Kinjaz: Movement In The Shadows

I want to say that I love the Kinjaz PodKast. I have been a fan of the Kinjaz since ABDC Season 3 (I voted for yall to win). Ever since I saw the first episode, I was hooked on your group. Since then, I have tried my best to follow your journey, so I was stoked to have found out that you have a podcast. I am not a dancer, I am not Asian, and I don’t live in California. Nonetheless, I have found hope, encouragement, entertainment, comfort and honestly a since of community by following your activities and especially listening to this podcast. It was even more surprising for me to find out that the dancers, movers, and artist that I have loved for years have a connection to you as well (Keone and Mari Madrid, Sean Lew, Jabbawockeez, BTS, D-Trix and the quest crew fam, etc). This Podkast has been one of my biggest influences and impacts the past couple of years. It has taught me many life lessons. I look forward to what you guys will continue to do in the future.

Ben and Ant complement each other well as hosts but what I love most about this pod is that the hosts let the guests talk freely and let the conversation wander wherever it may go. The topics are sometimes on the heavier side but it’s refreshing to hear grown adults having real, authentic conversations about real life. The hosts and the guests are equally insightful and entertaining. I found this pod late in season 1 and it quickly became a favorite. Keep up the great work guys!

This was my first Kinjaz podcast so I was not sure what to expect but I was so impressed with the flow of the show! I felt a real authenticity between Anthony and Jackson and the conversations they were having. The questions flowed smoothly and the time flew by. Thank you for inviting Jackson and providing this unique listening experience for us.

As a nondancer located halfway across the world I am proof that this podcast transcends the dance community or any kind of immediate or extended network these guys have. Sure, I found it through following The Kinjaz but I was only a couple of episodes in when I realized this podcast isn't just about dance. This is about people sharing life experiences, passions, aspirations and lessons learned with other people through the art of simple conversation. I'm not giving these 5 stars because the hosts tell me to in each episode or because I know these guys personally or because The Kinjaz are cool. These stars are fully earned on account of: 1) The guests are made comfortable and effectively less guarded resulting in high quality, open, often funny and even touching exchanges. Bam Martin telling the story of the birth of his son checks all of those boxes. 2) You learn things. I grabbed a notebook during the first episode and have since been writing down things to check out, nuggets of wisdom shared by both hosts and guests and any reflections I have during or after each episode. I definitely filled some pages while listening to the Roy Choi, Ryan Higa, Lex Ishimoto and Jaeson Ma episodes. 3) Obviously guests are picked from personal and professional circles and mainly rooted in dance, but there's still variety in terms of industries and backgrounds. Everyone is so humble, articulate and inspiring though that variety doesn't really matter. They could simply keep rotating Kinjaz members and it would be fine by me. 4) The hosts supplement each other well and understand the spotlight isn't theirs. Mike and Charlie both bring great energy, humor and are clearly having a swell time, whenever they're on. Ben as the main host excels in giving the guests room to think about their answers and not rushing the conversation. I'm certain he's been told multiple times by now, that he found an extra calling here and with good reason. The way he calmly reflects on the guest at the beginning of each episode and then basically hands them a quick summary of why they are a great human being as his closing comment is such a different, positive vibe. It's his Ben Kenobi (obvious wordplay excluded) moments and I keep waiting for that one guest to unconsciously respond with a "yes, Obi-Wan". Even rather controversial opinions offered by some guests are handled with skilful diplomacy because not everything has to be about confrontation and heated discussion. These guys are doing good things with this podcast and hopefully they'll want to keep at it. The effort and time put into it is very appreciated. This review is already way too long for the internet in this age of scrolling, so I'll save my wishes for future guests for another channel and time. Highly recommeded.