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.
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.
🎨 Want to grow your art business? Join The Artist Growth Collective—free tools, expert guidance, and a community built for creative entrepreneurs.
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.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Jennifer Potter, a published author and amazing jewelry designer.
We talk about how her first book was a viral smash hit, how her jewelry line is making waves, and how her next book is all about what's happening under the sheets :)
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.