The HIgher State Podcast - podcast cover

The HIgher State Podcast

Kawika Smithwww.spreaker.com
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!
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Episodes

John Veneri

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!

Nov 07, 202033 min

Everything That Rises Must Converge

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!

Sep 07, 202040 min

Aloha Flight 243

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 is just an example of how and why this story time was one worth ...

Aug 26, 202032 min

Rose From the Concrete

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.

Jul 28, 202037 min

Amazing

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 You". An amazing day of music with Mike on the HIgher State Podcast...

Jul 23, 202053 min

Grass Roots

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

Jul 11, 202059 min

Where You From?

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 lastly I showcase a talent that I'm not sure too much of the public ...

Jul 08, 202053 min

Black Lives Matter

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.

Jun 07, 202055 min

Amharic for King

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? This conversation should make quarantineing a little easier, cour...

May 30, 202043 min

The Intersection

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.

May 21, 202035 min

Follow Your Heart

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 better their community during this time as well as do other voluntee...

May 15, 202031 min

The Last Made Basket 9

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 pushing forwards even in light of serious setbacks! The NFL schedule ...

May 10, 202032 min

You've Got A Friend In Me

*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 legened of JOY LIN "Special Events", is the name they know backsta...

May 07, 202053 min

Last Made Basket 8

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 the Space Jam 2 logo and the judges say...? Then we cap it all by m...

May 02, 202035 min

Picture This!

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 over ten years! How's he do it all? Hustle, humility and happy wif...

Apr 30, 202031 min

Last Made Basket 7

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 to watch (other than episodes 3 and 4 of The Last Dance). Sit bac...

Apr 24, 202045 min

It's Who You Know!

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 most about but we wanted to take a moment to reinforce that and exp...

Apr 23, 202039 min

The Silver Episode

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? I couldn't tell which way Scott was trying to sell it. Either w...

Apr 18, 202035 min

Wayward Sun

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 break from your daily nap and join us on the HIgher State podcast...

Apr 16, 202035 min

Last Made Basket 6

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!

Apr 10, 202033 min

Slow And Steady

We check back in with Scott to see what it's looking like in NY because it seems like things are more serious there than I thought (and it is!). We turn our attention to the NFL where the Falcons have released thier new get-ups, and they've also gone on to release the NFL All-Decade team. We don't go too in depth, but as much as we can share on a 30+ miunute segment. Finally we wrap up by talking about the new Netflix movie, "Extraction" and how it begs the question, "Is this the period of time ...

Apr 08, 202033 min

Mr & Mrs Smith

Since the Scott is playing the Call of Duty Beta and my wife is home, we bother her to come on and talk. She spills the beans on what it's been like being home and away from work. Some helpful tips for parents who are home with their families. We talk what she's been watching (*cough* Joe Exotic!). Girl Wash Your Face! Cooking tips and her guilty pleasure, all on this special episode of the HIgher State podcast

Apr 02, 202031 min

The Barry Sanders

With this being episode #20 for us we stretch it out and do 45 minutes. Shelter In Place/Shelter From Home in in full effect (or at least it's supposed to be) we talk about what it's like here and in NY. We move on the the NFL Draft and the top 10 Mock Picks. We go on to a quick convo of Shaqs post on IG about the NBA's top 10 of all time. And Scott gives us some movie reviews. Hopefully we give you some good info on this episode of the HIgher State Podcast.

Mar 28, 202045 min

Last Made Basket 5

We talk about the straw that thrust the US in to the current lockdown mode that we're in: Rudy Gobert and the Jazz. We elaborate on the rest of the NBA cases as more have since popped up. We change gears and talk about what we plan to or are currently binge watching on our streaming services. We talk about what we plan to do when the world regains its sanity. And what's your "Go To" Shelter In Place meal? Who knew Scott had the appetite of a Renaissance artist?

Mar 21, 202031 min

Shelter In Place

We get Scott back from his trip *wide eyed emoji* and he tells us what the tempertaure is like in San Fran and New York. We decide to indulge in some escapism and talk about NFL Free Agency and trade market. Open up with Hawaiis Deforest Buckner and Marcus Mariota and their new desitinations. After them we go team by team to see if there's any big names going to your teams. And don't feel bad, if you're team didn't have anything worth mentioning the're just getting ready to find the draft.

Mar 19, 202044 min

Hold Your Breath

We go off script and just talk about the gravity of it all. The Corona virus has taken over and now it's time to talk about what's going on. It's been ignored for too long. But NCAA Colleges have shut down, NBA is out, XFL is out. Our entire way of life is having to be re-examined and so we take a step back real quick to assess exactly what's going on.

Mar 13, 202031 min

Last Made Basket 4

Why do we have to talk about Lavar Ball? Because we're tired of talking Corona Virus. Spike Lee gets Knicksed from the Garden. Steph came back. TB12 for JG10 for the 49? Have you seen the Invisible Man? What you in to this weekend?

Mar 06, 202033 min

Find Your Beach

The duo is back and It's Corona time! Wait, what? They're serving Coronas at NBA games now? Zion still looking like a MonStar. Even more so now, possibly rookie of the year. Lebron vs Giannis for MVP. Lebron vs MJ for approach to the game. And the similarity between the Hoston Astros and Bill Belichick.

Mar 04, 202032 min

That Time Again

We talk NFL Combine. NBA is finally starting to heat up, so we show some love there. Steven Segal is still alive? Mulan not testing so hot in China. And Happy Pokemon day! Wait, what?

Feb 28, 202031 min

Who's The Boss?

We have the pleasure of having both mine and Scotts wives on to join us. We talk a little bit of NBA All-Star, we play "Who Does He Play For?", Dwyane Wade and his reasons for trending on social media, marriage, the two weddings in the last 5 days and whatever else we can squeeze in. And Scott shares with us his words of wisdom as best man at my wedding.

Feb 21, 202035 min
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