United States of Dramerica artwork

United States of Dramerica

108 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago - ★★★★★ - 17 ratings

There is nothing like a dram of whisky to inspire an important conversation. Each week we sit down with a guest from the worlds of entertainment, sport or business and they tell their story over a glass of whisky.

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Episodes

Episode 96 - Marc McNulty, Scottish Footballer

November 29, 2023 10:00 - 46 minutes - 31.9 MB

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 wh...

Episode 95 - Jason Myers, award winning trailer editor

September 18, 2023 04:00 - 51 minutes - 35.7 MB

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 wo...

Episode 94 - Personal stylists Jordan LaValle and Meg Chapman

June 20, 2023 05:00 - 50 minutes - 34.6 MB

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…

Episode 93 - Jason Franklin, sports fanatic and co-founder of Sportiqe

April 05, 2023 05:00 - 52 minutes - 36 MB

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...

Episode 92 - Benjamin Percy, comic book writer

March 13, 2023 05:00 - 39 minutes - 27.4 MB

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.am...

Episode 91 - Patrick Macmanus, writer, producer, showrunner, Dr Death, The Girl from Plainville

August 29, 2022 17:00 - 46 minutes - 31.9 MB

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.

Episode 90 - Alan Miller, hat fanatic and founder of Official League

June 13, 2022 03:00 - 44 minutes - 30.4 MB

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.

Episode 89 - David Siegel, former LA Dodgers exec and President of LA Sports Council

June 06, 2022 06:00 - 40 minutes - 28 MB

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 LaSo...

Episode 88 - Bob Schukai, EVP Open Banking, Mastercard

May 30, 2022 04:00 - 42 minutes - 29.5 MB

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.

Episode 87 - Leigh Turner, former diplomat and novelist

May 23, 2022 14:00 - 46 minutes - 32.2 MB

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 ...

Episode 86 - Grant Lottering, endurance cyclist and philanthropist

May 16, 2022 00:00 - 47 minutes - 32.3 MB

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 in...

Episode 85 - Elliott Yamin, American Idol legend

March 21, 2022 06:00 - 52 minutes - 36 MB

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 ...

Episode 84 - Chris Uhde, co-owner ImpEx Beverages, Los Angeles Voice of Whisky

March 14, 2022 07:00 - 44 minutes - 30.4 MB

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 sh...

Episode 83 - Ross Campbell, General Manager Portland Pickles

February 17, 2022 01:00 - 43 minutes - 29.8 MB

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, th...

Episode 83 - Ross Campbell, General Manager Portland Pickles

February 17, 2022 01:00 - 43 minutes - 29.8 MB

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, th...

Episode 82 - Emily Cloke, British Consul General Los Angeles

February 14, 2022 16:00 - 36 minutes - 25.2 MB

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 ...

Episode 82 - Emily Cloke, British Consul General Los Angeles

February 14, 2022 16:00 - 36 minutes - 25.2 MB

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 ...

Episode 81 - Johnny, Whisky and Donuts

January 31, 2022 15:00 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MB

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.

Episode 80 - Charley King, event and wedding designer

January 24, 2022 06:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MB

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 year...

Episode 79 - Michele Kajiwara, SVP Premium STAPLES Center

October 11, 2021 15:00 - 52 minutes - 35.9 MB

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...

Episode 78 - Shaun Robinson, manager of Hilton Anaheim

August 30, 2021 04:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MB

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...

Episode 77 - Big Jimmy Denning, singer

July 19, 2021 07:00 - 53 minutes - 36.7 MB

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.

Episode 76 - Clare Risman, Executive Director of the St George's Society of New York

June 28, 2021 06:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MB

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 th...

Episode 75 - Grant Arnow, rock star turned lawyer

June 14, 2021 03:00 - 51 minutes - 35.2 MB

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 d...

Episode 74 - Neil Strachan, The Balvenie Ambassador for West Coast USA

May 17, 2021 06:00 - 47 minutes - 32.4 MB

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 i...

Episode 73 - Nicola Slater, Scottish tennis pro

May 09, 2021 22:00 - 56 minutes - 39 MB

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 whisk...

Episode 72 - Paul Bae, podcaster and writer

May 03, 2021 00:00 - 51 minutes - 35.7 MB

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...

Episode 72 - Paul Bae, podcaster and writer

May 03, 2021 00:00 - 51 minutes - 35.7 MB

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...

Episode 71 - Markus Stripf, founder of Spoon Guru

April 25, 2021 22:00 - 41 minutes - 28.5 MB

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...

Episode 70 - Oliver Wyss, President of Soccer at Orange County Soccer Club

April 19, 2021 06:00 - 50 minutes - 34.7 MB

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 Playi...

Episode 69 - Luke Crosby, martial artist and great-grandson of Bing

April 12, 2021 02:00 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MB

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 play...

Episode 68 - Dave Vitale, founder of Starward whisky

April 05, 2021 00:00 - 37 minutes - 25.5 MB

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 Starwar...

Episode 67 - Matt Green, comedian

March 28, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 45.6 MB

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 bei...

Episode 66 - Martin French, mobility consultant

March 22, 2021 00:00 - 58 minutes - 40.1 MB

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 ...

Episode 65 - Will Leaf, pro golfer

March 15, 2021 05:00 - 42 minutes - 29.3 MB

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 - includi...

Episode 64 - Chris Newlands, founder of Spelfie, the space selfie company

March 08, 2021 01:00 - 28 minutes - 19.7 MB

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...

Episode 63 - Gary Gillan, President of North American Rangers Supporters Association

March 01, 2021 03:00 - 51 minutes - 35.6 MB

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 ...

Episode 62 - Ricky Crawford, luxury travel expert and Dram Good Laddie

February 22, 2021 04:00 - 40 minutes - 27.9 MB

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 ...

Episode 61 - Dom Madell, New Zealand resident

February 15, 2021 07:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MB

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 sh...

Episode 60 - Tracie Franklin, whisky educator and Head Distiller Apprentice

February 08, 2021 16:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MB

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 vir...

Episode 59 - Jon Ryan, Super Bowl winner

January 31, 2021 15:00 - 41 minutes - 28.4 MB

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...

Episode 58 - David Balfour, co-founder of LIGHTBLUE and marketing and event expert

January 25, 2021 06:00 - 54 minutes - 37.6 MB

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 ...

Episode 57 - Estelle McCartney, Chief Customer Officer Arctic Shores and communications professional

January 18, 2021 01:00 - 45 minutes - 31.5 MB

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,...

Episode 56 - Grant Pierce Myers, writer of The Maze Runner

January 12, 2021 06:00 - 54 minutes - 37.2 MB

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....

Episode 55 - Kayla Drescher, magician

January 04, 2021 05:00 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MB

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.

Episode 54 - David Mackay, Virgin Galactic Chief Pilot

December 21, 2020 05:00 - 52 minutes - 36.1 MB

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 h...

Episode 53 - James Keston, owner of Orange County Soccer Club

December 14, 2020 08:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MB

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 y...

Episode 52 - Lorraine D’Alessio, immigration lawyer

December 07, 2020 01:00 - 37 minutes - 26.1 MB

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 ...

Episode 51 - Steve Lipp, whisky entrepreneur

November 29, 2020 06:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MB

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 partners...

Episode 50 - John Sipher, ex-CIA operative

November 23, 2020 06:00 - 42 minutes - 29 MB

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 ...