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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!

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Join me for a fascinating chat with the iconic King Eddie, a stalwart in the Hawaiian Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) community. Eddie's lens has captured the essence of the local Hawaii MMA scene, and in our conversation, we traverse his journey from MMA photographer to the father of three, and comic book creator,  reflecting on how his life has evolved through these roles.

This episode takes an exciting turn as we explore the crossroads of comics and MMA, with King Eddie leading us in this adventure.  King Eddie shares how his experiences and stories are woven into his comic narratives, setting the scene for a fascinating blend of  comic book, and the rich culture of Hawaii in his new comic Mauka. 

As we wrap up our talk, King Eddie enlightens us on the power of positive energy and the essence of the Aloha spirit. You'll be left inspired, intrigued, and craving more of the fascinating interplay between MMA, comics, and the beautiful culture of Hawaii. So, tune in and submerge yourself in a world of creativity, passion, and nostalgia.

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Hang tight as we journey through the life of Regan Kuali'i, a photographer, MMA fighter and founder of Ku Films and Production. From Hilo to the glitz and glamour of Vegas, Regan's story is one of resilience, perseverance, and ultimate triumph against the odds

Our conversation ventures deep as we explore Regan's world of filmmaking; a journey punctuated with challenges and victories. The first professional gig that moulded his outlook, the creative collaboration with his business, and the process of building content from scratch, all form an integral part of this fascinating narrative. 

We look into the horizon of Regan's ambitions and aspirations. His dream of creating a long-form documentary about Hawaiian culture, his social media presence, and his zeal for hard work all speak volumes about his character. So, buckle up for a captivating conversation about personal growth, career transitions, and the powerful art of storytelling.

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Prepare for a knockout episode as we square off with Kevin Yoshida, a titan in the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) refereeing in Hawaii. Not only does Kevin oversee some of the most intense battles in the ring, but he also flexes his entrepreneurial muscles as the owner of Heavy Metal Barbell, a one-stop-shop for weightlifting apparel and equipment. From the rough-and-tumble arena of MMA fights to the clang of barbells hitting the gym floor, Kevin's unique journey is one that doesn't pull any punches.

Kevin's tale is a testament to the power of passion and the importance of respect in martial arts. We unpack his experiences, starting from his son's interest in martial arts through to his own transition from competitor to referee.  Kevin also candidly discusses the shift in attitudes between traditional martial arts and modern MMA. 

But it's not all high kicks and power punches. Kevin also reveals the story behind his trademark bleached hair, a style that began on a trip to Japan and has stayed with him since. We also uncover his experience of supporting his Son n law & daughter's business, Breaking Bank, and the joy he finds in watching them succeed. Whether you're an MMA enthusiast or curious about the fitness industry, strap in for a thrilling ride with Kevin Yoshida, our guest who truly embodies the spirit of fighting and entrepreneurship.

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Are you ready to delve into the heart of Hawaiian culture with our guest, Ikaikaloha? Brace yourself for a journey full of authenticity, vibrant insights, and a passionate exploration of traditions. Ikaikaloha is, an esteemed taro farmer, Twitch streamer, podcaster, and perpetual student at UH Manoa, shares a treasure of experiences and wisdom from his immersion in the Hawaiian culture. Hear about his adventures in Hawaiian wood carving, teaching building techniques, and managing a taro farm that carries the good vibes from their great grandmother's contribution.

Navigating the ancient and the new, Ikaika has beautifully bridged the gap between indigenous traditions and modern technology. Experience his tale of content creation, the hurdles he overcame, and his encounters with the notorious trolls of the online world. Discover how Ikaika managed to maintain an equilibrium of working amidst taro fields, while also harnessing digital platforms to enlighten others about the richness of Hawaiian culture. Ikaika's journey of mastering new software and platforms to propagate the wisdom of their ancestors is nothing short of inspiring. 

Moreover, Ikaika brings light to the importance of supporting locals and Hawaiians in opportunities such as conservation jobs. They envision a platform that not only encourages young minds but also fosters an understanding and respect for land concept deeply rooted in the preservation and stewardship of the land. They use their online presence to nurture these ideas and stand as a beacon of cultural understanding. Join us as we witness Ikaikalohas vision unfold, their balance between tradition and technology, and their unconditional love for Hawaiian culture.
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 Say Aloha to Dani Stolfi of 808 Viral, a leading figure who is revolutionizing the social media landscape of Hawaii. This episode is not just about a personal journey, but also an exploration of the impact of viral content, the importance of collaboration, and the complexities of audience curation. 

Dani candidly opens up about her battle with addiction and how she harnessed her passion for discovering talent online. She shares her experiences of working for a famous promoter and how an Oreo meme led to the creation of 808 Viral. We get into the thick of social media's role in community engagement, and how comedy can be a powerful tool in disseminating messages, managing negativity, and fostering trust. 

As we wind up, Dani shares her insights on the future of 808 Viral and her views on social media as a catalyst for change. We tap into her entrepreneurial spirit, discussing the challenges and rewards of operating an online business. Plus, we get a peek into Dani's personal life, her family, and her love for cats.  If you’re seeking insights on the power of social media, the art of content creation, and the human stories behind it all, this episode is a must-listen.

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Relive the electrifying era of late 90s and early 2000s Hawaii MMA, where every event felt like an underground Fight Club. Join me as I sit down with Rich Chou, former matchmaker for Bellator MMA, and together, we journey down memory lane, revisiting those thrilling days when MMA was still a building sport. Rich opens up about his humble beginnings as a fighter and his transition into a pivotal figure in the MMA scene. 

In this podcast, we catalyze a discourse on the importance of nurturing local talent and the potential of reigniting Hawaii's golden era of MMA. Sharing invaluable insights, Rich and I discuss the challenges of bringing back well-loved shows and creating a solid platform for emerging fighters. From reflecting on the impact of monumental events to acknowledging the remarkable contribution of Max Holloway, Bj Penn and Ilima Lei Mcfarland,  as  inspiring local talents, our conversation offers a comprehensive look at MMA's past, present, and future.

But it's not just about the sport. We delve into the evolution of MMA, discussing how the sport has transformed into a theatrical spectacle over the years, where social media presence and marketability now yield significant influence. Moreover, as two fathers, we share personal narratives about the transformative power of martial arts and the importance of being good role models for our children.  Don't miss out on this trip down memory lane and insightful discussion about the future of MMA! 
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You've heard about the Maui wildfires but none can recount their devastating blow quite like our guest, Sava. Experience an emotional journey as he shares his heart-wrenching tales from the Lahaina burn zone, the struggle to provide aid, and the overwhelming unity of a community in dire straits. This is about more than just the destruction caused by flames; it's about the resilience of everyday heroes and the power of human connection.

The repercussions of the Maui wildfires echo far beyond just physical destruction. Hear Sava's unique insights into how the spread of misinformation has disrupted the local tourism industry, a cornerstone of Maui's economy. Yet, amidst the chaos, rays of hope shine bright as the community bands together, navigating these unchartered waters with unwavering determination. Our conversation also takes a poignant dive into the compounding effects of COVID-19 on Hawaii's entertainment industry, revealing the everyday challenges faced by locals and their relentless resilience.

Sava's tales are not just about loss, they're about strength, unity, and the indomitable spirit of a community in crisis. Learn how the power of conversation and relationships can provide a beacon of hope even in the darkest of times. As we navigate through these tough chapters, you'll discover the importance of maintaining positivity and the healing power of compassion. Join us on this heartfelt ride as we unearth the true spirit of Maui.