Above the bridge

What does it take for a young DJ to carve out a meaningful career in Hawaii's competitive nightlife scene? CJ Park, son of industry veteran Jay Park, reveals the surprising truth behind his rise from playing $20 house parties to commanding major venue residencies and opening for artists like Little Wayne and T-Pain.

The journey begins with humble origins – Park recalls being the kid who always brought speakers to high...

DJ Mass Funk reveals the dark reality of nightlife success and his transformative journey to sobriety after 15 years of substance abuse in the Hawaii club scene. What begins as a casual conversation between friends quickly delves into the remarkable story of a talented DJ who opened for major artists like Alesso, Chainsmokers, and Cascade while simultaneously battling addiction behind the decks.

"There was no real mom...

What happens when the thing you've done for twenty years suddenly doesn't align with your soul anymore? In this deeply personal conversation, Thaddeus welcomes back his longtime friend and business partner Hanson to discuss his surprising decision to walk away from nightlife promotion after finding renewed faith.

Hanson, co-owner of Hawaii Events Unlimited and Level H Promotion, shares the remarkable story of the...

What drives a person to transform their life from rock bottom to running a successful business? Meet Val, the founder of For My Family brand, whose story of redemption, purpose, and entrepreneurial spirit captures the essence of Hawaii resilience.

Val pulls no punches discussing his former life of addiction—mixing fentanyl and other substances until his body literally broke out in hives from toxicity. His pivotal moment ca...

Tyla Reese Mane's journey to the Rainbow Wahine volleyball team unfolds like a perfect sports movie – complete with unexpected twists, heartbreaking setbacks, and triumphant homecomings.

Growing up as the daughter of comedian James Mane, Tyla defied gender norms from the start. Not content with just playing soccer and volleyball, she became her high school's football kicker while her father coached the team. &quo...

Dog owners, prepare to have your perception of pet nutrition completely transformed. In this eye-opening conversation with Kaleo Teixeira, of The Foundation Raw Hawaii, we dive deep into the world of raw dog food and discover why what goes into your dog's bowl matters more than you might think.

Kaleo shares the alarming reality about commercial dog food - how it originated as a convenient but nutritionally questionabl...

Remember when nightlife was about being present instead of posting about it? Flash and Thaddeus Park take us on a nostalgic journey through Hawaii's golden era of clubbing, when every night of the week featured packed venues and genuine human connections.

This conversation reveals how nightlife promotion evolved from guerrilla marketing tactics (running from security while distributing flyers in parking lots) to today...

Imagine taking traditional Hawaiian flavors, combining them with southern-style barbecue techniques, and adding a dash of fearless culinary creativity. That's what Stephan Kina brings to the table every day as a Hawaiian-born pit master who's making waves from his unexpected home base in Montana.

Stephen's story is one of transformation and discovery. Though his father was an executive chef, he didn't s...

This reunion conversation with Roni—who appeared on the second-ever episode of Above The Bridge nearly five years ago—dives deep into life's most fundamental questions while remaining refreshingly practical.

The longtime friends explore how decision-making shapes everything from athletic success to business ventures to parenting. Roni shares wisdom gained from watching his son pursue professional soccer through Housto...

Get ready for an engaging episode as we dive deep into the world of dog shows, specifically focusing on the upcoming Battle of the Bullies at the Kroc Center on March 8! Our guests, experienced breeders and passionate dog lovers, shed light on what makes this event unique and vital for the local community. You'll learn about various bully breeds showcased in the competition, gain insights into responsible breeding practices, a...

What happens when life's transitions lead you to new opportunities and fresh beginnings? Join us as Becky Mits makes her third appearance on the podcast, sharing the excitement and emotion of her upcoming move from Hawaii to San Diego. We explore the evolution of our friendship over the years and the intricate logistics of relocating with her two adored dogs, Ramsey and Solana. Becky's story highlights the significance of...

Join us as we introduce the remarkable Kanako, known to her Instagram followers as Style.Leaf, who shares her motivating journey of health and fitness, along with the mental hurdles she overcame. Her story is more than just a tale of fitness; it’s a testament to personal growth and resilience, offering a heartfelt look into the mental health challenges that often accompany physical transformation. As Kanako opens up about her exper...

Jimmy Bender, better known as "Jimmy the Geek," graces the Above the Bridge podcast with his vibrant storytelling and unique insights into Hawaii's sports and entertainment scene. Known for his dual role as a radio personality and high school sports commentator, Jimmy takes us on a nostalgic journey from his early days at I-94 to his impactful presence on Spectrum OC16. Discover the story behind his catchy nickname a...

Discover the transformative journey of Jachrome, a leading influencer from Hawaii, as he navigates the fast-paced and often unpredictable world of social media. We promise you'll gain insights into his rapid rise across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch, powered by his marketing acumen from UH West. Jachrome shares his strategies for keeping an audience engaged even amidst the challenges, such as managing h...

 Join us for a laugh-filled chat with our guest, Mr. Coconut, as we swap stories about the quirks of unexpected podcast invitations and the oddball questions that come with them. Mr Coconut's infectious humor sets the stage for a lively exploration of cultural contrasts and the life of a budding content creator. 

Passionate about storytelling and creativity, we journey through Mr Coconuts aspirations of crafting a sup...

Ever wondered what it takes to climb the ranks in the world of mixed martial arts? Meet Jasiah Kamakele, a promising fighter hailing from Hawaii, who shares his captivating journey from boxing in his uncle’s garage to the bright lights of the MMA scene. Siah opens up about his transition from traditional sports like baseball and soccer to finding his true calling in Jiu-Jitsu. We explore the intricacies of Hawaii's Jiu-Jitsu c...

Reflecting on my daughter Aria’s rollercoaster first year of high school, we share a cozy chat that captures both the challenges and triumphs she's faced as a freshman. From the nerve-wracking transition from intermediate school to the victories on the junior varsity volleyball court, our conversation offers a heartfelt look at her journey so far. Aria opens up about the pressures of midterms, the joy of newfound freedoms, and...

Meet Suffice, an emerging hip-hop artist from Kaneohe, Hawaii.  This episode we explore his journey through the local rap scene.  We reminisce about cherished traditions like our annual KapunsGiving event and the unique experience of working together during the pandemic. This episode is a vibrant testament to the  exciting potential of a young artist’s promising career.

Step into Hawaii’s thriving skate community, where pa...

Ever wondered how a MySpace persona could spark a thriving radio career? Join me as I catch up with Rella, my long-time friend whose journey from "Pimperella" to a beloved radio personality is filled with humor and nostalgia. We take a delightful trip down memory lane, exploring the transformative power of early social media platforms like MySpace and Asian Avenue, and sharing stories that underscore the enduring bonds th...