The LushUs Life Podcast

It's Thanksgiving Week. The Lushes talk about why Thanksgiving is the best holiday of all. Their favorite food, Thanksgiving drink pairings, terrible family traditions and bemoan the dangers of Black Friday Shopping. Listen to some turkey talk before the big day!

Have you wondered how to navigate the confusing world of spirits tasting or why you don't taste flavors others do? This week the Lushes explore the basics of tasting spirits and how to train your palate to recognize flavors. Of course they also cover unconventional tasting descriptions and how good whiskey is a lot like good loving. This aint your grandpa's tasting show!

This week on The Lushus Life we invite Dan Magro back. Dan is an actor, mixologist and author of Suck It Up: Extraordinary Cocktails for Everyday People. We discuss Benjamin Franklin's 200 Synonyms for drunk. Which was an article that appeared in the Pennsylvania Gazette in 1737. It's a fun show as we try and figure out drinking slang from the 18th century.

The Lushes celebrate Halloween with cocktails inspired by horror movies. From Silence of the Lambs to Halloween to the Shining we have a drink to match every show and every mood. Warning: this show will make you want to drink wild cocktails and watch scary movies!

We celebrate International Mezcal Day with a very special guest. The Global Brand Ambassador of Ilegal Mezcal Gilbert Marquez (@gilbertmezcal). Gilbert teaches us mezcal basics and talks about the special craft that is unique to mezcal alone. Agave can grow as many as 35 years before being harvested by hand, cooked underground and eventually distilled in traditional alembic copper stills. Listen this week to fall in love with this smoky artisanal spirit that is taking America by storm. 

How well do you know alcohol related terms. From cocktails to spirits there are dozens of common, not so common and often misused or misunderstood terms. This week go through well known and little known terms and discuss their purpose and meaning as well as clear up a few myths along the way. Join in for a fun show!

The Lushes are at it again, and they are talking Hangovers. It's been over a year since they discussed the topic and decided it was time for a revisit. Has science finally found the cure? Or is Mother Nature a better choice? We cover all there remedies and talk about which ones work and which might just make you sicker!

Why a vodka show you ask? National Vodka Day is October 4th and we decided it's high time we do a show to talk about the best selling spirit in the US since 1978.  We cover the origins and history of vodka, the distillation process, it's ascent to number one, and the recent slow decline in sales. We also chat about the craft scene which is taking hold in the vodka world as well. And of course some of our favorite cocktails. Pour yourself a martini that would James Bond proud and listen to the show! 

This week the Lushes answer all your questions. Including the story of how we met and got started almost 2 years ago. But also fun questions like their favorite shot, how to store and drink types of alcohol, who'd win in a chick fight, desert island drams, and even alcohol monogamy bottle choices. Tune in for a fun show.

The Lushes prepare for National Drink Beer Day (9/28) by hosting a beer cocktail show. Beer cocktails are no longer just micheladas and shandies. The number of flavorful beers on the market today create a fantastic platform on which to build cocktails. Listen in this week to hear beer like you never have before!

This week the Lushes celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month in a big way. They throw a game show! They are joined by Brian Thompson, an American Whiskey expert, from the Whiskey Library in Washington DC. Brian Faces off against our very own Alicia in a battle of bourbon knowledge. We cover bourbon history, dates, people, cocktails and the bourbon family tree. This show will tell you everything you need to know to be the coolest person in the room at your next bourbon party.

Kids are back in school which means summer is quickly coming to a close. This week the Lushes talk about summer ending celebrations, paw paw fruits, the county fair cocktails and more.

The true magic of whiskey lies in the wood it is aged in. We talk about the importance of wood from the trees and terroir to charring, weather and modern techniques with our guest Dave this week. A 7th generation Kentuckian, he admittedly has bourbon running through his veins. If you are interested in the science of what gives whiskey it's flavor this show is for you.

September is festival season in Kentucky. This week the Lushes talk about all of the great events going on in Kentucky in the month of September. There is a special focus on the music focused Bourbon and Beyond Festival. Listen in to win free tickets and get the inside track!

August 16th is National Rum Day. So this week the Lushes celebrate by talking everything Rum. The history, composition, distillation, importance it played in colonial American, Pirates, the British Navy, favorite cocktails and even a story about Alicia being chased by a shark while drinking rum. Make yourself a cocktail or pour some rum neat and join us!

Enjoy an episode from our archives this week, that originally aired July 9, 2017. We spend some time celebrate adulting milestones. We discuss the true signs that demonstrate you are adulting like a boss. Also the good, bad and ugly of whiskey stones and Diageo's seemingly evil plan for complete world domination. Whether you like whiskey, bourbon, cigars, or just hanging out with girls drinking cocktails this show is for you. Pour yourself a drink and join us!! All music is by the awesome Throw Logic band www.throwlogic.com @throwlogic The voice of Reginald the Liquid Lawyer is courtesy of @coventrycocktails

This week the Lushes are joined by Brett Ferencz, better known in the whisky world as Scotch Trooper (@scotch_trooper).  Brett is a professional photographer who combines his love for Star Wars and his love for whisky together.  We talk all about scotch, Rush concerts, Alicia's new underwear, the best Star Wars movie and being stranded on a desert island.

This week the Lushes discuss the exciting topic of ICE!  Okay, it may not sound that exciting but ice is the single most important ingredient in a cocktail. Having the right ice for the right drink makes all the difference. We also cover some of those who took home awards from this year's Tales of the Cocktail, a few of our favorite bars, a great new indie movie (American Animals) that was recently recently released and the potential (or not) of using holy water in cocktails. 

July 21st is National Junk Food Day so the Lushes celebrate this week by talking about their favorite junk food, favorite junk food and cocktail pairings and favorite ways to use junk food in a cocktail. Oh, and there is also a terrible gender discussion about the crimes of not having pockets in women's clothing, but we digress. Grab a cocktail and favorite junk food and tune it!

Erik Ginther of Fratelli Branca San Francisco joins the lushes this week to talk about all things Vermouth. From the composition, to history, origin, rise in popularity, and best ways to drink it. We also talk about the cult favorite Fernet Branca and get seriously off track with a questionable Bob Ross discussion. This is definitely not your grandmother's vermouth show!

The Lushes talk all about Irish whiskey with the Whiskey Barons (@whiskeybarons) from Dublin, Ireland. James and Eoin bring their knowledge and wit to this week's show as we talk about the rich history, recent meteoric rise, impending trade war fears, and what the future holds for Irish Whiskey. Listen to this informative show! All music for the show is written and performed by ThrowLogic Band from Phoenix, Arizona and the voice of Reginald is courtesy of @coventrycocktails in the UK.

This week the Lushes are joined by LA cocktail creator, author, & media personality Dan Magro (@danmagro) We talk about Los Angeles, Dan's new cocktail book (Suck it up: Extraordinary cocktails for everyday people), drinking in the City of Angels, celebrities, the night he accidentally made all his friends throw up and a whole lot more. Listen in to this fun show! All music for the show is written and performed by ThrowLogic Band from Phoenix, Arizona and the voice of Reginald is courtesy of @coventrycocktails in the UK.

The Lushus Life turned one year old in June. Hard to believe a year of booze talk, antics, jokes, guests, booze nerding, and adulting has somehow flown by already. This week Cocktail Maven quizzes Bourbon Sipper on her knowledge of holidays, booze preferences and binge drinking. We also reflect back on our year a bit, argue about whether this is a birthday or anniversary and talk about what's coming up in year two. Join us for this fun show!

This week the Lushes are joined by Jason Chism of the Kentucky Growler Podcast (Kentuckygrowler.com) to nerd out a little about beer.  We talk fermentation, hops, yeast, new trends, hype, the decline of the macro beers, beer cocktails, and more. Join us for this informative show!

This week the Lushes are joined by Professional Wrestler Jack Jameson (@machismolibre) for a show all about the world of wrestling. The Lushes learn about the various styles of wrestling and enjoy a few fun (& salacious) stories from the ring. They also invent a new cocktail and devise a scheme to be the first ever professional wrestling sponsor with their name on the back of Jack's "manties". Join us for a fun, and surprisingly, educational show.

Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial beginning of summer in the US. Camping, BBQs, friends, pools, and libations herald in the summer season. This week the Lushes talk about their favorite BBQ foods, drinks for a crowd, party games and desserts. They also cover some booze related myths and helpful hacks to make your summer parties the best ones yet. Join us and get ready for the summer! The music is by the Phoenix based Throwlogic band and the voice of Reginald is courtesy of @coventrycocktails, a UK based cocktail creator. 

We had some technical difficulties this week so we are bringing back a show from our archives. The question we get asked more than any other is what should you eat before going out? As professional drinkers we pretty much have this down to a science. If you are new to the show you can catch up on some history. If you've been here a long time you can remember where some of our worst hashtags came from (#plugitwithmeat anyone?) 

Josue Romero joins the Lushes this week to talk about cocktail curb appeal. Josue, who is better known as "The Garnish Guy" (@the_garnishguy) has made a name for himself in international cocktail circles with the stunning cocktails he posts on his Instagram page. Originally from Venezuela and currently in St. Augustine Florida Josue entertains the Lushes with his bar stories and fascinating journey from NASA financial wizard to current day cocktail garnish god. Join us for a fun show!

The Lushes talk about how to bring along booze when you travel. Whether it's a plane, a train or a car we talk about the best way to travel with your favorite spirits. And dispel the myths of taking along your own booze when you go. We also get seriously off-track talking about Alicia's successful date at White Castle, whether Altoids would work as a mint julep substitute among other things.

The Lushes love it when you talk Derby to us! That's right, it's time for the greatest 2 minutes in sports - the Kentucky Derby. We talk Derby events, history, insider tips, cocktails, horses, jockeys and some fun facts you may not know. Don't break out that hat or seersucker suit and head to the Derby party until you give us a listen! We promise you'll be the smartest one at the party.

This week we go beyond the tourism to chat about the hidden attractions and places the locals go in Kentucky. From where to stay and how to plan your days to get the most of our your trip to how to take distillery tours the right way and which ones that are not-to-be-missed favorites. Even some secrets you won't find anywhere else. If you thinking about a trip to Kentucky you don't want to miss this show!

Making Cocktails at home doesn't have to be hard. This week the Lushes talk about a simple ratio that will guarantee perfect cocktails every time. They also momentarily divert to cocktail festivals, the golden rule and golden showers. They never have been able to stay on track...this week is no different.

The popularity of bourbon continues to experience explosive growth which is driving a healthy secondary market. This week the Lushes talk about the ins and outs of bourbon flipping and the drivers of the secondary market. They also discuss legislative progress in Kentucky that is finally allowing some shipment of distilled spirits out of state. Along with the momentary contemplation of sketchy paid content for the Lushus Life Channel.

This week the Lushes are joined by Brodie Whitlock of the Empty Glass Resistance Podcast. It's a lighthearted show on what to bring to unlikely parties. If you ever get invited to a divorce party, a pet birthday, circumcision, or a getting out of prison party you will know just what to bring thanks to our thoughtful Lushes.

The Lushes jump in this week to learn all they can about the history, distillation and growth of gin.  They are joined by Rob Patchett of Cotswolds Distillery in the UK. Join us as we talk about a diverse spirit currently on the edge of innovation in the spirits world. All music is by the Phoenix based Throw Logic band www.throwlogic.com @throwlogic. The voice of Reginald the Liquid Lawyer is courtesy of @coventrycocktails

The Lushes celebrate National Cocktail Day (3/24) by putting on a cocktail competition. They pre-selected 3 ingredients and each Lush did her own interpretation of that ingredient. As usual, nobody follows the rules, they get completely off track and somehow still come up with some pretty badass cocktails. Tune in to see what they do with Cotton Candy, Tobacco & Gum Syrup. All music is by the Phoenix based Throw Logic band www.throwlogic.com @throwlogic. The voice of Reginald the Liquid Lawyer is courtesy of @coventrycocktails

This week the Lushes bring you St. Patrick's Day history, weird facts and lots of Guinness and Irish Whiskey. Listen to this week's show to be the smartest person at the St. Patrick's Day party. All music is by the Phoenix based Throw Logic band www.throwlogic.com @throwlogic. The voice of Reginald the Liquid Lawyer is courtesy of @coventrycocktails

This week the Lushes toss back a few drinks and swap jokes they've heard in bars. Whether you have a terrible sense of humor, need a new repertoire of jokes for yourself, or just want to feel better because you'd never sink this low, this show is for you. P.S. pour yourself a drink, you'll laugh harder. All music is by the Phoenix based Throw Logic band www.throwlogic.com @throwlogic. The voice of Reginald the Liquid Lawyer is courtesy of @coventrycocktails  

This week we celebrate National Margarita Day in style. In case you are wondering about the title, the word Margarita translates to Daisy in English. Tune in to hear about our favorite drinks and join us some tequila fun. All music is by the Phoenix based Throw Logic band www.throwlogic.com @throwlogic. The voice of Reginald the Liquid Lawyer is courtesy of @coventrycocktails

Cory Allen joins the lushes this week. He is the co-owner of Big Six Tobacco and host of the popular Hot Ticket Podcast. We discuss good cigars for beginners, the cuts we prefer and what we like to drink while smoking. It doesn't take long for the Lushes to draw the similarities between cigar smoking and sex. Join us for a fun and educational show. All music is by the Phoenix based Throw Logic band www.throwlogic.com @throwlogic. The voice of Reginald the Liquid Lawyer is courtesy of @coventrycocktails

We are thrilled this week to have Dr. Bill Lumsden on the show. He is the master Distiller at Glenmorangie & Ardbeg. He gives us a sneak peak of their new private edition no. 9 Spios as we talk about the The past and future of scotch. All music is by the Phoenix based Throw Logic band www.throwlogic.com @throwlogic. The voice of Reginald the Liquid Lawyer is courtesy of @coventrycocktails

This week on the Lushus Life we talk shots. The ones we love, the ones we hate, proper etiquette, glassware, terrible names and of course we drink them....shot after shot. We also learn about the science that proves beer makes you happy! Pour yourself a shot, throw it back and listen in! All music is by the Phoenix based Throw Logic band www.throwlogic.com @throwlogic. The voice of Reginald the Liquid Lawyer is courtesy of @coventrycocktails

This week Louisville based Chef, Alex Dulaney is on our show. Alex is an award winning chef who currently delights visitors at the Maker's Mark Distillery with his cooking. He talks with us about simple (and not so simple) ways to incorporate bourbon into your favorite meals. Sprinkled with our juvenile need to giggle every time he says bung. This show will leave you drooling! All music is by the Phoenix based Throw Logic band www.throwlogic.com @throwlogic. The voice of Reginald the Liquid Lawyer is courtesy of @coventrycocktails

This week the Lushes are here to cozy right up next to you and warm you up from the inside out with a nice hot toddy. We discuss the benefits of drinking toddies & some of our favorite recipes. As usual we also have a little fun with words and create some new hashtags that might make you a blush. All music is by the Phoenix based Throw Logic band www.throwlogic.com @throwlogic. The voice of Reginald the Liquid Lawyer is courtesy of @coventrycocktails

The Lushes are joined this week by Southern California Tiki expert Will Parris (@Parri5) to clear away those winter blahs.  We have the history of tiki, tiki culture, great bars you shouldn't miss, drinks you need to try and whole lotta fun. Make yourself something fun to drink and join us! All music is by the Phoenix based Throw Logic band www.throwlogic.com @throwlogic. The voice of Reginald the Liquid Lawyer is courtesy of @coventrycocktails

The Lushes begin 2018 with a party! We talk drinks for a crowd. Learn the origins of alcohol based punches, famous historic recipes and tips on serving cocktails to a crowd. We also take a look back at some of our favorite moments from 2017. Let's start this year off with a party! All music is by the killer Throw Logic band www.throwlogic.com @throwlogic. The voice of Reginald the Liquid Lawyer is courtesy of @coventrycocktails

The Lushes close out 2017 by sharing some of their favorite toasts. From tantalizing to terrible, heart warming to stomach wrenching you will find them all here. Learn the history of toasting, odd toasting traditions and the importance of having a toastmaster. Whether you are toasting the happy couple or just your friends out for a night of drinking make this your first stop to ensure you are the toast of all your friends. All music is by the killer Throw Logic band www.throwlogic.com @throwlogic. The voice of Reginald the Liquid Lawyer is courtesy of @coventrycocktails

The Lushes continue talking Christmas this week with some of their favorite traditions, a few annoying ones and some that are just downright weird from around the world. From fruitcake to pooping logs you gotta listen to this week's show! All music is by the killer Throw Logic band www.throwlogic.com @throwlogic. The voice of Reginald the Liquid Lawyer is courtesy of @coventrycocktails

The Lushes bring to you a list of fun Holiday gift ideas for adult gift giving. From cocktail books to adult cereal like you've seen it before to chambongs you need to listen to this show for all your hard to buy for friends! All music is by the killer Throw Logic band www.throwlogic.com @throwlogic. The voice of Reginald the Liquid Lawyer is courtesy of @coventrycocktails

The Lushes are joined this week by Co-Owner and Master Distiller of Arizona Distilling Company (@AZDistilling), Jason Grossmiller for a special Repeal Day show. We talk about the history of anti-liqour laws, the unexpected role of Utah in the repeal of Prohibition, the challenges and unique opportunities for craft distillers, and proposed tax legislation that would make a big impact on the distilling community. Join us as we celebrate this day in history. All music is by the killer Throw Logic band www.throwlogic.com @throwlogic. The voice of Reginald the Liquid Lawyer is courtesy of @coventrycocktails

This week the Lushes talk about strange bar stories along with the best and worst pick up lines they've heard. Tune in for a fun no holds barred show of salacious late night stories and humor All music is by the killer Throw Logic band www.throwlogic.com @throwlogic. The voice of Reginald the Liquid Lawyer is courtesy of @coventrycocktails