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 Billy Kearins of Coast Projects. This is our second time sitting down for an interview, the first was about his iconic local brand found HERE.
In this interview, we talk about Billy's music and arts festival know as the COAST is Clear, happening on December 4th. We talk about how he came up with the idea and how he is keeping Key West a boutique music town with big acts, without arena size seating.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down the creator of Key West MONOPOLY, Casey Arnold.
We talk about how a road trip during COVID gave him the inspiration to create Key West's first ever MONOPOLY game.
From working with Hasbro to get the license agreement to creating all the unique spots on the board, to developing all of the pieces, Casey has been on a 12 month whirlwind adventure!
The launch of the game is October 14, 2021 (Casey's birthday) so I recommend to preorder now since all 10,000 games are already starting to sell out!
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with two amazing singer-songwriters; Kylie Sackley and Anthony Smith.
This was a favorite episode for me because I was able to get different perspectives from both of these artists since they don't sing together and are in two separate bands.
I hope you enjoy it!!
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Chris Massicotte and Jamie Mattingly, the co-founders of Duval Street Media.
We talk about how they met, why they started the business, and how they are helping local businesses grow.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with singer-songwriter Shelly Fairchild.
We talk about how her career began, how leaving her label for another was the best thing for her career, how being true to yourself is the only way to be... and of course, Dolly Parton.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Singer-Songwriter Kyle Coulahan.
We talk about how he decided to leave the game of football as an NFL hopeful, to pursue his real dream as a Singer-Songwriter.
Kyle spoke about the mentor that helped get him on his way, in a way that you can tell he missed having him around. Our interview went a little short because Kyle didn’t want to miss his friend Arlis perform, which anchors home what a great man and friend he really is.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with owner and GM John Hadfield, of local water sports store, Sea Key West.
We talk about how he got started in the water sports business, how he navigated COVID, and how his business is thriving with the help of local support.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with concierge expert and podcast host, Kelly Hopkins.
We talk about her love for Key West, how she makes all of her clients dreams come true on their Key West vacation and her successful podcast, The Local Side of Key West.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with graphic designer and artist, Kristyn LaMoia.
We talk about her love for graphics and design, how she got started as a designer, and her transition into becoming an artist... and TikTok star (inside joke).
In this exclusive interview, 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 episode, Mark Baratto sits down with two of the most well-known songwriters in Nashville; Craig Wisman and Lee Thomas Miller.
If you are an aspiring songwriter or musician, this episode is filled with so much wisdom, that it's a can't miss.
We discuss their writing process and how they pump out over 100 songs per year... year after year.
Between them, they have 33 # 1 songs, winning a number of industry awards, and have written songs for some of country music's top artists like Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Dolly Parton, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, Brian Kelley, Brad Paisley, Trace Adkins, Terri Clark, Jamey Johnson, Chris Stapleton... the list goes on and on!
Be on the listen for a little jam session by Craig Wiseman on the guitar after the closing music... ENJOY!
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Real Estate Broker Associate Krystal Thomas.
We talk about everything from the state of the market in Key West, home buying ranging from under $500K to $1.5M+, the different neighborhoods, rental prices, how to rent out your home, and codes to look out for.
If you are thinking about purchasing real estate in Key West, this is the episode for you!
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Stephen Kitsakos, Opera creator, stage director and Artist Advisory Council for The Studios of Key West.
We talk about his career in NYC and how he made it down to Key West.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with singer-songwriter Cliff Cody.
We talk about how he went from bouncer to songwriter to give it a shot in Nashville. With nothing lucrative insight and family life calling, Cliff gave up music and moved to his wife's hometown in Ohio.
After many nights staring at his guitar sitting in the corner, Cliff picked up that 6 string again to give it one more shot, (with a little motivation from his wife), and the rest is now history!
In this episode of the show, Mark Baratto sits down with Jenny Lorenz and Emily Nixon, the women behind the Local Life Media agency.
We talk about how they got started and how they are helping local Key West businesses go from the unknown to socially outgoing ;)
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Key West local musician Jason Lamson.
We talk about how he got started in the business, where he is at in his career, where he plays regularly, and where he is headed.
Selfiemost Point
