Buy Back Podcast

Every time Shaelan O'Connor thinks she's out, they pull her back in. Bartending defined her 20's, and she couldn't imagine her life without restaurants, but her sights have always been set on the big screen. This week, Shae and John look at unique chapters of their lives in the restaurant industry, from youngin's, hostessing and driving pizzas (respectively) and looking up to t...

Never once did Liv think that her job to earn some quick cash as a barista would turn into a career as a bartender. Come with us to the state of Washington where Liv balances both motherhood and like... eight other different jobs. She radiates a joy and a positivity that'll have you smiling this whole episode, and just wait til you get a BINGO on your card, that's when the real fun starts....

This week, you get Part 2 of Bartender (and Author) Jack Terry. From Key West, to Montana, from Pennsylvania to New York City, Jack's been everywhere and done it all. In this week's episode, Jack unites Hooters' waitresses, a wing of the Pentagon, the cast of Dexter, and a guild from the World of Warcraft under the banner of a single cause: Rum. Join us as we talk about the burden of &...

Ladies and Gentleman, Regulars and Patrons, prepare to be amazed as the world wanderer, the tall tower of tonics, the cocktail codex himself, Popcorn Jack, appears on The Buy Back Podcast this week. This week, he enchants listeners with tales of travelling side shows, elevations of immeasurable heights, and maybe shines a light on John's own future!

Heather in San Antonio always keeps her wet vac handy in her truck, so when the restaurant bathroom starts to flood, she doesn't sweat. When the two servers supposed to be on with her don't show, she doesn't sweat. When water starts leaking out the bathroom, and the floor is carpeted... well... find out! Join us this week on The Buy Back Podcast as we sit down with Heather and chat abo...

Knives, Guns, Wooden Legs, Women's Hygienic Products. NeoNazis. These are only a few things that have been used in an attempt to take him down. But Steve in Northern California is still standing. Join us this week for an awesome episode of The Buy Back Podcast where we talk about generational differences, sobriety, and kicking Nazi butts! (Bar Rule: Justin)

Pull up a seat. If you're just joining us (that's weird, go listen to Part 1, ya weirdo) Melissa has found herself in New Orleans and feels her time behind the pine winding down. But she's learning how to enjoy life a little more. But that doesn't mean she's leaving the bar scene entirely, cause someones gotta teach these kids! Join us this week on The Buy Back!

Melissa at Rizzuto's Prime in New Orleans has a commendable amount of years behind the pine. From "gentleman's" clubs, to dive bars, to fine dining, she's seen it all. And she  claims  she can feel the end in sight, but after listening to her passion, we suspect she'll find a way to stay in this business for much longer. Like she said "They just keep pulling her back...

Connor works in a bar like his father before him (and maybe his father's father before him, I don't know we didn't go that far back.) He may be young, but Connor has been working in bars since he was a kid. After being on screen in a bar reality show in Scranton, he now finds himself outside Philly at the Townehouse in Media, PA. Join us this week as we talk about the towns that made u...

Multi-talented Jeremy Radio swings by for a Mai Tai and Malort on The Buy Back this week. Mister Radio has made a name for himself as the best bartender for two years in a row in Charlotte's Hattie's Tap and Tavern and Tommy's bar with his "Econo" Tiki-style drinks. Not only that - Jeremy tours the world slapping de bass, finding his way into some of the best Punk Rock dive b...

We broke down this week. Well, Tristynn broke down in the middle of nowhere and found a dive bar with oysters and a DJ named Parmajawn. On top of that, she makes a fool of John and his claims about red wine and warm drinks. And on top of that all, the most wholesome first drink story we've ever had. Join us this week for Part 2 with Tristynn!

As a huge chapter in her life comes to a close, (Yeah, right! She'll be back) Tristynn stops by The Buy Back studios (Recorded at Diamond Dogs in Astoria, Queens) to reflect on her eleven-year tenure behind the taps. From DC to NYC, from dives to high dines, from granny panties to pharmaceutical parties, she's had quite the journey. Join us for some "cigs inside" this week on The...

Lizz ‘Wizbang’ from Racine switches from doing shots behind the bar to shots at weddings. There are two types of bartenders: those who stay for six months and move on, and those who have staying power. Lizz is one of the golden latter. In Racine, she deals with pipe-smoking scarecrows, bad tippers with wads of cash, and people who think closets are bathrooms. And let’s not judge her for her cockta...

The Real Matty Rangel is back this week! Almost three years ago, Matty was a guest on the podcast, and since then, his presence on social media has only grown. This week, we sit down and discuss about his newest adventures travelling the country, his dedication to bringing awareness to mental health, and ...nicknames? In the episode, Matty claims he's completely average, but he's too humbl...

Courtney is celebrating her 20th year at Jack's Fire Department. Yes, that Jack's. This week, John sits returns from Iceland (and the hospital) to keep it real close to home with this Sunnyside staple. Courtney pulls no punches in this episode. The two "bartners" chat about what it's like to work in a very established local's bar, what it was like growing up in Queens, Jo...

In the Icelandic language, Sigur means Victory, and Sigurjón visiting the Buy Back Podcast this week is DEFINITELY a victory for us. Born and raised in Iceland, Sigurjón finds himself managing Sól, one of Iceland's newest and coolest high class dining spots. Sigurjón started working in restaurants as a quick way to make money when he was younger, partied a little too hard in his late teens and...

BUY BACK IN ICELAND: Jessica has travelled all throughout Europe to find a place that makes her feel like home. Italy, England, Amsterdam, nothing quite did it. But now, in Reykjavik, she may have found a place that makes her feel settled. From coffee shops, to night life, Jessica has done it all and everywhere, and now she invites John into her home to talk about the culture of drinking in Icelan...

Marcos just opened Cousin Larry's in Sunnyside, but he's still a kid at heart. Adulting is hard, and Marcos is finding the perfect balance. From East Village party bars, to the Hamptons, to now the neighborhood of Sunnyside, Marcos has done it all. Join us this week wherever you get your podcasts. The new audio is still a bit tricky, but we're working on it! Hold tight, we're getti...

It's the night before the first night of food service at Drink NYC and Peter just wants "to do dope, cool... sh...tuff..." Tattoo needles are prepped, the ice hasn't been cut with the bandsaw yet, and the powder hasn't been poured into the baggies yet. Wait, what the heck is going on!? You may have seen Peter on social media sitting in his empty bar, feeling low, asking peopl...

This week, Bailey takes the stage for a Buy Back set. She breaks down the behind-the-scenes of comedy clubs, hecklers, and what's good and bad right now in the comedy clerb. We also chat about how certain social media apps are changing how things are working for bars and clubs. Join us this week for a laugh riot on The Buy Back Podcast.

Mia and Robbie have been behind the pine for only a few years, but they probably have had to put up with more than your average bartender. They tend bar at a college bar. A college bar! You know what that means. This week, they take us on a tour of Oswego, and their time at Alley Cat Night Club. Join us as John starts to feel very old.

Jeremy at the Painted Pin in Atlanta accidentally creates a homemade pepper spray and releases it on his entire bar. It's fine, though. Everyone was fine... we think. Jeremy has found his calling in cocktail culture and bowling alleys. He teaches John about daisies and duck bowling. Welcome to the Buy Quack!

Jess has worked on Avenue A for 17 years. Rounding out the Sing Sing Ave A Trilogy, we return to Sing Sing Ave A for a final time to sit down with 11-year professional Karaoke tolerator, full-time mom, and the most patient bartender, Jess. Spilling the tea about rejecting a prince, bathroom destruction, and more, joining us is guest host Hannah, who has NOTHING to do with bars and laughs real loud...

This week, Alex at With a Splash Mobile Bartending, based in Connecticut, shows us how to take a typically stationary job and travel all over, bringing the cocktails and the fun to the party. We also do a deep dive into the mocktail scene, explaining some of the perks and pitfalls of what seems to be a more and more frequent section of cocktail menus.

Join John and Alex as they continue their holiday tradition of writing and reading scary ghost stories of Christmases long, long ago.