RESPECT with Matt Gonsalves

Matt Gonsalves
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Sports

RESPECT with Matt Gonsalves is a Kauaʻi-based podcast that explores the powerful role respect plays in sports, community, and everyday life. Hosted from the heart of Hawaiʻi, this show highlights local athletes, coaches, and community voices while diving into meaningful conversations that go far beyond the game. From competition and teamwork to leadership and personal growth, each episode emphasizes how respect shapes who we are—on and off the field. While sports are a central focus, no topic is off-limits. Whether it’s culture, education, challenges facing today’s youth, or real-life stories

Episodes

  1. 3d ago

    11 - Tribute to Fig Mitchell - 7/2/26

    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 commentary to the iconic, personalized nicknames he bestowed upon young players, Fig had a rare gift for making every athlete feel important, seen, and valued. Whether you grew up listening to him on the radio, had the privilege of being given a nickname by him, or just love Kauai's rich sports history, this tribute is a journey down memory lane for anyone touched by his voice and big heart. Share your favorite Fig Mitchell memories or your sports nickname in the comments below! 👇

    9 min

  2. Jun 26

    10 - Joni Funamura-Sasil - 6/25/26

    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 history of how her mother first put the Spam Musubi on the menu at her restaurant, Joni-Hana, located at the Kukui Grove Center in Lihue. Beyond her culinary genius, Barbara was known for her incredible warmth, kindness, and unwavering Aloha for everyone she met. Joni reflects on growing up surrounded by her mother's generous spirit and how that legacy of love continues to touch lives today. Whether you're a passionate foodie, a lover of Hawaiian history, or someone looking for an inspiring story of community and family, this episode is a must-watch! 💬 We’d love to hear from you!What does Aloha mean to you, and where did you have your very first Spam Musubi? Let us know in the comments below! 🔔 Subscribe to the Podcast for more deep-dives into Hawaii’s history, culture, and local legends. #SpamMusubi #BarbaraFunamura #KauaiHistory #HawaiiPodcast #JoniHana #HawaiianFood #SpamMusubiHistory #AlohaSpirit #KauaiEats #HawaiiHistory #LocalFoodHawaii #KauaiCommunity #FoodOriginStories #HawaiiCulture #PodcastEpisode

    36 min

  3. Jun 21

    9 - Gerald Gonsalves - 6/21/26

    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, lifelong work ethic.He also opens up about a defining chapter of his young life: serving in the National Guard and the immense sacrifice of leaving his young family behind to deploy to Vietnam in the late 1960s. Finally, we look back on his incredible legacy in education, reflecting on nearly four decades dedicated to inspiring generations of students as a history teacher.This episode is dedicated to him and to all the incredible fathers and father figures out there who sacrifice, guide, and inspire us every day.#FathersDay #FathersDay2026 #HappyFathersDay #PodcastEpisode #VietnamVeteran #NationalGuard #HistoryTeacher #MilitaryFamilies#Waikiki #HawaiiLife #LocalHawaii #HawaiiHistory #FamilyHistory

    34 min

  4. Jun 15

    8 - Mel Rapozo - 6/15/26

    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 deep into his background, why he got into politics, the pressing issues facing the people of Kauai and Niʻihau today, and what his executive vision looks like for the future of the Garden Isle.If you want to educate yourself about the upcoming election on Kauai, this is a conversation you need to hear!👉 Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to stay informed on Hawaii’s local leadership!#Kauai #MelRapozo #KauaiMayor #HawaiiPolitics #KauaiCountyCouncil #Niihau #KauaiPolice #AirNational Guard #HawaiiPodcast #GardenIsle #LocalGovernment #HawaiiElections #PublicServiceHawaii

    50 min

  5. Jun 11

    7 - Felicia Cowden - 6/11/26

    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 real solutions for our community, this is an episode you cannot miss!👉 Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to stay updated on local voices shaping Hawaii!#Kauai #KauaiMayor #FeliciaCowden #KauaiCounty Council #HawaiiPolitics #KauaiElections #GardenIsle #KauaiCommunity #HawaiiPodcast #LocalGovernment #KauaiHousing #PublicSafetyHawaii

    53 min

  6. Jun 6

    6 - Mac Movaghar - 6/6/26

    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.

    38 min

  7. May 20

    5 - Blair Yamashita - 5/20/26

    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 High Softball. My guest for Episode 5 of the Respect with Matt Gonsalves podcast is…Blair Yamashita.

    40 min

  8. May 13

    4 - Teacher Appreciation, Hawaii Sports Mt. Rushmore, Kapaa Softball

    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.

    20 min

  9. May 8

    3 - Bryan Arguez - 5/7/26

    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 soccer player of all time, who he thinks will win this yearʻs world cup, how tough love from his dad affected their relationship, and what drives him to train and mentor the next generation of soccer players. My guest for Episode 3 of the Respect with Matt Gonsalves podcast is…Bryan Arguez.

    37 min

  10. Apr 30

    2 - Kainoa "Kaikai" Carvalho - 4/29/26

    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 transition from his life as a missionary to a Rainbow Warrior. Listen to find out who he thinks is the best football player in Kahuku High School history. Mahalo and Much RESPECT for listening.

    47 min

  11. Apr 25

    1 - Jai Alapai - 4/24/26

    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 degree in elementary education, Jai joined the PLU coaching staff as an assistant defensive backs coach. He was quickly promoted to be the defensive backs coach prior to the 2025 season. In this edition of the Respect podcast, Jai shares his history in sports, gives some great advice to aspiring, young athletes, and tells us what his number 1 meal on Kauai is. My guest for Episode # 1 of The Respect Podcast with Matt Gonsalves is: JAI ALAPAI.

    32 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

RESPECT with Matt Gonsalves is a Kauaʻi-based podcast that explores the powerful role respect plays in sports, community, and everyday life. Hosted from the heart of Hawaiʻi, this show highlights local athletes, coaches, and community voices while diving into meaningful conversations that go far beyond the game. From competition and teamwork to leadership and personal growth, each episode emphasizes how respect shapes who we are—on and off the field. While sports are a central focus, no topic is off-limits. Whether it’s culture, education, challenges facing today’s youth, or real-life stories

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