Brad Miura—known to thousands as "Unkoholics"—has transformed Hawaiian social media with his simple yet compelling "what's your name and where you from?" food sampling videos. Behind this viral sensation lies a profound story of cultural preservation, entrepreneurship, and the true meaning of aloha spirit. From his day job as a construction project manager to his evenings spent meticulously preparing lomioio, Brad reveals the exhaustive behind-the-scenes work that goes into his seemingly effortless content. "Every day I come home from work doing something—shelling, scraping fish, chopping vegetables," he shares, highlighting a dedication to craft that's becoming increasingly rare in Hawaii. While critics occasionally question his pricing, Brad's straightforward response—"I paid 13 grand last year in taxes just from fish"—underscores the legitimate business beneath the social media persona. What makes Brad's approach particularly significant is how he's preserving traditional Hawaiian food culture while adapting to modern platforms. In an era where many content creators chase controversy, Brad has built his following through positivity and cultural appreciation. His videos serve as mini-documentaries of Hawaiian food culture, capturing authentic reactions to traditional foods that might otherwise fade from public consciousness. This dedication extends beyond content creation to community building, with Brad frequently collaborating with other local vendors and creators. The conversation takes unexpected turns, revealing Brad's previous life as a youth softball coach who built a non-profit program in Waipahu, providing affordable opportunities for low-income families. These glimpses into his character illuminate why his current social media success resonates so deeply—it's built on a foundation of genuine community service and aloha. Looking ahead, Brad hopes to expand his reach across the mainland, bringing a taste of Hawaii to displaced locals while introducing new audiences to Hawaiian cuisine. His mission transcends business growth; it represents cultural ambassadorship that keeps Hawaiian traditions vibrant in an increasingly homogenized world. Follow Unkoholicspupus on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok at @unkoholicspupus to catch his next pop-up location or simply enjoy a daily dose of authentic Hawaiian culture and community.

Have you ever wondered about the healing power hiding in plain sight within the fungal kingdom? Join us as we welcome back Clint Pahia, founder of Medicinal Mushrooms Hawaii, for a fascinating deep dive into the world of medicinal mushroom that are transforming health outcomes across Hawaii and beyond. What began as a deeply personal quest to help his wife manage an autoimmune condition has blossomed into a thriving business offering five powerful mushroom medicines. Clint walks us through each unique fungal ally with the passion of someone who's witnessed their transformative effects firsthand. From Lion's Mane clearing brain fog and potentially preventing cognitive decline, to Chaga's remarkable antioxidant properties fighting inflammation at its root, to Red Reishi's ability to balance body systems, Turkey Tail's proven cancer-fighting properties, and Cordyceps delivering clean, crash-free energy – these aren't your typical mushrooms. The conversation ventures into territory rarely discussed in mainstream health circles. We explore how Turkey Tail is actually prescribed as a cancer medication in Japan, the fascinating science behind how these fungi work within our bodies, and why consistency is key to experiencing their full benefits. Clint shares moving testimonials from customers whose lives have been changed, including a particularly remarkable story about pancreatic cancer regression that highlights why he continues this work despite regulatory challenges. Ready to explore nature's pharmacy? Whether you're battling chronic health issues or simply seeking to optimize your wellbeing, this episode offers practical insights into how medicinal mushrooms might be the missing piece in your health puzzle. Visit medmushroomhi.com and use code ATBPOD for 45% off your first tincture to begin your own fungal healing journey.

Remember those days when bodyboarding was king? When names like Mike Stewart, Jeff Hubbard, and Kainoa McGee dominated our conversations and magazine covers? Hana Ahn certainly does – and he's bringing it all back through the So Stoked Boogie Series and Triple Crown of Bodyboarding. What started as a pandemic pivot has blossomed into a full-fledged movement. When COVID-19 shut down the football programs Ahn coached, his focus shifted to the ocean. "We turned to the water and while doing the water, the boys started to get good at bodyboarding," Ahn explains. This organic return to the waves sparked something bigger – a mission to revitalize a beloved water sport that had faded from prominence. Today, the Triple Crown of Bodyboarding encompasses competitions at legendary spots including Sandy Beach and Pipeline, featuring six divisions from keiki (10-13 years) to professionals. Beyond traditional divisions, Ahn has introduced creative categories like synchronized bodyboarding, where two riders perform identical tricks on the same wave. This comprehensive approach isn't just about competition – it's about rebuilding an entire ecosystem that once supported professional bodyboarding, complete with sponsors, events, and pathways to professional careers. The vision extends internationally too. Ahn has taken groups of young Hawaiian riders to Portugal for the IBC World Tour, where several reached quarterfinals and beyond. "We're trying to build the sport for the youngins," Ahn shares, "so if this is their dream and their passion, they can actually make money off of it." It's a mission to ensure this generation of bodyboarders has the same opportunities – and more – than previous ones. Beyond the waves, Ahn is reviving the cultural scene that once surrounded bodyboarding. Through concert events featuring local artists, he's reconnecting the sport with the vibrant community atmosphere that made bodyboarding not just a sport, but a lifestyle in Hawaii. Ready to catch this wave of bodyboarding revival? Follow @SoStokedBoogieSeries to stay updated on upcoming events, competitions, and how you can support this remarkable resurgence of Hawaii's water culture. Join us at Jolene's Bar and Grill at Kaneohe Bayview Golf Course on Friday, August 11th, for live music featuring Bengali from Innavision, Brotherhood, One Session, and Poi Bo. Tickets available on Eventbrite for $20, or $30 at the door.

From someone who once "couldn't even cook rice" to an innovative culinary force transforming Hawaiian ingredients, Chef Mari's story is a delicious journey of passion and perseverance. She reveals how exposure to diverse food cultures in Los Angeles sparked her culinary awakening before returning to Hawaii to study at KCC Culinary. What makes her approach unique is the scientific foundation beneath her creativity – with a master's degree in nutrition and dietetics, she brings deep understanding of food's impact on our bodies to every dish she creates. Breadfruit (ulu) emerges as the star in Chef Mari's culinary repertoire. "Ulu is literally my most favorite ingredient to work with," she explains, detailing how this versatile fruit functions beautifully in both sweet and savory applications. Her innovations are practical magic – transforming ulu into Alfredo sauce and gravy without traditional thickeners, creating poi churros that had her culinary students raving, and developing egg substitutes from traditional Hawaiian ingredients during the egg shortage. These creations showcase her gift for honoring cultural traditions while pushing culinary boundaries. The conversation explores Chef Mari's unexpected path to teaching culinary arts at Kaiser High School, where she commanded a classroom of 80+ students despite having no formal teaching certification. This experience crystallized her definition of what makes a chef: "a leader who inspires people in the kitchen." Now working as a chef consultant with the Culinary Institute of America while building her social media presence, her future vision centers on creating a non-profit cooking school accessible to everyone in her community. Throughout it all, she maintains that cooking is fundamentally about connection – whether through television appearances, Instagram videos shot entirely on her phone, or the dream of a community cooking space that celebrates local farmers and ingredients. Follow her continuing culinary adventures @BiteLogic on Instagram and TikTok, where science and flavor merge into something truly special.

Fresh off his wedding celebration, Thaddeus Park opens up his life to listeners in this intimate Q&A episode, tackling questions submitted through Instagram that range from deeply personal to light-hearted and everything in between. Thad shares the joy of his recent nuptials, describing the red and gold-themed event (a nod to his beloved 49ers) as "one of the best days of my life." With candor and humor, he explains that while marriage hasn't drastically changed his relationship with Sasha—they've been committed to each other for years—there's something special about calling her his wife and hearing others address her as Mrs. Park. The episode takes a heartfelt turn when Thad discusses his brotherhood with best man DJ Happa Boy. "We show up," he explains simply, describing their unshakeable loyalty through life's victories and challenges. This theme of authentic connection carries throughout as Thad reveals what brings him genuine happiness: watching his daughter's volleyball games and witnessing her passion on the court. Listeners get an unprecedented look at the man behind the microphone as Thad explains the meaningful stories behind his tattoos—from his daughter's name designed as an ambigram to the lotus flower colored in his parents' favorite hues, symbolizing how they helped him flourish despite life's challenges. He even shares the significance of the Metallica lyrics inked on his collar: "So close, no matter how far," representing his eternal connection to his daughter. Whether you're a longtime fan or first-time listener, this episode offers a window into Thaddeus Park's world—his values, inspirations, and the relationships that matter most. Follow Above the Bridge Podcast on Instagram, YouTube, or visit atbpod.com to join the conversation and suggest future topics or guests.

Journey through two decades of island reggae with Walt G of Kawao as he shares the remarkable path from baseball fields to Hawaiian music stardom. What began as neighbors jamming on ukuleles evolved into one of Hawaii's most beloved musical groups, with hits like "Girl, Let Me Know" becoming local classics. Walt offers rare insight into the band's creative process, revealing how China's melodic humming sparks the songwriting that has defined their signature sound. From recording with legendary producer Wendo Chin to their current collaboration with rising star Pena bu, Walt chronicles how their music has evolved while staying true to their roots. Music fans will appreciate his thoughtful perspective on the full-circle nature of island reggae, as he describes how today's artists are blending traditional sounds with contemporary styles. Beyond music, Walt shares his parallel life as a Dean of Students, former baseball player, coach, and devoted family man. His candid discussion about maintaining faith and values in the entertainment industry provides a refreshing look at navigating temptations while staying grounded. When describing the shifting landscape for today's youth, Walt's passionate insights on respect, problem-solving, and the double-edged sword of technology reveal his deep commitment to nurturing the next generation. The conversation culminates with Walt's golden advice for aspiring musicians: "Do it because you love it, not because you want status." This philosophy has guided his 20-year career and explains why Kawao continues to connect with audiences across generations. Whether you're a longtime fan of Hawaii's music scene or curious about the authentic voices behind island reggae, this episode offers a heartfelt glimpse into the life of an artist who has balanced creative passion with core values. Discover Kawao latest album on all streaming platforms and follow them @Kawaomusic on social media to keep up with new releases and performances.