Originally created to highlight the vibrant people and places that make Key West magical, the Backyards of Key West Podcast has grown into something more.
Today, it’s a home for creative conversations with artists, gallery owners and studio founders —not just from Key West, but from across the country and around the world. Each episode explores the real stories behind creative lives and thriving businesses, whether you're curious about island life or building your own artistic path.
🎧 Listen below or on your favorite podcast app.
🎨 Want to grow your art business? Join The Artist Growth Collective—free tools, expert guidance, and a community built for creative entrepreneurs.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Michael Halpern to talk about life at the famed Southernmost House, his wife's beautiful foundation (Michelle's Foundation), and the wonderful things the B&B is doing for the community.
We share some NYC stories, revel in how kindness and old school morals matter, and how Michael pulled off the cleanup of the "quiet end" of Duval Street.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Raymond Vazquez of the famed real estate brokerage firm, Truman & Co.
We talk about oil spills, fly fishing, and of course Real Estate :-)
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Key West local Nick Norman to talk about where he started, and where he is going.
We find out how he got started with music and how he is constantly working to "sharpen the sword" of his craft.
This is one of my favorite interviews so far because Nick is so easy to talk to and talks about his career as an open book.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Alessandra Torre, an award-winning New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty-two novels.
We talk about how a summer project turned into her first novel, and how tweaking a couple of words on the Amazon description had her go from 10 sales per day to over 2000 per day.
If you are interested in writing a book, publishing, or how to even get started, this episode is for you!
Learn about how the Conservatory started, and how it was just named one of the best Butterfly Conservatories in the US.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Matthew Nooner and Raymond J. Vazquez, the owners of The Local, Butcher & Market.
We talk about where the idea came from (hint, it was over drinks), and how Matt and Raymond went from idea to execution.
If you are in a family business or work with loved ones, this episode is a good one because we go behind the scenes on how to navigate working and living together.
In the episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Kyle Carter to talk about a whole lot of live music.
We talk about his involvement in the Songwriters Sessions, Songwriters Festival, and his own creation, Mile 0 Fest.
Kyle and his family were living, what most consider to be a "comfortable life," but something was missing.
After falling in love with Key West, Kyle sold it all and took his love for music to his newly beloved island paradise.
Living a "comfortable life" may sound good on paper, but in the end, going after your dreams is what LIFE is all about.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the owner of UVA Wine Shoppe, Mark Gambuzza.
We talk about why he made his move down to Key West and how he got started in the wine business. Mark provides some great insights on how being patient and putting his customer first has not only benefited his business but his overall way of life.
Main takeaway: Happiness is the new ROI in life.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with artist Eric Anfinson. We spoke about how the first time he picked up a paintbrush he hated the result but fell in love with the process.
It was this love of "doing" that had him coming back for more, eventually creating a fan base around the world.
I particularly LOVE this episode because it touches on how important the process is. If all you care about is the outcome, you may be in for a life of sorrow, but when you love the process, you will have a life of true fulfillment.
Selfiemost Point
