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!
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 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.
The podcast episode delves into the life and legacy of Jimmy Buffett, recounting cherished memories, his profound impact on the island, and his final Key West concert. Paul Menta shares his personal connection with Jimmy and his deep desire to celebrate the musical legend's life in a manner befitting his spirit.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Key West local Nick Norman to talk about where he started, and where he is going in this previous episode REBOOT.
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 exclusive interview reboot, Mark Baratto sits down with Rapper and Singer of the Dirty Heads, Jared Watson (aka Dirty J).
This interview happened 30 minutes before the band went on stage for the beginning of their national tour, down here at the Key West Amphitheater.
It may have been short, but for those fans out there, we touched on the bands origin story and their beginnings.
In this REBOOT episode of the podcast, Mark Baratto sits down with the Kiteboarder, Chef, and owner/creator of the Key West First Legal Rum Distillery, Paul Menta.
We talk about how Paul took a number of chances when creating his rum distillery and how his "failures" help him find success.
In a post-COVID-19 world, Paul saw how hand sanitizer was hard to come by, so made his own product mixing 140 proof alcohol with aloe and transmission gel, used in ultrasounds.
Menta gave away the 3-oz bottles around town to service workers, retailers, mail carriers, and anyone else hard at work in Key West during high season for tourists.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with interior designer and self proclaimed vintage treasure hunter Alexandra.
We talk about her career as an interior designer, her mobile design studio and her new shop at the Shops at Mallory Square; right down the hall from the Backyards of Key West Gallery 😎.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with local musician, Reggae Lou.
We talk about Lou's past, how he got into music, how he almost died (a couple of times), and how he finally found his groove.
Did you know that Bagatelle, Nine One Five Restaurant & Bar, and First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery are all owned by the same people?
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with co-owner Damian DeAngelis.
We talk about how he got involved in the restaurant business, which of the three were acquired first, and why he wanted to keep going until he had the one where it all started.
In today's episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Frankie Flemming, Key West's top professional Makeup Artist.
We talk about Frankie's experience on QVC, her world traveling doing makeup, and how she landed here in Key West.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with musicians from the band Homegrown.
We talk about how they got started and why they love building their base in Key West.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with singer-songwriter John Goolsby.
This interview was done over a year ago and was completely lost. After some technical creativity, I was able to restore it and loved our banter back and forth, which is why I am releasing it!
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Len Johnson, the co-owner of Better Than Sex - A Dessert Restaurant, to talk about what has been happing in their restaurant after being opened for 15 years!
We talk about new locations, new menu items and how Len and Dani keep their staff loving where they work!
To listen to our first episode, CLICK HERE.
Selfiemost Point
