Served Up

Jhonny Ramos, brand ambassador for Abasolo and Nixta, shares the rich legacy of Mexican corn spirits, going beyond the glass to tell a story of culture, innovation and pride. With deep respect for tradition combined with a modern edge, he reveals what it means to represent Mexico on the spirits stage

Dolph Lundgren, actor & founder of Hard Cut Vodka, opens up about the grit behind launching his new spirit, blending his action hero discipline with sharp business instincts. He shares how his love for clean, uncompromising spirits mirrors his approach to life - focused, intense, and unapologetically authentic. From Hollywood sets to handcrafted distilling, Dolph proves that strength isn'...

Daniel de Oliveira, the Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits of Illinois Product Education Manager, shares his expertise in educating teams in the beverage industry. He shares the importance of knowledge and how effective beverage programs can drive success

Allison Parc, founder of Brenne French Single Malt Whisky, shares her incredible journey from professional ballerina to creating a whiskey brand in Cognac, France. With humor and passion, Allison talks about the challenges and triumphs of her beautiful (and sometimes anxiety-inducing!) career path

Chris Cardone, founder of Continuous Beverage Solutions, shares his expertise as a hospitality consultant and mixologist, offering insights into the evolving beverage industry. He discusses the innovative strategies behind his successful beverage programs and how to enhance the guest experience

Kyle Williams and Kamal Carter, Chief Empowerment Officer & President respectively of A Long Talk, discuss their mission to have an anti-racist at every dinner table to spark important conversations about race and equity. They share insights into how their initiatives are fostering open dialogue & creating lasting change in communities. Kyle & Kamal also reflect on the challenges they&...

Antonio Rodriguez, Master Distiller and Senior VP of Production for Weber Ranch Vodka, gives us an inside look into the art of crafting his agave-based vodka, his adventures in the spirit industry, and what makes Weber Ranch special in the red hot category of agave spirits

Ninotchka "Nino" Gandulla, National Ambassador of Innovation Mixables for Casa Lumbre Spirits, shares her passion for agave and the intersection of tradition and modern influence in the spirit industry. Her efforts are creative, educational, and immersed in the modern evolution of Mexican spirits of all kinds

Mike Winters, founder & CEO of Quintaliza Tequila, shares his inspiration behind this groundbreaking fusion of coffee and tequila flavors, and how his approach is redefining the agave spirits industry

Jessica Pettitt, author and social justice warrior, along with celebrated guest co-host Kyle McHugh, unpack Project 2025 - exploring its mission, message, and Jessica's efforts to make it understandable for all. Jess addresses systemic inequality, the challenges & efforts needed to come together to defend freedoms for all, and discusses the intersection of advocacy, inclusivity, and activ...

Alejandro López, Winemaker and Technical Director of Bodegas Beronia in Spain, sits down with special guest host Master Sommelier Serafin Alvarado for an in depth discussion about his work crafting wines that capture the terroir and essence of the Rioja region This episode is presented in Alejandro's native Spanish

Julieann Fernandez, Master Blender for Bunnahabhain, Deanston, Tobermory, & Ledaig Single Malt Scotch whiskies, takes us behind the scenes of her process, sharing her expertise on the combination of art & science in blending Scotch whisky. She shares her journey through the whisky world, how she tries to balance innovation and tradition, and what makes a truly exceptional whisky

Paul Sauter, a leading mind in the beverage world, tells the story of his journey from passion to profession, revealing how his mother's influence continues to shape his process. With insights into his innovative approach to mixology and the future of the industry, Paul offers a refreshing perspective on the artistry behind every drink

Amanda Blue, President of The Tasting Alliance, shares her experience as the head of the company her trailblazing father founded, and her vision for the future of the beverage world. She shares the pivotal role her organization plays in shaping drink trends, recognizing excellence, and driving innovation

Gina Fossitt, founder of Dandelion Bev Ed and co-founder of Sip. Central, takes us through her unique journey that led her to create the first ever Canadian Whiskey certification program. She also shares insights into her ventures and how she continues to shake up the beverage industry

Josh Davis, founder of Brown & Balanced, shares tough challenges and making life-changing decisions that led to the creation of Brown & Balanced. He also gives us the inside scoop on his upcoming podcast, packed with real talk and fresh perspectives

Charlotte Voisey, Executive Director of Tales of the Cocktail, reflects on her journey through the beverage industry. She discusses 18 years in the drink advocacy world, her new role as Executive Director, and her ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive space for diverse voices in the industry. Our comprehensive talk offers a rare glimpse into her incredible career that has led her to bein...

Philip Raimondo, Director of On Premise National Accounts for Proximo Spirits, shares his distinguished career in the beverage industry. With decades of experience dedicated to the art of hospitality, Philip shares invaluable insights on what it takes to foster exceptional service and build lasting relationships within the hospitality world

Ivan Saldaña, Master Distiller & Chief of Innovation at Casa Lumbre, shares his journey in the world of agave and his groundbreaking approach to crafting exceptional spirits. He shares how tradition and innovation come together in his work, and what the future holds for the brands he's helping to steward, as well as the spirits industry altogether

Amy Lukken, Tito’s Handmade Vodka's Chief Joyologist, shares the heart of joy and creativity behind one of America's favorite brands. Amy shares her unique perspective on what it means to be a "Joyologist", explaining how she integrates joy into Tito's culture and community initiatives spanning all over the world

Stephen Halpin, a beverage trade advocate veteran, shares his passion and knowledge as we explore his personal journey and rich history within the beverage industry. Stephen shares how a nudge from his grandfather in Ireland created a pivotal moment that ignited his lifelong passion for hospitality

Mel Heim & Ben Falcone, CEO & Partner respectively behind Big Nose Kate Western Whiskey, dive into the history and creation of both the liquid and the brand bearing Kate's name, uncovering how the makers draw from both stories of the wild west frontier and modern distilling techniques to create a product that's as unique as its namesake

Matt Hemmings & Brian Thomason, founders of Sunshine Punch, take us into the creation and journey of their delicious orange cream drink. They share the inspiration behind Sunshine Punch from the vision of creating a fun, delicious drink that evokes feeling of nostalgia to their commitment to quality and bold flavors. With a shared love for music, they often gathered around a fire to jam, unwin...

Joel Blum, the co-founder of the LA Spirits Awards & High Spirits Awards, is proud to celebrate the incredible talent, craftsmanship, and passion that go into every bottle of spirits. Joel talks about his love for the talented judges and colleagues he works with, and how honored he is to recognize the excellence and effort behind every pour

Mark Chaplin, Executive Vice President, Commerical Sales for Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, shares his leadership philosophy and the core values that drive both business success and team cohesion. Mark emphasizes the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and empowerment in achieving organizational growth. Through his experiences, Mark advocates that strong relationships and a family...