Mac Movaghar was born and raised in Iran. However, after the Iranian Revolution of 1979, he fled his home country in search of a better life. He eventually landed in the United States and has truly lived the American Dream. In this episode, he talks about why he fled Iran, his career at Dennyʻs, what the American Dream means to him, and his hopes for the future of his native country of Iran.

Blair Yamashita is the head softball coach at Kapaa High School. He and his staff led their team to a remarkable run at the HHSAA state tournament earlier this month, where they took 4th in the state…in just their first year at the Division 1 level. In this episode, Blair talks about how he got into coaching, why softball is so exciting to watch, and reveals some of the secrets of success of Kapaa High Softball. My guest for Episode 5 of the Respect with Matt Gonsalves podcast is…Blair Yamashita.

Matt shares his thoughts on teacher appreciation week and reminisces about his favorite teachers from his early years. He also talks Hawaii Menʻs Volleyball and tells us who he thinks should be on the Hawaii Sports Mt. Rushmore. Then, he gives some closing remarks on the remarkable run by the Kapaa High Softball team.

Bryan Arguez is a former professional soccer player who has experience playing in the MLS, Germanyʻs Bundesliga, and with the United States Youth National teams. In 2023, he moved to Kauai where he continues to share his passion for soccer through coaching and training aspiring soccer players on the Garden Island. In this edition of the pod, Bryan Arguez reveals who he thinks is the greatest soccer player of all time, who he thinks will win this yearʻs world cup, how tough love from his dad affected their relationship, and what drives him to train and mentor the next generation of soccer players. My guest for Episode 3 of the Respect with Matt Gonsalves podcast is…Bryan Arguez.

Episode # 2 of The Respect with Matt Gonsalves Podcast features guest, Kainoa "Kaikai" Carvalho. KaiKai talks about his experience as a Kahuku Red Raider, his mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Japan, and his switch from University of Utah to Da Braddahhood at the University of Hawaii. He also talks about being an "undersized" football player and the transition from his life as a missionary to a Rainbow Warrior. Listen to find out who he thinks is the best football player in Kahuku High School history. Mahalo and Much RESPECT for listening.

Jai Alapai was born and raised on Kauai. He was a football and track star at Kapaa High school and graduated in 2019. He went on to Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington where he continued to run track and play football. As a member of the Lute football team, Jai played for five seasons and recorded 33 solo tackles, 24 assisted tackles, and a fumble recovery. After graduating with a degree in elementary education, Jai joined the PLU coaching staff as an assistant defensive backs coach. He was quickly promoted to be the defensive backs coach prior to the 2025 season. In this edition of the Respect podcast, Jai shares his history in sports, gives some great advice to aspiring, young athletes, and tells us what his number 1 meal on Kauai is. My guest for Episode # 1 of The Respect Podcast with Matt Gonsalves is: JAI ALAPAI.