United States of Dramerica
108 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 months ago - ★★★★★ - 17 ratingsThere 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 49 - Tom Stubberfield, documentary filmmaker
November 16, 2020 15:00 - 40 minutes - 27.6 MBWe 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...
Episode 48 - Patrick Davies, former British Deputy Ambassador to the United States
November 09, 2020 15:00 - 48 minutes - 33.2 MBWe 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 myt...
Episode 48 - Patrick Davies, former British Deputy Ambassador to the United States
November 09, 2020 15:00 - 48 minutes - 33.2 MBWe 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 myt...
Episode 47 - David Kwong, puzzler and magician
October 26, 2020 17:00 - 43 minutes - 29.6 MBWe 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 ...
Episode 46 - Andy Serling, horse handicapper
October 19, 2020 14:00 - 48 minutes - 33.6 MBWe talk to the Sage of Saratoga, leading horse handicapper Andy Serling. He tells us how horse racing has grown during the pandemic, what makes the sport so special and how legal sports betting is inevitable in America. The New York Racing Association handicapper talks about falling in love with his home track of Saratoga, how race tracks without crowds are "sad" and how a horse's name impacts its odds. Andy describes how much research he does on each race, why he backs his picks with money ...
Episode 46 - Andy Serling, horse handicapper
October 19, 2020 14:00 - 48 minutes - 33.6 MBWe talk to the Sage of Saratoga, leading horse handicapper Andy Serling. He tells us how horse racing has grown during the pandemic, what makes the sport so special and how legal sports betting is inevitable in America. The New York Racing Association handicapper talks about falling in love with his home track of Saratoga, how race tracks without crowds are "sad" and how a horse's name impacts its odds. Andy describes how much research he does on each race, why he backs his picks with money ...
Episode 45 - Ruaridh Jackson, ex-rugby player and Glenturret whisky
October 13, 2020 02:00 - 39 minutes - 27 MBWe talk to former Glasgow Warrior and Scotland rugby player Ruaridh Jackson. We talk about retiring early due to Covid and transitioning to a career in whisky and gin. He tells us about the re-launch of Glenturret, Scotland's oldest working distillery, describes his frustration at the recent closures of the Scottish hospitality industry and the importance of alcohol for a winter in Scotland. Ruaridh describes the highs and lows of his rugby career, mental health in sport and learning to drin...
Episode 44 - Jael Ballard, LAFC
October 06, 2020 00:00 - 39 minutes - 27.2 MBWe talk to Jael Ballard, director of corporate partnerships at LAFC. She tells us how much she misses live sport, how MLS has seized the moment with social activism and how the world has changed for women in sport. We talk about the principles behind the new Los Angeles MLS club, the passion of the fans and how there is enough room in Los Angeles for all the sports teams. She also talks about equestrian vaulting, family friendly soccer and why she wants to share a tequila with Michelle Obama.
Episode 43 - Richard Hyde, British Consul General in Texas
October 01, 2020 07:00 - 50 minutes - 34.7 MBWe talk to British diplomat Richard Hyde, Her Majesty's representative to Texas, New Mexico, Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. He talks about diplomacy in the age of covid, diversity in Texas and in the British foreign service and his love for rodeo, bbq and breakfast tacos. We also cover the importance of teaching Americans to drink scotch while sharing Aberlour and Jura. He tells us about the importance of outreach to the Hispanic community in his States, female leadership in the British f...
Episode 42 - David Laird, luxury whisky specialist
September 22, 2020 04:00 - 46 minutes - 31.7 MBWe talk to David Laird, newly appointed Luxury Portfolio Specialist for William Grant. He explains why people spend thousands on good whisky, why sales are up so much during the pandemic and why even the most expensive whisky is made to be drunk. Over Balvenie and Glenfiddich 21 we discuss high-end whisky packaging, a $1k cocktail and the importance of drinking the best whiskys sitting down and with as few other people as possible. He also talks about running a bar in Memphis, his brief prof...
Episode 42 - David Laird, luxury whisky specialist
September 22, 2020 04:00 - 46 minutes - 31.7 MBWe talk to David Laird, newly appointed Luxury Portfolio Specialist for William Grant. He explains why people spend thousands on good whisky, why sales are up so much during the pandemic and why even the most expensive whisky is made to be drunk. Over Balvenie and Glenfiddich 21 we discuss high-end whisky packaging, a $1k cocktail and the importance of drinking the best whiskys sitting down and with as few other people as possible. He also talks about running a bar in Memphis, his brief prof...
Episode 41 - Alastair Boase, MacLeod Brewery
September 15, 2020 04:00 - 47 minutes - 32.9 MBWe talk to a Californian brewery owner about how pizza saved his business, running a bar during Covid and why a Scottish landscaper started selling English-style beer in Los Angeles. He tells us about how he protects his customers, why he doesn’t worry about their health and keeping inebriated people socially distanced. And how he wishes he could sell whisky alongside beer. He also tells us why he wants to drink an Oban with Sean Connery.
Episode 40 - Brad Beyer, actor and co-star in 42 with Chadwick Boseman
September 08, 2020 03:00 - 34 minutes - 23.7 MBWe talk to actor Brad Beyer who pays tribute to his 42 co-star Chadwick Boseman. He talks about working with the Black Panther actor and his portrayal of Jackie Robinson, how the film handled race and his sadness at the loss of such an acting talent. Brad tells of getting an appreciation for whisky from his acting teacher, mentor and friend the legendary Wynn Handman, who sadly succumbed to Covid in April. Brad also talks about his acting career, the difficulties of the industry during the p...
Episode 39 - Marc Benardout, DUI campaigner
August 31, 2020 21:00 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MBWe talk to Marc Benardout, British producer and director turned DUI campaigner following the death of his son. We talk about the social complications of drinking and driving, how DUIs are up dramatically during Covid and he tells the heartbreaking story of the untimely death of his son Noah. We use handheld breathalyzers to show what a whisky can do to you, talk about the legislative flaws around DUI and how Marc has turned tragedy into activism. This episode is brought to you in partnershi...
Episode 38 - Gavin Ramjaun, broadcaster
August 25, 2020 15:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MBWe talk to news and sports broadcaster Gavin Ramjaun. He tells us about reporting on sport during a pandemic, the importance of mental health for middle-aged men and buying the Saudi Arabian oil minister a Macallan. We also talk about race discrimination in broadcasting, why sports commentators need to get back to venues and why he set up a men's lifestyle channel. And why he wants to have a whisky with Donald Trump.
Episode 37 - Natalie Morales
August 18, 2020 23:00 - 48 minutes - 33.7 MBWe have a very funny and very honest conversation with actor, writer and director Natalie Morales. She talks about her love for the entertainment industry, coping with her shows always being cancelled and how smashing her face into a balcony almost derailed her career. Also her love for Buston Keaton, her dislike of President Trump’s voice and why Parks and Recreation was such a good show. We also talk about starring in her own network show, the joy of writing with her best friend during loc...
Episode 36 - Matt Long, travel writer
August 13, 2020 00:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MBWe speak to professional traveler Matt Long. He talks about the joys of visiting Disney World even in a pandemic, how his career was launched by a Jeopardy cruise and the moral complication of encouraging travel during Covid. He tells us why he loves travel, why he misses it and how you have to be brave (or at least ready) to jump on a plane. We also cover the future of the cruise industry, the need for staycations and Scottish gin made from shavings of historic golf clubs! And drinking a La...
Episode 35 - Matthew Wiseman, BAFTA Los Angeles CEO
August 04, 2020 15:00 - 46 minutes - 32.2 MBWe talk to Matthew Wiseman, CEO of BAFTA Los Angeles. He talks about the struggles of his members in a world without tv and film production, moving BAFTA’s education programs online and the future of cinema. He also talks about his organization’s approach to diversity, the resurgence of drive-in movies and refusing to take celebrity selfies - unless he meets a Ghostbuster. And talking tea with Elton John and his love for Brentford Football Club.
Episode 34 - Tom Hartley, British Deputy High Commissioner to Ghana
July 28, 2020 15:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MBWe talk to Tom about whisky and gin diplomacy, the work of diplomats in a post-covid world with no glitzy receptions and his love for Ghana. We also cover how Black Lives Matter is being handled in Ghana, the wonders of street food and the importance for a British diplomat of living above a whisky store in Lebanon. And why he would have liked to share a Glenfiddich with Winston Churchill.
Episode 33 - Master Kemmer, Tang Soo Do Master
July 22, 2020 00:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MBWe talk to Fifth Dan Black Belt and owner of Cutting Edge Karate, Master Brandon Kemmer. He tells us about the importance of martial arts in a well rounded education, teaching karate over Zoom and meeting Chuck Norris. He also talks about learning Krav Maga, how you're never too old to start karate and his brief child acting career - including being given a dirty magazine by Ross in Friends! We also discover the Karate Kid and Kung Fu Panda led to a spike in student enrollments, his joy in w...
Episode 32 - Rhino, Gladiator
July 16, 2020 21:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MBWe talk to Mark Smith - better known as Rhino from the Gladiators. He tells us his journey from food stamps to Hollywood and from body building to Batman. How he got his break on one of the most popular UK television shows of the 90s and how he took that fame and ended up doing voices for Disney - playing a Rhino in Zootopia. We also cover working with Idris Elba and Liam Neeson and exec producing the new movie hit The Outpost. He also talks about George Floyd, protesting and the difference ...
Episode 32 - Rhino, Gladiator
July 16, 2020 21:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MBWe talk to Mark Smith - better known as Rhino from the Gladiators. He tells us his journey from food stamps to Hollywood and from body building to Batman. How he got his break on one of the most popular UK television shows of the 90s and how he took that fame and ended up doing voices for Disney - playing a Rhino in Zootopia. We also cover working with Idris Elba and Liam Neeson and exec producing the new movie hit The Outpost. He also talks about George Floyd, protesting and the difference ...
Episode 31 - Steve Valentine, actor and magician
July 08, 2020 02:00 - 34 minutes - 23.4 MBWe talk to veteran actor and musician Steve Valentine about his time in Hollywood and his global travels. He tells us about fighting Hulk Hogan, performing magic for Michael Jackson and even dealing cards at something resembling Molly's Game. He also tells us about performing at the Magic Castle, running a Yugoslavian nightclub as a teenager and his appearance in Spider-Man 3. And why he wants to drink whisky with Houdini.
Episode 31 - Steve Valentine, actor and magician
July 08, 2020 02:00 - 34 minutes - 23.4 MBWe talk to veteran actor and musician Steve Valentine about his time in Hollywood and his global travels. He tells us about fighting Hulk Hogan, performing magic for Michael Jackson and even dealing cards at something resembling Molly's Game. He also tells us about performing at the Magic Castle, running a Yugoslavian nightclub as a teenager and his appearance in Spider-Man 3. And why he wants to drink whisky with Houdini.
Episode 30 - Laura Schwab, Aston Martin
June 30, 2020 18:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MBWe talk to Aston Martin’s President for the Americas Laura Schwab. She tells us about her love for the iconic British brand, the power of James Bond and growing up in Kentucky. Laura has also worked for Jaguar Land Rover so tells us about why she loves working for British car companies, how Covid will impact driving and the power of their brand not just for owners but for everyone. She tells us about the new Aston Martin SUV - complete with optional dog washer - and how to fit a car seat int...
Episode 29 - Jason Trost, Smarkets
June 25, 2020 23:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MBWe talk to Jason Trost, founder of betting exchange Smarkets. We talk about the probability of a Biden win in November, why there was only a 20% chance Trump would win in 2016 and the $20bn sports betting market in America. We also cover why he loves Lagavulin, how he started his company in his sitting room in London and sharing a whisky with Alexander Hamilton.
Episode 28 - Gerry Cottle Jr, Rooftop Cinema Club founder
June 16, 2020 18:00 - 50 minutes - 34.5 MBWe talk to Rooftop Cinema Club founder Gerry Cottle Jr. He talks about drive in cinemas in the time of Covid, his life growing up in the circus (including his sister’s pet monkey and performing penguins) and why he wants to drink whisky with Elvis. We also cover his love of Dennys, why Tom Cruise should come to him for the Top Gun 2 premiere and a strong man who can lift an elephant. And we drank Balcones and Howlerhead whiskeys.
Episode 27 - Henok Negash, Magic Castle magician.
June 10, 2020 01:00 - 40 minutes - 27.8 MBWe speak to Magic Castle performer Henok Negash, the Bow Tie Magician. He talks about how much he misses performing due to the lockdown, his time in the Peace Corps and how a famous divorce lawyer helped him perfect his favorite trick.
Episode 26 - David Haines, Chief Strategy Officer BakerRipley
June 04, 2020 17:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MBWe talk to former Marine and Obama advisor David Haines about his work serving Houston's communities during Covid and how he feels about racial divide in America.
Episode 26. David Haines, Chief Strategy Officer BakerRipley
June 04, 2020 17:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MBWe talk to former Marine and Obama advisor David Haines about his work serving Houston's communities during Covid and how he feels about racial divide in America.
Episode 25 - Mark Gillespie, host of Whiskycast
May 27, 2020 00:00 - 50 minutes - 35 MB25th Episode Special. We’re honoured to have veteran whisky broadcaster Mark Gillespie as our guest. The Whiskycast host talks about drinking in bars after Covid, missing his whisky friends and his long and fascinating journey in whisky broadcasting.
Social Distancing Special #7. Simon Leslie, co-founder of Ink Global
May 15, 2020 22:00 - 47 minutes - 32.9 MBWe talk to travel expert Simon Leslie about inspiring his isolated teams, the future of flying and hotels and why good Vegas buffets and cruise ships will survive.
Social Distancing Special #6. Andy Weir, whisky ambassador and Young Hamish from Braveheart
May 09, 2020 18:00 - 52 minutes - 36.2 MBWe talk to Andy Weir, brand manager for Aberlour. We talk about the future of drinking in bars, teaching Mel Gibson a Scottish accent and making the most of life’s opportunities.
Social Distancing Special #5. Mike Brewer, Wheeler Dealer.
May 03, 2020 19:00 - 56 minutes - 39.1 MBMotor legend Mike Brewer tells us about sending messages of condolence to Coronavirus victims, social media trolling and buying his first electric car. While drinking Balvenie and worrying about being judged for the amount of recycled whisky bottles.
Social Distancing Special #4. Rachel Rudwall, travel storyteller.
April 17, 2020 00:00 - 53 minutes - 36.6 MBWe talk to travel storyteller Rachel Rudwall about contracting and surviving Coronavirus, what she misses about life on the road and the future of travel.
Social Distancing Special #3. Cyrina Fiallo, actress and quarantine singer.
April 03, 2020 20:00 - 39 minutes - 27 MBWe talk to Cyrina Fiallo about appearing in Super Bowl ads, cheering people up with quarantine music and hula-hooping.
Social Distancing Special #2. Noah Evslin, Hollywood writer and producer.
March 27, 2020 00:00 - 1 hour - 45.8 MBWe talk to non-whisky drinker and Hollywood writer Noah Evslin. He tells us whether Coronavirus would have made a believable story, how Grey's Anatomy would have treated this pandemic and how writing rooms may change in the future.
Social Distancing Special. Jennifer Wren, whisky ambassador (again)
March 20, 2020 04:00 - 49 minutes - 34.1 MBWe talk to Jennifer Wren (while socially distancing) about the drinks industry in a time of shut bars, finding humor in quarantine and the importance of drinking whisky virtually.
Episode 17 - Jeff B Cohen, Chunk from the Goonies
March 05, 2020 08:00 - 48 minutes - 33.4 MBWe talk to Beverly Hills lawyer Jeff B Cohen about writing books, how puberty ruined his child acting career and, of course, being Chunk from the Goonies.
Episode 16 - Jim McCarthy, Goldstar
February 20, 2020 17:00 - 1 hour - 44.1 MBWe talk to Goldstar CEO Jim McCarthy about why people should go to live events, selling bagels and coming of age with whisky.
Episode 15 - Dan Lyle
February 07, 2020 06:00 - 52 minutes - 35.8 MBWe talk to US rugby legend Dan Lyle about the LA Sevens, playing in England and commentating for NBC on the Rugby World Cup. He also pays tribute to Kobe Bryant.
Episode 14 - Publicist Daniel Bee and Publisher Michael Keating
January 24, 2020 04:00 - 59 minutes - 41.1 MBWe talk to two guests this week, publicist to the stars Daniel Bee and publisher of the world's most read magazine Michael Keating. We cover doing PR for Hugh Hefner, Burns Suppers and growing up in a showbiz family.
Episode 13 - Julian Stone
December 20, 2019 05:00 - 41 minutes - 28.7 MBWe speak to veteran actor Julian Stone about Baywatch, General Hospital and doing voices for Star Wars, Call of Duty and so much more. All while drinking some Dingle Whiskey.
Episode 13 - Julian Stone, actor and voice artist
December 20, 2019 05:00 - 41 minutes - 28.7 MBWe speak to veteran actor Julian Stone about Baywatch, General Hospital and doing voices for Star Wars, Call of Duty and so much more. All while drinking some Dingle Whiskey.
Episode 12 - Mac & Wild
December 05, 2019 06:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MBWe talk to the founders of Scottish restaurant and lifestyle brand Mac and Wild about eating better meat, being proud to be Scottish and drinking whisky in the dark. All this, while drinking Highland Park and Dalmore.
Episode 11 - Tom Otley, Business Traveller
November 20, 2019 03:00 - 38 minutes - 26.6 MBThis week we talk to Business Traveller Editor Tom Otley about crying babies in business class, reviewing the world's airlines and hotels and staying healthy when on the road. All while drinking Glenlivet.
Episode 10 - Robert Hewitt Wolfe
November 06, 2019 12:00 - 47 minutes - 32.4 MBWe talk to TV writer Robert Hewitt Wolfe about Star Trek, Sherlock Holmes and making it in Hollywood over a bottle of Wolfburn.
Episode 9 - Ben Smith
October 23, 2019 05:00 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MBWe talk to Laduma CEO Ben Smith about immersive technology, where Sean Connery hides his whisky and arguing with Jose Mourinho.
Episode 8 - Kris Lythgoe, King of Panto
October 08, 2019 23:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MBPanto King Kris Lythgoe explains how British pantomime is spreading across America, working with Ariana Grande and life in an entertainment family.
Episode 7 - Red 12
September 26, 2019 02:00 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MBRed 12, part of the British Red Arrows - the RAF's aerobatics display team, joins us to talk about flying across North America, inspiring the next generation of pilots and driving a camper van around Scottish distilleries.