Podcasts about Hawaiian

I'm a big fan of Nathalia (Nat) Holt's books, and am so excited to have the opportunity to talk to her about her new book, The Beast in the Clouds: The Roosevelt Brothers' Deadly Quest to Find the Mythical Giant Panda. I first met Nat when her book Cured: The People Who Defeated HIV came out and I attended a book event at Dartmouth Medical Center. She is so smart and curious and in this episode we will be talking about the process of researching elusive history, where her ideas come from, and who gets to tell what stories. Nathalia Holt's websiteTranscript below!EPISODE 455 - TRANSCRIPTJess LaheyHey, AmWriters! It's Jess Lahey here. I am so excited to talk about a new series that I am putting out there on the Hashtag AmWriting platform called From Soup to Nuts. I interview and work with and mentor an author—a nonfiction author—who has subject matter expertise and a killer idea, frankly, that just knocked me sideways. This author really thinks this is the time and place for this idea. And I agreed, and I asked her—I begged her—if I could mentor her through this process in a series. We're having to work together on agenting and proposal and all the stuff that you've got to do, from soup to nuts, to get a book out into the world. This series, From Soup to Nuts, is subscriber-only. The first episode is free, so you can go back and listen to that. That's for everyone. But if you want to join us for the whole process and learn from her mistakes—and learn from the stuff that I'm working on right now too—you have to subscribe. So consider supporting the Hashtag AmWriting podcast. It helps us bring you stuff like this—these extra series—not to mention the podcast itself. Alright, it's a lot of work. Help us support our podcast and these extra bonus series. By becoming a supporter, you'll get a sticker for it. You'll get your hypothetical, figurative sticker for being a good Hashtag AmWriting.Multiple speakers:Is it recording? Now it's recording, yay. Go ahead. This is the part where I stare blankly at the microphone. I don't remember what I'm supposed to be doing. All right, let's start over. Awkward pause… I'm going to rustle some papers. Okay, now one, two, three.Jess LaheyHey, this is the Hashtag AmWriting podcast. This is the podcast about writing all the things—writing the short things, writing the long things, writing the queries, the proposals, the poetry, the fiction, the nonfiction. This is the podcast actually, at its heart, about getting the work done. I am Jess Lahey. I am your host today. I'm the author of the New York Times best-selling The Gift of Failure and The Addiction Inoculation. And you can find my journalism at The New York Times and The Atlantic and The Washington Post. And today I am interviewing an author I respect deeply. I have known this author since she wrote her first book, which overlapped with some work that my husband does and some work that I had done in a previous career, and she has gone on to have a glorious and enviable career in nonfiction. My dream has always been to be one of those people that can, like, get curious about a topic and then just go off and write about that topic. And this is what she does. So Natalia—NAT—Holt, I am so excited to introduce you to our listeners. They are deep, deep, deep lovers of the nuts and bolts and the geeky details of the writing and the process. So welcome to the Hashtag AmWriting podcast.Nathalia HoltThank you so much. I'm excited to talk to you today.Jess LaheySo we have a book on HIV—the first book, Cured, which is the way that I got to know you. Also, full disclosure, we share an agent. Laurie Abkemeier is our agent, and I think she actually may have introduced us in the first place. Yeah, your first book—yeah, your first book, Cured, about the Berlin patients. Really interesting—if you've never heard of the Berlin patients, listeners, just, just Google it. It's really a fascinating story. I'll go over—I'll go read Cured. Cured is all about the Berlin patients. And then we have The Queens of Animation—the women behind, sort of, the way Disney does what they do. And—and—and then we also have Rise of the Rocket Girls, which is another fascinating book out there about the women behind a lot of the math and the planning and the work that was done to get us into space. And so when I heard about your new book, I'm like, "Oh, NAT's working on a new book. Great! What women are we going to talk about this time?" And it's such a departure for you, and it is such a fascinating topic for you. And, well, for me, it's like—it's deep in my geeky, Jess-book-loving nonfiction zone. Could you tell us a little bit about it and where the idea came from for this book?Nathalia HoltSure. The book is called The Beast in the Clouds, and it's about an expedition that the two eldest sons of President Theodore Roosevelt took in 1928 and 1929. And they went to China and Tibet in search of the giant panda, which at that time was unknown to Western scientists. And even in China, there were very few people that were aware of where this animal lived, what it ate—so little was known. So during this time period, the 1920s, you have all of these expeditions going to China, trying to find this black-and-white bear that no one is really sure exists. It's just a crazy period of history, because you have all of the other bears at that time—even polar bears—were known and even were in zoos. But the panda was not, and many people even thought it would be a ferocious bear. They thought this was going to be, you know, a combination of polar and black bears.Jess LaheyYeah, yeah.Nathalia HoltSo that's what the Roosevelts are going to. And so the expedition ends up being torturous, deadly. They're going through the Himalayas. They're not very well prepared. They lose all their food. They're attacked. They get lost. Just every crazy thing happens to them. But it's also a journey of transformation. They're documenting all of the ecology around them, and it really ends up changing their own worldview. And so it was such a fun book to research and to write. And I spent a lot of time also going into many of the other ex—many of the other members of the expedition, which was—which was fun, and maybe a little bit different than other books in this genre. But yeah, for me, you know, it's scary to be writing a part of history that is very different than what I've done before—but it's also fun.Jess LaheyWhere'd the germ of the idea for the book come from? Because I had never heard this story before. I guess it had just never occurred to me—like, where do we—how do we know about the panda bear?Nathalia HoltYeah, it's not a topic that has been written about much before, and I came across it while I was researching my last book, which is called Wise Gals, and is about women that helped form the CIA. And as part of that book, I was looking into the Roosevelts' role in World War Two. And it's so confusing when you research the Roosevelts, because they all have the same name. It's just Theodore and...Jess LaheyActually, I have to tell you, Tim's a huge fan—my husband, Tim, who you also know, is a big fan and has read a lot about—and he's like, "Well, which Roosevelt?" So you—and I'm like, "Oh, that's a really good question. I don't know which Roosevelt... like, the adventuring ones." He's like, "Well..." [unintelligible]Nathalia HoltYeah, there's so many of them, and they all have the same name. And so as I was trying to parse out son and father—who are both named Kermit Roosevelt and both served in World War Two—I kind of stumbled across this expedition that the elder Kermit Roosevelt had taken. So he and his older brother, Theodore, who were the sons of President Theodore Roosevelt, and so it just kind of—it came from there. Just sort of came from wanting to learn more about it. And I always love a challenge. If there's a topic that's difficult to research, that seems impossible to find anything about—I'm there. I want to know everything.Jess LaheyYeah. So, okay, so here's a—really a question that I—well, first of all, you and I are both research geeks. I just—I have said I could just keep researching books and not actually write the books. I just love that process. So aside from the easy answer, which is Google, like, where do you start with a story that hasn't been told yet? How do you start diving into that story, and where do you find information?Nathalia HoltIt's difficult, and it depends on the topic. For this one, I went through a number of different archives, and that was great. I was able to get old letters that the Roosevelts had. But I really wanted to bring in other voices. I was really, really persistent in my desire to bring in Jack Young, who was this young, 19-year-old, Hawaiian-born translator and naturalist on the trip. And I was fortunate enough that I was able to track down some interviews he had done with another author back in the 1990s, and I just was persistent. I just pleaded until I got these tapes and was able to get all these interviews with him. And then I also contacted his daughter, who lives in Hawaii, and was able to get his unpublished autobiography. And it gives such an interesting perspective, because Jack Young went on and became a very impressive person and really deserves a biography all of his own, but he was also very close friends with the Roosevelts. They had a real connection—a real bond. And you get a different sense of the story when you're hearing it through his descriptions of what it was like, because he is young, and he is sort of really documenting things for the first time. And then, in addition, I was so lucky with this book because I was able to also get the field journals from a scientist that was on the expedition, as well as all the writings from another naturalist. So it was fascinating, because there were so many different accounts of the same events, which really lets you go into detail about what it was like, what people were feeling, what they were seeing. And I don't think I've ever had that before—where I have so many different accounts of the exact same events.Jess LaheyThat's really cool, because it gives you that ability to, you know—if we went with just Jack Young's account, then you've got the Jack Young lens. And as you well know, history gets to be told by certain people, unless someone like you comes along and says, "Oh, wait, this account has not been brought to the surface," whether it's the women who are the animators at Disney, or whether it's the women who are part of NASA. So how do you—if you go into something like this and you have a limited number of perspectives—it sounds like you had a fair number of perspectives going into this, but since the documentation happened—usually tends to happen among the more powerful, the more privileged people—how do you manage getting a full perspective on an event like this expedition when you may have limited perspectives?Nathalia HoltThat is the real challenge, because it's easy to get the Roosevelts' documentation.Jess LaheyYeah, yeah, yeah.Nathalia HoltI have all of their journals, all of their letters. I am able to get into real detail about what this expedition was like for them. Even the difficult parts—for them—they really documented that, and everything has been saved. For the others... it's much more difficult, and it really requires that persistence of being able to get the letters. Being able to get the autobiography was really key, because he goes into so much detail about what things were like. And these interviews that he did were also really, really helpful, because he goes into a lot of his feelings about what it was like to be with the Roosevelts on the expedition, about how he felt… Because his father was born in China, his mother was born in San Francisco, he himself was born in Hawaii—which, at that time, is not part of the U.S.—he feels like he doesn't have a country. He doesn't know where he is. So when he's in China, he can speak all of these languages, but he's still struggling to connect and be able to talk with people, because there are so many dialects.Jess LaheyYeah.Nathalia HoltAnd so to be able to get into what that was like, and how he felt—just gives such a perspective—a different perspective of the expedition than perhaps what is usually had in these kinds of books. And he also talks a lot about the guides on the expedition, which was really interesting. There were a lot of women that were part of this expedition. Half of the guides, who kind of act as Sherpas—they, you know, they carry things, they lead the way, they guide the route, they make camp. And so there are just some great moments with these guides—especially the women guides—where they are just protecting from crazy marauders that have come down and have attacked the group. And lots of great moments like that. That was really interesting to document. And in addition, another thing I was able to get for this book is—there was actually some early video and a lot of photographs that were taken.Jess LaheyOh my goodness.Nathalia HoltBy one of the members. And that is just such an incredible thing—to be looking at video of this expedition in the 1920s—it's just amazing.Jess LaheyOkay, so geek question here, since this is definitely what our listeners like the most. So I haven't laid hands on the book yet, because it's not out yet—did you put photographs in the book? Were you able to get access to photographs, and did you put them in the book? And I ask that because whenever I write a proposal or we're working on a book proposal, we have to indicate whether or not there's going to be artwork, and that changes things in terms of budget, and it changes things in terms of permissions and stuff. And I was curious about—I've never dealt with that side of it before, but maybe you have.Nathalia HoltI have. I've always sent photographs, and I love it. Because I feel like it helps when you read the book—especially a book like this.Jess LaheyYeah.Nathalia HoltYou know, when I'm describing what they look like, and where they are, you want to see it with your own eyes. And so it's really interesting to be able to see those photographs. And I had so many, and it's always a challenge to parse out—who has the permissions? Where do they come from? Finding the photographs—this always takes forever. Fortunately, this particular book was maybe a little bit easier, because a lot of the photographs are out of copyright, that had been published at that time. So that was nice. But yeah, no, it was still just a mess, as it always is. It's always a mess to figure out who do photographs belong to. I feel like I would love to become a lawyer—just for that moment in researching a book.Jess LaheyThat's a whole layer I've never had to go into. And it was easier for me to—rather than just say, "Yeah, I'd like to include this one thing," and then I realized the nightmare that's ahead of me in terms of accessing and getting permission and all that stuff. I'm like, "Eh! Let's just stick with what we got in the print." But, for something like this—and especially when you're writing about, for example, animation, or if you're writing about, you know, this expedition, and there's art available—you know, it sounds like it's really, really worth it for that aspect. I mean, that's definitely something I would want in this book. So I think I know the answer to this question. This is a heavily loaded question, but are you—when it comes to research and it comes to what you include in the book—are you an overwriter or an underwriter? Or do you land pretty much—like, when you're doing your editing, are you like, "Oh no, this was the perfect amount to include?"Nathalia HoltOh, I'm a terrible overwriter.Jess LaheyOh. So am I!Nathalia HoltIt's really a problem. But I worked very hard on this book at cutting, and it was not easy for me, because I do always tend to go way overboard. I'm always over the word count that I'm supposed to be at—with the exception of this book, where I did a very good job of cutting it down and really trying to focus and not, you know, getting too distracted.Jess LaheyYeah, we joke all the time with my other co-hosts and friends that my—like, my history sections in both of my books could have been half of the book or, you know... and all the stuff that ends up on the floor ends up getting told in cocktail parties. You know, "By the way, did you know how many, you know, kegs of beer there were on the ships that came over? I do. Can I share? Because I did all this work and I've got to put it somewhere." And there's this weird—there's this weird line between, "Look, look how thorough I am. Can I have an A+ for how thorough I am?" versus what your reader might actually be interested in. I keep some of my favorite notes from my former editor, and she's like, "Yeah, the reader... no. Reader doesn't care. Not going to care. You know, this may be really fun for you, but maybe not for your reader." So—but I can imagine with something like this, you know, the details of the flora and fauna and all that other stuff—it would be really easy to get off on tangents that are not necessary for the core mission.Nathalia HoltYes, absolutely. But in some ways it was easier than my past books, because it only takes place over a year, which is incredible. Most of my books take place over decades, and the cast of characters is much smaller as well. And unlike some of my past books, I feel like I need to include everyone out of fairness—which is kind of a weird way to approach a book. I don't recommend it. That's not the way to do things. But yeah, if you're really just looking at a few—a handful of people—over a year, it's much easier to stay on track. So that was a good exercise for me.Jess LaheyYeah, there's a—there's a line I love, where David Sedaris talks about the fact that what it takes for him to purchase something is if the clerk at the store has gone to the trouble to take it out of the case, to show it to him, and then he feels like he has to buy it because he—someone went through the trouble. And same thing for me. If, like, someone's going to go to the trouble to be interviewed, then cutting that entire interview, or cutting that whole through line, or whatever that person is a part of, is incredibly painful to do. And then I feel like—I feel obligated. So it's a difficult—it's a difficult balance, you know, between what your readers are going to actually want and what makes for a good book, versus doing right by the people who spent time talking to you. It's a hard balance to strike. Alright, speaking of being in the weeds and geek questions—so I'd love to talk to you a little bit. I was just—I'm mentoring someone for a little series we're doing for this podcast, sort of from soup to nuts, from the beginning of an—from the inception of an idea to getting a book out. And the very first thing she did was send something to me in a Pages document. And I had to say, "Hey, you might want to think about using Word or maybe Google Docs, because, like, I don't have Pages." So—some details about how you work. Number one, do you have a preferred app that you like to write in? Because I'm a Scrivener gal.Nathalia HoltI mean, I prefer Word because I feel like it is the most universal. It's the easiest to send to people... and so that's what I go with.Jess LaheyYeah, I use Scrivener only because it allows me to blank out the rest of the world really easily. Okay, and then organizing your research. This is something—the question of organizing your research, how you know you're done researching and really just need to actually start writing the words—are the two questions that I get the most. Because the research could go—especially on a topic like this—could go on forever. So number one, given this voluminous research that you had, how do you organize your research? Do you use folders on your computer? Do you use folders in—you know—how do you do all of that?Nathalia HoltI do folders on my computer, and then I also do hard copies that I actually keep organized in real folders, which helps me, because then, if I'm going into a specific topic, a lot of times it can be easier to actually hold on to those documents and being able to see them. So I do both. Um, and...Jess LaheyHas everything pretty much been digitized in this area? Do you feel like—or do you have to go into rooms and, like, actually look at paper documents, and sometimes they don't let you scan those? So, you know, how does that work for you?Nathalia Holt Yes, it's very difficult if they don't allow you to photograph them. Usually they do. Usually you can. So I have always had to digitize documents, and there's so many different ways to do it, but now it's much easier just to use your phone than anything else, which is great. Very happy about this development. And yeah, I think—I think maybe that's part of the reason why I do like to print things out is because that's how I was first introduced to the material, so it can be useful for me. But there's way too much material to print everything out. I mean, there's so many hundreds, thousands of pages even. And so it's always just going to be sort of key documents that end up making their way into the actual folders, and then the rest—it's just, you know, organized by topic. Make sure images are separate, by person.Jess LaheySo then, how do you know you're done? Like, how do you feel like you're at a place where I now know enough to come at this from—to come at the storytelling from an informed place?Nathalia HoltThat is really a good question, and I'm not sure I can answer it, because I feel like you're never done. You're always going to be researching. There's no real end to it.Jess LaheyBut you have to start. Well, and this—this takes—this is separate from the question of, like, how much research—how much research do you have to have done for the book proposal? Like take it for example, for example, The Addiction Inoculation, where I needed to learn, really, a whole new area... that was a year-long process just to write the proposal for that book, and then another couple years for the book. So, for me—and I'm very happy to say—I got to ask Michael Pollan this question, and he had the same answer that I feel like is my instinctual answer for this, which is when I start to say, "Oh, I'm starting to repeat. Things are starting to repeat for me," and/or, "Oh, I already knew that," and so I'm not finding out new stuff or encountering things I don't already know at the same rate. It's starting to sort of level off. Then I feel like, "Oh, I've got this sort of, like, you know, mile-high view of the—of the information," and I maybe have enough in my head to start actually being an expert on this thing.Nathalia HoltThat's a good answer. That sounds responsible. I'm not sure that I do that, though. I think for myself, there's not a bad time to start, because it's going to change so much anyway, that for me, I almost feel like it's part of the learning process. Is that you start to write about it, and then as you go along, you realize, "Oh, this is not right. I'm going to change all of this," but it's all just part of helping you move along. And I think even from the beginning, if you start writing even just bits and pieces of how you want to write the scene, you want to think about this or outline it, that can be helpful, and it doesn't matter, because it's all going to change anyway.Jess LaheyThat's true. I actually find I write—the way I write is very specific, in that each topic I'm going to write about in a chapter has a narrative arc, story that goes with it. So I—that narrative arc story gets written first, and then I drop the research in as I go along. But I remember, with The Gift of Failure, a book came out that had a key piece of research that then I had to go back and figure out, "Oh my gosh, this impacts everything." And so I had to figure out how to sort of drop that in. And I couldn't have done it at any other time, because the research didn't exist or I hadn't found it yet. So that's a tough thing to do, is to go back and sort of link the things to something new that you think is important. But the research part is just so much fun for me. Again, I could do that forever and ever and ever. Do you? So the other thing I wanted to ask... and this is selfishly... do you have large boxes in your home of all the research that you feel like you can't get rid of, even though you wrote the book, like, five years ago, ten years ago?Nathalia HoltI do not. I pare down.Jess LaheyYou do?!Nathalia HoltAfter time, yes. It's hard to do, though, because it's hard to throw things away, and I definitely have folders that I keep. They're just full of things that I can never get rid of. And obviously it's all digitized as well, but there are things like that that mean a lot to me, that I can't get rid of.Jess LaheyWell, there's actually—this was a very selfish question, because I actually just went through and finally got rid of a whole bunch of stuff that... I felt like it was at the heart—it was the main research for The Gift of Failure, and I used it to mulch my gardens. I put—and so it was like this metaphorical kind of, like, knowledge feeding the thing that I care about the most right now. And so I used it to mulch all the paths in my gardens and create new garden beds and stuff like that. But I'm always curious about that. Like, I every once in a while see something on, like, "X"—what used to be Twitter—or someplace like that, like, can I get rid of the research from the book I wrote 25 years ago? Or is that too soon? Well, so when exactly does the book come out? Give us your—give us your pub date.Nathalia HoltIt comes out July 1st.Jess LaheyOkay. And I have to say... cover is gorgeous. How did you land on that cover image?Nathalia HoltOh, I really didn't get much say.Jess Lahey Okay.Nathalia HoltThe one thing I—I mean, you know, they have whole people that have skills that do these things, but one thing I was very passionate about was keeping the brothers on the cover in their expedition gear. So originally, the publisher had wanted them to be in suits on the front, and I just hated it. I hated it so much, because I feel like they need to be on the trail. You need to see them as they were on the trail. And so that's one thing I really pushed for. And I was fortunate that they—they listened, and they were okay with that.Jess LaheyWell, I'm just—I mean, this book is going to have such a great place alongside books like The River of Doubt and other, you know, really wonderful books that are about the expositions—that the expeditions that get taken by these historical fixtures—figures. And I'm just—I'm so excited for this book. I'm so happy for you about this book, because it is just—when I started telling people about the topic, they're like, "Oh, I would read that." And I'm like, "I know! Isn't that the best idea?" And that's part of the magic, is coming upon the really cool idea. And so I'm just really, really happy for you and really, really happy about this book and excited for it.Nathalia HoltThank you. Oh, that's so nice to hear, especially because this was a very difficult book to get published. I mean, there was a real moment where I wasn't sure I was going to find someone that would...Jess LaheyWell, can you—I didn't want to ask it. You know, this is—having—doing a podcast like this, where we often talk about the mistakes, we talk about the blunders, we talk about the stuff that went wrong. It can be really, really hard because you don't want to bite the hand that feeds you, or you don't want to, like, make anyone think that this book wasn't anything other than a 100% lovely experience from beginning to end. But I would love to talk about that, if you're willing.Nathalia HoltOh, sure. I don't really have anything bad to say about anyone. I think it's—I think it's understandable that people wouldn't naturally think I would be the best author to write this. I haven't written other books like it, and so it was a difficult book to sell. It wasn't easy, and it definitely crystallized to me how important it was that I write it. I really felt like this was my purpose. I really wanted to write it, and maybe it's good to have that moment, because it really makes it clear that this is something you need to do, even if it's not easy, even if it's tough to find a publisher. And I was fortunate that I did. You know, luckily, there was an editor that—sort of at the last minute—believed in it enough to give it a go. And yeah, it's just—it always feels like a miracle when the book comes to fruition and is actually published. It just seems as if that could never really happen, and this one was a difficult road to get there, for sure.Jess LaheyWell, especially since a big part of the proposal process is trying to convince someone that you're the—you're the person to write this book. And in this case, it's not so much because you're a subject matter expert going into it. It's that you're a really good researcher, and you're a meticulous writer and a meticulous researcher, and most importantly, this story speaks to you. And I think, you know, some of my very favorite nonfiction books that I recommend over and over and over again—narrative nonfiction—it's clear in the reading how excited the author was about the story, and I think that's part of the magic. So I think you're the perfect person to write it. I don't know what they could have—because if you are—if you're fired up about the story... And as an English teacher, and as someone who's had to convince middle school students why they need to be excited about this thing I want to teach them, the enthusiasm of the teacher is part of what can spark the engagement for the learner. So I think that's a really, really important part of any book. Plus, you got to—you're—as an author, you're going to have to be out there talking about this thing, and so you better love the topic, because you're going to be talking about it for ages.Nathalia HoltYes, absolutely. I mean, no matter what, this is many years of your life that's dedicated to a topic. But I think it's—it's a good lesson in general, that you can write in one genre and one kind of book for years, and then it might not be easy, but it is possible to actually break out of that and find other topics and other things you want to write about. We grow. We all change.Jess LaheyYeah, one of my—one of, as our listeners will know, Sarina Bowen, one of my co-hosts and one of my best friends—she's—she has written romance forever and ever and ever, and she's like, "You know what? I want to write a thriller," and it has been a really steep learning curve and also a huge effort to sort of convince people that she can do that too. But it's also really, really satisfying when you show your chops in another area. So—and I had an—as I was going through sort of the details about this book, and reading about this book, I was thinking, you know what this would be really, really good for? An exhibit at someplace like the Field Museum, or like an exhibit of—oh my gosh, that would be incredible. Like, if this is a story that hasn't been told, and there's a lot of art, and there may be video and photographs and all—and journals—man, that would make for an amazing—if anyone out there is listening, that would make for an amazing museum exhibit, I think. And of course, everyone's listening to me.Nathalia HoltThat would be amazing.Jess LaheyEveryone is listening to me...Nathalia Holt Oh, well, they should.Jess LaheyAll right. Well, thank you so, so much. Where can people find you? And is there anything else you'd like to talk about that you're working on or that you're excited about? Besides, you know, just getting this book out into the world?Nathalia HoltYou can find me at nathaliaholt.com and on Instagram and Facebook and X @NathaliaHolt. And yeah, right now I'm pretty much focused on this book. I have something else percolating, but it's still away a good days. So it's the fun research part. Isn't that...?Jess LaheyYou will notice I did not ask you what's next, because to be asked what's next when you haven't even birthed the thing you're working on now can be a little irritating. So as someone who's aware of this inside baseball, I didn't even. Later on—privately—I would love, because I'm a big fan, big excited about your work, and love, love introducing people to your work. So I think—and also, one of the things we talk about a lot on this podcast is having books that are exemplars of good research, of good storytelling. I have a stack of books that I keep near me when I need to dissect something to get at—oh, this person did a really good job with, for example, historical research, or this person did a really good job of using their expert voice, and I need to tap into that today. I think your books are—would be excellent, excellent selections for our listeners, for their pile of exemplars for really well-done research and telling other people's stories—historical stories that occur in a sort of in a modern context. Your books are really dissectible, and I know that's super high-level geek stuff, but they've really helped me become a better storyteller as well.Nathalia HoltThank you. That's so kind of you. I really appreciate that.Jess LaheyAll right, everyone—go get the book, read the book. Don't forget to pre-order, because that really matters to us authors, and don't forget to review it wherever you purchased it, once you have read it. And Nat, thank you so much. And I apologize for calling you Natalia at the top of the hour. I'm so just so used to doing that—Nat. And until next week, everyone, keep your butt in the chair and your head in the game.The Hashtag AmWriting podcast is produced by Andrew Perella. Our intro music, aptly titled Unemployed Monday, was written and played by Max Cohen. Andrew and Max were paid for their time and their creative output—because everyone deserves to be paid for their work. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to another episode of the show. Today, I'm excited to welcome Cristina Carolan. Cristina is a plant-based personal chef and author of Plant-Based Pacific, a cookbook that reflects a vibrant fusion of culinary cultures from Japan, Hawaii, and the Philippines. She's the owner of Chef Veggie, a plant-based personal chef and holistic lifestyle service. A lifelong traveler, Cristina's experiences living in Japan, visiting her mother's homeland of the Philippines, and calling three Hawaiian islands home inform every dish and story in her book. In today's episode, we talk about: The inspiration behind Plant-Based Pacific How Cristina's multicultural upbringing shaped the concept Cristina's cookbook publishing journey Recipes and stories for local meals like Hawaiian Plate Lunch and Filipino Kamayan, all with a plant-based twist Advice for aspiring cookbook authors Whether you're a plant-based cook, a cultural food enthusiast, or dreaming of writing a cookbook, Cristina's story offers warmth, insight, and plenty of practical wisdom for your journey in the kitchen and at your keyboard. Things We Mention in This Episode: Join the waitlist for Cookbooks on KDP for September 2025 Connect with Cristina Carolan  Order a personalized copy of Plant-Based Pacific  

O2 shows us why Bill Maher is wrong about kids. Plus our recommendations for summer books about friendship.   Follow Childish: twitter.com/childishpod instagram.com/childishpod Follow Greg: twitter.com/GregFitzShow instagram.com/gregfitzsimmons Follow Alison: twitter.com/AlisonRosen instagram.com/alisonrosen

Send us a textThe boundary between legendary golf courses and their price tags becomes crystal clear when exploring the contrast between Shadow Creek's meticulously crafted experience and Royal Hawaiian's wild jungle offering.Joe and Jeremy take us along for an extraordinary evening under the lights at Shadow Creek, a rare opportunity that transformed an already premium experience into something magical. Their detailed account captures the surreal feeling of playing a course where each putt seems to roll endlessly toward the hole, where caddie reads are uncannily accurate, and where going barefoot on the second nine elevated the experience to spiritual levels. In their words, "It felt like we went on a golf trip," despite being in their home city of Las Vegas—perhaps the highest praise possible for a single round of golf.Meanwhile, Matt shares his contrasting experience at Royal Hawaiian Golf Club on Oahu, where breathtaking jungle scenery and creative shot opportunities were unfortunately paired with disappointing course conditions. The front nine, carved into a dramatic valley surrounded by 200-foot-tall trees, presents unique challenges that require shots to bend around massive jungle obstacles. Yet despite the stunning setting, the patchy greens and inconsistent fairways left much to be desired. "If the conditions were good, it would be an $800 course that would be packed," Matt concludes, highlighting the perpetual tension between beauty and playability.The episode also celebrates Dan's recent tournament successes, explores the crew's fascination with vintage PGA Tour trading cards, and offers candid thoughts on Hawaiian travel challenges. Throughout, the question lingers: what makes a golf experience truly worth the price? Shadow Creek seems to have answered that question definitively for our hosts.Join us every Tuesday at 8:30 PM Pacific for more honest golf talk, course reviews, and the camaraderie that makes this game special. If you're contemplating your next bucket-list golf adventure, this episode offers valuable perspective on what truly matters when selecting your destination.We hope you enjoy this week's episode, and if you do, please consider leaving us a review on either Spotify or iTunes. Thank You!

What's the story behind the growth chain Mo'Bettahs?This week's episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Rob Ertmann, the CEO of the fast-growing Hawaiian-style chain Mo'Bettahs.This is the latest in our series of podcast episodes recorded at the National Restaurant Show in May. We wanted to talk with Ertmann to get the story behind Mo'Bettahs, which is one of the industry's more fascinating growth concepts. The company grew system sales 30% last year, according to Technomic.We talked about the chain's history and how it's been able to fund its growth. We talk about growth plans and what kind of barriers are standing in the way of that growth. We also touch on a variety of other topics, including tariffs, traffic, portion sizes and what's popular today.It's a wide-ranging episode on the podcast this week so check it out.

Want to work with us? Reach out! inquiries at milestomemories dot com Episode Description This week JetBlue released a very interesting promotion for their 25th birthday. In addition to earning up to 350K bonus miles, you can earn 25 years of Mosaic status as well. How many hoops do you have to jump through and does this make economic sense. More importantly do you have the time to invest into this lucrative deal?   In other news Chase launched their Sapphire Business card last week along with a ton of new rules. How are the rules being enforced and which customers has a "bank error" in their favor? We also discuss: how Shawn accidentally beat jetlag, Hyatt Regency at JFK, the Savannah Bananas and how some people missed out on Amex transfers to Hawaiian.   Episode Guide 0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel 0:24 Last minute Amex to Hawaiian/Alaska transfers - How much did we do? 5:00 Mark's Savannah Bananas experience 11:20 How Shawn accidentally beat jetlag 16:22 Hyatt Regency at JFK review - Good airport option? 24:00 How Chase is enforcing their new Sapphire rules 30:13 JetBlue's crazy 350K promo - Worth pursuing?   Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!

What if four simple phrases could heal trauma, remove blocks, and radically shift your life? In this powerful episode, Dr. Joe Vitale—best-selling author, speaker, and featured teacher in The Secret—joins Moira to explore the transformational Hawaiian practice of Ho'oponopono. You'll discover: How to use “I'm sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you.” to unlock peace and clarity Why personal responsibility is your most powerful path to healing The truth about manifestation most people miss And how the new documentary Zero Limits is bringing these practices to the world Whether you're new to inner work or ready to go deeper, this conversation will shift your perspective—and your energy.

Pain heals, chicks dig scars, glory lasts forever… but do sports comedies? That is what we discuss after watching The Replacements! Joining us at the desk is Neel, to help usanswer many questions - is Keanu a good actor? Why was Gene Hackman in this? Is the fat guy Hawaiian, Japanese or Chinese? did Jon Favreau think he was in The Waterboy? Is this the most cliché soundtrack in the history of movies?… and many, many more. Thanks for listening!

With Allen (@amedlock1) kicking back on an Hawaiian beach, Daniel (@C70) sits down with Eugene Tucker (@I_am_not_Eugene) to talk about all things Cardinals. The guys dive into Eugene's Substack and how the 100th anniversary of the Cardinals inspired it, then talk more about the week that was. The focus is on the Cubs series split and the emotions that come out of that. Is Pete Crow-Armstrong the newest Cub we love to hate? What should be done at the trade deadline? The guys also talk about the cyclical nature of the sport and whether we can be happy even if they don't win the World Series. Come listen in on the conversation! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've got a breaking cool ass bird update and Daniel and I were massaged within an inch of our lives. But in a good way. While said massaging was happening I noticed what I was most content thinking about it it isn't great. Plus a Hawaiian Snack Chat featuring fruits! Get yourself some new ARIYNBF merch here: https://alison-rosen-shop.fourthwall.com/ Subscribe to my Substack: http://alisonrosen.substack.com Podcast Palz Product Picks: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonrosen/list/2CS1QRYTRP6ER?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfalisonrosen_0K0AJFYP84PF1Z61QW2H Products I Use/Recommend/Love: http://amazon.com/shop/alisonrosen Check us out on Patreon: http://patreon.com/alisonrosen   Buy Alison's Fifth Anniversary Edition Book (with new material): Tropical Attire Encouraged (and Other Phrases That Scare Me) https://amzn.to/2JuOqcd You probably need to buy the HGFY ringtone! https://www.alisonrosen.com/store/ Try Amazon Prime Free 30 Day Trial

Author and veteran journalist Sara Kehaulani Goo grew up in Southern California making frequent visits to Hawaii, where her extended family owned a vast and rugged stretch of Maui. The land was granted to an ancestor by King Kamehameha III in 1848 before the U.S.overthrew the island nation's monarchy. Goo's family held on to a small section for more than a century, but when their property taxes skyrocketed a decade ago, they had to confront what the land meant to them and whether to sell. Goo joins us to talk about her memoir, “Kuleana,” which explores her family's relationship to those ancestral lands and their Hawaiian culture amid the pressures of capitalism and displacement. Guests: Sara Kehaulani Goo, journalist and author of "Kuleana" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you missing the real reason locals consider Waimea Valley one of Oahu's most sacred places?For many visitors, Waimea Valley seems like just another waterfall stop—a quick swim and photo opportunity before moving on to the next attraction. But beneath the surface lies a thousand years of Hawaiian history, sacred sites, and living cultural traditions that most tourists completely overlook.If you're planning a trip to Oahu and want your visit to create lasting memories while respecting Hawaiian culture, this episode is for you. Learn how a simple shift in your approach can transform what might seem like a typical tourist stop into a meaningful cultural experience that locals truly appreciate.In this episode of Hawaii's Best, we explore the untold story of Waimea Valley's sacred sites with Executive Director Richard Pezzullo, who shares insider knowledge about the valley's rich history, unique cultural programs, and why 60% of visitors are now choosing not to swim in the waterfall.

Join Chase and Courn as we close out pride month to chat about our own queer experiences, terminology, and the connection between trans and disability liberation all year round!Watch on Youtube! Instagram: @neurotakespod Contact us: Hello@neurotakespod.comEpisode Transcripts: www.neurotakespod.com

A conversation with Nathan Aweau - singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist bringing the Hawaiian aloha spirit to your summer days chatting about the connection (not division) the ocean creates between Pacific islanders, his global family history, many music award wins, a soulful spot on O'ahu, and more. Aweau stopped by the InterFM studio during his April 2025 Japan tour and brought his guitar for an in-studio live performance!!

Dr. Naomi is ready to embark on her Hawaiian vacation but before she can jet set away, Jordana has an important question for the seasoned therapist: Do men and women approach therapy differently? They get deep about the differences between the two sexes and how they tap into their emotional selves and Dr. Naomi brings some anecdotal evidence to prove that women might be a little more wired to work on themselves than their male counterparts. The Overshare of the week comes from a listener who was recently blessed with a pregnancy but is reeling after her sister in law spilled the tea to literally her entire baby shower despite explicit instructions not to. Speaking of secrets, the Betchicist comes in with a moral conundrum around gun ownership when one woman is scared to divulge that her ex-military beau not only has a gun, but that he keeps one in the house. Is she required to tell her friends before they come over? Dr. Naomi helps set an intention for a Betch that is moving into greener career pastures but is feeling a little heartsick about the colleagues she's leaving behind. Finally they explore two triggered scenarios, one around a seemingly innocuous comment about “healthy babies” that left one mom spinning and another about how an innocuous concert invite turned into an unforeseen $100 expense for one Betch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Born in Honolulu in 1951, Tom Pohaku Stone made a name for himself at Pipeline in the early 1970s as a stylish goofyfooter. Around that time, he was imprisoned after a drug bust. While incarcerated, he found books and higher learning. He studied, and, after his release, got a job as a lifeguard and enrolled in college. He got his BA in Hawaiian Studies from the University of Hawaii in 1998 at the age of 46. A few years later he earned his MA for his thesis paper about the ancient Polynesian practice of riding papa holua boards—which are long, wooden sleds—down grass-covered mountains. Now a professor of Hawaiian History at University of Hawaii, Pohaku Stone's commitment to the preservation and revival of ancient Polynesian knowledge and practices extends beyond academia and into his personal life as a surfer and shaper. In this episode of Soundings, Pohaku Stone sits down with Jamie to talk about the early days at Pipeline, finding solace in the past, his Hawaiian heritage, sobriety, Jose Angel, finding academia, and memorable moments on the North Shore. 

In this episode, host Pete Moore reconnects with longtime friend and fellow Emory University alum, Marcus Gordon. They dive into the significant evolution of endurance sports over the years, and the business opportunities surrounding the endurance athlete community. Marcus shares his journey from collegiate athlete and marketing professional to passionate triathlete and entrepreneur—highlighting the explosive growth in triathlons, marathons, and ultra events across the globe. Pete and Marcus chat about the gaps in the market for facilities catering specifically to endurance athletes, the concept behind Marcus's upcoming venture Endurance Ohana, and how advances in tech are transforming training and competition prep. They also touch on the importance of community, the power of simulation-based training, and what makes a truly next-level fitness experience for serious endurance enthusiasts. Marcus pulls back the curtain on his exciting plans for a destination-style facility focused on not just performance, but recovery, community, and the full spectrum of an athlete's needs. On 'viral' indoor cycling tech, Gordon mentions, "You'll be able to ride the entire Ironman Hawaii course on your trainer. And except for the wind on your face and the sun glaring down your back, you get every element of that course in terms of being able to see who's in front of you, who's behind you, the elements of going up a hill, coasting down a hill, and so on. We can bring that environment indoors and people love doing that!" Key themes discussed Endurance sports culture and personal journey Growth and popularity of triathlons/ultras Gaps in facilities for endurance athletes Concept and mission Tech integration in training and recovery Community and togetherness as core values Premium experience: Performance, recovery, and social aspects A few key takeaways:  1. A New Kind of Performance Center: Marcus is launching “Endurance Ohana,” a boutique gym and performance center specifically catering to endurance athletes—everyone from 5K runners to Ironman competitors. While traditional gyms have amenities endurance athletes use, none are truly targeted at this community's unique needs. 2. Community and Experience at the Core: The concept centers on the Hawaiian term “ohana,” meaning family and community, emphasizing a supportive, communal environment. It's not just about physical training, but also bringing together passionate individuals with similar goals in a space specifically designed for collective motivation and support. 3. High-Tech, Multi-Disciplinary Training: The facility will also feature cutting-edge options for swimming, arena-style cycling (with advanced indoor trainers, including options to bring your own bike), running, strength, mobility, and top-tier recovery options like cold plunges and saunas. There's a major focus on integrating tech for tracking and simulating real-world race conditions. 4. Training, Recovery & Content Creation: Beyond just equipment, Ohana will offer full support: Nutrition, recovery, strength, mobility, and even social media and content creation resources. The facility looks to be a true “third place” for athletes, complete with recovery lounges and podcast/video studios. 5. A Premium Membership for a Passionate Community: Expect a high-end experience, with membership hovering in the $300+ per month range. This reflects both the deeply invested target audience (endurance athletes already spending heavily on gear and races) and the all-inclusive nature—training, recovery, storage, and community all under one roof. Resources:  Marcus Gordon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusgordon  Endurance Ohana: https://enduranceohana.com  Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com  Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

See how you can get half off on a gourmet food and fitness show when you watch today’s episode of HI Now Daily! Plus, we’ll help you figure out what the Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines merge means for your existing miles.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A search is on this morning for an inmate on the run. What he was in for and what you need to be on the lookout for. The Hawaii Tourism Authority could potentially face an overhaul. We the governor is calling for board members to step down. A new Hawaiian name for a monk seal pup! What is it and what does it mean?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tell us what you though of the episode

Did you know that even after 30+ trips to Hawaii, I still remember the mistakes I made on my very first visit in 2007?When I first stepped foot on Oahu as a newlywed, I arrived with a suitcase full of expectations and honestly, a lot of naivety about what Hawaii was really like beyond the postcard-perfect images.

Paul Davids is an author, artist, and award-winning Hollywood film director. As an author, his most recent book is the ambitious 514-page non-fiction AN ATHEIST IN HEAVEN – THE ULTIMATE EVIDENCE FOR LIFE AFTER DEATH? It is co-authored with Professor Gary E. Schwartz, Ph.D., a scientist who is also a prolific author. In 1990, Lucasfilm contracted Paul Davids to co-write (with his wife, Hollace Davids) six STAR WARS books that weave stories featuring the STAR WARS characters that continue the STAR WARS saga after RETURN OF THE JEDI. Those books, which sold millions of copies in many languages, are THE GLOVE OF DARTH VADER, THE LOST CITY OF THE JEDI, ZORBA: The Hutt's Revenge, MISSION FROM MOUNT YODA, QUEEN OF THE EMPIRE, and PROPHETS OF THE DARK SIDE.He has written, produced and/or directed 12 feature films, mainly distributed by Showtime (ROSWELL, 1994) and NBCUniversal International Television (STARRY NIGHT, THE SCI-FI BOYS, JESUS IN INDIA, BEFORE WE SAY GOODBYE, and THE LIFE AFTER DEATH PROJECT), with a film slated for release in 2016: MARILYN MONROE DECLASSIFIED. His entertainment production career started with the classic, original TRANSFORMERS animated episodes. You'll find his name on 79 of those Marvel Productions shows as a production coordinator, and he also wrote some of the longtime favorites. He is a graduate of Princeton University, where he was an award-winning poet, leading to the publication of three books of his poetry, beginning with POEMS TO READ WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAYS (AND OTHER WAYS TO DIE LAUGHING). Paul Davids' very first book (also co-written with his Hollace Davids) is a cross between Hawaiian mythology and fiction about Mark Twain's early travels. The legendary Stan Lee wrote the foreword. It is called THE FIRES OF PELE: MARK TWAIN'S LEGENDARY LOST JOURNAL.Please enjoy my conversation with Paul J. Davids.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/next-level-soul-podcast-with-alex-ferrari--4858435/support.

Hawaiian Fantasies xxxxxx 03 The Magic Pipes

The boys are back at it again! Ricky Johnson and Jeff Ward get together for an amazing episode of Podium to Present with none other than the Flyin' Hawaiian, John DeSoto. The AMA Hall of Famer was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and came to the mainland to race dirt bikes! A hero in the late 1960s and early 1970s, DeSoto was a hero to both RJ and Wardy, and their conversation is one not to be missed!

Rob Thomas and Mike Poe, General Manager of Quintero Golf Club, discuss the club's renovation plans. Quintero, originally designed by Rees Jones, has seen a significant increase in rounds played from 10,000 to 40,000 annually. The renovation, expected to be completed in October, includes a full bunker and green renovation, focusing on maintaining the course's signature bent grass while improving playability. The project aims to enhance the course's ranking and customer experience. Poe emphasized a drip marketing strategy to build anticipation and highlighted future of possible development plans, including additional golf courses and facilities. Also in the news ... Club + Resort Business is launching an Engagement Summit to advance membership strategy and connection. The new event, set for October 5–6, 2025 at St. Andrews CC in Boca Raton, Fla., will bring together club professionals for focused education around attracting, retaining, and engaging members. A new short course is joining this Hawaiian golf experience. The new three-hole short course – “The Three Pearls” – offers fun and challenging play for golfers of all skill levels at Pearl at Kalauao on Oahu. With hole distances ranging from 40 to 60 yards, Nā Momi ʻEkolu is ideal for beginners, juniors, casual players and advanced golfers looking to sharpen their short games. The Club at New Seabury in Mashpee, Mass., is now part of the Concert Golf Partners family. Storied U.S. Open Champion Francis Ouimet once described the 300-acre oceanfront property as the “Pebble Beach of the East.” The Club at New Seabury on Cape Cod spans 300 acres, with nine holes alongside the ocean. And, the Mizner ‘A' team kicks off a clubhouse renovation. The Delray Beach, Fla., club enlisted its junior construction team, who received a fun and educational lesson on the steps involved in upgrading life at Mizner Country Club.

On this episode of the HWMF Podcast, Seth & Bob talk about the development of habits and routine, the process of sampling clothing, Southwest Airlines, and Coke vs Pepsi.

Most visitors to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park miss the best sights—and sometimes even the lava—simply because they don't have a solid plan. With unpredictable eruptions and so much ground to cover, it's easy to waste time or leave disappointed. This episode reveals how to make the most of your day, avoid common mistakes, and leave with the kind of memories most visitors miss by sharing the exact one-day route, practical tips for timing and packing, and a clear plan for your visit. Become a member to listen to this and so many more: hawaiisbesttravel.com/members

Join Jay Gunkelman, QEEGD (the man who has analyzed over 500,000 brain scans), Dr. Mari Swingle (author of i-Minds), and host Pete Jansons for another engaging NeuroNoodle Neurofeedback Podcast episode discussing neuroscience, psychology, mental health, and brain training.✅ Cerebral Folate Explained: Jay dives deep into cerebral folate deficiency, its connection to autism and epilepsy, how it's diagnosed, and how it can be treated.✅ SMR and Sleep: Learn the role of SMR (Sensorimotor Rhythm) in improving sleep onset, stabilizing sleep cycles, and how thalamic nuclei come into play.✅ Home EEG & Consumer Tech: We discuss accessible neurofeedback options for the general public including Muse, Sense.AI, and Divergence Neuro—plus the idea of neurofeedback as a preventative “brain tune-up.”

Third Coast Percussion Month continues! We celebrate their 20th Anniversary as an ensemble with Ensemble Member and Finance Director Peter Martin, who discusses their current season and collaborations, the importance of non-artistic roles for the group, the early years financially and artistically, and being able to go full-time (02:10), the Glenn Kotche story (again) and the importance of expanding the staff of Third Coast (46:20), growing up mostly in Hawaii and his piano and percussion background (01:01:50), attending the University of Northern Colorado and Rutgers University (NJ) for undergrad (01:15:15), his years working with Michael Burritt at Northwestern for his grad degrees (01:31:20), and settles in with the Random Ass Questions, including discussions of early specialization, bad jobs, F1 Racing, great books, Hawaiian food, the Yoga Festival Story (Part 3), and seeing live music (particularly Beyoncé) (01:37:00).Finishing with a Rave on the city of Denver, Colorado (02:09:45).Third Coast Percussion Links:Third Coast Percussion's websitePaddle to the Sea - Third Coast PercussionGlass: Aguas de Amazonia - Third Coast PercussionStandard Stoppages - Third Coast PercussionPrevious Podcast Guests mentioned:Rebecca McDaniel in 2017Tim Feerst in 2021Matthew Coley in 2021Will James in 2017Other Links:Twyla Tharp Dance FoundationZakir HussainJessie MontgomeryConcerto for Violin and Percussion Orchestra - Lou HarrisonEighth BlackbirdSo PercussionAmanda Percussion GroupKronos QuartetHideout ChicagoThe Neo-Futurists“Rebonds A/B” - Iannis XenakisOwen Clayton CondonLiz Pesnel Aphex Twin“Smells Like Teen Spirit” - Nirvana“1979” - Smashing Pumpkins“Black Hole Sun” - Soundgarden“So What” - Miles Davis“Giant Steps” - John Coltrane“Lonely Woman” - Ornette ColemanJack DeJohnetteTony WilliamsElvin JonesMax Roach“Makrokosmos II” - George CrumbLeigh Howard StevensMichael BurrittShe-e WuMike TruesdellCloyd DuffTerry VermillionDennis DeLuciaJacob NisslyAnnie StevensKris Keeton1491 - Charles C. MannSurrender - BonoGet in the Van - Henry Rollins“Take My Bones Away” - BARONESSCowboy Carter tour 2025Raves:Denver Art MuseumMeow Wolf

The Pacific Ocean is not all that separates the 50th state from the American mainland. The Hawaiian islands remain a place apart, with a distinct culture and national identity borne out of the cyclone of colonial exploitation. Liam and Russian Sam are joined by Miguel (@whitejsakai) for Gladio Free Europe's first exploration of the history of Hawai'i, beginning with a look at the award-winning 2020 documentary CANE FIRE.Taking its name from the first Hollywood production shot on the island of Kauai, filmmaker Anthony Banua-Simon uncovers chains of exploitation that link the plantation economy of Hawai'i's past to the real estate and hospitality industries of the present. Accounts of violent labor wars in pre-statehood Hawaii are interwoven with contemporary vinettes of the everyday struggles of Hawaiian workers, and exoticized images used to sell Hawai'i from the 19th century to the present. While Hawai'i represents a tropical idyll for travelers across the globe, soaring costs of living rampant housing speculation have forced thousands of residents, particularly Native Hawaiians, to flee to the mainland. A general history of Hawaiian colonization starts at 28:24, from the ill-advised decisions of Captain James Cook in 1779 to the illegal imposition of Haole (white American) rule more than a century later. In between, Hawaiian monarchs and ali'i aristocrats established a unified nation that was the first non-European polity to be internationally recognized a legal peer by colonial contemporaries and the first country on earth to achieve universal literacy. 19th century Hawaiians had a vibrant press in their native language and made important diplomatic connections with neighboring Polynesian nations also groaning under the colonial threat. While many of these transformations were related to the growing influence of New England missionaries and other Haoles over the islands, Native Hawaiians like the missionary Henry ʻŌpūkahaʻia and the "merrie monarch" King Kalākaua were the primary actors in making contact with the world beyond the waves.Like that of all nations, the identity of Hawai'i was carefully constructed by its aristocrats and industrialists during the development of a capitalist economy. Because while so many aspects of pre-colonial religion and culture were suppressed by missionaries and their aristocratic ali'i patrons, that which could be marketed to outsiders was preserved and promoted. Native Hawaiian leaders like Kalākaua and his sister Liliʻuokalani traveled the world to present an image of the Hawaiians as a dignified and civilized people. This was not enough to preserve Hawaiian sovereignty, but it established a romantic image of the islands that has enchanted outsiders for well over a century. Despite the violent overthrow of the islands' last queen, and the systematic disenfranchisement and ongoing of Native Hawaiians, Hawaiian culture, or at least a specific image of it, has found admirers as disparate as Elvis Presley and Chinese Premiere Jiang Zemin. Please see below for a link to a clip of the 2025 Merrie Monarch Festival celebrating traditional Hawaiian ritual hula dance:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6qOY7kze7IEpisode Art is the Portrait of Kamehameha III by Robert Dampier (1825).

On this episode, we sit down with Jack Ho, a Waikiki-raised waterman and professional foiler, to explore his journey from surfing small waves at age five to becoming a sponsored athlete with F-One Foils and Patagonia Surf. From his roots in a historic family home to chasing perfect swells in Hood River and New Zealand, Jack shares how foiling bridges ocean sports and his passion for storytelling through YouTube. This episode dives into the aloha spirit, sustainability, and his dream of becoming a Waterman Hall of Fame inductee.In this episode, you'll discover: Origin Story: Jack learned to surf at five in Waikiki, driven by a family legacy and the ideal coastal setting. Foiling Journey: A $500 used foil ignited his love for “foiling,” leading to sponsorships with Lift and F-One Foils. Hood River Appeal: The river's consistent swells and lively community make it a top surf trip destination. Sustainability Efforts: Jack's role with Twinfin Hotel and Parley for the Oceans promotes eco-friendly practices in Waikiki. YouTube Passion: Collaborating with friend Kainoa to create videos as a digital legacy for his future kids. Waterman Aspiration: Inspired by Duke Kahanamoku and Kai Lenny, Jack strives to live the Hawaiian waterman values of respect and versatility. Cultural Mindset: Adopting a Hawaiian approach of honor and respect to connect deeply with his community.Follow Jack's journey at youtube.com/@JackfromTown or on Instagram @JackfromTown 

What's up Recties — it's ya boy Trey back with Jake, Katie, and Derek behind the camera! This week we learned that singing to your baby is better than talking to them (which is honestly great news for tone-deaf parents). We also try to figure out what OBGYN actually stands for (spoiler: it's not “Orifice Butt Gynecologist”) and talk way too long about what doctors call your backside. Plus, I reveal why I might start doing jiu-jitsu and we break down the top-tier white people meal: baked Hawaiian sliders with poppy seeds. Don't act like your mom hasn't made them. Hit that like and subscribe — and remember, we're here to say what everyone's thinking… kinda. Feel good... and mean it when you say it!! For a limited time, get Headspace FREE for 60 days. Go to Headspace.com/CORRECT to unlock all of Headspace FREE for 60 days. Support the show with True Classic at trueclassictees.com/treykennedy for 20% off! 6 pack of tshirts for $90 PLUS 20% OFF! Join our Patreon for a bonus episode every week! patreon.com/treykennedy

Love the show? Have any thoughts? Click here to let us know!This week, we're headed to the tropical paradise of Hawaii—but not for the sunshine and surf. Lauren dives into the legends of terrifying Hawaiian monsters and deities, including the powerful shapeshifting Mo‘o, the pig-man demigod Kamapua‘a, and the protective (but sometimes vengeful) ancestral spirits known as ‘Aumakua. These stories are deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture and are not just myths to everyone. Then, Kenzie covers one of Hawaii's most heartbreaking and haunting true crime cases: the disappearance and murder of 6-year-old Peter Boy Kema. For years, his face became a symbol of a case gone cold, until the truth finally came to light. Join us as we explore the supernatural and the sinister in the Aloha State.-To learn more about child abuse and neglect, and the U.S. foster care system, please visit:- https://www.aecf.org/blog/child-welfare-and-foster-care-statistics#- https://www.nationalchildrensalliance.org/media-room/national-statistics-on-child-abuse/--Follow us on Social Media and find out how to support A Scary State by clicking on our Link Tree: https://instabio.cc/4050223uxWQAl--Have a scary tale or listener story of your own? Send us an email to ascarystatepodcast@gmail.com! We can't wait to read it!--Thinking of starting a podcast? Thinking about using Buzzsprout for that? Well use our link to let Buzzsprout know we sent you and get a $20 Amazon gift card if you sign up for a paid plan!https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1722892--Works cited!https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Dq_0tJvFgEFuU1ZpZQ3E_LcuLc-RrTML8fSt9ILWb6k/edit?usp=sharing --Intro and outro music thanks to Kevin MacLeod. You can visit his site here: http://incompetech.com/. Which is where we found our music!

Jody Grunden, CPA, stands out for more than his brightly colored Hawaiian shirts at accounting conferences and events. Grunden was one of the first firm leaders to embrace remote work, and he remains a proponent of it. His firm also was one of the first to offer outsourced CFO services. In this JofA podcast episode, Grunden reflects on his firm's growth, explains how cultures can mesh during a merger, and predicts where the future lies for CPAs. Hint: It's not in delivering financial statements to clients. In an earlier JofA interview, Grunden discussed not feeling fear when trying something new and explained why Monday is his favorite day of the week. What you'll learn from this episode: ·         The evolution of outsourced CFO service offerings. ·         Why Grunden says remote work “is the way to go.” ·         How off-site retreats helped grow postmerger culture. ·         What “remaining independent” means to Grunden. ·         The future of client advisory services. ·         Why a client's “graduation” should be celebrated.

Today we kicked off the 10,000 TACOS challenge! We're planning to eat 10,000 tacos to help the many business affected by the ICE Raids and protests. Help us reach 10,000 tacos by hitting up a taqueria near you and tagging @kleinallyshow! We also did our annual Summer Draft where we predicted what songs and trends will dominate in 2025, we talked to a couple who mentioned us in their wedding vows, invented new pool rules, heard another incoherent Old People Secret, and Jake took to the streets to ask the people: Is Shrimp Really A Treat? In ADD News, we covered a tourist's near-death fall at a Hawaiian volcano, the Breaking Bad house owner fighting off fans with a hose, SoCal's candle ban due to air pollution, a Minnesota shooter's unsuspecting roommate, an LA Spectrum outage caused by criminal activity, the rise of after-hours work emails, charges in Matthew Perry's wrongful death case, and Meta's new spoiler-blocking feature.

The Mamas are here to help you pack for vacation with books for little ones, middle graders, young adults, grown ups and weirdos. They've got books about canoeing goats, Hawaiian folklore, mind-controlling orchids, sirens, witches and more—perfect for reading on the beach, in your backyard or in Bigfoot's hut in the Pacific Northwest. Grab one of the Mamas' recommendations and escape reality for the summer. Heather and Margie will be right there with you. Book ChatPicture book: Goats Afloat by Lezlie Evans and illustrated by Julia Patton Middle Grade Books:How to Tell a True Story by Tricia SpringstubbThe Invisible Wild by Nikki Van de CarYoung Adult Books:Night Swimming by Aaron StarmerWhen the Bones Sing by Ginny Meyers SainGrown Up Books:The Amalfi Curse by Sarah PennerA Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu MandannaEat the ones you love by Sarah Maria GriffinThe Sirens and Weyward by Emilia HartVera Wong's Guide to Snooping on a Dead Man by Jess SquantoCulture Creep: Notes on the Pop Apocalypse by Alice Bolinwww.twolitmamas.com

THANK YOU FOR 2,800 SUBSCRIBERS!Hope you guys enjoyed! Remember we post every Tuesday and Thursday. If you want to keep track of everything that Etcetera and its members are up to check the links below! ETC | https://linktr.ee/realetceteraMarc | https://linktr.ee/EtcMarckyMarcVictor | https://linktr.ee/etcvic

#362 In this episode, Guy welcomed back Suraj Holzwarth White Eagle Medicine Woman. They delved into a deep and heartfelt discussion about the current state of the world, a collective awakening, and the collapse of old illusions. Suraj shared insights from her meditative experiences in front of Hawaiian volcanoes and discussed the significant shift of humanity towards a new understanding of self and the divine. They also talked about the Crystal Skull Method (CSM), developed over seven years, which integrates sacred geometry, ancient healing practices, and modern science to activate the pineal gland and promote healing. Suraj explained how CSM sessions can be done in-person or remotely and shared remarkable case studies demonstrating its effectiveness. The podcast underscores the importance of grounding to liquid fire, the role of forgiveness, and the journey of moving from human doing into human being. About Suraj: White Eagle Medicine Woman (Suraj Holzwarth) adventurous life began early, when at the age of 19 she moved to Alaska and became the youngest woman to climb Denali, North America's highest peak. With a deep love for the earth, she spent most of her early years in the wilds, climbing the highest peaks and guiding wilderness expeditions and retreats throughout the world for over twenty five years. In the late 90's she received a vision in dreams with indigenous Grandmothers to create the world's largest healing drum and to travel promoting peace through music. Beginning in 2000 and taking over a year to construct, White Eagle and the multicultural Alaskan community built the seven-foot, crystal inlaid GrandMother Drum.  In 2001, White Eagle and Grandmother Drum were launched on their first of many World Peace Tours inspiring unity, peace and “drumming up” awareness of earth sustainable projects with the theme “ The Heartbeat of One Family, One Earth.  White Eagle is the founding director and Drum Keeper of the GrandMother Drum International Peace Project and the 501c3 non-profit Whirling Rainbow Foundation based in Homer, Alaska. She is internationally known as a shamanic healer, seer, trance-medium, author, speaker, teacher, ceremonial and performance artist of Native American and European ancestry. She has since traveled over a million miles touching a million people in 20 countries with the 7 ft, crystal inlaid, thundering heartbeat of the world's largest drum of its kind, Grandmother Drum, and promoting unity, peace, tribal reconciliation, and earth sustainability. Her award winning CDs include “Journey of the Heart”, “Songlines of the Soul”, “Living Waters of Grace” and “Holy Ground”. She is the author of “The Magic Bundle” children's book, and “Songs of A New Earth” songbook. White Eagle is also the director and co-producer of the award winning documentary film “GrandMother Drum: Awakening the Global Heart”, selected as the Top 20 Spiritual Films at the Tel Aviv Spirit Film Festival. She is the founder and director of the Rainbow Fire Mystery School (RFMS) operating in Alaska, Hawaii and Peru and has led thousands of shamanic workshops, ceremonies and training globally for over 35 years. Starting with the acclaimed "Language of One" and "Heart of One" online spiritual programs, White Eagle has now expanded the RFMS to over a dozen certified online shamanic training programs. She is also the creator, director and lead instructor of the certified shamanic methods of Balancing the Shields© Community Mother DrumKeepers Training© and The Crystal Skull Method©.In 2013, White Eagle launched the Global Blue Flame Planetary Grid ceremony, activating and renewing the earth's grid in a one day ceremony annually with 62 trained groups worldwide. Key Points Discussed:  (00:00) - SHAMAN REVEALS Prophecy Is Unfolding — And There's No Turning Back! (00:47) - Podcast Welcome and Overview (02:15) - Guest Introduction and Initial Thoughts (04:32) - The State of the World and Personal Reflections (07:40) - Navigating Change and Spiritual Insights (21:15) - The Role of Forgiveness and Love (24:17) - Spiritual Awakening and Personal Stories (34:17) - The Illusion of the Ego and True Being (38:02) - Slowing Down and Finding Bliss in Nature (39:58) - The Crystal Skull Method: An Introduction (40:22) - Channeling and the Collective Consciousness (41:48) - The Significance of Crystal Skulls (44:05) - Grandmother Drum and Global Activations (46:21) - The Crystal Skull Method Explained (49:09) - The Pineal Gland and Sacred Geometry (52:55) - The Science Behind the Crystal Skull Method (01:02:41) - Training and Applications of the Crystal Skull Method (01:10:12) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts How to Contact Suraj Holzwarth:www.whirlingrainbow.com   About me:My Instagram: www.instagram.com/guyhlawrence/?hl=en Guy's websites:www.guylawrence.com.au www.liveinflow.co

Researcher Chris Kyriazis explains the "extinction vortex" facing some endangered Hawaiian honeycreepers; Authors Manny Veincent and Kim Ann Curtain recount the founding the Kawaihae Canoe Club in their new book "Born of Two Oceans"

Iam Tongi is the Hawaiian kid who broke everyone on American Idol Season 23. He showed up heartbroken—his dad had just passed 3 months before. Music was always their thing. He almost quit completely. But his mom secretly signed him up for Idol anyway. Then he sang “Monsters”… and the world felt it. That was the moment. He won Season 23, but losing his dad forced him to find his own voice, live, on television. When his guitar broke during Hollywood Week, he knew—this was his dad telling him he could do it on his own. Now? He just dropped “Unbreak My Heart,” plus “Sunshine” that he wrote for his mom, performed at the Opry, CMA Fest, even has a track in Lilo & Stitch, plus an album in the works… All while losing 110 pounds, still grieving, still growing—and singing from a place only he can. Iam Tongi is a true inspiration, lifting hearts around the world with his voice and story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

POWER is on the mind these days, as the world grapples with shifting global power dynamics, old powers crumbling, new ones rising, and archaic power paradigms resurfacing… Yes, issues of power run rampant and discussions on power are front and center. But like everything else in modern discourse, the discussion on power has been decontextualized. Power is seen as an abstract bodiless force that governs from above, or an arbitrary human construct that is either relentlessly pursued or seen as 'bad' and flattened entirely. Traditional animate systems hold a very different vision of power, in which power is a tangible presence, a living breathing force inherent to the structure of nature itself.  Within this vision there is the recognition of a greater power that operates in cycles and spirals of creation and destruction, and to which all temporal powers are beholden. When the existence of this power is acknowledged, then human beings can architect their ritual and social systems to be in alignment and harmony with it. In the absence of recognition of this power, human beings settle for the crudest, most obvious vision of power — the power to seize and force and control. These 'obvious' powers have come to dominate our vision of power. Yet the world is shaped by a multitude of powers, some silent and invisible. Every small power in the mandala of powers has its role to play in the overall web of power, and perhaps a complete vision of power means recognizing the power of the less obvious things, and cultivating those powers that slowly shift and repattern the more obvious powers. This means recognizing first and foremost that power is real and tangible, and that the structures and harmonic architecture of nature itself reveals much about what it means to construct systems that can honor it, call it, receive it, hold it, and pass it on. Featuring contributions from Nyoongar writer, storyteller and researcher Jack Mitchell, Hawaiian cultural practitioner Kanani Aton, and Living Sanskrit's Shivani Hawkins, with music by Althaea, Victor Sakshin, Marya Stark, and Travis Puntarelli. Let's take a deep dive into... the ***POWER***Support the show

Dometic the absolute lords of Campfire Season Presents... Rando Conversations with SW Editor and X98 Gold Cone Piece Award Winner Sean Doherty who walks through the beast that is SW 425 on sale right HERE! Featuring Derek Hynd's In Cold Blood - the last days of Chris Davidson The Old Firm - Ank, Frank & Greenough together again at last! Jack McCoy's Final Stand Cyclone Alfred Still Blowing out Ya Stoke Fuse Harry Bryant's Second Reef Pipeline Mission Phylis O'Donell, Tommy Peterson, Sam Yoon and More Sort your winter camping Base Camp Out right here!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you ever wonder if Oahu's most exclusive resort is actually worth the hype? For travelers searching for a peaceful escape from Waikiki's crowds, finding the right luxury stay can make or break your trip.

Join Kelsey as she chats with Angie from @angies.travel.tips, a mom of 4 boys, about their unforgettable island-hopping adventure across Oahu, Kauai, and Maui in March 2025! From snorkeling with sea turtles and cliff jumping to cage diving with sharks, this trip was full of epic moments—and Angie paid for their Hilton and Hyatt stays entirely with points. Hear about their favorite beaches, must-try shaved ice, and magical Hawaiian family moments!This episode is presented by: The Next Chapter TravelUse code TNCT100 for $100 OFF at bookingBuy Me a CoffeeMentioned in this episode:- Pro Shot Underwater iPhone Case- Barrel Point Surf Boogie/Skim Board Bag- Master Lock Travel Safe- OAHU: Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach (Rainbow Tower), Round Table Pizza, Jenny's vs. Big Wave shrimp trucks, Paia Fish Market Waikiki, Haleiwa Beach + Caged Shark Diving, Matsumoto Shaved Ice, Polynesian Cultural Center, Halona Blowhole, Pearl Harbor, Electric Beach, Tropical Farms Macadamia Nut Farm- KAUAI: Grand Hyatt Kauai, Hanalei Bay snorkeling, Tunnels Beach snorkeling, Poipu Beach sleeping turtles, Capt. Andy's Na Pali Coast Tour, Waikomo Shave Ice- MAUI: Hyatt Regency Maui, whale watching, Maui wildfire

TALK TO ME, TEXT ITMondays are for easy listening, and this episode delivers with four diverse topics guaranteed to start your week with a smile and something to ponder. The first story revolves around a tourist who, in the pursuit of the perfect volcano view, took a terrifying tumble off a Hawaiian cliff. Miraculously saved by a tree after falling 30 feet, this adventurer's late-night expedition without a flashlight serves as both entertainment and cautionary tale. Cereal lovers might want to sit down for the next bit of news - Cheerios is discontinuing three beloved flavors, prompting a nostalgic reflection on those midnight bowls of cereal with extra sugar that seemed like such a good idea at the time. Meanwhile, Gwyneth Paltrow continues the tradition of celebrities seeking relevance through provocative content with her topless cooking video that sparked a cheeky response from her daughter.The most thought-provoking segment dives into cosmic reality, featuring a former NASA official's debunking of UFO myths. The sheer scale of our universe - with up to 400 billion stars in the Milky Way alone and potentially two trillion galaxies beyond - makes alien visits mathematically impossible. The closest star system would take visitors 70,000 years to reach us! These astronomical facts invite us to contemplate our tiny place in this vast cosmos and question why we humans think we're so important.The episode wraps with exciting news about a new Substack featuring three unique sections and a mouthwatering question of the day about ideal meals without health restrictions. After all this talk about strict keto diets and missing sugar, who wouldn't crave a conversation about dream dinners?Subscribe for more morning musings that blend current events, pop culture, and cosmic perspective with a dash of humor and personal reflection. What would your answer be to today's question?Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREE Thanks for listening! Liberty Line each week on Sunday, look for topics on my X file @americanistblog and submit your 1-3 audio opinions to anamericanistblog@gmail.com and you'll be featured on the podcast. Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREESupport the showTip Jar for coffee $ - Thanks Music by Alehandro Vodnik from Pixabay Blog - AnAmericanist.comX - @americanistblog

In this special crossover, we're joined by sisters Rasha Pecoraro and Yvette Gentile of the So Supernatural podcast and Root of Evil — the true crime podcast exploring their connection to George Hodel, the prime suspect in the murder of Elizabeth Short, ‘The Black Dahlia'.  What starts as a heartfelt conversation about their late mother's intuitive gifts quickly turns into an unforgettable dive into ghosts, goddesses, and generational hauntings. We talk Hawaiian spirits, ancestral protection, and personal hauntings, including encounters with Madame Pele, Night Marchers, and the chilling energy of the Sowden House. We also review listener-submitted ghost evidence in a new segment we are calling Caught Dead Handed, including chilling EVPs, apparitions, and a demonic figure that literally turns off the lights when it sees the camera. We finish with a palate cleanser, playing a few hilarious rounds of Paranormal Would You Rather. Whether you're here for the ghost stories, the sisterly chaos, or the deeper conversations about healing through the supernatural, this one hits every note.

What if one of the most iconic characters in pop culture wasn't just a fictional hero, but a living archetype, an entity with its own will, forged in the minds of millions and fed by the imagination of its creators? Legendary comic book writer Alvin Schwartz thought his time with Superman was long over. But when a mysterious seven-foot-tall monk appeared at his doorstep claiming to be a tulpa, Schwartz was thrown into a mind-bending journey through the strange borderlands of reality and fiction. The monk, calling himself Thongden, insisted he was real… and fading. And he needed Schwartz to keep him alive. In this season finale, we explore the metaphysical memoir An Unlikely Prophet, uncovering Schwartz's hidden memories of psychic events, spontaneous channeling, and paranormal influences that began the moment he took on the mantle of Superman's writer. We hear bizarre tales of supernatural inspiration involving Jackson Pollock, mystic paintings of Hindu deities, and even a Hawaiian shaman who claims Tulpa Superman once saved the islands from volcanic doom. Then for our Plus+ members, we dive into the chilling Soviet archives of anomalous underwater encounters—where submariners report collisions with invisible crafts, stone spheres ramming hulls, and USOs that defy radar and reason. We follow the trail of Russian researcher Mikhail Gerstein into lakes and oceans where strange entities dwell beneath the surface, including terrifying run-ins from elite “hydronauts” who may have seen things no one was meant to survive. An Unlikely Prophet: A Metaphysical Memoir by the Legendary Writer of Superman and Batman Alvin Schwartz (comics) Fourth Wall Phantoms: Reflections on the Paranormal, Narrative, and Fictions Becoming Fact Walter Evans-Wentz Everett J. Nelson Paranormal Research Channel The Soviet Ufo Files: Paranormal Encounters Behind the Iron Curtain UFO Research in the Former Soviet Union Kikhpinych Volcano Industrial Facility Bay of Finland Encounter LinksPlus+ Extension The extension of the show is EXCLUSIVE to Plus+ Members. To join, click HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special members-only episode, we tackle the big question: are Hawaiian luaus really worth the price, or just a tourist trap? Discover insider tips for saving money, learn how to separate genuine cultural experiences from touristy gimmicks, and get our top picks for the best luaus across the islands—so you can plan an unforgettable night in Hawaii without any regrets.Become a member to access premium episodes like this and so many more: hawaiisbesttravel.com/members

Tom Haberstroh, Amin Elhassan and producer Anthony Mayes were excited to see Don Nelson emerge from his Hawaiian seclusion to dunk on Nico Harrison one more time. While Adam Silver calls into question the perception or reality that decals on the NBA Finals court are a danger to player's health, as the media landscape is in a tizzy over the lack of a Larry OB on the court makes the event less special. Truth Teller Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports reports live from Indianapolis on the pageantry of the finals and Tyrese Haliburton pulling a Keyser Soze. Basketball Illuminati is now part of the Count The Dings Network. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Count The Dings Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to support the show, get ad free episodes and exclusive content at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.patreon.com/CountTheDings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ILLUMINATI MERCH HAS RETURNED⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Check it out here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://bit.ly/CTDMERCH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to Basketball Illuminati! On ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠basketballilluminati@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bballilluminati⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@basketballilluminati Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

IMG Academy standout Kekua Aumua commits to Florida, bringing elite size and versatility to the Gators' 2026 class. The 6'6", 257-pound tight end shows ability to both dominate as a blocker and create mismatches in the passing game. Watch as we break down this under-the-radar prospect who becomes Florida's 7th commit for the Class of 2026! Get your tickets to The Inaugural Independent Gator Media Day. A dynamic celebration of independent football media and the Florida Gators! This one-day event unites fans, players, and media creators for an exciting mix of football, entertainment, and community. #FloridaGators #GatorsBreakdown #GoGators #CFB #SECFootball #CollegeFootball JOIN Gators Breakdown Plus: https://gatorsbreakdown.supportingcast.fm/ Get Florida Gators merch at Fanatics: https://fanatics.93n6tx.net/DVYxja Get Gators Breakdown merch: https://gatorsbreakdownmerch.com Questions or comments? Send them to gatorsbreakdown@gmail.com You can be the difference! For the first time ever, YOU can directly impact the outcome on the field by joining Florida Victorious! Want to help the Gators win? Want a better game day experience? Just like when you pack The Swamp, your unwavering support through Florida Victorious empowers the Gators to be their best! Join today and be the difference in making the orange and blue victorious. JOIN: https://floridavictorious.com/join-now/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices