Designated Drinker Show
462 episodes - English - Latest episode: 25 days ago - ★★★★★ - 49 ratingsCome under the influence of the DESIGNATED DRINKER SHOW™, a weekly podcast that's raising the bar on craft cocktails. On each episode, host Louise Salas invites a different Designated Drinker to infuse their unique perspective and story into the conversation, while resident barkeep Gina Chersevani distills this distinctive flavor profile into a custom cocktail.
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Episodes
EPI 273b :: Rhys Powell :: Founder & CEO :: Red Rabbit
June 28, 2024 00:06 - 22 minutes - 31.4 MBThis do-gooder has made an undeniable impact on American cuisine by changing the culinary landscape in schools across the country. Rhys Powell, founder and CEO of Red Rabbit, lifts students up through nutritious and culturally relevant meals in the cafeteria. Rhys’ team focuses on underserved communities and learns the cultures they celebrate as they build a menu for the kids in the area; the chefs start the menu creation process by asking kids what they eat at home and what dishes are made ...
EPI 273a :: Rhys Powell :: Founder & CEO :: Red Rabbit
June 20, 2024 22:01 - 20 minutes - 27.7 MBThis do-gooder has made an undeniable impact on American cuisine by changing the culinary landscape in schools across the country. Rhys Powell, founder and CEO of Red Rabbit, lifts students up through nutritious and culturally relevant meals in the cafeteria. Rhys’ team focuses on underserved communities and learns the cultures they celebrate as they build a menu for the kids in the area; the chefs start the menu creation process by asking kids what they eat at home and what dishes are made ...
EPI 272b :: Drew Darneille :: Owner & Pitmaster :: Smokecraft Modern BBQ
June 13, 2024 22:28 - 20 minutes - 28.3 MBThis do-gooder competes at the highest level to give back at the highest level. Andrew Darneille, owner and pit master of Smokecraft BBQ, smokes out the competition with his award-winning culinary skills. He’s giving us tricks of the trade, insight into his process, and competition preparation advice. Andrew and his team are currently in their war room gearing up for one of their biggest events of the year, the Giant BBQ Battle, where he'll be competing against other world champions for the ...
EPI 272a :: Drew Darneille :: Owner & Pitmaster :: Smokecraft Modern BBQ
June 06, 2024 22:39 - 21 minutes - 29.5 MBThis do-gooder competes at the highest level to give back at the highest level. Andrew Darneille, owner and pit master of Smokecraft BBQ, smokes out the competition with his award-winning culinary skills. He’s giving us tricks of the trade, insight into his process, and competition preparation advice. Andrew and his team are currently in their war room gearing up for one of their biggest events of the year, the Giant BBQ Battle, where he'll be competing against other world champions for the ...
EPI 271b :: Charvis Campbell :: Founder :: Exe Dir :: Home Rule Music & Film Preservation Foundation
May 31, 2024 14:17 - 21 minutes - 29.2 MBHe may not have reproduced the oldest known audio recording, but this do-gooder works diligently to preserve the rich culture and heritage of DC through its music. In this episode, we sit down with Charvis Campbell, co-founder of Home Rule Records, a community-focused record store in Washington, DC. He discusses the challenges and rewards of running one of the few Black-owned record stores in the country and the importance of supporting local artists and businesses. He is also the executive ...
EPI 271a :: Charvis Campbell :: Founder :: Exe Dir :: Home Rule Music & Film Preservation Foundation
May 23, 2024 20:06 - 31 minutes - 44 MBHe may not have reproduced the oldest known audio recording, but this do-gooder works diligently to preserve the rich culture and heritage of DC through its music. In this episode, we sit down with Charvis Campbell, co-founder of Home Rule Records, a community-focused record store in Washington, DC. He discusses the challenges and rewards of running one of the few Black-owned record stores in the country and the importance of supporting local artists and businesses. He is also the executive ...
EPI 270b :: Diana Maurer :: Chair :: Alexandria LGBTQ+ Task Force
May 16, 2024 21:17 - 17 minutes - 24.2 MBRosie the Riveter would be full of pride if she knew that this do-gooder was breaking down barriers to bring equality to her community. Diana Maurer has an inspiring personal story that demonstrates how important it is to be your true, authentic self and the power in sharing your personal experience with others. As the chair of the Alexandria LGBTQ+ Task Force, she builds bridges between the LGBTQ+ community and local government to ensure that all people feel respected across gender identity...
EPI 270a :: Diana Maurer :: Chair :: Alexandria LGBTQ+ Task Force
May 10, 2024 21:46 - 21 minutes - 30 MBRosie the Riveter would be full of pride if she knew that this do-gooder was breaking down barriers to bring equality to her community. Diana Maurer has an inspiring personal story that demonstrates how important it is to be your true, authentic self and the power in sharing your personal experience with others. As the chair of the Alexandria LGBTQ+ Task Force, she builds bridges between the LGBTQ+ community and local government to ensure that all people feel respected across gender identity...
EPI 269b :: Shay Etheridge :: Owner :: A Taste of the DMV Food, Music & Cultural Festival
May 02, 2024 18:40 - 13 minutes - 18.8 MBWe’re kicking off our “Do-Gooders Social Hour” with a guest who wants to make you dance like no one’s watching and eat like there’s no tomorrow all while breaking down cultural barriers. Shay Etheridge, the woman behind A Taste of the DMV Food, Music & Cultural Festival, started as a bar manager before fully leaning into the events management space and becoming a serial entrepreneur. Shay has leveraged these professional experiences and her multi-cultural background to create an event for al...
EPI 269a :: Shay Etheridge :: Owner :: A Taste of the DMV Food, Music & Cultural Festival
April 27, 2024 01:45 - 18 minutes - 25.7 MBWe’re kicking off our “Do-Gooders Social Hour” with a guest who wants to make you dance like no one’s watching and eat like there’s no tomorrow all while breaking down cultural barriers. Shay Etheridge, the woman behind A Taste of the DMV Food, Music & Cultural Festival, started as a bar manager before fully leaning into the events management space and becoming a serial entrepreneur. Shay has leveraged these professional experiences and her multi-cultural background to create an event for al...
EPI 268b :: Laura Turner :: Co-Founder :: Alexandria Women for Good
April 19, 2024 00:56 - 19 minutes - 26.7 MBOur designated drinker proves that spandex is optional for the everyday superhero. Laura Tuner, co-founder of Alexandria Women for Good, dedicates part of her life to bringing people together and supporting good work in her community. Outside of her successful career, Laura carves out time to create a space for women to connect and support hyper local nonprofits - every quarter, Laura and her league of super women donate more than $10,000 to a nonprofit that has personally impacted at least ...
EPI 268a :: Laura Turner :: Co-Founder :: Alexandria Women for Good
April 12, 2024 01:50 - 20 minutes - 28.6 MBOur designated drinker proves that spandex is optional for the everyday superhero. Laura Tuner, co-founder of Alexandria Women for Good, dedicates part of her life to bringing people together and supporting good work in her community. Outside of her successful career, Laura carves out time to create a space for women to connect and support hyper local nonprofits - every quarter, Laura and her league of super women donate more than $10,000 to a nonprofit that has personally impacted at least ...
EPI 267b :: Brielle Caruso :: CMO :: Nearest Green Distillery
April 05, 2024 02:06 - 20 minutes - 28.8 MBOur Designated Drinker knows that a brand is only as good as the story and people behind it. Brielle Caruso is re-joining us at our virtual bar to talk about her role as CMO for Nearest Green Distillery, home of the Godfather of Tennessee Whiskey and the 7th most visited distillery in the world. Nearest Green Distillery is also home to The Humble Baron, which contains the world’s longest bar at 518 linear feet - it’s so big that it takes at least 18 bartenders to staff! The Humble Baron is...
EPI 267a :: Brielle Caruso :: CMO :: Nearest Green Distillery
March 28, 2024 18:38 - 21 minutes - 29.1 MBOur Designated Drinker knows that a brand is only as good as the story and people behind it. Brielle Caruso is re-joining us at our virtual bar to talk about her role as CMO for Nearest Green Distillery, home of the Godfather of Tennessee Whiskey and the 7th most visited distillery in the world. Nearest Green Distillery is also home to The Humble Baron, which contains the world’s longest bar at 518 linear feet - it’s so big that it takes at least 18 bartenders to staff! The Humble Baron is...
EPI 266b :: Erin Rea & Tyler Rothenberg :: ELIT Vodka
March 21, 2024 15:46 - 23 minutes - 32.8 MBIf you’re the competitive type, our Designated Drinker may have the perfect title for your next job search. Louise and guest co-host Tyler Rothenberg, a blast from our Season 1 past, are talking shop with Erin Rea, ELIT Vodka’s US brand ambassador. Erin’s mission is to bring brands to life through advocacy, training, and events. Last year alone, Erin went to more than 80 events from intimate pairing dinners to festivals with more than 10,000 attendees to help connect people with the ELIT Vod...
EPI 266a :: Erin Rea & Tyler Rothenberg :: ELIT Vodka
March 14, 2024 16:44 - 36 minutes - 49.5 MBIf you’re the competitive type, our Designated Drinker may have the perfect title for your next job search. Louise and guest co-host Tyler Rothenberg, a blast from our Season 1 past, are talking shop with Erin Rea, ELIT Vodka’s US brand ambassador. Erin’s mission is to bring brands to life through advocacy, training, and events. Last year alone, Erin went to more than 80 events from intimate pairing dinners to festivals with more than 10,000 attendees to help connect people with the ELIT Vod...
EPI 265b :: Rich Daniel :: Owner/Team Manager :: DC Divas
March 07, 2024 16:30 - 37 minutes - 51 MBOur Designated Drinker believes that learning how to tackle your opponent is an essential step towards equality. Rich Daniel, owner of the DC Divas, is leveling the playing field for girls and women in sports through full tackle football and community engagement. Rich is a real-life example of someone who puts his money where his mouth is; as a long-time advocate for media coverage of women’s sports, he covered the DC Divas as a news reporter on his own for multiple years, eventually becomin...
EPI 265a :: Rich Daniel :: Owner/Team Manager :: DC Divas
February 29, 2024 19:55 - 18 minutes - 26 MBOur Designated Drinker believes that learning how to tackle your opponent is an essential step towards equality. Rich Daniel, owner of the DC Divas, is leveling the playing field for girls and women in sports through full tackle football and community engagement. Rich is a real-life example of someone who puts his money where his mouth is; as a long-time advocate for media coverage of women’s sports, he covered the DC Divas as a news reporter on his own for multiple years, eventually becomin...
EPI 264b :: Councilman John Chapman :: Owner/Founder :: Manumission Tour Company
February 22, 2024 20:00 - 25 minutes - 35.1 MBIf you want to celebrate and understand Black history, our Designated Drinker can walk you through it – literally! John Chapman, founder and owner of Manumission Tour Company, is back at our bar to discuss their cultural heritage tours that tell the lesser-known stories of Africans and African-Americans in Alexandria, both enslaved and free. He's also a councilman for the city of Alexandria; if you see him out at your local watering hole, don’t hesitate to engage in the long-running traditio...
EPI 264a :: Councilman John Chapman :: Owner/Founder :: Manumission Tour Company
February 15, 2024 17:10 - 21 minutes - 29.8 MBIf you want to celebrate and understand Black history, our Designated Drinker can walk you through it – literally! John Chapman, founder and owner of Manumission Tour Company, is back at our bar to discuss their cultural heritage tours that tell the lesser-known stories of Africans and African-Americans in Alexandria, both enslaved and free. He's also a councilman for the city of Alexandria; if you see him out at your local watering hole, don’t hesitate to engage in the long-running traditio...
EPI 263b :: Ariana Lightningstorm :: Lipsologist
February 08, 2024 22:30 - 32 minutes - 44.2 MBWith Valentine’s Day fast approaching, you can pucker up for our Designated Drinker for a lip print reading! Ariana Lightningstorm, a blast from our Season 1 past, is one of only nine certified lipsologists in the entire world who has studied the art and science of lip prints. If you give her two kisses, she can read your personality traits, energy levels, and more. And if you have a special someone, you can even get a couple’s reading to see how compatible you are – luckily for Louise, her ...
EPI 263a :: Ariana Lightningstorm :: Lipsologist
February 01, 2024 19:59 - 33 minutes - 46 MBWith Valentine’s Day fast approaching, you can pucker up for our Designated Drinker for a lip print reading! Ariana Lightningstorm, a blast from our Season 1 past, is one of only nine certified lipsologists in the entire world who has studied the art and science of lip prints. If you give her two kisses, she can read your personality traits, energy levels, and more. And if you have a special someone, you can even get a couple’s reading to see how compatible you are – luckily for Louise, her ...
EPI 262b :: Shane Mulhern :: Executive Director :: Thrive DC
December 28, 2023 17:40 - 21 minutes - 29.8 MBWhile you’re putting gifts under the tree or preparing to ring in the New Year, this week’s Designated Drinker will be offering much needed aid to individuals experiencing homelessness in DC’s Ward 1. Shane Mulhern, Executive Director of Thrive DC, understands how important it is for a community to support its own, regardless of where they are in their journey. Through Thrive DC, Shane supports individuals to achieve greater self-sufficiency through healthy meals, laundry assistance, couns...
EPI 262a :: Shane Mulhern :: Executive Director :: Thrive DC
December 21, 2023 14:30 - 27 minutes - 38.2 MBWhile you’re putting gifts under the tree or preparing to ring in the New Year, this week’s Designated Drinker will be offering much needed aid to individuals experiencing homelessness in DC’s Ward 1. Shane Mulhern, Executive Director of Thrive DC, understands how important it is for a community to support its own, regardless of where they are in their journey. Through Thrive DC, Shane supports individuals to achieve greater self-sufficiency through healthy meals, laundry assistance, counsel...
EPI 261b :: Keyatta Mincey Parker :: Founder :: A Sip of Paradise
December 14, 2023 16:52 - 28 minutes - 38.7 MBAs a gardener and a community organizer, our Designated Drinker understands the importance of establishing roots. We're talking with the queen bee of A Sip of Paradise, Keyatta Mincey Parker, who transformed her love of gardening with her grandmothers into a vibrant community garden. Keyatta has cultivated a space for service industry professionals, providing community support and horticulture therapy to anyone who needs it. And don't be surprised if one of her gardens pop up in your city on...
EPI 261a :: Keyatta Mincey Parker :: Founder :: A Sip of Paradise
December 08, 2023 03:22 - 33 minutes - 46.5 MBAs a gardener and a community organizer, our Designated Drinker understands the importance of establishing roots. We're talking with the queen bee of A Sip of Paradise, Keyatta Mincey Parker, who transformed her love of gardening with her grandmothers into a vibrant community garden. Keyatta has cultivated a space for service industry professionals, providing community support and horticulture therapy to anyone who needs it. And don't be surprised if one of her gardens pop up in your city on...
EPI 260b :: Matt Hetrick :: President :: Harmony Group Inc
November 30, 2023 21:45 - 34 minutes - 47.1 MBA word of financial advice from our Designated Drinker this holiday season: Don't buy a gift for yourself! We’re talking money with Matt Hetrick, President of Harmony Group, which provides CPA services to restauranteurs across the United States. Even if you're not a restaurant owner, he’s got some advice for everyone on the psychology of money, how to stay informed in local politics, and how you can best support your favorite local restaurants. Oh, and always remember to tip your service wor...
EPI 260a :: Matt Hetrick :: President :: Harmony Group Inc
November 22, 2023 17:00 - 30 minutes - 42.3 MBA word of financial advice from our Designated Drinker this holiday season: Don't buy a gift for yourself! We’re talking money with Matt Hetrick, President of Harmony Group, which provides CPA services and growth advice to restauranteurs across the United States. Even if you're not a restaurant owner, he’s got some advice for everyone on the psychology of money, how to stay informed in local politics, and how you can best support your favorite local restaurants. Oh, and always remember to ti...
EPI 259b :: Molly Scalise :: Deputy Director of Communications :: FRESHFARM
November 17, 2023 01:01 - 25 minutes - 34.5 MBFarm-to-table has been a trending concept for chefs and culinary afficionados for years, but why stop there? If you want to meet and talk with the producer of your produce, Molly Scalise can help make that a reality. As the deputy director of communications at FRESHFARM, Molly and her team work year-round to build a sustainable, equitable, and resilient food system and provide communities an opportunity to meet their local farmers face-to-face. With the holiday season fast-approaching, you c...
EPI 259a :: Molly Scalise :: Deputy Director of Communications :: FRESHFARM
November 09, 2023 23:42 - 28 minutes - 38.8 MBFarm-to-table has been a trending concept for chefs and culinary afficionados for years, but why stop there? If you want to meet and talk with the producer of your produce, Molly Scalise can help make that a reality. As the deputy director of communications at FRESHFARM, Molly and her team work year-round to build a sustainable, equitable, and resilient food system and provide access to fresh, locally-grown produce, no matter how much coin one might have in their pockets. With the holiday se...
EPI 258b :: Katrina Mathis :: Director of Volunteer Services :: Food and Friends
November 02, 2023 22:58 - 16 minutes - 22.6 MBIf you've ever been part of a large family Thanksgiving dinner, you know that the logistics can be a challenge. So imagine how tough it must be to prepare and deliver 4000 turkey dinners, including 1600 pies, to 800 clients in the DMV area on the holiday. This is where Katrina Mathis shines. She's director of volunteer services at Food and Friends, where they prepare and deliver medically-tailored meals to those battling serious illnesses every day. Her dedication to service is inspirational...
EPI 258a :: Katrina Mathis :: Director of Volunteer Services :: Food and Friends
October 26, 2023 17:08 - 27 minutes - 37.6 MBIf you've ever been part of a large family Thanksgiving dinner, you know that the logistics can be a challenge. So imagine how tough it must be to prepare and deliver 4000 turkey dinners, including 1600 pies, to 800 clients in the DMV area on the holiday. This is where Katrina Mathis shines. She's director of volunteer services at Food and Friends, where they prepare and deliver medically-tailored meals to those battling serious illnesses every day. Her dedication to service is inspirational...
EPI 257b :: Rachel Christ-Doane :: Director of Education :: Salem Witch Museum
October 19, 2023 16:14 - 24 minutes - 33.5 MBSo you have your costume picked out, pumpkin carved, candy ready, and maybe even some skeletons in your front yard. Now, complete your Halloween prep with our episode about witches with Rachel Christ-Doane, the Director of Education at the Salem Witch Museum. We discuss the most famous witch hunt of the Western world, the meaning behind the word witch, and the evolution of the image of the witch over time, including the TV show "Bewitched" and modern day witchcraft. It's a fascinating histor...
EPI 257a :: Rachel Christ-Doane :: Director of Education :: Salem Witch Museum
October 12, 2023 23:12 - 23 minutes - 33 MBSo you have your costume picked out, pumpkin carved, candy ready, and maybe even some skeletons in your front yard. Now, complete your Halloween prep with our episode about witches with Rachel Christ-Doane, the Director of Education at the Salem Witch Museum. We discuss the most famous witch hunt of the Western world, the meaning behind the word witch, and the evolution of the image of the witch over time, including the TV show "Bewitched" and modern day witchcraft. It's a fascinating histor...
EPI 256b :: Bridgette Taylor :: CEO, Founder :: Harridan Vodka
October 06, 2023 00:09 - 24 minutes - 33.5 MBCocktail: A truly sour Watermelon Sour Collins that’s made with fresh watermelon and sour cream. The most haunted places in the U.S. include the halls of hotels, abandoned insane asylums, old theaters, prisons, and historic battlefields. Even household items like dolls, clothing, and furniture have been subjects of paranormal activity. But what about a bottle of vodka? Bridgett Taylor, the founder of Harridan Vodka, is doing everything she can to infuse her booze with actual boo’s by uti...
EPI 256a :: Bridgette Taylor :: CEO, Founder :: Harridan Vodka
September 29, 2023 02:22 - 28 minutes - 39.8 MBThe most haunted places in the U.S. include the halls of hotels, abandoned insane asylums, old theaters, prisons, and historic battlefields. Even household items like dolls, clothing, and furniture have been the subjects of paranormal activity. But what about a bottle of vodka? Bridgett Taylor, the founder of Harridan Vodka, is doing everything she can to infuse her booze with actual boo’s utilizing a distilling process that includes aging her product in some of the most notoriously haunted ...
EPI 255b :: Sarah Elston :: Registrar :: National Museum of the American Latino
September 21, 2023 20:45 - 29 minutes - 40.1 MBEver met a real life archeologist? Unlike Indiana Jones, most don’t usually carry around a pistol and a bullwhip. They are more like Sarah Elston. As registrar for the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Latino, she is utilizing her archeological and anthropological skills to help conserve sensitive cultural materials. Learn what it takes to put together an exhibit, as well as what to expect with her upcoming exhibits. For Sarah, working at the museum isn't a job—it's a passion. Fr...
EPI 255a :: Sarah Elston :: Registrar :: National Museum of the American Latino
September 14, 2023 17:50 - 22 minutes - 30.4 MBTips & Tricks: The subtle differences and distinctive flavor that fresh mint can add to your cocktails. Ever met a real life archeologist? Unlike Indiana Jones, most don’t usually carry around a pistol and a bullwhip. They are more like Sarah Elston. As registrar for the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Latino, she is utilizing her archeological and anthropological skills to help conserve sensitive cultural materials. Learn what it takes to put together an exhibit, as well a...
EPI 254b :: Rollin Amore :: Owner/Chief Scientist :: Mimi’s Handmade Ice Cream
September 07, 2023 23:14 - 26 minutes - 37 MBA Lemon Italian Ice Gin & Tonic that combines an Italian classic with a cocktail classic During his 30+ years in banking, Rollin Amore traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia, and loved bringing back flavor ideas to use in his cooking at home. Today, in "retirement," his travels infuse the constantly changing menu of ice creams and sorbets at Mimi's Handmade Ice Cream. But you won't find “shock value” ingredients in his delicious frozen concoctions. Instead, he—and his customers—pr...
EPI 254a :: Rollin Amore :: Owner/Chief Scientist :: Mimi’s Handmade Ice Cream
August 31, 2023 21:23 - 27 minutes - 37.9 MBDuring his 30+ years in banking, Rollin Amore traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia, and loved bringing back flavor ideas to use in his cooking at home. Today, in "retirement," his travels infuse the constantly changing menu of ice creams and sorbets at Mimi's Handmade Ice Cream. But you won't find “shock value” ingredients in his delicious frozen concoctions. Instead, he—and his customers—prefer fresh and unique flavors, such as cucumbers, lychee, roasted red peppers, or purple ya...
EPI 253b :: Dog Days of Summer
August 24, 2023 23:13 - 27 minutes - 37.4 MBInflation, service wage increases, bad tipping—the restaurant industry is fraught with challenges these days. In part two of our dog days of summer chat with Gina about running a successful small business in the food and beverage industry, we get further into her daily trials and tribulations. It’s chaotic, stressful, exhausting—and worth every minute. Especially when you’re surrounded by great people, tasty food, and best of all, delicious cocktails. And if you’re looking to beat the heat w...
EPI 253a :: Dog Days of Summer
August 17, 2023 20:50 - 28 minutes - 38.6 MBThe dog days of summer are the hottest and most unbearable of the year, and it’s no secret that intense heat can lead to intense stress. But few things are more stressful than running a restaurant. This week we check in with Gina on the 11-year anniversary of Buffalo & Bergen. There’s no doubt that operating a successful restaurant is hard work, especially in this era. But whether you’re dealing with oppressive heat or the challenges of running your own business, having a refreshing cocktail...
EPI 252b :: Alex Doman :: Founder :: AVEC Drinks
August 10, 2023 23:05 - 25 minutes - 35 MBIt’s time you stopped disrespecting your spirits with sugar-filled mixers. Part two of our talk with Alex Doman, co-founder of AVEC mixers, definitely brings the flavor as we get further into how he creates healthier canned drinks that are great solo and in cocktails. By experimenting with ingredients from around the world, he creates sophisticated and tasty flavors with dramatically less sugar. And Gina’s doing some mad scientist-level cocktail experimenting as well with a delicious recipe ...
EPI 252a :: Alex Doman :: Founder :: AVEC Drinks
August 03, 2023 21:24 - 28 minutes - 39.1 MB"Hey, buddy? Need a hit? Some of that cane for your brain? You know you can't get enough.” Sugar is that other powdery white drug that the world is addicted to. We consume twice as much as recommended for our health, and soft drinks and mixers are the number one source of added sugars. But Alex Doman, co-founder of AVEC mixers, is on a mission to cut sugar consumption and improve what people mix with their spirits. And so is Gina, with an easy tip to spice up your drink with jalapeños. Lo...
EPI 251b :: Elaine Chon-Baker :: Founder/Managing Dir :: Mokja Ventures
July 27, 2023 23:12 - 40 minutes - 55.4 MBElaine Chon-Baker started a venture fund so that she could invest in the people who are doing great things for the restaurant industry. But first, she had to invest in herself. In part two of our talk with Elaine we hear how she immersed herself in all aspects of the industry in order to turn her love of food, finance, and startups into a successful venture capital fund. By adapting and learning, she paved the way into uncharted territory. And what cocktail is appropriate for a woman who is ...
EPI 251a :: Elaine Chon-Baker :: Founder/Managing Dir :: Mokja Ventures
July 20, 2023 23:11 - 31 minutes - 42.7 MBStarting a successful restaurant is no easy feat. You need not only great food, but also a strong concept and initial funding. That’s where Elaine Chon-Baker comes in. As founder and managing director of Mokja Ventures she helps restaurateurs get the money they need to open and operate. So how does a college dropout with almost no experience in the restaurant industry establish a flourishing venture capital fund dedicated to restaurants? It’s been an interesting path. But Elaine is living pr...
EPI 250b :: Liz Einhorn :: Founder & CEO :: Experience Threee
July 14, 2023 02:06 - 28 minutes - 39.5 MBAirport dining has come a long way from dry rubbery sandwiches and lackluster coffee. Today's travelers have lofty expectations when it comes to food and drink, and they want options that go beyond the generic fast-food joints. In the second part of our talk with Liz Einhorn, we discuss how a restaurant or concessionaire goes about opening a location at an airport and what makes a brand concept work at such a unique location. And Gina has a delicious recipe for an Icepick with orange tea tha...
EPI 250a :: Liz Einhorn :: Founder & CEO :: Experience Threee
July 06, 2023 21:54 - 25 minutes - 34.9 MBAirports are like a bizarre mix of a shopping mall and a cattle auction, with a side of security paranoia thrown in for good measure. Is it any wonder that most of us crave a cocktail while waiting on our flights? This is definitely no surprise to our guest Liz Einhorn. She helps airport concessionaires, beverage brands, and restaurants get you that next beverage while you're making a connection in DCA, ATL, or just about any airport. And she does it all to help you feel more comfortable whe...
EPI 249b :: Camila Soriano & Chris Wirth :: Founders :: Volley Tequila Seltzer
June 29, 2023 21:27 - 18 minutes - 25.6 MBReady-to-drink cocktails don’t have the greatest reputation. (Remember Zima, Purple Passion, or Calvin Coolers? Ewww.) But our guests have cracked the code on canned cocktails. In the second part of our conversation with the co-founders of Volley Tequila Seltzer, Camila Soriano and Chris Wirth tell us more about how they go about putting together the right flavors for their clean alcoholic beverages. And Gina has her own ideas on how to take a great drink and make it even better with fresh f...
EPI 249a :: Camila Soriano & Chris Wirth :: Founders :: Volley Tequila Seltzer
June 22, 2023 23:35 - 23 minutes - 31.8 MBAlmost every packaged good you can buy at a grocery store comes with a nutrition label, except one—alcoholic beverages. So what exactly is in that tasty can you're sipping at the beach? Well if you like vanilla flavoring, you might unwittingly be consuming the anal gland excretions of a beaver! Google it. It's this lack of transparency—along with a love of fresh, natural cocktails—that led Camila Soriano and Chris Wirth to start Volley Tequila Seltzer. Utilizing only 100% Agave tequila and r...