“Straight Talk” with Dj Doc

 BEHIND THE BOTTLE – SOCAL COCKTAIL & SPIRITS FEST 2026!

Join Host Thomas Howard aka DJ Doc and Co-Host Andre Hobbs for another exciting edition of Behind The Bottle, a featured segment on the Straight Talk with DJ Doc Podcast Platform, as we take you inside the SoCal Cocktail & Spirits Fest 2026, held at the beautiful Gillette House in Irvine, California!

During this exciting event, we had the opportunity to sit down with SIP Awards Founder and CEO Pouya "Paul" Hashemi along with several award-winning spirits brand owners and entrepreneurs, hearing firsthand about their journeys, the inspiration behind their brands, the craftsmanship involved in creating their spirits, and what makes their products stand out in the competitive spirits industry.

Fast Moving Consumer Goods Owner, Sandro Piancone, was one of the sponsors that made sure these spirit owners had the opportunity to be branded nationally.

Attendees enjoyed an engaging atmosphere celebrating the world of cocktails and premium spirits, with opportunities to discover unique brands, experience tastings, connect directly with industry professionals, and learn about the creativity and passion behind the bottle.

Behind The Bottle is more than just a conversation about spirits. It's about the people, the passion, the business, and the stories that bring each bottle to life!

Host / Producer Thomas Howard: https://poplme.co/djdocsd/share

Co-Host Andre Hobbs: http://www.andrehobbs.com

Sponsor Fast Moving Consumer Goods Sandro Piancone: fmcgstock.com

Guests:

SIP Awards Paul Hashemi & Artika Negahdar: Sipawards.com

Waterloo Gin Company Jean Marie Sperling: waterloogincompany.com

Status Wines Rob Tangipa: status wines.com

Wooler Brands Amy Wooler: woolerbrands.us

Matiari Tequila Dave Welch: sansws.com

San Hagen Tequila Stine Kidemose Jensen: sanhagen.com

Nafta Distributors Nuri Alajl: naftadist.com

Casa Ajurra Bardia Vahidi PhD: casaAjurra.com

High Mountain Spirits Jeffrey Su: highmountainspirits.com

Vieroma Cacao Liquer Maria Jose Rojas / Kasha

Touloei: vieroma.com

Drunken Bean Coffee Whiskey Claudia Hoyser: centerfirespirits.com

Bushwood Spirits Matt Bulle: bushwood.com

In this episode, Thomas & Dr. Carlos Sanchez, discuss his journey from cardiology to wellness entrepreneurship, emphasizing prevention and holistic health strategies to improve quality of life.

Key Topics

• The path to becoming a cardiologist and interventional specialist
• The importance of early prevention in cardiovascular health
• Technological advances in minimally invasive heart procedures
• Holistic approaches to wellness and lifestyle medicine
• The role of supplements and functional beverages in health
• Creating a wellness-first energy drink called Kalmara
• Strategies for impacting health before disease develops
• The connection between gut health, nutrition, and heart health
• The importance of sleep, exercise, and stress management
• Entrepreneurship in health and wellness

Takeaways:

• Early intervention and prevention can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease.

• Technological advances allow for minimally invasive procedures that save lives and improve recovery.

• Holistic health strategies, including nutrition, sleep, and stress management, are crucial for long-term wellness.

• Creating health-focused products like supplements and energy drinks can support preventive care.

• Education and ownership of wellness are key to changing health outcomes.

Guest Dr. Carlos Sanchez: https://www.instagram.com/drcarlossanchez1?obrf=NmN3azFvM2JtNmRo

Sponsor R.O.C. Media: https://www.instagram.com/r.o.c._media?igsh=MWg4N3hqcjhsaTh4aQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Host / Producer Thomas Howard: https://poplme.co/djdocsd/share

Thomas speaks with Author Pearl Howie who shares her inspiring journey from growing up in England to becoming a prolific author and traveler.

She discusses overcoming fears of success, the impact of her childhood environment, and her unique approach to living life fully.

Key Topics:

• Pearl Howie's childhood in Epsom and its influence
• The five types of fear of success and how to overcome them
• The role of writing as therapy and self-discovery
• Travel as a tool for healing and growth
• Impact of childhood environment on self-perception
• Pearl's experience with survivor guilt and grief
• The importance of authenticity and living fully
• Pearl's books and her Camino de la Luna series
• The significance of embracing success and overcoming fear

Guest Pearl Howie: pearlhowie.com

Host / Producer Thomas Howard: https://poplme.co/djdocsd/share

summary

In this episode, Thomas Howard aka DJ Doc interviews Sontrell Hawkins-Woods about surrogacy, her personal journey, and how she's helping others navigate the process. They discuss the importance of informed decision-making, ethical practices, and building strong relationships in surrogacy.

Key Topics:

Guest: Sontrell Hawkins-Woods: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sontrell-hawkins-woods

Sponsor Royal Serene: https://www.instagram.com/tasha.da.esthi?psln=OHN6enFyZmsxeDk0

Host / Producer Thomas Howard: https://poplme.co/djdocsd/share

In this episode, Sonya Bellamy Jones shares her inspiring journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a wellness advocate, dance instructor, and community leader.

She discusses the following

• Her childhood and early independence
• Inspiration from Debbie Allen and fame
• Her work in community and education
• The mission of Ahead Movements Incorporated
• Dance as a tool for healing and confidence
• Overcoming physical trauma and living with a bullet in her lung
• The importance of meeting people where they are in dance and wellness
• Her vision for a future dance and wellness facility
• The role of dance in stress relief and emotional health
• Her experience as a moderator and event host

Guest Sonya Bellamy Jones: https://www.instagram.com/ahead_movements?srtk=ZWYyNndpOHIzazdi

Sponsor Royal Serene: https://www.instagram.com/tasha.da.esthi?obrf=OHN6enFyZmsxeDk0

Host / Producer Thomas Howard: https://poplme.co/djdocsd/share

Behind The Bottle is a featured segment on the Straight Talk with Dj Doc podcast platform that goes beyond the label to explore the people, stories, creativity, and passion behind the spirits and beverage industry.

Hosted by Thomas Howard, aka Dj Doc, alongside Co-Host Andre Hobbs, Behind The Bottle was recorded on location at the 17th Annual San Diego Spirit Festival, which was held at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla. They brought listeners into conversations with entrepreneurs, brand creators, industry professionals, and the people helping shape the culture surrounding today’s spirits.

In this special edition, Dj Doc and Andre connect with Liz Edwards, Founder / Director of the festival, whose vision brings brands, industry professionals, and consumers together for a unique celebration and experience. The conversation also highlights Sandro Piancone, Sponsor and Co-Owner of Fast Moving Consumer Goods, and his role in supporting the festival and helping beverage brands gain greater exposure in the marketplace.

From discovering what goes into building a successful festival to learning about the business, branding, relationships, and personalities behind the bottles we see on the shelves, this episode offers listeners a look at an industry that is about much more than the drink itself.

Behind The Bottle — where we discover the story, the people, and the passion behind every pour.

Host Thomas Howard: https://poplme.co/djdocsd/share

Co-Host Andre Hobbs: http://www.andrehobbs.com

Liz Edwards: sandiegospiritsfestival.com

Sandro Piancone: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandropiancone

Siren's Tale owner, Brad Starky: sirenstalevodka.com

Sun God Owner, Ben Ward: drinksungod.com

Noche Vida Owner, Gary A. Roahrig: nochevida.com

El Nacimiento Tequila, Stephanie Grande: Elnacimientotequila.com

Catchher Icecream Owner, Sheena Lyte: https://www.instagram.com/catchher_icecream?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Mean Jeans Beverage Services and Bar Essentials Owner, Val Stewart: https://s.blinq.me/tavvVxB6xleQ?bs=icl

In this episode, your host Thomas Howard speaks with Sandro Piancone who shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur, author, and founder of the Sip, Smoke, and Savor series.

Sandro is also the Co-Owner of Fast Moving Consumer Goods. They explore the challenges of launching and marketing spirits and consumer goods, balancing family life with entrepreneurship, and the importance of networking and education in business success.

Guest Sandro Piancone: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandropiancone

Sponsor R.O.C. Media: https://www.instagram.com/r.o.c._media?igsh=MWg4N3hqcjhsaTh4aQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Host / Producer Thomas Howard: https://poplme.co/djdocsd/share

Join Thomas Howard, aka DJ Doc, for another engaging episode of Straight Talk with DJ Doc, featuring special guest Misha Stone. In this conversation, DJ Doc sits down with Misha to explore her journey, experiences, and the passion that continues to drive her forward.

Through an open and authentic discussion, Misha shares valuable insight into the lessons she has learned, the challenges she has overcome, and the importance of staying focused on purpose and personal growth. The conversation reflects the heart of the Straight Talk with DJ Doc platform—motivation, inspiration, education, health, and wellness—while giving listeners an opportunity to get to know the person behind the story.

Misha is the owner of Punky Produce Farm and Daydreamers Landing event space and community living roo.m

Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with real stories, real experiences, and Straight Talk with Misha Stone and DJ Doc.

Guest Misha Stone: https://www.instagram.com/daydreamerslanding?stkn=MW1qOWZuZjk0NWNhaQ==

Sponsor Royal Serene: https://www.instagram.com/tasha.da.esthi?stkn=aDIxc3UxNzNjd3pm

Host / Producer Thomas Howard: https://poplme.co/djdocsd/share

In this special episode of “Straight Talk with Dj Doc,” DJ Doc sits down with President, Shatia Moore, of the Women of Southeast San Diego for an uplifting conversation centered on community, empowerment, leadership, and making a positive difference. Shatia Moore shares the vision behind this group of women and how they are working together to inspire, educate, support, and create opportunities for individuals and families throughout Southeast San Diego.

The conversation highlights the importance of women using their voices, experiences, talents, and resources to strengthen their communities.

From motivation and inspiration to education, health, wellness, mentorship, and community involvement, this episode celebrates women who are committed to helping others succeed while creating meaningful change where they live and serve.

https://www.instagram.com/womenofsoutheast_sd?stkn=MTZzMHExOHFuMzdqYg==

Host / Producer Thomas Howard: https://poplme.co/djdocsd/share

On this edition of Cover 2 Cover, host Thomas Howard sits down with Dr. Lawrence McNair for an engaging conversation about his book, "Life is Too Big To Be Average", the inspiration behind it, and the powerful message he hopes readers will take away.

Dr. McNair shares insight into his journey as an author and the experiences that helped shape his work. Tune in to Cover 2 Cover, a segment of the Straight Talk with Dj Doc podcast platform, as we celebrate authors, their stories, and the purpose behind the book.

Guest Dr. Lawrence McNair: https://lawrencemcnair.com/

Host / Producer Thomas Howard: https://poplme.co/djdocsd/share