Episodes

NEW EPISODE drops Friday, 9am PST In this trailer, I chat with Kevin Kos about his journey from Slovenian bartender to global cocktail content creator. We dive into storytelling, creativity, and how he’s redefining education behind the bar. If you’re into cocktails, branding, or building a voice online, this one’s a must-listen!

In this live episode, Shawn Soole welcomes acclaimed bartender, author, and cocktail innovator Alex Kratena, co-founder of the prestigious P(our) festival and creator of truly boundary-pushing drink experiences. Get ready for an insightful dive into flavor design, creative inspiration, and the future of hospitality. 🧠 What You’ll Learn: Alex’s journey—from early cocktail experiments to global influence The philosophy behind P(our) and crafting immersive flavor stories How collaboration and cu...

NEW EPISODE drops Friday, 9am In this trailer, I sit down with Alex Kratena of Tayer & Elementary to talk shop about the business side of bars, the art of marketing, and how his unique style shapes the spaces he and his partners bring to life. This one’s a must-listen!

In this special live episode, Shawn Soole hosts one of the most beloved voices in cocktail culture—David Wondrich, renowned historian, writer, and spirits expert. Together, they explore the evolution of mixology, the stories that shaped our drinks, and what lies ahead for the hospitality world. 🔍 What You’ll Discover: 🕰️ David’s cocktail chronicles – From early bartending lore to modern resurgence 📚 The importance of historical accuracy and storytelling in mixology 🌍 Reflecting societal chang...

NEW EPISODE drops Friday, 9am In this trailer for our conversation with the legendary David Wondrich, we’re digging into the rich history of cocktails, challenging the status quo, and exploring the idea that not everything in this industry is set in stone. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this one!

In this live episode, Shawn Soole is joined by acclaimed bartender and entrepreneur Jack McGarry, co-founder of the world-renowned Dead Rabbit, to unpack what it really takes to build—and sustain—one of the world’s most celebrated bar brands. From Belfast to New York, Jack shares hard-won lessons on leadership, creativity, mental health, and legacy. 🧠 What You’ll Learn: Jack’s personal and professional journey from Ireland to global acclaim The vision and challenges behind launching Dead Rabbi...

We had an unforgettable session live with legendary bartender Julie Reiner, digging deep into her craft, creativity, and the evolution of the cocktail world.🌟 What You’ll Learn:🍸 Julie’s journey from her early days in hospitality to becoming a world-renowned bartender and co-owner of iconic bars.🔧 That signature touch – insights into her approach to flavor layering, balance, and technique.🏆 Industry stories featuring behind-the-scenes tales, leadership tips, and navigating trends.💬 Live Q&A – Ju...

In this episode, I sit down with Jean-Marc Baketel Dykes, the creative force behind Imbiblia, to talk about the intersection of storytelling, hospitality, and immersive dining experiences.We dive deep into:Jean-Marc’s unique journey through the worlds of performance and serviceHow Imbiblia is redefining what it means to "dine with purpose"The challenges of building truly experiential pop-upsCreative collaboration, leadership, and the future of hospitality eventsThis is a must-watch for bartender...

In this episode, I chat with James Grass of @chefsfavourite about career progression, pivoting and creating a hospitality media juggernaut, Mates on Crates. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soolehttps://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/Soole Hospitality Conceptshttps://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PostShiftPodcast

In this episode, I chat to Mr Lyan himself, Ryan Chetiyawardana about expansion, pushing the boundaries and his love for travel with his new show Taste TripsFOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soolehttps://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/Soole Hospitality Conceptshttps://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PostShiftPodcast

In this episode, I chat to Simone Caporale of SIPS and the legendary Boadas Cocktails in Barcelona. We chat about everything from staying creative to taking over a stalwart industry space like Boadas. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soolehttps://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/ Soole Hospitality Conceptshttps://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PostShiftPodcast

In this episode, I chat with fellow "Australian" Hayden Lambert about the journey to and operating a small bar in metro Melbourne. This is a raw chat about small bar culture, community and business. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soolehttps://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/ Soole Hospitality Conceptshttps://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PostShiftPodcast

In this episode, I chat to the ever charismatic Giacomo Giannotti of Paradiso, Barcelona. We chat about the real meaning of sustainability and it's more than saving your waste. This is an enlightening talk about community, culture and creativity. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soolehttps://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/ Soole Hospitality Conceptshttps://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@PostShiftPodcast

In this episode, I chatted with Danil Nevsky, the cocktailman, and the indie bartender. He has become one of the most prolific bartending personalities in the world, this is a great chat for young bartenders. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/ Soole Hospitality Conceptshttps://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON TWITTER -https://twitter.com/ShawnSoole FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGgDDJZM7HvJiQCaqmXEVNA

In this episode, I have the privilege to chat to journalist and author, Camper English. We chat about his work with creating perfect ice, his rabbit hole investigative style and what he is loving about the industry right now. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soolehttps://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/ Soole Hospitality Conceptshttps://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@PostShiftPodcast

In this episode, I want to chat to the younger generation about what is next for them. Been asked how I stay motivated in the industry after almost 30 years, so I break it down for you. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soolehttps://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/ Soole Hospitality Conceptshttps://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@PostShiftPodcast

In this episode, I am lucky enough to have a chat with Iain McPherson from Panda & Sons in Edinburgh, Scotland. He and his team have been behind some of the most advanced bar techniques in the last decade. We not only talk about the creative element of his work but also the business side of things. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/ Soole Hospitality Concepts https://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.co...

In this episode, this came out of a little mentor session about how I manage my time. From the outside looking in, I achieve a lot in my day; but I still have plenty of time for family and sleep. Time Management is about compartmentalizing your priorities. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soolehttps://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/ Soole Hospitality Conceptshttps://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@PostShiftPodcast

In this episode, I chat with Evan Rogers, @BeardFoundation Award Winning Film Maker. We discuss the need for small market food space voices along with his take on the filming and making of The Great Wall, his James Beard Award Winning Short Documentary. Here is the documentary link - https://vimeo.com/undercurrentfilmco/greatwallfilm FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/ Soole Hospitality Concepts https://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW U...

I recorded this just yesterday, and the governments have flopped back to allowing US products. I have always been compliant on government issues like this, but this one felt like the industry was being used as a whipping pole yet again. Will all this revert back in 30 days? Tough to say! FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/ Soole Hospitality Concepts https://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@PostSh...

In this episode, I chat to Chris Maffeo about brand building for small brands. A great start to 2025, if you are a small brand in the liquor sphere, this is the episode that you need to listen to. Tons of value and advice on what you should be doing to succeed in 2025. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/ Soole Hospitality Concepts https://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@PostShiftPodcast

In this episode, I chat about how to how to build a solid foundation as a new hospitality industry person. I break down the 5 key points below. Master the Basics: Learn bar setup, how to use tools properly, and the key techniques for efficiency and speed. Memorize the Classics: Start with 20-30 go-to cocktails (e.g., Martini, Old Fashioned) and build from there. Be Humble and Eager: Show a willingness to learn, ask questions, and absorb knowledge from veteran bartenders. Develop Professional...

In this episode, I chat with BCRFA President and CEO, Ian Tosteson and the state of 2024, the GST holiday rollout and the outlook for 2025. Another indepth chat with the people on the ground for legislation and governmental changes. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/ Soole Hospitality Concepts https://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@PostShiftPodcast

In this episode, it's awards season so I chat about why they shouldn't matter as much as people make out that they need to be. Hope this gives you some perspective. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/ Soole Hospitality Concepts https://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@PostShiftPodcast