Wellness On The Rocks

Ralitsa Kombakis is the founding Architect of Studio Rallou, with years of experience at leading firms including Nest Architectural Design, Basile Studio, and GTC Design. Today, she runs her own business designing and operating highly detailed, story-driven hospitality spaces across San Diego. Her portfolio features projects such as Rare Society with Trust Restaurant Group and Chef Brad Wise to the newly opened Kiku Room, San Diego’s Hi-Fi listening bar and cocktail lounge in Little Italy.

Before launching her own firm, Ralitsa’s path began far from the architecture world. She grew up working in her family’s pizza restaurant in Maine, where she first learned what the hospitality world was really about and how restaurants can create moments that evoke emotion in the people who spend time there. Drawn to creativity but guided by immigrant parents who insisted she “find something adjacent” to art school, she discovered architecture through an AutoCAD class. That spark led her to Syracuse University, where she studied architecture, a field that blended both sides of her brain: the technical and the artistic.

In this episode, Ralitsa joins Taylor to reflect on how that journey shaped the design approach she brings to homes, hospitals, restaurants, chefs’ personal kitchens, and ultimately San Diego’s newest community-driven music bar. Together they dive into the deeper side of design, from imposter syndrome and finding confidence in your creative voice to the role of empathy and what it really takes to create spaces that shape the way we feel. Ralitsa also breaks down the realities of opening a small business in 2025, the creative process behind Kiku Room, its early challenges, and the exciting restaurant projects she’s taking on next.

Contact Ralitsa at: https://www.studiorallou.com/portfolio

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@luna_bambino_

@kikuroom.sd

@wellness_ontherocks

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Eliza Woodman grew up watching her mother wait tables, and gained an early understanding of what true hospitality meant. She started hosting at fifteen, and from there, her connection to hospitality took root. While earning her art degree in Boston, Eliza waited tables at Yard House outside Fenway Park, where her natural “bartender’s disposition” quickly caught people’s attention and led her behind the bar.

Now, as lead bartender at Communion, San Diego’s new rooftop restaurant and cocktail bar in Mission Hills, Eliza has carved out her own lane, one that blends craft and care, competition and connection. Her food-focused approach to cocktails is rooted in balance and restraint: flavor should surprise you, not scream at you.

In our conversation, Eliza shares how creativity has shaped her career, from corporate chain systems to small mom and pop bars. She opens up about what it means to lead a team, build a vibe, and create hospitality that’s “high end, with personality.” We dive into her competitive drive, the double-edged sword of ego, and how authenticity gets tested in an industry that rewards image as much as skill.

We also explore the deeper layers of mental health, burnout, and learning to slow down when the go-go-go of service life becomes all-consuming. Eliza talks about how the same drive that fuels her ambition can also push her toward exhaustion, and how she’s learning to measure success not just in accolades, but in self-worth and peace.

From Yard House to Communion, this episode is a reflection on ambition, artistry, and the ongoing work of finding yourself in an industry that always wants a piece of you.

You can find to all episodes of Wellness On The Rocks on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube

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@elizawoodman

@dinecommunion

@wellness_ontherocks

@taylorredmondmcquade

What inspires you to create? For Marina, it’s the love of cocktails, the history of the industry, and the visual and tactile experiences of the bar. All of which drive her to connect with others and bring people together.

Now leading the bar at Cardellino, an elevated Italian chophouse in Mission Hills, Marina Ferreira was previously the Beverage Director and artistic architect behind Botanica Art & Cocktail Bar, a North Park favorite celebrated for its innovative, art driven mixology.

Marina has carved her path through San Diego’s cocktail scene with authenticity and humor. On today’s episode, she shares how she’s learned to balance artistry, intention, and mental health in a demanding industry that often takes more than it gives. We explore the intention behind cocktails, what it means to create with purpose, and how stepping back from the grind brought her a new sense of clarity.

We also dive into the realities of the craft cocktail world, from networking and social media to balancing professionalism with creativity. Marina reminds us that it’s not just about serving drinks; it’s about building meaning, community, and self-awareness along the way.

You can find to all episodes of Wellness On The Rocks on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube

Follow On Instagram:

@marinimartinisd

@wellness_ontherocks

@taylorredmondmcquade

What inspires you to create? For Marina, it’s the love of cocktails, the history of the industry, and the visual and tactile experiences of the bar. All of which drive her to connect with others and bring people together.

Now leading the bar at Cardellino, an elevated Italian chophouse in Mission Hills, Marina Ferreira was previously the Beverage Director and artistic architect behind Botanica Art & Cocktail Bar, a North Park favorite celebrated for its innovative, art driven mixology.

Marina has carved her path through San Diego’s cocktail scene with authenticity and humor. On today’s episode, she shares how she’s learned to balance artistry, intention, and mental health in a demanding industry that often takes more than it gives. We explore the intention behind cocktails, what it means to create with purpose, and how stepping back from the grind brought her a new sense of clarity.

We also dive into the realities of the craft cocktail world, from networking and social media to balancing professionalism with creativity. Marina reminds us that it’s not just about serving drinks; it’s about building meaning, community, and self-awareness along the way.

You can find to all episodes of Wellness On The Rocks on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube

Follow On Instagram:

@marinimartinisd

@wellness_ontherocks

@taylorredmondmcquade

Nina’s path through hospitality is one defined by creativity, authenticity, and purpose. From her early days working behind the bar while attending Florida State University to her current role as Southern California Brand Ambassador for Proximo Spirits, she’s built a career around storytelling through brands and creating genuine connections.

In this episode, Nina shares her journey of personal and professional evolution, from finding meaning in the stories behind great spirits to learning how wellness, community, and creative expression can coexist in an industry that often demands constant motion. We explore the role of social media in hospitality, the importance of maintaining authenticity, and her philosophy to “create more than you consume.”

Nina also reflects on mentorship, confidence, and the power of mindset, especially for women in hospitality, emphasizing that growth begins when you speak your goals out loud and allow yourself to evolve. Her story is a reminder that balance and ambition aren’t opposites; they’re both essential parts of building a sustainable, inspired career.

Listen to @wellness_ontherocks now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or watch on YouTube!

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@ninacoladagram

@wellness_ontherocks

@taylorredmondmcquade

Voted San Diego Magazine’s 2025 Bartender of the Year, McClain Campbell grew up in the small town of Rensselaer, Indiana, before making the leap to Southern California to chase his dreams. Today, he’s behind the bar, and helping lead the team at Happy Medium, one of North Park’s most exciting new spots

In this episode, McClain shares his journey: from learning to connect with people from all walks of life, to navigating the challenges of opening a new bar and managing the chaos that comes with it. He also opens up about mental health, the mentors who shaped his career, and how he’s building a future in hospitality while staying true to himself.

Find all episodes of Wellness On The Rocks on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Follow us: @guyfeirisrealboy @happymediumsd @sandiegomag @wellness_ontherocks @taylorredmondmcquade

From bartender to social media powerhouse, Nick Hogan exemplifies growth in the hospitality industry. His company creates custom barware, high-quality apparel, and tailor-made wearables, like pins and patches, for bartenders and hospitality professionals, all inspired by classic cocktails, bartending culture, and the industry itself.

Nick joins Taylor to talk about building a brand in the hospitality industry, embracing authenticity on social media, and prioritizing mental health while working around alcohol.

Follow Nick and Mover & Shaker on Instagram: @boldcitybourbon @moverandshakerco

Follow, watch and listen to Wellness On The Rocks on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube: @Wellness_OnTheRocks - Hosted, edited and produced by bartender @TaylorRedmondMcQuade

Lieutenant Commander Ned Davis is a pilot with the US Navy, and currently works as an Operations Officer for a squadron called Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Eight (HSC-8)

In this episode Ned sits down with his bartender Taylor McQuade and shares his journey through the military, from training at the Naval Academy and flying the SH-60 Seahawk, the navalized version of the Black Hawk, to becoming an instructor and department head in San Diego. He reflects on his evolving perspective on politics, the military's approach to mental health, and the challenges service members face in seeking support.

The conversation covers everything from his deployments aboard amphibious assault ships to deeper topics like PTSD, trauma, and the fear of losing your job if you speak up about mental health struggles. He opens up about personal challenges, such as his ex-wife’s infidelity, and how writing, medication, and therapy became part of his healing. This episode also touches on his taekwondo career, including a near run for the 2008 Olympics, and how staying competitive and purpose-driven has shaped his mindset.

He speaks candidly about the cultural differences between military and civilian approaches to mental health and how continuing to fly helicopters became his anchor through it all. He emphasizes the importance of accessing available resources without fear and offers advice to those entering the military: focus on the mission, but don’t neglect your mental health.

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@wellness_ontherocks

@taylorredmondmcquade

You can listen to all episodes of Wellness On The Rocks on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.