The HIgher State Podcast
The HIgher State is a platform that brings awareness to some of the amazing people and amazing things that are happening in Hawaii and all over. We'll talk about everything from sports to fashion to entertainment and everything else under the sun. We'll also be posting highlights from the interviews called "Eaves Drops" on Instagram (@higherstatepodcast) and YouTube (Kawika Smith). So pull up a drink and a chair and enjoy our little chat sessions at least once a week (either Wednesdays or Fridays) here on the HIgher State Podcast!
Episodes
November 7, 2020 • 33 mins
Today I have the privlege of sitting down and talking with one Hawaii's foremost personalities, KHON's own John Veneri. We sit and talk about life, football and every thing in between. We hear about what it was like growing up in his household. What playing for a Hawaii Football legend and icon was like. And what he's up to now. So don't miss an entertaining sit down coversation with John and me on the HIgher State Podcast!
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September 7, 2020 • 39 mins
This episode we take it to nature to sit down and have a talk with Kealoha Pilares. We talk about his life growing up. When he realized he was excelling at football. Playing during the most exciting time during Hawaii Football history. What it was like being drafted and everything under the sun. Catching up with one of Hawaiis fastest running backs on the HIgher State Podcast!
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August 26, 2020 • 31 mins
This episode we get to talk with Clyde Fujimoto, one of the survivors of Aloha Airlines flight 243. The ill fated flight that experienced an explosive decompression and lost one of it's crew members yet miraculously landed without minimal injury to the passengers and crew. "Papa Clyde" recounts his day and all of his experiences throught that entire ordeal. It's amazing the calm, evenness that he's able to speak about this with and...
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July 28, 2020 • 36 mins
Local recording artist, Drew Singer stops by to share with us a deep, inside look at what makes him who he is. We talk about his early years and some of the trials and tribulations of growing up in the foster system. We go on to hear about what or how he got started in singing and what some of his biggest highlights are. Sit down and enjoy the show on the HIgher State Podcast.
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July 23, 2020 • 53 mins
We sit down with local musician and amazing vocalist, Mike Tulba. We find out more and more about his upbringing, inspirations and beginnings in music. He actually opens with a song off of his new album, Here I Am, called "My Girl". We talk about his first self titled album and he gives us a live sample of the song, "Amazing". And to close, he takes us back to his new, unreleased album and gives us a song called, "Rather Be With Y...
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July 11, 2020 • 59 mins
Today we talk with Keneke "The Great" and get some amazing insight to his origin story. From some of his early passions (which weren't necessarily comedy) to how he got his name, we go deep. And then we lighten it up and find out a few less serious things. Either way, as always with this guy there's never a dull moment and we hope you enjoy this episode of the HIgher State Podcast
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July 8, 2020 • 52 mins
Today's guest is Tumua Tuinei. The once gifted football standout from Punahou has since graduated with skills in comedy. We talk about some of his current successes, what he might have in store for the immediate future, some of his inspirations in comedy and much more. We also touch on him as a gridiron gladiator and pick his brain about things ranging from living through "Chow Time" to what he thinks of the current regime. And las...
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June 7, 2020 • 55 mins
Since my son will be at the protest in Hawaii on Saturday, I brought him on the show for the first time to share with us his feelings on the state of the America today. We go over George Floyd, the NFL, Drew Brees, HPD and all other topics that are relevant to the Black Lives Matter movement.
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May 30, 2020 • 42 mins
We have the pleasure of talking with Negus Webster Chan, former University of Hawaii standout and NBA G-League champion. We go over current events and if this kind of craziness happens in his home country of Canada. What was his basketball journey like? Who knew Rick Pitino was in this story? We talk about his clothing line, FoEver. And we ask him the question that every great basketball player has to answer: MJ, Lebron or Jordan? ...
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May 21, 2020 • 34 mins
For this "Who Is It Wednesday" we talk story with Malia Sanders, the Office Manager and Assistant to the Executive Director of Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association. We go deep on Hawaiian values, what her definition of "Aloha" is, what will happen to the honi after this pandemic and so many other amazing topics that you won't want to miss. So settle in and enjoy today's HIgher State Podcast.
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May 15, 2020 • 31 mins
On this “Who Is It Wednesday” with the HIgher State Podcast, we talk with Tiffany Kato. The beautiful, young lady whose latest efforts raised money for a program called “Feeding Hero’s”. An initiative to engage small businesses to prepare meals for hospital workers that are fighting the Corona pandemic. The meals are paid for by an organization called Parenthood Together, which is a collection of four women who look for ways to bet...
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May 10, 2020 • 31 mins
Going solo for this LMB, wanting to first, wish a Happy Mothers Day to all the mothers out there, including my own and my beautiful wife! You make our world the beautiful place that it is. As far as topics, we talk about some of the efforts that a few regular people do in order to make a greater impact. So we shout out Tiffany Kato and "Aulani Gina" for thiers. Then we crossover in to the realm of athletics where Dana White is push...
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May 7, 2020 • 52 mins
*Excuse the echo: Technical Difficulties*"Who Is It?" Wednesday takes us to Disneyland! We talk to Branden Valencia and JOYANNA LIN "Speical Events"! Both are cast members at the Disneyland Resort! One of them "wrapped LA" for Batman and was one of the Yo Gabba Gabba squad, the other did some time in Florida at Disney World but was always about the food... Find out who did what, what kind of secrets they have to share and why the l...
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May 2, 2020 • 35 mins
On this Friday episode, we take a look at boxing great Mike Tyson and how he's holding up at 53 years old? After that we talk about the ESPN docuseries "The Last Dance" that follows Micahel Jordan and the '97-'98 Bulls which leads us straight in to a tirade about Isaiah Thomas and the 80's Bad Boy Piston teams! Who would've expected a man with such a baby face to be sucha big baby? Talk about surprise ending. Lebron James shares th...
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April 30, 2020 • 31 mins
For our Wednesday "Who Is It?" segment, we interview Tim Saquing who is very much like a Clark Kent scenario. Why do I say that? Becasue although Tim is a Front Desk Cast Member at the Aulani by day, by night (and some weekends) Tim has shot pictures on some of the biggest movie sets and concert stages while here in Hawaii. And though he's always hustling and getting these gigs, he's a father of four and has been married for well o...
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April 24, 2020 • 45 mins
Quality and quantity. For this extended 45 minute episode, we give our reveiw of the top 5 picks in the 2020 NFL draft and any surprises. After that we reveiw the first to episodes of the ESPN documentary "The Last Dance". The docuseries that follows the '97-'98 Chicago Bulls as they close out their dynasty and go for their 6th NBA World Championship. And lastly we conclude by talking about what's on slate for the weekend and what ...
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April 23, 2020 • 39 mins
We invite Matthew Ching to the show to share with us his thoughts and feelings about having a former peer from high school on the Tiger King. Does he think Carol Baskin killed her husband? Does Scott? What would he ask this former peer? After we pick his brain on that, we discuss Gronk coming out of retirement to take his talents to Tampa. And any thoughts on what Draymond said about KD? Literally the two people that we care the mo...
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April 18, 2020 • 35 mins
The potential #1 overall pick of the 2021 NBA draft, Jalen Green chucks deuces to college basketball and goes for the cash. What's this mean for the NCAA? For the first time in my life, I'm waiting for "The Last Dance" and ESPN drops a five minute teaser. What are we looking forward to in this 10 part documentary of the '97-'98 Bulls team? And lastly, the weekend is upon us so we go over what to watch... And maybe what not to watch...
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April 16, 2020 • 34 mins
We catch up with what's goin on in NY from Scott. Speaking of NY, who's winning in a hit for hit IG Live battle: Ja Rule or 50 Cent? We may get the chance to see that soon enough. Did the 49ers flat ending to the Super Bowl actually save the city from a COVID disaster? Fantasy Football cash cow, Christian McCaffery cashes out! And lastly, two NBA "What If" scenarios that should give you something to query during quarantine. Take a ...
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April 10, 2020 • 32 mins
Scott and I talk about the Do's and Don'ts of mask wearing. SNL going remote! CJ2K starting to sound like AH81. Kaep was Jet-setting but he really wasn't. 4 NBA PG's worth discussing. And Scott's Cinema picks! You're gonna love this episode of the HIgher State podcast!
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