Thirsty Bandit - Strategy Sessions

In this episode, Corey and Rachel explore the enduring power of physical media, the importance of cultural endurance for brands, and how hospitality can serve as a vehicle for meaningful connections. Our guest, Mike DaRe, shares insights on brand relevance, the impact of technology, and the value of authentic experiences. About Our Guest: Mike DaRe is President of Smarts US, a global public relati...

In this episode of Strategy Sessions , Corey and Rachel chat with Irene Squizzato, founder of Curiosity Roads, to explore how travel can be one of the most powerful ways to understand a region through its people, culture, food, wine, and traditions. They discuss the art of bespoke travel, the importance of creating authentic and deeply personal experiences, and the parallels between Curiosity Road...

In this episode of Strategy Sessions, Corey and Rachel dive into the growing importance of non-alcoholic (NA) options within the hospitality industry. With the rise of NA offerings, many establishments are rethinking their beverage programs to ensure inclusivity and enhance the overall experience for all guests.

We champion eating locally, but why don't we think about drinking locally in the same way? In this episode of Strategy Sessions , we sit down with Maryam Ahmed, founder of Maryam + Company, to explore the ideas behind her Bon Appétit op-ed article, “We Champion Eating Locally. Why Not Drinking Local?” We discuss why local wine and beverage producers often struggle to gain the same visibility as lo...

In this episode,Corey and Rachel celebrate 30 episodes of their podcast, delve into the history and relevance of the Judgment of Paris, and explore the evolving landscape of the wine industry, emphasizing regional diversity, climate impacts, and industry challenges. Key topics include: History and significance of the Judgment of Paris Impact of climate change on wine regions Emerging wine regions...

In this episode, Corey and Rachel interview Geoffrey Toffetti, CEO of Frontline Performance Group, about the evolving role of technology in hospitality. They explore how to balance high-tech solutions with human touch, scale operations effectively, and leverage AI for personalized guest and employee experiences. Key topics covered: The role of technology in enhancing guest experience Scaling hospi...

In this episode of Strategy Sessions, Corey Krejcik and Rachel Brown explore the art of creating memorable guest experiences in wine tasting and hospitality. They discuss the importance of storytelling, emotional design, pacing, and genuine enthusiasm to leave lasting impressions and foster customer loyalty. Key takeaways: Guests remember how you made them feel more than technical details. Storyte...

In the world of hospitality, service standards and procedures are essential for maintaining brand integrity and ensuring consistency. But what happens when you find yourself in a situation that requires flexibility? How do you know when to adhere strictly to the rules and when to bend them for the sake of exceptional guest experiences? In this episode, Corey and Rachel discuss how to navigate the...

Collaboration is often misunderstood in creative industries. It is not merely about working together; it is about creating mutual benefits and shared investment. In this episode, Corey and Rachel chat with Sydney Welch, co-founder of The Maker's Table, to discuss the power of true collaboration and why it involves all parties contributing something meaningful. In their model, guests are not just a...

In this episode, Corey and Rachel chat with Dr. Kimberly McGlonn to discuss the intersection of ethical leadership, purpose-driven business, and social responsibility, emphasizing the importance of morality, emotional literacy, and vulnerability in leadership. The conversation explores how hospitality brands can align profit with purpose and create cultures where people and communities thrive. Key...

Corey and Rachel chat with executive coach and leadership advisor David Dressler about the power of daily rituals and how small, intentional practices can create clarity, structure, and momentum in both life and work. Drawing from his experience co-founding Tender Greens and coaching high-performing founders and executives, David shares how rituals act as anchors in an otherwise chaotic day, helpi...

Corey and Rachel chat with author, professor, wine writer, and historian Rod Phillips on the cultural impact of wine and how it evolved into a social staple over the centuries, influencing gatherings and community. Key takeaways from the podcast include: Fom ancient rituals to modern gatherings, wine has been central to social interactions. The post-war boom established wine as a staple in family...

Corey and Rachel explore the role of emotional design in creating memorable hospitality experiences with Dr. Teresa Alaniz, focusing on how emotions influence customer choices and brand loyalty. Topics covered include: The role of emotions in product and service design Strategies to expand emotional vocabulary for better design The impact of emotional triggers on customer loyalty Balancing functio...

In this episode of Strategy Sessions, Corey and Rachel discuss the importance of human connection in the wine and hospitality industry. They explore how recent trends, including Mark Cuban's investment in experiential events, highlight a shift towards face-to-face engagement. The conversation emphasizes the need for hiring staff with emotional intelligence, creating memorable experiences through s...

Corey and Rachel reflect on their journey through 20 episodes, discussing the importance of customer engagement strategies in the wine and hospitality industries. They explore various aspects such as showcasing authenticity through social media, the role of user-generated content, the impact of influencers, and the effectiveness of email marketing. The conversation also highlights the significance...

Corey and Rachel unwrap their very own holiday gift guide—curated from this season’s standout guests and packed with ideas for every food, wine, and entertaining enthusiast. From one-of-a-kind experiences to playful apparel, must-read books, and clever wine gadgets, this festive episode is guaranteed to spark your gift-giving spirit. Featured Gifts: Enoteca: Simple, Delicious Recipes in the Italia...

Corey and Rachel engage in a lively discussion with Stephen Thompson, founder of Weld Manufacturing. They explore the importance of quality merchandise in the hospitality industry, the evolution of Weld, and how to create non-gimmicky branded goods that enhance the guest experience. The conversation also delves into the balance between trends and timelessness in merchandise, the significance of re...

Corey and Rachel chat with Natalie Hope McDonald and explore her multifaceted journey as an artist, discussing the various sources of her creative inspiration, the importance of rituals and environment in her creative process, and her upcoming projects. The conversation emphasizes the significance of being present, embracing solitude, and finding inspiration 'in the wild' as means to foster creati...

Corey and Rachel engage with Joseph Quintela, the director of operations for SPB Hospitality, Amada and Village Whiskey by Chef Jose Garces. They discuss the nuances of hospitality, the balance between operational efficiency and guest experience, and the importance of team dynamics in the restaurant industry. Joseph shares his journey in hospitality, insights on defining great hospitality, and the...

Corey and Rachel chat with Suzanne Hasz, founder of Hudson Trailer Co., about the growth potential of mobile retail and seasonal pop-up experiences for wineries, exploring how evolving consumer behaviors are driving brands to meet audiences wherever they are. She highlights why design and branding are crucial for turning mobile units into “moving billboards” and social media magnets, shares insigh...

Corey and Rachel discuss the significance of buying local, particularly in the context of the wine and hospitality industries. They explore the benefits of farmers markets, the importance of connecting with local producers, and the economic impact of supporting local suppliers. The conversation also addresses common misconceptions about local wine quality and emphasizes the need for open communica...

Rachel and Corey discuss the intersection of AI and the wine and hospitality industries, particularly focusing on how AI can enhance guest experiences while maintaining the human touch. Dustin Engel, founder and principal consultant at Elegant Disruption, shares insights on the importance of personalization, the role of AI in streamlining operations, and the balance between automation and authenti...

Corey and Rachel chat with Canadian sommelier and owner of CRUSHABLE Wine Club , Laura Batten, to discuss the complexities and challenges facing the wine industry. They explore themes of authenticity, communication, and the need to challenge the status quo. The discussion highlights the importance of changing perceptions about wine, encouraging consumers to embrace local products, and the value of...

Corey and Rachel chat with Ed Feuchuk, General Manager of Tank Garage Winery, to dive into what makes Tank one of the most unconventional and exciting players in the wine world. From their entire portfolio of one-off bottlings that constantly push creative boundaries, to the community they’ve built through their MADE Club, Tank thrives on breaking the mold. Ed shares how authenticity, storytelling...

Corey and Rachel discuss the success of Chaddsford Winery's "Adult Trick-or-Treat" program, which has become a masterclass in experiential marketing. They explore how the program effectively combines novel food and wine pairings, unique seasonality, and educational elements to create memorable customer interactions. Corey highlights the four key aspects of what makes this program so impactful: imm...