Backyards of Key West Podcast with Mark Baratto

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Capucine Jenkins, Saatchi Art's Senior Manager of Digital Art & Curator of NFTs.  We talk about the emerging art world, what she looks for in an artists, and the direction of art in a digital world. What Is Saatchi Art? Saatchi Art is the world's leading online gallery and presenter of " The Other Art Fair ." THE BEST PLACE TO BUY ART YOU LOVE Discover...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the new owner of the Key Lime Bike Tours, Maria Gonzalez. We talk about when she first came to Key West, how we first met on podcast Episode 1, and why she decided to buy a business over a house :) More on Key Lime Bike Tours Join Key Lime Bike Tours at Key Lime Bike Tours for a historical journey around the island of Key West. We will provide you with...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with personal trainer and fitness buff, John "Shep" Shepard. We talk about how he began his fitness journey to help him overcome a childhood illness, why he stopped playing college football, and why Key West was always the perfect destination for him and his family. More on John Shepard Your future Personal trainer @ FYT Circuit class instructor Studied ex s...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with brew-master Jorge Quintana.  We talk about how a home brewing kit from his wife, started a multi-year passion that got him to where he is today. This episode is packed with a ton of nuggets from passion to persistence.   More on Cayo Hueso Brewing Located on Stock Island, the last bit of Old Key West, you will find Cayo Hueso Brewing, the brainchild of...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Courtney Loercher, the Director of Sales & Marketing of Sebago Watersports. We talk about how a 1 month trip turned into a 17 year stay in Key West with Sebago for Courtney.  We also get a behind the scenes on how this family business still keeps things feeling small, while growing leaps and bounds. More on Sebago Watersports Website:   https://keywests...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sites down with Mike Begg, the founder and CEO of AMZ Advisers, who helps manage and grow brands globally online. We talk about using some of the big box companies to help you start your business, or leverage your existing local business. More on Mike Begg and AMZ Advisers Website:   https://amzadvisers.com/ Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/amzadvisers/ Facebook...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Mila, the owner  of the Flamingo boutique & Mimosa Bar. We talk about how she got started, made some much needed adjustments, and how Mimosas made it into the mix :) More on Flamingo boutique & Mimosa Bar Sip on your Fresh Squeezed Mimosa🍹while shopping in the best women's boutique🛍 in Key West! Website:   https://www.flamingokw.com/ Instagram:   https...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down again with Coley Faircloth to talk about his new retail venture, Shrimp Road Surf Co. If you remember from a past episode, Coley is the founder of the lifestyle brand, The Grateful Diver ( found here ). More on the Shrimp Road Surf Co. Welcome to Key West's newest retail apparel store for the ocean enthusiast! We're your one-stop shop for custom shirt printi...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with artist Rafael Antonio Medina. We talk about his long history with Key West, how he found his passion for art when he was a kid, and how he finds himself ALWAYS creating. More on Rafael Medina Rafael Antonio Medina was born on May 26th, 1979 in Key West, Florida. From a very young age, he was inspired by his grandfather, Danny Acosta, who is a sign paint...

In this episode, the tables are turned as Mark Baratto sits down with podcast host Kelly Hopkins on her show The Local Side of Key West. We talk about my art and how I got started, social media, and how I started my podcast. This interview happened in the gallery right after I interviewed Kelly for my podcast ( episode found here ). More information on Mark Baratto Mark has over 20 years of experi...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Barefoot Billy's owner and creator, Billy Mosblech. We talk about how Billy got started as a suntan lotion salesman in 1988, how he made his way into watersports, and how some tragic business events helped catapult his business to the next level... with a ton of hard work. More on Barefoot Billy's In 1988, Barefoot Billy established himself as the best...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down for a round two talk with Scott Gerke. We talk about his video projects, what direction he is going and what drives him to keep going. If you missed our round 1 interview, you can listen here: https://backyardspodcast.com/scott-gerke-once-a-stranger More on Scott Gerke Fueled by curiosity since childhood, I have always wanted to explore the opportunities tha...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Kelly Hopkins for a round two interview to discuss her thriving concierge business. More on The Concierge Girl  am here to help with any type of personal assistant services while you are here in Key West. You  don't need to waste your valuable vacation time trying to figure out all of the small details. Let me know what you need and I will take care of...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with rapper Mike Stack. We talk about when he began singing, why he took a pause from rapping, and how he is laying down the foundation in his own backyard of Key West. More on Mike Stack Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iammikestack/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/iammikestack Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5lmE3xKKlQNcisF8h7bI8f You can find al...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Wicked Lick creator, John Smotryski. We talk about how he and his wife Amanda Velazquez made their way down to Key West and got into the ice cream business. More on Wicked Lick In 2018, John Smotryski and Amanda Velazquez packed up their lives on mainland Florida and set out for new beginnings in Key West, a tropical island in the Straits of Florida. Be...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Carlos Martin who's been in Key West for over 30 years in the hospitality industry. We bounce around a lot for the episode talking about changes on the island and the Island City House Hotel. Mark on the Island City House Hotel One of the best places to stay for families and groups, our Old Town Key West hotel has maintained a long-standing reputation f...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Liz from Hammerhead Surf Shop. Liz has always been in retail, specializing in helping turn around lagging businesses. When she was in Key West, she ran into the Hammerhead Surf Shop with some ideas to help, and the next thing she knew, she came on board as an owner. We talk about this journey and where she is taking the business. ABOUT HAMMERHEAD SURF S...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down for a round two talk with Co-Owner of Key West Finest and realtor, Amber DeBevec. This episode is full of a lot of laughs as we catch up with where Amber is at with her Off Duval and On Duval guides and her overall marketing business. More about Key West Finest From beautiful secluded sandbars and clear turquoise waters to exciting watersport excursions, whe...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Key West local musician Jason Lamson for round 2! We talk about how things have changed since our last interview, one year ago ( found here ). We also talk about his up-and-coming show at the Key West Theater on Saturday, Jun 18 - get tickets here . More on Jason Lamson A soul-filling, southern vocalist fusing island style, down-home soul, and a touch o...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the boutique owner, Rebecca Davis. We talk about how she started her fashion career, the steps she took to open her first location, and why she opened up Seventeen Stars Boutique here on the famous Duval Street. More on Seventeen Stars Boutique In 2010, Rebecca Davis visited Key West for the first time. She instantly fell in love with the charming, ecle...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Kava Culture creators and sisters, Caroline & Jacqueline Rusher and opening manager, Tianna Colpitts. We talk about how they got into Kava, why they wanted to open their first store (they now have 10 locations with 5 more opening soon) and how they fell in love with Key West. More on Kava Culture Kava Bar We serve the finest all-natural Kava and Elixirs...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Alison Costello, the general manager at Old Town Manor in Key West. We talk everything B&B, how they handled shutting down during the pandemic, and their sister property, Rose Lane Villas. More on Old Town Manor Old Town Manor is ideally located steps from Duval Street in the heart of Old Town Key West. Along with a perfect Key West location, the top-ra...

In today's podcast, Mark Baratto sits down with general manager of Lucy's Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant Key West, Ray La Placa. We talk about the laidback surfer vibe, the new food menu, Ray's journey in the restaurant world, and Lucy's infamous scorpion tequila shot. More on Lucy's Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant Lucy's causal surfer-themed bar & restaurant serves up signature coastal bites i...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with wine buyer, manager and sommelier Julie Kushel. We talk about how she fell in love with wine and how she got her dream job working at Grand Vin Wine Bar. More on Grand Vin Wine Bar Key West's first & best wine bar, located on Duval Street. Enjoy delicious wines and cheese plates on our front porch! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grandvinwinebar/ F...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with co-owners and Ian Bires & Ana Tourino Bires. We talk about how they met and lived a traveling lifestyle, how Ian met his other partners Ryan Shapiro and Matthew Cohen, and how long it took The Docks to finally open. More on The Docks Restaurant & Raw Bar Locally sourced seafood, curated by our chefs & inspired by Key West's historical fishing culture. S...