Stephen Myers on Strategy, Spirit Brands & Scaling with Intention

In this special seminar recorded live at Portland Cocktail Week, Shawn Soole delivers one of his most personal and impactful talks: Turn & Burn to Build & Belong — a deep dive into the culture of hospitality, the burnout cycle, and how operators and bartenders can reclaim purpose, connection, and long-term belonging in this industry.Drawing from decades of experience behind the bar, in management trenches, and in mentorship roles, Shawn breaks down how the industry got here, what needs to change, and how teams can build workplaces people want to stay in.🧠 What You’ll Learn• Why “turn & burn” culture became the norm — and why it’s no longer sustainable• How to build belonging, identity, and community inside your venue• Systems, training, and culture frameworks that reduce turnover and increase engagement• What real leadership looks like in 2025: clarity, accountability, and daily habits• How operators can create workplaces where people grow instead of grind• Live Q&A insights from attendees at Portland Cocktail Week⏱ Timestamp Highlights (Approximate)• 00:02:15 – Opening: the reality of “turn & burn” and its impact on teams• 00:11:40 – The psychology of belonging: why people stay (or leave)• 00:24:00 – Building systems that support culture, not replace it• 00:37:20 – Leadership in practice: accountability without intimidation• 00:52:10 – Q&A: retention strategies, communication habits, and operator pitfalls• 01:03:00+ – Closing: why belonging is the future of hospitality🎯 Who It’s ForBar managers, operators, owners, bartenders, educators, and hospitality leaders who want to build teams that stay, grow, and belong — not just survive the shift.✅ If This Seminar Resonated With You• Hit Like• Subscribe and tap the 🔔 for more leadership, culture, and operations conversations• Leave a comment with your biggest takeaway or how your venue is tackling culture• Share this with your team, management group, or anyone building hospitality from the inside out

In this episode, host Shawn Soole sits down with longtime industry veteran John Gakuru — a globally seasoned bar professional, brand strategist, and now founder of Coruscent Co.. John brings decades of experience across continents, from managing classic cocktail venues in London to shaping global spirits distribution and now advising on some of the most forward-looking spirits and hospitality projects worldwide. 🧠 What You’ll Learn• John’s journey through multiple continents — from bartending and bar management in London during the early cocktail-renaissance days, to global brand ambassadorships and trade marketing roles across Australia, Europe, and the US. • Why he believes bars are “safe spaces” — social places that no algorithm or app can replicate, and his vision for hospitality rooted in authenticity, culture, and human connection. • The founding and mission behind Coruscent Co.: building brand strategies, global events, and international trade relationships that honor people, place, and product.• His role on the board of Tales of the Cocktail Foundation and how initiatives like “Beyond the Bar” aim to support well-being, education, and inclusion for hospitality professionals worldwide. • Live Q&A: insights on global brand strategy, navigating multiple markets, supporting mental health in hospitality, and what it means to build spaces (and brands) with integrity and purpose.⏱ Timestamp Highlights (Approximate)• 00:02:45 – Early days: London’s bar scene and the roots of Gakuru’s global hospitality journey• 00:14:00 – Transition from bartending to brand ambassadorship & global trade marketing• 00:28:00 – Launching Coruscent Co.: vision, values, and global brand building• 00:42:00 – Why bars still matter — community, authenticity, and human connection in a digital world• 00:58:00+ – Q&A: wellness in hospitality, cross-continental perspectives, and what’s next on John’s horizon🎯 Who It’s ForHospitality operators, bar owners, brand builders, beverage directors — or anyone interested in understanding how global experience, cultural sensitivity, and strategic thinking can shape the future of hospitality and spirits.✅ If You Loved This Episode• Hit Like• Subscribe and tap the 🔔 to catch more global-minded hospitality conversations• Drop your favorite John insight or a question in the comments• Share this episode with your team, colleagues, or anyone passionate about where the bar world is headed

In this episode, Shawn Soole sits down with renowned drinks author and journalist Noah Rothbaum — a true heavyweight in cocktail culture and spirits storytelling. From deep dives into whiskey history to thoughtful reflections on the role of media in shaping how we drink, Noah delivers a conversation full of insight, perspective, and passion. 🧠 What You’ll Learn• Noah’s journey: from writing culture and news to becoming one of the world’s most respected spirits writers and editors.• Why whiskey — and cocktails — aren’t just drinks, but lenses into history, geography, culture, and community. • Behind the scenes of his latest major work: how thorough research, curiosity, and storytelling combine to create reference-level content about spirits. • The importance of context — understanding brands, origins, and narratives — when tasting or writing about spirits.• Live Q&A: media, mentorship, the future of cocktail journalism, and what keeps Noah passionate about spirits and writing.⏱ Estimated Timestamp Highlights• 00:02:30 – Noah’s origins as a writer and how he found his footing in the spirits world• 00:14:00 – What whiskey means: from label to history, and how narratives shape perception• 00:28:00 – The craft of writing about drinks: research, context and responsibility in storytelling• 00:42:00 – The role of media and writing in shaping cocktail and whiskey culture• 00:58:00+ – Live Q&A: advice for writers, bartenders, and anyone curious about spirits — and where things go from here🎯 Who It’s ForBartenders, beverage directors, writers, bar-owners, and curious drinkers — anyone who believes a good drink deserves a good story. If you care about history, context, and giving spirits the respect they deserve, this episode is for you.✅ If You Loved This Episode• Hit Like• Subscribe and tap the 🔔 to stay updated with more deep dives into the world of drinks, culture, and hospitality• Share your favourite Noah insight — or ask your own question — in the comments• Share this episode with your bar team, peers, or fellow spirits lovers

In this episode, Shawn Soole sits down with industry legend Sean Kenyon—third-generation bartender, owner of the award-winning Williams & Graham and more—where they explore the true meaning of bar culture, legacy, and operational excellence. Sean brings decades of experience shaping top-tier beverage programs, mentoring teams, and crafting spaces that matter. 🧠 What You’ll Learn• Sean’s journey from the pubs of New Jersey into becoming an American Bartender of the Year and visionary bar creator. • The philosophy behind Williams & Graham, Occidental, and American Bonded: how space, story, and service merge into destination bars. • How mentorship, team culture, and the front-line staff form the backbone of any lasting program.• Real operational insight: designing bar layouts, service flow, and adapting through change. • Live Q&A: reflections on legacy, resilience, the future of bartending, and what “craft” still means in today’s world.⏱ Timestamp Highlights (Approximate)• 00:02:45 – Sean’s early career: growing up behind the bar and embracing hospitality as heritage• 00:14:00 – Founding Williams & Graham: vision, identity, and setting the standard• 00:28:30 – Expanding with Occidental & American Bonded: applying craft across formats• 00:40:50 – Operational deep dive: bar design, efficiency, staffing, and culture• 00:57:20+ – Q&A: mentoring the next generation, maintaining relevance, and what comes next🎯 Who It’s ForBartenders, bar managers, beverage directors, hospitality operators, and anyone who’s serious about building a program with longevity, purpose, and authenticity.✅ If You Loved This Episode• Hit Like• Subscribe and tap the 🔔 to catch more conversations with the bar world’s best• Share your favourite Sean Kenyon insight or ask your question in the comments• Share this episode with your team, peers, or anyone passionate about the craft of hospitality

In this episode, Shawn Soole sits down with hospitality trail-blazer April Wachtel — a bartender-turned-entrepreneur with more than 25 years in the beverage world, now founder and CEO of Cheeky Cocktails. She opens up about shifting from behind the bar to building a scalable brand, and how she’s helping both professionals and home enthusiasts elevate their game. 🧠 What You’ll Learn• How April progressed from busser and bartender to brand ambassador for major spirits companies — and finally to creating her own line of professional-grade mixers and syrups. • The story of Cheeky Cocktails: why she spotted a gap in the mixer market, how she rebranded and scaled during the pandemic, and what “premium cocktail ingredients made accessible” really means. • Key lessons in entrepreneurship: product development, early-stage manufacturing, route-to-market strategy, and how to survive in a male-dominated industry. • Live Q&A: focusing on how to start with small budgets, build brand equity, navigate failure, and make a meaningful impact in the beverage industry.⏱ Timestamp Highlights (Approximate)• 00:02:30 – April’s early hospitality beginnings: bartending, beverages, brand work• 00:14:00 – Recognizing the gap: why mixers and syrups needed a rethink in the craft-cocktail era• 00:28:00 – Building Cheeky Cocktails: pivots, scaling, distribution & pandemic dynamics• 00:42:00 – Live Q&A: advice on entrepreneurship, inclusion, and staying creative behind the scenes• 00:58:00+ – What’s next: product innovation, education, and building community around the bar-to-business journey🎯 Who It’s ForBartenders, beverage directors, hospitality entrepreneurs, CPG founders, and anyone curious about how the bar world and product world intersect — how you turn craft into brand and experience into scale.✅ If You Loved This Episode• Tap Like• Subscribe and hit the 🔔 to catch more live conversations with industry makers• Leave a comment with your favourite April insight — or ask your burning question about starting a beverage brand• Share this episode with your bar team, your network of creators, or anyone looking to make their mark in hospitality

In this episode, Shawn Soole talks with Lindsey Johnson — founder of Lush Life Productions, creator of Camp Runamok, and organizer of PDXCW — about her mission to uplift hospitality professionals through education, grassroots activism, and creative collaboration. Lindsey shares stories of building communities, offering inclusive training, and using limited resources to drive change. 🧠 What You’ll Learn• Lindsey’s journey from bartender to community builder and educator. The philosophy behind her grassroots bar tours, training pop-ups, and hospitality pop culture events. How “jam econo” (doing more with less) informs her approach to building educational spaces for bartenders. • Stories of organizing on the road — pop-ups, training, pop culture collabs, and social advocacy in hospitality. • Live Q&A: scaling community events, hospitality activism, and empowering bar professionals through inclusivity and education.⏱ Timestamp Highlights (Estimated)• 00:02:45 – Lindsey’s background and how she began building Lush Life Productions.• 00:14:20 – The story behind Camp Runamok and the philosophy of grassroots training.• 00:28:00 – PDXCW: designing workshops and events for the community. • 00:42:10 – Live Q&A: empowering bartenders, building inclusive cultures, activism.• 00:58:00+ – What’s next: future events, education programs, and community growth.🎯 Who It’s ForBartenders, hospitality professionals, educators, event organizers, and anyone who wants to build meaningful communities, create inclusive learning experiences, or make an impact through hospitality. If You Loved This Episode• Hit Like• Subscribe and ring the 🔔 for more conversations with industry changemakers• Share your favourite Lindsey insight or question in the comments• Share this with your team, your colleagues, or anyone in the hospitality community

In this episode, Shawn Soole sits down with Ryan Foley — publisher of BARTENDER Magazine, author, and advocate for the craft. Together, they dig into how media shapes the narrative of hospitality, the evolving coverage of the trade, and what it takes to document the bar world with clarity and purpose.What You’ll Learn• Ryan’s path from bartender coverage to leading a major industry publication• How BARTENDER Magazine influences trade trends, education and professional standards• His role in amplifying non-alcoholic cocktail education and bar best practices• The intersection of content, culture, and bar commentary• Live Q&A focusing on journalism, trade events, and how media supports hospitality growthTimestamp Highlights (Approximate)• 00:02:30 – Ryan’s background and the genesis of BARTENDER Magazine• 00:14:00 – The role of trade media in shaping bar culture and education• 00:28:00 – Expanding into non-alcoholic content and serving professionals• 00:42:00 – Live Q&A: media, mentoring emerging talent, and covering hospitality in real time• 00:58:00+ – What’s next: editorial direction, industry events, and evolving narrative🎯 Who It’s ForBar managers, hospitality leaders, beverage directors, writers, and anyone interested in how media and storytelling influence the trajectory of the industry.✅ If You Loved This Episode• Hit Like• Subscribe and ring the 🔔 to stay up-to-date with expert-led conversations• Drop your favorite takeaway from Ryan or ask any questions in the comments• Share this with your team or your hospitality network

In this episode, Shawn Soole sits down with Kate Chernoff — the newly crowned World Class Canada Bartender of the Year 2025, based out of Keefer Bar in Vancouver. A bartender with a natural gift for hospitality, story-driven craft, and competitive fire, Kate takes us through her ascent, her philosophy behind every shift, and how she’s representing Canada on the the global stage. What You’ll Learn• Kate’s journey from student to bartender, and how she discovered a passion for the craft. • How competitions shaped her style and voice behind the bar—technical skill, storytelling, creativity. • Her winning approach in challenges that include flair, flavour, and sustainable thinking. • How she infuses hospitality with heart — making guests feel seen and welcomed. • Live Q&A on performing under pressure, preparing for global finals, and staying true to her roots while growing publicly.Timestamp Highlights (Estimated)• 00:02:30 – Kate’s early days behind the bar and what drove her into competition.• 00:14:00 – Behind the scenes of her winning performance at World Class Canada.• 00:28:00 – Balancing creativity, technique, and sustainability in cocktail development.• 00:42:00 – Live Q&A: lessons from competition, and moving into global finals.• 00:58:00+ – What’s next: representing Canada, refining her craft, and mentoring others.🎯 Who It’s ForBartenders, hospitality leaders, competition hopefuls, and anyone wanting to see how passion + technique + narrative can lead to national recognition — and beyond.✅ If You Loved This Episode• Hit Like• Subscribe and ring the 🔔 to catch more episodes featuring rising stars & industry legends• Drop your favorite Kate insight or send your questions in the comments• Share this with your team or colleagues who love craft, competitions, and growth

In this episode, Shawn Soole sits down with bartender, educator, and creator Stephen Myers to explore how one builds a meaningful presence from the ground up—blending craft, content, and authenticity in a crowded field.What You’ll LearnStephen’s journey: from behind the bar to developing his digital brandThe mindset behind consistent content creation and storytellingHow to find your niche voice—even when the noise is loudConnecting community and craft: techniques, tools, and growthLive Q&A: content strategy, monetization, burnout, and staying inspired in hospitalityTimestamp Highlights (Approximate) 00:02:30 – Stephen’s beginnings and storytelling aspirations 00:14:00 – Finding a unique brand voice in hospitality 00:28:00 – Building systems and processes for consistency 00:42:00 – Live Q&A: advice on content, collaboration, and sustainability 00:58:00+ – Where Stephen’s headed next: projects, community, and growth 🎯 Who It’s ForBar operators, content creators, educators, and anyone looking to build a personal presence rooted in craft, authenticity, and community. ✅ If You Loved This EpisodeGive it a LikeSubscribe and hit the 🔔 for more conversations from hospitality’s creatorsDrop your favorite Stephen insight or leave a question in the commentsShare this with your team, creative peers, or anyone looking to find their voice

In this special milestone episode, Shawn Soole sits down with Patrick Dooley, bartender-turned-writer and creator of Boulevardier. Together they explore how one builds a narrative in hospitality, crafts a personal brand, and translates lived bar experience into meaningful storytelling and influence. What You’ll Learn Patrick’s journey behind Boulevardier—why he writes and how the bar perspective shapes his voice The balance between bar work, writing, and maintaining relevance in cocktail journalism How to build content that resonates: finding your niche, staying candid, and evolving with your audience Strategies for monetizing creative work without sacrificing authenticity Live Q&A: managing criticism, staying inspired, and scaling your influence across the industry Timestamp Highlights (Approximate) 00:02:30 – Patrick’s origin: how and why he started Boulevardier 00:14:15 – Crossover craft: blending bar life and writing voice 00:28:00 – Navigating content strategy, growth, and maintaining integrity 00:42:20 – Audience questions: growth pains, brand deals, and staying fresh 00:57:00+ – Looking ahead: new projects, collaborations & what’s next 🎯 Who It’s ForBartenders, content creators, hospitality professionals, and anyone interested in how to turn passion into platform—this is for those who want to build something that lasts beyond the bar shift. ✅ If You Loved This Episode Like this video Subscribe and hit the 🔔 to get future episodes Drop your favorite Patrick insight or question in the comments Share this episode with your team, collaborators, or friends in the industry