Ramblin' on the River

After a brief delay, 'Ramblin on the River,' is back!  Hosts Ben,Terri, and Alan Bernstein are joined by guest Bill Kinseler. They embark on a nostalgic journey through the history of the Bernstein family's ventures in the restaurant and excursion boat business, particularly highlighting the legacy of the Mike Fink restaurant. The episode covers memorable stories, including the freezing winter of 1977-78, the saving of the Mike Fink from the ice, and various personal anecdotes about the family's operations and relationships with other prominent Cincinnati river families. They also reflect on Shirley Bernstein's impactful role and notable moments related to the family's business. Additionally, the episode includes updates on the podcast's reach and listener statistics, the latest news from the passenger vessel industry, and a special word of the day—'deadheading,' related to boat operations.00:00 Introduction to Ramblin on the River01:10 Meet the Hosts: Ben Terry and Alan Bernstein01:24 Catching Up After a Long Hiatus03:45 Medical Challenges and Family Stories10:19 Introducing Special Guest: Bill Kinsler19:58 The Bernstein Family's River Adventures28:23 Unexpected Purchase: The Airplane Hangar29:27 Navigating the River with Alan Bernstein30:17 Power Lines Incident and Temporary Offices31:39 The Bell Cincinnati and Shirley Cyphers35:52 Pontoon Boat and the Homeless Man40:14 Family Business and Career Paths45:25 Remembering Shirley and Family Legacy52:56 Deadheading Explained56:17 Current Events and Coast Guard News01:00:58 Wrapping Up and Future PlansPlease like and subscribe to this show. Connect with us on our Facebook or Instagram page. Check out our website at RamblinontheRiver.com or email us directly at [email protected]. Thank you for listening!

In this episode of Ramblin' on the River, we get into fond memories and hilarious anecdotes about their family, riverboat adventures, and interactions with long-time associates. From childhood summers to the origins of Cincinnati's hospitality landscape, the episode offers a journey through the family history, supplemented by engaging stories with special guest and former VP of Operations, Josh Mehling. The episode also features commentary on business operations, practical jokes, and meaningful relationships formed over the years. Additionally, listeners get insights into the inner workings of BB Riverboats and hear about Terri Bernstein's recognition as one of the Northern Kentucky Tribune's Newsmakers of 2024.00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message00:39 Welcome to Ramblin on the River01:09 Meet Your Hosts: Ben and Alan Bernstein02:47 Special Guest: Josh Mailing04:21 Josh's Early Days at BB Riverboats10:52 Hilarious Work Stories and Mishaps29:02 The Infamous Xbox Incident35:40 Susan and the Beef Tips Incident37:29 Practical Jokes on the Cruise39:26 Sleepwalking and Chocolate40:19 The Car Key Mystery43:09 Tall Stacks Chaos50:19 Flatboats and River History56:28 Current Events and Awards01:00:20 Amusement Park Adventures01:07:43 Conclusion and FarewellPlease like and subscribe to this show. Connect with us on our Facebook or Instagram page. Check out our website at RamblinontheRiver.com or email us directly at [email protected]. Thank you for listening!

In this episode we share nostalgic stories about Al's childhood growing up in Cincinnati. They discuss growing up in the Ohio River Valley, their family dynamics, including humorous and heartfelt anecdotes about siblings and pets. The episode touches on events like America's River Roots festival, the significance of hosting the captain's ball, and the family's pet stories, providing a deep dive into their family history and cherished memories.00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message00:39 Welcome to the Podcast01:45 Listener Engagement and Feedback02:24 Childhood Memories: School Days04:27 Sibling Stories and Family Dynamics20:28 Family Pets and Adventures25:18 Grandma's Love for Animals26:15 The Story of Segunda30:59 Family Vacations and Memories33:05 Childhood Friends and Memories37:46 Sports and Neighborhood Life41:34 Word of the Day: Toe the Line45:11 Upcoming Events and Announcements52:19 Conclusion and FarewellPlease like and subscribe to this show. Connect with us on our Facebook or Instagram page. Check out our website at RamblinontheRiver.com or email us directly at [email protected]. Thank you for listening!

In this episode of the Ramblin' on the River' podcast, the family discusses their experiences with BB Riverboats, including collaborations with Gateway Clipper Fleet in Pittsburgh. Special guest Terry Wirginis from the Gateway Clipper Fleet shares stories about his family's business and their mutual influences. The conversation covers their mutual experiences, past ventures, humorous incidents, and the close-knit nature of the passenger vessel industry. This episode offers a blend of history, camaraderie, and the enduring bonds formed within the riverboat community.00:00 Introduction to Ramblin on the River01:23 Meet Your Hosts: Ben Terry and Alan Bernstein02:08 A Journey Through the Bernstein Family History02:49 Special Guest: Terry Wurgenis from Pittsburgh03:48 The Origins of the Gateway Clipper Fleet05:20 The Role of Betty Blake and John Conley06:38 Terry Wurgenis' Early Involvement10:14 The Transition to the Ohio State University11:36 The Return to the Family Business18:22 The Good Ship Lollipop Saga22:41 Personal Stories and Friendships28:19 The Bells of St. Louis Event31:17 John's Leadership and Industry Insights32:46 Casino Business Beginnings34:11 Challenges and Successes in the Casino Industry35:55 Understanding H Boats and Their Classes38:53 The Evolution of Passenger Vessels46:24 The Importance of Industry Collaboration52:48 Gateway Clipper Fleet and Pittsburgh's Beauty56:09 Rambling on the River: Word of the Day59:37 Conclusion and FarewellPlease like and subscribe to this show. Connect with us on our Facebook or Instagram page. Check out our website at RamblinontheRiver.com or email us directly at [email protected]. Thank you for listening!

This engaging episode of Ramblin' on the River delves into the rich history of the Bernstein family's involvement in Cincinnati's hospitality landscape. Hosts Ben, Terri, and Alan Bernstein discuss the family's entrepreneurial journey, touching upon key ventures such as the BB riverboats and the iconic Crockett’s restaurant. The episode is filled with light-hearted banter, personal anecdotes, and even introduces younger family members Emma Stewart and Elim Bernstein. From childhood memories to recent achievements, this episode captures the essence of family and tradition, all while sailing through the mighty Ohio River.00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message01:24 Welcome Back from Hiatus03:43 Special Guests: Emma and Elim05:03 Emma's Driving Adventures10:15 Sports Updates: Volleyball and Football14:03 Future Plans and Aspirations20:18 Family Business History: Crockett's and BB Riverboats27:15 Searching for Harold and Tom27:38 Transforming the Restaurant28:05 Crocodile Dundee Theme28:40 Staff and Management Stories29:29 Family Memories and Piano Lessons32:09 The Great Beer Spill35:28 Life Jacket Demonstration40:37 Crockett's Culinary Delights44:10 Word of the Day: Soup Coolers47:46 Election Day and Current Events55:35 Family Podcast Plans58:13 Conclusion and FarewellPlease like and subscribe to this show. Connect with us on our Facebook or Instagram page. Check out our website at RamblinontheRiver.com or email us directly at [email protected]. Thank you for listening!

In this episode of 'Ramblin on the River' the Bernstein family explores the colorful history of their family's involvement in Cincinnati's hospitality business, focusing on the iconic Mike Fink riverboat restaurant. The discussion spans the boat's move from Cincinnati to Covington, significant challenges like the harsh winter of 1977-78, and memorable anecdotes that paint a vivid picture of the restaurant's legacy. From whimsical practical jokes between Carl Lindner and Ben Bernstein to celebrity visits and personal mishaps, the episode is a nostalgic journey through both hardships and joyous moments. The theme extends to discussions about community resilience amid recent severe weather events, nodding to the continuity of family traditions and the evolving hospitality landscape.00:00 Introduction to Ramblin on the River01:25 Meet Your Hosts: Ben, Alan, and Terri02:09 Listener Engagement and International Audience03:35 Family History: The Old El Greco Restaurant05:41 The Mike Fink Restaurant: A Cincinnati Icon15:30 Winter Challenges and River Adventures20:52 Memorable Moments and Famous Guests26:49 Dumbwaiter Mishap: A Classic Story29:31 The Dumbwaiter Story30:18 Childhood Memories with Grandpa31:36 High Water Boat Moving36:34 Cooking at the Table38:16 The Fire Incident39:55 The Banana Split Prank51:44 Rambling on the River: Word of the Day54:48 Hurricane Helene and Milton01:00:56 Conclusion and Next Episode PreviewPlease like and subscribe to this show. Connect with us on our Facebook or Instagram page. Check out our website at RamblinontheRiver.com or email us directly at [email protected]. Thank you for listening!

In this episode of 'Ramblin on the River, the podcast dives into the legacy of the Bernstein family's involvement in Cincinnati's hospitality scene, particularly focusing on their restaurant, El Greco. The script is peppered with anecdotes about family dynamics, notable events, and recipes from El Greco's menu. Two infamous stories are revisited - a mishap as a valet and a humorous restaurant incident involving Alan's mother. The episode also touches on the challenges and successes encountered over the years in the restaurant business. Alongside these personal stories, there's a mention of the upcoming Blink Cincinnati event, where BB Riverboats offers a unique experience to enjoy light installations via river cruises.00:00 Introduction to Ramblin on the River01:35 Meet the Hosts: Ben, Alan, and Terri03:10 Terri's Birthday and Family Memories04:18 Debate: Open-Faced Sandwiches and Boneless Chicken Wings09:22 El Greco: The Family's Favorite Restaurant11:23 The History and Layout of El Greco28:51 Expanding El Greco: The Garden Room31:45 Christmas at El Greco: A New Tradition34:07 Shelly's Hospitality and Late-Night Dining35:07 Dad's Restaurant Philosophy and Christmas Eve Tradition37:25 El Greco's Unique Advertising and Diverse Menu41:03 Valet Mishaps and Memorable Stories49:20 Famous Characters and Signature Dishes57:48 Freeze-Dried Al: A Family Nickname01:00:14 Blink Cincinnati: A Spectacular Event01:04:12 Concluding Thoughts and Future EpisodesPlease like and subscribe to this show. Connect with us on our Facebook or Instagram page. Check out our website at RamblinontheRiver.com or email us directly at [email protected]. Thank you for listening!

In the second part of this Tall Stacks episode of Ramblin' on the River the Bernstein's share humorous and heartwarming stories from the past festivals. The hosts also getinto the origin of the phrase 'three sheets to the wind' and provide insights into current riverboat industry trends and the economic landscape. Tune in for an engaging mix of history, humor, and river lore.00:00 Introduction to Ramblin' on the River00:39 Meet the Hosts: Ben, Alan, and Terri01:51 Listener Engagement and Social Media03:30 Miami Marlins Game and Poolside Memories04:38 Tall Stacks Festival History06:24 The Great River Race of 200311:59 Trophy Mishap and Recovery16:51 Breakfast Cruise in the Fog22:56 The Golf Cart Prank26:33 The Brunch Cruise Challenge27:25 Tall Stacks Event: Behind the Scenes30:44 A Memorable Encounter at Tall Stacks35:52 Three Sheets to the Wind: Nautical Origins43:59 Current Events: The Economy and Industry Insights52:22 Conclusion and FarewellPlease like and subscribe to this show. Connect with us on our Facebook or Instagram page. Check out our website at RamblinontheRiver.com or email us directly at [email protected]. Thank you for listening!

In this episode, the Bernstein family dives into the history of Cincinnati's Tall Stacks festivals, from their inception in 1988 through various installments, highlighting stories of successes, challenges, and memorable moments. The episode also features humorous anecdotes about family and work life, interactions with fans, and a segment on modern slang terms.00:00 Introduction to Ramblin on the River01:09 Meet Your Hosts: Ben Terri and Alan Bernstein02:51 The Origins of Tallstacks Festival06:20 Tallstacks 1988: The Inaugural Event13:56 Tallstacks 1992: The Second Celebration16:36 Tallstacks 1995: Expansion and Reenactments17:36 Tallstacks 1999: A Decline in Attendance17:57 Tallstacks 2003: Music and Entertainment21:49 Tallstacks 2006: Overcoming Challenges29:54 Volunteer Heroes and the Garbage Truck Stern Line31:52 The Mutiny on the President38:01 Red Hat Ladies Chaos42:03 Word of the Day: Fuddy Duddy44:54 Teen Slang Challenge53:45 Conclusion and FarewellPlease like and subscribe to this show. Connect with us on our Facebook or Instagram page. Check out our website at RamblinontheRiver.com or email us directly at [email protected]. Thank you for listening!

In this episode of 'Ramblin' on the River' share a series of humorous and intriguing maritime stories, including the two groundings of the Belle of Cincinnati, the partial sinking of the Captain Ben, and the unfortunate sinking of the diorama barge. They also discuss how the crew managed to improvise mooring situations by tying their vessel to unconventional objects. The episode concludes with exciting news about the return of the 'Tall Stacks' festival, now called 'America's River Roots,' which is scheduled for October 2025. The hosts provide insights into the festival's components, including music, culture, cuisine, and the anticipated arrival of various riverboats from across the United States.00:00 Introduction to Ramblin' on the River01:23 Meet the Hosts: Ben, Alan, and Terri01:47 Listener Emails and Fan Interactions04:08 Terri's Lisp and Funny Anecdotes05:28 Bloopers and Mishaps: Part 107:48 Navigating the Tennessee River13:18 Grounding the Belle of Cincinnati15:51 Rescue Operations and Passenger Safety25:21 The Captain Ben Incident30:40 Building the Diorama31:20 Animatronics and Chuck E. Cheese32:05 The Sinking Barge Incident34:29 Coast Guard and Missing Documents37:48 Tying Up the Boat in Town43:19 Blooper Story Time43:38 Word of the Day: Flotsam and Jetsam48:27 America's River Roots Festival59:14 Podcast Conclusion and FarewellPlease like and subscribe to this show. Connect with us on our Facebook or Instagram page. Check out our website at RamblinontheRiver.com or email us directly at [email protected]. Thank you for listening!