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 For

Hospitality 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

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• 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 For

Bartenders, 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

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• 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 For

Bartenders, 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