In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with personal trainer and fitness buff, John "Shep" Sheppard.

We talk about how he began his fitness journey to help him overcome a childhood illness, why he stopped playing college football, and why Key West was always the perfect destination for him and his family.

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with brew-master Jorge Quintana.  We talk about how a home brewing kit from his wife, started a multi-year passion that got him to where he is today.

This episode is packed with a ton of nuggets from passion to persistence.  

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Courtney Loercher, the Director of Sales & Marketing of Sebago Watersports.

We talk about how a 1 month trip turned into a 17 year stay in Key West with Sebago for Courtney.  We also get a behind the scenes on how this family business still keeps things feeling small, while growing leaps and bounds.

In this episode, Mark Baratto sites down with Mike Begg, the founder and CEO of AMZ Advisers, who helps manage and grow brands globally online.

We talk about using some of the big box companies to help you start your business, or leverage your existing local business.

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Mila, the owner  of the Flamingo boutique & Mimosa Bar.

We talk about how she got started, made some much needed adjustments, and how Mimosas made it into the mix :)

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down again with Coley Faircloth to talk about his new retail venture, Shrimp Road Surf Co.

If you remember from a past episode, Coley is the founder of the lifestyle brand, The Grateful Diver (found here).

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with artist Rafael Antonio Medina.

We talk about his long history with Key West, how he found his passion for art when he was a kid, and how he finds himself ALWAYS creating.

In this 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.

This interview happened in the gallery right after I interviewed Kelly for my podcast (episode found here).

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Barefoot Billy's owner and creator, Billy Mosblech. We talk about how Billy got started as a suntan lotion salesman in 1988, how he made his way into watersports, and how some tragic business events helped catapult his business to the next level... with a ton of hard work.

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down for a round two talk with Scott Gerke. We talk about his video projects, what direction he is going and what drives him to keep going.

If you missed our round 1 interview, you can listen here: https://backyardspodcast.com/scott-gerke-once-a-stranger

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Kelly Hopkins for a round two interview to discuss her thriving concierge business.

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with rapper Mike Stack.

We talk about when he began singing, why he took a pause from rapping, and how he is laying down the foundation in his own backyard of Key West.

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Wicked Lick creator, John Smotryski.

We talk about how he and his wife Amanda Velazquez made their way down to Key West and got into the ice cream business.

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Carlos Martin who's been in Key West for over 30 years in the hospitality industry.

We bounce around a lot for the episode talking about changes on the island and the Island City House Hotel.

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Liz from Hammerhead Surf Shop.

Liz has always been in retail, specializing in helping turn around lagging businesses. When she was in Key West, she ran into the Hammerhead Surf Shop with some ideas to help, and the next thing she knew, she came on board as an owner. We talk about this journey and where she is taking the business.

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down for a round two talk with Co-Owner of Key West Finest and realtor, Amber DeBevec. Our first time getting to know each other was September of 2021 and you can listen to that episode here: https://backyardspodcast.com/amber-key-west-finest/

This episode is full of a lot of laughs as we catch up with where Amber is at with her Off Duval and On Duval guides and her overall marketing business.

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Key West local musician Jason Lamson for round 2!

We talk about how things have changed since our last interview, one year ago (found here). We also talk about his up-and-coming show at the Key West Theater on Saturday, Jun 18 - get tickets here.

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the boutique owner, Rebecca Davis.

We talk about how she started her fashion career, the steps she took to open her first location, and why she opened up Seventeen Stars Boutique here on the famous Duval Street.

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Kava Culture creators and sisters, Caroline & Jacqueline Rusher and opening manager, Tianna Colpitts.

We talk about how they got into Kava, why they wanted to open their first store (they now have 10 locations with 5 more opening soon) and how they fell in love with Key West.

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Alison Costello, the general manager at Old Town Manor in Key West.

We talk everything B&B, how they handled shutting down during the pandemic, and their sister property, Rose Lane Villas.