Pre Shift - an intro to Restaurant Overdose

In this episode of Restaurant Overdose, we explore the unusual, chaotic, and sometimes deadly history of what people have consumed just to catch a buzz.  We kick things off with a collab and taste test of Bakesale Vibes, a modern THC infused chocolate drink - and as the vibe sets in, we take a left turn straight into history.  From the real reason Prohibition started (and ended) to an unhinged WWII concoction known as Torpedo Juice (yes, sailors literally drank torpedo fuel), this episode  shows how far people will go when alcohol is restricted... or simply not strong enough.  You'll hear: Our review of Bakesale Vibes (and what it actually feels like) How Creative people actually get when alcohol is restricted The terrifying recipe sailors used to "purify" torpedo fuel The deadly consequences they didn't see coming How modern edible drinks echo past trends The timeless human desire to... well... get buzzed It's part history lesson, part modern review, park dark comedy - and all absolutely wild!  

What started as a look into lawsuits surrounding Diageo's tequila empire turned into something bigger- a story of silencing, strategy, and stolen brand identity.  In this episode, we expose the lesser known legal battle between Diageo & 21 Seeds, the women founded flavored tequila brand with serious momentum-until it was aquired and quietly smothered. Why? To make room for a very similar Casamigos product profile aimed at the same audience.  We tell the story of Kat Hantas, founder of 21 Seeds, how she built her brand with heart and authenticity, and what happened when a mega-conglomerate stepped in - not to support it, but to suppress it.  We also talk about How Diageo uses shows like Bar Rescue to shape consumer perception What these kinds of acquistions mean to restaurants bar lists and the consumers who purchase them why the tequila aisle isn't as diverse or independent as it seems.  This episode is for the thinkers, the drinkers, and the disruptors.

In this edgy episode, we sit down with Jaz a proud stripper based in West Florida, for a raw and unapologetic look at what it really means to work in the adult entertainment industry.  From late night shifts to customer dynamics, we explore the crossover between strip clubs and service culture, where emotional labor, survival skills, and sales hustle are the norm Jaz shares: What people get wrong about strippers Her personal experience behind the scenes The shared realities between servers, bartenders, and dancers How she handles the stigma-and why she refuses to hide from it This one's bold, honest, sometimes funny and absolutely necessary.

We're spilling the tea- literally as we dive into the messy origin story of the Long Island Iced Tea, as we discover how one of the most Notorious cocktails ever earned it's legendary status behind the bar.  In Episode 4 we're mixing up a strong one (just don't be cringe and actually order a Strong Island). Join us as we sit down with the always entertaining Lori Aleckson as we strain out the twisted, boozy history of a drink that has is as infamous as it is misunderstood.  From it's Prohibition origin and a regional rivalry to how it became a staple on dive bars and clubs across the country. This episode is packed with facts, folklore, and first-hand tales you will only find here.  We also talk about: Popular variations of the drink The 2 most popular claims to where the drink originated The Sweet Tea effect Grab your bar rag- this episode gets messy (in the best way)

In this emotionally layered and brutally honest episode, we sit down with Local beer reps to talk about the real-life impact of COVID-19 lockdowns both personally and in the beverage industry and how it differed from state to state. We dig into the dark side of the customer review system, the power dynamics it creates, and how some people use it as leverage instead of feedback.  but what starts as an industry roundtable turns deeply personal when Pete shares his first-hand experience as a casualty of the finish line of the Boston Marathon Bombing. His story offers a powerful reminder of the resilience behind the people who work in this business - on and off the clock.  This episode blends industry grit, personal truth, and a whole lof of perspective. 

in this high-proof episode, we go behind the bottle with Tim Marriott, a former industry insider of Patron Brands, for an unfiltered look at the rise of one of the most recognizable tequila empires in the world We explore the deep history of tequila, the explosion of luxury branding in the spirits world, and the strategic moves that turned Patron into a household name - including controversial lawsuits, celebrity influence, and marking campaigns that changed the game. Tim shares real-life stories from inside the brand and drops powerful insights for anyone curious about how the beverage industry really works behind the scenes If you've ever served tequila, sipped it, or sold it - this one's got your name on it.

In this unforgettable first episode, we sit down with Lynn Austin the VERY FIRST HOOTERS GIRL to talk about the origins of the brand the changed restaurant culture - and her personal journey from serving wings on the beach to becoming a symbol of an era. Lynn opens up about the wild early days, the unexpected fame, the myths, the marketing, and what it really took to build an iconic image in the service industry.  We also get into how Hooter's has evolved and expanded it's reach beyond just the orange shorts - what she's learned along the way, and why her story still resonates in restaurants across the country today.  If you've ever worn an apron, slung drinks, or worked the floor - this one's for you

Welcome to Restaurant Overdose a podcast for anyone who works in the service industry, enjoys going out, or is considering working at a bar or restaurant. This is a quick overview of what to expect on future episodes of the podcast