The HIgher State Podcast

Today I have the privlege of sitting down and talking with one Hawaii's foremost personalities, KHON's own John Veneri. We sit and talk about life, football and every thing in between. We hear about what it was like growing up in his household. What playing for a Hawaii Football legend and icon was like. And what he's up to now. So don't miss an entertaining sit down coversation with John and me on the HIgher State Podcast!

This episode we take it to nature to sit down and have a talk with Kealoha Pilares. We talk about his life growing up. When he realized he was excelling at football. Playing during the most exciting time during Hawaii Football history. What it was like being drafted and everything under the sun. Catching up with one of Hawaiis fastest running backs on the HIgher State Podcast!

This episode we get to talk with Clyde Fujimoto, one of the survivors of Aloha Airlines flight 243. The ill fated flight that experienced an explosive decompression and lost one of it's crew members yet miraculously landed without minimal injury to the passengers and crew. "Papa Clyde" recounts his day and all of his experiences throught that entire ordeal. It's amazing the calm, evenness that he's able to speak about this with and is just an example of how and why this story time was one worth listneing in to. More than just happy to be here on the HIgher State Podcast.

Local recording artist, Drew Singer stops by to share with us a deep, inside look at what makes him who he is. We talk about his early years and some of the trials and tribulations of growing up in the foster system. We go on to hear about what or how he got started in singing and what some of his biggest highlights are. Sit down and enjoy the show on the HIgher State Podcast.

We sit down with local musician and amazing vocalist, Mike Tulba. We find out more and more about his upbringing, inspirations and beginnings in music. He actually opens with a song off of his new album, Here I Am, called "My Girl". We talk about his first self titled album and he gives us a live sample of the song, "Amazing". And to close, he takes us back to his new, unreleased album and gives us a song called, "Rather Be With You". An amazing day of music with Mike on the HIgher State Podcast!

Today we talk with Keneke "The Great" and get some amazing insight to his origin story. From some of his early passions (which weren't necessarily comedy) to how he got his name, we go deep. And then we lighten it up and find out a few less serious things. Either way, as always with this guy there's never a dull moment and we hope you enjoy this episode of the HIgher State Podcast

Today's guest is Tumua Tuinei. The once gifted football standout from Punahou has since graduated with skills in comedy. We talk about some of his current successes, what he might have in store for the immediate future, some of his inspirations in comedy and much more. We also touch on him as a gridiron gladiator and pick his brain about things ranging from living through "Chow Time" to what he thinks of the current regime. And lastly I showcase a talent that I'm not sure too much of the public knew about, but trust me... You want to know. See what Tumua has up his sleeve on this comeback episode of the HIgher State Podcast!

Since my son will be at the protest in Hawaii on Saturday, I brought him on the show for the first time to share with us his feelings on the state of the America today. We go over George Floyd, the NFL, Drew Brees, HPD and all other topics that are relevant to the Black Lives Matter movement.

We have the pleasure of talking with Negus Webster Chan, former University of Hawaii standout and NBA G-League champion. We go over current events and if this kind of craziness happens in his home country of Canada. What was his basketball journey like? Who knew Rick Pitino was in this story? We talk about his clothing line, FoEver. And we ask him the question that every great basketball player has to answer: MJ, Lebron or Jordan? This conversation should make quarantineing a little easier, courtesy of the HIgher State podcast!

For this "Who Is It Wednesday" we talk story with Malia Sanders, the Office Manager and Assistant to the Executive Director of Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association. We go deep on Hawaiian values, what her definition of "Aloha" is, what will happen to the honi after this pandemic and so many other amazing topics that you won't want to miss. So settle in and enjoy today's HIgher State Podcast.

On this “Who Is It Wednesday” with the HIgher State Podcast, we talk with Tiffany Kato. The beautiful, young lady whose latest efforts raised money for a program called “Feeding Hero's”. An initiative to engage small businesses to prepare meals for hospital workers that are fighting the Corona pandemic. The meals are paid for by an organization called Parenthood Together, which is a collection of four women who look for ways to better their community during this time as well as do other volunteer based, nonprofit events regularly. We get to veer from away from the seriousness a bit and ask about other marathon adventures, what else she does with her free time and a really interesting answer about who she'd want to sit next to on an 18 hour flight. You'll never guess, and can only hear it here, on the HIgher State Podcast

Going solo for this LMB, wanting to first, wish a Happy Mothers Day to all the mothers out there, including my own and my beautiful wife! You make our world the beautiful place that it is. As far as topics, we talk about some of the efforts that a few regular people do in order to make a greater impact. So we shout out Tiffany Kato and "Aulani Gina" for thiers. Then we crossover in to the realm of athletics where Dana White is pushing forwards even in light of serious setbacks! The NFL schedule is out and there's some interesting things to see. We glance over the NFL Hall of Fame 2020 class on our way through talking about the HOF game on August 6th between the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers. The Rams and Raiders step out to new digs as well as Bucaneer Brady-mania! Mothers make the world go round. Love the HIgher State Podcast!

*Excuse the echo: Technical Difficulties*"Who Is It?" Wednesday takes us to Disneyland! We talk to Branden Valencia and JOYANNA LIN "Speical Events"! Both are cast members at the Disneyland Resort! One of them "wrapped LA" for Batman and was one of the Yo Gabba Gabba squad, the other did some time in Florida at Disney World but was always about the food... Find out who did what, what kind of secrets they have to share and why the legened of JOY LIN "Special Events", is the name they know backstage at Disneyland! One of the best interveiws to date on the HIgher State Podcast!

On this Friday episode, we take a look at boxing great Mike Tyson and how he's holding up at 53 years old? After that we talk about the ESPN docuseries "The Last Dance" that follows Micahel Jordan and the '97-'98 Bulls which leads us straight in to a tirade about Isaiah Thomas and the 80's Bad Boy Piston teams! Who would've expected a man with such a baby face to be sucha big baby? Talk about surprise ending. Lebron James shares the Space Jam 2 logo and the judges say...? Then we cap it all by making our "Way To The Weekend" by sharing our plans and reveiwing "The Extraction". The world seems to be making progress and we are too on the HIgher State Podcast!

For our Wednesday "Who Is It?" segment, we interview Tim Saquing who is very much like a Clark Kent scenario. Why do I say that? Becasue although Tim is a Front Desk Cast Member at the Aulani by day, by night (and some weekends) Tim has shot pictures on some of the biggest movie sets and concert stages while here in Hawaii. And though he's always hustling and getting these gigs, he's a father of four and has been married for well over ten years! How's he do it all? Hustle, humility and happy wife=happy life mentality. You need to hear this interview to get a better snapshot of my brother out of the Bay area turned island boy on the HIgher State Podcast!

Quality and quantity. For this extended 45 minute episode, we give our reveiw of the top 5 picks in the 2020 NFL draft and any surprises. After that we reveiw the first to episodes of the ESPN documentary "The Last Dance". The docuseries that follows the '97-'98 Chicago Bulls as they close out their dynasty and go for their 6th NBA World Championship. And lastly we conclude by talking about what's on slate for the weekend and what to watch (other than episodes 3 and 4 of The Last Dance). Sit back, kick your feet up and listen in to this episode of the Last Made Basket on the HIgher State Podcast.

We invite Matthew Ching to the show to share with us his thoughts and feelings about having a former peer from high school on the Tiger King. Does he think Carol Baskin killed her husband? Does Scott? What would he ask this former peer? After we pick his brain on that, we discuss Gronk coming out of retirement to take his talents to Tampa. And any thoughts on what Draymond said about KD? Literally the two people that we care the most about but we wanted to take a moment to reinforce that and explain why. A cool change in pace from the norm on this taping of the HIgher State podcast!

The potential #1 overall pick of the 2021 NBA draft, Jalen Green chucks deuces to college basketball and goes for the cash. What's this mean for the NCAA? For the first time in my life, I'm waiting for "The Last Dance" and ESPN drops a five minute teaser. What are we looking forward to in this 10 part documentary of the '97-'98 Bulls team? And lastly, the weekend is upon us so we go over what to watch... And maybe what not to watch? I couldn't tell which way Scott was trying to sell it. Either way, it's a good Friday for us on the HIgher State Podcast.

We catch up with what's goin on in NY from Scott. Speaking of NY, who's winning in a hit for hit IG Live battle: Ja Rule or 50 Cent? We may get the chance to see that soon enough. Did the 49ers flat ending to the Super Bowl actually save the city from a COVID disaster? Fantasy Football cash cow, Christian McCaffery cashes out! And lastly, two NBA "What If" scenarios that should give you something to query during quarantine. Take a break from your daily nap and join us on the HIgher State podcast!

Scott and I talk about the Do's and Don'ts of mask wearing. SNL going remote! CJ2K starting to sound like AH81. Kaep was Jet-setting but he really wasn't. 4 NBA PG's worth discussing. And Scott's Cinema picks! You're gonna love this episode of the HIgher State podcast!

We check back in with Scott to see what it's looking like in NY because it seems like things are more serious there than I thought (and it is!). We turn our attention to the NFL where the Falcons have released thier new get-ups, and they've also gone on to release the NFL All-Decade team. We don't go too in depth, but as much as we can share on a 30+ miunute segment. Finally we wrap up by talking about the new Netflix movie, "Extraction" and how it begs the question, "Is this the period of time that the independent studios begin to bridge the gap?". Finally we talk about our first poll question for the HIgher State, Who is the better on screen duo: The Rock/Kevin Hart, Will Smith/Martin Lawrence or Chris Tucker/Jackie Chan? Sad to say we didn't want any mushu. Hope you enjoy this episode of the HIgher State podcast.

Since the Scott is playing the Call of Duty Beta and my wife is home, we bother her to come on and talk. She spills the beans on what it's been like being home and away from work. Some helpful tips for parents who are home with their families. We talk what she's been watching (*cough* Joe Exotic!). Girl Wash Your Face! Cooking tips and her guilty pleasure, all on this special episode of the HIgher State podcast

With this being episode #20 for us we stretch it out and do 45 minutes. Shelter In Place/Shelter From Home in in full effect (or at least it's supposed to be) we talk about what it's like here and in NY. We move on the the NFL Draft and the top 10 Mock Picks. We go on to a quick convo of Shaqs post on IG about the NBA's top 10 of all time. And Scott gives us some movie reviews. Hopefully we give you some good info on this episode of the HIgher State Podcast.

We talk about the straw that thrust the US in to the current lockdown mode that we're in: Rudy Gobert and the Jazz. We elaborate on the rest of the NBA cases as more have since popped up. We change gears and talk about what we plan to or are currently binge watching on our streaming services. We talk about what we plan to do when the world regains its sanity. And what's your "Go To" Shelter In Place meal? Who knew Scott had the appetite of a Renaissance artist?

We get Scott back from his trip *wide eyed emoji* and he tells us what the tempertaure is like in San Fran and New York. We decide to indulge in some escapism and talk about NFL Free Agency and trade market. Open up with Hawaiis Deforest Buckner and Marcus Mariota and their new desitinations. After them we go team by team to see if there's any big names going to your teams. And don't feel bad, if you're team didn't have anything worth mentioning the're just getting ready to find the draft.

We go off script and just talk about the gravity of it all. The Corona virus has taken over and now it's time to talk about what's going on. It's been ignored for too long. But NCAA Colleges have shut down, NBA is out, XFL is out. Our entire way of life is having to be re-examined and so we take a step back real quick to assess exactly what's going on.

Why do we have to talk about Lavar Ball? Because we're tired of talking Corona Virus. Spike Lee gets Knicksed from the Garden. Steph came back. TB12 for JG10 for the 49? Have you seen the Invisible Man? What you in to this weekend?

The duo is back and It's Corona time! Wait, what? They're serving Coronas at NBA games now? Zion still looking like a MonStar. Even more so now, possibly rookie of the year. Lebron vs Giannis for MVP. Lebron vs MJ for approach to the game. And the similarity between the Hoston Astros and Bill Belichick.

We talk NFL Combine. NBA is finally starting to heat up, so we show some love there. Steven Segal is still alive? Mulan not testing so hot in China. And Happy Pokemon day! Wait, what?

We have the pleasure of having both mine and Scotts wives on to join us. We talk a little bit of NBA All-Star, we play "Who Does He Play For?", Dwyane Wade and his reasons for trending on social media, marriage, the two weddings in the last 5 days and whatever else we can squeeze in. And Scott shares with us his words of wisdom as best man at my wedding.

What happens when you put me in a room with Scott, an LGBTQ cast member from the OC, a business owner with a small man complex like you wouldn't believe, a calendar boy fireman and a photographer? Magic happens, that's what. Check out this episode that'll blow you away. We start with the NBA Slam Dunk competition and work our way into relationships, parenting and life. You won't want it to end.

It's Scott's birthday so we find out what he did on his special day. And since he can barely contain the excitement in his voice *eye roll emoji* we move on. We talk about how the ESPN short "Saving The Tenement" struck us. We allow that to segue way in to our travels and basketball escapade in Thailand. And to end we finish with finding out Scotts three favorite places that he's visited so far and also where is that one place that is still on his bucket list. I don't think you'd be able to guess, so you gotta tune in to see if you were right... to this 11th episode of the Higher State podcast

We explore the NBA trades that went down as we approach the trade deadline. The NBA All-Star Celebrity game sans celebrities. We recap the Super Bowl and talk about who, what or why the Niners lost. Super bowl half time show was... And what's your favorite commercials from the day? I'll give you my top 5. Tune in and enjoy!

We take a break from the Last Made Basket series for the NFL's BIG GAME! Buuuuuut first: We make sure we fill in your All-Star reserves that were announced earlier this week. Just as interesting, who didn't BOOK a spot and how do they BEAL about getting snubbed? Let's talk sneaker head fashion with my Top 10 All-Star Kobe shoes. And finally we go over my NFL Conference Champs picks from a few weeks back. We dive in to some stats to weigh out who's got the advantage for this game. And I sign off with my Super Bowl 54 picks.

Todays episode goes a little longer because by now we've all undoubtedly heard something about Kobe, so we address that. Move on to the things that may have been overshadowed in the NBA due to the news. And trying to return to normalcy by remembering that the Super Bowl is coming up this weekend.

Now that football is winding down, we ramp up on NBA. Especially because All-Star starters were announced yesterday. Did one of your faves make it or are they still a maybe? We go over Zion Williamsons debut. And where do Hawaii people like to travel? Listen in and find out on this edition of the HIgher State podcast.

Bad Boys for Life AGAIN?? Last time, I promise. Kind of. Antonio Brown needs to just sit down. Delonte West sighting puts mental health awareness front and center. Lakers getting handled by the Celtics: Cause for pause? Trade Rumors. And the University of Hawaii does it for the Graham.

This episode we miss Scott, but join the Rise of the Resistance crowd. Taika! Taika! Taika! The creator and "The Child". The PHX Suns finally gets a ray of hope from Ayton. NFL results from last week and picks for this week!

In todays episode we try some music (we apologize for the technical difficulties. we'll get the hang of it soon enough). We lead off with entertainment. As promised, we go over the things that get us excited about Bad Boys 3. Some how we talk about "Like A Boss". We go over Morbius, in the new Sony's Marvel Universe *thinking face emoji*. and in Hawaii sports news: Rolo says YOLO and heads North. How do we keep losing good coaches so easily?

We end the week by talking about the NBA: Lakers looking to deal Kuzma, Cleveland coach conundrum, Where is Kyrie. The NFL: Playoff Picture and PICKS. And Entertainment: Baby Yoda's name is Frank? Beta Ray Bill anyone? Birds of Prey take flight.

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