S3 E20 Jack Flash The Geologist Episode

Bob Cutler closes out the year by welcoming his SIX-year-old son Jack into the studio for a candid, funny, and deeply personal conversation about school, gems, birds, golf carts, lemonade stands, and big dreams—reminding listeners that the best conversations don't need cocktails, just curiosity and love.

Key Topics

Curiosity as a Superpower

Jack's endless questions, love of nonfiction, and fascination with rocks, birds, and history show how curiosity shapes learning and confidence at a young age.

Family, Work, and Play Intertwined

From golf courses to lemonade stands, Jack's world blends family businesses, shared experiences, and lessons about effort, kindness, and responsibility.

Fatherhood and Legacy

Bob reflects on the privilege of being called "Dad," realizing that the legacy he's building isn't in restaurants or podcasts—but in raising thoughtful, curious humans.

(0:00–1:32) Bob introduces the episode and explains why his son Jack is the most important guest he's ever had.

(2:35–3:36) Jack shares his age, school life, love of reading, favorite teacher, and growing confidence as a kindergartener.

(4:34–6:54) Hobbies galore: golf, gem collecting, arrowhead hunting, crayfish catching, and running a multi-flavor lemonade stand.

(9:02–10:25) Jack talks about working the beverage cart, picking range balls, and earning money at the golf course.

(12:04–14:29) Jack reveals his dream of becoming a geologist and bird watcher; Bob closes with reflection on fatherhood and gratitude.

S3 E19 Quirky Dogs Need A Home

In this warm, whimsical, and deeply human episode, Bob Cutler sits down with Bangor Humane Society's Kathryn Ravenscraft for a "fun-filled," "pun-filled" chat about cocktails, laughs, and quirky rescue animals. The two touch on responsible pet ownership, generosity, and how compassion, prevention, and community support keep families—and pets—together.

Key Topics

Not every dog or cat -- or donkey -- fits a traditional household. Kathryn explains how no-kill shelters commit to animals with anxiety, trauma, or special needs—sometimes for years—while waiting for the right match.

The Humane Society's food pantry and community partnerships focus on keeping animals out of shelters altogether by supporting families before crisis forces surrender.

From emotional-support animals to holiday adoptions, the episode stresses that pets are lifelong commitments—not gifts or impulse decisions.

(0:00–2:30) Bob introduces Kathryn Ravenscraft and opens with a seasonal Grasshopper cocktail using eggnog.

(6:45–10:30) Kathryn details her SIX years at Bangor Humane Society and the shelter's renovated, odor-free, education-focused facility.

(18:40–24:30) Discussion of long-term and "quirky" dogs like Mandy, and what unicorn adopters look like in real life.

(33:00–40:00) The economics of rescue: adoption prep costs, fees, and why puppies and kittens require more resources.

(44:30–50:30) The free pet food pantry and the philosophy of keeping pets with their families during financial hardship.

S3 E18 Bob's Holiday Top Ten

In this festive holiday edition of Cocktails with Friends, Bob Cutler slides up to the mic with a jolly "ho ho ho," ready to make gift-buying easier for friends, family, and cocktail lovers alike. Bob is making a list and checking it twice then counting down his Top Ten Holiday Gifts—the items he'd give listeners if they were invited to his house for Christmas -- or the eighth night of Hanukkah.

Key Topics

Building the Perfect Home Bar

Bob's list breaks down the essential tools—from glassware to jiggers to ice molds—that turn a casual drinker into a confident home bartender.

Flavor Enhancers & Creative Ingredients

Holiday maple syrups, bitters, and cocktail decks help listeners explore new recipes, deepen flavor profiles, and add festive flair to classics.

Gifts That Bring People Together

Whether it's a Novio's gift card or a well-stocked cocktail kit, Bob focuses on gifts that create shared experiences—drinks, conversations, and celebrations.

Links

10. Proper Glass Wear at https://sunburys.com/#enter

9. https://runamokmaple.com/products/holiday-spice-infused-maple-syrup

8. Bitters at https://highcampflasks.com/products/high-camp-bitters

7. https://www.deathandcompanymarket.com/products/death-co-bartenders-choice-cocktail-cards

6. https://cocktailkingdom.com/products/leopold-jigger-1oz-2oz-stainless-steel-banded

5. https://cocktailkingdom.com/products/2in-square-ice-cube-tray-food-grade-rubber-gray

4. https://www.deathandcompanymarket.com/products/cocktail-codex

3. Novio's Bistro Gift Cards from https://noviosbistro.com/

2. https://highcampflasks.com/products/torch-flask?variant=49491641532692

1. https://cocktailkingdom.com/products/essential-cocktail-set-stainless-steel