United States of Dramerica

Kenny and Craig join the show to discuss why you should put water in whisky and why that water should come from Loch Ness.The Scotsmen discuss the dangers to whisky of ice, tap water and mineral water, their love of Glenfarclas and how water from Loch Ness won't kill you.We also cover monsters, Elvis and Craig's love for sharing a dram with his dad and his wife (who doesn't drink whisky).A great episode with our show's first sponsors!

We chat to Scottish striker Marc McNulty.He talks about finding out about his Scotland debut from the TV, his adventures playing  in Orange County and the pride of playing at Wembley.We also cover the excitement of playing in front of large crowds, fitting kitchens and getting kicked in the nuts against San Antonio.In a fun romp through his career, we talk highlights and lowlights, the travel, weather and pitch conditions in the US and the anxiety of transfer deadlines.And he tells us why he wants to drink an Irish whiskey, with a fighter in a special location.

I talk to Jason Myers, trailer editor (and my karate partner).We talk about the world of editing trailers, salvaging bad films and working with Michael Bay on Transformers.He tells us how to make a trailer, his trailer geekiness and the Golden Trailer Awards.We talk editing sport, using music so good in trailers that they put it in the film and the worst films.Jason, over a Japanese whisky, tells us how Tom Cruise took away his Super Bowl spot, getting to the cinema early to watch his work and the thrills - and frustrations - of how they select trailers after months of work.https://www.jasonmyersedit.com/transformers-2017

Over a gold rush and a whiskey sour, I talk to the Closet Files - a pair of high-flying personal stylists.We talk fashion, dressing men and styling women for work and leisure.They explain why clients need a stylist, going through people's wardrobes and working with celebrities.We talk about authentic style, telling clients the truth and working with Mariska Hargitay and Alyssa Milano.And how to dress for divorce court…

We talk to Sportiqe co-founder Jason Franklin.He tells us about catching a Hulk Hogan shirt at WrestleMania, how being a ball boy for the Chicago Bulls changed his life and wearing personalized hoodies.He cracks open a Japanese whisky and explains why he founded Sportiqe, his children stopping strangers in the street to talk about their clothing and his dream of working with Taylor Swift.Jason talks about the importance of music to his life, why fans want premium merchandise and Christmas presents for the extended family.A great chat about sports, apparel and going on a first date chauffeured by one of the world's most famous basketball players.

The whisky podcast is back and we have the excellently-voices Benjamin Percy aboard.The comic book writer tells us, over a Lagavulin 16, which super heroes would drink, how comics helped him as a kid moving cities and why Marvel is so good.We talk nerds, Batman and how hard it is to write novels.While I drink Wolfburn, we cover the growth of comics, his career ambitions and how Endgame changes the industry.And his next novel, Sky Vault, releases in September of this year - https://www.amazon.com/Sky-Vault-Comet-Cycle/dp/1328544419/ref=asc_df_1328544419_nodl?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=564672456204&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7047733570246280255&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031175&hvtargid=pla-1593102743027&psc=1&dplnkId=245b7130-fdb4-452e-9462-c9c1eb922885

American in Paris, Hollywood writer and whisky lover Patrick Macmanus is the latest guest on the podcast.We explore learning languages, Americans abroad and what makes a good leader.Over a Dalmore 12 and a Glenfiddich Grand Cru, we swap whisky stories, what makes a good Hollywood writer and diplomatic life.And he tells us why he wants to drink a Japanese whisky with LBJ and in a Washington cemetery.

We talk to hat-preneur and marketeer Alan Miller.We talk fashion hats, washing hats, hat designs and basically all things hat.Over an Alexander Murray, he talks about owning 100s of hats, all-mesh hats, corduroy hats, wool hats, numbered hats, baseball hats, who buys their hats and his favorite hats.He explains why he founded his hat company Official League, hat culture and whether he would wear a Yorkshire flat cap.

We talk to sports exec (and sports fanatic) David Siegel.We discuss his love of sport, pitching to his heroes and how bad some of the national anthems were at Dodgers Stadium.David tells us about a career in a baseball front office, sport as entertainment and his greatest memories with the Los Angeles Dodgers.We talk about LA's sporting riches, his work with the LA Sports Council and what is coming next for this sports-mad city.And we talk Johnnie Walker Blue, Sandy Koufax and Tommy LaSorda.

We talk rock music, whisky, crypto and the future of banking with the extraordinary Bob Schukai.The EVP of Open Banking at Mastercard tells us his about love of Orange County rockers Social Distortion, his fascination with technology and buying a coffee with Bitcoin.We talk about biometrics in banking, fraud and using your palm to pay.We also cover the future of money, the importance of privacy and the end of cash.And why he wants to share an Oban with MLK in Atlanta.

We talk to former British diplomat-turned-novelist Leigh Turner.Leigh tells us about his new novel Palladium, getting clearance from the British Foreign Office to write these books and the motivation behind his new career.We discuss managing crises - from civil unrest to planning for earthquakes and plane crashes, why representing the modern version of diplomatic life is so important and writing what you know.Leigh talks us about his early books - The Skip outside the Lenin Museum, Blood Summit and his anthology of hotel stories - and as the previous Ambassador to Ukraine, we talk about the conflict with Russia and what happens next.And he tells us why he wants to drink Macallan with the Queen.Home - Leigh Turner/Robert Pimm: novels, short stories and more (rleighturner.com)

We speak to endurance athlete and motivational speaker Grant Lottering.He talks us through his near-death experience on an Italian mountaintop after a horrific bike crash, his road to recovery and his journey to inspire others.We discuss his charitable work, making the most of his second chance and his 72-hour non-stop ride across Southern California.Grant talks in great detail about the moment he  nearly died, his faith and the ‘angelic' visit from the Italian doctor who saved him.An inspiring and painful story of one man's journey to make something of the second half of his life.

Joining us for our first live interview in 2 years, it is American Idol favourite Elliott Yamin.He tells us his story of driving hours to a first audition for Season 5 of the show and his ascent to finishing third.We share a Bowmore 10 and discuss the power of music, the challenges of instant fame and his months on tour with American Idol playing full stadia across the US.He talks about working with Stevie Wonder, becoming a 'Barry Fanilow' and the singing education he got as part of the show.Elliott discusses fame, his gratitude to the show and his current music career.And there is even time to talk sports, dog walking and parenthood.

I speak to whisky impresario Chris Uhde.He tells his story of failed rock star to whisky expert, why he fell in love with scotch and learning about whiskies from around the world.We talk scotch, rice whisky, as well as Belgian, Indian and Welsh drinks.Chris talks about collecting whisky, the enjoyment of sharing a dram with people and talks us through some of the best whisky he as tasted.He explains how he became - and remains the Los Angeles Voice of Whisky - and why he would want to share a whisky with his grandmother.And we share a Fukano.A fascinating discussion with a real whisky expert.

An independent baseball team in Oregon have been going viral due to the exploits of their mascot - a giant pickle.Over a glass of Bulleit, we talk to Ross Campbell, General Manager of the Portland Pickles about Dillon T. Pickle and his exploits.You'll hear about his viral - and inappropriate - picture, being mislaid by Delta on the way back from the Dominican Republic and then being stolen by a porch pirate.Ross gives us the inside story of the pickle who made all the late night shows, the Daily Mail and the front page of the Wall Street Journal.

We talk to Emily Cloke, British Consul General for Southern California, Utah, Arizona, Hawaii and Nevada.Over a glass of Balvenie, we talk diplomacy in a pandemic, remote working as a parent and diversity in the British Foreign Service.She tells us about the work of a diplomat in Los Angeles, the value of the creative industries and working with the Mayor on climate change.We take about the soft power value of sports, movies and whisky (and gin and tea!), what she hopes to achieve as the world opens up and meeting Arnold Schwarzenegger.

We talk to Johnny, who has built a substantial following pairing whisky and donuts.As we share a dream and a sugary cake, he explains how this bit of fun turned into a serious endeavor and a change of career, the world of savory donuts and his work in the whisky industry.Johnny tells us about shakshuka donuts, hot chicken donuts and the simple pleasures of blueberry glazed donuts.We talk pairings with whisky, building a community and he tells us the importance of donuts to Americans.

In the first episode of 2022, we talk to wedding and event designer Charley King.She tells us about the extraordinary world of events in Los Angeles, working with elephants and llamas (including one that fell in a swimming pool!) and helping people create special moments with friends and families.She talks through the importance of making weddings personal to the couple, navigating the complicated world of cancellations in a pandemic and how masks designs have improved in the past two years.Charley tells us about the impact of Covid on her business and 'her couples', finding the right way through the past two years and how much events have changed.A fascinating insight into an intriguing world.

We talk to the passionate Michele Kajiwara, SVP Premium at the STAPLES Center.She talks about selling sports experiences in a Covid world, the impact of the social justice movement and how much she missed the thrill of live entertainment during the pandemic.Michele talks passionately about the sports experience, tells the story of being invited to a funeral of one her clients and how all the stories were of shared experiences and what it is like to be in a sports venue when something truly historic happens.She talks about Kobe Bryant, his impact on her and the night he scored 81 points.And she explains why she wants to share a Japanese whisky with Bob Marley in the Seychelles.

We talk to Shaun Robinson, manager of the Hilton Anaheim, California's third largest hotel.He tells stories from his 30+ years in the business including meeting Pele and Muhammed Ali, how we got his start as a waiter in Newport Beach and dealing with power cuts.He talks about having to furlough most of his 1200 staff due to the pandemic, how they dealt with 9/11 and the glitz and glamor of working in Beverly Hills.Shaun talks about why he left Liverpool to work in hospitality, when Stevie Wonder played in the lobby of his hotel and explains the leadership lessons he learned along the way.A fascinating behind-the-scenes take on life in the hospitality business by an entertaining and thoughtful leader.

We talk to the only Scotsman to headline on the Las Vegas Strip, Jimmy Denning.He tells us about sharing limos with Wayne Newton, how Matt Goss mixes his whisky and being sick in one of the most expensive suites in Vegas.He explains the different sides of his adopted hometown, living life there to excess but also what real life  off the Strip is like.Jimmy talks about his serious brush with Covid, when his band will return to the Strip and why he wants to share a Macallan with Garth Brooks.

We talk to Clare Risman, former British diplomat and now Executive Director of the St George's Society of New York.We talk about the historic charity, their role supporting everyone from Titanic survivors, to creating a 9/11 Memorial Garden to the wide range of support they provide today.We discuss running a charity during a global pandemic, how donors are treated like investors and ways of giving beyond just financial.Clare talks about her time in Government, the adventures supporting the GREAT Campaign including trying to navigate a London Bus around New York, introducing Prince Harry to the Queen of Dragons and her adventures with the Red Arrows aerobatic display team.A fun and interesting discussion about modern diplomacy and charity.

We talk to entertainment lawyer Grant Arnow. He talks about his career as front man of Takota, touring Europe and some of the things he saw while touring with bands.He explains his transition to corporate lawyer then entertainment lawyer, how his background helps him understand clients and the satisfaction he gets from working in the industry.Grant talks about live streaming and how the pandemic will change the music experience, being in a band with Taylor Swift's bassist and his nagging desire to get back on stage.We talk returning to gigs, being the king of Western-super-Mare and how social media has changed the landscape for new bands.See them here in action - https://youtu.be/4xUZ7e8ct-k

We talk to the lively Neil Strachan of Balvenie. We talk about corporate golf tournaments, the etiquette of drinking whisky and doing business in South East Asia and getting lost during a Manila whisky festival.He explains how luxury whiskys are promoted in Singapore and China, the rarest whiskys he's tasted at the world famous Auld Alliance and why Scottish people are seen as so charming.Neil tells us how friendly that part of the world was (and how quickly they drink), how different it is working in the USA and why he wants to share a Balvenie 14 Caribbean Cask with a recently-deceased inspirational friend Ali McDougall on the top of a French mountain.

We talk to the effervescent Nicola Slater, former Scottish tennis professional.We talk playing at Wimbledon, pay equality for women and working with Judy Murray.She talks about the thrill and excitement of the lower level tour, the poor behavior of entitled players complaining about pre-Australia Open quarantine and when is the right time to make the transition to Pickleball.We talk about the all the Murrays - Andy, Judy and Alexander (the whisky Murray).And why she wants to have a whisky with Robert the Bruce on Stirling Bridge.

We talk to the extraordinary Paul Bae, actor, comedian, writer and podcaster.He talks about having his head blown off in the infamous movie the Interview, how the podcast he started because nobody wanted his screenplay has had more than 50 million downloads and how he performed such a horrible stand up set in LA that people wouldn't even let him sit at their table.He explains how he is transitioning from podcasting to TV writing, why he didn't show his giant dog's diarrhea on Instagram and we talk about diversity in Hollywood.And he explains why he wants to drink a Yamazaki 18 with historic Jesus in 1990s South Korea.

We talk to Markus Stripf, co-founder of nutrition data analysis firm Spoon Guru.He explains how his company helps those on food exclusion diets to more easily find products they can eat.Markus explains that two in every three people are on some form of specialist diet, how his wife's issues finding foods due to her allergies was the inspiration behind the company and the environmental reasons behind so many new vegans.We talk plant-based food, personalized diets and lab-grown meat. And we both agree that alcohol should remain in a healthy diet - and helps you live longer (sort of...)And Markus explains why he wants to drink a Jura 10 with Keith Richards in Cuba.

In a special crossover episode we combine United States of Dramerica and America the Beautiful Game. We talk to whisky lover and soccer expert Oliver Wyss. The former Swiss international youth player, coach, agent and soccer tech is now the President of Soccer at Orange County Soccer Club in the United Soccer League.We talk about the controversial new European Super League, his love of wine and then whisky and the state of soccer in the United States.Oliver tells us about working on Playing for Keeps with Gerard Butler, being sold expensive whisky at Glasgow airport and how much he enjoys work with Orange County's partner club Glasgow Rangers.He talks about the transformation of US soccer, its continued shortcomings but also how they might win a World Cup in 2030.And why he wants to share a Bruichladdich Black Art with Michael Jordan.

We talk to stuntman, fight co-ordinator, martial arts specialist and member of the famous Crosby family, Luke.He talks about his great-grandfather Bing, the extraordinary career of his mother Spice Williams-Crosby and his fascination with martial arts - not surprising given his father Gregory trained with Bruce Lee.We talk growing up in a celebrity family, the community of black belts and why he chose stunts over acting.And Luke tells us  about family film night, earning his SAG card playing a ninja and why he wants to share a Japanese whisky with Bruce Lee.

We go Down Under this week to talk to Dave Vitale, the founder of Australian whisky sensation Starward.He talks about his company's market positioning, why Starward is perfect for cocktails and as a 'dinner table whisky'. He explains how the pandemic has been tough for a growing brand, why he wanted to start distilling and the growing market in Australia.He talks about the pleasing lack of whisky prejudice against newer markets and why people should embrace new expressions  and how Starward are growing in the US.And Dave explains what cuisine pairs best with his whisky, how Two-Fold and tonic is the new gin and tonic and where he expects to see Starward in the next five years.

We talk to British comedian and actor Matt Green. He explains how his viral pandemic comedy videos came about, we compare British and American comedic styles and he talks about 'audience deterioration' and how it is likely going to be worse after the pandemic.He talks about performing comedy over zoom, how to try and avoid offending people and using his wife's zoom calls as inspiration for some of his workplace comedy.Matt explains how he has asked for money during the pandemic despite being British, why best man speeches at comedians' weddings are always tricky and how having 'comedy' in his twitter handle has avoided people misunderstanding his work.A funny and insightful episode about British humor and how it differs from America. 

This week's guest is Martin French, managing director at Berylls Strategy Advisors.We talk the future of driving, mobility, electrification and autonomous vehicles.Martin tells us why range anxiety should no longer be an issue, the joy of electric cars and the psychology of autonomous vehicle adoption.He explains why he doesn't own a car, his favorite driving experiences and the difference between mobility adoption in America and Europe.He also tells us why he wants to share a Redbreast with his grandfather and sharing a gin and tonic with Dame Judi Dench.

We share a whiskey with aspiring golfer Will Leaf, who after a tough pandemic year, is selling shares in himself to fund his pro career.Will, who has had three holes in one (including two on par 4s), explains how his PGA Tour Canada aspirations were ended by the border closure, how the share scheme works and how it feels to be a commodity people can buy.He tells us his passion for the game, meeting his hero Arnold Palmer and tells us about the weird world of lower level tour golf - including players turning up for tournaments in their pajamas.Will says he's excited for the grind of tour golf, the terrible hotels, the driving through the night - and how that is a big step down from college 'luxury' travel.He talks about the importance of grit not just talent, backs himself to follow in the footsteps of Zack Johnson and Kevin Kisner (who also sold shares in themselves) and tells us why he wants to share a Woodford Reserve with Tiger Woods at Augusta National.

We talk to Scottish entrepreneur Chris Newlands, founder of space selfie company Spelfie.The navy veteran explains the genesis of his company, why he thinks people will want to take space selfies at live events and how clouds are Spelfie's enemy.He talks through the challenges of launching a start up in a global pandemic, the ways his company has adapted and his plans for expansion.Chris talks about his partnership with Airbus, selling space visible advertising and why he wants to share a Macallan with Barack Obama on the beach in Barbados.

We talk to Gary Gillan, the president of NARSA - the North American Rangers Supporters Association. He talks about his beloved club Rangers, how being further afield brings you closer to the club and the origins of NARSA.He talks about the sense of community that these fan groups create, how tough it has been during Covid and he feels closer to the club in Canada even though he used to have a season ticket.Gary tells us about the excitement around Rangers' season, what it will mean to win the league again after a ten year gap and reminds us all that Rangers are the most successful domestic team in global soccer.He explains the rivalry with Celtic, where Rangers would fit in the English game and the importance of European competition.And why he wants to share a whisky with the Beatles.

We talk to veteran whisky and luxury travel expert Ricky Crawford.He tells us about the growing importance of sustainable travel, how it's going to become more important post-pandemic and the genesis of his Amazon Prime show Leave No Trace.We talk about green luxury travel in Scotland, the purity of distilleries and his time as a roving whisky ambassador - including a disappointing trip to the Playboy Mansion.Ricky tells us about his new virtual Scottish corporate tour company - where he is one of the three Dram Good Laddies, what he misses about drinking whisky with friends and his love for the Maldives.And he tells us why he wants to drink a Glenlivet with George Clooney.

We talk to Dom Madell, resident of Auckland, New Zealand. He explains what it is like living in a relatively covid-free country, survivor's guilt and the Kiwi view of the rest of the world.He talks about masks on trains - and nowhere else - in his country, the reality of being on an 'island of purity' and the inequity of billionaires of using his country as a safety bolthole.Dom explains his worries about New Zealand for when they re-open borders, he drinks a local Thomson whisky and we share stories of our childhood and our first (terrible) attempts at drinking illegally in pubs.He also talks about his new band, set up during the pandemic, and how Frayed Flag are happily playing gigs in busy pubs.

We talk to Tracie Franklin, Head Distiller Apprentice at the Nearest and Jack Advancement Initiative. She tells her story of moving from Broadway to whisky ambassador to the leadership acceleration program run by Jack Daniels and Uncle Nearest whiskey to increase diversity in the whiskey business.Tracie talks about diversity in the industry, her reluctant acceptance of being a role model and tells us the inspiring story of Nearest Green, a freed slave who taught Jack Daniels.We share a virtual Uncle Nearest 1820, talk about the modern dual role of a head distiller as brand ambassador and what she misses about showbusiness.And she tells us why she would want to drink a Glenfiddich 50 with her father.

We talk to Jon Ryan, the Super Bowl winning punter from the Seattle Seahawks.He tells us about the feeling of being part of a Super Bowl and the euphoria of victory.He also tells us about the feeling of being part of a Super Bowl the following year and the agony of a narrow defeat to Tom Brady.Jon talks us through his Championship game touchdown, the first play-off touchdown ever thrown by a punter.We talk about punters tackling, some of Jon's highlight reel - mostly painful-looking hits - and the under-rated value of the CFL, and why playing in his home country was so important to him.There is also time to cover soccer - including his love for Swansea City and Jordan Morris' transfer there - and his new career as an owner of rugby and baseball teams.We also cover retirement, Brady, Gronk and whisky.And Jon tells us why he wants to drink bourbon with Jackie Robinson in a minor league dugout.A fantastic discussion with one of the game's popular figures.

We talk to event and marketing expert David Balfour.The Scot living in Dubai with plans to expand in to the US talks events, how the pandemic has changed the industry, what is possible now and what direction he thinks events will go in the future.He tells us how the uneven pace of recovery is creating opportunities, the huge appetite to return to live experiences and how Usher nearly ruined one of his first events in the US.David tells us about his favorite whisky, his sneaker collection and the appeal of life in Los Angeles.And why he wants to share a Wolfcraig whisky with Sir Alex Freguson.

We talk to Estelle McCartney, Chief Customer Officer for Arctic Shores and veteran communications professional.She tells us about how the interface between business and Government has changed, the importance of ‘doing good’ and her first role with Britain in Europe.She talks about her work with Arctic Shores, using technology in recruitment to improve diversity and getting people into the right jobs for the long term.She also talks about watching her father compete in the Whisky Olympics, we debate how to pronounce Glenmorangie and she tells the story of pioneer Gertrude Bell.

We talk to screenwriter Grant Pierce Myers. He talks about the excitement of working on The Maze Runner, his parents organizing a special screening for their friends in his home town and his favorite line from the movie.He tells us how he celebrates movie projects by buying bottles of whisky, his love for the cherry-infused bourbon made by Traverse City Whiskey Company and he tells the story of being fired from the Maze Runner - and how the lead actor didn't even realize he was the writer.Grant tells us how he would pitch a movie about Trump, how the pandemic ruined one of his latest projects and whether his new projects will have masks and social distancing written in to them.He talks about script envy, the Maze Runner being sued for stealing someone else's idea and how he feels about the Maze Runner sequels making less money than the first.And he tells us why he wants to drink any whisky with Ernest Hemingway on a boat - and his favorite cocktail stories.

We talk to magician Kayla Drescher. She tells us about swapping science for magic, her dislike of Las Vegas and why the market town of Dunstable is her favorite place.She talks about her Magic in Heels business, the challenges for women in magic and her favorite trick.We share a (virtual) whiskey as she tells us about a magician's life in Los Angeles compared to Boston, how much she enjoys corporate events and travel and why she wants to share a Jefferson's with Celine Dion.

We talk to David Mackay, the Chief Pilot for Virgin Galactic.He tells us his journey from a young boy in northern Scotland watching the moon landing on television to his own flight into space.David, who has more than 15k flying hours, talks about testing aircraft for the British Royal Air Force, his transition to commercial airliners for Virgin Atlantic and then his move to flying spacecraft for Virgin Galactic and helping Richard Branson achieve his dream.He describes the simple joy of his first ever flight, the beautiful vistas he has captured from the cockpit of planes around the world and the thrill of flying into space and the unique experience and view.David talks through what a Virgin Galactic astronaut will experience, the types of passengers who have signed up for space travel and why he enjoys a post-flight Clynelish.And he tells us why he wants to share a whisky with Neil Armstrong.

We talk to James Keston, owner of Orange County Soccer Club.He explains why he bought a USL team, what he is hoping to achieve on and off the field and how hard the pandemic has hit live sport.James talks about the unique partnership with Glasgow Rangers, the CBS documentary about their deal and why all the Scottish players needed subtitles.He tells us that he doesn’t think a promotion and relegation system will happen in US soccer in the next 30 years, the importance of giving American youngsters a pathway to pro that avoids college and how close he came to owning an MLS team.And why he wants to share a highland whisky in a European pub with Alexander Hamilton and Benjamin Franklin.

We speak to immigration lawyer Lorraine D'Alessio, founder of the D'Alession Law Group.She talks about the 'hardest year' for her and her clients, battling the combination of the complex and ever-changing world of the Trump administration's immigration policy combined with the challenges of Coronavirus.She tells of the heartbreak of stranded families, jobs lost and her efforts to find novel ways of helping families.And hope that the new Biden administration will make immigration pathways clearer again.The former model also tells her personal journey from catwalk star to award winning lawyer. How her first clients were models and casting agents and some of the prejudice she faced both at the beginning of her career and even now.And Lorraine tells us why she wants to share a Jefferson 17 Presidential Select with her English grandfather.

We talk to whisky entrepreneur Steve Lipp, the man behind everything from Alexander Murray, to Costco's Kirkland whisky and also banana-flavor bourbon sensation Howler Head.He tells us about how near-death experiences took him from the oil business to the whisky trade, why he named his brand after his great uncle and how a drowning fisherman helped Lagavulin 16 become his favorite whisky.He talks about banana bourbon - and his partnership with UFC owner Dana White, his beer/whisky partnership with Firestone Walker and what next for Costco whiskys.And why he wants to share a Lagavulin 16 with Sean Connery at the Pittodrie House Hotel.

For our 50th episode of the podcast, we have ex-CIA operative John Sipher.In a powerful and damning interview he talks about the damage being done to the Intelligence Community by the current administration, the risks to America from a delayed transition and his anger at the current relationship with Russia.He talks about how the pandemic will change intelligence gathering, the complications those currently serving face doing their jobs and how dangerous the politicization of intelligence work can be.John also explains how his company Spycraft Entertainment bridges the intelligence services and Hollywood, which shows are the most realistic (very few of them!) and how much material there is to work with at the moment.He also talks about scotch and espionage, taking a Russian defector to Scottish distilleries and why he wants to share a Lagavulin with Winston Churchill.

We talk to documentary filmmaker Tom Stubberfield, founder of Bullitt Films. He talks about his projects with the Chilean mine rescue, the Thai cave rescue as well as Hurricane Katrina and the Kilauea eruption in Hawaii. Tom talks about why documentaries are enjoying a golden age, the emotion of filming rescues and dropping dynamite out of a helicopter. He tells about his travels around America, the power of human story telling and why he wants to share a Laphroaig with Martin Scorsese in his garden. Find out more at www.bullittfilms.com.

We talk to former British Deputy Ambassador in Washington Patrick Davies.He talks about Biden's historic victory, the chaos of working with the Trump administration and what next for America.Having met President elect Biden many times, he talks about what sort of man he is, his relationship with Britain and his reputation for reaching out across the political divide.The author of a new book - the Great American Delusion - Patrick admits his fears about the huge divides in America, the myths that drive America to behave the way it does but his hopes for the country going forward.The former diplomat talks about conducting active shooter drills in the Embassy, how Britain and America are going down the same path and the need for electoral reform in the US.And why he wants to share a Macallan with historic Vice President Elect Kamala Harris on the White House lawn.

We talk to the multi-talented David Kwong about puzzling during lockdown, missing live audiences and his love of bringing magic to the big and small screens.David has leaned into the virtual world, hosting instagram live puzzles and now has a full set in his basement for the sold out 'Inside the Box' show.He tells us about compiling puzzles for the New York Times, his favorite magic history stories and working on movies like Now You See Me - where he had to literally tape a coin to Morgan Freeman's hand - and shows like Deception and Blindspot.We talk about the science of magic, taking advantage of faulty wiring in the brain and his TED talks about it.And he tells the amazing story of Chung Ling Soo.David drinks a Talisker 10 while I enjoy a Bunnahaibhain - which has the same Scrabble tile value as his name.