Hanging Out With Nolan Hong

The Hoku Award winner talks about getting bullied, growing up in Missouri and Hawaii, how winning a pageant made her never want to enter another one, and what happened to her Hokus. Go to benandmaila.com to see Ben and Maila’s calendar of upcoming events. Ben and Maila on Facebook Maila on Instagram Ben and Maila […]

The owner of Honolulu Kitchen talks about figuring out how to make his famous deep fried manapua, growing up working at his family’s noodle factory, doing magic tricks as a teppanyaki chef, and the amazing things his wife, a shaman, has foretold for him. Honolulu Kitchen on Instagram Frolic review Yelp

Nolan & past guest Matt Chong talk about attending a Hollywood red carpet movie premiere, how they each got into comics, Marvel vs DC, and their attempt to buy light-up sneakers. Apologies for the road noise, they recorded on the drive from LA to Vegas.

This was one of our most inspirational conversations. Tanna, owner of Eden in Love, and Alyssa, Eden’s creative director, talk about business, how they approach relationships and life, and fashion (specifically, Jamie’s fashion problems).

10-year-old Kai is our most entertaining guest yet! We discuss food, candy, what he wants to be when he grows up (including but not limited to boxer, food reviewer and veterinarian), and we find out why he actually LIKES to clean the toilet.

The sports broadcaster talks about growing up with “Pops” Jim Leahey, crazy stories from when he first started announcing, including the time he thought he’d get fired for cussing on live radio, and the one performance he wishes he could take back. “Let’s Talk Sports With Kanoa Leahey” Kanoa on Twitter

Paul Kim is a musician/singer from the Bay area. We talk about his ties to Hawaii, competing on American Idol, how he started out as a rapper in high school, getting his first record deal with a label in Korea, and meeting Shawn Stockman of Boyz II Men. Paul’s YouTube channel

Dr. Kealani Cook is a history professor at UH West Oahu and one of Jamie’s oldest friends. We talk about his job at the UH press, how he got his PhD, why history should be the study of power, and his book, “Return to Kahiki: Native Hawaiians in Oceania.” A suipi guide (the card game) Kea’s […]

Grant Sumile is an architect and Jamie’s middle brother. We get his view on Nolan’s proposal to Jamie, how went from academic probation at UH to becoming a partner at an architecture firm, and we get a quick history of breakdancing in Hawaii. Projects by Grant and Darin’s company, ADM Retail Planning & Architecture

It’s the directors roundtable with Ryan Kawamoto of Kinetic Productions, and Brad Watanabe of Berad Studio. We talk scrappy filmmaking, marketing in the digital age and building community. Fyi, there’s a kanikapila next door so that’s the music you hear. Ryan’s links Ryan’s IMDB Kinetic Productions Sample of Ryan’s work Brad’s links Website Hawaii Shoots […]

Roslyn Catracchia is a composer, lyricist & musical director. We talk about her adventures in cooking, why she was wandering Waikiki sobbing after a gig, and her new project with Kealiʻi Reichel and Stephen Schwartz, who wrote GODSPELL, PIPPIN & WICKED.

Grant Kimura is a marketing consultant. He shares how he went from taking naps at UH Campus Center between jobs to throwing red carpet events in LA. The 2nd half is a lot of geek talk (i.e. Star Wars vs Star Trek) – you’ve been warned.

Mark Sumile is a retired Naval officer and Jamie’s eldest brother. We talk about how he went from barely finishing high school to graduating from the Naval Academy, leadership lessons he learned in the Navy, and why Jamie only eats Happy Meals.

Debbie Nishimoto is a freelance makeup, hair & wardrobe stylist, and one of our favorite people. We talk about how she ended up in an unconventional career, dealing with the insecurities that come with freelancing, and tips for actors new to production.

Michael Ng is an actor, director and high school drama teacher. We talk about his approach to writing and directing, how he recognizes and encourages talent in his students, how self-doubt affected his career, and getting his dream role in The King & I.

Odeelo Dayondon is a triathlete and a marathon runner, and one of the most motivated people I know. He talks about qualifying for the Boston Marathon and setting a personal record at the Chicago Marathon. He also shares some crazy stories about race day.

Dorian Nakamichi is a published author and world traveler. We talk about what it was like backpacking in New Zealand, Asia and Europe, and her experiences volunteering as a roo (as in kangaroo) nanny in Australia!

Jen Kawamoto was an athletic trainer on the mainland before coming home and opening her acupuncture practice. We talk about how acupuncture works and what it can be used for, including pain management and cosmetic facial rejuvenation. Links: Jen’s business, Hawaii Sports Acupuncture Hawaii Sports Acupuncture facebook page Jen will be answering questions on our […]

Kevin Yamada is an actor. We talk about how he got thru 100+ auditions in NYC before he got cast as host of a children’s show on PBS, what it was like to act with the late great Robin Williams, and he shares some tips for up-and-coming actors. “Nut Job” scene from Old Dogs

Jan Harada is president and CEO of Helping Hands Hawaii. She talks about her love of lion dance, martial arts, and her dog, being CEO of a local nonprofit, and her hesitations getting on Instagram.