Sweet'N Up with Jeff Spencer

Affinity Esports is Connecticut’s premier organization for healthier gaming experiences for all generations. AE is on a mission to redefine the gaming world, blending wellness, education, and inclusivity into every aspect of esports. Affinity is committed to leading a transformative movement, creating a balanced and nurturing environment where gamers of every age and background can excel, both in gaming and in life. Their vision is a future where gaming is a beacon of positive impact, fostering a community deeply rooted in healthy experiences and united by a shared passion for the game.

Sam Reyes is the owner and head bartender of Mariposa Taqueria, a Latin-American inspired restaurant located in Danbury, CT which was formerly know as Mezon. Sam is a member of the Reyes family, which owns incredible establishments around Danbury and the state such as Mines Carne, Amigos Deli, and Mecha Noodle Bar. Recently, Sam took him the award for “Bartender of the Year” at the 2023 Connecticut Restaurant Association’s CRAzies Awards show at Foxwoods, which honors the best of the best in our states incredible industry.

Episode Sponsors:

The Amber Room Colonnade

https://www.theamberroom.net/

Uncle Matt's Bakery & Cafe

https://unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com/

Holmes Fine Gardens

https://holmesfinegardens.com/

Fellow Brookfield resident Jonathan Mendonca is the author of the best selling book, “Life on Life’s Terms” which is a fascinating and inspiring true story from 10 years of opiate addiction to 4 years of sobriety, and all the lessons learned along the way. Life on Life’s Terms is a success story of self growth and realization through the eyes of an addict. In his book, Jon takes you through the trails of his youth that played a part into his eventual decade long battle with opiates and alcohol. Jon masterfully details what finally led him to throwing up the white flag in his addiction, his numerous attempts at finding sobriety and how he continues to stay sober through the hardships of life. After spending years leading a life filled with lies, anger and dependence on substances, Jon now spends his time helping addicts and non addicts alike lead a better life. As Jon says: “This book is for anyone who wants to turn it around. It’s never too late.”

Episode Sponsors:

Doug Polistena is the Owner & General Manager of the Amber Room Colonnade, an award-winning premier catering venue and landmark, located in Danbury, CT since 1969. Doug has personally worked with and executed over 3,500 events, to include major galas, weddings, mitzvahs and corporate functions.

Episode Sponsors:

The Amber Room Colonnade

https://www.theamberroom.net/

Holmes Fine Gardens

https://holmesfinegardens.com/

Reverie Brewing Company

https://www.reveriebrewing.com/

Perfusion Bar

https://www.perfusionbar.com/

Kyle Sorenson and Rob Haidar, the founders of UMEBROSHI who have been in the food industry for some time and with knowledge of different cultures and palettes, created a realm to create food without the stereotypical toxicity within kitchens. As they say, they just wanted to have fun making food without all the bullshit, not looking to make their way up the social ladder or win awards. They just want to make food from scratch that people can enjoy. Consider them the the anti heroes. The super villains. Serving corndogs on fine china.

Kyle & Rob are two incredible human beings. Lots of laughs were had and I know you are really going to enjoy this one.

Episode Sponsors:

The Amber Room Colonnade

https://www.theamberroom.net/

Holmes Fine Gardens

https://holmesfinegardens.com/

Reverie Brewing Company

https://www.reveriebrewing.com/

Perfusion Bar

https://www.perfusionbar.com/

Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Cesar Collado is a professional boxer currently residing in Danbury, Connecticut representing Champs Boxing Club, also located in Danbury and owned by the legendary, AJ Galante of Danbury Trashers Fame. Cesar is also a master barber and has been servicing clients in the Danbury area for 15 years. His fun nature conversation and precision haircuts will always leave you feeling satisfied with not only your appearance but your experience. Currently Cesar works out of Legends Barber Co. located near the Danbury Mall, and it’s where Cesar and I first met.

I had such an awesome conversation with Cesar, learning all about his rise in boxing after having started at a young age, his career as a barber, becoming a professional boxer, preparing for his first pro fight in Colombia, what training camp is like, what it’s been like representing Champs Boxing Club and so much more!

Episode Sponsors:

Casey Dohme is the founder and owner of The Blind Rhino The Blind Rhino is a popular, award-winning Sports Bar with two brick & mortar locations in Fairfield County, CT! Their flagship location opened October 2015 in historic downtown South Norwalk, CT, and their newest store launched 2019 in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport, CT! Blind Rhino also has a Food Truck that they launched in 2022, as well as TWO food trailers that are posted up full time at Half Full Third Place in Stamford, CT & Tribus Beer Co. in Milford, CT

Blind Rhino have won over 25 awards for their wings! Receiving awards in Connecticut, Maine, New York (Buffalo, Westchester, Hudson Valley), Rhode Island & New Jersey! The Blind Rhino has also been awarded the Best Sports Bar in Fairfield County 6 times at Best of the Gold Coast as well has having been recognized every year by Connecticut Magazine in the Best Restaurants issue, for everything from Best Beer Bar, Best Pub, Best Chicken Wings & even Best Nachos!

I had such an awesome conversation with Casey, getting to learn about his journey through the food and hospitality industry, how the Blind Rhino came to be, the many wing competitions the Rhino has won, the building and development of the bar, what makes them stand out from other sports bars in the area, the charity tournaments they host, what the Rhino is up to today and so much more! 

Episode Sponsors:

DJ Darth Fader, known as Brandon Blain, is an individual who brings the party, the entertainment, and is one of the better known DJ’s in the area, always posting up at the hottest places to be around the state of Connecticut. If you’ve ever experienced Connecticut nightlife or just have been strolling around the center of any Connecticut town at night you’ll hear music pumping at every corner.  It’s very likely, one of those DJ’s is the one and only, DJ Darth Fader.  

I had an awesome, and extremely interesting conversation with Brandon, getting to know more about the life of a DJ, celebrities he’s shared the stage with, how he became a DJ, where you can find him doing his thing, stories of his early days, how the art has evolved and so much more!

Episode Sponsors:

Uncle Matts Bakery and Cafe - ⁠https://unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com/⁠

BD Provisions - ⁠https://www.bdprovisions.com/⁠

Around Town Real Estate - ⁠https://www.aroundtownrealestatect.com/