Get ready for a truly insightful episode of Behind the Stick podcast, as we chat with the one and only Kaitlyn Stewart! If you're a cocktail enthusiast, aspiring bartender, or just love a good drink, you won't want to miss this. Kaitlyn is a force in the cocktail world - a World Class Bartender of the Year, creative consultant, mentor, and a social media star known for her engaging cocktail content. In this in-depth interview, we dive into her remarkable journey: From Humble Beginnings to World Champion: Discover how Kaitlyn's passion for hospitality and cocktail history led her to the top of the bartending world. She shares behind-the-scenes stories of intense competitions, her Canadian team support, and the life-changing impact of winning the prestigious World Class title. The Art of Cocktail Content Creation: Kaitlyn reveals how she transitioned to creating captivating cocktail content during the pandemic, connecting with a wider audience and sharing her expertise in a whole new way. Learn how she combines her knowledge with creativity to make even complex cocktails accessible and fun. Social Media's Impact on Cocktail Culture: We discuss how platforms like TikTok and Instagram have transformed the way people interact with and learn about cocktails. Kaitlyn shares her insights on the changing landscape of consumer preferences and how content creators are shaping the industry. Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Growth: Kaitlyn opens up about the challenges of being a female in the industry, dealing with online criticism, and finding balance in a demanding career. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and a commitment to elevating the craft of bartending. Whether you're a seasoned bartender, a home mixologist, or simply love a good drink, you'll find inspiration and knowledge in this conversation with Kaitlyn Stewart. Hashtags: #cocktails #bartending #worldclass #mixology #bartenderlife #contentcreator #cocktailenthusiast #drinks #spirits #behindthebar

Are memes the future of marketing? On this episode, we dive into the hilarious and sometimes surprisingly profound world of hospitality industry memes with Nick Hogan, the mastermind behind the wildly popular Mover & Shaker Co. Nick shares his journey from bartender to meme lord, explaining how he taps into the shared experiences of bartenders, servers, and everyone who's ever worked in the service industry to create content that resonates deeply. Get ready for a side-splitting conversation about the power of humor in building community. We'll discuss how Nick balances running a successful merchandise company with his viral meme-making, the challenges of staying relevant in an ever-evolving social media landscape, and the unexpected ways his memes spark important conversations about the realities of working in the hospitality industry. Whether you're a bartender, a server, or simply love a good laugh, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we explore the intersection of humor, business, and the service industry with the one and only Mover & Shaker. ------- You can discover more about Nick: Mover & Shaker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moverandshakerco/ Nick's Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boldcitybourbon/ ------ You can find out more about Lui on his Youtube Channel: @Lui_Fern Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luifern/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lui_fern ---- Find out more about Leandro on his YouTube Channel: @TheEducatedBarfly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theeducatedbarfly/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theeducatedbarfly

Lucas Assis is a force to be reckoned with in the world of cocktails and spirits. A veteran bartender with over 400,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok, he's captivated audiences with his deep knowledge of agave spirits, especially tequila and mezcal. His journey from Brazilian bartender to social media sensation is a story of passion, hard work, and a little bit of luck. I was thrilled to have him on the podcast for a lively discussion about his unique perspective on the world of agave spirits. Despite being a Brazilian native, Lucas has become an unlikely champion of tequila and mezcal. His fascination with these iconic Mexican spirits began while working in Los Angeles bars specializing in whiskey and agave-based drinks. Inspired by chefs, distillery visits in Mexico, and his own growing obsession with the craft, he decided to take a chance on social media during pandemic-related joblessness. His cocktail lessons and passionate reviews of agave spirits quickly resonated with a thirsty audience, launching him into the spotlight. Lucas offers refreshingly honest insights into the tequila boom, the challenges of selling cocktails online, and the evolving tastes of the bar scene. We also discuss his thoughts on the potential for rum to be the next big thing in spirits and the fascinating world of Mexican Spirits. And of course, we couldn't resist delving into his infamous haunted doll story from a recent trip to Mexico. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in tequila, mezcal, cocktails, and the fascinating stories behind the spirits we love. ------- You can discover more about Lucas on his youtube channel: @TheLucasAssis_ Or on his instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelucasassis/ His Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thelucasassis_ ------ You can find out more about Lui on his Youtube Channel: @Lui_Fern Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luifern/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lui_fern ---- Find out more about Leandro on his YouTube Channel: @TheEducatedBarfly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theeducatedbarfly/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theeducatedbarfly

Tipping. It's a practice ingrained in American culture, particularly in the restaurant and bar industry. While intended as a way to reward good service, the concept of tipping has become increasingly complex. From its problematic origins to its impact on wage equity, the sustainability of small businesses, and the customer-server dynamic, tipping sparks a heated debate. In this episode, we dive into the controversial world of tipping. We'll explore its fascinating history, tracing its roots from medieval times to the post-slavery era. We'll examine the arguments for and against tipping, discussing wage disparities, customer expectations, and the challenges faced by restaurant owners striving to provide both fair pay and excellent service. Is tipping a necessary evil or an outdated tradition? We'll investigate alternative models, such as profit-sharing and service charges, and discuss the real-world implications of these systems. Get ready for a thought-provoking discussion on a topic that affects everyone who's ever dined out. Whether you're a server, a customer, or a business owner, this episode promises to change the way you think about tipping. ------ You can find out more about Lui on his Youtube Channel: @Lui_Fern Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luifern/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lui_fern ---- Find out more about Leandro on his YouTube Channel: @TheEducatedBarfly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theeducatedbarfly/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theeducatedbarfly

In this captivating episode, we dive into the world of craft cocktails and visually stunning drinks with Jordan Hughes, the renowned beverage photographer and social media sensation known as the High Proof Preacher. Jordan's journey is as unique as his creations – he traded his pulpit for a cocktail shaker, turning his passion for creative mixology into a thriving online community. Get ready to discover how he ignites the internet with gravity-defying cocktail images and his infectious enthusiasm for elevated drinks.
We'll explore Jordan's secrets for crafting visually arresting cocktails, his approach to cocktail photography, and the strategies that propelled him to social media stardom. Learn how Jordan blends his unique background and creative talent to push the boundaries of cocktail presentation.

Whether you're a seasoned mixologist or simply appreciate a well-made drink, this episode promises both inspiration and practical tips.
Join us for a lively conversation filled with laughter, insider stories, and maybe even a cocktail recipe or two. Don't miss this chance to learn from the master himself - Jordan Hughes, the High Proof Preacher. Buckle up for a spirited journey into the artistry of cocktails!

Get ready to be inspired by the incredible journey of Miguel, the mastermind behind Holy City Handcraft. Starting as a software engineer with a side passion for food blogging, his world changed after a single sip of an Old Fashioned ignited a love affair with craft cocktails. In this episode, we'll uncover how that cooking blog transformed into a thriving cocktail community, and how Miguel made the courageous leap to turn his passion into a full-time career amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic.
But Miguel's story doesn't stop there. We'll explore how his relatable style and exceptional skills opened doors to the world of commercial content creation. Join us as he shares his experience directing major campaigns for renowned brands like Blade and Bow whiskey, including the challenges and triumphs of coordinating everything from outdoor scenes to elegant dinner parties.
Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast, a budding content creator, or simply someone looking for a spark to ignite your next career move, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Tune in and discover the power of passion, community, and taking calculated risks with the amazing Miguel of Holy City Handcraft.

Chris Leavitt, known online as Not Just a Bartender, is a social media sensation with hundreds of thousands of followers across Instagram and TikTok. But Chris' journey started long before the cameras and the cocktails. After a stint in pharmaceutical sales, Chris made a bold move to pursue his passion for bartending, landing his first gig in Las Vegas. From there, he worked at some of the city's most iconic bars, becoming the youngest property mixologist and even helping reopen the legendary Palms.
Beyond bartending, what makes Chris a true standout is his dedication to showcasing the human element of hospitality. He's passionate about sharing stories and highlighting that the person behind the bar is just as fascinating as the drinks they craft. This approach resonates deeply with his audience, especially fellow bartenders who often reach out to thank him for reigniting their love for the industry. Chris also loves experimenting with different content formats to keep things fresh, from detailed tutorials to his emotional "Night Cap" series where cocktails act like catalysts for meaningful conversations.
Chris's content often goes viral, but his success hasn't come without its share of online negativity. However, Chris has found a way to turn criticism into a positive force and connect with his audience on a deeper level. This ability to remain positive and authentic is key to his online appeal. Chris's goal is clear: to change the perception of bartending as "just a job" and become a modern-day Anthony Bourdain for the cocktail world, celebrating the people and stories within the industry.

------- You can discover more about Chris. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notjustabartender/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notjustabartender?lang=en ------ You can find out more about Lui on his Youtube Channel: @Lui_Fern Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luifern/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lui_fern ---- Find out more about Leandro on his YouTube Channel: @TheEducatedBarfly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theeducatedbarfly/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theeducatedbarfly