Zen Tiki Lounge Podcast

Aloha, and welcome to the Zen Tiki Lounge. The Tiki Bar that lives in your head.

http://www.zentikilounge.com

For some time now I said I would start an info and discussion thread about ZTL. Finally put the mai tai down long enough to type a few words. For anyone not already a podcast listener, probably good to know what a podcast is. The official definition is "A multimedia digital file made available on the Internet for downloading to a portable media player, computer, etc." But I like to tell people that podcasts are Tivo for online music and talk shows. You can listen whenever you want, subscribe to a feed so you don't miss any of the episodes, and get to them whenever you want. Sometimes I save up a few episodes of my favorite shows for long car trips or jetting across the country to one of the many tiki shindigs. But all you need to know is that there is a podcast for everyone. If you can imagine a subject, someone is doing a podcast about it.

Listen or subscribe in iTunes, or the RSS feed of your choice
http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/zen-tiki-lounge/id128594474

Join us on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/zentikilounge

Our first ZTL podcast logo

We soon decided that each podcast would have a new picture, a place we had actually been to, bar we drank at, or submission from a listener.

Back in February of 2006 I decided to start a tiki themed podcast because my home bar just didn't get used enough. A good friend of mine, known as Pumpkin on the show, sat down with me each week and we filled up our cocktail glasses and babbled about whatever we felt like going on about. In the early days we had a few dozen listeners. And not knowing where this would go we didn't really care who was listening, as long as somebody was. About a year into recording we were pleasantly surprised that Sunshine Tiki and Pumpkin had actually gained a little bit of a following. Our tiki journey had really just begun. My thoughts and "advice" about matters of pop culture and kitsch were certainly in their infancy. As time goes on I become more and more of a true tikiphile. The rum collection is also growing quite nicely. You really can't have too many bottles. You just need to keep expanding the shelving behind the tiki bar.

An early version of the Zen Tiki Lounge. A little corner bar in what was supposed to be a formal dining room.

By Summer of 2008 Sunshine and Pumpkin could no longer keep all the shenanigans to themselves. Starshine joined us next, and by 2009 Kalani had become a regular co hostess as well.

From left to right: Kalani, Starshine, Pumpkin, Sunshine

At first Sunshine and Pumpkin (obviously not our legal names) created personas because they simply never referred to each other by name. Pet names were the norm. It stuck. As the other ladies joined us we gave everyone the opportunity to choose a character that would develop over time. Over the years we have put a lot of effort into being as sincere in our ramblings as you may expect inebriated talk show hosts would be. We say what we think and pander to no one. If we talk about something not the show, you better believe we really feel the way we speak. I think its this reason that ZTL is a very niche endeavor. Your gonna love us or never tune in again. There isn't much room for middle ground with four long time friends who could care less about offending others who don't agree with us. But, we certainly appreciate all of you out there that have come to know us over the years and all the great times we have had.

Speaking of good times! In 2008 we started hosting room parties at Tiki Oasis, Tiki Caliente and the like. The chance to invite people into the Zen Tiki Lounge, which we literally pack up and take with us. Sunshine fancies up a couple of his tasty cocktails, the music sets an exotic mood and the ladies make sure everyone is comfortable and taken care of. Let it b said that the ladies do routinely accuse Sunshine of being a slave driver with skewering garnishes and applying ample decor to the room before the guests arrive. Just ask Pumpkin about the "raffia incident" should you meet her at a party.

Throwing a party in a hotel room is challenging, but the fact that someone else cleans up is an amazing plus.

Meeting our listeners and fans is one of the highlights of recording a podcast and being able to open dialogue with hip cats all over the world. At the big tiki weekend events we invite fans into our room to record a "live" podcast. Drinks, appetizers, games, prizes and the usual shenanigans are all stirred up and become some of our favorite episodes.

As far as we're concerned we have only just begun. Everyone should turn a hobby into a way to have fun with friends. Of course, choosing a hobby that involves tropical cocktails and frequent parties does make it easier to reach people. But, spreading the Aloha spirit and joy of all that is tiki, kitsch, mid century modern and the exotic melodies we all love is what were all about. We hope you will join us by posting your own pictures and thoughts about the tiki community we all love so much. Got pic of one of our room parties? Please post them on this thread. Questions for us on the podcast? Just ask!

The shenanigans has just begun.........

http://www.zentikilounge.com

[ Edited by: Sunshine Tiki 2013-04-04 14:18 ]

It is funny that Sunshine and Pumpkin kind of look like I imagined them, but not Starshine and Kalani.

On 2012-02-15 21:46, tikiofdiscord wrote:
It is funny that Sunshine and Pumpkin kind of look like I imagined them, but not Starshine and Kalani.

thats what people say. People seem to think Starshine is much taller, but her hair color changes monthly. You never know what your gonna get.

Love listening in on your conversations via podcast! I make a drink, start of the the podcast, and you are instantly hanging out in my tiki bar with friends! Also, glad to see your faces, certainly beats what seemed to be the days of facial anonymity!

On 2012-02-20 04:17, Insanitiki wrote:
Love listening in on your conversations via podcast! I make a drink, start of the the podcast, and you are instantly hanging out in my tiki bar with friends! Also, glad to see your faces, certainly beats what seemed to be the days of facial anonymity!

As long as no one tells Pumpkin that I posted her face, everything will be just fine. :)

I've been listening to The Zen Tiki Lounge since the beginning. It's one of the most entertaining podcasts out there. The best shows are when Sunshine and Pumpkin just bitch about their week and the stupid people they had to deal with. Or, when they talk about their trips to Hawai'i and Vegas. The show is definitely more 'tiki' these days. But, my favorite episode (from many, many years ago) was about Sunshine's problem with Girl Scouts blocking the entrance to Target. I have every episode saved on my computer and iPod. (Yes, Sunshine, even the first couple of shows, which you really don't want us to listen to!)

I hope it never ends.

Mahalo to Curtis for the above post. We have a very small number of listeners who have been along for the last 6 years. Curtis is in a very small club.

He was also the first listener to make a contribution to the podcast, introducing a short series of quotes with "appropriate" pictures to help tell the story.

ZTL is as interactive as our fans want to contribute. Over the years we have developed relationships with artists, bar owners, bands, organizers, and so on. Their collective contributions help make ZTL what it is.

Hey, Sunshine, regarding the quote above....
For the life of me, I can't remember why you said that nor what you were discussing. I guess I will have to re-listen to the older shows! :)

[ Edited by: Curtis 2012-03-04 12:57 ]

Join the hosts of the Zen Tiki Lounge podcast at Tiki Caliente 4! This May 18-20 in Palm Springs, CA. You must have tickets to the event to attend. Music, food, LOTS of cocktails and room parties.

http://www.tiki-caliente.com

http://www.zentikilounge.com

Every now and then we have a recurring character that shows up on the podcast. Campari Kraken is our resident tiki bar psychic. He knows little, sees less and drinks lots. Listen to episode #245 and #241 for his latest appearances.

http://www.zentikilounge.com

Can't wait to see the taping of the show and room party at Caliente.

Party on,Zen Tiki Style

One of our favorite pics from Tiki Caliente 2. The weather was HOT, the drinks were stiff and the pool was necessary. A great time for fun in the sun.

Join us at this years Tiki Caliente 4!

http://www.tiki-caliente.com

In 2011 a listener of the podcast (Beachbum Scott) turned us on to an awesome tiki mug maker. Pop Tiki literally makes world class mugs right in their Colorado garage. Pop has been such a great friend to all of us at ZTL. He created a limited edition orange moai just for listeners of the podcast and we sold them all. Now we are working on an exclusive ZTL mug that is not only great to drink rum out of but will help continue the story of the Zen Tiki Lounge Podcast. Check out Pop Tiki and get some of their great mugs.

http://www.poptiki.com

Aloha, and welcome to the Zen Tiki Lounge podcast. Our show this week is a tribute to all that is Tiki Caliente 4. Listen to the podcast to hear music from The Sand Devils, Hula Girls, Martini Kings and Deadbeat Daddies. And, it wouldn't be a TC4 show without the Wildsville Man Rory Snyder. Rory shares some great details about the event and some insight into fabulous Palm Springs and its Hollywood history. We hope you enjoy the podcast and we can't wait to see you the ZTL room party on Friday night at TC4!

Click this link to listen and subscribe via iTunes: http://www.zentikilounge.com/2012/04/ztl-247-tiki-caliente-4-countdown-with-rory-snyder/

Or, click here to vista our site and listen to the show: http://www.zentikilounge.com

Click on the link below for a special look at Tiki Caliente 3, last May. We recorded a live show in our hotel room. Cocktails, party games and shenanigans. Are you going to be at Tiki Caliente this May 18-20? We will record another live show and you can be there! Time and details to come.

http://www.zentikilounge.com/2011/05/ztl-213-tiki-caliente-iii-live-podcast/

http://www.tiki-caliente.com

Sunshine -

Thanks for reposting!! Looking forward to Caliente!

Totally forgot we missed out on the rapture last year!

[ Edited by: ESP182 2012-04-19 14:41 ]

Just a few days till the big event. Hope to see everyone at our room party Friday at 10pm. Room 231.

Listen to our "hitting the road podcast" before heading out to the dessert.

http://www.zentikilounge.com/2012/05/ztl-249-the-road-to-tiki-caliente-4/

Interesting podcast there friends.

For those of you at Tiki Caliente May 18-20, join us in the lounge

All of us at the Zen Tiki Lounge had a blast at Tiki Caliente. Seeing all of you at the room party was the top of our weekend. We hope you listen to the Zen Tiki Lounge podcast LIVE from TC4 and join the fun each week from wherever you are.

And for the recipes to Ginger's Passion and The Luckubus.....click the link below.

http://www.zentikilounge.com

Today we spent some time adding more ambient lighting to the bar. We just might be getting ready to finally record some video of the Zen Tiki Lounge. Quick shorts of cocktails, infused rum making, mixing techniques and most likely some shenanigans. Stay tuned and cheers!

http://www.zentikilounge.com

Check out our first video of a home tiki bar visit. Sunshine, Kalani and Starshine go on tour and visit the Orange Escape, the home tiki bar of one of our most faithful listeners. Follow the link to watch and click the second link to go directly to the podcast for the full hour.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnMsIqAX88w&feature=plcp

http://www.zentikilounge.com/2012/06/ztl-253-we-find-tiki-gold-the-orange-escape/

Attention all Tiki Friends and ZTL Fans! We have declared July to be Tiki Drink Education Month. Everyday in July we will be posting short videos, podcasts, blog posts, pictures and lost more. We will start by putting up a calendar so that everyone can play along at home. Starting simple with making your own syrups, picking up a few key ingredients, then moving from simple drink to the more complex. Appetizer pairings, a little history thrown in here and there and finally reaching the end of the month when we challenge you to invite people over for a chance to show off your creations.

This will be a truly interactive experience with an opportunity for anyone to share their stories along the way.

A good starting point for anyone who doesn't already have resources in print is to pick up Beachbum Berry's AWESOME book "Remixed"

http://beachbumberry.com/bum-books/

And for those of you who prefer the electronic and interactive version, the Bums smart phone app is simply the best tiki cocktail resource ever created.

http://mixologytech.com/tikiplus/

Stay tuned for lost more details. You can always send questions directly to Sunshine tiki: [email protected]

Cheers!

This weeks podcast includes interviews from Ohana: Luau by the lake, music from Waitiki, Bamboo Saxotica, Thee Swank Bastards and the Crazed Mugs. And, get a snazzy cocktail recipe you will want to make at home.

Episode 254

http://www.zentikilounge.com

We finally started a series of videos on tiki mixology. This is the first video. Simple syrup and cinnamon syrup, and paired with a lime daiquiri.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPciuyByDE8&feature=plcp

Our new Tiki Drink How To series is getting great feedback. Give it a watch and let us know what you think.

http://www.zentikilounge.com/2012/07/tiki-drink-how-to-simple-syrup-cinnamon-syrup-lime-daiquiri/

Episode 2 in the Tiki Drink How To series. Learn how to make Sunshine's Very Spicy Rum. Always good to have behind your bar and makes a great gift anytime of year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2c5KwM6-WYw&feature=plcp

Attention all ZLT and Tiki Friends and Fans! This house with a beautiful tropical and tiki feel is up for sale. The owner would like to keep the house in the tiki family rather than see it go to someone who would strip out the lush garden and tiki elements. Check out the link. Do you or someone you know want to go to the open house Sunday 7/15 from 1pm to 5pm. Please say Sunshine Tiki sent you!

http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/3602-Avenida-Del-Sol-Studio-City-CA-91604/20032407_zpid/

Great place. I carved the tikis for the yard there but the owners will be taking those with them. Too bad.

Added our official tiki to the redesigned webpage. What should his name be?

http://www.zentikilounge.com

Thank you for playing our music on your podcast.

Check out the inspiration for our Taboo room crawl. You are going to join us at Taboo.....right?!

http://www.tiki-caliente.com

Join the hosts of ZTL podcast at Taboo. October 5-7 in Palm Springs. This one of a kind event brings the mysteries of Halloween and the kitsch of tiki together to become TABOO. Join us for our live podcast from the event and our Friday night room party. But you must have a room/pendant to get in. Hope to see you there.

http://www.tiki-caliente.com Click the link for Sales/News

Join us for our next room party. Taboo is the event, Palm Springs is the place, Oct 5-7.

http://www.zentikilounge.com

Listen to the LIVE recording of the ZTL podcast from the Taboo event. When Halloween and Tiki collide!

http://www.zentikilounge.com

This is truly one of our favorite podcasts. Sunshine, Kalani and Starshine traveled (albeit not that far) to The Desert Oasis Room. The home tki bar of Adrian Eustaquio is a Polynesian playground that any tikiphile would appreciate. You may feel that you have stepped slightly back in time to one of the now extinct tiki watering holes of the past. We had a great time sipping cocktails and chatting with Adrian and a few other tiki peeps on this episode. Click the link below to listen now. Cheers!

http://www.zentikilounge.com/2012/11/ztl-265-cocktails-and-flaming-twinkies-the-desert-oasis-room/

Our first podcast of the year makes up for lost drinking time. Sunshine mixes a very potent citrus cocktail using all the fresh grapefruits and limes that are overloading the trees here in Southern California. We play vintage vinyl exotica from Arthur Lyman and Martin Denny, give you a chance to get a free copy of the new book by Everett Peacock and much more.

http://www.zentikilounge.com/2013/01/ztl-267-the-tiki-gods-defy-mayan-apocalypse/

http://www.amazon.com/Everett-Peacock/e/B002Z3MIR8/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1357532654&sr=1-1

Airing 2/13/13 on LA Talk Radio show "The Ray Boylan Show," Sunshine Tiki was interviewed by Ray. Ray and Sunshine chat tiki of course. A little history of the Zen Tiki Lounge, its hosts and plenty of conversation about the tiki culture we all love so much. Catch the show with the link below and listen to Ray's show for lots of other tiki themed shows and interviews with artists and mixologists. Cheers!

http://latalkradio.com/archives/Boylan-021313.mp3

The Zen Tiki Lounge podcast crew is getting ready for the Spring and Summer events. You can join us at these events, try our new cocktails, be on our LIVE podcast and more!

Mojave Oasis April 12-14 in Newberry Springs, CA
http://www.mojaveoasis.com/mojaveoasis2013.html

Tiki Caliente 5 May 17-19 in Palm Springs, CA
http://www.tiki-caliente.com

The above drink is tentatively called Coco Blossom. A combination of aged light and dark rums, coconut rum, orange blossom and a few other things. It's a lightly sweet citrusy cocktail that will tickle those taste buds. Only at our room parties and room crawls at the above events.

And don't forget to catch all of our podcasts by subscribing here: http://www.zentikilounge.com

Our good friends at PopTiki are doing another limited run of Big Orange Richard, the official tiki mug of the Zen Tiki Lounge podcast. Richard is a heavyweight 24oz Moai in the fab mod orange we all love so much. Pricing is not yet locked, but between $40-45. Again, very limited run. So far only about 24 have been made in the first release. We hope to deliver in the second release May. If interested please send us a quick note to [email protected]. This will be first come first serve, so if we exceed the number that can be produced we will post an update. Only 5 more available at this time. Hurry!

Visit PopTiki to check out their other great mugs, all produced here in the U.S.A. and in small numbers with lots of love.

http://www.poptiki.com

[ Edited by: Sunshine Tiki 2013-03-06 16:48 ]

Update. Our good friends at PopTiki are doing another limited run of Big Orange Richard, the official tiki mug of the Zen Tiki Lounge podcast. Richard is a heavyweight 24oz Moai in the fab mod orange we all love so much. $45 plus shipping. Again, very limited run. So far only about 24 have been made in the first release. We hope to deliver in April. If interested please send us a quick note to [email protected]. This will be first come first serve, so if we exceed the number that can be produced we will post an update. Only 5 more available at this time. Hurry!

Zen Tiki Lounge is very proud to be organizing this years Room Crawl at Tiki Caliente 5 in Palm Springs. Stay tuned for all the details. If you have not already booked a room and or purchased wristbands to attend the event......... http://www.tiki-caliente.com

http://www.zentikilounge.com

You can see, hear, smell and taste the hosts of the Zen Tiki Lounge podcast at these two upcoming events in Southern California.

Mojave Oasis April 12-14 in the fabulous California desert
http://mojaveoasis.com/mojaveoasis2013.html

Tiki Caliente 5 May 17-19 in mid century modern Palm Springs, CA

http://www.tiki-caliente.com

I just received my Big Orange Richard mug and I really like it!

It dwarfs this Coke can.

Another small batch of Moai mugs (Big Orange Richard) have come out of the kiln and are ready for shipping to lucky owners. $45 plus shipping to most of the USA direct from PopTiki. Just $45 and skip the shipping if you are attending Tiki Caliente 5 and want to pick up at the event. Either way, send your request to [email protected] to let us know you want one before they are gone.

http://www.zentikilounge.com

Catch a guest appearance of Sunshine Tiki on this episode of Exotic Tiki Island podcast. You can also get my cocktail recipe for Coconut Mele, one of two drinks we will be serving at Mojave Oasis and Tiki Caliente this year.

http://www.exotictikiisland.com/exotic-tiki-island-podcast-with-tiki-brian-show-14/

Our latest podcast is a musical tribute to Tiki Oasis 13. You can also catch this podcast and others from Zen Tiki Lounge on SpyRate pirate radio at Tiki Oasis. Cheers and Mahalo.

Click the link to listen

http://www.zentikilounge.com/podcast/282

Sweet! Our drink recipes are in the Winter issue of Tiki Magazine and More.

http://www.tikimagazine.com

http://www.zentikilounge.com