Episodes

In this episode, Shawn Soole sits down with chef-entrepreneur and hospitality operator Calen McNeil, founder of Zambris and Big Wheel Burger. Calen breaks down how he’s built loyal teams and passionate communities around two distinctly local brands — one rooted in elevated comfort and community dining (Zambris), and the other in iconic burgers with personality (Big Wheel Burger). This conversation bridges operational strategy, culture building, and creative hospitality that resonates beyond the ...

In this special seminar recorded live at Portland Cocktail Week, Shawn Soole delivers one of his most personal and impactful talks: Turn & Burn to Build & Belong — a deep dive into the culture of hospitality, the burnout cycle, and how operators and bartenders can reclaim purpose, connection, and long-term belonging in this industry. Drawing from decades of experience behind the bar, in management trenches, and in mentorship roles, Shawn breaks down how the industry got here, what needs to chan...

In this episode, host Shawn Soole sits down with longtime industry veteran John Gakuru — a globally seasoned bar professional, brand strategist, and now founder of Coruscent Co.. John brings decades of experience across continents, from managing classic cocktail venues in London to shaping global spirits distribution and now advising on some of the most forward-looking spirits and hospitality projects worldwide. 🧠 What You’ll Learn • John’s journey through multiple continents — from bartending...

In this episode, Shawn Soole sits down with renowned drinks author and journalist Noah Rothbaum — a true heavyweight in cocktail culture and spirits storytelling. From deep dives into whiskey history to thoughtful reflections on the role of media in shaping how we drink, Noah delivers a conversation full of insight, perspective, and passion. 🧠 What You’ll Learn • Noah’s journey: from writing culture and news to becoming one of the world’s most respected spirits writers and editors. • Why whis...

In this episode, Shawn Soole sits down with industry legend Sean Kenyon—third-generation bartender, owner of the award-winning Williams & Graham and more—where they explore the true meaning of bar culture, legacy, and operational excellence. Sean brings decades of experience shaping top-tier beverage programs, mentoring teams, and crafting spaces that matter. 🧠 What You’ll Learn • Sean’s journey from the pubs of New Jersey into becoming an American Bartender of the Year and visionary bar creat...

In this episode, Shawn Soole sits down with hospitality trail-blazer April Wachtel — a bartender-turned-entrepreneur with more than 25 years in the beverage world, now founder and CEO of Cheeky Cocktails. She opens up about shifting from behind the bar to building a scalable brand, and how she’s helping both professionals and home enthusiasts elevate their game. 🧠 What You’ll Learn • How April progressed from busser and bartender to brand ambassador for major spirits companies — and finally to...

In this episode, Shawn Soole talks with Lindsey Johnson — founder of Lush Life Productions, creator of Camp Runamok, and organizer of PDXCW — about her mission to uplift hospitality professionals through education, grassroots activism, and creative collaboration. Lindsey shares stories of building communities, offering inclusive training, and using limited resources to drive change. 🧠 What You’ll Learn• Lindsey’s journey from bartender to community builder and educator. The philosophy behind her...

In this episode, Shawn Soole sits down with Ryan Foley — publisher of BARTENDER Magazine, author, and advocate for the craft. Together, they dig into how media shapes the narrative of hospitality, the evolving coverage of the trade, and what it takes to document the bar world with clarity and purpose. What You’ll Learn • Ryan’s path from bartender coverage to leading a major industry publication • How BARTENDER Magazine influences trade trends, education and professional standards • His role...

In this episode, Shawn Soole sits down with Kate Chernoff — the newly crowned World Class Canada Bartender of the Year 2025, based out of Keefer Bar in Vancouver. A bartender with a natural gift for hospitality, story-driven craft, and competitive fire, Kate takes us through her ascent, her philosophy behind every shift, and how she’s representing Canada on the the global stage. What You’ll Learn • Kate’s journey from student to bartender, and how she discovered a passion for the craft. • How...

In this episode, Shawn Soole sits down with bartender, educator, and creator Stephen Myers to explore how one builds a meaningful presence from the ground up—blending craft, content, and authenticity in a crowded field. What You’ll Learn Stephen’s journey: from behind the bar to developing his digital brand The mindset behind consistent content creation and storytelling How to find your niche voice—even when the noise is loud Connecting community and craft: techniques, tools, and growth Li...

In this special milestone episode, Shawn Soole sits down with Patrick Dooley, bartender-turned-writer and creator of Boulevardier. Together they explore how one builds a narrative in hospitality, crafts a personal brand, and translates lived bar experience into meaningful storytelling and influence. What You’ll Learn Patrick’s journey behind Boulevardier—why he writes and how the bar perspective shapes his voice The balance between bar work, writing, and maintaining relevance in cocktail jour...

Join Shawn Soole in a dynamic conversation with Geoffrey Toffetti, a hospitality insider turned CEO who’s reshaping how frontline teams drive guest experience and revenue. From his early days as a hotel valet to leading FPG’s SaaS revolution with IN‑Gauge, Geoffrey shares the behind‑the‑scenes strategies that empower hotels to sell more, serve better, and scale smarter. What You’ll Learn • Geoffrey’s journey from valet to C‑suite—building empathy and strategy from the ground up • FPG’s pivot ...

In this episode, Shawn Soole chats with Charlotte Voisey, newly appointed Executive Director of the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. For nearly two decades before this role, Charlotte shaped the industry as the global head of ambassadors at William Grant & Sons. Now, she’s steering the future of the global cocktail community-here’s how. What You’ll Learn • Charlotte’s journey: from bartender across London, Barcelona, Buenos Aires, and New York to industry leader and educator • How she helped...

NEW EPISODE - Friday 9am PST In this episode, Shawn Soole chats with Charlotte Voisey, newly appointed Executive Director of the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. For nearly two decades before this role, Charlotte shaped the industry as the global head of ambassadors at William Grant & Sons. Now, she’s steering the future of the global cocktail community.

In this special episode, Shawn Soole sits down with the iconic Dale DeGroff , widely known as The King of Cocktails , for a legendary conversation on how he shaped modern cocktail culture and continues to inspire the next generation of bar leaders. What You’ll Learn • Dale’s origins—and how his journey transformed the craft of bartending into an art. • His pioneering work in building storied venues that blurred the lines between bar and experience. • The philosophy behind reviving forgotten ...

In this episode, Shawn Soole chats with Vancouver Island’s shellfish expert and restaurateur Jess Taylor, founder of the acclaimed Wandering Mollusk and now the driving force behind Shuck Taylor’s. Jess takes us on a journey from catering to community hubs—covering everything from live shucks and local sourcing to building a brand that celebrates creativity, locality, and approachable hospitality. What You'll Learn * Jess’s early start-up in shellfish catering and the birth of Wandering Mollus...

NEW EPISODE drops Friday, 9am PST In this trailer, I get to chat to Jess Taylor of Shuck Taylor's and how he has built not just the brick and mortar of the space but the culture with his team, all while elevating the seafood scene in BC.

In this episode, Shawn Soole welcomes Kimberly Flear , founder of Last Call Coaching , for a heartfelt and transformative conversation. Kimberly shares her journey from burnout and addiction within the hospitality industry to becoming a leading advocate for well-being, psychological safety, and sustainable leadership in the places we serve. What You’ll Learn * Kimberly’s personal story: going from service to self-care and recovery * Building recovery-ready workplaces that prioritize mental he...

NEW EPISODE drops Friday, 9am PST In this trailer, I chat with Kimberly Flear about mental health and how it is evolving, changing and finally getting better in the hospitality industry.

In this episode, Shawn Soole dives deep with drinks writer and historian Robert Simonson, exploring not only the evolution of iconic cocktails like the Martini and Old‑Fashioned but also spotlighting his pivotal role launching the very first Martini Expo-a groundbreaking, immersive Martini celebration happening this fall in New York City. What You’ll Learn • How Robert moved from theater writing to chronicling the cocktail revival. • The enduring appeal of the Martini and Old‑Fashioned-and wh...

NEW EPISODE drops Friday, 9am PST In this trailer, Robert Simonson breaks down the nuances of building a true classic martini—covering ratios, technique, and philosophy—offering insider insight ahead of his Martini Expo in New York.

In the episode, Shawn Soole is joined by industry heavyweight Pietro Collina, whose résumé includes legendary institutions like Eleven Madison Park, NoMad, and his current role as Beverage Director for The Teslef Group (Viajante 87, Los Mochis, Sale e Pepe). In this candid and inspiring session, Pietro shares how he’s helped define some of the world’s most influential bar and restaurant programs-through mentorship, precision, and hospitality-driven creativity. What You’ll Learn • Pietro’s jour...

NEW EPISODE drops Friday, 9am PST In this trailer, Pietro Collina delivers a masterclass on multi-unit management - where trust, systems, and accountability form the backbone of sustainable success. If you’re leading teams across multiple venues, this is the insight you need.

In this live episode, Shawn Soole sits down with Brenton Mowforth, creator of “Cheers to Happy Hour,” for a lively conversation on the power of community-driven content, the evolving culture of happy hour, and how to turn passion into purpose. Brenton’s journey: from cocktail enthusiast to hosting “Cheers to Happy Hour” The creative process behind crafting engaging, memorable happy hour content Why happy hour is more than a drink—it’s community, nostalgia, and connection How social media and...