New Episodes Every Tuesday & Friday

Season 6

Dec. 20, 2024

Episode #171 - Simon Ford, Masterclass in Brand Building

In this episode, we get a masterclass on brand building from Simon Ford, owner of Ford's Gin. We dig deep on his journey, the early days and how he built it into the "bartender's gin" and the new challenge of …

Episode page
Dec. 17, 2024

Shot #185 - SUCCESS

In this episode, I do a throwback to a series I did leading up to 2021 called FOCUS, PATIENCE, SUCCESS. And with the re-release of the podcast this year and this being my mantra, I wanted to repost for everyone …

Episode page
Dec. 13, 2024

Episode #170 - Kait Stewart, like.a.ble cocktails

In this episode, I get to chat social media stardom with like.a.ble cocktails, Kait Stewart and how it all started and the direction it is heading in for her. Great chat for young bartenders looking at really honing their ski...

Episode page
Dec. 10, 2024

Shot #184 - PATIENCE

In this episode, I do a throwback to a series I did leading up to 2021 called FOCUS, PATIENCE, SUCCESS. And with the re-release of the podcast this year and this being my mantra, I wanted to repost for everyone …

Episode page
Dec. 6, 2024

Episode #169 - Dave Broom, The World Atlas of Whisky

In this episode, I have a lively chat with spirits writer Dave Broom about his upcoming book, the third edition of The World Atlas of Whisky. We chat about how whisky is intertwined with society, culture and how we drink. …

Episode page
Dec. 3, 2024

Shot #183 - FOCUS

In this episode, I do a throwback to a series I did leading up to 2021 called FOCUS, PATIENCE, SUCCESS. And with the re-release of the podcast this year and this being my mantra, I wanted to repost for everyone …

Episode page
Nov. 29, 2024

Episode #168 - Calliope Draper, Leading Inclusivity in the Hospitalit…

In the episode, I sit down with 2024 World's 50 Best Roku Scholarship Recipient and their work in the scope of inclusivity, LGBTQ rights in the hospitality space. An enlightening chat about how as an industry we can be better...

Episode page
Nov. 26, 2024

Shot #182 - Mental Health Advice for Young Hospitality People

In this episode, I take a portion of the Camosun College Mixology Class talk and chat about mental health, training and the industry in general. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole https://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/ Soole...

Episode page
Nov. 22, 2024

Episode #167 - Curtis McMillan, The Mischievous Mixologist

In this episode, we chat to Boston bartender, Curtis McMillan about tiki, his new book, The Mischievous Mixologist and his career. The book is fantastic and I highly urge you to get it. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole …

Episode page
Nov. 19, 2024

Shot #181 - Turnover is an "US", not "THEM" Problem

This came out of a long session I did with the Mixology Class at Camosun College. I have the class come in every 6 months with new students and try and enlighten them on the industry as a whole. I …

Episode page
Nov. 15, 2024

Episode #166 - Jason Littrell and the Rise of AI

In this episode, I sit down with Jason Littrell of Kinetic Management Systems to chat about the rise of AI in the hospitality industry and how he shows clients how to implement it in their everyday for guest retention to …

Episode page
Nov. 12, 2024

Shot #180 - Embracing Mistakes and Taking Control

A little throwback episode about embracing the mistakes you make and taking control of the narrative going forward. It's a nice reminder for myself as well, so I hope you enjoy it. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soole https:/...

Episode page
Nov. 8, 2024

Episode #165 - Jim Meehan and The Bartender's Pantry

In this episode, I get to chat with industry stalwart, Jim Meehan about his career, the industry and his amazing new book, The Bartender's Pantry. This is a must get book, get it here. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn …

Episode page
Nov. 5, 2024

Shot #179 - How to Create a Successful Succession Plan

In this episode, I take on a topic that I don't feel many independent operators think about when they open and run their venues. A successful succession plan is very important after the first 5 years of business. FOLLOW US …

Episode page
Nov. 1, 2024

Episode #164 - Hugo Togni of Bar Pompette

In this episode, I chat with good friend Hugo Togni of Bar Pompette in Toronto, and absolutely gem of a human and the tour de force behind Bar Pompette in Toronto, one of the most awarded bars in the country …

Episode page
Oct. 29, 2024

Shot #178 - Training Budgets and Courses

In this episode, I chat about certifications and wage increases for your team along with how much to budget per year for staff training, if you aren't investing 1-2% into training your team, you are missing out on a massive …

Episode page
Oct. 25, 2024

Episode #163 - Jim Taylor and Bold Operations

In this episode, I sit down with Jim Taylor of Benchmark Sixty and chat about his new book, Bold Operations. A deep dive in modern day operations and how to implement systems to tackle staffing, training and so much more. …

Episode page
Oct. 22, 2024

Shot #177 - Top 5 Expenses and Budgets for Operating a Restaurant

In this episode, I tackle the top 5 expenses for a restaurant and what their budgets should be. I know so many operators don't know what their costs should be so I wanted to quantify the best I can. Hope …

Episode page
Oct. 18, 2024

Episode #162 - Chris Cardone and the Sober Movement

In this episode, I sit down with Chris Cardone of Continuous Beverage and chat his journey through flair, to Diageo World Class and his latest endeavour with his sober journey and educating the industry and more on the moveme...

Episode page
Oct. 15, 2024

Shot #176 - How Much Does It Actually Cost to Open a Restaurant

In this episode, I lay out the the costs of how much it actually costs to open a restaurant. These are just industry averages and everyone is different, but I wanted to give tangible figures and some antidotes along the …

Episode page
Oct. 11, 2024

Episode #161 - Kate Gerwin of Happy Accidents and Drink Masters

In this episode, I sit down with Kate Gerwin of Happy Accidents and of Drink Master fame and we have a chance to delve into small markets, awards, cocktails, travel and the TV show. Hope you enjoy the episode. FOLLOW …

Episode page
Oct. 8, 2024

Shot #175 - Navigating the Costs of Running a Restaurant in 2024

In this episode, I give you five actionable ways to saving costs in the current restaurant market. They are listed below for reference. Here are five solutions for "Navigating the Costs of Running a Restaurant in 2024" 1. Cut...

Episode page
Oct. 4, 2024

Episode #160 - Dave Mitton, Global Brand Ambassador, J.P Wiser's

In this episode, I catch up with Dave Mitton, Global Brand Ambassador of J.P Wiser's as we chat about his start in the industry, his move to brand ambassadorship and the state of Canadian Whisky. Absolute gem of a human, …

Episode page
Oct. 1, 2024

Shot #174 - State of Business

In this episode, I recently put out a questionnaire for business owners, operators and managers to see how other markets are doing. The results were shocking and telling on how the industry is currently. The link to my break ...

Episode page