The Live Ukulele Podcast

A monthly, feature-length ukulele podcast about the journey of learning music.

Join me, Brad Bordessa, for interviews and insight rooted in the Hawaiian side of uke culture.

Click “More Info” for descriptions and episode resource links.

New episodes the 1st Saturday of the month!

Since its inception in August of 2020, The Live Ukulele Podcast has received almost 93,000 downloads across 100+ feature-length episodes.

I’ve had the privilege of talking story with some of the biggest names in the business: Herb Ohta, Jr., James Hill, Neal Chin, Victoria Vox, Jeff Peterson, John Atkins, Tobias Elof, and many more. The podcast has also showcased lesser known gems in the ukulele scene – especially my talented peers and friends from Hawaiʻi Island.

When I’m not chatting with someone else, I muse on the philosophy of learning and teaching ukulele with an emphasis on patience, grace, and bringing a humble perspective to your practice. We’re all on a journey and there’s no rush to be anywhere as long as you are enjoying yourself!

The Live Ukulele Podcast was featured on Ukulele Underground’s top five podcast roundup!

How Do I Make It?

You can find a rundown of the mostly-up-to-date gear I use to make each episode on my essential gear list.

Episode Index

Jump to:

Season 7
Season 6
Season 5
Season 4
Season 3
Season 2
Season 1

Season 7: 2026

Jessica Maeve: Normalizing the Ukulele

April 4, 2026 – S7E4 – 43 minutes
Interview Singing Gigging

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.

DIY Mods to Get More Out of Your Ukulele

March 7, 2026 – S7E3 – 42 minutes
Gear Setup Maintenance

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.

Marc Gallagher Got the UU Facebook Page Deleted

February 7, 2026 – S7E2 – 60 minutes
Interview Songwriting Teaching International Artist

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.

The Details That Make Uke Songs Sound Larger Than Life

January 3, 2026 – S7E1 – 45 minutes
Arranging Technique Sound

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.

Season 6: 2025

Building Character With Your Ukulele

November 1, 2025 – S6E18 – 35 minutes
Style Mindset Updates

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

Maia Mayeshiro: Dance Scene Ukulele!

October 4, 2025 – S6E17 – 43 minutes
Interview EDM ArtistryHawaiʻi-Based Artist

Maia is an instrumental ukulele virtuoso from Oʻahu who accompanies her playing with a wonderful 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.

Dizzi Diamond on Originality and the Craft of Uke

September 6, 2025 – S6E16 – 107 minutes
Interview Originality Baritone

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

Uke Day Judgement – With Autotune!

August 23, 2025 – S6E15 – 36 minutes
Commentary Hawaiʻi Mindset

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.

The Dance of the Ukulele

August 2, 2025 – S6E14 – 15 minutes
Ensemble Dynamics Short

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

The Renaissance Man: Uncle George Kahumoku, Jr.

July 19, 2025 – S6E13 – 73 minutes
Interview Hawaiian Music Slack KeyHawaiʻi-Based Artist

Here’s the conversation with one of my main mentors that we’ve all been waiting for! Truly just scratching the surface of the stories this amazing man can tell from his life.

“I Really Don’t Like That Song, Dude!” – Keʻala Lindsey

July 6, 2025 – S6E12 – 48 minutes
Interview Hawaiian Music Slack KeyHawaiʻi-Based Artist

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.

TLUP Classic: Isaac Wang & the Live Ukulele Origin Story

June 21, 2025 – S6E11 – 61 minutes
Classic Interview Background

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.

“Kōkeʻe” – Kani Ka Pila Classics: ʻŌlelo Breakdown

June 7, 2025 – S6E10 – 48 minutes
Hawaiian Language Pronunciation Kani Ka Pila

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.”

The #1 Goal for Every Uke Player: Serving the Music

May 3, 2025 – S6E9 – 28 minutes
Mindset Arranging Musicality

Many people get caught up in the latest ukulele technique or strum they’re learning and automatically add it to every song. In this episode I share some thoughts on looking past your ego to serve music in the best way possible.

Singing Expression & Lesson with Joey Bradley

April 19, 2025 – S6E8 – 55 minutes
Singing Interview Vocal Technique

Singing is a wonderful way to accompany your ukulele playing. In this episode I sit down with my friend, Joey Bradley, for a discussion and lesson on singing.

Huh? What? My Plan For Not Going Deaf as a Musician

April 5, 2025 – S6E7 – 32 minutes
Hearing Health Gigging

Working musicians are often around loud sounds. In this episode I discuss some areas that I try to be cautious and provide some tips for saving your hearing.

TLUP Classic: Kelly Hyde

March 15, 2025 – S6E6 – 66 minutes
Classic Interview Songwriting

In this rebroadcast of one of my favorite podcast interviews, I speak to songwriter and baritone uke rhythm whiz, Kelly Hyde.

Stories About Plugging In + New Uke Ebook

March 1, 2025 – S6E5 – 47 minutes
Gear Amplification Ebook

This episode celebrates the launch of my new ebook, Plug In! It’s all about choosing the right gear and getting the settings right so you get the best sound out of your ukulele pickup.

Mim’s Inside Scoop on Setups and the Ukulele Business

February 15, 2025 – S6E4 – 67 minutes
Interview Setup Gear

This month’s guest runs one of the most well-regarded online ukulele shops in the USA. In this episode we peek behind the veil of the ukulele selling business and find out why she brings a fret-rocker to NAMM!

When to Give Up on Playing Something

February 1, 2025 – S6E3 – 26 minutes
Mindset Practice Learning

We often get over-determined to practice and play something. In this episode I try to answer the question: when should I give up on a chord, song, or technique?

Jamming Under the Influence(r): Jiggy with Viggy

January 18, 2025 – S6E2 – 63 minutes
Interview Arranging Social Media

Victoria aka Jiggy with Viggy joins the podcast for a fun exploration of arranging songs for ukulele, what it’s like to be a big deal on social media, and how “Vicky” became “Viggy”!

Out With the Old, In With the New – Uke Style!

January 4, 2025 – S6E1 – 35 minutes
Updates Mindset Practice

Welcome to the first episode of season 6! This week I share some updates and dig into the concept of “killing your babies,” letting go of things that are holding you back in your music.

Season 5: 2024

2024: Is it Over Yet? A Live Ukulele Review

October 19, 2024 – S5E19 – 38 minutes
Updates Year in Review Season Finale

Recap of 2024 and the challenges, successes, and plans for the future.

Digesting my New Single: The Story and Arrangement Behind “Eat You”

October 5, 2024 – S5E18 – 49 minutes
Original Music Arranging Recording

This episode breaks down the meaning and arrangement of my new single, “Eat You.” Hear the isolated multitracks and the story behind the humorous message.

Kingside: Exploring Ensemble Playing with Brad’s Band

September 21, 2024 – S5E17 – 77 minutes
Interview Ensemble Band

In this episode, Brad is joined in the studio by the members of his band, Kingside. They talk about creating interesting arrangements, playing as a unit, and being selfless as a musician.

September is Improv Month!

September 7, 2024 – S5E16 – 20 minutes
Improvising Announcement Short

Several opportunities this month to learn improvising and soloing — keep an eye out for the soloing masterclass at the end of the month!

Eminent Ukulele with Kimo Hussey

August 17, 2024 – S5E15 – 65 minutes
Interview Hawaiian Music TeachingHawaiʻi-Based Artist

A conversation with ukulele grandmaster, Uncle Kimo Hussey. We talk about his breaking into the scene as a fresh Air Force retiree, his approach to teaching, how he arranges, and much more.

U-Basics – Bass for Ukulele Players

August 3, 2024 – S5E14 – 38 minutes
Bass Ensemble Lesson

How to transition into the role of bass/U-bass player for simple ensemble playing. Some basic tips on how to hold down a solid low end, find a responsible pocket, and be an asset to the band.

Bryan Tolentino: Professional Fairy Duster

July 20, 2024 – S5E13 – 62 minutes
Interview Hawaiian Music Session PlayingHawaiʻi-Based Artist

A conversation with Hawaiʻi’s own Bryan Tolentino on being a hired gun and all the skills and musical sensibilities that are required for the job.

Too Much of a Good Thing? Notes on Learning

July 6, 2024 – S5E12 – 36 minutes
Learning Social Media TAB

In this episode I muse on how social media has changed learning ukulele and how to get the most out of using TABs.

Kevin Brown: Finding the Hawaiian Sound

June 15, 2024 – S5E11 – 62 minutes
Interview Hawaiian Music Slack KeyHawaiʻi-Based Artist

In this episode I talk to Maui’s own Kevin Brown, a slack key guitarist and vocalist who has been weaving Hawaiian sounds since the early 70s. We chat about his start in music, gigging and recording in the 70s, and how to sound Hawaiian.

TLUP: After Hours – Change Strings With Me

May 28, 2024 – 39 minutes
After Hours Strings Talk Story

Some last minute talk story as I head to Maui for Uncle George’s ukulele workshop.

Spice Up Your Covers with New Genres

May 18, 2024 – S5E10 – 34 minutes
Arranging Genre Creativity

In this episode I discuss and demonstrate the power of playing the same song in different styles. This trick can help you find inspiration and a more authentic interpretation of a stale song.

Learning a Song ALL the Way Through

May 4, 2024 – S5E9 – 29 minutes
Learning Songs Practice

Can you get by with a piece of a song or do you really need the whole thing?

I’m a Proud Uke Student at the School of Hard Knocks

April 20, 2024 – S5E8 – 37 minutes
Mindset Critique Learning

Sharing some stories and thoughts on receiving critique and the power of being open.

4stringboy: Shredding, lack thereof, and innovating a new thumbpick design

April 6, 2024 – S5E7 – 60 minutes
Interview Gear TeachingInternational Artist

Sammy Turton is a Denmark-based British ukulele player who teaches out of a studio in Copenhagen. In this conversation we covered teaching, Brexit, performing solo ukulele for the first time, and his search for the perfect felt thumbpick.

The Most Important Part of Jamming Your Uke

March 16, 2024 – S5E6 – 50 minutes
Timing Jamming Practice

In this episode I talk about how to improve your timing, how it’s not as hard as people think, and give some examples of what to practice.

Hualalai Keohuloa: Rock Music is Hawaiian Too

March 2, 2024 – S5E5 – 65 minutes
Interview Hawaiian Culture Hawaiʻi-Based Artist

Some of the very best artists in Hawaiʻi are unknown outside of 50 miles. In this episode we talk about all music being “Hawaiian” if you have Hawaiian blood, the importance of music in day-to-day life, and our role in the TMT protest of 2015.

Using Better Arranging to Take Your Ukulele Playing to the Next Level

February 17, 2024 – S5E4 – 49 minutes
Arranging Dynamics Musicality

Some thoughts on how to vary your song approach and arrangement to create dynamics, emotion, and interest. Use broad strokes within your playing and get more results for your efforts.

Craig Chee and Sarah Maisel: Giving Back Four Strings at a Time

February 3, 2024 – S5E3 – 65 minutes
Interview Hawaiʻi-Based ArtistCommunity

Hawaiʻi’s premiere ukulele power duo tell all! From integrating into the Hawaiian uke scene to fundraising for Maui to the DIY ukulele artist experience.

Iteration: Better MPG for Your Ukulele!

January 20, 2024 – S5E2 – 42 minutes
Learning Practice Technique

How to adapt material for any stage of your learning and use it for more purposes.

Practicing Perfection: Brittni Paiva on Ukulele, Progress, and the Craft

January 6, 2024 – S5E1 – 39 minutes
Interview Hawaiʻi-Based Artist Practice

Amongst the greatest virtuoso ukulele players from Hawaiʻi is Hilo’s own, Brittni Paiva. We talk about crazy practice hours, the new-age uke scene, music production, and new original music.

Season 4: 2023

Single String Songbook Announcement!

December 11, 2023 – 5 minutes
Announcement Ebook Short

Check out the new Single String Songbook!

2023 Season Finale – Updates, an Anthem, and Mahalos

October 21, 2023 – S4E20 – 32 minutes
Updates Season Finale Talk Story

A look ahead to upcoming projects, general talk story debrief, a song, and closing thoughts.

Keoki Kahumoku: Hawaiian From the Heart

October 7, 2023 – S4E19 – 55 minutes
Interview Hawaiian Music TeachingHawaiʻi-Based Artist

A conversation with Grammy-winning compilation contributor, Keoki Kahumoku, about the school of hard knocks, teaching, and bringing joy to folks with Hawaiian music.

Tone 2: How to Improve Your Tone (w/Examples)

September 16, 2023 – S4E18 – 39 minutes
Tone Technique Sound

Tone is one of the most overlooked aspects of playing ukulele. In this episode I share some actionable tips on finger placement, angles, and more.

Tone: The Magic of Your Fingers

September 2, 2023 – S4E17 – 47 minutes
Tone Technique Musicality

In this episode I explore the importance and characteristics of playing with good tone, how to get good tone, who has good tone, and how it’s different from timbre.

Groove Ukulele: One Strumming Pattern to Rule Them All!

August 19, 2023 – S4E16 – 36 minutes
Strumming Rhythm Ebook

The launch of my new ebook, Groove Ukulele. In this episode I talk about the foundational concepts that most people miss when learning to strum.

The Good & Bad of Playing the Ukulele as Your First Instrument

August 7, 2023 – S4E15 – 39 minutes
Learning Beginners Mindset

A student requested I explore coming to the uke from another instrument vs. starting your musical journey on the ukulele. Here are some of my thoughts.

Avoiding Discouragement and Managing Expectations

July 15, 2023 – S4E14 – 39 minutes
Mindset Encouragement Learning

In this episode I share some ideas for breaking a cycle of discouragement by re-framing your expectations for your ukulele journey.

The Power of Persistence: Kris Fuchigami’s Humbling Journey to Virtuosity

July 1, 2023 – S4E13 – 56 minutes
Interview Hawaiʻi-Based ArtistMindset

Kris Fuchigami is on the podcast! In this interview he shares stories about getting his pride rubbed in the mud, encouraging the next generation, and navigating a music industry without CDs.

Appreciating Hawaiian Music With Peter DeAquino

June 17, 2023 – S4E12 – 51 minutes
Interview Hawaiian Music GiggingHawaiʻi-Based Artist

In this episode I recap the George Kahumoku, Jr. Slack Key & Ukulele Workshop and share an interview with a longtime friend, Peter DeAquino. We talk about gear, full time gigging, learning from the masters, and the fair market value of live music.

Selecting the Right Ukulele Songs to Play & Perform

June 4, 2023 – S4E11 – 38 minutes
Songs Learning Performing

The songs you choose to play can have a large impact on the quality of your learning and performing experience. Here are some tips to help you choose the right songs for the moment.

Some Hard-Earned Tricks for Ukulele Teaching (and Learning) Success

May 20, 2023 – S4E10 – 47 minutes
Teaching Learning Tips

In this episode I discuss some of the things I’ve learned over the years that help a ukulele class keep a steady and productive pace while suiting every student’s needs.

Neal Chin’s Killer New Chord Trick and Improv Tips

May 6, 2023 – S4E9 – 50 minutes
Interview Jazz Improvising

Another great talk story with Seattle-based ukulele jazz phenom Neal Chin! He shared a cool chord movement from Brazilian music and how he encourages people to think about improvising on their ukes.

Strumming’s Biggest Trick

April 15, 2023 – S4E8 – 24 minutes
Strumming Rhythm Technique

A huge majority of strums you hear are more simple than you think. There’s really only one strum motion and emphasis is built from that.

The Most Important Part of Music

April 1, 2023 – S4E7 – 44 minutes
Timing Groove Musicality

Everyone talks about playing ukulele with good timing, but why does it actually matter? In this episode I discuss some thoughts on what makes the groove so important.

How to Support Your Ukulele: Technique & Straps

March 18, 2023 – S4E6 – 41 minutes
Technique Gear Straps

Some tips for holding your ukulele so that it doesn’t fall down as you play, and an overview of straps.

Off the Beaten Path with Brian Liu!

March 4, 2023 – S4E5 – 53 minutes
Interview Teaching Style

An interview with ukulele instructor Brian Liu from Next Level Ukulele. We talked about his scariest uke lessons, teaching philosophy, and incorporating the ukulele into new soundscapes and styles.

New Video Lessons Shoutout

February 25, 2023 – 1 minute
Announcement Short

A quick shoutout for the new Hawaiian Songs For Ukulele video lessons.

Hawaiian Songs For Ukulele

February 18, 2023 – S4E4 – 40 minutes
Hawaiian Music Teaching Course

Philosophy on how I approach teaching Hawaiian music and my new course, Hawaiian Songs For Ukulele.

Keola Donaghy on Keeping Mele Hawaiʻi Hawaiian

February 4, 2023 – S4E3 – 44 minutes
Interview Hawaiian Language Culture

A conversation with the director of the Institute of Hawaiian Music. Keola is a composer, translator, and ʻōlelo tech nerd.

The ONLY Theory You Should Learn

January 21, 2023 – S4E2 – 59 minutes
Music Theory Learning Fretboard

In this episode I dig into the only music theory concepts that really matter for ukulele players.

Easy Uke Hacks to Play Better (5 Things You’re Doing Wrong)

January 7, 2023 – S4E1 – 56 minutes
Technique Tips Beginners

These five musical enjoyment enhancers are underutilized tricks of the trade! In this episode we’ll look at what making the mistake of under-using them means and how to implement them successfully.

Season 3: 2022

2022 In Review + Future Live Ukulele Plans

October 15, 2022 – S3E20 – 45 minutes
Updates Year in Review Season Finale

Sharing an overview and some thoughts on the year and what the future holds for projects I’m excited about.

My New Ukulele is Moore Bettah When Eaten? 🍈

October 1, 2022 – S3E19 – 43 minutes
Gear Ukulele Review Recording

Unveiling my new recording ukulele with stories and sound demos.

Joey Bradley: Collecting Ukes and Making Recordings

September 17, 2022 – S3E18 – 87 minutes
Interview Gear RecordingHawaiʻi-Based Artist

Fun, laid-back interview with Kohala-based artist, Joey Bradley, about his ukuleles and engineering projects.

Basic Hawaiian Language Pronunciation for Uke Players

September 3, 2022 – S3E17 – 59 minutes
Hawaiian Language Pronunciation Culture

A crash course on the very basics of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi as it relates to singing Hawaiian songs.

TLUP: After Hours #4 – WA Tour, New Uke Samples, Updates

August 31, 2022 – 60 minutes
After Hours Talk Story Updates

A freeform talk story session covering a Washington tour, new ukulele samples, and general updates.

Growing the Next Generation of Ukulele Players with Aaron Nakamura

August 20, 2022 – S3E16 – 40 minutes
Interview Hawaiʻi-Based ArtistCommunity

Talking story with Aaron from Ukulele Underground about humble origins, accompaniment, and the future of one of the web’s most popular uke websites.

Head Games: Enjoy Ukulele More

August 6, 2022 – S3E15 – 28 minutes
Mindset Encouragement Confidence

Ever think you’re not good enough? Comparing yourself to other players? In this episode I explore giving ourselves the permission to enjoy ukulele at whatever our skill level is.

Uke Heads: James Hill’s Album That Became A Community

July 16, 2022 – S3E14 – 52 minutes
Interview
Community RecordingTechInternational Artist

Interview with James Hill on his new crowd-sourced ukulele recording project, Uke Heads. Buy a Uke Head art piece, learn a ukulele part, record yourself, get on the album.

Finding a Music Lifestyle That Benefits Your Uke Playing

July 2, 2022 – S3E13 – 35 minutes
Mindset Hawaiian Music Lifestyle

How life experiences inform musical vocabulary and some of my thoughts on what a Hawaiian music lifestyle means to me.

Tuning Your Ukulele – Adjust to Perfection!

June 18, 2022 – S3E12 – 58 minutes
Tuning Technique Ear Training

My process for tuning by ear and some tips and tricks to help you get the strings in more precise alignment.

Ukulele Workshops and Festivals: Get the Most Out of It

June 4, 2022 – S3E11 – 53 minutes
Workshops Festivals Learning

Reflections on my years of attending and teaching at workshops, with some tips for ukulele players who want to get the most out of the experience.

Wrong Notes Aren’t So Wrong! Some Tips on Chromatic Ukulele Playing

May 21, 2022 – S3E10 – 41 minutes
Technique Chromatic Improvising

Don’t panic if you play a wrong note on your uke! In this episode we explore how a change in attitude can help you turn “mistakes” into gold.

Left Hand Technique For Ukulele

May 7, 2022 – S3E9 – 41 minutes
Technique Fretting Hand Course

Diving into the details of my new video course on optimizing your fretting hand movements and musicality.

TLUP: After Hours #3 – Ukes For Ukraine Debrief, New Mic

April 21, 2022 – 56 minutes
After Hours Talk Story Updates

A freeform session debriefing the Ukes For Ukraine event and chatting about new gear.

Victoria Vox Interview – Songwriting, Inspiration, and Mouth Trumpetting (of course)

April 16, 2022 – S3E8 – 68 minutes
Interview Songwriting Creativity

Talk story with one of the ukulele scene’s best songwriters! Victoria shared all about her inspiration, her newest project, and her accidental discovery of the “mouth trumpet.”

Phrasing – The Heart of Expressing Music on the Uke

April 2, 2022 – S3E7 – 41 minutes
Phrasing Musicality Expression

Examples and discussion on how you can adjust phrasing to make music more original and change the feel.

Become a Professional Uke Player – Even if You Suck!

March 19, 2022 – S3E6 – 30 minutes
Professionalism Gigging Mindset

Some thoughts on what makes for “professionalism” in an ukulele player.

The Amplification Basics Episode: Ukulele Pickups, Amps, and More

March 5, 2022 – S3E5 – 44 minutes
Gear Amplification Pickups

Learn what you need to plug your ukulele into an amp or PA. Some tips for getting a better sound and avoiding pitfalls.

What to Play When

February 19, 2022 – S3E4 – 43 minutes
Arranging TAB Recording

Knowing what part to choose when looking at a TAB, plus some examples from recordings I’ve done recently where I break down the individual tracks I’m playing.

Caring For Your Ukulele

February 5, 2022 – S3E3 – 29 minutes
Maintenance Gear Tips

How to keep your ukulele in tip-top aesthetic shape and considerations for its well-being.

TLUP After Hours #2 – LIVE Practice & Talk Story

January 22, 2022 – 58 minutes
After Hours Talk Story Jamming

Unofficial podcast hangout with some freeform jamming, thoughts, and insights on ukulele.

Kelly “Kaʻahele” Hyde Interview on knowing Music Theory, Songwriting, and Touring With the Ukulele

January 15, 2022 – S3E2 – 62 minutes
Interview Songwriting Music Theory

Big Island’s own Kelly Hyde joins Brad for a heartwarming, mellow episode about singer-songwriter ukulele, her process and mindset for creating some of the best original music in Hawaiʻi.

TLUP: After Hours #1 – LIVE Practice and Talk Story

January 08, 2022 – S3 – 66 minutes
Interview Songwriting Music Theory

A chill bonus episode recorded in one take. Just hanging out talking story and practicing without the normal structure of the podcast.

Tips For Becoming a Better Ukulele Player

January 1, 2022 – S3E1 – 46 minutes
Practice Learning Tips

Ways to improve your uke playing faster and make better use of your time practicing. These are tips I wish someone had shared with me early on in my ukulele playing career.

Season 2: 2021

Jeff Peterson Interview – Ukulele Phrasing and Technique Lesson

November 6, 2021 – S2E16 – 53 minutes
Interview Technique PhrasingHawaiʻi-Based Artist

Jeff brings his expertise to the podcast for a mini lesson on fingering technique, dynamics, tone, and more.

Joel Blechinger Interview – Strings and Setup

October 16, 2021 – S2E15 – 61 minutes
Interview Strings Setup

A detailed conversation about creating an ukulele string company and the most important parts of a setup from one of the industry’s best uke techs.

Going Beyond the Song: Stories and Background

October 2, 2021 – S2E14 – 30 minutes
Hawaiian Music History Songs

The importance of learning the history and lineage of the songs you play on the ukulele. Knowing the backgrounds and stories connects you more deeply to the music.

Max Angel Interview – Hawaiian Language & Lifestyle

September 18, 2021 – S2E13 – 47 minutes
Interview Hawaiian Language CultureHawaiʻi-Based Artist

How Hawaiian ukulele musicians find relevance in the beauty around them. Also a crash course on pronouncing Hawaiian words.

Mentoring Ukulele Students

September 4, 2021 – S2E12 – 29 minutes
Teaching Mentoring Community

The benefits of mentoring for ukulele students and tips for how to become an everyday mentor to uplift others.

How to Learn a Song on Ukulele: My Process

August 21, 2021 – S2E11 – 42 minutes
Learning Songs Practice

A guided tour of how I work my way through learning a new song on ukulele. Tips for memorizing chords, Hawaiian lyrics, and how to create your own style.

6 Ways to Get Yourself Out of a Learning Rut

August 7, 2021 – S2E10 – 40 minutes
Mindset Inspiration Practice

How to refresh your ukulele playing and find inspiration when you’re feeling stale. Several on- and off-instrument ideas to help jumpstart your interest in music.

Isaac Wang Interview – The Origins of Live ʻUkulele

July 18, 2021 – S2E9 – 49 minutes
Interview Context Stories

Interview with Live ʻUkulele’s co-creator! Isaac shares some stories about our early days in music along with some great tips from a slack key guitar background.

Tools to Help You Learn Ukulele Easier

July 3, 2021 – S2E8 – 38 minutes
Learning Tools Tips

An exploration of some recommendations for tools and assets that will help your ukulele study and make it more efficient.

John Nash Interview – Finding a Voice As an Artist and Teacher

June 19, 2021 – S2E7 – 70 minutes
Interview Teaching Artistry

Innovative ukulele player and JHUI-certified instructor, John Nash, sits down with me to talk about teaching, playing with banjos, artistry, and the ukulele’s limitations.

Low-G VS High-g Tuning Comparison

June 5, 2021 – S2E6 – 29 minutes
Tuning Strings Sound

Exploring the differences between two common stringing styles and the pros and cons of linear and re-entrant ukulele tuning.

Getting a Better Plugged-In Sound

May 15, 2021 – S2E5 – 42 minutes
Amplification EQ Pickups

Tips and tricks for EQing an ukulele to sound better and how to understand different types of pickups and their implications.

Tobias Elof Interview – Playing Uke in Denmark

May 1, 2021 – S2E4 – 71 minutes
Interview International Artist Style

My fun and interesting chat with one of Europe’s best ukulele players, Tobias Elof.

Learning From One’s Self – Critiquing My Own Ukulele Playing

April 17, 2021 – S2E3 – 44 minutes
Self-Critique Learning Performance

Join me for a walk down memory lane as I listen back to some of my past performances and discuss what I would change and what I liked.

Dominator – The Art of Transcribing Ukulele Tabs

April 3, 2021 – S2E2 – 42 minutes
Interview TAB Transcription

Ukulele tabs are common these days, but not many folks give much thought to how they’re made. I sit down with Dominator, a pioneer in the field of high-quality ukulele transcriptions.

The Journey of Learning Ukulele

March 20, 2021 – S2E1 – 39 minutes
Learning Mindset Talk Story

How we all learn is as unique as how we all sound when we play the ukulele. I talk story with my friends Pam Mandel and Higgs about some of their biggest learning moments studying the uke.

Uke Building Magic with Brad Donaldson

March 6, 2021 – 49 minutes
Interview Luthier Gear

Mind-blowing luthier revelations with master craftsman, Brad Donaldson.

Season 1: 2020 – early 2021

Performing With the Ukulele: Tips and Tricks

February 20, 2021 – 43 minutes
Performing Stage Presence Tips

This episode journeys through some of the things you can practice to improve your stage presence, with personal stories and tricks that will make your ukulele performance more engaging.

Teaching the Masses on YouTube with John Atkins (aka The Ukulele Teacher)

February 5, 2021 – 40 minutes
Interview Teaching YouTubeInternational Artist

The Ukulele Teacher is one of the most well known uke players in the world. In our interview John Atkins talks about his goal with the channel, some challenges, and other fun tidbits about his YouTube star ukulele career.

Playing Nicely With Others: How to Fit Into a Musical Situation

January 16, 2021 – 46 minutes
Ensemble Accompaniment Dynamics

Practical demonstrations on how you can interact responsibly with other musicians, joined by friend and bandmate Ryan “Higgs” Higgins.

Playing Ukulele Easier & Happier with Konabob

January 2, 2021 – 44 minutes
Interview Mindset IntuitionHawaiʻi-Based Artist

Join myself and Konabob Stoffer in a journey through finding a more intuitive way of playing music. We talk about coming to music later in life and becoming content with your skills.

Variety Show/Talk Story

December 19, 2020 – 42 minutes
Talk Story Music Holiday

Some random thoughts and stories in a more free-form episode than normal. Tune in for a couple tunes and holiday wishes from Brad.

Neal Chin on Jazz Ukulele

December 5, 2020 – 44 minutes
Interview Jazz Improvising

Neal Chin is one of the most smooth-sounding jazz ukulele players I’ve heard. He joined me to share experiences in music and some thoughts and tips on incorporating jazz into your playing.

Unpacking the UAS Myth

November 21, 2020 – 35 minutes
Gear Mindset Commentary

Ukulele acquisition syndrome — cute acronym or troublesome mindset? Brad shares some personal opinions on what’s most important in the process of acquiring ukes.

Herb Ohta, Jr. – How He’s Reconnecting With Hawaiʻi’s Uke Scene

November 7, 2020 – 51 minutes
Interview Hawaiian Music RecordingHawaiʻi-Based Artist

Herb shares his experiences with being Hawaiʻi-bound, releasing an album, getting to know Jake better, and many more stories.

The Adventures of James Hill: Life on the Edge of ʻUkulele

October 17, 2020 – 41 minutes
Interview Songwriting BaritoneInternational Artist

An interview with ʻukulele master musician James Hill. A tour through some of his latest pursuits and stories: a new style of songwriting, playing baritone, teaching beginners, and more.

Tips for Improving From Beginner to Intermediate

October 03, 2020 – 50 minutes
Practice Improving Mindset

Thoughts and tips on giving yourself musical options to increase your participation in music as an ʻukulele player. In this episode, Brad talks about what differentiates a beginner from an intermediate player along with ways to transcend the border between them with some fun, practical exercises.