Join host Mark Baratto as he dives into the colorful and eclectic world of “Woolly” Willie Alsedek, a master of storytelling whose life reads like a novel. In Episode 242, we unravel the threads of Willie’s adventurous journey from aspiring filmmaker to beloved author and artist.

Willie opens up about the serendipitous rock-paper-scissors game that propelled him into the realms of digital media and how a national recession nudged him onto the boardwalks, guitar in hand, serenading the world one laugh at a time.

In this delectable episode, join host Mark Baratto as he dives into the heart of Key West's culinary scene with Scott Pridgen, Executive Director of A.H. Monroe. Discover the essence of the "Taste of Key West" event, a gastronomic festival that marries the love for food with a noble cause, with all proceeds supporting AHMonroe's initiatives.

Join Mark Baratto as he dives into the flavorful world of The Waggin' Wiggle, Key West's newest food truck sensation, with founders Bella Usenza and Alvaro Del Castillo. Discover the story behind their tropical slider paradise, from dream to delicious reality.

In this inspiring episode, host Mark Baratto sits down with Keith Hopkins, the other half of The Concierge Girl, to explore the adventurous journey and the thriving business he runs with Kelly Hopkins in Key West. Keith shares insights into their unique boat charter services, the innovative addition of golf carts, and the pivotal risks that led to unprecedented happiness and success. Dive deep into the story of a couple who turned their love for Key West, event planning, and helping others into a flourishing concierge business, making vacationers' dreams come true.

In This Episode: Join Mark Baratto as he sits down with the remarkably talented Ryan Halligan, the artist and visionary behind Phat Slabs. Dive into Ryan's captivating journey from his initial foray into woodworking and resin art to finding his true passion. Discover the inspirations drawn from the lush landscapes...

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.