Blog

S4E6 Did aliens visit Zimbabwe to tell children the world was ending with David Kau

In this episode, we dive into the captivating world of alien encounters through the unique lens of South African culture, guided by the insightful and entertaining comedian David Kau. A celebrated stand-up comic and filmmaker, David shares his experiences growing up in South Africa, exploring the nuanced distinctions between being “colored” and “mixed,” and how these identities shape cultural narratives around extraterrestrial phenomena. We revisit the extraordinary 1994 UFO sighting at Ariel School in Zimbabwe, where 60 children claimed to have witnessed an alien landing, sparking discussions on why aliens might target young, impressionable minds in resource-rich Africa. The episode is rich with personal anecdotes, from childhood musings about aliens to the impact of cultural beliefs on the plausibility of such encounters. Join us as we also speculate on the messages aliens might have for future leaders, the role of influential South Africans like Elon Musk, and delve into broader socio-political contexts, all while enjoying the humor and wit that David brings to the table.

Apologize for the not so great sound quality. It was recorded on Zoom.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

South African comedian David Kau is synonymous with many firsts. This Kroonstad-born comic began his career as the first black stand-up comedian in the 1998 Smirnoff International Comedy Festival in Cape Town. In addition to his comedy, he has produced countless movies and television shows.

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/Ariel_School_UFO_incident

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/stories-57749238

https://allthatsinteresting.com/ariel-school-phenomenon

https://www.vice.com/en/article/pkamvv/encounters-netflix-zimbabwe-ufo-sighting

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 Koji Steven Sakai

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

Edited and Produced by Koji Steven Sakai

Japanese America: S1E8 Reviving Tradition Through Manzanar’s Historic Diamond

In this captivating episode, we explore the profound impact of baseball on the Japanese-American community. From personal stories of youth baseball to the inspiring journey of special guest Joshua Morey, who played professionally in Japan, the episode delves into the cultural significance of the sport. We highlight the Manzanar Baseball Project, an initiative to revive a historic baseball diamond that once brought solace to Japanese Americans during WWII. Through discussions on representation, challenges, and the transformative power of baseball, this episode showcases how the sport bridges generations and cultures, fostering a sense of belonging and resilience within the community. Tune in for heartfelt stories, insightful conversations, and a celebration of baseball’s enduring legacy.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Joshua Morey is the chairperson of Ori-gen and president of The J Morey Company Inc. Ori-gen amplifies the voice of diverse communities throughout America by providing resources, services, and perpetuation planning for independent agents and brokers from diverse backgrounds. Morey serves on the board of directors for the U.S.-Japan Council, JANM, the Little Tokyo Community Council, and the Japanese Evangelical Mission Society. He was recently featured on the cover of Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America’s national magazine. He is co-founder of KODO Insurance Services (Insuretech) and chairman of the board of Arrowood Insurance Services. He has a BA in Business Economics, from Wheaton College and a MA in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. In his free time he loves playing baseball and spending time with his wife and three kids.

ABOUT US

Welcome to “Japanese America,” where the Japanese American National Museum unveils captivating stories that add a Nikkei slant to the American narrative. In each episode, we explore Japanese Americans’ unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs, illuminating their rich contributions to the mosaic of American life. From historical milestones to contemporary perspectives, join us for an insightful journey showcasing the diverse tapestry of a community that has shaped the American story in extraordinary ways.  Welcome to “Japanese America,” where each story unfolds like a chapter in a living history book.

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

Japanese America Podcast: The Civil Liberties Act of 1988

Hosts Koji and Michelle delve into the intricate nature of genuine apologies and the actions that must accompany them to signify real growth and understanding. They share personal stories, such as Koji’s challenging week with a broken-down car and a bat incident, and Michelle’s temporary homelessness due to fumigation, to illustrate the complexity of apologies in everyday life. The discussion then shifts to the historical significance of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, which provided reparations to Japanese Americans incarcerated during World War II.

Special guest Keiako Agena enriches the conversation by reading a part of the Act, emphasizing the importance of government acknowledgment and reparations. The episode offers a nuanced exploration of how official apologies can pave the way toward healing and understanding for marginalized communities, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the power of words and deeds.

ABOUT OUR READER

Keiko Agena is best known for her series regular roles on the shows PRODIGAL SON where she played Dr. Edrisa Tanaka and GILMORE GIRLS, where she played Lane Kim for seven seasons and reprised the role in the Netflix GILMORE GIRLS revival. In between Agena has been a series regular on HULU’s THE FIRST and recurring on BETTER CALL SAUL, DIRTY JOHN, DOOM PATROL and 13 REASONS WHY. As a guest star she has appeared on such shows as SHAMELESS, SCANDAL and NCIS LOS ANGELES to name a few. Keiko has recently published an Artist Workbook titled NO MISTAKES through Penguin/Random house which is available wherever books are sold. As an improviser she’s performed numerous shows at UCB Sunset, UCB NY and IO WEST.

ABOUT US

Welcome to “Japanese America,” where the Japanese American National Museum unveils captivating stories that add a Nikkei slant to the American narrative. In each episode, we explore Japanese Americans’ unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs, illuminating their rich contributions to the mosaic of American life. From historical milestones to contemporary perspectives, join us for an insightful journey showcasing the diverse tapestry of a community that has shaped the American story in extraordinary ways.  Welcome to “Japanese America,” where each story unfolds like a chapter in a living history book.

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

You can listen to the podcast here

S4E5 Does Bill Gates want to control the population?

Comedian Aaron Marsh joins the hosts for an entertaining yet introspective conversation. It begins with humorous strategies for world domination, like becoming a cult leader and manipulating the masses through cosmetic surgery and 24-hour news channels. Aaron then discusses how his podcast “Putting Up with Aaron Michael Marsh” has become a therapeutic outlet for his codependency and personal growth. The episode also examines the effects of childhood trauma on adult relationships, emphasizing self-awareness. Adding humor, they explore conspiracy theories about Bill Gates, such as brain chips and fluoride blocking the pineal gland, and delve into the ethics of his philanthropy, declining birth rates, and aging populations.

Please consider supporting us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/unofficialofficialstory

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Aaron is a stand-up comedian and a podcast host. He hosts the show “Putting Up with Aaron Michael Marsh.”

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://www.thestreet.com/personalities/bill-gates-net-worth-exactly-how-much-of-his-wealth-has-he-given-away

https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/bill-gates-vaccinations-depopulation/

https://www.ccn.com/is-bill-gates-really-the-great-guy-you-think-he-is/

https://www.ccn.com/bill-gates-conspiracy-theorists-might-not-be-as-crazy-as-you-think/

And we watched this video: https://wakeupsheeple.net/bill-gates-is-pure-evil/

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 Violet Chen

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

Edited and Produced by Koji Steven Sakai

Elucidity is out

STARRING: Lynn Chen, Dwayne Perkins, and Dante Basco

Fascinated by nightmares, journalist Jessica Suzuki pursues the truth behind a popular vivid dreaming app. Lucidity allows users to experience their wildest dreams and beyond, but Jessica discovers that for some users, it’s just the beginning of their worst nightmare.

CREATED BY: Koji Steven Sakai & Emily Brauer Rogers

WRITERS: Koji Steven Sakai, Emily Brauer Rogers, Isabelle Liang, Cheryl Tsai Perez, Jenny May Padget, Arianna Geneson

DIRECTOR: Jenny May Padget

Download it wherever you normally download your podcasts.

S4E4 Octopuses are Aliens with Comedian Ben Gleib

Join comedian and actor Ben Gleib on a wild and whimsical adventure through the animal kingdom and the bizarre world of conspiracy theories in this hilarious podcast eapisode. From debating animal alter-egos and sharing outrageous anecdotes about sedated lions at the San Diego Wildlife Park, to delving into some of the wackiest conspiracy theories, including the notion that octopuses are aliens, Ben brings his signature humor and thought-provoking insights. The episode also explores octopus intelligence, their advanced nervous systems, and unique abilities, blending comedy with biology and imaginative theories. Along the way, Ben shares personal experiences with online hate and offers advice on handling negativity. Don’t miss this rollercoaster of laughter, science, and speculative fiction that promises to keep you hooked from start to finish.

Please consider supporting us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/unofficialofficialstory

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Ben Gleib’s one of the lead anchors on The Young Turks. You may have seen his acclaimed stand up specials The Mad King and Neurotic Gangster. He’s the host of the Emmy nominated brainteaser game show Idiotest that you might have seen on Netflix or currently on Game Show Central, and for seven years he was one of the stars of Chelsea Lately with Chelsea Handler. He’s done over 400 episodes of TV and his online views are now over half a billion.

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://octopus.org.nz/content/dna-proves-octopuses-are-aliens

https://cordis.europa.eu/article/id/123479-trending-science-do-octopuses-come-from-outer-space

https://www.opb.org/article/2022/03/29/want-to-study-how-aliens-might-think-look-to-the-octopus/

https://www.quora.com/What-s-your-theory-on-octopuses-being-aliens

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/03/not-so-alien-biologist-busts-myths-and-explores-enigma-of-the-octopus

And we all read/listened to this episode on NPR: https://www.npr.org/2022/03/30/1089748972/what-octopus-minds-may-tell-us-about-aliens

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 Koji Steven Sakai

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

Edited and Produced by Koji Steven Sakai