startsssss....NOW!

Episode 69 - Our Friend, Dane Cook

This week, we're recapping all your need-to-know news and poking fun at a certain PBS classic (HEADS UP: IT'S WISHBONE, THE DOG THAT READS STORIES TO WHITE CHILDREN). 

Later, Kelly Dietrich, CEO of the National Democratic Training Committee ("NDTC") joins us via Skype to talk about the free in-person training that the NDTC is putting on in Honolulu September 14, 2019 from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the ILWU Local 142 Office. If you've ever wanted to get involved in Democratic politics, this is the event for you!

Also, shout out this week to The Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice for hosting us, and to Officer Ernie Chang of the Honolulu Police Department for just being such a damn good guy.

If you like what you hear, like us on the socialz, tag a friend in our post sharing the episode, and share the episode yourself!

Episode 72 - Training Democrats in Honolulu

*Recorded before COVID-19 completely upended every aspect of daily life*

Third time's the charm, better late than never, we're back!  To kick off season three, we sit down with FairVote's Maria Perez (17:15) to learn about Ranked Choice Voting -- the hot new political sensation sweeping the nation, coming soon to Hawaii's Presidential Preference Poll.  (Supposedly on April 4, at least for now?)   We also respond to some rather discourteous listener comments and shout out friend of the show Kim Coco Iwamoto's return to Hawaii politics.

Stay close (but not too close) dear listeners -- more episodes to get you through quarantine are coming soon! 

PS: to learn more https://www.fairvote.org/

Episode 76 (Season 3 Premier) - Ranked Choice Voting with FairVote's Maria Perez

This episode Ryan checks in with our friends Lindsay Kukona Pakele and Brandon Maka‘awa‘awa, two young kanaka maoli (Native Hawaiian) community leaders and representatives of the Nation of Hawaii -- Hawaii's oldest independent Hawaiian sovereignty organization. 

Lindsay and Brandon talk about how their communities are responding to the COVID crisis, how haole fragility is making Hawaii's response to COVID-19 less effective, the bright spots they've seen in their communities' responses to this crisis, and mention some great resources for anyone (especially Native Hawaiians) impacted by the COVID crisis. Share the episode and be sure to rate/review us on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts!

Episode 81 - COVID-19 in the Nation of Hawaii

Ryan and Josh have a #zoom chat with two young, inspiring Native Hawaiian community leaders and changemakers seeking political office for the first time: Kailua's Alan Akao and Kaneohe's Kau'i Pratt-Aquino.  Hear their stories, what makes the Windward Side of Oahu unique, why this election is so crucial for Kanaka Maoli, and so much more! Tune in now, like/share/subscribe, and stay tuned for more great content!

Unknown Album (8/23/2018 9:39:06 AM)

Episode 87 - Alan Akao and Kau'i Pratt-Aquino, First-Time Native Hawaiian Political Candidates

It wouldn’t be an election season unless we interviewed all the good ones! This episode we interview Keith Amemiya, a leading candidate to be the next Mayor of Honolulu. You probably know Keith as the friendly smiling face on all those banners around town, or maybe you know him as the guy that single-handedly saved high school sports in Hawaii; but soon you’ll know him for giving the best answers possible to all the hardest questions we could think to ask. Seriously, you’re gonna love this guy. Whether it's rail, minimum wage, affordable housing, or mental health services for Oahu's homeless community, Keith Amemiya knocks it out of the park. Listen to the episode, then like, tag, and share!

Episode 88 - Keith Amemiya, Candidate for Honolulu Mayor

89 and feelin' fine! Josh and Ryan welcome Patrick Branco to the show, a Kailua boy and former US State Department diplomat who is back home and running for office for the first time.  Hear about his tours of duty in Pakistan, Colombia, and (Trump voice) VENEZUELA!!!!!! --  as well as why he thinks he's the best candidate to represent District 50 in the Hawaii State House.  District 50 covers Kailua and Kaneohe Bay -- if you listened to Episode 87 with Alan and Kaui, Patrick is sandwiched right in between them, so listen to this episode and complete your virtual political tour of Oahu's Windward Side!   

Check it out and stay tuned for....you guessed it: more great content!

Episode 89 - Patrick Branco, International Man of Mystery (or, "Carmen PatDiBranco")

90! Ryan and Josh dial-up friend of the show Adrian Tam, who has decided to throw his hat into the ring and run to represent Waikiki-Ala Moana in the Hawaii State House!  

Hear about Adrian's vision for the densest urban district in our islands -- part tourist paradise, part concrete jungle -- and see how he fares at everyone's favorite new Blue Hawaii Podcast game:  "Proud Boy, or Nazi?!" 

Check it out and stay tuned for more .... we'll be back next week with a State House contender from Kaimuki and a friend of the show who is running for Mayor!   xoxoxo

Episode 90 -  A man, a plan, Mr. Adrian Tam

🎶We had a call with Becky with the good plans 🎶

This episode we get to know Becky Gardner! A self-described wonk who's never met a problem she couldn't tackle, Becky's running for state rep in Hawaii's 20th congressional district -- which just so happens to be the district that your two favorite podcast hosts (not Joe Rogan and Ben Shapiro) call home!

We talk with Becky about her story, how she got to Hawaii, and when she knew it was time to run for office. After talking with her, we think you'll agree that she'd make the people of the Tenacious 20th *very* proud. 

If you like what you heard, be sure to subscribe!

Episode 91 - Becky with the Good Plans

92!   Ryan and Josh hop on the phone to reunite with long-time friend of the show Colleen Hanabusa, who has decided to get back into the arena and run to be the next mayor of Honolulu!  

We find out about her plans for rail, homelessness, and police reform; go behind the scenes of Hawaii News Now's "The Job Interview" (we don't like to give our competitors free PR, but we'll make an exception); and discuss the one book Colleen thinks we should all be reading right now.  

All this and more, on the newest episode of your favorite esoteric co-hosted Hawaii-focused political podcast!

Episode 92 - Colleen Hanabusa is back!

By popular demand, we give to you, our 2020 Primary Recommendations! We've been getting inundated with DMs and texts from listeners wanting to know who they should vote for. We can't tell you who to vote for, but we can tell you who *we're* likely voting for. So, that's what we do. We give our final thoughts on the OHA races, the Honolulu mayoral race, the Honolulu prosecutor's race, our local races (District 20, State House; and District 5, City Council), as well as a few that we can't vote for (shout outs to: Alan Akao, Adrian Tam, Patrick Branco, and Makana Paris). If you've got friends and family who want to know which way to go, share this episode with them! Then, stick around, because we put our banter/catch-up segment after the break! Like, tag, share, and thanks for listening!

Episode 93 - 2020 Primary Recommendations!

Wait, we still have a podcast? Wasn't there a primary election like three months ago or something? Where am I? Who is this? How did you get this number?

Episode 94 - Keep On Toobin'

Folks, like Boyz II Men said... it's SO hard to say goodbye.  Please join us, dear listeners, for (probably) one final journey into the weird and wonderful world of The Blue Hawaii Podcast.

As a preview, here's what it would sound like if some of this episode's highlights were newspaper headlines:

- Proud MAN Adrian Tam Crushes Trumpy Ochs at Ballot Bochs 

- Taika Waititi Cool and Good, Surveys Say

- Augie T(otally unqualified)

- Kat's in the Klink for Korruption, Kops Kope

- "IDEOLOGY." - Slavoj Zizek

- Jim Morrison Estate Sues Hawaii Podcast for Copyright Infringement

All this and more, on the GRAND FINALE (again, like...95%? who knows, weird year) of THE BLUE HAWAII PODCAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Episode 95 - Back to Brunch

Rants and raves about politics, culture, and sports from Hawaii and around the world. Hosted by Josh Michaels and Ryan Little. We'll fix it in post.

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