Podcast
Originally created to highlight the vibrant people and places that make Key West magical, the Backyards of Key West Podcast has grown into something more.
Today, it’s a home for creative conversations with artists, gallery owners and studio founders —not just from Key West, but from across the country and around the world. Each episode explores the real stories behind creative lives and thriving businesses, whether you're curious about island life or building your own artistic path.
🎧 Listen below or on your favorite podcast app.
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#169 - How Saatchi Art is helping discover some of best emerging artists around the world
#168 - Key Lime Bike Tours
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the new owner of the Key Lime Bike Tours, Maria Gonzalez.
We talk about when she first came to Key West, how we first met on podcast Episode 1, and why she decided to buy a business over a house :)
#167 Get in the Best Shape of Your Life with Personal Trainer John Shepard
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.
#166 - Cayo Hueso Brewing
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.
#165 - Sebago Watersports
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.
#164 - How Mike Begg is helping people start their business from the comfort of their Home
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.
#163 - Flamingo boutique & Mimosa Bar
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 :)
#162 - Shrimp Road Surf Co. with Coley Faircloth
#161 - Talking Art with Fellow Artist Rafael Medina of Island Boy Arts
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.
#160 - My interview on The Local Side of Key West Podcast
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).
#159 - Barefoot Billy's Watersports, Key West Activities & More
#158 - How Video Blogger Scott Gerke is Exploring Human Connection Through a Simple Hello
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
#157 - The Concierge Girl Kelly Hopkins
#156 - Local Singer Mike Stack has Some Big Plans
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.
#155 - Wicked Lick Liquid Nitrogen Crafted Ice Cream
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.
#154 - Island City House Hotel
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.
#153 - Hammerhead Surf Shop - The Surf Shop of Key West
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.
152 - Round Two with Amber DeBevec of Key West Finest
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.
#151 - Local Musician Jason Lamson is Starting to Gain Steam
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.
#150 - Seventeen Stars Boutique with Rebecca Davis
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.