In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with jewelry creator Karen Moore of Zen by Karen Moore.
We talk about her past corporate life, when she began designing her jewelry, her inspiration, and of course her husband's blue eyes :)
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 jewelry creator Karen Moore of Zen by Karen Moore.
We talk about her past corporate life, when she began designing her jewelry, her inspiration, and of course her husband's blue eyes :)
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Conch Coin's co-founder Scott Harkness.
We talk about how and why Conch Coin started, what the heck is a cryptocurrency even is, and how Scott and Andrew Norton (his business partner) are building a virtual Key West in the Metaverse.
In this episode, Mark Maratto sits down with Keylum creator, Christian Velez.
We talk about why he opened a second restaurant on Duval (Christian also owns Paradise restaurant), how business has been going, and what makes them different.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down as a guest on the Tiki Man Radio Show.
It was fun being on the other side of the mic for a change as we scratched the surface on how I began the Backyards of Key West brand, the podcast and created the art that I sell in our gallery located at The Shops at Mallory Square in Key West.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Matt and Lisa, the adventure seekers behind the YouTube show and the adventures of their Sailing Vessel "Bye Felicia."
We talk about how the two met and how they are living their dream of adventure on the sea.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Canan Dilek, the designer and owner of Pera Company.
We talk about how she started her Turkish towel company and how she made the leap from doing the farmers market circuit to opening her own store in the Shops at Mallory Square.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the incredible Don Oriolo. We talk about Don's career with the Felix the Cat franchise, his first encounter meeting John Lennon, his fond memories of recently deceased Meat Loaf, and a surprise visit from Felix the Cat himself ;)
This interview bounces all around the spectrum of Don's incredible life... only scratching the surface!
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.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with chief baker Desirae Caldwell of Caldwell Cookies.
We talked about how a hobby turned into a dream job and how Desirae is balancing her business with her life, one cookie at a time!
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Cristina Velardi, the creator and designer of Cocky Key West Apparel, to discuss her first ever party called Cockstock.
Cocky Key West is turning 5 years old in March! Come celebrate with us at the Cockiest Sandbar Party to hit the Keys.
In the episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Kyle Carter to talk about a whole lot of live music... AGAIN!!
The first time we sat together was on December of 2019 and a lot has changed (listen to the previous episode here).
For one thing, Kyle and his team has added another festival called the RokIsland Fest, where the world's greatest rock bands come together to smash eardrums.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with singer-songwriter Jeffrey Steele.
We talk about how he fell in love with country music, all the musicians that influenced his style, and what he's up to lately.
We talk about his love for music and how he never gave up on his dream, while still being a local District Court Judge.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with photographer and artist, Chris Gunderson.
We talk about how he got started, how his first art show went, and how he manages his career with his art.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Key West Yoga Sanctuary owner & Yogi, Erika Hawks.
We talk about how she got started in yoga, her daily practice, the studio, and a couple of small practices that have changed her life.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Azie, the artist, designer and owner of the incredible Marrero's Guest Mansion.
We talk about the properties history, hauntings, and all the properties they own.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Tiki Man Radio head DJ and creator, Danny Lynn.
We talk about how the station started, how he grew his fanbase, and how he has moved into the local event business, bringing the kind of music he loves, to the places he loves.