Luca The Podcast

Alberto Marcolongo — From Italy to New York: Discipline, Creativity & Why Pressure Is a Privilege Recorded in New York City, this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST welcomes Italian chef Alberto Marcolongo . From his early memories in Italy to working in Michelin-starred kitchens across Europe and Asia, and eventually building his career in New York, Alberto reflects on the experiences, mentors and...

Recorded in New York City, this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST welcomes journalist, author and educator Mandy Naglich. Mandy shares her journey from working in hospitality to becoming one of the leading voices documenting cocktail culture, drinks journalism and the science of taste and smell. Together, Luca and Mandy explore: – the psychology behind cocktails and hospitality – storytelling in bars a...

Recorded in New York City, this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST welcomes Andrea Grujic — bartender, creative director and storyteller working at the intersection of hospitality and media. Andrea shares her journey from growing up across multiple countries to building a creative career in New York hospitality. The conversation explores storytelling, content creation, mentorship, burnout, social media,...

In this special Athens Bar Show edition of LUCA, THE PODCAST , Luca sits down with Yiannis Vardakis — Brand Ambassador of Athens Bar Show and one of the people helping make one of Europe’s most important hospitality events happen. From starting with boxes and operations to becoming a key figure behind the scenes, Yiannis shares a real perspective on teamwork, hospitality, and building something th...

In this special Athens Bar Show edition of LUCA, THE PODCAST , Luca sits down with Babis Kaidalidis — founder of Athens Bar Show and one of the key figures behind the growth of Greece’s hospitality scene. From starting in the industry at 12 years old to building one of Europe’s most respected bar events, Babis shares an honest perspective on success, hard work, education, and community. In this ep...

In this special Athens Bar Show edition of LUCA, THE PODCAST , Luca sits down with Bianca Grisolia — PR and communication expert working with some of the most exciting bars and brands in the industry. Bianca shares a clear and honest perspective on what it really takes to build visibility and grow in today’s hospitality world. In this episode, they explore: – Why there is no magic formula in PR –...

In this special Athens Bar Show edition of LUCA, THE PODCAST , Luca sits down with Jon Anders Fjeldsrud — agave expert, educator, and global ambassador of tequila and mezcal culture. With years of experience traveling across Mexico and working closely with producers, Jon shares a deep and personal perspective on the meaning behind agave spirits. In this episode, they explore: – The philosophy behi...

In this special Athens Bar Show edition of LUCA, THE PODCAST , Luca sits down with Kaitlin Wilkes — hospitality professional, consultant, and co-founder of the Attaboy Woman Project. From her early days at The Savoy’s American Bar to working globally across hospitality and brand strategy, Kaitlin shares a powerful and human perspective on what truly defines great hospitality today. In this episode...

In this special episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST , recorded live at the Athens Bar Show , Luca sits down with one of the most influential figures in the spirits world — Alexandre Gabriel . From his early days growing up on a farm in France to becoming a Master Blender and global innovator, Alexandre shares a powerful perspective on creativity, failure, and what it truly takes to build something lastin...

In this special Athens Bar Show edition of LUCA, THE PODCAST , Luca Missaglia sits down with Leah Van Deventer — journalist, spirits educator, drinks consultant, and Academy Chair for The World’s 50 Best Bars (Southern Africa & Indian Ocean region) . Leah shares her journey from journalism into the global cocktail world and offers a unique insider perspective on hospitality culture, bar rankin...

Recorded at the Athens Bar Show, this special edition of LUCA, THE PODCAST features Lauren Mote — educator, mentor and global voice in hospitality. This episode explores what truly defines a great bar, the power of mentorship, and how legacy is built through purpose, not ego. We talk about: • Belonging in hospitality • The three stages of life & career • Mentorship as friendship, experience &a...

In this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST, Luca sits down with Alex Kratena — one of the most respected and influential figures in global hospitality. From his early years in Central Europe to witnessing 9/11 in New York… From leading the Artesian to multiple World’s 50 Best Bar wins… From walking away at the peak to building Tayēr + Elementary… This conversation goes far beyond cocktails. We talk abou...

In this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST , recorded at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge, Luca Missaglia sits down with Pietro Rizzo to discuss curiosity, discipline, brand identity and what truly defines a modern bartender. Pietro reflects on his Italian roots, his international journey and the importance of personality, pride and constant learning in hospitality. This episode explores: –...

In this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST , recorded at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, Luca Missaglia sits down with Michele Lombardi to explore discipline, luxury hospitality, and what truly defines a great bartender. From his early days in his family’s bar in Italy to leading beverage programs in London’s five-star hotels, Michele shares how responsibility, precision, communication and e...

In this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST , recorded at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge , Luca Missaglia sits down with Camille Vidal to discuss mindful drinking, burnout, and the future of hospitality. Camille opens up about her journey from working behind the bar and traveling the world as a global brand ambassador to founding La Maison Wellness — a platform dedicated to balance, wellbe...

In this Athens Bar Show Edition of LUCA, THE PODCAST , Luca Missaglia sits down with Julio Bermejo , one of the most respected and authentic voices in global hospitality. From creating the Tommy’s Margarita to championing 100% agave tequila decades before it became mainstream, Julio shares a lifetime of wisdom rooted in curiosity, humility, and genuine human connection. This episode explores: The...

In this special Athens Bar Show Edition of LUCA, THE PODCAST , Luca Missaglia sits down with Daniyel Jones for a deeply inspiring conversation about hospitality, knowledge, mentorship, and personal growth. Daniyel reflects on his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a respected global voice in education and hospitality. He speaks candidly about gratitude, discipline, failure, and why applyin...

In this Athens Bar Show Edition of LUCA, THE PODCAST , Luca Missaglia sits down with Claire Warner for an honest, thought-provoking conversation about hospitality, communication, and the future of human connection. Claire shares her perspective on why bars and hospitality venues play a critical role in teaching us how to be social, empathetic, and present in real life — especially at a time when s...

In this special Athens Bar Show Edition of LUCA, THE PODCAST , Luca Missaglia sits down with Chiara Buzzi to talk about hospitality beyond trends, ego, and performance. Chiara reflects on her journey running bars in Milan, developing cultural and educational projects, and navigating leadership, burnout, and responsibility in a constantly changing industry. She speaks openly about why hospitality i...

Recorded at the Athens Bar Show , this episode features Georgia Georgakopoulou , whose journey from a small town in Peloponnese to leading one of the world’s most recognized bar teams is nothing short of inspiring. Georgia shares her grounded and refreshing perspective on hospitality: – Why humility is her greatest tool behind the bar.  – How The Clumsies shaped her leadership and identity. – Why...

In this Athens Bar Show special, LUCA, THE PODCAST sits down with Bex Almqvist — a bartender turned brand ambassador turned distiller, whose journey embodies passion, humility, and the courage to rebuild a dream from scratch. Bex shares her incredible story: – Growing up in the UK cocktail scene at The Lonsdale – The mentors who shaped her path and pushed her forward – Competing, learning, and bec...

Recorded at the Athens Bar Show , this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST dives into the mind of Arina Nikolskaya , a linguist-turned-industry leader who reshaped how bar communities connect and evolve. Arina shares how she went from an accidental job interview to running her own bar show, why communication matters more than technique, and what most people misunderstand about hospitality and creativity....

From barista to brand ambassador to bar owner, Ricardo Nava represents the new wave of Mexican hospitality. Known for his work at Limantour , his years leading education for Bacardí Latin America , and now as co-creator of Bar Mauro , Ricardo brings authenticity, family values, and purpose to every step of his career. Recorded in Mexico City , this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST explores: – How Lima...

From a Kurdish refugee family in Sweden to opening one of New York’s most talked-about bars, Moe Aljaff has turned rebellion into art. Founder of the Schmuck brand, Moe shares his story of persistence, independence, and building something from nothing — by doing it all his own way. 🎙 In this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST , recorded in New York City , Moe talks about: – How growing up as a refugee s...

From  Como  to  Barcelona , from fixing engines to designing the world’s most awarded bars,  Simone Caporale  has built a career defined by precision, creativity, and passion. Co-founder of  SIPS  —  World’s Best Bar 2023  — and former head bartender at  The Artesian , Simone redefines what hospitality can be when design meets emotion. 🎙 In this episode of  LUCA, THE PODCAST , recorded in  Barcelo...