Always Drink The Good Stuff!

Anthony Rahayel of No Garlic No Onions joins me for a fascinating and heartfelt conversation about Lebanon, Middle Eastern food, hospitality and culture. Anthony has become one of the leading voices showcasing the authentic food culture of Lebanon and the Middle East through his videos, storytelling and travels across Lebanon, Dubai, Europe, the United States and Canada. In this episode we discuss...

In this episode, we sit down with Toshio Ueno—Sake Samurai, Master of Sake, Master Sake Sommelier, and WSET Sake Educator—making him the only person in the world to hold all three titles, along with the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines. We dive into everything you’ve always wanted to know about sake—but were afraid to ask. From breaking common myths to exploring how sake pairs not just with sushi but...

In this episode, we’re joined by Sona Movsesian — author, comedian, and co-host of Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend. We talk about her journey working with Conan O'Brien, the evolution of her role from assistant to on-air personality, and the Armenia trip that helped reconnect her with her heritage. We also dive into Armenian culture in Los Angeles, her support for Armenian causes, and the humor and p...

A wonderful conversation with Guillemette Ferrando of Famille Isabel Ferrando in Châteauneuf-du-Pape . Guillemette and her mother, acclaimed winemaker Isabel Ferrando , are currently featured on the cover of the March issue of Wine Spectator — one of the highest recognitions in the wine world. We talked about how Isabel founded the winery, the philosophy behind their elegant house style, the Rhône...

We had a wonderful and honest conversation with Aram Deirmenjian of Kiamie Wine Cellars in Paso Robles. Aram shares the full story behind Kiamie — how the winery started, why they chose Paso Robles, and what makes the Paso wine culture so unique. We dive into his evolution as a winemaker, how his wines have matured over time, and how Paso Robles itself has transformed into one of California’s most...

In this episode, we sit down with Varinder Sahi , Owner & Winemaker of Copia Vineyards in Paso Robles , for a candid and deeply human conversation about land, heritage, and the unlikely path that led him to world-class winemaking. Born in Punjab and raised within thirteen generations of Indian farming tradition, Varinder shares how the philosophy that “land is like mother” continues to guide e...

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Ara Dabandjian , founder, arranger, and musical director of Element Band , for a deep, thoughtful, and truly inspiring conversation about music, culture, and legacy. Founded in 2005, Element Band has become a cornerstone of the Armenian music scene in Los Angeles, known for reimagining traditional Armenian songs in a way that feels both nostalgic an...

🎙️ Always Drink the Good Stuff! Podcast – Featuring Vander (Von) Kochar Filmmaker, Writer & Philosopher In this episode of Always Drink the Good Stuff! , I sit down with award-winning filmmaker, writer, and philosopher Vander (Von) Kochar — a visionary creator whose work challenges the limits of narrative and thought. Von’s films are known for blending magical realism with daring social commen...

🎙️ Always Drink the Good Stuff! Podcast – Featuring Larry Schaffer of tercero wines & The Rhone Rangers 🍷 This week, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Larry Schaffer — Owner & Winemaker of tercero wines and President of the Board of Directors for The Rhone Rangers . Larry’s knowledge and passion for Rhône varietals is matched only by his commitment to educating and inspiring wine lo...

On today’s episode, we welcome Chris Caruso of Chris Caruso Wines , a passionate winemaker from California’s Santa Barbara County . Chris shares his inspiring journey into wine — his second career , much like so many who fall deeply in love with wine and turn that passion into a calling. We talk about his early experiences, his apprenticeship under the renowned winemaker Paul Lato , and how that m...

Episode: Building a Legacy — The Armenian American Museum with Berdj Karapetian In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Berdj Karapetian , Executive Chairman of the Armenian American Museum , to talk about a vision decades in the making. Berdj shares his remarkable story — born in Armenia and raised in Los Angeles — and how his life journey led him to spearhead one of the most important cultura...

This Week on the Always Drink the Good Stuff! Podcast This week’s episode was an absolute treat — a wonderfully fun and insightful conversation with Richard Bravo of Scenic & Emerald Cruises . We talked about everything that makes travel magical: cruising through Europe , discovering hidden gems in Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Mosel River , savoring fine food and wine , and exploring ports of c...

Welcome to another episode of Always Drink the Good Stuff! Today, I had the privilege of sitting down with George Saikali , the President and CEO of the Glendale YMCA — a man whose life story is as inspiring as the organization he leads. George takes us back to his humble beginnings in southern Lebanon , sharing how the YMCA became a turning point that helped him leave the streets and transform hi...

Today’s guest on Always Drink the Good Stuff! Podcast is someone who truly lives and breathes wine. I had the pleasure of sitting down with my good friend Herbie Monterrosa — a lifelong wine enthusiast, passionate wine salesman, dedicated traveler, and expert on both French and Italian wines. Affectionately known as the King of Italian Wines, Herbie’s journey is as inspiring as it is fascinating....

Welcome back to Always Drink the Good Stuff, where we explore the stories behind the glass and the passionate people shaping the world of wine. This week, we’re honored to welcome Vahagn Voskanyan, the force behind Zara Muradyan Wines — a remarkable Armenian winery led by his talented wife, winemaker Zara Muradyan. In this inspiring conversation, we dive into the incredible journey of Zara Muradya...

Welcome back to Always Drink the Good Stuff where we dive deep into the stories behind the flavors and the people who bring them to life. Today, we’re thrilled to sit down with Ara Zada: chef, author, TV personality, and social media creator whose bold, heartfelt approach to Armenian and Middle Eastern cuisine has captured the attention of food lovers everywhere. In this episode, Ara takes us on a...

What Do Chiropractors and Cigars Have in Common? Relief. On this episode of Always Drink the Good Stuff!, we sit down with Dr. Garo Bouldoukian— a chiropractor who followed his other passion for cigars and founded Garo Cigars. From healing pain to crafting pleasure, his journey is as bold as his smokes! We asked him everything—from what drew him to medicine, to what lit the flame for cigars, and h...

In this episode of Always Drink the Good Stuff!, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the incredibly dedicated and talented winemaker Greg Nemet, co-owner of Kareen Wines. Greg shares his family's fascinating journey—from Armenian roots in Georgia and Russia to building a life (and a wine label) in the U.S. We dive into how his winemaking style is evolving, explore the exciting new vineyards he...

In this episode of Always Drink the Good Stuff!, we sit down with the incredibly talented Kev Orkian – a British-Armenian comedian, musician, and actor. Kev opens up about his upbringing, sharing the unique experience of growing up in a close-knit Armenian family in London. He reflects on his journey, starting with music before transitioning into comedy, and how these two passions have shaped his...

In this episode, I had the incredible honor of sitting down with Vahe Berberian, a multi-talented Armenian artist, comedian, painter, novelist, and storyteller. Known for his captivating work that blends humor, cultural reflection, and artistic mastery, Vahe shares his unique perspective on life, creativity, and the power of storytelling. From his artistic journey to his insights on the intersecti...

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Adam Kablanian is a tech entrepreneur, wine entrepreneur, philanthropist humanitarian, and the owner of Alexandrea Winery in Armenia #AdamKablanian #AlexandreaWinery #viragelogic #Infosys

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Victoria Arslanian is a trailblazing winery owner and winemaker who knows what it takes not only to put her winery on the world map but also the entire Armenian wine industry. Hear her story and the story of Armas wines.

A Pioneering Craft Distiller, Melkon Khosrovian is the co-founder and spirits maker at Greenbar Distillery, Los Angeles’s first distillery since Prohibition and maker of a growing portfolio of organic spirits and non-alcoholic cocktails. Learn how it was a graduate class in journalism that introduced him to his future wife and the rest as they say is in the bottle!