Podcast
If you have ever wondered what people do around here or wanted to know the story behind a restaurant, bar or local business, this is exactly why I created the Backyards of Key West Podcast.
So sit back, relax and enjoy as you learn the stories behind what makes Key West so magical. To listen from your computer, click on any of the episodes you want, or click on your favorite app below!
237 - Celebrating Creativity at the 59th Key West Art & Craft Festival
236 - Crafted Elegance: Coasting Cocktails with Jessica
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.
235 - From KWSOAPS to E11DROPS: Embracing Change
234 - Redefining Sweetness: A Dive into Doozee Bespoke Ice Cream Bar Shop with Buck Epstein
233 - Unveiling the All-New Follow The Rabbit Bar Experience!
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
232 - A Heartfelt Thank You & Our Top Episode of 2023!
🎙️ 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.
231 - Key West Island Books: A Journey from Service to Passion
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.
230 - Sitting with Kit to Talk about Angelina's Pizza
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."
229 - The owner of Red Bike Brand, Venter Surf & Sport, Southernmost Surf Shop and Jag Gallery, Letty Nowak
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.
228 - Drawn to Key West book with illustrator & author Theresa Chiechi
227 - Key West: A Smuggler's Tale, by Richard "Conch Boy" Gomez
226 - Setting Yourself up for Financial Success with Teo Masters & Carl Schutze
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.
225 - XINSURANCE Owner Rick Lindsey on Sponsoring the Powerboat Races
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.
224 - Four Flamingos a Richard Blais Key West Kitchen
223 - Tavern N Town With Philip Spottswood
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.
222 - Nadene Grossman Orr on Fantasy Fest
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.
221 - Bug Ceramics Gallery in the Shops at Mallory Square
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.
220 - My interview on The Local Side of Key West Podcast
219 - The Baklava, a dessert place in Key West
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.
218 - Former Mayor, Realtor, & Minister Morgan Joseph McPherson
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.