Show De Vie Podcast W/mike G

Darrin Commerford has midwest sensibilities and an inviting smile. Whether capturing the action of others, or venturing onto the hiking trails of the world, Darrin embodies hospitality. You're certain to find him slinging a drink, or snapping a perfectly framed photo. But you'll never find him in a state of rest. After a meaningful chapter with Angel's Envy, he leaves Austin, TX to pursue his most creative role yet with Patron Tequila. We chat candy, art, Russian travels, and the misconceptions of trail hiking.

Houston native Rich Bailey has embraced kindness, openness, and a steady journey into self-empowerment. What at first was a path leading into practicing psychology soon turned into a path about self exploration. Years and many bar shifts later, Rich has recently moved to Austin, Tx to begin a new chapter as Bacardi's LGTBQ+ ambassador. The role is a perfect extension of Rich's embracing of diversity and the vacillating identities that we all experience. We chat Japan, Scotch, art, and more.

Houston native Stephen Caronna has worked in every conceivable role in the hospitality industry. A king of content and service, his career trajectory has led him to a gig of a lifetime as Texas market manager for Compass Box whisky. The exploratory and supremely cerebral whisky brand pairs the best of art and flavor in each bottling. There is a catch though, sometimes the perfect marriage of whiskies is only as accessible as a few hundred cases. Stephen never faces a closed door with Compass Box whisky in hand, but how do you have those intricate conversations about blending and scarcity, simply? It takes Stephen's creativity and kindness to start. We talk about documentaries, music, breaking out of your shell, and more.

Dercy Cabrera is a polished student of mezcal and spirits. Her years in distribution and sales made her the perfect person to make Mezcal Rosaluna a household name. With a dedication to health, community, and constant evolution, she embodies hospitality. You are sure to find her waiting right around the corner to fill your copita with a splash of Rosaluna or with tender words of support. We chat bling, family, mourning, and more.

Whether in front of or behind the camera, crafting an elegant cocktail, or competing on a national stage, you'll soon be familiar with the work of Jesus Verde. Although his burgeoning hospitality career is relatively new, he is no stranger to long hours and unflinching work ethic. Originally from Venezuela, his educational voyage brought him to the states where he's cut his teeth with both tech and consumer goods companies alike. A fateful move to Austin to work for one of the biggest tech companies, shifted naturally into the world of hospitality. And now, you can find Jesus lifting others up with his directorial eye or crafting an instantly memorable cocktail at Austin's Here Nor There. We chat naps, divorce, the role of sleep, and more.

On a beautiful fall afternoon, we set out to San Isidro Guishe in Miahuatlán. A beautiful hotbed of mezcal production. The unique flavor of these mezcales are vibrant, stoney, and green. This is the interview with father and son maestros Antenogenes and Jose, two of the producers for Cinco Sentidos. A day that will be forever in my mind. The epitome of mezcal, hospitality, and learning about one another. Jason Paul Cox helps with translation and logistics. We chat about tradition, style, and the characteristics of the region.

On a beautiful fall afternoon, I took a trek to visit the palenque of maestro mezcalero Alberto Martinez. The awe inspiring view and perfect weather was accompanied by delicious food and mezcal. After settling in over a few drams, I had the privilege of interviewing Alberto. With the translation help of Jason Paul Cox of Cinco Sentidos, here is Alberto's story. You can taste the wisdom and skill in every sip of his clay distilled mezcal.

Roberto Núñez has traveled the world and the seven seas. His past studies in the seminary exposed him to many aspects of philosophy and cultural diversity. One day, things changed, and his journey into hospitality began to take form. With a litany of academic and cultural achievements, Roberto joined the team at Patrón Tequila after a fateful cocktail competition. His perspective on immigration and being an outsider in America offer a compelling narrative for those trying to make a life in the United States. We chat tequila, love, self exploration, and more.

A lovely live podcast recording in San Antonio for Bartender's Holiday. Chatting about challenging elements in producing Still Austin with Jordan Kaiser, Starward (Jake Hukee), and Blair Ault (Milam and Greene) Lots of indie rock in the conversation and amazing interactive tasting with folks at Blue Box. We chat emo bands, wine cask treatment, and constant observation of whiskey conditions.

Ardbeg's national brand ambassador Cameron George has a lush career in Seattle's hospitality industry. The transition from agave to Scotch whiskey was all so natural given a childhood connection with the country. With a focus on intellect, inclusion, and exploration of one's self, Cameron remains a mentor and positive influence on the world of whisky. We chat lyrics, journaling, the rock of Islay, and more.

Ryan Chetiyawardana (Mr. Lyan) and his team are celebrating 10 years of bringing intrepid and bold bar concepts to the world. Starting with White Lyan, Ryan has redefined elements of hospitality and encourages patrons to think differently about flavors. What inspires him? What changes after a decade of creating? We chat below the Sea Containers hotel where the flagship Lyaness sits upstairs. Picasso, technology, and service just scrape the surface of this long-awaited (by me) chat.

Carlos Soto arrived in the United States at the age of 18 to pursue a college education. His art filled roots in Costa Rica set the perfect stage for his now 8 year journey in the hospitality industry. At first a rejected business idea in his college class, is now a flourishing business. Nosotros Tequila and Mezcal is expanding into multiple states and now Carlos is left to think- what's next? We chat John Mayer, influencers, strategy, and more.

Rachael Bloom Soto was destined to be in the hospitality industry. With a blend of food and nurturing, quite literally in her blood, she was destined to care. When a calculated move to Texas, for a different reason than you might think, ended up with her behind the bar at Rosewater She naturally transitioned into the brand role at Maker's Mark because after all, it was the only job she applied for. We chat Maker's blending components (as told through horror movies), motherhood, and robots.

Alberto Espinosa is pensive, hospitable, and superbly present. He has created a style of tasting for mezcal that is inclusive, thoughtful, and above all else, connective. His two Mezcal tasting rooms (one in Oaxaca and one in CDMX) are simply called Recia. These rooms are curated with every sense in mind and feature some of the best mezcales in the world. We chat about introspection, creativity, balance, and the absence of arrogance.

Jeff Duckhorn is the master distiller for Redwood Empire Whiskey. His career trajectory shows that sometimes if you're crunching numbers in the back of the room, they might eventually ask you to run the still. With a deep concern for the environment, balance, and attention to detail, Jeff crafts delicious whiskey in Sonoma County, California. As the whiskey markets become even more saturated with MGP marks, Jeff flourishes with unique blends and bottled in bond creations. We chat classical music, food waste, malt whiskey, and more.

Distributor, educator, importer, and more. Rion Toal has dedicated many years of his life to introducing amazing spirits to others, and creating a stage for many lesser known producers. Whether with his podcast, or co-organizing efforts for Maestros Del Mezcal, he continues to dive into the roots and scientific undercurrents of agave. Recorded in downtown Oaxaca, we talk about education, family, purpose, and more

Sergio Garnier has studied throughout the world to understand the inner-workings of business and operations. With a deep background in animal services and cattle ranching, the creation of a Mezcal brand seemed relatively incongruent. But an exploration of the region of Durango and utilizing the natural plants growing on his family's ranch, Sergio created Ultramundo mezcal. The rustic, peppery, and hauntingly fruity mezcal is beyond unique and is finally making its way across the United States. Sergio and I talk about music, art, design, and NASA.

Some years ago, I was able to speak with Niki Nakazawa of NETA spirits about her life, mezcal beginnings, and pop up life. Now that travel is back, tastings are back, and she makes her first trip to Austin, things are about to get good. We chat Oaxaca, rent, education, sustainability, and the beautiful town of Logoche.

Tequila Ocho is one of the most revered Tequilas in the world. The rich history of its founder Tomas Estes as a restauranteur and man of the people will remain at the root of the brand. But as the world rallies after his death, his son Jesse has taken the reins and lights up every room he teaches in. In a basement speakeasy, Kinfolk, we talk about life, his father's legacy, his paradigm on selling Tequila, and settle into a wonderful tasting of all things Ocho.

To think an artistic spirit and dedication to the promotion of other's artwork would translate into the world of Mezcal is an interesting twist. Alejandro Champion, a founder of Union Mezcal, has a life steeped in creativity. From familial roots in architecture to a discerning eye for art, Alejandro's journey eventually led him to the world of Mezcal. From one form of art to the next, he continues to promote agave and the work of others in his gallery in CDMX. We chat film, mindsets, agave, and more.