Let's Talk Sports with Kanoa Leahey & Jordan Helle

New University of Hawaii head football coach Timmy Chang joins the show. In a sometimes emotional interview, Chang expresses his appreciation for returning home and his plan to see the program succeed. Plus Kanoa and Jordan end the show with their "Best and Worst".

BMac is back! Brian McInnis of the Spectrum News app joins the show to talk about his return to covering sports, including the continuing saga of the new Aloha Stadium development, the curious situation involving the Hawaii Pacific University women's basketball program, and much more. Plus, Kanoa and Jordan share their thoughts on UH football's upcoming Hawaii Bowl appearance and how they fared on the early signing day. And they end the show (the last of the year) with a special "Best and Worst" segment.

In the wake of the recent announced departures from the UH Football team, the guys talk with a couple Hawaii alums, Darryl McBride Jr. and Rich Miano. McBride initiated a Twitter Spaces discussion yesterday featuring current and former players regarding their concerns about the state of the program. And Miano is...well, our resident football guru. Plus Kanoa and Jordan share their "Best and Worst" picks.

Former Hawaii sportscaster and current news/sports anchor for ABC7 in San Francisco, Larry Beil, joins the show to tell it as he sees it with regard to the University of Hawaii football team. Larry shares his thoughts on the team's struggles this season and his concerns about the big picture impact for the program. It's an honest conversation that traverses many areas, including Steph Curry and accusations of Leahey and Helle nepotism. Plus, as always...Kanoa and Jordan close things out with their "Best and Worst".

After a "forced" two week hiatus, we talk football through the lens of the sports gambler with our buddy Matt Youmans, Vegas Stats and Information Network editor, who breaks down UH vs UNLV, the topsy-turvy NFL season, and his most painful bad beat. Plus, Kanoa and Jordan discuss the current status of Rainbow Warriors football, the season debut of 'Bows basketball and the Saint Louis Crusaders' march to an ILH football championship. And back by popular demand, the "What the (Bleep)?!" segment makes a return. As always, the show concludes with our "Best and Worst".

Our resident football guru Rich Miano joins to the show to discuss the firing of Nick Rolovich as Washington State head football coach, as well as the trade rumors surrounding Tua Tagovailoa, and the Rainbow Warrior football team's upcoming hana hou matchup with New Mexico State. Plus, Kanoa and Jordan express their distaste for a possible Braves-Astros World Series. And they end the show as always, with their "Best and Worst".

Kanoa and Jordan go guest-less...while discussing the commitment of Saint Louis Crusader quarterback AJ Bianco to the University of Hawaii, the Warriors' weekend matchup with Nevada, the welcoming back of fans (in limited fashion) to local sporting events...before introducing a new segment called "What the (Bleep)!" where they tackle the controversies around Jon Gruden, Kyrie Irving and the Giants-Dodgers check swing. Plus, as always, the show ends with their "Best and Worst".

Hawaii football defensive standout Khoury Bethley joins the show to discuss his nationally recognized performance in the Rainbow Warriors' upset over Fresno State, as well as the early life challenges he overcame to become a decorated collegiate student-athlete. Plus...Kanoa and Jordan talk about the announcement to move the Maui Invitational to Las Vegas, who the MLB MVP should be in both leagues, and as always, their "Best and Worst".

The fellas hang with Darren Hernandez - Kapolei Head Football Coach and Spectrum OC16 football analyst - to talk about the OIA getting the green light to open practice for the upcoming season and his approach to coaching and commentating. Plus...Kanoa and Jordan discuss the epic Super Bowl Halftime news, the homecoming matchup for UH football against Fresno State, lineup changes for the Rainbow Wahine volleyball team, and a "Best and Worst" Lions-Bears wager that only these guys could care about.

The Rainbow Warrior football team's "human highlight reel", Calvin Turner Jr., joins the show to talk about his approach to the game, dealing with a 1-3 start to the 2021 season and his experience with traditional Hawaiian food. Plus, Kanoa and Jordan discuss the UH football team's loss to San Jose State, the debate over whether fans should be allowed into University of Hawaii sporting events, the idea of UH football going independent amid widespread conference realignment, and their "Best and Worst".

Hawaii's Carissa Moore joins the show fresh off winning her fifth world surfing championship, adding to her Olympic gold medal from earlier this summer. She discusses her come-from-behind effort at the Rip Curl WSL Finals, and what motivates her to keep striving for more. Plus the Kanoa and Jordan talk about the 1-2 start for the University of Hawaii Football team, another "would've, could've" weekend for the Rainbow Wahine volleyball team, a calamitous week for Navy football, the biggest surprise from Week One of the NFL season, and their picks for "Best and Worst" of the week.

In this episode, Kanoa and Jordan are joined again by World Surf League CEO Erik Logan ahead of the first ever Rip Curl WSL Finals event, where the world's top ranked surfers will compete head-to-head for a world championship. In addition, the fellas look back on the first ever true home game for the Rainbow Warrior football team at Clarence TC Ching Athletic Complex, the rough weekend on the road for the Rainbow Wahine volleyball team, McKenzie Milton's magical comeback moment, and much more...including their "Best and Worst" to end the show.

Feature guest for this episode of the podcast is former 'Iolani School and Montana Grizzlies quarterback, Brian Ah Yat, talking about his induction into the University of Montana Sports Hall of Fame. Plus, Kanoa and Jordan recap the week in Hawaii sports...including the Rainbow Warrior football team's opening loss to UCLA, Rainbow Wahine volleyball's return to action, the HNL Boyz falling just short at the Little League World Series, and as always, they end the show with their "Best and Worst".

In this week's podcast, Kanoa and Jordan lament the temporary restrictions of fans at Hawaii sporting events, and get into a discussion about the season opener for the UH football team vs UCLA, as well as the first weekend of action in almost 2 years for the Rainbow Wahine volleyball team. Plus, Honolulu advances further in Little League World Series, the college football conference alignment landscape continues to shift, and the fellas introduce a new segment - "Questions you never thought would be asked". And as always the episode ends with Kanoa and Jordan sharing their "Best and Worst".

NFL veteran and former Hawaii player and coach, Rich Miano, now the analyst for Spectrum Sports per-per-view telecasts, joins the podcast to talk about the upcoming Rainbow Warrior football season. Plus, the guys reflect on the Field of Dreams Game in MLB, the continuing tradition of Hawaii teams reaching the Little League World Series in Williamsport. Kanoa and Jordan also introduce a new segment: "Unpopular Opinion". And, as always, they end the show with their "Best and Worst".

After two weeks off, the podcast returns as the fellas discuss the DOE announcement regarding the postponement of prep sports and the vaccination requirement for participation. Kanoa and Jordan also reflect on the significance of Carissa Moore's historic surfing gold medal victory in the Olympics, while hearing from Carissa courtesy her interview with the WSL. Plus...their reaction to Simone Biles' withdrawal from a portion of the gymnastics competition, citing her mental health...the USA men's basketball team advancing to the gold medal round....which team improved itself the most in NBA free agency...and as always, they end the show with their "Best and Worst"

Maui native and veteran MLB catcher Kurt Suzuki joins the show to share what it's like to be the primary catcher for Angels teammate Shohei Ohtani as well as his thoughts on how the game has changed over his 15 years in the Bigs. Plus, Kanoa and Jordan discuss such obligatory sports topics as "the Giannis Finals block vs the Lebron Finals block" and "is Conor McGregor still must-see TV". They also talk about their favorite MLB Draft storyline and close the show, as always, with their "Best and Worst". 

Kanoa and Jordan welcome Kevin Wong to the show. Wong, considered volleyball royalty in the islands, is preparing to once again serve as commentator for NBC's olympic coverage of the Beach Volleyball event. He also discusses the evolution of his Spike and Serve volleyball club. In addition, the fellas share their thoughts on the NBA Finals, the NIL era in college sports, and as always, their "Best and Worst".

KHON2 Sports Director Rob DeMello joins the show to share his feelings about the sudden passing of friend and mentor Robert Kekaula, for whom both Rob and Kanoa once worked under at KITV. The fellas ditch the standard show format to talk openly and honestly about their relationship and memories of the Hawaii icon.

Texas Longhorns setter and Maryknoll school alum Jhenna Gabriel serves as the guest on this week's show. She shares her experiences leading the Longhorns women's volleyball team to the national championship match and carrying on the Gabriel name with her cousin Dillon, the high profile QB at UCF. Plus, the Kanoa and Jordan introduce new intern/producer Kenna Tanouye, who pitches in as the guys discuss everything from the University of Hawaii Baseball coaching search, the "sticky" situation in MLB, the proposed 12-team format in the College Football Playoff, KD's legendary game and whether Tua's five interceptions in training camp is a big deal or not. As always, they end the show with their "Best and Worst"

The WTF edition of the podcast welcomes our pals Billy Hull and Brian McInnis to get into the topics of: Mike Trapasso parting ways with the University of Hawaii baseball program after 20 years; UH losing top men's hoops assistant Chris Gerlufsen to a similar position at San Francisco; Coach K announcing his impending retirement; Lebron getting bounced in the NBA playoffs; tennis star Naomi Osaka and the role of the media. And as always we end the show with a fiery edition of our "Best and Worst".

Former University of Hawaii and NFL receiver Davone Bess joins the show for a remarkably candid interview about his challenges with mental health, his reaction to the death of Colt Brennan and his future aspirations to break into coaching. Plus, Kanoa and Jordan run through the topics of one of the the worst plays in MLB history, Tua Tagovailoa's eyebrow-raising admission, Phil Mickelson's historic victory at the PGA Championship, the Brooks Keopka-Bryson DeChambeau feud, fan behavior at NBA playoff games, and the Clippers getting pushed around by Luka Doncic. And as always, the fellas end the show with their "Best and Worst", which includes a tribute to the late Fred Guzman, an influential figure in Maui sports.

Kanoa and Jordan react to the recent Kwame Brown social media assault and talk about the dramatic play-in game between the Warriors and Lakers and why Lebron is such a polarizing figure. They then give their opinions of the latest renderings of the retrofitted on-campus football facility at the University of Hawaii, as well as the 2021 Rainbow Warrior baseball season before welcoming Kapolei baseball coach Micah Banton to the show to play Fo' Real or Fo' Fake and discuss the make shift Oahu championship tournament being put on by American Legion. As always the guys close things out with their "Best and Worst".

Kanoa and Jordan run through the gamut of emotions on this episode. First they share their thoughts and reaction to the news of Colt Brennan's untimely passing and reflect on the former University of Hawaii quarterback's profound impact. The fellas then welcome UH men's volleyball head coach Charlie Wade to the show to talk about winning a national championship and the ensuing celebration. They end the show, as always, with their Best and Worst.

Dustin Demeter, the red hot hitter for the University of Hawaii baseball teams joins the show to discuss his national and conference player of the week recognition, and how his approach to the game has evolved over time. Plus he shares his memories of the epic childhood whiffle ball games played in his yard. Prior to Dustin jumping on, Kanoa and Jordan break down the UH men's volleyball team advancing to the national championship match, and where Rado Parapunov will ultimately rank among the greatest Rainbow Warriors of all time. Plus, what the addition of Texas transfer Kamaka Hepa could mean for the 'Bows hoops program while the rumor of the return of point guard Drew Buggs does NOT come to fruition. The guys also discuss the increase in MLB no-hitters, their reaction to the NFL draft and their "Best and Worst".

NFL Draft Analyst and Honolulu Star Advertiser sports editor Curtis Murayama joins the podcast to provide his prognostications on the upcoming draft and which quarterback he hopes his 49ers don't pick. Plus...Kanoa and Jordan share their thoughts on the reaction to the Derek Chauvin guilty verdicts, the head-scratching RPI ratings in collegiate men's volleyball, the Super League idea that got squashed in international soccer, and Steph Curry's crazy hot streak. As always, the guys close the show with their "Best and Worst".

University of Hawaii men's volleyball star Rado Parapunov joins the podcast to share his perspective on his illustrious career, and his emotions as he heads down the home stretch of his college experience. Prior to that, Kanoa and Jordan discuss the newly adopted one-time transfer rule in the NCAA...the roster overhaul of the Rainbow Warrior basketball team...how hitting for the cycle (like UH's Kole Kaler) rates in great baseball achievements...whether or not Julian Edelman should be considered a hall of famer...and as always, the fellas provide their "Best and Worst".

Baldwin High School baseball coach Craig Okita joins the podcast to discuss the All Pono Spring Baseball League, a club league providing prep athletes the chance to play competitive baseball on the island of Maui. Plus, Kanoa and Jordan give their takes on the NCAA basketball national championship games, the fiasco that was #VolumeGate between the Hawaii and Long Beach State men's volleyball teams, MLB's decision to move the All-Star game in protest of a controversial new voting law in Georgia, and their "Best and Worst" to end the show.

Kanoa and Jordan can barely hold in their excitement over the announced guest on this edition of the show. Plus...the guys break down the recent losing streak for the Rainbow Warrior baseball team, Opening Day in Major League Baseball, a rivalry renewed between UH and Long Beach State in men's volleyball, a coaching legend retires in college hoops, the Final Four, the continued allegations against Deshaun Watson and his lawyer's strange public defense, and the impact of the retirement of Hawaii sports columnist Ferd Lewis on the local sports journalism scene in the context of the evolution of the industry as a whole. As always the fellas end the show with their "Best and Worst".

Saint Louis Crusaders head football coach Ron Lee is the guest on this episode of the podcast. He reflects on the scheduling of the upcoming unsanctioned ILH football games involving his team, Kamehameha and Punahou, and some of the players/prospects he's excited to see get some exposure and experience. Prior to the conversation with coach, Kanoa and Jordan discuss their biggest story of March Madness, the inequality being exposed between the men's and women's NCAA basketball tournaments, a national ranking for the UH baseball team, the importance of fans potentially being welcomed back to University of Hawaii events, the NBA trade deadline and they finish the show, as always, with their "Best and Worst".

The fellas kick up the Irish flavor by holding a forum show to celebrate St Patrick's Day with friends of the podcast Billy Hull and Brian McInnis, adult beverages in hand, to discuss everything from unsanctioned  ILH Football games, to Dan Ige recording another KO in the UFC, to NFL free agency, to March Madness and more. They end the show with a massive and possibly drunken edition of "Best and Worst".   

"The Haleakala Hammer" Colton Cowell is the guest on this episode of the podcast. The outside hitter for the Hawaii men's volleyball team talks about his altered approach to preparing for this season as well as his application of the "Mamba Mentality", evidenced by his change to jersey number 24. Before that, Kanoa and Jordan she their thoughts on the Ferd Lewis column regarding the "mediocrity" of the UH men's basketball program...UH football coach Todd Graham promoting his son, Bo, to the offensive coordinator position...the Rainbow baseball team busting out the bats against Hawaii Pacific....Dak Prescott finally getting a big money contract from the Cowboys...and as always, their "Best and Worst" to close the show.

Big wave rider Billy Kemper joins the podcast to reflect on his harrowing recovery from the career-threatening injuries he suffered from a wipeout off the coast of Morocco last February. His incredible journey back from the brink is the subject of a 6-part documentary series entitled, "Billy". Prior to that conversation, Kanoa and Jordan get into the topics of another crazy overtime game for the UH basketball team, a victorious season debut for the Hawaii men's volleyball squad, UH football says "aloha" to offensive coordinator GJ Kinne, and their reaction to the Carson Wentz trade. Plus, as always, the guys close the show with their "Best and Worst".

Former Hawaii linebacker and future CFL Hall of Famer Solomon Elimimian joins the podcast to reflect on his recently announced retirement and his journey in the game football. Prior to that Kanoa and Jordan discuss the "what ifs" around Lebron James playing football, opportunities lost by the UH basketball team against UCSB, the trade rumors surrounding Marcus Mariota, and more. Plus, as always, the fellas end the episode with their "Best and Worst".

4-time Super Bowl champ Jesse Sapolu joins the podcast to discuss the impact of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame, which he helped to establish. Jesse also shares his thoughts on the season that was for his beloved 49ers and discusses the parallels between Tom Brady and his former QB in San Francisco Joe Montana. Prior to the interview, Kanoa and Jordan talk about how wrong their Super Bowl predictions were, Kolten Wong landing in Milwaukee, Baldwin grad Dat Nguyen winning a Bare Knuckle world title, the big Big West matchup between the Rainbow Warriors and UC Santa Barbara, and as always...they close the episode with their "Best and Worst". 

Matt Youmans, editor for  Vegas Stats & Information Network (VSIN), joins the podcast to provide insight on the betting trends surrounding the Super Sunday matchup between the Bucs and Chiefs. He also shares some of his favorite prop bets for our listeners...free of charge! Kanoa and Jordan open the show giving their take on the big game, before getting into last Sunday's Hula Bowl being perhaps the final football game played at Aloha Stadium. They also discuss the improbable win for the UH men's hoops team over UC Irvine, while ending the show with their "Best and Worst".

NFL Network's Brian Baldinger is in town to work as the color analyst on the CBS Sports Network broadcast of the Hula Bowl. He joins the show to talk about the opportunity for the players in the game to make a final impression on the scouts and coaches. He also breaks down the Super Bowl matchup between the Chiefs and Bucs. Meanwhile, Kanoa and Jordan discuss the big game, what should be next for Conor McGregor after his TKO defeat to Dustin Poirier in the UFC, the new digs for local boy big-leaguers Kurt Suzuki and Kirby Yates and as always their "Best and Worst" to cap the show.

Our resident football guru Rich Miano joins the show again to discuss the Hula Bowl, for which he serves as executive director, still on schedule to be played January 31st at Aloha Stadium. Rich also shares his thoughts on the season that was for UH football and the upcoming championship weekend in the NFL. Before that though, Kanoa and Jordan talk about the historically dominant UFC performance by Max Holloway, the recent stumbles for the Hawaii men's and women's hoops programs, and Philip Rivers announcing his retirement. The fellas conclude the show, as always, with their "Best and Worst".  

Joining the podcast as a guest is Alex Urban, Executive Director of the Sentry Tournament of Champions, to discuss the challenges faced to hold the event at Kapalua last week. Prior to that, Kanoa and Jordan give their opinions on the announcement that University of Hawaii Football home games will be played on campus for the foreseeable future. Plus, the fellas break down yet another national title for Nick Saban and Alabama, whether the massive James Harden trade makes the Brooklyn Nets the favorite in the NBA, and share their "Best and Worst" to close the show.

HHSAA Executive Director Chris Chun joins the podcast to discuss the state of Hawaii prep sports. Jordan is joined by Brian McInnis and Billy Hull as they get into the recent cancellations of fall and winter sports seasons in the islands, the challenges facing University of Hawaii athletics, Max Holloway's upcoming UFC Fight Island bout with Calvin Kattar on ABC, the NFL playoffs, and their "Best and Worst" to cap the show.

KHON2 Sports Director Rob DeMello joins the holiday edition of the podcast to discuss the big news regarding Aloha Stadium suspending the hosting of events, UH vs UH in the New Mexico Bowl, the challenge of covering local sports during the pandemic, and his thoughts on the imbalance in college football between the Power 5 and Group of 5 schools. Plus Jordan and Kanoa share their opinions of the stadium news and a possible Marcus vs Tua matchup in the NFL. And as always they end the show with the year's final "Best and Worst".

University of Hawaii linebacker Darius Muasau is the guest for this episode. He reflects on his prolific season, his 1st Team All-Mountain West selection and what motivates him to perform on the field. Kanoa and Jordan start off the show discussing their preference for the new nickname for the Cleveland baseball team before getting into the surprise New Mexico Bowl bid for UH football, quarterback McKenzie Milton choosing to transfer to Florida State, the return of college hoops to the islands (including an all-time victory for Hawaii Pacific University), and the end of Ilima-Lei Macfarlane's reign as champion in Bellator. Plus, as always, the fellas end the show with their "Best and Worst".

Former Lahainaluna basketball standout Cameron Fernandez discusses how an on-court collision in her freshman year of college changed her life and led to a severe battle with depression and suicidal thoughts. After a harrowing recovery, Cameron now hopes to inspire others suffering from mental health challenges to to seek the necessary help. Plus, Kanoa and Jordan talk big picture about the Hawaii football team's 3-4 record; the anticipated tip-off of the UH basketball season without senior leader Samuta Avea, who opted out; the World Surf League kicking off the 2021 men's and women's tours in Hawaii; and as always, their "Best and Worst".

Billy Hull of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser serves as guest host with Jordan to discuss everything from UH football's notable victory over Nevada, to the latest headlines regarding Hawaii's top MMA fighters, to a recap of Mike Tyson versus Roy Jones Jr, as well as the surging dominance of former Pearl City standout Zion Tupuola-Fetui on the gridiron for the Washington Huskies. Chaminade head coach Eric Bovaird makes guest appearance to talk about, among other things, this strange mainland iteration of the Maui Invitational and the challenges of the upcoming college basketball season. Jordan and Billy then end the show with their "Best and Worse". 

Sports/news writer and podcaster Brian "B-Mac" McInnis joins the show as a guest co-host along with Jordan Helle. The duo talk about the latest loss for the University of Hawaii Football team...the drama of the NBA draft and free agency..the outlook for the upcoming college basketball season...and they share their favorite memories of the Maui Invitational, which is set to be played this year in North Carolina. Plus, they close the show with their "Best and Worst".

KHON2 News anchor/reporter Sam Spangler joins the podcast to reflect on his experience covering a record-breaking election night in Hawaii. He also recalls his days as a pitcher at the University of Hawaii where he won a WAC championship alongside teammate and 2-time Gold Glove winner Kolten Wong. Plus, Kanoa and Jordan share their questions regarding the UH football team after its loss at Wyoming, react to Tua Tagovailoa's first career pro start for the Dolphins, the ramifications of Trevor Lawrence missing time due to a positive COVID test, and their "Best and Worst".

The great Kristi Yamaguchi joins the show to discuss her memories of Olympic figure skating triumph, her affinity for the islands and the work of her Always Dream Foundation, which focuses on children's literacy. Prior to that, the fellas reflect on the Rainbow Warrior football team's season opening win at Fresno State...the tumultuous debut of Taulia Tagovailoa at Maryland...redemption for Clayton Kershaw...does Khabib Nurmagomedov go down as the GOAT...and as always, their "Best and Worst".

Gold glove candidate Isiah Kiner-Falefa joins the show to reflect on his breakthrough season with the Texas Rangers. The Mid-Pacific Institute alum also shares his thoughts on the evolution of the game and who might hold the advantage in the World Series matchup between the Rays and Dodgers. Plus...Kanoa and Jordan discuss "Tua Time" as the Miami Dolphins elect to make Tua Tagovailoa the starting quarterback going forward. They also react to no fans being allowed at Aloha Stadium for University of Hawaii home football games this season. And as always...they close the show with their "Best and Worst".

ESPN college basketball analyst Mark Adams joins the show to discuss, among other things, his recent article calling for changes he feels are needed in the coaching profession in light of the recent allegations of misconduct and abuse by Wichita State head coach Gregg Marshall. Kanoa and Jordan also engage in Lebron legacy talk, the reaction to the Day Prescott injury, the national TV schedule for UH football, and as always...their "Best and Worst" to close the episode.

Travis Chock, co-founder and CEO of nationally-renowned baseball lifestyle brand, Baseballism, joins the podcast to discuss going from an aspiring ballplayer growing up in Makiki to a man running a multi-million dollar business. He shares how Baseballism has coped with the pandemic and his plans to grow the business even further. Plus, Kanoa and Jordan talk about whether or not an asterisk is necessary for the soon-to-be crowned NBA champ...the impact of Todd Graham's public vote of confidence for quarterback Chevan Cordeiro...what the NFL should do in response to a series of positive Covid tests around the league...and as always, their "Best and Worst".

With University of Hawaii alums Phil Handy and Anthony "A.C." Carter matching up as assistant coaches in the NBA Finals, we talk with the guy who recruited each of them to Manoa, Jackson Wheeler. The longtime UH assistant discusses their impact on the Hawaii hoops program and shares memories of some of the classic and most competitive years in Rainbow basketball history. Plus, Kanoa and Jordan talk about the return of UH football, the most surprising upset in college football last week, which 3-0 NFL team is the most/least legit, the Lakers vs Heat, and the start of the MLB playoffs. And, as always, they'll conclude the episode with their "Best and Worst".