"That's It, That's All!" with Shawn Gumataotao

In this episode, this podcaster reflects on Typhoon Mawar-a year after the first natural disaster in 20 years hit the American community in Guam. Take a listen.

The 2024 Election Cycle is underway. The focus of the mid-term election in Guam -the legislative branch of the Government of Guam. A pivotal race in Micronesia. Take a listen.

The podcast talks up the importance of improved emergency preparedness practices to support effective response mechanisms that could save lives and strengthen an islander's ability to reduce the impact of disasters. Take a listen.

The government owned Guam Memorial Hospital is nearing a breaking point. While not the first time, the conditions and situation there need an intervention. Can GMH be fixed this time? Take a listen.

In this episode, this podcaster and senior executive with extensive experience in public policy, operational management and strategic and crisis communications discusses Typhoon Mawar-the first natural disaster to hit the US Territory of Guam in two decades. Take a listen.

A change to a key US Policy has the State of Hawaii and the Pacific US Territories concerned about the future of supporting the impacts of migration from three nations in Micronesia. Will it affect the survival of one of these American communities? Take a listen.  

The word transparency in government and industry has been thrown around as of late as a catch phrase to gain the trust of tax paying citizens or reassure partners at all levels. For the residents of Guam and the US Territories, is the lip service replacing public service? Take a listen.

This particular episode comes on the heels of a series of activities recently in the US Territory as with the consideration to build a new hospital in Central Guam. A lack of transparency. A lack of support from stakeholders. Politics of the few to impact the many for decades to come. Take a listen.

Where is education on Guam headed these days? I am a parent of two school kids. I am a parent concerned about the direction of the education systems at all levels. We look at the state of education in the US Territory on this episode of “That's It, That's All”!

As governments across the US Territories have transitioned with the start of the new year, so to is discussion about the pay increases of government workers. With policy makers eager to make good on campaign promises, the discussion reaches this podcast once again. What do workers in these areas consider fair? A fair question. Take a listen.

Transitions are a time of change-especially in government. For the four US Pacific jurisdictions, these times will shape the political and social landscape for in American Samoa, Guam, the CNMI and Hawaii. What can these unique American communities expect in the transition process? Take a listen.  

The Guam Election Commission has certified the 2022 General Election Results with Doug Moylan elected as Attorney General of Guam. What does his election day victory mean for the Government of Guam and the people of the US Territory over the next four years? This podcaster has a few thoughts. Take a listen.

In this episode, this podcaster and local political pundit takes aim at the real result of the 2022 General Election on Guam. How the turnout left leaders in the US Territory with no mandate to move forward in 2023 and beyond. Take a listen.

In this episode-we look back at the 2022 General Election that was or wasn't for folks on Guam and abroad. This podcaster examines voter turnout, the impact of social media on the election process and a perspective of voting on Guam this past Super Tuesday. Take a listen.

A follow up to one of this podcast's most listened to episodes lays out just one argument that it may be time to repeal the 102-year old federal law to better meet the modern maritime needs of isolated American communities. Take a listen!

In these extraordinary times, what do public services really mean to the common tax payer of Guam and the United States. To this podcaster, it boils down to a seven-word phrase. Take a listen.

This particular episode comes from a recent speech before the Guam Chamber of Commerce. With all the federal spend into the US Territory because of COVID-19, the answer will hopefully get you thinking about the role one political office plays in executing this important function. Take a listen.

In this episode, this podcaster and local political pundit takes aim at just how the 49,000 registered voters will cast a ballot in the upcoming elections in Guam. Take a listen!

In this episode-a look at two important values in public messaging: realism and reassurance. This podcast shares a Micronesian communications professional's perspective taken from today's opinion pages and headlines across the islands in the Caribbean and the Pacific. Take a listen!

In this special episode-random thoughts on living in Southern Guam, a little about time management and the latest from Decision 2022. What's Up Guam? Take a listen.

In this episode, the 2022 Guam Election Cycle is in full swing and a majority is at stake in the 37th Guam Legislature. The podcaster puts on his political analyst hat and shares some advice to would-be candidates for the unicameral legislative branch of the Government of Guam. Those considering filling out candidate packets from the Guam Election Commission should take a listen. Heck! All of us should take a listen ahead of a busy political season in the Western Pacific! Enjoy!

In this episode, the podcast jumps back into the 2022 Election Cycle and examines the race for Adelup. There is much speculation on who will challenge for the Office of the Governor of Guam and the issues are plenty facing the incumbent and her challengers. Many have asked-now my take at this point in the race for Governor of the US Territory. Take a listen!

In this special episode-what did the podcaster learn over the last 365 days? Insight into the year that was and what 2022 could be. Starting a podcast, what were the issues of the day that dominated 2021 and some tips to make life a bit easier in these crazy times. Take a listen.

With the holidays upon us, this episode takes an introspective look at the importance of Christmas from the view of an islander in the Western Pacific. The podcast host reflects on what he believes is the reason for the season. Enjoy!

In this episode-crime is on the rise in the US Territories. The podcast takes a closer look at the facts surrounding unlawful activities in America's Pacific and Caribbean Island communities. Ripped from the headlines, are criminal acts tarnishing the reputation of the island territories? Take a listen.  

In this special episode-random thoughts on Guam politics, the meaning of life and small business insight on service excellence. Just my two cents. Take a listen.

In this Bonus Episode-Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Johnny C. Gogo discusses his 48-Star American Flag Signing Project. The interview touches on his motivations to start this important effort, the lessons learned from the treatment of Japanese Americans during World War II and the impacts of those acts today and into the future in Guam and the rest of American society. Enjoy!

In this episode, the podcast takes another look at the attempts to return to play in Guam and the US Territories. With the global pandemic in the rear view mirror to some that are vaccinated, for others the ongoing public health emergency is pushing more and more people to find ways to stay healthy with sports at the center of the effort. Sports Matter. Take a listen!

It is just about one year before Americans take to the polls to elect new leaders of their respective states and territories. This episode looks at the current spin up of the 2022 Election Cycle from a unique perspective and its impacts on island elections for governor in Hawaii, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Let the political side show begin!

With the anticipated easing of travel restrictions into the United States, Guam and the rest of America is preparing for the return of tourists after a 20-month stoppage for the COVID Pandemic. Actions are underway- but will it be enough for the US to rebuild the once powerful industry and cultural activity? The podcast examines the US Territory's efforts to build back the number one industry in this isolated American economy.

The Government of Guam Fiscal Year 2022 Budget has been passed. The podcast looks at the recent actions leading up to the passage-a twist that many never saw coming.The episode goes into the short and long term impacts of the budget law for the US Territory and an assessment of the political process now and into the next year. Listen now!

In this episode, another interesting reflection of the “Attacks on America” from a Guam perspective. The podcast looks at the impacts of September 11, 2001 on the Country and in particular one of the five US Territories over the past two decades with a single message-Never Forget. 

This episode looks at the recent roll out of the American Rescue Plan Act-funded All Rise Program of the Government of Guam. With another surge in COVID cases in the US Territory, resources brought to bear on this executive action are being criticized for its lack of organization and empathy for island residents. The podcast analyzes the opening days of the program and the impacts of the program on Guam to come.

In this episode-a look at two important values in public messaging: realism and reassurance. This podcast grabs a Micronesian communicator's perspective from criticism taken from today's newspaper opinion pages and broadcast headlines from all across the US Territories. Take a listen.

Busy times in Guam and the Western Pacific and many of you have questions-all from the different platforms where you find the podcast. The podcast host makes the attempt to answer them in a way that we hope is entertaining and educational. Enjoy!

In this Bonus Episode-the Sixth Governor of Guam Felix P. Camacho shares his thoughts on the state of affairs in Guam in 2021. The rare interview touches on faith and the complexity of issues facing the US Territory today-a contrast of the issues when he led Guam's executive branch from 2003-2010. Enjoy!

This episode looks at the impacts of July 21, 1944 on the people of the US Territory-the only American community to be occupied by a foreign force during World War II. The podcast shares personal stories from family members and Manåmko' of one of the darkest of times in Guam's history and commentary on the past 77 years and what the future holds for this society in Micronesia.  

In this Bonus Episode-Special Assistant to the Governor of Guam Vera Topasna gives us an update on the Guam Military Buildup and the ongoing policy concerns facing the most significant and important of US Department of Defense programs in over 60 years. Enjoy!

This episode offers a unique perspective on one of the most polarizing of policy proposals to be introduced in Guam in over a decade. The podcast looks at efforts by the Guam Legislature to modernize the Territory's 30-year-old medical liability law and the rhetoric that is hanging the fate of the isolated American community's healthcare system in the balance. Take a listen.

In this special episode-online teaching from the perspective of an college adjunct instructor. The podcast features random thoughts on the book Advanced Teaching Online by William Draves, how generations learn and nuggets of information from advocates and critics alike. What does it all mean? Take a listen.

The State of California re-opened on June 15, 2020. This podcaster was in the Golden State just ahead of the planned easing of COVID-19 restrictions there. While not a unique perspective, as a former resident and now current resident of Guam, this episode provides his observations from different places traveled to north and south and how his home in the US Territory can take some lessons in the lead up to their pending re-opening in a few months. 

In this Bonus Episode-Shawn Gumataotao talks up commentator Michael Savage, NASCAR and current events in the US Territory of Guam with the man who inspired the podcast, his father. Eulogio Gumataotao is a Vietnam Veteran, retired cable television engineer and informed resident of San Leandro, California. Enjoy!

The US Supreme Court issued a ruling this week on one of the most important of cases to face the US Territory since joining the American Family. The podcast looks at the recent ruling on Guam v. United States. The episode will explore the long term impacts of the opinion for Guam and all of the States relative to the implementation of the federal “Superfund” Law. Listen now!

In this episode-high school and college graduations are in full swing across America. The podcast takes a closer look at the long-standing tradition that has been adversely impacted by todays' world events-specifically COVID-19. A special message to the hundreds of students of the US Territories, with a focus on Guam, that are starting a new chapter in their young lives.

In this episode-Statehouses across America are debating on how to spend $1.9 Trillion under the recently enacted American Rescue Plan Act. Priority or politics? For Guam, this has become a $661 Million question that many in the US Territory feel that they can answer. But only one person will execute this “once-in-a generation” federal program-the Governor of Guam. The podcast explores probable paths forward for the Government of Guam as the impacts of this important public policy question is weighed by the island community.

In this episode-May is Asian American and Pacific Island Heritage Month in the United States. The podcast takes a unique look at this annual celebration through the eyes of a proud Chamorro Man and proud US Citizen who offers up his take on the contributions of this special part of the American Family.

Stakeholders across the entire United States travel and tourism industry are preparing for the measured re-opening of America to the rest of the world following a year of widespread closures due to the coronavirus pandemic. The smaller tourist-reliant markets of the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, CNMI and Guam are in lock step with their American counterparts in the 50 States to do their part to jumpstart this important part of the US economy. In this episode, the podcast explores what is being done to welcome international visitors back to our collective shores while protecting local communities.

In this episode, news on the questionable actions from different levels of our local, state, territorial and federal government continues to challenge Americans' collective view of the entities entrusted to provide critical services. The podcast examines why Americans have far less trust in government than they did decades ago and an interesting twist on this perspective from an American Citizen living in a US Territory.

This episode offers a unique perspective on the impacts of the Jones Act to Alaska, Hawaii and the US Territories in 2021. The podcast explores the applicability of the 100 year old federal law and if it is really meeting the economic needs of the isolated American communities it was intended to support. 

In this episode-policy makers and bureaucrats pivot to normalcy and re-start interscholastic sports around America. The podcast looks at efforts to get high school sports up and running in Guam and why delays could could have long term ramifications as the COVID-19 pandemic is moving quickly from response to recovery.

In this special episode-a look at Agenda Setting Theory. This podcast is taken from one of my college lectures that discusses the impact of this important mass media theory. Take a listen.