Bar Talking Talking Bar
Podcast sharing stories of Bartenders, Brands & Ambassadors, Hospitality Pros & Cocktail Lovers in NYC
Episodes
50 episodes
NY Cocktail Expo Founder: Matthew Kourie's Journey
What happens when a master sound engineer and music producer trades the studio for the spirits world? You get the NY Cocktail Expo—and its visionary founder, Matthew Kourie.In this special episode of Bar Talking Talking Bar, we sit down...
From School Counselor to Bartender: Steven "Kiwi" Ferreira's Journey to Creating Mi Pana Mamajuana
What does it take to go from rolling silverware to becoming one of NYC's most respected bartenders? In this episode of Bar Talking Talking Bar, we sit down with Steven Ferreira, aka Kiwi, a Queens-born bartender whose journey through the hospit...
How Rudy Manzur Went from Barback to Bar Owner: Mistakes, Operations & Running Aftermath NYC
What happens when a criminal justice student trades textbooks for cocktail shakers?Meet Rudy Manzur—Dominican-born, NYC-made, and the owner-operator of Aftermath, a beloved neighborhood bar in Ridgewood, NY.Rudy's path wasn't li...
From Vet Tech to LEAD BARTENDER: How MENTORSHIP & MENTAL HEALTH Changed Everything
In this episode of Bar Talking Talking Bar we sit down with NATASHA ARCE, BAR MANAGER at SOMEDAY BAR in BROOKLYN, to talk about the journey from being a vet technician to becoming a NYC's LEAD BARTENDER—and the MENTAL HEALTH breakthrough that m...
Crafting Space: The Elite Hospitality and Cultural Legacy of Michael Aredes
What happens when you combine elite dining hospitality with unapologetic queer joy? You get the revolutionary world of Michael Aredes.In this episode of Bar Talking Talking Bar, we sit down with Michael Aredes (@MICHAEL.TR4VIESO), the c...
They Said She Didn't Have "The Look." Now Elaine bartends at NYC's Top Bars.
What does it take to survive in New York City when you have nothing but a dream? This is the unflinching story of Elaine Romero.Born in Brooklyn but raised in Puebla, Mexico, Elaine returned to NYC at 18, alone, to pursue an education. Inst...
Military Discipline, Bartending Hustle: How Neil Flores Conquered 3 North America's 50 Best Bars
How does a military become one of New York City's most accomplished bartenders, working at three of North America's 50 Best Bars at the same time? This is the unfiltered story of Niel Flores.In this powerful episode of Bar Talking Talki...
A Swiss Bartender's Global Journey to Bacardi's Agave Expert, Sam Willy's Path in NYC
What does it take to leave your home behind and build a name for yourself in the most competitive hospitality city in the world? In this episode of Bar Talking Talking Bar, we uncover the incredible personal story of Sam Willy, a man whose jour...
Erin Birmingham: Fashion Roots Fuel Craft Cocktail Passion & Hospitality Leadership
In this episode of BAR TALKING TALKING BAR, we sit down with Erin Gabriella Birmingham, the multi-talented General Manager and Beverage Director of Thyme Bar, one of NYC's speakeasies.Join us as we explore Erin's incredible journey from...
Hospitality Sales & Photography with Alejandro Olivas-Castillo
Welcome back to Bar Talking Talking Bar! In this episode, we sit down with Alejandro Olivas-Castillo—Brand Lead at Edrington (producers of The Macallan & more)—to dive into the world of hospitality sales, brand ambassad...
Gerardo “G” Bustamante — From Mexico City to Harlem: Identity & Bartending Hustle
Gerardo Bustamante — born in Mexico City, raised in Harlem, and shaped by summers in Miahuatlán, Oaxaca where his family produces mezcal. In this episode of Bar Talking Talking Bar, Gerardo, or "...
Ryan Foley | Driving the BARTENDER Magazine Legacy Forward
Ryan Foley, publisher of BARTENDER® Magazine, joins Bar Talking Talking Bar for a deeply personal episode about legacy, hospitality, and the duty of carrying a family brand forward. Hear Ryan reflect on childhood memories as the son of Ray Fole...
Big FAMILY, Big DREAMS and Good MENTORSHIP: Felix Martin's Journey with RON DEL BARRILITO
What drives a kid from Bushwick who just wanted the latest kicks and a way to help his mom? For Felix Martin, that hustle became the foundation for an incredible career in hospitality.This week, we sit down with Felix, the Brand Ambassa...
Tattooed Cocktails: Peter Markelson's Hospitality at Drink33
In this episode, we sit down with Peter Markelson (@petergasm), the visionary Beverage Director and Partner behind the unique tattoo and cocktail parlor, Drink33. Join us as we explore Peter's journey t...
The Person Turning Ramen Into Cocktails (And It's Actually Delicious) and Viral Recipes: Jae Bae
Could your favorite bowl of ramen become your new favorite cocktail? In this episode, we sit down with the mind behind the innovative cocktail trends: Jae Bae, a New York-based recipe developer and content creator.Driven by pure cu...
Defining Legacy: Meaghan Dorman on Building Enduring Bars
We sit down with the remarkable Meaghan Dorman, a trailblazer in the NYC bar scene. Meaghan, the Bar Director & Partner at Raines Law Room & Dear Irving, shares her personal story of rising through the industry, from the moment she fell...
The New Guard: Victoria Garcia on Forging a Legacy in the World's Best Bars
For Women's History Month, we're celebrating the women who aren't just shaping the industry—they're building its future. In this episode, we sit down with Victoria Garcia, a defining voice of hospitality's "New Guard."Her story is a mas...
Lynnette Marrero: Building a Legacy That Inspires | Speed Rack, Mentorship & The New Guard
It's not often you get to sit down with a true living legend. In this deeply personal and candid conversation, we welcome the one and only Lynnette Marrero to the Bar Talking Talking Bar podcast.We moved past the ré...
From Denny's Waitress to NYC Gin Market Manager: The Unstoppable Rise of Denise Sánchez
In celebration of Women's History Month, On this episode of the Bar Talking Talking Bar Podcast, We're joined by Denise Sánchez, Market Manager for Condesa Gin in New York. Dive into a story of pure res...
José "Jay" Córdero: Crafting Bold Flavors & Heritage in New Jersey's Cocktail Scene!
Join us as we sit down with José "Jay" Córdero, a celebrated bartender with roots in NYC and Mexican heritage. Discover how Jay transitioned from NYC to New Jersey, becoming the head bartender at <...
Thomas Yeo — From Montreal’s Bon Délire to NYC Guest Shifts (What He Learned Along the Way)
Discover how Thomas Yeo, owner/co‑founder of Bon Délire and Beverage Director at Group Barroco, helped shape the Montreal cocktail scene by turning ordinary nights into memorable experiences.At Bon Délire,...
From Hustler to Head Bartender: Benjamin Zapien's Rise at NYC's Dear Irving
Join us for an INSPIRING episode of Bar Talking Talking Bar with Benjamin Zapien. From Mexico to NYC's iconic Dear Irving at Broadway, Benjamin's journey exemplifies resilience. As a trainee of the esteemed
Michael Toscano: The Pathfinder's Journey to Sober Sophistication
Discover WHY The Pathfinder Hemp and Root, with its complex, amaro-like flavor, has captivated mindful drinkers and bartenders alike. Join Michael Toscano, East Coast Director of Sales and Brand for The Pathfinder, as he un...
Meet Sam Bail: Transforming NYC's Nightlife with Bright Nights Social & Non Alcohol Culture
See HOW Sam Bail is building a supportive, alcohol-free community. NYC's legendary nightlife has always been all about the booze, but Sam Bail, the mastermind behind Bright Nights Social, is seriously shaking thing...
DRY JANUARY in NYC: Jen Collins of Aplós on Alcohol‑Optional Living & Wellness
Join Bar Talking Talking Bar with Jen Collins, Sales Director at Aplós, as we continue Dry January. From West Virginia roots and Korean heritage to selling frames, fine dining, and brand launches (Leblon in Brazil to Mezcal), Jen reveals why sh...
