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 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.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with coffee connoisseur and barista Kaia, in the Backyards of Key West Gallery.
We talk about how she got into coffee, why she does everything by hand with no electricity, and why she only uses the best natural ingredients to get the best coffee.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the musically talented husband and wife dynamic duo, Cole Michael Porter and Kendra Porter.
We talk about how they got started in the business, how they met, and how they are able to separate music and their career from everyday life.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with singer-songwriter Wade Bowen.
We talk about how Wade got started in the business and his overall love for the music he sings.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Soap maker and connoisseur, Mariam Tvaliashvil.
We talk about how Mariam got started in the business, which soaps are good for what, and how she is changing lives one dirty face at a time!
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with local artists Jasmine Jones and Katlin Spain of the amazing Ocean Blues Studio.
We talk about how each of them got started as individual artists, how they met, and how they formed Ocean Blues Studio; an amazing place where create and showcase their art, all in one place.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the GM Daylin, and the iconic Irish Kevin's Bar
We talk about the origin of the bar and what they did to thrive during and after COVID times.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with local Key West artist, Abigail White.
We talk about where she gets her inspiration and, why for heaven's sake, is she not more famous here in Key West! I'm a huge fan of her work and have been for years before I even moved to Key West. The way she turns houses and iconic spots like Sloppy Joes into conch shell paintings are AMAZING!!
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Lost Boy creator and leader himself (no not Rufio) Matthew Atkinson.
We learn how Matt made his way to St. John, how he became a shaper of wooden boats and boards, how he made his way to Key West, and how the origin of Lost Boy Creations came about.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with returning guest, Paul Menta. Paul may be known for his Kiteboarding and his Rum (Key West Legal Rum Distillery), but we sit down to discuss his newest project, Shopmomandpop.com
When COVID-19 hit, Paul saw how hard local businesses got hit, that he created a FREE listing for locally-owned independent businesses and services of Key West & the Florida Keys.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Scott Gerke, a Key West local that many of you know - or will know real soon.
He created the Key West Full Moon Experience, has an event company, is a local DJ, took a stranger on the most epic Key West adventure - and suffers from anxiety.
Like most of us out there, Scott may have looked like he had everything together from the outside. The great job, great apartment, the girl, the height (he is super tall), and living the island life... until he suffered from his first panic attack.
We go in so many directions during this episode, but most importantly, want people out there that are suffering from some sort of mental health issue - YOU are not alone.
In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Smuggler Jim (JD Martin) at his Whiskey tai sting room on 627 Eton Street.
We talk about the family history behind the Smuggler and well... everything Whiskey :)
On this episode of the podcast, Mark Baratto sits down with chef and food truck owner of The Jerk Caribbean food, Deon.
We talked about how Deon got into the cooking game, how his culinary education mixed with family recipes, created some of the best Caribbean food on island. I should know... I had to get some after the interview!
Selfiemost Point
