Backyards of Key West Podcast with Mark Baratto

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Carol Wightman, one of the owners of the famed Marquesa Hotel to discuss, what it takes to run a successful hotel, some famed guests that have stayed at the hotel, and what the "hotel life" in Key West really looks like. Be on the listen for Carol's favorite places to dine (besides Cafe Marquesa), and some of her other local favorites. More on The Hotel...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down to get interviewed on the Living In Key West Podcast, with Stephanie & Greg. We talk about my career path and how I became an artist and the genesis of the Backyards of Key West brand. More on the Living In Key West Podcast We are so excited to bring you island life via podcast. On our show we'll keep you caught up on what's happening in Key West, what the r...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Gallery 1:11 owner, Leigh Daniel. We talk about her new gallery, the types of artists she curates, and why she moved the gallery to Key West. More about Gallery 1:11 Gallery 111 is unlike any art gallery you've ever seen. The inspirational and cutting-edge art will both excite your imagination and soothe your soul, while the cozy, intimate space will in...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Chris D'Ignazi and Patrick Miller, the owners of Eaton Good.  We talk about the variety of restaurants they used to own, their love for cooking with fire, and what makes their restaurant stand out. More on Eaton Good Wood-Fired Caribbean American Food located in Old Town Key West. Specializing in Wood-Fired Rotisserie Jerk Chicken, Smoked Meats, and Bar...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Ariel Willis, the creator of Southernmost Arcades.   We talk about how Ariel grew up in Key West, her fond memory of games and the toy store here on the island, and how she is reviving that love one game at a time :) More on Southernmost Arcades Key West Exclusive Souvenirs & Novelty Toys!  Amusement machine Sales, Repairs, & Rentals Company.  Website: ...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Courtney Howard, the owner of Cocoplum Island Salon and Plant Babe. We talk about how Courtney expanded her salon business by adding all her favorite things in one place. More on Cocoplum Island Salon & Plant Babe Hi there! I'm Courtney, and I've always been a creative mind. Life is more bright and fun sharing that connection with others. Sitting in my...

In this follow up interview from his first one years ago, Mark Baratto sits down with Scott Saunders, the CEO, and creator of Fury Water Adventures Key West. We talk about how the business did during the COVID lockdown, how the business has evolved for the better, and future plans for Fury. More about Fury Water Adventures Key West Key West's most popular attraction is the crystal blue waters surr...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with famed artists D. Arthur Wilson and Lisa Wilson of Wilson Signature Collection Fine Art Gallery. We talk about how they both got started on their art journey and the origin of Rhupert by D. Arthur. More about D. Arthur Willson Embarking in the fourth decade on his artistic journey, D. Arthur Wilson constantly marvels at the adventure his life has become....

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Anna Turowska, the creator of Effortless Creations. We talk about how she we from working with a wedding planner to making the jump and started her own business. More on Effortless Creations Website:   https://www.effortless-creations.com/ Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/effortlesscreationsinfo/ Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/Effortless-Cre...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with husband and wife Real Estate duo, Stephanie & Greg. We talk about how they are using TikTok to grow their business, their new podcast, and how giving more than asking, is always a winning strategy. More on The Little Island Group We are Greg and Stephanie.  A couple of Florida natives and Real Estate Agents living out our island dreams in the Florida Ke...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Brandie, the Director of Effusion Gallery Key West. We talk about how Brandie got started in the art world and how she helped open Effusion Gallery in Key West. About Effusion Gallery EFFUSION GALLERY originated in 2004 in the historic Art Deco District of Miami Beach, in the heart of South Beach and its famed Ocean Drive. In 2013 a second location was...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Kyle Carter to talk about his newest island festival called, "Key Western Fest." We also talk about the lineup for RokIsland Fest and the festival that started it all, Mile 0 Fest. RokIsland Fest:   Jan 17 - 21 Mile 0 Fest:   Jan 23 - 28 Key Western Fest:   Jan 31 - Feb 4 More on RokIsland Fest Dates:  Jan 17 - 21 Website:   https://www.rokislandfest.co...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Denise Boudreau to talk about her annual retreat in Key West to rediscover the spark within yourself. We talk about how overworking and a mini-stroke caused Denise to battle bout of depression, and how the skills she learned to pull herself out, she now teaches in her retreats. More on Unlocked Unlocked: Leading & Living with Soul The ultimate retreat f...

In going through all of my podcast episodes before the New Year, there is one that stands out as a favorite interview I've done and also a favorite by many listeners. I think the story behind Fury Water Adventures is almost as amazing as how Scott Saunders turned his life around with one single moment. In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Scott Saunders, the CEO, and creator of Fury Water...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Tyler Steigelman on the WorthWhile Spotlight podcast for my first time on the hot seat for a full length interview. We talk about my first job out of college, living in NYC, starting a career as a full-time trader, and the birth of the Backyards of Key West brand. More on Mark Baratto I have worked with startups, created my own company, been part of bus...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Captain Brad of Restless Native Charters. We talk about exploring Key West by sea, all of its offerings, and why a week-long trip at sea will be an unforgettable experience. More on Restless Native Charters Private Sailing Charter to adventurous locations around Key West, aboard one of our luxurious Catamarans. Enjoy the most beautiful sunsets in the wo...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the creator of Wild Function Fitness, Trenton Bennett. We talk about how his fitness journey began, his time in the Navy, and how he almost died cleaning the inside of water towers. More on Wild Function Fitness Trenton Bennett is the founder of Wild Function Fitness and your functional movement coach. He loves exploring physical limitations and new pra...

For this week, I decided to replay a fan favorite for all to enjoy... again!! In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Len Johnson, the co-owner of  Better Than Sex - A Dessert Restaurant , to talk about where Len's wife Dani gets her inspiration as head baker, and how she "tested" her recipes on all their dinner guests. We talk about the genius behind the restaurant's name (it was all Dani's...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Pier One Yacht owner, Mike Mullinger and Scott, the owner of Bluesail Vacation Yachts & Sailing Academy ( previous episode here ). We talk about the benefits of having a Yacht brocker and the partnership between them and Bluesail. More on Pier One Yacht Sales Pier One Yacht Sales has multiple offices on the Southwest Florida coast with a charter divisio...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with brand creator and soul searcher, Tyler Steigelman. We talk about how Tyler sold everything he owned to travel around the country to meet interesting people and build his brand, WorthWhile. More on the WorthWhile Brand WorthWhile Brand is a movement that stands for you as an individual and for humanity as a whole. We envision a world of positivity, love,...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Maggie Montoya, the co-founder of Milagro Restaurant & Bar. We talk about how Maggie and her husband Kevin (the head chef) got started in the business, how Kevin's Mexican heritage influences his food creations, and why they moved their restaurant from Big Pine Key, to Key West. More on Milagro Restaurant & Bar A Key West restaurant with a passion for f...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Brian Fields and Michelle Tafova (AKA B-Man & Mi-Shell). We talk about how they both got their start in music, their love for Trop Rock, and how they are living their dream life down here in Key West. *Intro and Outro music provided by B-Man & Mi-Shell. More on B-Man & Mi-Shell Brian Fields & Michelle Tafoya, who go by the band name B-Man & mi-Shell, li...

This is a recap episode of my very first episode here in Key West talking about Fantasy Fest.  I wanted to release this episode for the last weekend of Fantasy Fest, so you all could learn more about this week long party that happens every year in Key West! In our first episode, Mark Baratto speaks with Nadene Grossman Orr who handles all of the planning for Fantasy Fest, the Annual Key West Songw...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Real Estate experts Angela McChesney and Jenny Perry (AKA the Key West Sisters). We talk about everything from the 2020 boom to the rental market to how the market is doing now... to how they really aren't sisters :) More on Key West Sisters Angela a third generation and Jenny a fourth generation "Conch", both born and raised in Key West and have been f...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Event & Brand Partner expert, Brandie Weaver. We talk about how she started out in the event business in Oklahoma and how she took a career step backwards to take 10 steps forward. More on Brandie Weaver I eat, sleep, and breathe brand partnerships and events! I fell in love working with brands 15 years ago and since then I have sold over 4 million doll...