Served Up

Perry Ritter, host of This Is My Bourbon Podcast, talks all things whiskey, from tasting notes to deeper stories behind America's native spirit. He opens up about navigating recent changes in his podcast while still keeping the spirit of bourbon at the heart of every episode

Caroline Pardilla, the author of Margarita Time, explores the stories, inspiration, and sun-soaked philosophy behind America's favorite cocktail. From salt rimmed memories to life lessons mixed with humor and heart, it's a conversation that goes beyond the glass

Mica Rousseau, Global Portfolio Ambassador for Casa Lumbre, dives into the heart of global influence, sharing how he's spreading his career-long love for Mexican culture and spirits all across the world. He reveals how Casa Lumbre's unique combination of honoring tradition while fostering innovation combine to craft some of the world's finest tequila, mezcal, sotol, whiskey, and more

Steven & Brittany Yeng, the founders of Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey, defy convention with a splash of creamy, nutty goodness and a whole lot of heart. They share how a wild idea turned into a category-breaking phenomenon, open up about embracing risk, and how rewriting the rule book and going a little "skrewy" was the best decision they ever made

Katie Blair, Vice President of Advocacy for PFLAG National, joins Bridget and guest host Kyle McHugh to discuss the current coordinated assault on LGBTQ+ rights around the country, and how PFLAG continues its decades-long efforts to inform, support, and inspire members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies to stand up and advocate for true equality for all persons. Resources discussed during the show are all available via: www.pflag.org

Joseph Solis, the founder of Maison Solis, joins Bridget to share his journey of creating a unique space in the beverage industry where luxury bar tools and signature perfumes collide in a bold redefinition of modern lifestyle. Joseph reveals how craftsmanship, scent, and design come together to elevate the art of the drink from the bar cart to the body

Jhonny Ramos, brand ambassador for Abasolo and Nixta, shares the rich legacy of Mexican corn spirits, going beyond the glass to tell a story of culture, innovation and pride. With deep respect for tradition combined with a modern edge, he reveals what it means to represent Mexico on the spirits stage

Dolph Lundgren, actor & founder of Hard Cut Vodka, opens up about the grit behind launching his new spirit, blending his action hero discipline with sharp business instincts. He shares how his love for clean, uncompromising spirits mirrors his approach to life - focused, intense, and unapologetically authentic. From Hollywood sets to handcrafted distilling, Dolph proves that strength isn't just about the punch - it's in the quality of the pour

Daniel de Oliveira, the Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits of Illinois Product Education Manager, shares his expertise in educating teams in the beverage industry. He shares the importance of knowledge and how effective beverage programs can drive success

Allison Parc, founder of Brenne French Single Malt Whisky, shares her incredible journey from professional ballerina to creating a whiskey brand in Cognac, France. With humor and passion, Allison talks about the challenges and triumphs of her beautiful (and sometimes anxiety-inducing!) career path

Chris Cardone, founder of Continuous Beverage Solutions, shares his expertise as a hospitality consultant and mixologist, offering insights into the evolving beverage industry. He discusses the innovative strategies behind his successful beverage programs and how to enhance the guest experience

Kyle Williams and Kamal Carter, Chief Empowerment Officer & President respectively of A Long Talk, discuss their mission to have an anti-racist at every dinner table to spark important conversations about race and equity. They share insights into how their initiatives are fostering open dialogue & creating lasting change in communities. Kyle & Kamal also reflect on the challenges they've faced, and how everyone can play a role in promoting belonging and understanding https://alongtalk.com/ https://youtu.be/QdVZcEaaK6s?si=6avCmtnZ9GIe7UIr

Antonio Rodriguez, Master Distiller and Senior VP of Production for Weber Ranch Vodka, gives us an inside look into the art of crafting his agave-based vodka, his adventures in the spirit industry, and what makes Weber Ranch special in the red hot category of agave spirits

Ninotchka "Nino" Gandulla, National Ambassador of Innovation Mixables for Casa Lumbre Spirits, shares her passion for agave and the intersection of tradition and modern influence in the spirit industry. Her efforts are creative, educational, and immersed in the modern evolution of Mexican spirits of all kinds

Mike Winters, founder & CEO of Quintaliza Tequila, shares his inspiration behind this groundbreaking fusion of coffee and tequila flavors, and how his approach is redefining the agave spirits industry

Jessica Pettitt, author and social justice warrior, along with celebrated guest co-host Kyle McHugh, unpack Project 2025 - exploring its mission, message, and Jessica's efforts to make it understandable for all. Jess addresses systemic inequality, the challenges & efforts needed to come together to defend freedoms for all, and discusses the intersection of advocacy, inclusivity, and activism https://bit.ly/ep233 https://jesspettitt.com/project-2025/

Alejandro López, Winemaker and Technical Director of Bodegas Beronia in Spain, sits down with special guest host Master Sommelier Serafin Alvarado for an in depth discussion about his work crafting wines that capture the terroir and essence of the Rioja region This episode is presented in Alejandro's native Spanish

Julieann Fernandez, Master Blender for Bunnahabhain, Deanston, Tobermory, & Ledaig Single Malt Scotch whiskies, takes us behind the scenes of her process, sharing her expertise on the combination of art & science in blending Scotch whisky. She shares her journey through the whisky world, how she tries to balance innovation and tradition, and what makes a truly exceptional whisky

Paul Sauter, a leading mind in the beverage world, tells the story of his journey from passion to profession, revealing how his mother's influence continues to shape his process. With insights into his innovative approach to mixology and the future of the industry, Paul offers a refreshing perspective on the artistry behind every drink

Amanda Blue, President of The Tasting Alliance, shares her experience as the head of the company her trailblazing father founded, and her vision for the future of the beverage world. She shares the pivotal role her organization plays in shaping drink trends, recognizing excellence, and driving innovation

Gina Fossitt, founder of Dandelion Bev Ed and co-founder of Sip.Central, takes us through her unique journey that led her to create the first ever Canadian Whiskey certification program. She also shares insights into her ventures and how she continues to shake up the beverage industry

Josh Davis, founder of Brown & Balanced, shares tough challenges and making life-changing decisions that led to the creation of Brown & Balanced. He also gives us the inside scoop on his upcoming podcast, packed with real talk and fresh perspectives

Charlotte Voisey, Executive Director of Tales of the Cocktail, reflects on her journey through the beverage industry. She discusses 18 years in the drink advocacy world, her new role as Executive Director, and her ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive space for diverse voices in the industry. Our comprehensive talk offers a rare glimpse into her incredible career that has led her to being a living legend in the hospitality industry

Philip Raimondo, Director of On Premise National Accounts for Proximo Spirits, shares his distinguished career in the beverage industry. With decades of experience dedicated to the art of hospitality, Philip shares invaluable insights on what it takes to foster exceptional service and build lasting relationships within the hospitality world

Ivan Saldaña, Master Distiller & Chief of Innovation at Casa Lumbre, shares his journey in the world of agave and his groundbreaking approach to crafting exceptional spirits. He shares how tradition and innovation come together in his work, and what the future holds for the brands he's helping to steward, as well as the spirits industry altogether

Amy Lukken, Tito Vodka's Chief Joyologist, shares the heart of joy and creativity behind one of America's favorite brands. Amy shares her unique perspective on what it means to be a "Joyologost", explaining how she integrates joy into Tito's culture and community initiatives spanning all over the world

Stephen Halpin, a beverage trade advocate veteran, shares his passion and knowledge as we explore his personal journey and rich history within the beverage industry. Stephen shares how a nudge from his grandfather in Ireland created a pivotal moment that ignited his lifelong passion for hospitality

Mel Heim & Ben Falcone, CEO & Partner respectively behind Big Nose Kate Western Whiskey, dive into the history and creation of both the liquid and the brand bearing Kate's name, uncovering how the makers draw from both stories of the wild west frontier and modern distilling techniques to create a product that's as unique as its namesake

Matt Hemmings & Brian Thomason, founders of Sunshine Punch, take us into the creation and journey of their delicious orange cream drink. They share the inspiration behind Sunshine Punch from the vision of creating a fun, delicious drink that evokes feeling of nostalgia to their commitment to quality and bold flavors. With a shared love for music, they often gathered around a fire to jam, unwind, and sip on a homemade blend of flavors that became their go-to-drink for good vibes. What started as a fun, spontaneous creation among friends soon blossomed into a full fledged successful drink brand

Joel Blum, the co-founder of the LA Spirits Awards & High Spirits Awards, is proud to celebrate the incredible talent, craftsmanship, and passion that go into every bottle of spirits. Joel talks about his love for the talented judges and colleagues he works with, and how honored he is to recognize the excellence and effort behind every pour

Mark Chaplin, Executive Vice President, Commerical Sales for Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, shares his leadership philosophy and the core values that drive both business success and team cohesion. Mark emphasizes the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and empowerment in achieving organizational growth. Through his experiences, Mark advocates that strong relationships and a family-first approach are just as essential to business success as innovation and strategy

Jane Bowie and Denny Potter, the founders of Potter Jane Distilling Company with a shared passion for crafting exceptional bourbon, have combined their expertise and vision to create something truly unique. From their hands on approach to distilling to their commitment to quality, Jane & Denny share their story of bringing this brand new American whiskey distillery to life after nearly five decades of shared experience in the industry

Hannah Hanley, a true leader in the word of spirits and driving force behind the International Wine & Spirits Competition - USA, joins us to talk about her passion for excellence and dedication to celebrating the best in the industry, Hannah is helping set the standard for innovation, quality, and craftsmanship in spirits worldwide

Mike Morrison, the founder of A Sheltered Life, is on a mission to build orphanages and Hope Centers across the globe - providing love, support, and opportunity to children in need. This is just the beginning of a journey to create a brighter future for thousands of young lives

Chef Shannon Smith, author of The Hidden Table Cookbook, explores the culinary secrets and inspirations behind her crafted recipes. Shannon shares her travels around the world, creating dishes while immersed within many different cultures. With warmth and enthusiasm, she tells the stories behind her favorite recipes, revealing experiences that influenced her philosophy of food, and of giving back

Nelson Nieves, Founder of Bosscal Mezcal, embarks on an agave-filled adventure that is enlightening and fun. Nelson shares his passion for mezcal, detailing how he transformed his love for this traditional spirit to a thriving brand. He shares entertaining stories from his journey, including challenges he faced and the joy of bringing a piece of Mexican culture to the world

Kimberley Spence, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits Vice President of Development & Marketing, reflects on the importance of representation and mentorship, emphasizing her commitment to empowering others. Kimberley shares her experience as a black women in the industry, and candidly discusses the biases she's faced and how they shaped her resilience and drive. The conversation also explores her innovative approaches to marketing and development, showcasing how her background informs her strategies

Jesse Bongiovi, co-founder of Hampton Water Rosé, is back and discusses the vibrant world of wine along with a splash of fun and personality. Throughout the conversation, Jesse highlights the importance of community and connection, reflecting on how his brand embodies the spirit of celebration he enjoyed growing up around New Jersey and Long Island.

Co-Founder Eva Longoria and Head of Production Alejandra Pelayo dive into the vibrant world of their shared entrepreneurial effort: Casa del Sol Tequila, a brand proudly led by women who honor their Mexican heritage. Join us as we explore the artistry of tequila making, the stories behind each sip, and their ultimate commitment to integrity and tradition. Recorded just after Mexican Independence Day, this episode closes our month-long celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Salud!

Jose "Pepe" Hermosillo, SVP, General Manager-Spirits, and Founder of Casa Noble Tequila, shares his journey to create one of the finest tequilas in the world. Driven by his passion for quality spirits, Pepe tells us about his focus on innovative production processes that led him to create a unique series of single barrel tequilas In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Served Up will be dropping a series of episodes 100% in Spanish. Please see our links page at https://linkpaw.com/serveduppodcast for English transcripts, available the day after each episode is posted. Salud!

Bertha Gonzalez Nieves, Co-Founder and CEO of Casa Dragones Tequila, takes us through her journey of becoming a Tequila Master and creating a unique sipping Tequila through a focus on Mexican craftsmanship, innovation and quality. Bertha shares her passion for our industry and invites us to learn about her journey In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Served Up will be dropping a series of episodes 100% in Spanish. Please see our links page at https://linkpaw.com/serveduppodcast for English transcripts, available the day after each episode is posted. Salud!

Served Up en Español: Serafin Alvarado, Southern Glazer's Director of Education & Master Sommelier, co-hosts an interesting episode to celebrate Latino successes in our industry through a conversation where he describes his journey to become one of the few Latinos with the esteemed title of Master Sommelier. Serafin tells his story with passion while recognizing the people that helped him on his successful career In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Served Up will be dropping a series of episodes 100% in Spanish. Please see our links page at https://linkpaw.com/serveduppodcast for English transcripts, available the day after each episode is posted. Salud!

Kim Marotta, Chief Environmental Sustainability Officer at Suntory Global Spirits, discusses the company's ambitious goals for reducing environmental impact and enhancing sustainability. She shares insights into innovative practices Suntory is adopting to address climate change and resource management

Rachel Burkons, a THC drinkable advocate, entrepreneur, and educator, discusses her challenges and triumphs of her work. She exudes passion for making lasting change in the THC category so as to shape the future in this exciting emerging sector of the adult beverage world

Louis Zweig, Southen Glazer's Wine & Spirits SVP of Commercial Operations, dives into the buzz around celebrity brands and why they're shaking up the beverage world. He speaks about championing craft brands and the innovation they bring, highlights market diversity, & shares his incredible journey through the beverage world

Anna Axster & Wendelin von Schroder, the dynamic duo behind Lodestar Whiskey, share insights into their journey of building a brand from the ground up. Their conversation delves into the challenges they face and the innovation they employ to carve out a niche in the competitive world of whiskey

Adam Millman, CEO and Co-Founder of De-Nada Tequila, highlights his company's commitment to sustainability through their use of eco-friendly aluminum bottles, small carbon foot print, and more. Adam explores how De-Nada's innovation choices align with their broader mission to reduce environmental impact while delivering premium tequila

Susan L. Schwartz, host of the acclaimed Lush Life Podcast and seasoned travel writer, brings her passion for exploring the world of beverages, insights from her adventures, and shares captivating stories from her years documenting the modern cocktail renaissance. From hidden cocktail gems to unique cocktail history tours, Susan's expertise promises to take us on a flavorful journey

Bridget and Julie celebrate a special milestone, taking a delightful journey down memory lane to commemorate our 200th episode. Get ready to savor favorite moments with some of our amazing guests, so much laughter, and the impactful stories that have made Served Up a "must listen" for the beverage community over the last four years Clips from past episodes featuring Ms Frankie Marshall, Jessica Pettitt, Philana Bouvier, Kamal Carter & Kyle Williams, Yannick Benjamin, Aubrey Slater, Jacqueline Strayer, Christie Brinkley, Natalie MacLean, Shannon Cvitanovic, & Sam Heughan Happy 200th Episode to all our listeners! Thank you for taking this ride with us!

Sarita Cheaves, the creative force behind the popular podcast The Swirl Suite and a distinguished wine pairing expert at VineMeUp, brings her passion for wine, deep knowledge of pairings, and insights from her journey in the wine industry to this fun and inspiring conversation

Melissa Dowling, Editor of Cheers Magazine, and Kyle Swartz, Editor of Beverage Dynamics and StateWays Magazines, provide insights into the beverage world and the impactful stories their magazines share to help document the ever-changing drinks landscape. Uncover the brands and trends driving innovation in today's beverage industry