Best Nolan Hong Podcasts (2025)

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Fighting for Family, Healing, and the Dogs Who Saved Her | Ilima-Lei Macfarlane | HIH 01-12 1:18:20

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8M ago1:18:20

1:18:20

Ilima-Lei Macfarlane is a professional MMA fighter and proud Native Hawaiian born and raised in Honolulu. Known to fans as "The Ilimanator," she made history as Bellator's first-ever women's flyweight champ and built a reputation for her grit and submission skills. In this episode of Here in Hawaiʻi, Ilima gets personal. She talks about her deep lo…

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The Real Roots of Local Culture: Power, Plantations & Pan-Ethnic Solidarity | Dr. Kealani Cook | HIH 01-11 1:01:41

8M ago1:01:41

1:01:41

What if the real legacy of Hawaiʻi's plantation days isn't just in our food, slang, or aloha shirts — but in our fight for solidarity? In this episode we sit down with Dr. Kealani Cook, Associate Professor of History at UH West Oʻahu, for a mini-history lesson on how plantation-era Hawaiʻi shaped the cultural and political landscape we live in toda…

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A First-Gen Filipina's Journey to Med School | Emily Erika | HIH 01-10 49:26

8M ago49:26

49:26

What does it take to become a doctor when no one in your family has even gone to college? In this episode, we sit down with Emily Erika — a first-generation Filipina and medical student — as she shares her incredible journey from doubting her dream to becoming the first in her family to pursue a career in medicine. Emily opens up about the cultural…

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She Made 808 Viral Before Viral Was a Thing | Daniela Stolfi-Tow | HIH 01-08 57:51

9M ago57:51

57:51

In this episode, we sit down with Daniela Stolfi-Tow, the local girl behind 808 Viral — one of Hawai'i's biggest digital platforms. From her early days growing up on O'ahu into the wild world of viral content, Dani shares how she built and continues to nurture a space that celebrates local humor, culture and community. If you're not already, follow…

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Sustainable Lei Handmade on Maui | Lauren Shearer | HIH 01-07 41:21

1y ago41:21

41:21

We did not expect this interview to be so much fun! 😂 Lauren is the owner of Hawaii Flora + Fauna in Makawao. She shared about building her bespoke lei business, how she forages for lei ingredients, and the burnout and fears that come with owning a business. And just when you think the interview is over we start talking about the "fauna lei" 😲🤯 🌷 F…

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Dance Program for Special Needs Students | Julia at Reach for the Stars | HIH 01-03 30:27

1y ago30:27

30:27

Julia is the founder and director of Reach for the Stars, the first and only student-led dance program for special needs students in Hawaiʻi. She shares what she saw lacking in opportunities for students with special needs like her sister Lilia, and how Reach for the Stars is addressing those needs. 🌟 Learn more about Reach for the Stars at https:/…

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Fighting Obesity & Strengthening Families | Dr. Theresa Wee | HIH 01-02 30:24

1y ago30:24

30:24

Dr. Theresa Wee is a pediatric obesity health and wellness expert who has been practicing in Waipahu for over 40 years. She shares about deciding to become a doctor at 8 years old even though she didn't know of any women doctors, her struggles with adversity including the grief of losing her husband, and her program – Walk with a Doc Oahu. 🚶🏻‍♀️ Fe…

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Ghost Stories & Healing from Childhood Trauma | Lopaka Kapanui | HIH 01-06 48:39

1y ago48:39

48:39

Lopaka Kapanui, the master storyteller behind Mysteries of Hawaiʻi, shares about his family history and how he was able to process and heal so that he could become the loving and devoted family man he his today. 🌺 Lopaka's company, Mysteries of Hawaiʻi, was voted the #1 Ghost Tour in the Nation last year! Follow them and book a tour https://www.mys…

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KC Drive Inn, Iconic Oahu Restaurant | Dayton Asato | HIH 01-04 1:06:15

1+ y ago1:06:15

1:06:15

Dayton Asato, 3rd generation owner of KC Drive Inn, shares his family's story in running one of the iconic restaurants on Oahu since 1934. In addition to the stuff that made it into the episode, we also talked about cleaning grease traps, making waffle dog batter and extra thick ono ono shakes by hand, and all the places KC Waffle Dogs have gone ar…

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Ranching on Maui & Restoring Native Trees | Jerry Thompson | HIH 01-03 47:50

1+ y ago47:50

47:50

In Episode 3, we spent the day at Thompson Ranch on Maui with 2nd generation rancher, Jerry Thompson. Jerry took us all over his land, sharing about caring for their animals, their work to restore native trees, his family history (his dad put up the first telegraph poles on Maui 🤯) and issues they deal with like wild deer. We didn't intend for the …

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Roller Rinks & Small Kid Time Friendships | Kelly Hu | HIH 01-02 1:05:20

1+ y ago1:05:20

1:05:20

Here in Hawaiʻi is now on TV – catch it Sundays at 5pm on KHON2! If you forgot to set your DVR (or if you're not in Hawaiʻi) you can find the TV episodes on our website – https://hereinhawaiitv.com/ Homegrown superstar Kelly Hu was our main guest for Episode 2. We had an amazing conversation and could only fit a tiny bit of it in the edit for TV, s…

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Farm Life with Papa & Dealing with Grief | Chardonnay | HIH 01-01 1:22:33

1+ y ago1:22:33

1:22:33

Here in Hawaiʻi is now on TV – catch it Sundays at 5pm on KHON2! If you forgot to set your DVR (or if you're not in Hawaiʻi) you can find the TV episodes on our website, https://hereinhawaiitv.com/category/tv-show/ Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award Winner Chardonnay was our main guest for Episode 1. We had an amazing conversation and could only fit a tiny bit…

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The Power of Connection | Miki Tomita | HIH 20 1:37:46

1+ y ago1:37:46

1:37:46

Miki is the founder and CEO of Education Incubator. She began her career in biosystems engineering, then moved into education where she spent 20 years in teaching, administration and curriculum development. She reflects on the positive changes she's seen in the classroom, and shares lessons from growing up in a tight-knit community on Maui, the imp…

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Telling Stories Worth Watching | Melanie Kosaka | HIH 19 36:52

1+ y ago36:52

36:52

Melanie is a media producer, a James Beard award-winner for Best National Cooking Series, and winner of an Emmy Award for best historical, cultural, religious documentary. She shares stories from her career in media production, starting on the mainland working on music videos, coming home and working at PBS, and what she's up to now. Follow Melanie…

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Fighting Family Homelessness in Hawaiʻi | Ryan Catalani | HIH 18 1:29:04

1+ y ago1:29:04

1:29:04

Since high school, Ryan has been drawn to helping address the homelessness crisis in our state. Today he serves as Executive Director at Family Promise of Hawaiʻi, an organization dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness for families with children. Ryan shares about his family history of his grandparents fleeing their home country and starti…

1
The State of Jericho 1:04:38

1+ y ago1:04:38

1:04:38

Video episodes at https://www.youtube.com/@justsomeguystalkingwrestlingBy Nolan Hong

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Gratitude, Storytelling & Becoming a Dad | Andrew Tran | HIH 17 1:11:32

1+ y ago1:11:32

1:11:32

Andrew is the co-founder and creative director of Redefined Media, and one of the hosts of UNCUT Hawaiʻi. His parents and grandparents immigrated to the US from Vietnam, and instilled in him a sense of gratitude for the opportunities and blessings he has today. We talk about the decision to stay in Hawaiʻi, the challenges of navigating family dynam…

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Addressing Food Insecurity | Brandon Tomita | HIH 16 1:07:47

1+ y ago1:07:47

1:07:47

Brandon has always been self-motivated, so his parents weren't worried when he switched from medicine to business. He served as COO of Wahiawa General Hospital before becoming Executive Director of Aloha Harvest. He shares some career and leadership lessons, and through his stories (including self-inflicted fitness challenges like doing 45,000 push…

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King & Queen of the Ring + Double Or Nothing 2024 Review 31:49

1+ y ago31:49

31:49

Video episodes at https://www.youtube.com/@justsomeguystalkingwrestlingBy Nolan Hong

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Unlocking Potential With Performing Arts | Allan Lau | HIH 15 1:15:45

1+ y ago1:15:45

1:15:45

Allan is a public school teacher, a founding member of 24-VII Danceforce, and Program Coordinator for The I'm A Bright Kid Foundation (IABKF). He shares lessons learned working with Castle High School theater teacher Ronald E. Bright and his incredible wife Aunty Mo, his experience helping people find their spiritual gifts while serving as an Assis…

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Healing Communities With a Foundation of Aloha | Venus Kauʻiokawēkiu Rosete-Medeiros | HIH 14 1:20:38

1+ y ago1:20:38

1:20:38

Venus went to college to become a film director, but working at a summer program for kids changed her path. Today she serves as President and CEO of Hale Kipa, which specializes in working with youth and their families who often have nowhere else to turn. Venus shares how she has been shaped by challenges and inspirational people in her life, and b…

1
How to FIX AEW??? 1:52:09

1+ y ago1:52:09

1:52:09

Video episodes at https://www.youtube.com/@justsomeguystalkingwrestlingBy Nolan Hong

1
WWE King & Queen of the Ring 2024: Prestigious or Nah? 1:31:32

1+ y ago1:31:32

1:31:32

Video episodes at https://www.youtube.com/@justsomeguystalkingwrestlingBy Nolan Hong

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Learning To Be Proud of Yourself | Kolby Moser | HIH 13 1:21:25

1+ y ago1:21:25

1:21:25

Kolby is a Native Hawaiian filmmaker, founder of Aria Studios and one of the hosts of UNCUT Hawaiʻi. She shares how her dad inspires her to put in the work to get better, her main goal when it comes to parenting, her journey to self-love and being proud of herself, and how she came up with the film Hometown Legends which captures the stories of kūp…

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The Power of Laughter and Telling Our Own Stories | Kimee Balmilero | HIH 12 1:24:15

1+ y ago1:24:15

1:24:15

Kimee left Hawaiʻi at 17 to join the national touring company of Miss Saigon, then spent many years performing on the continent before returning home where she started improvhi (Improv Hawaii) and got a recurring role on Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum P.I. She shares about her passion for improv comedy, the experience of providing a supportive and collab…

1
Backlash 2024 Reaction 2:16:48

1+ y ago2:16:48

2:16:48

Video episodes at https://www.youtube.com/@justsomeguystalkingwrestlingBy Nolan Hong

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The BEST WWE Theme Song (Elimination Bracket) - FINALS: All Brackets Finalists 1:38:51

1+ y ago1:38:51

1:38:51

The Elite Eight! – Bianca Bel Air, HHH: The Game, HBK, Kurt Angle, Eddie Guerrero, John Cena, AJ Styles, The Brood Video episodes at https://www.youtube.com/@justsomeguystalkingwrestlingBy Nolan Hong

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The BEST WWE Theme Song (Elimination Bracket) - Pt. 4: Def Rebel and Licensed Music 1:55:18

1+ y ago1:55:18

1:55:18

Debating the best WWE theme songs of all time – Part 4: Def Rebel and licensed music bracket This episode was a live stream and we had some technical difficulties around 33 minutes in. Video episodes at https://www.youtube.com/@justsomeguystalkingwrestlingBy Nolan Hong

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A Career Serving Others | President & CEO Rona Yagi Fukumoto | HIH 11 1:16:18

1+ y ago1:16:18

1:16:18

From an early age, Rona just knew she wanted to do charity work. Today Rona serves as President and CEO of Lanakila Pacific, which operates Lanakila Meals on Wheels and Lanakila Custom Products. She shares her experiences and some lessons she's learned through her career in social services, why she attributes a lot of her success to her parents and…

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The BEST WWE Theme Song (Elimination Bracket) - Pt. 3: CFO$ songs 1:54:11

1+ y ago1:54:11

1:54:11

Debating the best WWE theme songs of all time – Part 3: CFO$ songs bracket 00:00 – Intro 00:49 – The Revival vs Undisputed Era 08:32 – Bayley vs Sasha Banks 17:59 – Bobby Roode vs Keith Lee 28:35 – Johnny Gargano vs Shinsuke Nakamura 39:00 – Asuka vs Bianca Belair 47:17 – Enzo and Cass vs Finn Balor 57:19 – The Usos vs Paige 1:02:17 – AJ Styles vs …

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Why He Wants To Keep It Aloha | Podcast Host Kamaka Dias | HIH 10 1:11:52

1+ y ago1:11:52

1:11:52

Kamaka is the host of the Keep it Aloha Podcast and one of the creators of the Hawaiiverse platform. He grew up speaking Hawaiian as his first language, but didn't appreciate his culture until after living abroad. He spent three years in Madagascar with the Peace Corps, then came home and started "The Race to $50k" where he paid off $50,000 in stud…

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Love as Leadership: Honoring Her Past by Protecting Our Future | Executive Director Ashleigh Loa | HIH 9 1:09:25

1+ y ago1:09:25

1:09:25

Ashleigh grew up wanting to honor her grandparents' sacrifice and hard work, moving from the Philippines to Hawaiʻi to get their family out of poverty. Her plans were put on hold when she got pregnant right after high school and had to help raise her sisters, but she got her degree 7 years later and began pursuing a career in nonprofit work in the …

1
WrestleMania XL: SCORCHING HOT Takes! 38:50

1+ y ago38:50

38:50

Video episodes at https://www.youtube.com/@justsomeguystalkingwrestlingBy Nolan Hong

1
The BEST WWE Theme Song (Elimination Bracket) - Pt. 2: Jim Johnston songs with lyrics bracket 1:32:37

1+ y ago1:32:37

1:32:37

Debating the best WWE theme songs of all time – Part 2: Jim Johnston songs with lyrics bracket 01:04 – Hulk Hogan Real American vs Move to the Music Raw Theme 13:33 – Chris Jericho Break Down the Walls vs Lita 18:56 – A$$ Man Billy Gunn vs Chuck & Billy 25:42 – New Day vs Sexy Boy Shawn Michaels 35:13 – DX vs HHH My Time 43:08 – Honky Tonk Man vs W…

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Life as a Local Actor and How To Be Real | Actor Dann Seki | HIH 8 56:31

1+ y ago56:31

56:31

With a decades long career performing in Hawaiʻi, Dann shares how he got into acting, dealing with feeling like a "fake," and how getting to perform as different characters has impacted his real self. We also talked about family and what being "retired" is like for him. Come join us in our facebook group, Here in Hawaiʻi! https://www.facebook.com/g…

1
Can Okada finally hit #1 in the Asian Power Rankings? 4:15

2y ago4:15

4:15

Video episodes at https://www.youtube.com/@justsomeguystalkingwrestlingBy Nolan Hong

1
Hawaiʻi Hall of Famer Nani Cockett on Winning in Life | Basketball Legend Nani Cockett | HIH 7 57:27

2y ago57:27

57:27

Nani shares how she has found different ways to be of service to others, whether it be from her hall of fame UH women's basketball career, coaching, teaching, training, and even in real estate. We get to hear her perspectives on success and how to define abundance. Book: https://www.amazon.com/Speaking-Abundance-Method-Manifesting-Everything/dp/B0B…

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The BEST WWE Theme Song (Elimination Bracket) - Pt. 1: Jim Johnston instrumentals 1:15:09

2y ago1:15:09

1:15:09

Debating the best WWE theme songs of all time – Part 1: Jim Johnston instrumentals bracket 00:35 – Undertaker vs Yokozuna 04:36 – Brock Lesnar vs Mr Perfect 15:13 – Ultimate Warrior vs Roddy Piper 26:04 – Mick Foley vs Kurt Angle 31:23 – The Brood vs Goldust 35:27 – The Shield vs Kane 44:02 – Bret Hart vs Razor Ramon 53:59 – Stone Cold Steve Austin…

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Is It Worth the Moné? | Okada the Most Powerful Asian Wrestler? 10:10

2y ago10:10

10:10

Jessie's T-Shirt of the Week, plus Matt's info on the *exclusive* shirts that were available at AEW Big Business. Matt is relieved Nino isn't here for this week's Asian Power Rankings... Did Okada even make the list? Video episodes at https://www.youtube.com/@justsomeguystalkingwrestlingBy Nolan Hong

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A Music Producer's Journey With Autism & Imposter Syndrome | Ukulele Artist Brittni Paiva | HIH 6 1:08:50

2y ago1:08:50

1:08:50

Brittni won her first Nā Hōkū Hanohano at age 15. Since then her career in music has been filled with multiple awards, millions of downloads, and performances with music legends, but her life has also been filled with challenges. Last year, she found out that she's on the autism spectrum, which helped explain her sensory sensitivity. She's also bee…

1
Mercedes Moné AEW Debut LIVE REACTION 49:17

2y ago49:17

49:17

Fact Check Matt was at Big Business live and gives his take on how the crowd reacted to Mercedes Moné's debut and new music. And we get back into the AEW vs WWE debate. Video episodes at https://www.youtube.com/@justsomeguystalkingwrestlingBy Nolan Hong

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Controversy Over Bull Nakano's Ranking | APR & T-Shirt of the Week 27:03

2y ago27:03

27:03

Nino is enraged to find out that Bull Nakano is ranked number 1 on this week's Asian Power Rankings over Kazuchika Okada and his AEW debut. We also take a look at the Rock's homage to the classic Batman slapping Robin comic book meme in our T-shirt of the week! Video episodes at https://www.youtube.com/@justsomeguystalkingwrestling…

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Starting an Aloha Revolution | VH07V's Ed Sugimoto | HIH 5 43:33

2y ago43:33

43:33

How does a guy go from working at the cable company to starting a brand that we see EVERYWHERE here in Hawaiʻi? Ed takes us through his journey, from humble beginnings with the idea for VH07V (aka Aloha Revolution) coming up from his blog, how it took getting laid off from his job of 23 years to push him into going all-in on his business, and the r…

1
Favorite Moments of Sting's Wrestling Career 47:28

2y ago47:28

47:28

From Surfer Sting to Main Event Mafia Sting, the guys run thru their favorite Sting moments from WCW, TNA Impact, WWE and AEW in honor of him retiring from professional wrestling. Video episodes at https://www.youtube.com/@justsomeguystalkingwrestlingBy Nolan Hong

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Defending the People of Hawaiʻi | Public Defender Minda Yamaga 1:08:42

2y ago1:08:42

1:08:42

Minda shares about visiting the Heart Mountain internment camp where her mother was born, and takes us through her journey from becoming a mother during her senior year of high school, going on to college, working as a chemist after the anthrax scare, then going to law school and becoming a public defender. She shares the deep connection she has to…

1
Wrestlers Whose Careers Got F&*ked up by WWE 1:03:49

2y ago1:03:49

1:03:49

With success in WCW, ECW, TNA, ROH, Japan, or the Indies, these wrestlers should have had great careers in WWE, but instead WWE f$%#ed them up. Judge Aaron also returns with an immediate scalding hot take, bringing out his legal skills to make a case for how the WWE ruined CM Punk's career. We also have our popular segments: Jessie's T-shirt (Item)…

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Local Humor From the 80s to Now | Comedian James Mane 44:26

2y ago44:26

44:26

James Mane is a stand-up comedian, actor and podcaster, and was the first Samoan to do stand-up comedy on American TV. He talks about being mentored by Andy Bumatai, how his parents laid the foundation for his career path, and how his experiences growing up in the 80s shaped his comedy today. Support James at: https://comedianjamesmane.com/https://…

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Elimination Chamber 2024 Reactions 1:09:13

2y ago1:09:13

1:09:13

Naomi's entrance in daylight, Becky Lynch backlash, defending LA Knight's honor, Drew McIntyre rumor. What kind of name is New Catch Republic? We were promised surprises, where were the surprises? What was better – the Women's Elimination Chamber or the Men's? Also who gets the most Nino heat this week? And Matt tries to get us cancelled again. Vid…

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Ranking the Funniest in Professional Wrestlers in Any Era 54:50

2y ago54:50

54:50

Whether it be WWE, AEW, WCW, TNA, ECW, the attitude era or any other part of pro wrestling, the guys compile a list of the funniest wrestlers, then make their arguments to break it down to the #1 FUNNIEST wrestler of all time. We'll see: Mick Foley, R-Truth, Chris Jericho, Danhausen, Kurt Angle, Orange Cassidy, The Rock, The Acclaimed, Bobby Heenan…

1
Big E Returning Soon? Okada in AEW and Where Are All of the Asian STARS in AEW??? 9:54

2y ago9:54

9:54

"Smaller" wrestlers HAVE gotten championship pushes but when put next to a "big body" type, they get squashed. Like Dragon Lee just did in NXT and Kofi after Kofimania. Speaking of which, is Big E primed for a return from his career-ending neck injury? We've seen with Saraya, Edge and Bryan Danielson, that it's possible – what does that mean for Bi…