Joel Blum, the co-founder of the LA Spirits Awards & High Spirits Awards, is proud to celebrate the incredible talent, craftsmanship, and passion that go into every bottle of spirits. Joel talks about his love for the talented judges and colleagues he works with, and how honored he is to recognize the excellence and effort behind every pour

Mark Chaplin, Executive Vice President, Commerical Sales for Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, shares his leadership philosophy and the core values that drive both business success and team cohesion. Mark emphasizes the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and empowerment in achieving organizational growth. Through his experiences, Mark advocates that strong relationships and a family-first approach are just as essential to business success as innovation and strategy

Jane Bowie and Denny Potter, the founders of Potter Jane Distilling Company with a shared passion for crafting exceptional bourbon, have combined their expertise and vision to create something truly unique. From their hands on approach to distilling to their commitment to quality, Jane & Denny share their story of bringing this brand new American whiskey distillery to life after nearly five decades of shared experience in the industry

Hannah Hanley, a true leader in the word of spirits and driving force behind the International Wine & Spirits Competition - USA, joins us to talk about her passion for excellence and dedication to celebrating the best in the industry, Hannah is helping set the standard for innovation, quality, and craftsmanship in spirits worldwide

Mike Morrison, the founder of A Sheltered Life, is on a mission to build orphanages and Hope Centers across the globe - providing love, support, and opportunity to children in need. This is just the beginning of a journey to create a brighter future for thousands of young lives

Chef Shannon Smith, author of The Hidden Table Cookbook, explores the culinary secrets and inspirations behind her crafted recipes. Shannon shares her travels around the world, creating dishes while immersed within many different cultures. With warmth and enthusiasm, she tells the stories behind her favorite recipes, revealing experiences that influenced her philosophy of food, and of giving back

Nelson Nieves, Founder of Bosscal Mezcal, embarks on an agave-filled adventure that is enlightening and fun. Nelson shares his passion for mezcal, detailing how he transformed his love for this traditional spirit to a thriving brand. He shares entertaining stories from his journey, including challenges he faced and the joy of bringing a piece of Mexican culture to the world

Kimberley Spence, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits Vice President of Development & Marketing, reflects on the importance of representation and mentorship, emphasizing her commitment to empowering others. Kimberley shares her experience as a black women in the industry, and candidly discusses the biases she's faced and how they shaped her resilience and drive. The conversation also explores her innovative approaches to marketing and development, showcasing how her background informs her strategies

Jesse Bongiovi, co-founder of Hampton Water Rosé, is back and discusses the vibrant world of wine along with a splash of fun and personality. Throughout the conversation, Jesse highlights the importance of community and connection, reflecting on how his brand embodies the spirit of celebration he enjoyed growing up around New Jersey and Long Island.

Co-Founder Eva Longoria and Head of Production Alejandra Pelayo dive into the vibrant world of their shared entrepreneurial effort: Casa del Sol Tequila, a brand proudly led by women who honor their Mexican heritage. Join us as we explore the artistry of tequila making, the stories behind each sip, and their ultimate commitment to integrity and tradition.

Recorded just after Mexican Independence Day, this episode closes our month-long celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Salud!