The IKO Podcast

The Kava Lounge Part 8 - The 'Awa Rebellion of 1874

The 'Awa Rebellion of 1874
 
In Episode 8 of our podcast, The Kava Lounge, we discuss a fascinating historical event known as the Hawaiian Mission Crisis of 1874, also called the 'Awa Rebellion or the Kahana Rebellion. Our conversation centers around a research paper that examines the actions of Mormon Mission President Frederick Augustus Herman Frank Mitchell in Kahana Valley, Hawaii.
To provide context, we explain the Mormon Church's "Word of Wisdom," a doctrine that encourages abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, and "hot drinks," while promoting the use of herbs. We then explore Mitchell's background, depicting him as a controversial figure with a strict interpretation of the Word of Wisdom.
When Mitchell arrived in Hawaii, he demanded that all ʻAwa (kava) plants be uprooted and burned, disregarding the crop's cultural significance and economic value to the native Hawaiians. This decision sparked intense resistance, leading to a rebellion against Mitchell's authority.
Throughout the episode, we critique Mitchell's lack of cultural sensitivity and his attempts to force his beliefs on the Hawaiian people. We contrast Mitchell's approach with that of his partner, Harvey Cluff, who demonstrated more understanding and advocated for the Hawaiians.
We emphasize the importance of kava in Hawaiian culture, pointing out that some Hawaiians even chose to leave the Mormon church rather than surrender their right to grow and consume the plant. We also discuss the broader implications of the incident, emphasizing the need for cultural understanding and respect when interacting with different communities.
While acknowledging the Mormon church's role in the events, we clarify that our criticism is aimed specifically at Mitchell's actions and not at Mormonism as a whole. We conclude by reflecting on the acceptance of kava among various religious groups and its potential as an alternative to alcohol.
In essence, this episode of The Kava Lounge offers a thought-provoking exploration of a historical event that highlights the complex interplay between religion, culture, and traditional practices, with kava at the heart of the controversy.
 
Paper Citation: Chase, Lance D. 2000. “The Hawaiian Mission Crisis of 1874: The ‘Awa Rebellion Story.” In Voyages of Faith, 59–70. Brigham Young University. https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1012&context=mphs

The Kava Lounge Part 7 - Quiet Rise of Kava on Reddit

The Kava Lounge - Part 7 - Quiet Rise of Kava on RedditIn this episode, Douglas & Jimmy discuss and critique a 2022 research paper titled "Kava, Piper Methysticum, In the United States, the Rise of a Quiet Substance with Often Subtle Effects" by Salma Point Fernandez et al.
The hosts analyze the paper's methodology, which involved examining 1,156 Reddit posts about kava from 2006 to 2021. They question the small sample size and the choice to focus solely on Reddit, arguing it may not be representative of the broader kava-using community.
Throughout the discussion, Jimmy and the Kavasseur challenge several points made in the paper:
The binary categorization of kava use motivations as either "recreation" or "self-treatment for psychiatric or physical health conditions"
The correlations drawn between kava and other substances like kratom, supplements, cannabis, and alcohol
The lack of mention of kava's traditional spiritual and ritualistic uses
The paper's conclusion that Reddit discussions cannot substitute for systematic research
While appreciating some insights the paper offers, such as the typical dosage range of 20-60 grams, the hosts express skepticism about its overall depth and relevance. They share their own knowledge and experiences with kava, touching on topics like reverse tolerance, lucid dreaming, and the plant's unique effects which they feel distinguish it from addictive drugs.
In summary, this episode of The Kava Lounge provides a critical review of a recent kava-related research paper from the perspective of two experienced kava advocates and enthusiasts.
 
Paper Citation: 
 
Pont-Fernandez, Salma, Marina Kheyfets, Jeffrey M. Rogers, Kirsten E. Smith, and David H. Epstein. 2022. “Kava (Piper Methysticum) in the United States: The Quiet Rise of a Substance with Often Subtle Effects.” The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, November, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/00952990.2022.2140292.

The Kava Lounge Special - J. Maarten Troost

Citation: Troost, J. Maarten. 2006. Getting Stoned with Savages: A Trip Through the Islands of Fiji and Vanuatu. Broadway Books.
 
The Kava Lounge Podcast discusses J. Maarten Troost which provides an in-depth discussion about Kava, its effects, and cultural significance. The hosts share personal experiences with Kava, reflecting on its sedative qualities and their journey from initial curiosity to deep appreciation. They explore J. Maarten Troost's book, focusing particularly on a chapter where Troost describes his firsthand experience with Kava in Vanuatu. The discussion covers different traditions and practices of Kava consumption across various Pacific islands, emphasizing the diversity in its usage and cultural importance. They also touch on topics like the difference between noble and non-noble Kava, the evolution of Kava culture, and the distinctions between Kava as a drink and as a dietary supplement. The hosts engage in a detailed conversation, blending personal anecdotes with insights into the broader cultural and historical context of Kava.

The Kava Lounge Part 6 - Dr. J.D. Baker

Citation: Baker, Jonathan D. 2012. “Pills, Potions, Products: Kava’s Transformations in New and Nontraditional Contexts.” The Contemporary Pacific 24 (2): 233–65. https://doi.org/10.1353/cp.2012.0026.
 
The episode titled "JD Baker 2012" from the Kava Lounge discusses Dr. JD Baker's paper from the Journal of the Contemporary Pacific, published in 2012. The hosts, Jimmy and Douglas, explore the transformation of kava in new and non-traditional contexts. They delve into topics like kava's changing role across cultures, and its adoption in Western societies as a pharmaceutical and recreational analog. Discussions include kava's cultural significance, preparation methods, and the nuances of its use and perception in different societies. The episode also touches on the challenges of representing kava authentically in commercial products and its evolving identity in the global market.
 
 

The Kava Lounge Part 5 - Dr. Turner

Literature Citation: Turner, James West. 2012. “LISTENING TO THE ANCESTORS: KAVA AND THE LAPITA PEOPLES.” Ethnology 51 (1). https://www.jstor.org/stable/43657285
 
Description: The podcast episode, titled "Episode 5 - Turner 2012," features hosts Douglas LaRose and Jimmy Price discussing Dr. James W. Turner's paper "Listening to the Ancestors: Kava and Lapita People." They explore the paper's anthropological insights on kava's movement across the South Pacific, its origins, and cultural significance. The hosts critically analyze Turner's theories on kava's connection with ancestral communication, spirituality, and ritual practices. They also delve into methodological aspects of Turner's research, contrasting his findings with their own experiences and knowledge of kava. The episode provides a comprehensive review of the paper, including discussions on kava's psychoactive effects, historical diffusion, and the cultural and spiritual dimensions associated with its consumption.

The Kava Lounge Part 4 - Personal History with Kava

"Episode 4 - Personal History with Kava" features a discussion between Douglas LaRose and Jimmy Price, exploring their individual journeys with kava. Douglas's story begins with discovering kava as a natural anxiety remedy in his late teens, experiencing immediate relief from a kava beverage. Jimmy's initial encounter with kava was less impactful, but its effectiveness in alleviating his roommate's OCD symptoms was notable. Post-college, facing addiction issues, Jimmy turned to kava as a natural anxiety solution, finding it significantly helpful. Both speakers emphasize kava's unique properties, distinguishing it from traditional drugs, and highlight their deep personal connections and passion for kava. The episode also delves into the complexities and evolutions within the kava community, including challenges, industry developments, and the personal significance of kava in their lives.

The Kava Lounge Part 3 - Vincent Lebot

Episode 3 of "The Kava Lounge" podcast features a detailed discussion on the work of Dr. Vincent Lebot, a renowned expert on kava. Hosts Douglas LaRose and Jimmy Price delve into Lebot's paper titled "Recent Advances in the Quality Control of Kava the Traditional Beverage of the Pacific Islands." They explore Lebot's background, his significant contributions to kava research, including genetic studies of the plant, and the implications of his findings for the kava industry. The episode also touches on broader topics like kava's safety, cultivation, and the intricacies of its chemical composition, emphasizing the importance of noble kava cultivars and quality control in the industry.Episode research citation: Lebot, V. 2018. “Recent Advances in the Quality Control of Kava, the Traditional Beverage of the Pacific Islands.” Acta Horticulturae, no. 1205 (June): 483–92. https://doi.org/10.17660/actahortic.2018.1205.59

The Kava Lounge Special - Kava Safety

"The Kava Lounge" podcast presents a special episode on kava safety, featuring an in-depth discussion between Douglas and Jimmy, two experienced kava enthusiasts. This special episode explores the historical context of kava safety concerns, in particular with a focus on the risk of liver damage originating in Europe in the late 1990s. Douglas and Jimmy recount their personal experiences and confront widespread misconceptions about the impact of kava on liver health, highlighting the lack of evidence linking kava to liver damage.
It explores the cultural significance of kava, its long history of safe use in the Pacific Island communities, and addresses the misinformation and hysteria surrounding kava in the early 2000s. The discussion also touches on various health-related aspects of kava, including potential side effects, such as dry skin and changes in cholesterol levels, while emphasizing the overall safety profile.
This event is a treasure trove of information for both kava enthusiasts and those who are new to the plant, providing a comprehensive overview of kava safety, its cultural importance and scientific evidence of its consumption. Douglas and Jimmy’s conversation is not only informative but also serves as a clarion call to dispel outdated myths and embrace kava’s rich heritage and benefits.

The Kava Lounge Part 2 - Terry Crowley

Crowley, Terry. 1995. “The National Drink and the National Language in Vanuatu.” Journal Of the Polynesian Society 104 (1): 7–22.
https://www.jstor.org/stable/20706599.
 
In this episode, we discuss Dr. Terry Crowley, a significant figure in linguistics, particularly in relation to Vanuatu. Crowley was born in 1953 in Essex and completed his doctoral thesis on Vanuatu languages at the National Australian University. He had a profound interest in the Bislama and Creole languages of Vanuatu and worked in the Department of Languages at the University of Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby. Later, Crowley became the director of the Pacific Languages Unit at the University of South Pacific in Port Villa, Vanuatu, and eventually a professor of linguistics at Waikato University, New Zealand.
Crowley's work included 21 books and over 70 journal articles, focusing on various languages from the Australian and Austronesian Oceanic language families, along with Bislama and K Creole. He played a significant role in standardizing the Bislama dialect and was involved in linguistic development projects in Melanesia.
The podcast delves into Crowley's impact on Vanuatu's linguistic scene, his contributions to the standardization of the Bislama language, and his efforts in promoting literacy and education in the Pacific region. It also covers the socio-linguistic aspects of his work, including the impact of languages like English and French on local languages in Vanuatu, particularly in the context of independence and national identity.
Significantly, the podcast highlights the cultural and social aspects of kava in Vanuatu. Discussions include the traditional and modern practices of kava drinking, the evolution of kava bars (nakamals), and the role of kava in Vanuatu's national identity. The hosts also touch upon the linguistic innovations related to kava in the Bislama language, illustrating how language evolves with cultural practices. 
Overall, the episode provides a comprehensive overview of Dr. Terry Crowley's life, his academic and linguistic contributions, and the cultural significance of kava in Vanuatu, along with its linguistic reflections in the Bislama language.

The Kava Lounge Part 1 - Nancy J Pollock Discussion

In this insightful initial episode of our podcast, Jimmy and The Kavasseur, Douglas LaRose, delve into the fascinating works of Nancy J. Pollock, renowned for her extensive research on kava and the South Pacific. We explore the nuances of Pollock's writings, discussing how her insights have shaped our understanding of kava, its cultural significance, and its impact on communities. Join us for a deep dive into the world of kava as seen through the lens of one of its most esteemed scholars.
 
 
Citation: Pollock, Nancy J. 2009. “Sustainability of the Kava Trade.” The Contemporary Pacific 21 (2): 265–97. https://www.academia.edu/35897305/Sustainability_of_the_Kava_Trade
Key points from the episode include:
Overview of Nancy Pollock's Paper: The paper examines the economic impacts of the kava ban in Europe and Australia, kava traditions in different cultures, and the sustainability of the kava trade.
Discussion on Kava Consumption in the U.S. and Europe: The podcast hosts note that Pollock's paper predominantly refers to kava consumption in pill form in the U.S. and Europe, overlooking the use of powdered kava.
Cultural Significance and Variations: The podcast highlights the different iterations of kava across cultures, including its use in various rituals and ceremonies.
Changes in Kava Consumption and Perception: The discussion reflects on how kava has evolved from being a ritualistic element to a more secular, social drink in many cultures.
Role of Women in Kava Ceremonies: Interestingly, the podcast touches on the increasing acceptance of women in kava ceremonies across different cultures.
Kava’s Impact and Significance Across the Pacific: The podcast covers the geographic and cultural journey of kava from Vanuatu to other Pacific regions, noting the variations in its usage and preparation.
Discussion on Different Kava Cultivars and Practices: The hosts discuss various cultivars of kava, their effects, and the traditional practices associated with them in different regions.
Reflection on the Evolution of Kava Practices and Culture: There is a reflection on how the cultural practices around kava have evolved and adapted over time, influenced by various factors including colonial history and modern trends.