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!

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Shots and Giggles owners Steve Kibbe and Hannia Rivera. We talk about how they got into the bar business and why they decided to open this local favorite.

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Singer, songwriter, and all-around cool guy, Arlis Albritton.

We talked about his journey and how he got started in music (hint, it was the mailroom), navigating the Nashville writing scene, and how he is expanding his talent into the festival arena, with the St. Augustine Songwriters Festival:  http://staugustinesongwritersfestival.com

In this episode of the Podcast, Mark Baratto sits down with artists Helen and Ben Harrison to talk about their gallery on White Street, but in a surprise turn of events, ended up talking about their life at sea. I think the below quote sums it up - enjoy!

"In the 1970s my husband, Ben, and I spent four years building a thirty-eight foot sailboat in Costa Rica, a massive project for two gringos in a foreign country. Starting with a bare hull, we designed and constructed this giant sculptural object of functional art using self-taught traditional wood techniques that set the stage for my present work. While traveling and living aboard, which we did for 11 years, I began my transition from boatwork to sculpture."

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Head Mermaid, Kristi Ann to talk about how she got the idea for the festival, and how she applied her savvy retail skills into her creation.

Save the date: July 1st - 5th 2021

In this guest episode, Alia Moore interviews Mark Baratto on the Blame it on Buffett Podcast.

This is an exclusive "role reversal" where Alia has me on as a guest on her podcast. If you ever wanted to know who the guy was behind the Backyards of Key West podcast, this is your chance!