Tales from the Taro Patch

In this episode of Tales From The Taro Patch , I sit down with Suavecito — known off-screen as Rey Garcia — whose social media presence has been blowing up across Hawaiʻi. Rey has built a loyal following for his genuine love of the islands, our people, and our culture. Unlike many visitors who arrive with assumptions or a tourist-only lens, he approaches Hawaiʻi with an open mind, a humble heart,...

On this episode of Tales From The Taro Patch , I talk story with Ilima-Lei Macfarlane – Former 5x Bellator MMA champion, activist, and fierce advocate for Hawaiʻi. We go beyond the cage to explore her identity as a Native Hawaiian, her commitment to uplifting her community, and how she finds balance between public life and personal healing. Ilima opens up about her journey as young and hunger up a...

In this exciting episode of Tales From The Taro Patch , Ikaika sits down with the dynamic boy band Boto Bangaz. Known for their unique blend of hip hop and island reggae, Boto Bangaz has been making waves in Hawai'i's music scene for the past five years. Join us as we dive into their musical journey, exploring the diverse influences that shape their sound. We'll discuss their recent co...

In this special episode of Tales From The Taro Patch , we take you on a vibrant journey through the Festival of Pacific Arts 2024, held in Hawaiʻi for the first time. Step into the heart of this cultural celebration as we bring you voices and stories from participants hailing from Guam, Rapa Nui, Rarotonga, Hawaiʻi, and Aotearoa. Join host Ikaikaloha as he engages with artists, performers, and cul...

In this episode of "Tales From The Taro Patch," Ikaika sits down with Bill Maeda, a fitness icon whose journey has inspired millions. Bill's story is one of profound transformation and resilience, marked by his experiences as a father, his battle with cancer, and his rise to social media stardom. Bill opens up about the life-changing moment he became a father and how this new role sh...

In this captivating episode of "Tales From The Taro Patch," we welcome Kumu Keoki Baclayon, a distinguished teacher and practitioner of Lāʻau Lapaʻau, the traditional Hawaiian herbal medicine. With a rich background that spans both ancient wisdom and modern experiences, Kumu Keoki brings a unique perspective to the art of healing. Kumu Keoki’s journey is both remarkable and inspiring. Ha...

In this compelling episode of "Tales From The Taro Patch," we are honored to sit down with Diamond Garcia, an influential member of Hawaii's House of Representatives and the chairman of the Hawaii Republican Party. Join us as we delve deep into Diamond's journey, from his roots in local community activism to his influential role in state politics. Diamond represents District 42,...

In this episode of Tales From The Taro Patch, we sit down with the incredibly talented Kamalei Kawaʻa, a rising star who has captured the hearts of many with his exceptional performances on "The Voice." Born and raised on the Wai Side, Maui, Kamalei's journey into the realms of music and hula was nurtured from a young age by his family, particularly his mother, Kumu Hula Luana Kawaʻa...

In this heartwarming episode, we're joined by Nikki and Brandy, native Hawaiian sisters and co-founders of Maʻi Movement, a non-profit organization committed to ending period poverty in Hawaiʻi. Along with a third sister, who together form the core of this remarkable initiative, they share their poignant journey that led to the birth of Maʻi Movement. The loss of their mother at a young age th...

In this captivating episode of "Tales from the Taro Patch," I fly to Hilo to sit down with Keoni Payton, a man whose life story is as rich and complex as the Hawaiian culture itself. Known to many as Painkillers, Keoni is not only an acclaimed artist and the visionary behind the immensely popular streetwear brand, Farmers Market Hawai’i, but also a dedicated activist for Hawaiian rights....

In this special episode of Tales From The Taro Patch, we journey to the Island of Maui for a conversation with Zach Zane, a formidable force in both MMA and Power Slap leagues. Born in Indonesia and raised on the beautiful yet challenging terrain of Maui, Zach opens up about the pivotal moments of his upbringing. Zach takes us behind the scenes of his professional journey, sharing insights into th...

In this very special episode of "Tales From The Taro Patch," we sit down with the phenomenal Kalei Mau, my first female guest. Her journey from the little town of Kahaluʻu to becoming one of the country's top professional volleyball players is nothing short of inspiring. Kalei shares what led her to not only embrace the sport of volleyball but also excel in it, taking her on adventur...

Join me as we sit down with Osnizzle, Hawai'i's top Emcee and a legend in the battle rap scene, to uncover the layers beyond his public persona. Born and raised in Aliamanu, Osna takes us on a journey through his upbringing, sharing the experiences that shaped him into the celebrated figure he is today. A founding member of the influential group Angry Locals, he has been a constant in the...

Join us for this special edition of, "Tales from the Taro Patch." This time, we did something different – removing ourselves from the usual set, with the help of senpai Kenji Lee (@Kenjiwalks) we shot this episode right in the middle of the taro fields with MMA fighter Yancy Medeiros. Yancy's a positive guy with a lot of stories to share. We talked about all sorts of things, like how...

Swing into this compelling episode where we engage with MMA legend, Enson Inoue, charting the course of his dynamic career, fused with deep-seated cultural ties that span oceans. From the electrifying battles within PRIDE and UFC rings to weaving together Hawaii's warm 'Aloha' ethos with Japan's age-old 'Bushido' traditions, Inoue embodies the essence of "Yamatodamashi...

In this thought-provoking installment of 'Tales from the Taro Patch', we're privileged to sit down with Kaniela Ing, a distinguished voice in Hawaiian advocacy and a fervent beacon of local activism. As a former member of the Hawaii House of Representatives, Kaniela has not only navigated the corridors of power but has also grounded himself in the grassroots movements that pulsate with...

Dive into the world of reggae with a Hawaiian twist in this soulful episode featuring the talented Ikaakamai. As a prominent musician who beautifully intertwines the rhythmic beats of reggae with the lyrical beauty of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, Ikaakamai offers listeners a musical journey that is both rich in culture and deeply resonant. Join us as we explore his inspirations, the significance of ʻōlelo Hawa...

Dive into a world where heavy metal riffs intertwine with deep-rooted Māori narratives. In this cultural episode of 'Tales from the Taro Patch', we sit with Tūranga Morgan-Edmonds, the pulsating bass force behind the internationally recognized metal band, Alien Weaponry. Discover how Tūranga seamlessly fuses the power of modern metal with the age-old stories of his ancestors, painting a so...

In this episode of "Tales From The Taro Patch," we're honored to sit down with a true legend, Konishiki (Saleva'a Fuauli Atisano'e). From the islands of Hawaiʻi to the revered rings of Japanese sumo wrestling, Konishiki's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Join us as we unravel the story of a young Samoan raised in Hawaiʻi, who dared to challenge tradition and bar...

In this episode of "Tales from the Taro Patch," we have the opportunity of sitting down with Polulu Nakanelua, a remarkable individual who embodies the resilience and spirit of the Hawaiian culture. Join us as we delve into a thought-provoking conversation about how native Hawaiians navigate through the complexities of the modern world while honoring their heritage. Polulu shares his uni...

In this compelling episode of "Tales from the Taro Patch," we have the privilege of sitting down with Senator Brenton Awa, a former news anchor who has transitioned into the world of politics as a State Senator and a proud Native Hawaiian. Join us as we delve into Brenton's inspiring journey from the realm of journalism to public service. We explore his experiences as a news reporter...

Previously Recorded On March 20th, 2023 In this episode of "Tales from the Taro Patch," we have the honor of sitting down with Aupuni Pagaoa, a professional MMA flyweight who is making waves in the fight world. Aupuni currently competes in the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA), which is recognized as the top feeder organization to the UFC. Join us as we delve into Aupuni's inspiring jou...

In this episode of "Tales from the Taro Patch," we sit down with KarveTV, a 17-year-old content creator who has made a name for himself by cracking the algorithm on TikTok and helping other content creators build successful communities online. KarveTV shares his journey into content creation, how he's been able to help others grow their platforms, and his plans for the future. We dis...

In this episode of Tales from the Taro Patch, host Ikaikaloha sits down with Breiden Fehoko, a former standout defensive tackle for Louisiana State University (LSU) and current player for the Pitsburg Steelers in the National Football League (NFL). Breiden shares his inspiring story of growing up in Hawaii, where he played high school football before being recruited by Texas Tech University to pla...

In the debut episode of Tales from the Taro Patch, host Ikaikaloha sits down with Kamaka Dias, the host of the popular "Keep it Aloha" podcast. Kamaka shares his inspiring journey from a Hawaiian immersion school student in Hilo to a Peace Corps volunteer in Madagascar and beyond. After completing his studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Kamaka found himself saddled with $50,000...