Author: ksakai1

In this engaging podcast episode, listeners are invited to explore the lighter side of dark themes with comedian Vanessa Graddick. The episode delves into humorous and unconventional survival strategies against serial killers, using comedic insights to tackle heavy topics such as Ted Bundy’s possible demonic influence and the societal pressures surrounding true crime. Through witty discussions, the Unofficial Official Story hosts and Vanessa navigate the absurdities of human behavior, crafting tales of vigilante justice and questioning the “white devil” mentality.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Vanessa Graddick is a Los Angeles-based comedian, actor, and writer who originally hails from the frozen tundra of St. Paul, MN. She has made appearances on television shows such as “Real Husbands of Hollywood,” “Live At Gotham,” “Comics Unleashed,” and more. Additionally, she has brought her comedic talents behind the scenes to various projects. These include her role as Lead Producer on the entertaining game show “Funny You Should Ask,” as Supervising Producer on “Ms. Pat Settles It,” and as a Producer on the Emmy-nominated “Justice for All with Judge Cristina Perez.” Vanessa is the co-creator and host of the podcast “What Don’t To Watch,” where she shares humorous insights on things to watch… or not. She continues to spread her comedic wisdom on stages across the United States and beyond.

RESEARCH

We do most of our research online… because why not? Here are the links we quoted from or used for background or inspiration.

https://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1937349_1937350_1937464,00.html

https://www.biography.com/crime/ted-bundy

https://www.oxygen.com/martinis-murder/ted-bundy-why-did-he-kill-what-was-the-entity-he-talks-about

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/shadow-boxing/201309/bundys-demon-part-i

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/shadow-boxing/201309/bundys-demon-part-ii

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a27065967/ted-bundy-victims/

https://www.businessinsider.com/the-full-timeline-of-ted-bundys-murders-2019-2#from-the-span-of-january-to-july-1974-ted-bundy-is-believed-to-have-killed-8-women-in-seattle-4

ABOUT US

What are “they” not telling us? We’ll find out, figure out, and, when all else fails, make up the missing pieces to some of the most scandalous, unexplained phenomena, and true crime affecting our world today. Join comedian Dwayne Perkins, writer Koji Steven Sakai, and comedian/actor/writer Cat Alvarado on The Unofficial Official Story Podcast every month, and by the end of each episode, we’ll tell you what’s really…maybe…happening.

Website: http://unofficialofficialstory.com/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/theunofficialofficialstorypod/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unoffoffstorypodcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxGCoSTC0bmTk5GVFHP4l3w

CREDITS

The intro and outro song was created by Brian “Deep” Watters. You can hear his music at https://soundcloud.com/deepwatters.

Written by Violet Chen

Hosts: Cat Alvarado, Dwayne Perkins, and Koji Steven Sakai

Edited and Produced by Koji Steven Sakai

In this engaging episode of the Japanese America podcast, hosts Michelle and Koji dive into the captivating world of Japanese stationery with special guest Mark Sakaguchi from Kinokuniya Bookstore and Yuri Aida from Design for America Inc. They explore the allure of Japanese pens, notebooks, and accessories, which have evolved from being perceived as cheap to becoming celebrated for their impeccable quality and craftsmanship. The episode offers insights into the cultural significance and growing popularity of Japanese stationery in the United States, highlighting unique products like washi tapes and the beloved Mitsubishi Jetstream pen. With an upcoming stationery festival in Santa Monica, listeners are invited to embrace the artful lifestyle inspired by these exquisite writing tools. Join Michelle, Koji, and their guests as they share personal stories, explore trends, and celebrate the meticulous art behind Japanese stationery.

Listen to the episode here

Buy it on Amazon here

Ever found yourself inexplicably drawn to an animated lioness or a buffoonish cartoon villain? Join Cat, Koji, and Dwayne as they hilariously confess their cartoon crushes and what they might reveal about our twisted psyches. Meanwhile, they unravel the mental health allegories of Winnie the Pooh, proving that even honey-loving bears have their quirks. Special guest Adam Yanzer chimes in with tales of wildfire survival, blending heartfelt stories with absurd diagnoses for our beloved childhood characters. Toss in some bizarre safety tips inspired by notorious criminals, and you’ve got a podcast episode that’s as unpredictable as Tigger on a sugar rush!

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Adam Yenser is a comedian and Emmy-winning writer. For ten years he wrote for The Ellen DeGeneres Show where he starred in the segments “Kevin the Cashier” and “Adam Investigates.” He has appeared on Conan, FOX Laughs, and Gutfeld!, was a freelance contributor to SNL’s Weekend Update, has written for The Oscars, and co-produced the web series “Laugh Lessons with Kevin Nealon.” Adam mixes sharp observational humor with a unique take on politics and has had sketches featured by Daily Wire and The Babylon Bee. He cohosts the Babylon Bee podcast as well as his own satirical YouTube show, The Cancelled

RESEARCH

We do most of our research online… because why not? Here are the links we quoted from or used for background or inspiration.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winnie-the-Pooh

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allegory#:~:text=Allegory%20is%20the%20expression%20of,forms%20as%20fable%20and%20parable.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC80580/#:~:text=Pooh’s%20perseveration%20on%20food%20and,as%20having%20Very%20Little%20Brain.

ABOUT US

What are “they” not telling us? We’ll find out, figure out, and, when all else fails, make up the missing pieces to some of the most scandalous, unexplained phenomena, and true crime affecting our world today. Join comedian Dwayne Perkins, writer Koji Steven Sakai, and comedian/actor/writer Cat Alvarado on The Unofficial Official Story Podcast every month, and by the end of each episode, we’ll tell you what’s really…maybe…happening. 

Website: http://unofficialofficialstory.com/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/theunofficialofficialstorypod/

X: https://twitter.com/TheUnofOfStory

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unoffoffstorypodcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxGCoSTC0bmTk5GVFHP4l3w

CREDITS

The intro and outro song was created by Brian “Deep” Watters. You can hear his music at https://soundcloud.com/deepwatters.

Written by Aidan Fierro

Hosts: Cat Alvarado, Dwayne Perkins, and Koji Steven Sakai

Edited and Produced by Koji Steven Sakai

Play a Demonic Game of 20 Questions with ‘Are You There?’ Next Month

Check out full article here: https://bloody-disgusting.com/movie/3851178/play-a-demonic-game-of-20-questions-with-are-you-there-next-month/

You can read the whole article here: https://www.firstshowing.net/2025/official-trailer-for-horror-are-you-there-20-questions/

For Coffee today!

https://americasfavpet.com/2025/coffee-d218

Join us on a hilariously twisted journey as former corporate attorney turned comedian Seth Lawrence takes the stand-up stage to explore the zany intersections of law, laughter, and celebrity conspiracies. From uncovering the “bear necessities” of safety advice gone hilariously wrong to debating whether Stephen King is a secret assassin, this episode serves up a hearty mix of logic and lunacy. Dive into tales of celebrity deaths, wild conspiracies, and the humor of debating with a lawyer who knows his punchlines as well as his legal lines. Whether you’re a conspiracy buff or just need a good laugh, Seth’s anecdotes promise to keep you entertained.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Seth Lawrence comes from a loving family in Orem, Utah. He went to law school and worked as an attorney in North Carolina. He is married with four kids. So, how did he end up in stand-up comedy? Funny story…

In 2018, Seth was a finalist in the US Comedy Contest. In 2021, he worked as a host for the World Series of Comedy, performing in clubs all over the country. You can hear him on SiriusXM Radio on Family USA and Jeff & Larry’s Comedy Roundup, if you’re lucky. Seth also recorded a Dry Bar special called “Ready or Not” that is currently available on drybarcomedy.com and on the Dry Bar Comedy app.

Seth has a podcast (surprised?) Called Self Help Yourself. He reviews self-help books and gives some updates on good news in the world in a segment called “Seven Minutes in Heaven.” Find it everywhere you get your podcasts.

RESEARCH

We do most of our research online… because why not? Here are the links we quoted from or used for background or inspiration.

http://talkstephenking.blogspot.com/2010/01/king-on-jd-salinger.html

https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/john-lennon-beatles-stephen-king-inspiration-the-shining-instant-karma/

https://nymag.com/news/features/conspiracy-theories/stephen-king-john-lennon/

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8371155/John-Lennons-photo-sighting-seen-killer-Enhanced-images-insight-murder.html

ABOUT US

What are “they” not telling us? We’ll find out, figure out, and, when all else fails, make up the missing pieces to some of the most scandalous, unexplained phenomena, and true crime affecting our world today. Join comedian Dwayne Perkins, writer Koji Steven Sakai, and comedian/actor/writer Cat Alvarado on The Unofficial Official Story Podcast every month, and by the end of each episode, we’ll tell you what’s really…maybe…happening.

Website: http://unofficialofficialstory.com/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/theunofficialofficialstorypod/

X: https://twitter.com/TheUnofOfStory

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unoffoffstorypodcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxGCoSTC0bmTk5GVFHP4l3w

CREDITS

The intro and outro song was created by Brian “Deep” Watters. You can hear his music at https://soundcloud.com/deepwatters.

Written by Lexie McMillen

Hosts: Cat Alvarado, Dwayne Perkins, and Koji Steven Sakai

Edited and Produced by Koji Steven Sakai

In this enlightening podcast episode, “Acts of Kindness and Resistance: Japanese American Incarceration and Holiday Traditions,” the hosts delve into the poignant history of Japanese American incarceration during World War II. They explore the powerful themes of kindness and resistance, highlighting the unwavering support of the Quakers and the American Friends Service Committee, who stood by the Japanese American community through advocacy and educational support. As the episode unfolds, listeners are treated to heartwarming stories of small gestures, such as receiving an avocado from a friend, and the rich tapestry of cultural traditions, including Japanese New Year’s customs. The narrative celebrates figures like Gordon Hirabayashi and Ralph Lazo, who bravely opposed injustice, and educators like Claire Breed, who supported interned children. The episode concludes with a heartfelt thank you to listeners and a promise of fresh stories in the upcoming season.

To listen to the original public program, you can listen to it here: https://youtu.be/xHWcpw8SlFk

For more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org. 

CREDITS

The music was created by Jalen Blank

Written by Koji Steven Sakai

Hosts: Michelle Malazaki and Koji Steven Sakai

Edited and Produced by Koji Steven Sakai in conjunction with the Japanese American National Museum

Listen to the episode here: https://linktr.ee/JapaneseAmericaPodcast

EXCLUSIVE: 24, Major League and Far From Heaven star Dennis Haysbert is attached to lead cast in action-drama American Smuggler. 

The film will chart the relentless hunt for Craig Petties, an American drug trafficker best known for the criminal empire he led in Memphis while operating in collaboration with Mexico’s infamous drug cartels. Haysbert will play a prominent CIA agent in the film.

The project will hone in on the efforts of SEAL Team Six, Delta Force and the Mexican Marines, who painstakingly dismantled an international drug network that plagued communities across North America for decades. The story also brings to light the lesser-known tragedy of children forced to labor in El Chapo’s infamous tunnels, often losing their lives in collapses. Petties was sentenced to life in prison in 2013 at age 36 for his trafficking career and connection to multiple homicides.

The film will be written by Koji Steven Sakai (Skeletons in the Closet), Sam Wildhorse Bass of EuroAmerica Films and Tracy Matthews of Lion of Judah Productions. The screenplay will be based on Matthews’ experience as a civilian team leader during the operation.

Producers are David M. Matthews of Stone Gate Entertainment; Cheryl Martin and Troy Allen of CMA Entertainment; Jarnell Stokes, Isaiah Stokes, and Aisha Wynn of Stoked Bros Media; and Lion of Judah Productions. 

Haysbert shares executive producer credits with Geevani Singh and retired member of SEAL Team Six Don Mann. Former professional football player and Navy SEAL Damian Jackson will consult.

Haysbert is best known for portraying President David Palmer in hit series 24, for which he was Golden Globe nominated, baseball player Pedro Cerrano in the Major League film trilogy, and for his role in Todd Haynes’ acclaimed drama Far From Heaven.

“This film offers a comprehensive view from all involved parties: the street hustlers, the drug cartel, and the team that captured El Chapo and rescued trafficked children. It’s a unique and vital story of exploitation, greed, and the valor of the soldiers who intervened,” said Mann. “American Smuggler promises to be an unforgettable cinematic and gaming experience that balances its pulse-pounding storytelling with a powerful message of hope and humanity.”

A Memphis native, NBA player-turned-producer Jarnell Stokes added: “At its heart, American Smuggler is much more than an action-packed drama. It’s a mission-driven project with a critical humanitarian goal: to not only entertain, but also educate and inspire action by bringing widespread awareness to the atrocities occurring to children around the world. We hope to be a voice for the voiceless and work toward creating meaningful change.”

https://deadline.com/2024/12/dennis-haysbert-cast-american-smuggler-about-drug-trafficker-craig-petties-1236202817/