Tiki Talk

Sometimes, it truly does take a (Tiki) village... Ben Willis explores how the California counterculture community in the 1990s, and not long after that, the Internet-based community of Tiki Central in the early 2000s helped shape the modern Tiki revival across the US, and around the world.

Tiki Talk airs Friday afternoons around 2:45 PM Eastern during the Ben Willis show at MegaRockPA.com

Born on the same beaches of Southern California, the world of Tiki and the music of Surf Rock would take nearly 50 years and two generations before settling in comfortably with each other. Ben Willis explores how intervening fads in music, movies, and '90s counterculture helped Surf and Tiki eventually cohabitate in the modern Tiki Revival scene. 

Tiki Talk airs Friday afternoons around 2:45 PM Eastern during the Ben Willis show at MegaRockPA.com

Would you live in a Tiki-fied house? Is rattan furniture only appropriate for the patio? Was Elvis a Polynesiac? And how many giant wooden forks and spoons does one person actually need!? Ben Willis tries to answer these burning questions, and maybe quench them with a soothing Macadamia Nut Chi-Chi - listen in for the full story!

Tiki Talk airs Friday afternoons around 2:45 PM Eastern during the Ben Willis show at MegaRockPA.com

Headhunters, flaming Moai, and the most extravagant Tiki restaurant ever built in America - Ben Willis digs into the history and ultimate fate of one of the greatest temples to Polynesian Pop, the Kahiki Supper Club in Columbus Ohio. Listen in! 

Tiki Talk airs Friday afternoons around 2:45 PM Eastern during the Ben Willis show at MegaRockPA.com

What do you do when you want to Tiki-fy your life, but funds are running low? Do it yourself, and improvise of course! Ben explores how the DIY ethic has gone hand-in-hand with Tiki from its very earliest days, and gives a recipe for a delicious and simple Caribbean elixir - Home-made Pimento Dram!

Tiki Talk airs Friday afternoons around 2:45 PM Eastern during the Ben Willis show at MegaRockPA.com

Ben Willis explores “The De-evolution and Fall of Classic Tiki” with a look at abandoned Tiki landmarks, a midcentury knock-off version of the Zombie, and Link Wray’s 1974 classic “Rumble.” 

It’s Tiki history, forgotten places, vintage drinks, and great music—all in one episode! 

Tiki Talk airs Friday afternoons around 2:45 PM Eastern during the Ben Willis show at MegaRockPA.com

Today Ben tips his hat to a bold red classic with a wild history that stretches across centuries and somehow lands in the Tiki revival. Plus, he mixes up a bright, citrus-loaded cocktail with a smooth kick you’ll want to try. Hear the full story and get the full recipe now.

Tiki Talk airs Friday afternoons around 2:45 PM Eastern during the Ben Willis show at MegaRockPA.com

Ben Willis connects a few dots from Tiki history - from carved details and island influence to a legacy that quietly shaped the scene behind the bar. Some stories were meant to stay mysterious. It’s the kind of listen that makes you see Tiki a little differently. 

Tiki Talk airs Friday afternoons around 2:45 PM Eastern during the Ben Willis show at MegaRockPA.com

Before Tiki bars, before bamboo décor and island cocktails, there was a story that helped shape the whole look and feel. Ben Willis traces the roots of the Tiki lifestyle - and pairs it with a classic cocktail and a song to match. 

Tiki Talk airs Friday afternoons around 2:45 PM Eastern during the Ben Willis show at MegaRockPA.com

Tiki wasn’t always just palm trees and Polynesia. One classic cocktail, unexpected imagery, and a surprising piece of bar history come together in this episode. 

Tiki Talk airs Friday afternoons around 2:45 PM Eastern during the Ben Willis show at MegaRockPA.com