Above the bridge

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This week ATBpod chats with IA, whose name is a lyrical homage to his children, and whose heart is as big as his beats. Today, we're unwrapping layers of a life that intertwines the pulsing energy of Hawaii's hip hop scene with the legacy of a boxing legend, Jesus Salud. IA, thrumming with stories of growing up in the shadow of greatness, shares insights into the industry's politics and his father's enduring respect within the boxing community.

Strap in for a vibrant journey through the rhythms and rhymes of the local music scene, as we reminisce with IA about his partnership with Osna and early recording escapades. The nostalgia is real as we revisit venues echoing with the beats of our youth, and discuss the thrilling – though sometimes nerve-wracking – world of live performances. Whether opening for megastars or vibing in the gym of Nanakuli, IA navigates us through the electrifying evolution of hip hop in Hawaii, sharing tales of technology's role in catapulting island talent to the world stage.

As the beats fade and the lights dim, our conversation shifts to the beats of life itself. Parenthood casts a poignant shadow over IA's words, as he reveals the connection between his music, merch, and the bittersweet passage of time marked by our children's milestones. We dive into the personal touch of vinyl records and the role of merchandise in funding musical dreams. It's a multifaceted chat, where the consistent pulse of IA's career beats in harmony with the rhythm of growth and the melody of shaping the next generation of artists and individuals.

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This week ATBPOD.com welcomes two of  Damien Memorial School's most influential football coaches.  We chat with head coach and two time ILH coach of the year Anthony " Bones" Tuitele who led his varsity team to  win this years ILH championship. Bones is also joined by Damien's intermediate ILH championship coach Ron Dalmacio.  This episode records with a live audience of family, friends, student athletes and supporters of the Damien Memorial football coaches. The two coaches speak out for the first time, detailing the course of events of their sudden termination as coaches from Damien Memorial HS in the past few weeks. They discuss the effects it has on the current students, families, and alumni of Daniel Memorial School. 

Above the Bridge Podcast is thankful for Bones and Ron for speaking out with ATB Podcast and trusting us to produce their story. We also wanted to thank Kawika Smith of the Murphy Street Podcast for his hand in organizing this event as well as Gaven Sugai of the Kampai Sugai podcast for filming.

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Embark with us on an exhilarating exploration of the creative scene as we sit down with the illustrious videographer Vitamin B. His tapestry of experiences, from the neon buzz of Las Vegas to Hawaii's tranquil coasts, illustrates a narrative of adaptation, ingenuity, and a profound connection with his roots. Vitamin B's insightful strategies for leveraging social media to weave into the local fabric and his unwavering dedication to his craft offer a refreshing perspective on the intersection of family, career, and community.

Social media's metamorphosis from a simple sharing tool to a potent marketing weapon prompts a deep conversation about authenticity in the digital age. We dissect the nuances of personal branding and the gravity of our digital footsteps, touching on the delicate art of aligning with brands that resonate with our values. Revealing the strategies behind 'Instagram infiltration,' we navigate the complexities of algorithms to build a more genuine and engaged following—a journey of recognizing one's unique superpowers amidst the avalanche of content online.

Rounding off our vibrant chat, we probe the symbiotic relationship between technology and our daily lives, contemplating the judicious integration of screen time for the younger generation. We also consider the undeniable sway of TikTok and the power of simple gestures like a direct message in unlocking doors to unforeseen collaborations. Despite a hasty end to our session due to technical hitches, we commit to continuing this enlightening exchange and promise to further unravel the threads of social media collaboration and networking across our platforms.

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Imagine stepping into the octagon, where every punch and grapple is a dance between passion and strategy. That's the world Russell Doane inhabits – a fierce Hawaiian MMA fighter who blends his laid-back island charm with the heart of a lion in the ring. Join us as Russell takes us on a journey into the heart of MMA, reflecting on the serendipitous moments that led him to embrace the sport, and the relentless drive that powers his return to competition . As we peel back the layers of this complex sport, Russell's story is a powerful testament to the warrior's spirit that pulses through the veins of a professional fighter.

Russell  opens up about his deep-rooted connection with his friend Louis, their parallel paths to the UFC, and the profound joys and trials of fatherhood.  As Russell shares his experiences with health challenges and his transformation into a coach, we're reminded of the delicate balance that life demands. These candid conversations shed light on the growth that comes from adversity and the beauty of sharing life's victories and setbacks, not only as fighters but as fathers and mentors.

Laughter becomes the best medicine as we swap tales of crafting laugh-out-loud social media content and relive heartwarming coaching anecdotes. From navigating the role of discipline in parenting to the unique camaraderie forged through combat sports, this episode is a celebration of community and the human experience. We delve into the emotional rollercoaster of cornering a friend in a fight and reflect on the importance of savoring the beauty in every battle we face, in and out of the ring. So, lace up your gloves and prepare to be touched and inspired by the stories of resilience that defines Russell Doane.  

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Gather 'round the fireplace and let the holiday spirit flow as I'm joined by my favorite guest, my delightful daughter Aria, for a Christmas podcast that's bursting with cheer. As Aria recounts her spike from novice to seasoned player, we're whisked away on a journey of athletic determination, highlighted by her shining moments at a Chicago tournament and the camaraderie of her school team. This episode isn't just about serves and volleys, though; it's a heartfelt father-daughter dialogue where we tackle listener questions, revealing the personal milestones and chuckles that have defined our year.

Aria's leap from the dance floor to the volleyball court has been nothing short of a pirouette into new beginnings, and we're peeling back the curtain on the transformation. We're chatting about everything from her evolving fashion sense to the lighthearted banter about a world without boyfriends – yet. The spotlight shines on Aria's favorite dishes, but it's the insightful discussion on the liberating role of the libero in volleyball that serves up an important reminder: in sports, as in life, height isn't the measure of one's potential.

As we wrap up this special segment, we're taking a whimsical detour through wishes of teleportation, musings on beloved school subjects, and memories of family vacations that have etched themselves into our hearts. The podcast may be coming to a close, but the laughter and lessons linger on. Join us in this celebration of the past year's journey, and as we raise our glasses to the future, Aria and I send you off with the warmest of holiday greetings and the promise of more stories and smiles in 2024.

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Have you ever wondered about the power of positivity on social media? Can it really contribute to a brand's growth? We invite you to find out as we chat with Eric Yamashita, the creator of the Everyday Better brand. Eric has mastered the art of creating authentic and relatable content and spreads it via his social media platforms. He’s not just sharing memes; he's influencing lives, including mine.

 We discuss the art of giving back and the importance of small business networking. Balancing business commitments while staying genuine can be a tough act, but Eric seems to have cracked the code. We also explore the value of in-person events, connecting with customers on a personal level, and building lasting relationships.

Last but not least, we discuss everything from training young individuals to providing nutritional advice. Plus, as an added bonus for our sports-loving listeners, we have a lively discussion about recent football games and standings. But it’s not all sports and fitness; we also tackle deeper topics such as faith, charity, and coping with grief. This episode of Above the Bridge is power-packed with conversations that matter, so don't miss it!

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Ever wondered how a podcast host stays consistent, navigates challenges, and enjoys the process while not solely focusing on monetary gain? Tune in as we unlock these answers with our special guest, Gaven Sugai, host of the Kampai Sugai podcast. We kickstart our exchange with a peek into Gaven's Japanese heritage and the inspiration for his podcast's unique name. The conversation takes an intriguing turn towards cultural cheers and their interpretations, a testament to the richness of our unique backgrounds.

As we venture further, the discussion illuminates the importance of consistency in the podcasting world. We share our triumphs and trials in maintaining consistency and the vital role patience plays in any creative journey. You'll get an insider's glimpse into our recording process, the hurdles we've had to jump, and how we've managed to stay the course. Our friendly banter touches on our podcast distribution platforms and why we prioritize enjoyment over monetary gain.

But it's not all concentrated on podcasting. We take a detour to explore our mutual interest in mixed martial arts, the evolution of traditional martial arts into MMA, and our thoughts on heavyweight champions like Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou. As ardent football fans, we reflect on the growth of Pete Carroll and Richard Sherman and the influence their actions have had on us. So, strap in for an engaging, enlightening, and enjoyable episode packed with insights, laughter, and a whole lot of podcast geekery.

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What happens when two brothers reflect on their shared past, the lessons they've learned, and the goals they've achieved? The special 100th episode of Above the Bridge is where you'll find out!  This week Dj Hapa Boy hosts Thaddeus, as we take a deep dive into our journey, from the early days on the East Side of Oahu, to the success of this popular podcast. 

Growing up, we relished the competitive thrill and camaraderie of sports. Remembering the stadiums, the games, the parents, and the friends we made, I’ll take you through my transition from high school football to finding my passion in martial arts. We also reminisce about the influential lessons the world of martial arts taught me shaping me as a individual. As a proud father, I share the joy of my daughter Aria's journey into volleyball, her growing passion, and the robust support system we've nurtured around her. 

But that's not all! Dj Hapa boy takes us through his kick in the ass initiative, our shared experiences of taking risks, meeting new people, and the transformative power of these interactions.  As we celebrate a hundred episodes of heartfelt conversations, we also express our mutual gratitude and commitment. Tune in for a ride full of nostalgia, joy, and valuable life lessons!

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Ever wondered what it takes to rise from humble beginnings and shape your dreams into a successful business? Meet Kowa, the owner of the Collective Barbershop, who did exactly that. Through sheer determination, a dash of creativity, and a strong support system, Koa navigated the world of barbering, transforming his passion into a thriving enterprise. 

Kowa's journey is not just about haircuts and style. It’s an inspiring narrative of mentorship, loyalty, and personal growth. He recounts his experiences of working at the Parlor with his mentor Ryan, who fostered an environment of learning and camaraderie, and how this formed a solid foundation for his own business. Kowa takes us through the emotional and challenging process of leaving his mentor to start his own venture, and how the values instilled by Ryan guided his journey.

In this enriching conversation, we also explore Kowa's initiative, his drive,  and how he is collaborating  to plan an upcoming expo that aims to provide a secure and collaborative environment for networking. Kowa's future plans are deeply rooted in empowering his team, fostering Hawaii's talent, and emphasizing the power of belief and positive energy. Join us as Kowa traces his adventures through the barbering world, shedding light on the importance of nurturing professional growth and supporting others in their journey.  ATBpod.com

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Our guest today on ATBpod.com is Jose Raymond, a major comedic force from Maui and the mainland.

Jose's tale is one of resilience, humor and an unyielding spirit. He opens up about his beginnings in Mexico, his family's bold transition from Watts to Maui, and how a love for comedy took root in the midst of these changes. His career isn't all laughter and applause though; hear about the time he bombed horribly in front of a family with young children and how that experience spurred him to find his own unique brand of comedy. Jose's insights into the highs and lows of the increasingly vibrant Hawaiian comedy scene, his hilarious misunderstandings, and the importance of camaraderie among comedians make for an enlightening conversation.

But life isn't all fun and games, as Jose experienced first-hand when a fire outbreak forced his family to evacuate their Lahaina home. He narrates this harrowing episode with a blend of gravity and humor, demonstrating his strength and tenacity. As we explore his future goals, his admiration for fellow comics and his upcoming show, Jose's passion for Maui and the resilience of its people shines through. Stand-up comedy, family bonds, and the courage to face adversity head-on - this episode has it all!