Episodes

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...

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 tech...

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 c...

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.c...

In this episode, I chat to Jeff Guignard of ABLE BC and dive into the wins and losses for the industry in 2024 and the hopes and aspirations of 2025. If you are an operator and want a deep dive on the organisation helping the...

In this episode, I kick a hornet's nest with Josh from Bartender Atlas when he did a deep dive on the creation and proliferation of Victoria's cocktail (or is it?) The Shaft. always love chatting to crew from Bartender's Atla...

In this episode, I chat with Chris Elliott, Chief Economist from Restaurants Canada about how the industry did during 2024 and where it's headed in 2025. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoo...

Another exert from my session with the Camosun College talking about the early days of the cocktail scene here in Victoria. Those days were tougher than I would like to remember but still a lot of fun. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM ...

In this episode, we get a masterclass on brand building from Simon Ford, owner of Ford's Gin. We dig deep on his journey, the early days and how he built it into the "bartender's gin" and the new challenge of retail sales and...

In this episode, I do a throwback to a series I did leading up to 2021 called FOCUS, PATIENCE, SUCCESS. And with the re-release of the podcast this year and this being my mantra, I wanted to repost for everyone to get you set...

In this episode, I get to chat social media stardom with like.a.ble cocktails, Kait Stewart and how it all started and the direction it is heading in for her. Great chat for young bartenders looking at really honing their ski...

In this episode, I do a throwback to a series I did leading up to 2021 called FOCUS, PATIENCE, SUCCESS. And with the re-release of the podcast this year and this being my mantra, I wanted to repost for everyone to get you set...

In this episode, I have a lively chat with spirits writer Dave Broom about his upcoming book, the third edition of The World Atlas of Whisky. We chat about how whisky is intertwined with society, culture and how we drink. Ama...

In this episode, I do a throwback to a series I did leading up to 2021 called FOCUS, PATIENCE, SUCCESS. And with the re-release of the podcast this year and this being my mantra, I wanted to repost for everyone to get you set...

In the episode, I sit down with 2024 World's 50 Best Roku Scholarship Recipient and their work in the scope of inclusivity, LGBTQ rights in the hospitality space. An enlightening chat about how as an industry we can be better...

In this episode, I take a portion of the Camosun College Mixology Class talk and chat about mental health, training and the industry in general. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/ Soole...

In this episode, we chat to Boston bartender, Curtis McMillan about tiki, his new book, The Mischievous Mixologist and his career. The book is fantastic and I highly urge you to get it. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole ht...

This came out of a long session I did with the Mixology Class at Camosun College. I have the class come in every 6 months with new students and try and enlighten them on the industry as a whole. I hope you get some value out ...

In this episode, I sit down with Jason Littrell of Kinetic Management Systems to chat about the rise of AI in the hospitality industry and how he shows clients how to implement it in their everyday for guest retention to staf...

I suppose it's a bit of a reflection period coming to the end of the year, so I have reposted a chat that Mike Norbury and I did when he competed in the Patron Perfectionists competition. Now he is the Patron brand ambassador...

A little throwback episode about embracing the mistakes you make and taking control of the narrative going forward. It's a nice reminder for myself as well, so I hope you enjoy it. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole https:/...

In this episode, I get to chat with industry stalwart, Jim Meehan about his career, the industry and his amazing new book, The Bartender's Pantry. This is a must get book, get it here. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole htt...

In this episode, I take on a topic that I don't feel many independent operators think about when they open and run their venues. A successful succession plan is very important after the first 5 years of business. FOLLOW US ON...

In this episode, I chat with good friend Hugo Togni of Bar Pompette in Toronto, and absolutely gem of a human and the tour de force behind Bar Pompette in Toronto, one of the most awarded bars in the country in 2024. We chat ...