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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.

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This week atbpod.com welcomes back the one and only social media content creator the hilarious,  BRAHKRUZ for a question and answer session.  We took questions that people submitted from social media and went thru them one at a time.  This is one of the most funniest drops we have done to date.  

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Our one-on-one conversation with Tyler Bernabe, a pioneering content creator, sheds light on the fascinating crossroads of art, technology, and dance. Tyler, a video editing maestro, is harnessing the power of AI to completely transform the dance scene videos on social media. His journey from a dancer to a videographer shows us that passion, fueled by innovation, can create exciting new experiences. Plus, we dive into the specifics of creating AI videos and how this technological tool is enhancing his dance content.

The digital landscape has changed the way we interact, learn, and even love. Tyler opens up about his transformation from a Mac enthusiast to a PC user, attributing this shift to the unparalleled opportunities the internet offers for learning and creation. We delve into the influence social media has on content creation and personal relationships, exploring how it has altered the dynamics of dating and friend interactions.

Wrapping up our insightful discussion, we delve into the complexities of AI and its impact on creativity. Tyler stresses the importance of maintaining his unique voice in a world where technology makes it easy to replicate creations. He also shares his hopeful vision for the future where AI could become accessible to everyone, and its potential societal implications. This episode is not just about a personal journey, but a look into the future of creativity and societal change through the lens of AI. So, grab your headphones and be prepared to be transported into a world where dance, AI, and social media intersect.

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Imagine stumbling upon a natural remedy that could potentially alleviate the symptoms of your spouse's chronic illness. That's the reality for Clint Pahia, owner of Medicinal Mushroom Hawaii, who joins us to share his journey into the world of therapeutic fungi. When his wife Lisa was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, their lives took an unexpected turn into mycology, the fascinating study of mushrooms. Clint tells us about the challenges they faced in growing and cultivating mushrooms right in Hawaii and the crucial role of mycelium, the root of all mushrooms.

We take a deep dive into the health benefits of different medicinal mushrooms, exploring everything from Lion's Mane's brain-boosting properties to Chaga's potent anti-inflammatory abilities. Clint shares his personal experiences with these natural remedies, including Thaddeus remarkable increase in patience and focus since introducing Lion's Mane into his regime. We also discuss the Cordyceps mushroom, a fascinating species that, despite its unsettling reputation in popular media, has a range of impressive health benefits and could even play a key role in combatting the coconut beetle infestation in Hawaii.

As we wrap up our captivating conversation, Clint shares his vision for Medicinal Mushroom Hawaii, emphasizing his desire to help others find relief from debilitating health issues through natural remedies. So, join us, and discover the untapped potential of medicinal mushrooms and the power of natural healing.