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!
216 - Artist Maggie Ruley
215 - Atlas Izakaya Restaurant
214 - Singer-Songwriter, Nick Norman
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.
213 - An Interview with singer Jared Watson of the Dirty Heads
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.
212 - Key West First Legal Rum Distillery with Paul Menta
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.
#211 - Boutique Alexandra Vintage Emporium
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 😎.
#210 - Local musical sensation Reggae Lou & The Kind Budz
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.
#209 - Bagatelle, Nine One Five & First Flight Island Restaurant with Damian DeAngelis
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.
#208 - Frankie Professional Makeup Artist
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.
#207 - The band Homegrown
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.
#206 - Singer-songwriter John Goolsby
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!
#205 - Better Than Sex, a Dessert Restaurant (Part 2)
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.
#204 - Key West's Children's Animal Farm with Farmer Jeanne Selander
#203 - Musician Howard Livingston is "Livin' on Key West Time"
#202 - Tucker's Provisions with Kurt Matarazzo
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Tucker's Provisions creator, and managing partner, Kurt Matarazzo.
We talk about the creation of the legendary apparel brand started, a little backstory on Kurt, and what's in store for the brand's expansion.
#201 - Artfully Keys with Lance Berry, Sara Pasqueretta, and Chris Anderson
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the creators of Artfully Keys, Lance Berry, Sara Pasqueretta, and Chris Anderson.
We talk about the Artfully Keys concept, bringing artists together, and trying to fine out #WheresErnesto
#200 - Follow The Rabbit Speakeasy
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Jordan, the marketing mind behind the brand new speakeasy, Follow The Rabbit.
We talk about the concept, keeping the location secret and a rundown on what to expect.
#199 - Big Cheezees Pub and Grub
We talk about the restaurant's concept and how it made it down to Key West, the new menu and the music.
#198 - Amigos Tortilla Bar Restaurant
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Jacque, the General Manager of Amigos Tortilla Bar.
We talk about the origin of Amigos, how that got that killer location and, of course, their delicious food.
#197 - Mighty Cock BBQ
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the team at Might Cock.
We talk about whey they all moved to Key West, their BBQ menu... and of course, the name :)