RESPECT with Matt Gonsalves

In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Matsunaga, a legendary former digital media teacher from Kauaʻi, to look back on his incredible career. For years, Kevin led the award-winning digital media team at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School (CKMS), putting Hawaiʻi's young creators on the national map. Kevin opens up about what it was really like inside the classroom and shares why teaching digi...

In this special episode, we celebrate the incredible life and legacy of a true Kauai broadcasting legend, Fig Mitchell. 📻✨ For decades, Fig was the voice of Kauai sports, but his impact went far beyond the microphone. Join us as we look back at how Fig uniquely uplifted our community—specifically how he made local youth athletes feel like absolute superstars. From his passionate play-by-play com...

The incredible story behind Hawaii’s most iconic snack 🍙✨ In this episode, we sit down with Joni Funamura-Sasil to honor the legacy of her late mother, Barbara Funamura—a visionary nutritionist, entrepreneur, and the legendary creator of the Spam Musubi. While the Spam Musubi is globally recognized today, its journey began in the early 1980s on the island of Kauai. Joni shares the fascinating hi...

Happy Father’s Day! 🎙️ In this very special episode, I am joined by a truly extraordinary guest—my own father, Gerald Gonsalves. Join us as we dive deep into his life story, exploring the foundations that shaped him into the man, father, and mentor he is today. Dad shares what it was like growing up near the shores of Waikiki Beach and how watching his own parents instilled in him a relentless, li...

Welcome back to the podcast! In Episode # 8, we talk with Mel Rapozo—current Kauai County Council Chair, former police officer, and Air National Guard veteran—to discuss his lifelong dedication to public service and his campaign for Mayor of Kauai and Niʻihau. From wearing the uniform to leading the County Council, Mel brings decades of unique, boots-on-the-ground experience to the table. We dive...

Welcome back to the podcast! In this episode, we talk story with Felicia Cowden, current Kauai County Councilmember, and candidate for Kauai Mayor. Felicia joins us to discuss her vision for the Garden Isle, the unique challenges facing Kauai's local communities, and why she is stepping up to run for the island's highest executive office. If you care about local politics, the future of Kauai, and...

Mac Movaghar was born and raised in Iran. However, after the Iranian Revolution of 1979, he fled his home country in search of a better life. He eventually landed in the United States and has truly lived the American Dream. In this episode, he talks about why he fled Iran, his career at Dennyʻs, what the American Dream means to him, and his hopes for the future of his native country of Iran.

Blair Yamashita is the head softball coach at Kapaa High School. He and his staff led their team to a remarkable run at the HHSAA state tournament earlier this month, where they took 4th in the state…in just their first year at the Division 1 level. In this episode, Blair talks about how he got into coaching, why softball is so exciting to watch, and reveals some of the secrets of success of Kapaa...

Matt shares his thoughts on teacher appreciation week and reminisces about his favorite teachers from his early years. He also talks Hawaii Menʻs Volleyball and tells us who he thinks should be on the Hawaii Sports Mt. Rushmore. Then, he gives some closing remarks on the remarkable run by the Kapaa High Softball team.

Bryan Arguez is a former professional soccer player who has experience playing in the MLS, Germanyʻs Bundesliga, and with the United States Youth National teams. In 2023, he moved to Kauai where he continues to share his passion for soccer through coaching and training aspiring soccer players on the Garden Island. In this edition of the pod, Bryan Arguez reveals who he thinks is the greatest socce...

Episode # 2 of The Respect with Matt Gonsalves Podcast features guest, Kainoa "Kaikai" Carvalho. KaiKai talks about his experience as a Kahuku Red Raider, his mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Japan, and his switch from University of Utah to Da Braddahhood at the University of Hawaii. He also talks about being an "undersized" football player and the...

Jai Alapai was born and raised on Kauai. He was a football and track star at Kapaa High school and graduated in 2019. He went on to Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington where he continued to run track and play football. As a member of the Lute football team, Jai played for five seasons and recorded 33 solo tackles, 24 assisted tackles, and a fumble recovery. After graduating with a de...