A funny thing happened to local funny man Tumua Tuinei.

While he was playing football at the University of Hawaii, he discovered his real talent.

“I took a standup comedy class. I took it just for fun, just to fill up my classes, and to get the easy A. I’d seen it in the class description. I said, ‘Standup comedy? Okay, I’ll try it.’ Did it. Ended up falling in love with it,” he said.

Tumua’s popularity really took off during the pandemic.

His live events were shut down, so he posted comedy sketches on social media. That grew his fan base by leaps and bounds.

A funny thing happened to local funny man Tumua Tuinei.
While he was playing football at the University of Hawaii, he discovered his real talent.
“I took a standup comedy class. I took it just for fun, just to fill up my classes, and to get the easy A. I’d seen it in the class description. I said, ‘Standup comedy? Okay, I’ll try it.’ Did it. Ended up falling in love with it,” he said.
Tumua’s popularity really took off during the pandemic.
His live events were shut down, so he posted comedy sketches on social media. That grew his fan base by leaps and bounds.

Going Viral with Comedy (Episode 19)

Just about anyone who plays the ukulele has heard the catchy name Jumpin’ Jim. Jim Beloff is the man behind the world’s most popular series of ukulele songbooks.

Just about anyone who plays the ukulele has heard the catchy name Jumpin’ Jim. Jim Beloff is the man behind the world’s most popular series of ukulele songbooks.

The Duke of the Uke (Episode 18)

In our latest Tell Me a Story podcast, we introduce you to an endurance athlete.

He runs races with a much bigger goal in mind than just reaching the finish line.

Every step that Todd Crandell takes is one more step away from the lifestyle that threatened to kill him. And every IRONMAN he completes is a victory for the people he's trying to help to break free from the grip of addiction. 

In our latest Tell Me a Story podcast, we introduce you to an endurance athlete.
He runs races with a much bigger goal in mind than just reaching the finish line.
Every step that Todd Crandell takes is one more step away from the lifestyle that threatened to kill him. And every IRONMAN he completes is a victory for the people he's trying to help to break free from the grip of addiction.

Racing for Recovery (Episode 17)

In our latest Tell Me a Story podcast, we take a deep dive off Oahu's North Shore.

In the water world surfers speak of pipeline with reverence, awe and even maybe a little bit of fear. It's one of the most famous surf breaks in the world and can be one of the most dangerous.

But in the scientific realm the reef that shapes the waves holds clues to the Earth's climate and two surfer scientists are exploring it.

In our latest Tell Me a Story podcast, we take a deep dive off Oahu's North Shore.
In the water world surfers speak of pipeline with reverence, awe and even maybe a little bit of fear. It's one of the most famous surf breaks in the world and can be one of the most dangerous.
But in the scientific realm the reef that shapes the waves holds clues to the Earth's climate and two surfer scientists are exploring it.

The Surf Map (Episode 16)

In this episode of "Tell Me A Story," Jim Mendoza sits down with Hawaii's own Jake Shimabukuro to talk about his new album. "Jake and Friends" took four years to complete and features a long list of musical heavyweights, from Willie Nelson to Bette Midler to Kenny Loggins. 

In this episode of "Tell Me A Story," Jim Mendoza sits down with Hawaii's own Jake Shimabukuro to talk about his new album. "Jake and Friends" took four years to complete and features a long list of musical heavyweights, from Willie Nelson to Bette Midler to Kenny Loggins.&nbsp;

'Jake and Friends' (Episode 15)

If you've never given up on a dream, you can relate to Dr. Sian Proctor. The SpaceX astronaut has her feet firmly planted back on terra firma, but her mind in still on her out-of-this-world mission aboard the Inspiration4 flight in September.

If you've never given up on a dream, you can relate to Dr. Sian Proctor. The SpaceX astronaut has her feet firmly planted back on terra firma, but her mind in still on her out-of-this-world mission aboard the Inspiration4 flight in September.

The Astronaut (Episode 14)

In his new documentary "Waterman," filmmaker Isaac Halasima chronicles the incredible life of Olympian and ambassador of surfing Duke Kahanamoku. In this episode of "Tell Me a Story," featuring a new and improved format, Jim Mendoza will delve into Duke's legacy on surfing, culture and on the islands.

In his new documentary "Waterman," filmmaker Isaac Halasima chronicles the incredible life of Olympian and ambassador of surfing Duke Kahanamoku. In this episode of "Tell Me a Story," featuring a new and improved format, Jim Mendoza will delve into Duke's legacy on surfing, culture and on the islands.

'The Waterman' (Episode 13)

Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” In today's episode, Jim talks to several Hawaii residents who are providing hope to others.

Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “We must accept…

Hope (Episode 12)

General George S. Patton once said, “an active mind cannot exist in an inactive body.” In this episode, we take a look how some people are staying active during the pandemic.

General George S. Patton once said, “an active mi…

Active (Episode 11)

During this time of uncertainty and hardship, helping others is more important that ever. In this episode, we take a look at how some people are helping their communities during the pandemic.

During this time of uncertainty and hardship, hel…

Helping (Episode 10)

Tell Me A Story

Ready for a good story? After more than four decades in journalism, HNN's Jim Mendoza has them in spades. Every episode of "Tell Me A Story" is an audio adventure, with Jim as your guide. He'll introduce you to the fascinating people who live just down the street or half a world away, and remind you that everyone has a good story to tell. All they need is a great storyteller.

Ready for a good story? After more than four decades in journalism, HNN's Jim Mendoza has them in spades. Every episode of "Tell Me A Story" is an audio adventure, with Jim as your guide. He'll introduce you to the fascinating people who live just down the street or half a world away, and remind you that everyone has a good story to tell. All they need is a great storyteller.

'Tell Me A Story' with Jim Mendoza

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