The Live Ukulele Podcast

• HURRICANE RELIEF FUND: https://www.gofundme.com/f/hurricane-relief-fund-2026
• Kōkua Kaʻū livestream: https://www.youtube.com/live/6eeqfSbPuR0?si=EaQ5e8NwKg09gVP0

Support the show

Join my newsletter! It's free and I won't spam you. Get updates on new lessons and access to exclusive resources: https://liveukulele.com/signup/

Support the podcast:

• Become a supporting member: https://liveukulele.com/register/supporting-member/?coupon=SUPPORT5
• Buy video lessons or a book: https://liveukulele.com/store/
• Use my Sweetwater affiliate link next time you need to buy some gear! https://sweetwater.sjv.io/9WbER0.

Gear I use to create this podcast: https://liveukulele.com/about/my-gear/#recording

CREDITS
- Hosted, produced, edited, and mixed by Brad Bordessa
- Theme music by Brad Bordessa: "Fallout," "Eat You," and "Sister's Got a Gun" available on https://bradbordessa.bandcamp.com/

We spend so much time focusing on the minutia of ukulele that sometimes we forget the simple aspects that really make music sing. In this episode I talk about getting the important facets dialed in really well before going off in the weeds.

- Hawaiian Songs For ʻUkulele: https://liveukulele.com/store/hawaiian-songs/

Support the show

Join my newsletter! It's free and I won't spam you. Get updates on new lessons and access to exclusive resources: https://liveukulele.com/signup/

Support the podcast:

• Become a supporting member: https://liveukulele.com/register/supporting-member/?coupon=SUPPORT5
• Buy video lessons or a book: https://liveukulele.com/store/
• Use my Sweetwater affiliate link next time you need to buy some gear! https://sweetwater.sjv.io/9WbER0.

Gear I use to create this podcast: https://liveukulele.com/about/my-gear/#recording

CREDITS
- Hosted, produced, edited, and mixed by Brad Bordessa
- Theme music by Brad Bordessa: "Fallout," "Eat You," and "Sister's Got a Gun" available on https://bradbordessa.bandcamp.com/

Practicing ʻukulele is the most critical part of playing to get right. All of your work here compounds into your skills. Just practicing any ol' way can work, but you're often leaving progress on the table.

Here are some actionable tips to help you improve your productivity in the woodshed and get more musical skill along with your ʻukulele chops.

Support the show

Join my newsletter! It's free and I won't spam you. Get updates on new lessons and access to exclusive resources: https://liveukulele.com/signup/

Support the podcast:

• Become a supporting member: https://liveukulele.com/register/supporting-member/?coupon=SUPPORT5
• Buy video lessons or a book: https://liveukulele.com/store/
• Use my Sweetwater affiliate link next time you need to buy some gear! https://sweetwater.sjv.io/9WbER0.

Gear I use to create this podcast: https://liveukulele.com/about/my-gear/#recording

CREDITS
- Hosted, produced, edited, and mixed by Brad Bordessa
- Theme music by Brad Bordessa: "Fallout," "Eat You," and "Sister's Got a Gun" available on https://bradbordessa.bandcamp.com/

In this episode I talk to Maui's own, Vince Esquire! He's one of the most original-sounding ukulele players you'll run across and he lends his shredding skills to an all-ukulele band, Kanekoa. We chat about learning on tour with big name artists, the hustle of music, and playing soulful ukulele.

• Funkulele album: https://open.spotify.com/album/1biKk7u5cw3p5AfhdSWv1J
• Kanekoa: https://www.kanekoasounds.com/
• Fender Smolder pedal: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/enEo4j (affiliate link)

Support the show

Join my newsletter! It's free and I won't spam you. Get updates on new lessons and access to exclusive resources: https://liveukulele.com/signup/

Support the podcast:

• Become a supporting member: https://liveukulele.com/register/supporting-member/?coupon=SUPPORT5
• Buy video lessons or a book: https://liveukulele.com/store/
• Use my Sweetwater affiliate link next time you need to buy some gear! https://sweetwater.sjv.io/9WbER0.

Gear I use to create this podcast: https://liveukulele.com/about/my-gear/#recording

CREDITS
- Hosted, produced, edited, and mixed by Brad Bordessa
- Theme music by Brad Bordessa: "Fallout," "Eat You," and "Sister's Got a Gun" available on https://bradbordessa.bandcamp.com/

These things make me want to pull my hair out! Let's explore them together and learn what *not* to do to become better, more insightful ukulele players.

Whether letting your ego get out of control, playing over the top of everything, over-shyness, staying glued to your sheet music, or asking too many questions, these things are some of the top ways to become the world's most annoying ukulele player!

Support the show

Join my newsletter! It's free and I won't spam you. Get updates on new lessons and access to exclusive resources: https://liveukulele.com/signup/

Support the podcast:

• Become a supporting member: https://liveukulele.com/register/supporting-member/?coupon=SUPPORT5
• Buy video lessons or a book: https://liveukulele.com/store/
• Use my Sweetwater affiliate link next time you need to buy some gear! https://sweetwater.sjv.io/9WbER0.

Gear I use to create this podcast: https://liveukulele.com/about/my-gear/#recording

CREDITS
- Hosted, produced, edited, and mixed by Brad Bordessa
- Theme music by Brad Bordessa: "Fallout," "Eat You," and "Sister's Got a Gun" available on https://bradbordessa.bandcamp.com/

In this episode I chat with Jessica Maeve, a singer, songwriter, and ukulele player hard at work forging a path in music. Our conversation takes us from singing tips to gigging with the ukulele as a main instrument where it's not expected.

• Jessica's website: https://www.jessicamaeve.com/
• Jessica's Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/06LzkhEMItktSTIvLkzYxI

Support the show

Join my newsletter! It's free and I won't spam you. Get updates on new lessons and access to exclusive resources: https://liveukulele.com/signup/

Support the podcast:

• Become a supporting member: https://liveukulele.com/register/supporting-member/?coupon=SUPPORT5
• Buy video lessons or a book: https://liveukulele.com/store/
• Use my Sweetwater affiliate link next time you need to buy some gear! https://sweetwater.sjv.io/9WbER0.

Gear I use to create this podcast: https://liveukulele.com/about/my-gear/#recording

CREDITS
- Hosted, produced, edited, and mixed by Brad Bordessa
- Theme music by Brad Bordessa: "Fallout," "Eat You," and "Sister's Got a Gun" available on https://bradbordessa.bandcamp.com/

This episode is inspired by my old car that just keeps going. With some DIY adjustments, you can get the very best out of even a crappy ukulele. I discuss changing strings, adjusting the saddle height, and adjusting the nut height, along with a couple other little tips.

• Tie bridge/slot headstock restringing video: https://youtu.be/mUbvUMxhSEA?si=Veid7MXceNJFgHpj
• Thru-bridge/normal peg headstock restringing video: https://youtu.be/x7G74Gyj57Y?si=WFVgAhbNRujcuPc1
•

Support the show

Join my newsletter! It's free and I won't spam you. Get updates on new lessons and access to exclusive resources: https://liveukulele.com/signup/

Support the podcast:

• Become a supporting member: https://liveukulele.com/register/supporting-member/?coupon=SUPPORT5
• Buy video lessons or a book: https://liveukulele.com/store/
• Use my Sweetwater affiliate link next time you need to buy some gear! https://sweetwater.sjv.io/9WbER0.

Gear I use to create this podcast: https://liveukulele.com/about/my-gear/#recording

CREDITS
- Hosted, produced, edited, and mixed by Brad Bordessa
- Theme music by Brad Bordessa: "Fallout," "Eat You," and "Sister's Got a Gun" available on https://bradbordessa.bandcamp.com/

In this episode I chat with Marc Gallagher in the UK about writing songs on the ukulele, teaching kids, and how being honest and open is necessary and important, even if it sometimes gets you in trouble. He's a real deal working musician who's transparent perspective is refreshing. I very much enjoyed this interview and hope you do too.

• Marc's website: https://www.marcgallaghermusic.com/
• Marc's Bandcamp: https://marcgallaghermusic.bandcamp.com/

Support the show

Join my newsletter! It's free and I won't spam you. Get updates on new lessons and access to exclusive resources: https://liveukulele.com/signup/

Support the podcast:

• Become a supporting member: https://liveukulele.com/register/supporting-member/?coupon=SUPPORT5
• Buy video lessons or a book: https://liveukulele.com/store/
• Use my Sweetwater affiliate link next time you need to buy some gear! https://sweetwater.sjv.io/9WbER0.

Gear I use to create this podcast: https://liveukulele.com/about/my-gear/#recording

CREDITS
- Hosted, produced, edited, and mixed by Brad Bordessa
- Theme music by Brad Bordessa: "Fallout," "Eat You," and "Sister's Got a Gun" available on https://bradbordessa.bandcamp.com/

Welcome to 2026! In this episode I share some insight on how playing simple things one way or another drastically changes the sound of the music. We'll listen to some practical examples so you can start hearing the possibilities in your own playing.

• TOOL in Honolulu: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmrRkcuhPJk
• "Black Hole Sun" baritone playthru: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dqEiHg2Fm0
• Moises.ai: https://moises.ai/

Support the show

Join my newsletter! It's free and I won't spam you. Get updates on new lessons and access to exclusive resources: https://liveukulele.com/signup/

Support the podcast:

• Become a supporting member: https://liveukulele.com/register/supporting-member/?coupon=SUPPORT5
• Buy video lessons or a book: https://liveukulele.com/store/
• Use my Sweetwater affiliate link next time you need to buy some gear! https://sweetwater.sjv.io/9WbER0.

Gear I use to create this podcast: https://liveukulele.com/about/my-gear/#recording

CREDITS
- Hosted, produced, edited, and mixed by Brad Bordessa
- Theme music by Brad Bordessa: "Fallout," "Eat You," and "Sister's Got a Gun" available on https://bradbordessa.bandcamp.com/

In this season finale episode I share some updates about my work and a realization about character in ukulele styles.

• Become a member: https://liveukulele.com/register/member/
• Step By Step: Single String Picking (GCEA & DGBE versions): https://liveukulele.com/store/step-by-step-picking/

Support the show

Join my newsletter! It's free and I won't spam you. Get updates on new lessons and access to exclusive resources: https://liveukulele.com/signup/

Support the podcast:

• Become a supporting member: https://liveukulele.com/register/supporting-member/?coupon=SUPPORT5
• Buy video lessons or a book: https://liveukulele.com/store/
• Use my Sweetwater affiliate link next time you need to buy some gear! https://sweetwater.sjv.io/9WbER0.

Gear I use to create this podcast: https://liveukulele.com/about/my-gear/#recording

CREDITS
- Hosted, produced, edited, and mixed by Brad Bordessa
- Theme music by Brad Bordessa: "Fallout," "Eat You," and "Sister's Got a Gun" available on https://bradbordessa.bandcamp.com/

Maia is an instrumental ukulele virtuoso from Oʻahu who accompanies her playing with a wonder singing voice! She DJs dance parties and incorporates the uke into EDM genres.

In this episode we chat about artistry and forging a fresh path.

This interview is from earlier in the year. Check out @maiashizue for the latest on Maia's journey!

Support the show

Join my newsletter! It's free and I won't spam you. Get updates on new lessons and access to exclusive resources: https://liveukulele.com/signup/

Support the podcast:

• Become a supporting member: https://liveukulele.com/register/supporting-member/?coupon=SUPPORT5
• Buy video lessons or a book: https://liveukulele.com/store/
• Use my Sweetwater affiliate link next time you need to buy some gear! https://sweetwater.sjv.io/9WbER0.

Gear I use to create this podcast: https://liveukulele.com/about/my-gear/#recording

CREDITS
- Hosted, produced, edited, and mixed by Brad Bordessa
- Theme music by Brad Bordessa: "Fallout," "Eat You," and "Sister's Got a Gun" available on https://bradbordessa.bandcamp.com/

In this episode I sit down with Dizzi Diamond to talk about music, freestyling, beauty, and her 8-string baritone ukulele.

• Dizzi's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DizziDiamond1212
• Brad @ Slack Key Show: https://www.showclix.com/event/brad-kevin-shem-sept10-2025
• "Pandanus" baritone TAB: https://liveukulele.gumroad.com/l/mbuiwv

Support the show

Join my newsletter! It's free and I won't spam you. Get updates on new lessons and access to exclusive resources: https://liveukulele.com/signup/

Support the podcast:

• Become a supporting member: https://liveukulele.com/register/supporting-member/?coupon=SUPPORT5
• Buy video lessons or a book: https://liveukulele.com/store/
• Use my Sweetwater affiliate link next time you need to buy some gear! https://sweetwater.sjv.io/9WbER0.

Gear I use to create this podcast: https://liveukulele.com/about/my-gear/#recording

CREDITS
- Hosted, produced, edited, and mixed by Brad Bordessa
- Theme music by Brad Bordessa: "Fallout," "Eat You," and "Sister's Got a Gun" available on https://bradbordessa.bandcamp.com/

Join me for some thoughts on ukulele week and how the uke isn't Portuguese, what it's like to have nervous students, and why "perfect" kinda sucks.

• Step By Step picking ebook: https://liveukulele.com/store/step-by-step-picking/
• Dagan & Da Kine Sound: https://www.instagram.com/da_kine_sound/
• Kingside: https://www.youtube.com/@Kingside808
• Private lessons with Brad: https://liveukulele.com/store/one-on-one-lessons/

Support the show

Join my newsletter! It's free and I won't spam you. Get updates on new lessons and access to exclusive resources: https://liveukulele.com/signup/

Support the podcast:

• Become a supporting member: https://liveukulele.com/register/supporting-member/?coupon=SUPPORT5
• Buy video lessons or a book: https://liveukulele.com/store/
• Use my Sweetwater affiliate link next time you need to buy some gear! https://sweetwater.sjv.io/9WbER0.

Gear I use to create this podcast: https://liveukulele.com/about/my-gear/#recording

CREDITS
- Hosted, produced, edited, and mixed by Brad Bordessa
- Theme music by Brad Bordessa: "Fallout," "Eat You," and "Sister's Got a Gun" available on https://bradbordessa.bandcamp.com/

A quick reflection on dancing around the other musicians you play with. Push, pull, be dynamic!

Support the show

Join my newsletter! It's free and I won't spam you. Get updates on new lessons and access to exclusive resources: https://liveukulele.com/signup/

Support the podcast:

• Become a supporting member: https://liveukulele.com/register/supporting-member/?coupon=SUPPORT5
• Buy video lessons or a book: https://liveukulele.com/store/
• Use my Sweetwater affiliate link next time you need to buy some gear! https://sweetwater.sjv.io/9WbER0.

Gear I use to create this podcast: https://liveukulele.com/about/my-gear/#recording

CREDITS
- Hosted, produced, edited, and mixed by Brad Bordessa
- Theme music by Brad Bordessa: "Fallout," "Eat You," and "Sister's Got a Gun" available on https://bradbordessa.bandcamp.com/

Here's the conversation with one of my main mentors that we're all been waiting for! Truly just scratching the surface of the stories this amazing man can tell from his life. If you enjoy Uncle's stories, check out his hilarious books, A Hawaiian Life and A Hawaiian Life Vol. 2.

• Uncle George's website: https://kahumoku.com/
• Slack Key Show website: https://slackkeyshow.com/
• The Ukulele Podcast (not to be confused with this podcast!): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ukulele-podcast/id1651224228
• Anthony Fluke: https://www.instagram.com/mauianthonymusic/?hl=en

• Left Hand Technique course: https://liveukulele.com/store/left-hand-technique-video-course/
• Step By Step: Single String Ukulele Picking ebook: https://liveukulele.com/store/step-by-step-picking/

Support the show

Join my newsletter! It's free and I won't spam you. Get updates on new lessons and access to exclusive resources: https://liveukulele.com/signup/

Support the podcast:

• Become a supporting member: https://liveukulele.com/register/supporting-member/?coupon=SUPPORT5
• Buy video lessons or a book: https://liveukulele.com/store/
• Use my Sweetwater affiliate link next time you need to buy some gear! https://sweetwater.sjv.io/9WbER0.

Gear I use to create this podcast: https://liveukulele.com/about/my-gear/#recording

CREDITS
- Hosted, produced, edited, and mixed by Brad Bordessa
- Theme music by Brad Bordessa: "Fallout," "Eat You," and "Sister's Got a Gun" available on https://bradbordessa.bandcamp.com/

In this episode I talk to next-generation slack key/ukulele player, Keʻala Lindsey, about learning by osmosis, Hawaiian immersion, and songs that don't land well with local boys.

Keʻala's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ke.alamokihana/

Support the show

Join my newsletter! It's free and I won't spam you. Get updates on new lessons and access to exclusive resources: https://liveukulele.com/signup/

Support the podcast:

• Become a supporting member: https://liveukulele.com/register/supporting-member/?coupon=SUPPORT5
• Buy video lessons or a book: https://liveukulele.com/store/
• Use my Sweetwater affiliate link next time you need to buy some gear! https://sweetwater.sjv.io/9WbER0.

Gear I use to create this podcast: https://liveukulele.com/about/my-gear/#recording

CREDITS
- Hosted, produced, edited, and mixed by Brad Bordessa
- Theme music by Brad Bordessa: "Fallout," "Eat You," and "Sister's Got a Gun" available on https://bradbordessa.bandcamp.com/

This episode throws back to season 2, episode 14 when I talked to my friend, Isaac Wang, about the beginning of our music careers and the website. I also share an update on the George Kahumoku Slack Key & Ukulele Workshop.

Support the show

Join my newsletter! It's free and I won't spam you. Get updates on new lessons and access to exclusive resources: https://liveukulele.com/signup/

Support the podcast:

• Become a supporting member: https://liveukulele.com/register/supporting-member/?coupon=SUPPORT5
• Buy video lessons or a book: https://liveukulele.com/store/
• Use my Sweetwater affiliate link next time you need to buy some gear! https://sweetwater.sjv.io/9WbER0.

Gear I use to create this podcast: https://liveukulele.com/about/my-gear/#recording

CREDITS
- Hosted, produced, edited, and mixed by Brad Bordessa
- Theme music by Brad Bordessa: "Fallout," "Eat You," and "Sister's Got a Gun" available on https://bradbordessa.bandcamp.com/

Pronouncing the Hawaiian language correctly is one of the many important ways foreigners should respect the people, place, and culture of Hawaiʻi. In this episode, I walk through the basic pronunciation of Reverend Dennis Kamakahi's classic song, "Kōkeʻe."

Follow along with the words here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XsKAZqHEMVpDwDKFnSXGCxOFxJEwqwIb/view

This Kani Ka Pila Classics series on The Live ʻUkulele Podcast aims to provide malihini a better understanding of the lyrics to popular ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi kani ka pila songs. Since these songs are enthusiastically sung and strummed more often than others, they're also unknowingly mispronounced by more people.

By ensuring you're saying the words correctly, you preserve the meaning of a song, demonstrate your effort to honor the language, and bring a greater depth to your presentation of Hawaiian music that can be both felt and heard.

Because I am poʻe haole (caucasian) in Hawaiʻi who plays Hawaiian songs and has the privilege of playing ʻukulele for - and with - Hawaiians, I am extremely anal about using the correct pronunciation. These episodes are a small way that I can give back to the Hawaiian music scene by educating fellow malihini.

I have studied Hawaiian at UH Maui with Leinoa Kong and Kīʻope Raymond, and later with Lanakila Mangauil, Kaliko Beamer-Trapp, and others. While I am not a fluent speaker, I am certainly versed enough to assist other English-first speakers in avoiding the main pitfalls of sung Hawaiian.

Resources:

-Hakalama practice: https://oleloonline.com/0404p-hakalama-practice/

-Ka Alala with Malu States: https://www.kaalala.com/

-Malu on pronouncing "Hawaiʻi": https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ky8xgn7appQ

Support the show

Join my newsletter! It's free and I won't spam you. Get updates on new lessons and access to exclusive resources: https://liveukulele.com/signup/

Support the podcast:

• Become a supporting member: https://liveukulele.com/register/supporting-member/?coupon=SUPPORT5
• Buy video lessons or a book: https://liveukulele.com/store/
• Use my Sweetwater affiliate link next time you need to buy some gear! https://sweetwater.sjv.io/9WbER0.

Gear I use to create this podcast: https://liveukulele.com/about/my-gear/#recording

CREDITS
- Hosted, produced, edited, and mixed by Brad Bordessa
- Theme music by Brad Bordessa: "Fallout," "Eat You," and "Sister's Got a Gun" available on https://bradbordessa.bandcamp.com/

Many people get caught up in the latest ukulele technique or strum they're learning and automatically add it to every song. This is a surefire way to make every song boring and cliche. It's important to step back and observe the overall effect of your musical choices as a critical listener.

In this episode I share some thoughts on looking past your ego to serve music in the best way possible.

Support the show

Join my newsletter! It's free and I won't spam you. Get updates on new lessons and access to exclusive resources: https://liveukulele.com/signup/

Support the podcast:

• Become a supporting member: https://liveukulele.com/register/supporting-member/?coupon=SUPPORT5
• Buy video lessons or a book: https://liveukulele.com/store/
• Use my Sweetwater affiliate link next time you need to buy some gear! https://sweetwater.sjv.io/9WbER0.

Gear I use to create this podcast: https://liveukulele.com/about/my-gear/#recording

CREDITS
- Hosted, produced, edited, and mixed by Brad Bordessa
- Theme music by Brad Bordessa: "Fallout," "Eat You," and "Sister's Got a Gun" available on https://bradbordessa.bandcamp.com/

Singing is a wonderful way to accompany your ukulele playing. Anyone can use it to create more diverse arrangements and connect better to the expression of their music.

In this episode I sit down with my friend, Joey Bradley, for a discussion and lesson on singing. Joey is a great singer and shares some tips that benefit all of us ukulele players who are less comfortable with our voices.

I sing often on stage, but I wouldn't call myself a comfortable singer. Joey shares some tips and critiques my singing with some practical feedback.

Support the show

Join my newsletter! It's free and I won't spam you. Get updates on new lessons and access to exclusive resources: https://liveukulele.com/signup/

Support the podcast:

• Become a supporting member: https://liveukulele.com/register/supporting-member/?coupon=SUPPORT5
• Buy video lessons or a book: https://liveukulele.com/store/
• Use my Sweetwater affiliate link next time you need to buy some gear! https://sweetwater.sjv.io/9WbER0.

Gear I use to create this podcast: https://liveukulele.com/about/my-gear/#recording

CREDITS
- Hosted, produced, edited, and mixed by Brad Bordessa
- Theme music by Brad Bordessa: "Fallout," "Eat You," and "Sister's Got a Gun" available on https://bradbordessa.bandcamp.com/