Step into the vibrant world of creativity and craftsmanship with the 59th annual Key West Art & Craft Festival. Join host Mark Baratto and special guest Susann D'Antonio, president of the Key West Art Center & Gallery, as they uncover the beauty and diversity of this iconic event. Set in the scenic Truman Waterfront Park, this festival brings together a unique blend of art, crafts, and cultural heritage. Don't miss this deep dive into Key West's rich artistic community and the exciting fusion of tradition and innovation at the heart of the festival.

In this engaging episode, host Mark Baratto sits down with the talented craft cocktail maker and proud owner of Coasting Cocktails, Jessica.

Join us as Jessica shares her inspiring journey into the world of mixology and recounts the pivotal steps she took to establish her business, which has quickly become a sensation at events.

In this episode, join Mark Baratto in a conversation with Mariam Tvaliashvili, the visionary behind the transformation from KWSOAPS to E11DROPS. Discover the significant changes that have taken place in the three years since their last discussion. Mariam shares insights into the bold decisions she made, including expanding her team and doubling the storefront. Explore the global aspirations of the newly rebranded E11DROPS.

Join Mark Baratto in Episode 234 as he sits down with Buck Epstein, one of the masterminds behind Doozee Bespoke Ice Cream Bar Shop. Delve into Buck's entrepreneurial journey, the allure of the ice cream business, and the innovative concepts reshaping the game. Explore Doozee's transformation into a sophisticated, music-infused, and social media-friendly haven on Duval Street, Key West, offering velvety smooth, all-natural Madagascar vanilla ice cream bars dipped in luxury hard-shell coatings. With 5 million unique combinations, every bespoke order is a sweet symphony. Tune in for a delightful conversation and discover the magic behind Doozee's revolutionary approach to ice cream.

Join Mark Baratto in this captivating episode as he reunites with Jordan Upchurch, the visionary mind behind the transformed Follow The Rabbit speakeasy. Uncover the enchanting world of Follow The Rabbit as they expand their horizons, sharing the secrets of their success and introducing their newest venture - a tantalizing addition of delectable food!

🐇 Dive deeper into the Follow The Rabbit Speakeasy 🍸 Embark on a journey within our clandestine cocktail haven, where Burlesque, Acrobatics, Singing, and Circus Arts intertwine in the heart of Old Town, Key West. The Rabbit concocts magical potions served in extraordinary ways, immersing your senses in a wonderland of delight.

🌐 Explore Further:

• Website: Follow The Rabbit Bar
• Instagram: Follow The Rabbit Bar on Instagram

🕒 Operating Hours: Wednesday-Friday, 6 pm-Midnight

🎙️ Introduction: In this special episode, we want to express our sincere gratitude to all of our amazing listeners, social media followers, and those who support us in-store. Thank you for being a crucial part of our podcast journey. Your support means the world to us!

🙏 Thank You Message: To everyone who has tuned in, followed us on social media, visited our store, and to all those whose paths have crossed ours – a heartfelt THANK YOU! Your support fuels our passion for creating content.

Join Mark Baratto in this episode as he delves into the fascinating journey of Suzanne Orchard, the owner of Key West Island Books. From a lucrative career in the service industry to passionately pursuing her love for books, Suzanne shares her inspiring story.

Discover the insights and wisdom scattered throughout the episode, including the pivotal "moment" when Suzanne recognized the right time to chase her dreams. Tune in for a captivating conversation that unveils the unique blend of passion, determination, and the pursuit of a lifelong dream. Whether you're a book enthusiast, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply someone seeking inspiration, this episode is sure to leave you with valuable takeaways and a renewed sense of motivation.

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Kit Carson, the Earl of Pizza.

We talk about how he came to help a friend open up a little place called "Rick's" decades ago, why he stayed and became the "Earl of Pizza" and why he started his successful YouTube show and podcast, "Sit with Kit."

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with artist, surf show fanatic and serial entrepreneur, Letty Nowak. 

We talk about her humble beginnings in Key West, her first art gallery, surf shop and how she now manages all of 7 of her businesses along side her family life with her husband, Mauricio.  FYI, she also painted the iconic, "Greetings from KEY WEST" sign on the Cuban Coffee Queen building.

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Teresa, the illustrator and author of her new book, "Drawn to Key West." We talk about her inspiration for the book and how she picked up and moved to Key West to fulfill her artistic dreams. More on Drawn to Key West Key...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with published author, Richard "Conch Boy" Gomez to talk about his fictional book based on his own life as a smuggler in Key West during the 80's.

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Teo Masters and Carl Schutze with Primerica Financial Services.  We talk about creating long-term wealth, how to get yourself out of debt, and the proper way to set yourself up for financial freedom.

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with XINSURANCE owner, Rick J. Lindsey.

We talk about sponsoring the Powerboat races, helicopter flying, and of course, insurance.

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with head chef Pietro Consorti and Jessica Cain, the General Manager at the Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa.  We talk about the Hyatt's decision to change their restaurant, how well Pietro works with Richard Blais with the menu and how this perfect location...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Philip Spottswood, the director of Food And Beverage at Spottswood Companies.

Philip took us on a tour down memory lane on how he built his business smarts though hard work and tenacity. He also gave us some insight on how the Spottswood Companies not only care about the community, but equally as much for the tourists that visit our city every day.

This type of episode is my favorite because there are too many lessons to list.

This is a recap episode of my very first episode here in Key West talking about Fantasy Fest.  I wanted to release this episode for the last weekend of Fantasy Fest, so you all could learn more about this week long party that happens every year in Key West!

In our first episode, Mark Baratto speaks with Nadene Grossman Orr who handles all of the planning for Fantasy Fest, the Annual Key West Songwriters Festival, and many more events through her company We've Got The Keys.

We go deep into why she moved to Key West and what she loves about living and working here, and some of her favorite spots in town to eat drink and be merry.

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with artist Gayle Antonides, and newest member of the Shops at Mallory Square.

We talk about her journey into art, how she worked her way from farmers markets to opening her own gallery/studio space, and living in her converted school bus.

In this reboot episode, the tables are turned as Mark Baratto sits down with podcast host Kelly Hopkins on her show The Local Side of Key West. We talk about my art and how I got started, social media, and how I started my podcast.

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the owner of The Baklava Key West.

We talk about how these delicious treats make their way from Istanbul to Key West daily and the inspiration behind bring this classic Turkish dish to Old Town.

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with 2005 Mayor Morgan Joseph McPherson.

We talk about how he turned his dream of going into the NFL into being a public servant.