International Kava Organization - Kava Lounge

Douglas LaRose & Jimmy Price
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Earth Sciences
  • Updated Biweekly

The Kava Lounge Podcast, hosted by Douglas LaRose and Jimmy Price, delves into a wide range of topics. Our discussions are anchored in published literature, ensuring that our listeners can easily follow along and reference the material we explore. We do this simply because we absolutely love this plant. We sell no kava or kava products, and only take donations through internationalkava.org. We aim to release a new podcast at least every two weeks. Bula/Malok!

Episodes

  1. 03/11/2024

    The Kava Lounge - Episode 8 - The 'Awa Rebellion of 1874

    The 'Awa Rebellion of 1874 In Episode 8 of our podcast, The Kava Lounge, we discuss a fascinating historical event known as the Hawaiian Mission Crisis of 1874, also called the 'Awa Rebellion or the Kahana Rebellion. Our conversation centers around a research paper that examines the actions of Mormon Mission President Frederick Augustus Herman Frank Mitchell in Kahana Valley, Hawaii. To provide context, we explain the Mormon Church's "Word of Wisdom," a doctrine that encourages abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, and "hot drinks," while promoting the use of herbs. We then explore Mitchell's background, depicting him as a controversial figure with a strict interpretation of the Word of Wisdom. When Mitchell arrived in Hawaii, he demanded that all ʻAwa (kava) plants be uprooted and burned, disregarding the crop's cultural significance and economic value to the native Hawaiians. This decision sparked intense resistance, leading to a rebellion against Mitchell's authority. Throughout the episode, we critique Mitchell's lack of cultural sensitivity and his attempts to force his beliefs on the Hawaiian people. We contrast Mitchell's approach with that of his partner, Harvey Cluff, who demonstrated more understanding and advocated for the Hawaiians. We emphasize the importance of kava in Hawaiian culture, pointing out that some Hawaiians even chose to leave the Mormon church rather than surrender their right to grow and consume the plant. We also discuss the broader implications of the incident, emphasizing the need for cultural understanding and respect when interacting with different communities. While acknowledging the Mormon church's role in the events, we clarify that our criticism is aimed specifically at Mitchell's actions and not at Mormonism as a whole. We conclude by reflecting on the acceptance of kava among various religious groups and its potential as an alternative to alcohol. In essence, this episode of The Kava Lounge offers a thought-provoking exploration of a historical event that highlights the complex interplay between religion, culture, and traditional practices, with kava at the heart of the controversy. Paper Citation:  Chase, Lance D. 2000. “The Hawaiian Mission Crisis of 1874: The ‘Awa Rebellion Story.” In Voyages of Faith, 59–70. Brigham Young University. https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1012&context=mphs

    The Kava Lounge - Episode 8 - The 'Awa Rebellion of 1874

  2. 03/11/2024

    The Kava Lounge - Episode 7 - Quiet Rise of Kava on Reddit

    The Kava Lounge - Part 7 - Quiet Rise of Kava on Reddit In this episode, Douglas & Jimmy discuss and critique a 2022 research paper titled "Kava, Piper Methysticum, In the United States, the Rise of a Quiet Substance with Often Subtle Effects" by Salma Point Fernandez et al. The hosts analyze the paper's methodology, which involved examining 1,156 Reddit posts about kava from 2006 to 2021. They question the small sample size and the choice to focus solely on Reddit, arguing it may not be representative of the broader kava-using community. Throughout the discussion, Jimmy and the Kavasseur challenge several points made in the paper: •The binary categorization of kava use motivations as either "recreation" or "self-treatment for psychiatric or physical health conditions" •The correlations drawn between kava and other substances like kratom, supplements, cannabis, and alcohol •The lack of mention of kava's traditional spiritual and ritualistic uses •The paper's conclusion that Reddit discussions cannot substitute for systematic research While appreciating some insights the paper offers, such as the typical dosage range of 20-60 grams, the hosts express skepticism about its overall depth and relevance. They share their own knowledge and experiences with kava, touching on topics like reverse tolerance, lucid dreaming, and the plant's unique effects which they feel distinguish it from addictive drugs. In summary, this episode of The Kava Lounge provides a critical review of a recent kava-related research paper from the perspective of two experienced kava advocates and enthusiasts. Paper Citation:  Pont-Fernandez, Salma, Marina Kheyfets, Jeffrey M. Rogers, Kirsten E. Smith, and David H. Epstein. 2022. “Kava (Piper Methysticum) in the United States: The Quiet Rise of a Substance with Often Subtle Effects.” The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, November, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/00952990.2022.2140292.

    The Kava Lounge - Episode 7 - Quiet Rise of Kava on Reddit

  3. 01/28/2024

    The Kava Lounge - Episode 6 - Dr. J.D. Baker

    Citation: Baker, Jonathan D. 2012. “Pills, Potions, Products: Kava’s Transformations in New and Nontraditional Contexts.” The Contemporary Pacific 24 (2): 233–65. https://doi.org/10.1353/cp.2012.0026. The episode titled "JD Baker 2012" from the Kava Lounge discusses Dr. JD Baker's paper from the Journal of the Contemporary Pacific, published in 2012. The hosts, Jimmy and Douglas, explore the transformation of kava in new and non-traditional contexts. They delve into topics like kava's changing role across cultures, and its adoption in Western societies as a pharmaceutical and recreational analog. Discussions include kava's cultural significance, preparation methods, and the nuances of its use and perception in different societies. The episode also touches on the challenges of representing kava authentically in commercial products and its evolving identity in the global market.

    The Kava Lounge - Episode 6 - Dr. J.D. Baker

  4. 01/28/2024

    The Kava Lounge - Episode 5 - Dr. Turner

    Literature Citation: Turner, James West. 2012. “LISTENING TO THE ANCESTORS: KAVA AND THE LAPITA PEOPLES.” Ethnology 51 (1). https://www.jstor.org/stable/43657285 Description: The podcast episode, titled "Episode 5 - Turner 2012," features hosts Douglas LaRose and Jimmy Price discussing Dr. James W. Turner's paper "Listening to the Ancestors: Kava and Lapita People." They explore the paper's anthropological insights on kava's movement across the South Pacific, its origins, and cultural significance. The hosts critically analyze Turner's theories on kava's connection with ancestral communication, spirituality, and ritual practices. They also delve into methodological aspects of Turner's research, contrasting his findings with their own experiences and knowledge of kava. The episode provides a comprehensive review of the paper, including discussions on kava's psychoactive effects, historical diffusion, and the cultural and spiritual dimensions associated with its consumption.

    The Kava Lounge - Episode 5 - Dr. Turner

  5. 12/25/2023

    The Kava Lounge - Episode 4 - Personal History with Kava

    "Episode 4 - Personal History with Kava" features a discussion between Douglas LaRose and Jimmy Price, exploring their individual journeys with kava. Douglas's story begins with discovering kava as a natural anxiety remedy in his late teens, experiencing immediate relief from a kava beverage. Jimmy's initial encounter with kava was less impactful, but its effectiveness in alleviating his roommate's OCD symptoms was notable. Post-college, facing addiction issues, Jimmy turned to kava as a natural anxiety solution, finding it significantly helpful. Both speakers emphasize kava's unique properties, distinguishing it from traditional drugs, and highlight their deep personal connections and passion for kava. The episode also delves into the complexities and evolutions within the kava community, including challenges, industry developments, and the personal significance of kava in their lives.

    The Kava Lounge - Episode 4 - Personal History with Kava

  6. 12/22/2023 ·  Bonus

    The Kava Lounge - Special 1 - Kava Safety

    "The Kava Lounge" podcast presents a special episode on kava safety, featuring an in-depth discussion between Douglas and Jimmy, two experienced kava enthusiasts. This special episode explores the historical context of kava safety concerns, in particular with a focus on the risk of liver damage originating in Europe in the late 1990s. Douglas and Jimmy recount their personal experiences and confront widespread misconceptions about the impact of kava on liver health, highlighting the lack of evidence linking kava to liver damage. It explores the cultural significance of kava, its long history of safe use in the Pacific Island communities, and addresses the misinformation and hysteria surrounding kava in the early 2000s. The discussion also touches on various health-related aspects of kava, including potential side effects, such as dry skin and changes in cholesterol levels, while emphasizing the overall safety profile. This podcast has information for both kava enthusiasts and those who are new to the plant, providing a comprehensive overview of kava safety, its cultural importance and scientific evidence of its consumption. Douglas and Jimmy’s conversation is not only informative but also serves as a clarion call to dispel outdated myths and embrace kava’s rich heritage and benefits.

    The Kava Lounge - Special 1 - Kava Safety

  7. 12/22/2023

    The Kava Lounge - Episode 3 - Lebot Discussion

    Episode 3 of "The Kava Lounge" podcast features a detailed discussion on the work of Dr. Vincent Lebot, a renowned expert on kava. Hosts Douglas LaRose and Jimmy Price delve into Lebot's paper titled "Recent Advances in the Quality Control of Kava the Traditional Beverage of the Pacific Islands." They explore Lebot's background, his significant contributions to kava research, including genetic studies of the plant, and the implications of his findings for the kava industry. The episode also touches on broader topics like kava's safety, cultivation, and the intricacies of its chemical composition, emphasizing the importance of noble kava cultivars and quality control in the industry. Episode research citation:  Lebot, V. 2018. “Recent Advances in the Quality Control of Kava, the Traditional Beverage of the Pacific Islands.” Acta Horticulturae, no. 1205 (June): 483–92. https://doi.org/10.17660/actahortic.2018.1205.59

    The Kava Lounge - Episode 3 - Lebot Discussion

  8. 12/21/2023

    The Kava Lounge - Episode 2 - Terry Crowley

    Crowley, Terry. 1995. “The National Drink and the National Language in Vanuatu.” Journal Of the Polynesian Society 104 (1): 7–22. https://www.jstor.org/stable/20706599. In this episode, we discuss Dr. Terry Crowley, a significant figure in linguistics, particularly in relation to Vanuatu. Crowley was born in 1953 in Essex and completed his doctoral thesis on Vanuatu languages at the National Australian University. He had a profound interest in the Bislama and Creole languages of Vanuatu and worked in the Department of Languages at the University of Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby. Later, Crowley became the director of the Pacific Languages Unit at the University of South Pacific in Port Villa, Vanuatu, and eventually a professor of linguistics at Waikato University, New Zealand. Crowley's work included 21 books and over 70 journal articles, focusing on various languages from the Australian and Austronesian Oceanic language families, along with Bislama and K Creole. He played a significant role in standardizing the Bislama dialect and was involved in linguistic development projects in Melanesia. The podcast delves into Crowley's impact on Vanuatu's linguistic scene, his contributions to the standardization of the Bislama language, and his efforts in promoting literacy and education in the Pacific region. It also covers the socio-linguistic aspects of his work, including the impact of languages like English and French on local languages in Vanuatu, particularly in the context of independence and national identity. Significantly, the podcast highlights the cultural and social aspects of kava in Vanuatu. Discussions include the traditional and modern practices of kava drinking, the evolution of kava bars (nakamals), and the role of kava in Vanuatu's national identity. The hosts also touch upon the linguistic innovations related to kava in the Bislama language, illustrating how language evolves with cultural practices.  Overall, the episode provides a comprehensive overview of Dr. Terry Crowley's life, his academic and linguistic contributions, and the cultural significance of kava in Vanuatu, along with its linguistic reflections in the Bislama language.

    The Kava Lounge - Episode 2 - Terry Crowley

  9. 11/21/2023

    The Kava Lounge - Episode 1 - Dr Nancy Pollock Discussion

    The podcast, hosted by Douglas LaRose and Jimmy Price, focuses on kava and its various aspects. They discuss the lack of informative and entertaining resources on kava and their goal to address this through their podcast, "The Kava Lounge". Key topics include an analysis of Nancy J. Pollock's paper on the sustainability of the kava trade, examining its economic impact and cultural significance in different societies. They delve into the evolution of kava consumption, its ritualistic origins, and contemporary secular use, highlighting how kava's role and perception have changed over time in various cultures. Additionally, they touch on personal experiences and the broader implications of kava in modern contexts.

    The Kava Lounge - Episode 1 - Dr Nancy Pollock Discussion
  • 9 Episodes

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The Kava Lounge Podcast, hosted by Douglas LaRose and Jimmy Price, delves into a wide range of topics. Our discussions are anchored in published literature, ensuring that our listeners can easily follow along and reference the material we explore. We do this simply because we absolutely love this plant. We sell no kava or kava products, and only take donations through internationalkava.org. We aim to release a new podcast at least every two weeks. Bula/Malok!

Information