And I’m spent.  Franke is a photographer by trade. We dive in to how he got in to it, as a hobby at first, and eventually how he's been able to parlay that into not only a career but lifestyle.  He also shares how photography was a way for him to express his artistic energy and allow him to further pursue other interests in the incomparable beauty that Hawaii is known for. This was a fun one with one of the coolest, nicest guys in town, hope you enjoy it. 

That's coconuts, man.  Alison is an adventuress, film maker, story teller, author, conservationist and has earned the moniker of "Female Indiana Jones," pretty sweet.  Not only might you recognize her from Discovery Channel's series "Naked and Afraid," she's also a world traveler, having been raised all around the globe and immersing herself in numerous cultures and customs.  We dive in to some of the experiences and adventures she's had around the world, how she's always kept South Kona in her heart as her home and rock, and how she's been able to combine her passion for conservation and media to share her stories with the masses. 

Giddy up! Paul is the founder of Western Aloha, a paniolo-inspired aloha shirt company focusing on the saddle to paddle lifestyle of the Big Island.  He shares his inspiration behind starting the company; his keen interest and fascination with the history of the cowboys of Hawaii.  We also discuss the different challenges he's faced in the industry and  some of the issues surrounding starting a small business in the islands.  There was a lot to be learned in this episode, hope you enjoy it. 

Fasten your seatbelts.  Breeani is, first and foremost, the mother of two beautiful keiki; Kūpaʻa and He'olu.  She's also the manager of the Hilo Seaside Hotel, Keaukaha General Store, started the Hawaii Rise Foundation, and has spearheaded numerous other community oriented programs.   No big deal.  We dive in to the story behind KGS, the history and future plans of the hotel, and the approximately 7546 other things she's involved with in helping the Big Island community.  

Better call Kai! Pueo is an attorney based out of Hilo who's just opened his own general law practice.  We dive in to his journey from Waiohinu, to Washington D.C., to Oregon. We also discuss his sense of kuleana in realizing and taking responsibility for the important role he  often plays in his clients lives.  This was a real informative and fun one with an old friend I hadn't seen in a while.  Another big kuleana and aloha episode, I hope you enjoy it.

Brady is the Keyboardist for a very popular reggae-rock band Through the Roots, based out of San Diego, California.  We dive in to how he got in to music, the inception of the band, and how they've had to navigate through the last 12 months producing and releasing a new album, and he shared a bunch of cool stories and laughs. He also shares a few fun stories about life on the road, the camaraderie of being on tour, and how their first tour bus blew up and almost took everyone down with them.  This was a real fun one with one of my best and truest friends, and anyone from Hawaii with desires to pursue their musical talents will be sure to learn a thing or two. 

Allan is the new owner of Kona Reef Liquor and Deli on Alii Drive in Kona, Hawaii.  We dive in to how a wakeup call in the form of contracting COVID-19 motivated him to make a change in his life and purchase the formerly run-down store in addition to rebranding it in his own image.  We also discuss the inherent family values and work ethic that were instilled in him at a young age, particularly by his father who was a multiple-medal winner in the Paralympics.  This was a fun one and I'm excited to see how he's able to grow.

We got a hot LZ! Ben is a helicopter pilot and instructor, and owner of Mauna Loa Helicopters Flight School and Tours.  From Illinois to Oahu, to the Big Island, we dive in to the crazy circumstances surrounding his start in the business, as well as the countless applications and career opportunities being a licensed pilot can provide.  He offered a lot of insight, and I really enjoyed talking with him.   We're cleared for takeoff, Ostrich 1, let's go.

Daniel is an architect, artist, and artisan from Venezuela who's lived on the Big Island for the better part of two decades.  Although his affinity for architecture is what originally brought him to the islands, his true calling and passion is in the arts.  He's a world-class jewelry maker and artist with commissions and installations all over the world.  Not only that, and this is important, he's a fellow karaoke enthusiast and an even cooler guy.  I really enjoyed talking to and getting to know him. ¡Salud!

EŌ. Ehitu is kanaka of all trades.  He's an adventurer, waterman, photographer, and a cultural steward and practitioner...among the many other hats he wears.  We dive in to some the issues surrounding the tourism industry in Hawaii and where he sees it change and evolve.  He discusses his passion for not only providing visitors with  intimate and immersive experiences, but also sharing his mana'o of the island he calls home.  This was a big aloha, ohana, kuleana episode.  Let's go.