Secondary Colors with Nick Kuchar and Friends
Making art is fun, but making a living off of your creativity is difficult. Aloha, I’m Nick! I’m a Hawaii based artist and entrepreneur. Join me and my fellow creatives as we take a look behind-the-canvas to discuss the nuts and bolts of successful art, business and making it work.
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The Advice Every Small Business Owner Needs - Ep.31
03/04/2024
The Advice Every Small Business Owner Needs - Ep.31
Nick, Tracey & Dale are back in this advice-packed episode of Secondary Colors! From public speaking, to managing staff meetings and client giveaways to the daunting task of hiring a new employee - the gang discusses all the pitfalls and highlights of navigating the world of small business ownership in 2024. Come join us, friends! Recorded in sunny Kailua town, O'ahu @ the Nick Kuchar Art & Design Shop. Follow Nick: www.instagram.com/NickKuchar Follow our shop: www.instagram.com/NickKucharShop
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Speaking The Creative Director Language with Kahana Kalama of JuneShine - Ep.30
12/07/2023
Speaking The Creative Director Language with Kahana Kalama of JuneShine - Ep.30
Nick, Tracey & Dale welcome June Shine’s Creative Director, Kahana Kalama to episode #30 of Secondary Colors! Kahana delves into the many skills needed for a successful middle-man between marketing teams and artists - aptly comparing the ability to do so as it to it’s own language. Having worked many times with Nick (for JuneShine’s can art designs) he provides the best practices for the push-and-pull dance required as a successful Creative Director, all while managing a full home life of 5 kids with his lovely wife. The perfect listen for those struggling to understand the needs and demands of their art & design clients. Join us, friends! Recorded @ Nick Kuchar's Art & Design Shop in sunny Kailua town, O‘ahu Hawai‘i. Visit us at www.nickkuchar.com or www.instagram.com/NickKuchar
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The Power of Community And Art With Maui Artist Welzie - Ep.29
11/01/2023
The Power of Community And Art With Maui Artist Welzie - Ep.29
Maui-based artist Welzie returns to Secondary Colors to discuss his perspective of life after the tragic fires that swept Maui on August 8th. From the importance of establishing your creative community to helping children heal through art, Nick & Welzie have a heartfelt one-on-one about the ways we can learn and grow from moments like this through out life and the power of speaking positivity. Join us, friends!
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Maui Fundraising Fundamentals, Exhibiting Art Abroad & Robots Gone Wild! - Ep.28
10/01/2023
Maui Fundraising Fundamentals, Exhibiting Art Abroad & Robots Gone Wild! - Ep.28
Nick, Tracey & Dale are back from their summer-long hiatus to discuss the whirlwind of these last few months. From the excitement of meeting wild deer (and even wilder robots) in Japan, to the devestation brought on by the Maui fires and the surprising challenges that come with fundraising, this episode is a candid catch up between the guys packed with unsolicited advice. Nick shares tips they learned first hand in raising money for Maui Relief efforts, and one thing they started doing that has been a huge help for their retail partners. We're stoked to be back, friends! Recorded at Nick Kuchar Art & Design in beautiful Kailua town, Hawai'i. For Nick's work, paddle on over to or join the party wave on Instagram at
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Live from the Green Room Festival w/ Punky Aloha, Matt Allen, Jonas Claesson & Christie Shinn! - Ep.27
06/07/2023
Live from the Green Room Festival w/ Punky Aloha, Matt Allen, Jonas Claesson & Christie Shinn! - Ep.27
Hailing from the streets of Yokohama, Japan (which might explain some of the audio quality, sorry) Nick sits down with several of his friends and fellow artists for this special Green Room Festival edition of Secondary Colors! Nick chats mastering the freelance life and giving back to the Pacific Islander community with Shar Tuiasoa AKA Punky Aloha (), to unlocking the cheat code for being creative more often with Matt Allen () & Jonas Claesson (). Plus, the return of Christie Shinn () AKA "Auntie Crispy" who sheds some light on getting to know your market and adjusting business accordingly. It's a star-studded affair, folks. Listen now! Edited @ Nick Kuchar Art & Design Co. ( in beautiful Kailua town. Shop the new "Secret Spot" Collection with Hurley now on
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Mastering the Art of Entrepreneurship with Brittany Heyd - Ep.26
05/01/2023
Mastering the Art of Entrepreneurship with Brittany Heyd - Ep.26
What’s going to take your art business to the next level? Brittney Heyd of Hawaii’s Mana Up () joins Nick, Tracey & Dale to share tips and advice on how to do just that! From ways to begin your art business journey, to the importance of telling your personal story and creating a narrative behind everything you sell - Brittany and the guys discuss it all. Plus, new prints and clothing headed your way this month on . Wrap your ears around episode 26 of Secondary Colors with Nick Kuchar & Friends, friends! Recorded in the Nick Kuchar Art & Design Shop in beautiful Kailua town.
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All About Freelance Design Pricing with Jaz from Jasmine Designs - Ep.25
04/01/2023
All About Freelance Design Pricing with Jaz from Jasmine Designs - Ep.25
Pricing our work can be one of the most difficult things in our daily process...it doesn't have to be! Take advice from Nick & Jaz's about becoming a confident freelancer in this conversation geared toward empowering creatives. Jaz offers a free pricing calculator on her website & encourages our listeners to know their worth. She also gives tips on how to move their business forward. The duo discuss drafting up a contract, getting your project off on the right foot and getting yourself in a mindset for growth. It's time for episode 25! Jaz on insta @yourpricingqueen More about Jaz and a free pricing calculator available at Recorded at Nick Kuchar Shop in sunny Kailua Town, Hawai‘i.
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Selling Design Assets & Freelancing With Ray Dombroski - Ep.24
03/01/2023
Selling Design Assets & Freelancing With Ray Dombroski - Ep.24
Creator of , Designer Ray Dombroski joins Nick, Tracey & Dale for episode 24! Ray's extensive background in the surf apparel industry started in 2002. Since then he has designed for many top brands in California and Hawaii, such as Quiksilver, O'Neill, Billabong, Rip Curl, Ocean Pacific and Local Motion. He shares his successes and hardships that lead him to finally establishing The Vector Lab website that offers design elements, graphic design resources, tools, and tutorials. As a fellow Florida State University student, Ray and Nick remininsce about the good ol' days, Tracey daydreams of nostalgic skateboard decks while Dale packs his bags for Japan. Thanks for joining us for two dozen episodes! Recorded at Nick Kuchar Shop in sunny Kailua Town, Hawai‘i. Mahalo as always to our Producer Dale Rutledge ()
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Freelance Fundamentals & the Power of Communication with Matt Tapia - Ep.23
02/03/2023
Freelance Fundamentals & the Power of Communication with Matt Tapia - Ep.23
Freelance Artist and Designer Matthew Tapia () joins Nick, Tracey and Dale for episode 23! From his large scale work including the iconic "Wish You Were Here" at the Surfjack hotel pool to his role on the team for MLB's Cleveland Guardians rename and a variety of branding & lettering projects in-between, Matt shares what he's learned in the many steps along the road to freelance life and how clear communication can make or break any relationship. Nick & Tracey discuss the many challenges of any hiring process (we're hiring, by the way: for more details) and how to change up your approach to new hires. Listen now, friends!
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Graffiti, Gangs and Growth thru Perseverance with Melón James - Ep.22
01/01/2023
Graffiti, Gangs and Growth thru Perseverance with Melón James - Ep.22
The guys ring in the new year with Hawai‘i-based graffiti artist ! Melon shares his personal story of his gang-filled past in the streets of Chicago, to life in the military and his eventual new beginnings on the isle of O‘ahu. Weaving perseverance and artistic skill, his inspirational journey has turned a strong passion for graffiti and art into a successful career. Nick, Tracey & Dale chat goals for 2023 and play a 'new' game with our guest. Happy New Episode, everybody! Recorded at in sunny Kailua Town, Hawai‘i. Mahalo to our sponsor ! Mahalo as always to our Producer Dale Rutledge ()
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The Best Art Business Advice... So Far! - Ep.21
12/01/2022
The Best Art Business Advice... So Far! - Ep.21
Tis the Season to be ... Podcasting! Nick, Tracey & Dale look back at the last 20 episodes of Secondary Colors and share their favorite moments from all the guests and good times that they've shared. We cover everything from crafting a great portfolio to show your clients (with Noa Emberson) and how to handle hard challenges and make difficult decisions (with career coach Maria Brophy and Juneshine founder Forrest Dein). We also take a listen to a clip of Matt and Roxy Ortiz of Wooden Wave discussing how they work together as spouses, artists and parents. The team touches on the importance of saying Yes (and No) to the right projects with artist Erik Abel, too. The holidays are always a great time to reflect and be thankful so the guys do just that while giving some Behind the Scenes looks at previous episodes. We are so thankful for our listeners and look forward to all the good times ahead for 2023. Mahalo and Happy Holidays everybody! Mahalo to our sponsor !
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Growing Your Commercial Photography Business With Asia Brynne - Ep.20
11/01/2022
Growing Your Commercial Photography Business With Asia Brynne - Ep.20
Photographer Asia Brynne joins us for episode 20 to give her advice on being a successful commercial photographer. She talks diversifying your business and navigating the fine line of work you're passionate about with work you can make a living off of. Asia also provides practical tips for shoot day and the gang all chats about crafting your dream career through the winding road of entrepreneurship. Nick and Dale take a deep dive into how to answer media interview questions, Black Friday marketing and how it applies to your art business ... and if you like drone flying horror stories, this one's for you! Mahalo to our sponsor !
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Design Client Communications & How to Fail Forward with Jonas Claesson - Ep.19
10/01/2022
Design Client Communications & How to Fail Forward with Jonas Claesson - Ep.19
Artist Jonas Claesson joins the guys to share words of wisdom on how to get helpful direction and quick feedback from your clients (from the initial design brief!) to revision stages and presenting the finished product. They talk ways to avoid creative burnout and the amazingly coined feat of learning how to “fail forward.” Even Jonas’ worst fail ever comes with practical advice you can take and apply today to avoid it yourself. Nick and the Australia-based guest discuss their upcoming NFT releases while Tracey shares his advice on communication with your team and vendors. PLUS the most epic of showdowns - THE Australia vs. Sweden World Championships! What? That's right, it's episode 19, friends! Mahalo to our sponsor !
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Exploring NFTs & Web3 with Collective Strangers Eric & Noah - Ep.18
09/01/2022
Exploring NFTs & Web3 with Collective Strangers Eric & Noah - Ep.18
An often requested topic from our listeners, this deep dive takes us into Web3, NFTs and art on the blockchain. A must listen convo with guests Eric & Noah of Collective Strangers serves as a great intro-guide for creatives entering the space! The team also talks new studio releases, physical vs. digital collecting and Nick's upcoming NFT PFP collaboration with Collective Strangers (Sneak peak @ ). World travel photographer Eric Rubens additionally gives tips on networking and furthering your creativity while Noah (AKA: Passion) shares his knowledge of the Ethereum network, practical advice for minting NFTs and how to find opportunities in this new frontier. It's time for episode 18, friends! Mahalo as always to our Producer Dale Rutledge () Broadcast from Nick Kuchar Shop in beautiful Kailua Town, O'ahu, Hawaii. Collective Strangers: Eric Rubens: &
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Creative Director Best Practices with Noa Emberson - Ep.17
08/01/2022
Creative Director Best Practices with Noa Emberson - Ep.17
Onward Creative Art Director and Artist Noa Emberson joins us to discuss the ins and outs of working with clients and gives practical tips on successfully directing a design team. How do you avoid an endless loop of revisions? How do you get properly compensated for your work? What does a client look for in a designer or creative agency? This one is a topical, insightful look into the way a creative's brain works (with another zany round of "This or That"). Join us for episode 17 of Secondary Colors! Mahalo as always to our Producer Dale Rutledge () Broadcast from Nick Kuchar Shop in beautiful Kailua Town, O'ahu, Hawaii.
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Ask Me Anything with Nick & Tracey - Ep.16
07/01/2022
Ask Me Anything with Nick & Tracey - Ep.16
After a long hiatus (thanks, COVID) the boys are back in town with episode 16! Nick & Tracey sit down with producer Dale to answer all your "Ask Me Anything" submissions from social media. From business tips to family life, and never discussed before topics, the guys reveal a plethora of fun facts about the adventures of Nick Kuchar Art & Design Co. Join us now, friends!
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Family, Faith & Fast Surfboards with Brian Bent - Ep.15
05/01/2022
Family, Faith & Fast Surfboards with Brian Bent - Ep.15
We dive headfirst into the intriguing life of renaissance man Brian Bent. From kookboxes to homemade hot rods, family-band punk rock and his myriad of creative ventures. The gang goes deep on advice for positive thinking during the darkest of times (even during tragic family loss) and how the right mindset to constantly put yourself out there can lead you to unexpected success. Nick, Tracey & Dale also chat about recent outer island adventures and how to find the sweet spot of challenging yourself and pushing through discouragement.
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Captains, Contracts and Community with Jack Soren - Ep.14
04/01/2022
Captains, Contracts and Community with Jack Soren - Ep.14
Nick, Tracey & Dale are back with the one 'n only Captain Jack Soren to discuss his catapult to success in the art world and all the ups and downs in business that can go with that (all while trying to stay true to your art.) Nick 'n Tracey had an event-filled weekend around the island while Dale became an official Kailua resident right by our shop. Guard your June Shine folks, it's time for episode 14 of Secondary Colors! Find more of Jack's work here: Follow Nick on Instagram:
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Humility, Happiness & Haircuts with John Hook - Ep.13
03/01/2022
Humility, Happiness & Haircuts with John Hook - Ep.13
Nick, Tracey & producer Dale are joined by photographer John Hook in a discussion about the creative process of being a professional art creator. Is your work for your audience or do you make it for yourself? Is there a way to genuinely balance both? John also gives some great wedding photography tips from his years in the biz and Nick offers some bite-sized advice ... unsolicited, of course. Join us, friends!
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Absorbing the Journey of Surfer Towel's Christie Shinn - Ep.12
02/01/2022
Absorbing the Journey of Surfer Towel's Christie Shinn - Ep.12
Creative artist and owner of Surfer Towel () Christie Shinn drops in for a chat about the importance of well considered decisions regarding product design feedback and the right (and wrong) times to say "Yes!" to projects. Nick offers unsolicited advice on that very topic while a returning Tracey shares his recent US Citizenship story which prompts a Canadians-are-people-too themed round of "The Hot Seat" with their guest from the north.
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Brewing Passion into Success with JuneShine's Forrest Dein - Ep.11
01/15/2022
Brewing Passion into Success with JuneShine's Forrest Dein - Ep.11
JuneShine Hard Kombucha Co-Founder & Chief Marketing Officer Forrest Dein joins Nick & Dale (thanks to a quarantined Tracey) to share some ways JuneShine found success and national growth since the brand's 2018 start. Focus on company culture, engaging Ambassadors, establishing (and staying committed) to your brand ethos and more plus Tracey delivers some "Unsolicited Advice" from home and Nick fails horribly at his own show's game ... all right here on Secondary Colors!
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The Long & Winding Road to 2022 - Ep.10
01/01/2022
The Long & Winding Road to 2022 - Ep.10
Happy New Year, friends! We're kicking off 2022 with Episode 10, and our producer (former FOX Sports host) Dale's got a mic?! Nick, Tracey & Dale reflect on their varied careers over the past 25 years and what brought them to where they are today. This episode contains practical advice about merchandising your art and tips on how to treat a new year as a jumping point to new goals. Diving into how opportunities don't always have the potential they seem and why you can learn more from a job you can't stand versus one you love. Episode 10 has it all, folks: chicken barns, spilling food in customer's laps and moving across the country for Pamela Anderson. Only on Secondary Colors with Nick Kuchar and Friends!
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Distil Union's Kickstarter Advice & How To Battle Burnout - Ep.9
12/15/2021
Distil Union's Kickstarter Advice & How To Battle Burnout - Ep.9
This week's holiday episode of Secondary Colors features Nate Justiss & Lindsay Windham of Distil Union () and focuses on the keys to a successful Kickstarter campaign and advice on what to do when creative burnout rears its ugly head. Nick & Tracey also discuss new holiday items available at the Nick Kuchar Art & Design Co. and the importance of giving back to those in need when you can, regardless of the season. Special thanks to our Producer Dale Rutledge ()! Broadcast from Nick Kuchar's Art Studio in beautiful Kailua Town, O'ahu, Hawaii. Visit us at
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Treehouse Teamwork Goals with Wooden Wave's Roxy & Matt Ortiz - Ep.8
12/01/2021
Treehouse Teamwork Goals with Wooden Wave's Roxy & Matt Ortiz - Ep.8
The dream team Roxy & Matt Ortiz of Wooden Wave join Nick & Tracey on this inspirational episode 8 of Secondary Colors! The gang discusses the power of a great partner, understanding your strengths and the importance of humility and respect to nature. Nick & Tracey also reveal some limited holiday releases and their highs and lows from the week. Check out Roxy & Matt's whimsical murals and dreamworthy treehouses at Contact us at for any questions or show topics and visit our online shop at Mahalo as always to our producer Dale Rutledge (@TheWalkingDale)! Broadcast from Nick Kuchar Shop in beautiful Kailua Town, Oahu.
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Growing Your Business & Your Mindset with Jana Lam - Ep.7
11/15/2021
Growing Your Business & Your Mindset with Jana Lam - Ep.7
The talented Honolulu-based designer/creator, Jana Lam () joins Nick & Tracey for episode 7! The trio discuss how trial and error moments can help grow a business just as much as big wins (and no one's path to success is the same.) Jana recalls how she grew and found herself through design and how she stays focused and inspired. Plus, with the mad dash to the holidays upon us the gang gives thanks, talk up their festive releases and chat all about ... shop chickens?!? Join us now for Secondary Colors with Nick Kuchar & Friends! Contact us at for feedback and visit our online shop at Mahalo as always to our producer Dale Rutledge (@TheWalkingDale)! Broadcast from Nick Kuchar Shop in beautiful Kailua Town, Oahu.
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Entrepreneurship & Artist Sustainability with Erik Abel - Ep.6
11/01/2021
Entrepreneurship & Artist Sustainability with Erik Abel - Ep.6
Aloha friends! It's Episode 6 of Secondary Colors and artist Erik Abel is on the show! Nick & Tracey discuss tips for putting on a great social media giveaway and some strategies for the upcoming holiday season. Our Oregon-based guest Erik Abel shares his artistic journey, the nuts and bolts of his operation and his desperate search to make a positive difference with environmentally conscious art materials. It's harder than you'd think! The guys also chat about what to look for in a client when saying yes to custom projects and the one thing Erik did during the pandemic to actually multiply his revenue over the past 12+ months. Subscribe and listen now! Contact us at for feedback and visit our online shop at Mahalo as always to our producer Dale Rutledge (@TheWalkingDale)! Broadcast from Nick Kuchar Shop in beautiful Kailua Town, Oahu.
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Weathering the Pandemic -Ep.5
10/15/2021
Weathering the Pandemic -Ep.5
Nick & Tracey discuss the emotional rollercoaster that the entire world has experienced at the hands of the COVID-19 pandemic and what they've learned from it so far. From the hurdles they've overcome to the many grateful moments they found along the way (Nick's newborn son! A new shop and uncrowded surf!). Tracey provides some useful advice on steps you can easily apply to your work today to get your creative ventures growing while Nick discusses the difficulties of time management, weathering the trials and tribulations of mental health in these strange days and the toll that making daily "survival decisions" can have on any business owner during our ever changing times. All this and more in episode 5 of Secondary Colors! Contact us at [email protected] for feedback and visit our online shop at Mahalo as always to our producer Dale Rutledge! (@TheWalkingDale) Broadcast from Nick Kuchar Shop in beautiful Kailua Town, Oahu.
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Creating Your Dream Career with Maria Brophy - Ep.4
10/01/2021
Creating Your Dream Career with Maria Brophy - Ep.4
Art business consultant, author and podcast host Maria Brophy joins this week's show! Maria details from her home-base of San Clemente how she came on board to help her husband (and legendary Posca artist) Drew Brophy take his business to the next level. Nick & Tracey discuss with Maria their collective disdain for filling copyright forms (while recognizing their necessary evil), the benefits of constant goal setting and the empowering yet terrifying feeling of starting a brand new career. What do you do when you're faced with adversity? There are only two options really ... retreat or move forward! Maria also discusses licensing and other opportunities you might just be overlooking and shares resources readily available to empower your creative journey as an entrepreneur. Plus the best piece of advice she ever received - all right here on the 4th episode of Secondary Colors!
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Building Your Art Business & Your Confidence with Welzie - Ep.3
09/15/2021
Building Your Art Business & Your Confidence with Welzie - Ep.3
Join Nick & Tracey as they chat with Welzie! Well-known Maui based resin artist Welzie discusses his history in the surf industry on the north shore to his growth as an artist and family man. He shares advice on overcoming self doubt, finding confidence and why comparing yourself to others can be detrimental to your success. Welzie, Nick & Tracey also delve into the importance of being focused and realizing most success does not happen overnight but is a long term process of growth and learning. Oh, and how Welzie and a donkey got stranded on the side of the highway one time ... and what he learned from it! Follow Welzie and his work on IG @Welzie_art or Broadcast from Nick Kuchar Shop in beautiful Kailua Town, O'ahu (). Mahalo as always to our Producer Dale Rutledge (@TheWalkingDale)!
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Perseverance & Creating Community with Sarah Caudle - Ep.2
09/01/2021
Perseverance & Creating Community with Sarah Caudle - Ep.2
If you’re looking to get out of your creative block or need some encouragement getting started on your artistic journey - this episode's for you! Join us as we chat w/ Sarah Caudle, Hawaii based artist who has grown her operation from making art to simply cover her supply expenses to managing a team of employees and exhibiting her work internationally. We speak about the importance of surrounding yourself with a community of creatives and staying true to yourself as an artist. Sarah’s new project, The Sun Collective may just be a great fit for you to take your business to the next level, too! @SarahCaudleArt @TheSunCollectiveHI Broadcast from Nick Kuchar Shop in beautiful Kailua Town, O'ahu (). Mahalo as always to our Producer Dale Rutledge (@TheWalkingDale)!
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