Vortex Radio

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Congratulations! You’ve found the world’s premier bar and restaurant-themed podcast. "Vortex Radio" will bring you some of the most authentic discussions about the bar business and the hospitality industry that you're likely to find anywhere, and from every angle imaginable. Hosted by Michael Benoit…

Michael Benoit


    • Sep 18, 2017 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 49m AVG DURATION
    • 100 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Vortex Radio

    Vortex Radio Ep128 - Puppetry Arts

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2017 48:30


    Jon Ludwig is the artistic director at Atlanta's own Center for Puppetry Arts. Located in Midtown, not far from The Vortex, The Center has been a unique cultural treasure since it opened in 1978; a magical place where children and adults are educated, enlightened and entertained. Joining Jon and hosting this episode is fellow puppeteer, Lucky Yates. Some interesting characters stop by as well so listen in! 

    Vortex Radio Ep127 - Controversially Peachy

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2017 53:08


    This is one peachy episode! We're joined by Yuri Kato, the founder of Fruitland Augusta Vodka. Made from Georgia peaches, her Peach Vodka and Peach Tea Vodka are some of the tastiest spirits we've brought to our lips. Hank, VBC, Matty and Kelsey are also on this one so listen in! 

    Vortex Radio Ep126 - The Love Truncheon

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2017 51:11


    On this special episode of Vortex Radio, Hank Benoit is the host! Joining him is the ever-faithful Vortex Baby Colin and three of Hank's buds from The Love Truncheon. What's a love truncheon? You'll have to listen to find out. I'll give you a hint though, it involves golf and a lot of booze. 

    Vortex Radio Ep 125 - Humongous Chow

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2017 61:36


    This week we have the host of the Food Network's Ginormous Food and Stand-Up Comedian, Josh Denny. He's in town filming for the show and was gracious enough to come by and record with us. He has his own podcast as well! Check it out at March of the Pigs. 

    Vortex Radio Ep124 - Eric Johnson

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2017 57:02


    Eric Johnson is one of the Co-Founders and the Brewmaster for Wild Heaven Beer, a seven-year-old brewery located in Avondale Estates, Georgia. He's joined by their Director of Sales/ 5 time Vortex Radio guest Sarah Young. Listen in to learn about their latest offerings and Eric's diverse career. Oh Hank is also on this one and the whiskey was flowin’!

    Vortex Radio Ep123 - The Mayor of Cumming

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2017 67:16


    Lucky, Michael, Rebecca and VBC dive into some deep conversations on this one folks! You'll hear about Rebecca's exciting past, Lucky Yates' hidden talent for Native American art AND his secret desire to be mayor of the town of Cumming, GA. Listen in! 

    Vortex Radio Ep122 - As Seen on Adult Swim

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2017 83:01


    Have you seen Adult Swim’s live streams? Every weekday, they are making hilarious content LIVE in their Williams Street studio. Nick Gibbons, the host of the show “As Seen on Adult Swim,” and Sally Skinner, the show’s producer and the host of “Stupid Morning Bullshit,” join Michael, VBC and THE Lucky Yates. If you like the nonsense in this episode, you can catch “As Seen on Adult Swim” on the adultswim.com stream Wednesdays at 8 PM. Sally’s show is on every morning  at 11 AM.   

    Vortex Radio Ep121 - Southern Sky Brewing

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2017 42:44


    Southern Sky Brewing Company is a 100% family owned brewery. They have a small team, consisting of Brewmaster, Jon Near, Head Brewer, Josh Ingle, and Brewery Representative, James Robinson. The brewery also receives help from Jon's family and close friends. Listen in to get more information about them and their beers! 

    Vortex Radio Ep120 - Lazy Guy Distillery

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2017 48:58


    Mark Allen of Lazy Guy Distillery joins us on this episode. The first ever distillery in the city of Kennesaw, he focuses on delicious moonshines and whiskeys with flavors that will surprise even the most experienced whiskey drinker. Give this episode a listen and then go and see him for a tour every Saturday!

    Vortex Radio 119 - Lips Atlanta

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2017 46:27


    Have you been to Lips on Buford Highway? Don't know what it is? It's Atlanta's only true LaCage Drag Show Palace Experience! We're joined by their General Manager, Tyler King, and Atlanta's Bitch of the South and Lips' weekend MC, Mr. Charlie Brown. 

    Vortex Radio Ep118 - Partida Party

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2017 70:39


    Kristen Benoit is back on the podcast and she's brought two of her Bone Garden employees, Becca and Tricia, to talk about a very exciting Bone Garden exclusive. You'll have to listen in to find out what it is but I'll give you a hint: Tequila. If you want to read more about this exclusive, you can check out their blog at http://bit.ly/2usdRCS but you should listen to the episode first. 

    Vortex Radio Ep117 - New Realm Brewing

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2017 54:38


    Do you like to walk on Atlanta's ever-popular BeltLine? Do you also enjoy a good IPA? WELL THEN, you better listen to this podcast because we have the three guys in charge of the upcoming New Realm Brewing. With a brewery, restaurant and rooftop beer garden right on the east side trail, these guys are sure to do big things in the ATL. Oh and their Brewmaster is Mitch Steele, the former Brewmaster of Stone Brewing. Yeah, he's on the podcast too. 

    Vortex Radio Ep 116 - ASW Distillery

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2017 59:13


    ASW is a whiskey focused distillery near Midtown Atlanta, right near the SweetWater Brewery. We haven't had many distillers on so tune in for this unique view into a vital part of the bar business. Hey, we even have a few of their whiskeys at The Vortex!

    Vortex Radio Ep115 - Mike DiLonardo

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2017 51:34


    Back on the podcast for a second time is Mike DiLonardo. Mike is a long time Vortex Radio fan and founder of Atlanta Beer Festivals. He's been putting on hugely successful events like the Great Atlanta Beer Festival, the Atlanta Brunch Festival and the Atlanta Summer Wine festival. Listen in! 

    Vortex Radio Ep114 - Ale Sharpton

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2017 53:17


    We're joined by local beer blogger, Ale Sharpton. To help with the hosting, we're joined by our friends Hannah and Sarah! Lots of beers are enjoyed, which means the podcast eventually gets ridiculous and loops back to another conversation revolving around Vortex Baby Colin's love life... enjoy! 

    Vortex Radio Ep113 - Orpheus Brewing Year Three

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2017 46:55


    Jason Pellett, a trumpet playing extraordinaire turned brewer, is the Co-Founder, President and Brewmaster of the ever-popular Atlanta brewery, Orpheus. With a focus on out of the box sour beers, experimental IPAs and huge barrel aged beers; Orpheus Brewing is committed to creating beers that live up to their motto, “Don’t Look Back." They celebrate their third Anniversary this weekend so listen in as Jason gives us the run down on what owning a brewery for 3 years is like and why you should celebrate with them.

    Vortex Radio Ep112 - Johnny's Hideaway

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2017 53:06


    Chris Dauria, current owner of Johnny's Hideaway, is our guest this week. As one of the oldest nightspots in Atlanta, the Hideaway has a little something for everyone. Often described as the "Cheers" of Atlanta, it's a go-to spot for the over-40 crowd and a late-night destination for twenty-and thirty-somethings. If you've been there or not, you'll love this behind the scenes look at this classic Atlanta nightlife spot.

    Vortex Radio Ep111 - Puddles Pity Party

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2017 52:54


    Mike Geier is an Atlanta, Georgia based singer and entertainer. He goes way back with The Vortex and works alongside Puddles the Clown from Puddles Pity Party. Don't know what that is? Listen in to find out! 

    Vortex Radio Ep110 - The Clermont Lounge

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2017 44:57


    We're joined by two employees of the infamous Clermont Lounge, Cassie and the legendary Blondie. The go-to club for celebrities, out of towners and locals a-like, the Clermont Lounge is one of the most well known strip clubs in the city and has been around since 1965. Listen in for the inside scoop on this Atlanta icon! 

    Vortex Radio Ep109 - Big Ideas With Lucky and Amber

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2017 55:18


    Lucky Yates and Amber Nash from Dad's Garage Theater and the voices of Dr. Krieger and Pam Poovey on FXX's archer jump on the podcast this week to talk about archer, Vortex Baby Colin's love life and... pimento cheese?

    Vortex Radio Ep108 - 25 Years of The Vortex

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2017 78:19


    On April 20, 1992, Michael, Hank and Suzanne Benoit opened the doors to the original Vortex location for the first time. Now, 25 years later, they reflect on the crazy journey The Vortex has taken them on. This very special episode is hosted by Lucky Yates, a long time Vortex patron and the voice of Dr. Krieger on FX's Archer. Don't miss this one!

    Vortex Radio Ep107 - Arches Brewing

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2017 76:24


    On this episode, we're joined by a couple of the guys from Arches Brewing. Focusing on the seasonality of beers, their ever-changing offerings never disappoint. Listen in as the gang takes a journey through some of their beers and, consequently, through beer history!

    Vortex Radio Ep106 - Gimme the Goot

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2017 39:34


    Michael Goot of the popular West Midtown bar, Ormsby's, joins us this week! Listen in! 

    Vortex Radio Ep105 - Hollis Gillespie

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2017 53:50


    Hollis Gillespie is an award-winning humor writer, novelist, travel columnist, NPR commentator, travel expert for NBC’s Today Show, and previous guest on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. She was also at The Vortex in the beginning sipping on cocktails and jotting down stories at the bar. Listen in to some Vortex history from her, Suzanne and Michael! 

    Vortex Radio Ep104 - The One With Mechanical Buttholes

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2017 52:46


    Matt Dickason is a man of many hats. One of those hats involves Mechanical Buttholes. What does that mean you ask? Listen to find out!

    Vortex Radio Ep103 - Dangerous Color

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2017 50:05


    JP McChesney of Dangerous Color and the Mutiny Artwrx collective joins the Vortex Radio gang this week. Based in the fine city of Atlanta, his badass artwork is right up our alley. His crew joins him for this artistic and rock 'n' roll episode of Vortex Radio. Check it out!

    Vortex Radio Ep102 - LifeLine Animal Project

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2017 50:39


    If you don't know already, we love our dogs at The Vortex. We regularly support the local organization, LifeLine Animal Project, through promotions and adoption events. Here to talk more about the project is their Director of Marketing and Communications, Heather Friedman. If you love dogs, are looking for a dog to adopt or just want to hear more about this great organization, listen in! 

    director marketing vortex lifeline animal project
    Vortex Radio Ep101- The Atlanta BeltLine

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2017 53:40


    You've probably heard of the Atlanta BeltLine but did you know that it was someone's masters thesis at Georgia Tech. Ryan Gravel never thought his project would become a reality, but now, nearly 20 years later, The Atlanta BeltLine is quickly changing the face of Atlanta. Listen in to hear his take on the shape of the city and the BeltLine. 

    Vortex Radio Ep100 - Georgia Beer Garden

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2017 54:08


    On tonight's Vortex Radio we have Johnny and Brandon, owners of the famous Joystick Game Bar and the new Georgia Beer Garden. These guys are probably the funniest pair of guests we’ve had. On top of that, it's the 100th episode of Vortex Radio! 

    Vortex Radio Ep99 - Galentines

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2017 66:23


    While tomorrow is Valentine's day, today is Galentines Day! And what better way to celebrate it than to hear a bunch of local Atlanta gals talk about guys? So bust out the waffles and mimosas, it's Galentines Day!

    Vortex Radio Ep98 - Scofflaw

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2017 63:47


    Scofflaw Brewing Co. is the brainchild of owner Matt Shirah, who enlisted the help of brewmaster and co-founder Travis Herman. Travis left behind a career in the pharmaceutical development industry to attend brewing school at the University of California and has brewed for some of the country’s best-known craft brewers, including The Lost Abbey and Russian River Brewing Company. Travis is on the podcast this week and is joined by JP Watts who handles sales and marketing for the new brewery. 

    Vortex Radio Ep97 - Simply Seoul

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2017 54:18


    Simply Seoul is an Atlanta company specializing in delicious, all natural and vegan kimchi, Korean BBQ steam buns and Korean BBQ sauces. They also have a spot in Ponce City Market's food court. We are joined by the owner of Simply Seoul, Hannah Chung. She tells us all about what goes into making kimchi along with a plethora of other interesting stories. 

    Vortex Radio Ep96 - The Giving Kitchen

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2017 42:40


    On this special episode of Vortex Radio, we talk about The Giving Kitchen. We are joined by the following guests; Staplehouse co-owner and spokesperson Jen Hidinger, The Giving Kitchen Director of Partnership Naomi Green and Sweetwater's Director of Marketing Steve Farace. The Giving Kitchen is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to helping folks from the hospitality industry who have hit a rough patch or experienced catastrophic emergencies. It's a great cause with an extremely touching backstory. We really hope you enjoy this one.       

    Vortex Radio Ep95 - 5th and Church

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2017 46:11


    Chef Jamie Lynch joins us on this episode of Vortex Radio. He's the executive chef of 5Church, a restaurant with three locations, one of which is in Atlanta. He also appeared as a contestant on the latest season of Top Chef. Listen in to hear about his Midtown restaurant and his time spent on Top Chef! 

    Vortex Radio Ep94 - Tickets to the Gunshow

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2017 55:14


    This week we have Gunshow's executive chef, Joey Ward on the podcast. This unique restaurant is like nothing you have been to before! Listen in to get the scoop on one of Atlanta's hottest spots. 

    Vortex Radio Ep93 - Kelsey Being Social

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2017 46:52


    Kelsey Daniels of Monday Night Brewing can't get enough of Vortex Radio! She's back for the third time to talk about Monday Night beer, mixed martial arts, and a very exciting new Monday Night project on the BeltLine. Listen in if you know what's good for you! 

    Vortex Radio Ep92 - Terrapin Beer

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2016 49:08


    Terrapin Beer Company's Co-Owner and Brewmaster, Spike Buckoswki, and Market Representative, Leigh Germy, stop by Vortex Radio to talk terrapin history and all the delicious beer brewed at the Athens brewery. Pour yourself a beer and buckle your seat belt, this is one high gravity podcast. 

    Vortex Radio Ep91 - A Bunch of Dirtbags

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2016 50:58


    The cast and crew of the film American Dirtbags joins us on Vortex Radio this week! It's the story of six lovable degenerates traveling through the Atlanta subculture making one horrible choice after another. The consequences of their sins are always hilarious and sometimes tragic. A truly dark comedy that will have you laughing when you shouldn't and questioning the real definition of "bad people." 

    Vortex Radio Ep90 - The Scissor Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2016 47:05


    Vortex regular and hair stylist, Zach, joins us on this very special and very ridiculous episode of Vortex Radio. We talk about the many definitions of scissoring, the dangers of cutting hair and Rebecca even gets her hair cut during the podcast! Amazing? Maybe. Hilarious? Definitely.

    Vortex Radio Ep89 - The Wildest Heaven

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2016 65:39


    Sarah Young from Wild Heaven is on the podcast for the third time and this time it's WILD. She dropped some big brewery news and brought in some delicious beers for us to try. Also, Suzanne is back on with even more cocktail and food ideas. Check it out! 

    Vortex Radio Ep88 - The Night Watchmen

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2016 57:09


    We have the cast and crew of the upcoming horror film The Night Watchmen on this episode of Vortex Radio. Be sure to look out for the film at horror movie festivals near you!

    Vortex Radio Ep87 - Cheap Eats on Ponce

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2016 51:55


    Bob Hatcher, owner of Atlanta restaurant Eats aka "Best Cheap Eats" according to Creative Loafing, has been serving food on Ponce de Leon Ave since 1993. Famous for the cheap and big plate of jerk chicken, he has developed loyal regulars over the years and some interesting stories.  

    Vortex Radio Ep86 - Killer Burgers

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2016 51:32


    Alex Brounstein, creator of Atlanta's Grindhouse Killer Burgers took the Atlanta burger scene by storm in 2009. Now he has three locations all around the city and is looking to open a fourth. If you haven't had one of his killer burgers, you're missing out! Listen in to this burger-focused podcast and then run out and grab yourself a killer burger and a shake!

    Vortex Radio Ep85 - Horny for Treehorn

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2016 50:10


    Treehorn Cider, based out of Marietta, Georgia, has blown up on the craft beverage scene recently. Besides being gluten free, locally made and environmentally sustainable, their flagship dry cider is just damn delicious. Treehorn's head of finance, Nicole Wheeler, and head of business operations, Jason Marraccini, hop on Vortex Radio to educate you fine people about cider and why Treehorn is some of the best in the game. 

    Vortex Radio Ep84 - Your Pretty Face Is Going to Hell

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2016 72:33


    Casper Kelly and Dave Willis, the minds behind the show Your Pretty Face Is Going to Hell, join us on this special early edition of Vortex Radio. The show, which focuses on the disgruntled workers of Hell, airs on Adult Swim and is funnier than, well, hell. If you haven't seen the show before, listen to this podcast and you'll hear why they are headed into their third season. Season 3 premiers Sunday, October 23rd at 11:30 p.m. on Adult Swim. 

    Vortex Radio Ep83 - Mezcal and Mimosas

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2016 60:52


    Colin, Michael and Kristen just go back from an action packed trip to Mexico! Listen in to get the story behind their latest trip. And, of course, Suzanne Benoit, the Food Floozy, is back with some tasty food and drink ideas. 

    Vortex Radio Ep82 - Independent Distilling

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2016 49:18


    Casey Teague from Atlanta's Independent Distilling Company stopped by the other week and let us try some of the first spirits distilled in Atlanta since prohibition. It's not an easy task opening a distillery especially in the state of Georgia. Whether you're a bourbon connoisseur or just interested in the process of distilling, this is the episode for you! 

    Vortex Radio Ep81 - Don't Float the Mainstream

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2016 59:52


    Atlanta's Sweetwater Brewing Company has been pumping out deliciously dank brews for around 30 years now. Minister of Propaganda, Steve Farace, and Talking Head, Tucker Berta Sarkisian, come on the podcast to give us the low down on one of Atlanta's oldest craft breweries. There's a lot more ridiculousness to this one so you're not going to want to miss out!

    Vortex Radio Ep80 - Shaun Doty

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2016 53:28


    Shaun Doty has been busy in the city of Atlanta since around 1996. You've probably been to one of his delicious chicken restaurants, Bantam + Biddy, but you might not know all of the other things he's done around the city. Listen in to get the inside scoop on his restaurant past and get a sneak peek on his new Midtown restaurant concept, The Federal, which is scheduled to open soon. 

    Vortex Radio Ep79 - The Cheetah Shuffle

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2016 44:39


    Sam Kim, the Daytime Manager and Corporate Representative of The Cheetah, joins us on Vortex Radio this week! For those that don't know, Thee Cheetah is the premiere gentleman's club in Atlanta and has been open for almost 40 years. When The Vortex opened up, The Cheetah served as a retreat for the owners after long days of serving the Midtown neighborhood incredible burgers and beer. 

    Vortex Radio Ep78 - Beer Festivities

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2016 55:22


    Mike DiLonardo, Director of Operations of Atlanta Beer Festivals, joins Vortex Radio this week to share his tale of how he got into throwing the best beer parties in this fine city. On top of that, Mike is a big Vortex Radio fan and he turns the podcast table and interviews Michael and the gang! This is an episode you do not want to miss.  

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