Best Kave Podcasts (2025)

This week on Bartender at Large, we’re celebrating AAPI Cocktail Week with special guest Kevin Diedrich, the force behind Pacific Cocktail Haven and Kona’s in San Francisco. We talk about the origins of AAPI Cocktail Week, building community through hospitality, and what it means to represent culture behind the bar. Tune in for insight, inspiration…

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DANNY CLINCH 58:51

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12d ago58:51

58:51

Danny Clinch is one of the most in-demand music photographers working today. From Tupac and Springsteen to Eddie Vedder and Johnny Cash, he’s captured some of the most iconic images in modern music history. In this episode, we dive into what it takes to consistently get compelling shots of world-famous artists. Danny shares stories from behind the …

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Rock Star Turned Brandy Advocate w Billy Gould | Bartender at Large ep 447 25:43

15d ago25:43

25:43

Faith No More’s Billy Gould dives into the story behind Yebiga, his Serbian plum brandy. He shares how his love for Balkan culture inspired the bold, authentic spirit. Gould explains the craft behind Yebiga, from traditional distillation to its unfiltered purity. He also laughs about its ‘no-nonsense’ strength and the best ways to enjoy it. Whether…

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Making Additive Free Tequila w Sam Willy | Bartender at Large ep 446 31:06

22d ago31:06

31:06

Join us this week as we are joined by Sam Willy, Regional Agave Master for PATRÓN Tequila, as he dives into the art of traditional tequila production. Sam explains the meticulous process—from harvesting ripe agave to slow fermentation—that sets premium tequila apart. He also highlights the growing demand for additive-free tequila and why transparen…

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JEFF AMENT 46:22

26d ago46:22

46:22

This week on The Plug w/ Justin Jay, we sit down with Jeff Ament—bassist and founding member of Pearl Jam. Beyond the stage, Jeff has been a dedicated skateboarder since his teens and he’s personally funded the construction of over 27 skateparks across his home state of Montana. For Jeff, it’s more than a passion project: he visits these parks regu…

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Mexican Drinking Traditions w Alan Ruesga-Pelayo | Bartender at Large ep 445 29:10

26d ago29:10

29:10

Join us for an inspiring chat with Alan Ruesga-Pelayo, former North American Brand Ambassador for Tequila Cazadores, as he shares why he believes that tequila is more than just a drink—it’s a celebration of Mexico’s rich history and culture. He believes that a great drink becomes even better when paired with a meaningful narrative. Tune in for a co…

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Celebrating the Margarita w Caroline Pardilla | Bartender at Large ep 445 26:56

1M ago26:56

26:56

Join us as Caroline Pardilla, digital content editor for Imbibe magazine, shares the inspiration behind her book Margarita Time: 60+ Tequila & Mezcal Cocktails, Served Up, Over & Blended! From classic margaritas to inventive mezcal creations, Caroline & Erick break down the lore and love for the most popular cocktail of all-time . Get Caroline's Bo…

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GERRY LOPEZ 53:59

1M ago53:59

53:59

Few names in surfing carry the weight and reverence of Gerry Lopez. Known for his effortless style and grace at the Banzai Pipeline, Lopez redefined what it meant to surf one of the world’s most dangerous waves—with poise and poetry. He's a two-time Pipe Masters winner, but his legacy doesn’t end in the barrel. In this episode, we sit down with the…

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Talking Tales of the Cocktail w Charlotte Voisey | Bartender at Large ep 444 29:54

1M ago29:54

29:54

Tune in as we chat with Charlotte Voisey, the new Executive Director of Tales of the Cocktail Foundation! A seasoned bartender, educator, and former Global Head of Ambassadors for William Grant & Sons, Charlotte brings a rare blend of hands-on experience and industry leadership to the role. She’s been a driving force behind the Spirited Awards and …

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Examining Flavor w Mark Schatzker, author of the Dorito Effect | Bartender at Large ep 443 25:17

2M ago25:17

25:17

Join us as we sit down with Mark Schatzker, author of 'The Dorito Effect,' to explore the fascinating science behind flavor, food, and how modern science impacts our taste buds. Mark breaks down why today's produce often lacks the depth of flavor it once had and what that means for our cravings and health. We dive into the surprising connections be…

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KAI LENNY 1:04:24

2M ago1:04:24

1:04:24

Kai Lenny is a professional big-wave surfer and one of the most respected watermen on the planet. He’s mastered stand-up paddling, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and foiling—pushing the limits of what’s possible on waves of consequence. Over the course of his career, he’s won the SUP Race World Championship, the KSP Kiting World Championship, the Sunset…

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Mediterranean Gin w Robyn Evan of Gin Mare | Bartender at Large ep 442 23:03

2M ago23:03

23:03

Ever wondered what makes Gin Mare so uniquely Mediterranean? In our interview with global brand ambassador Robyn Evans, we explore the gin’s signature botanicals—like arbequina olives and rosemary—that capture the essence of coastal Spain. Plus, Robyn shares how the Spaniards savor their gin & tonics, turning each sip into a ritual. Perfect Purée: …

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Talking Tiki w Kavé Pourzanjani | Bartender at Large ep 441 26:38

2M ago26:38

26:38

Join us as we chat with Kavé Pourzanjani, co-owner & creative director of NYC’s beloved tiki bar, Paradise Lost. From crafting immersive cocktails to preserving tiki culture, Kavé shares the secrets behind their tropical oasis in the vibrant East Village . Discover how Paradise Lost blends nostalgia with modern flair—and why it’s a must-visit for c…

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BRIAN BOWEN SMITH 55:08

2M ago55:08

55:08

Brian Bowen Smith is one of Hollywood's most sought after celebrity photographers. His work can be seen on billboards, books, movie posters and magazines. Brian has a keen understanding that shooting pictures of high-profile subjects requires more than just technical proficiency with lighting and composition. There’s a psychological skill involved …

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Honoring the Legacy of a Dive Bar w Bobby Heugel | Bartender at Large ep 440 27:47

2M ago27:47

27:47

Join us as we sit down with Bobby Heugel, owner of Houston’s iconic Anvil Bar & Refuge, to dive into the world of dive bars and their enduring significance in American drinking culture. Bobby, who recently acquired the legendary Catbird’s dive bar in Houston, shares his passion for preserving these unpretentious spaces that serve as community hubs …

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Advocating for Change w Sorry Not Sorry | Bartender at Large ep 439 24:04

3M ago24:04

24:04

Tune in as we sit down with acclaimed Australian bartenders Rocky Hair and Jenna Hemsworth to discuss their groundbreaking initiative, the Sorry Not Sorry Collective. In this candid interview, they open up about tackling systemic issues in the hospitality industry, from wage disparities and toxic work cultures to the lack of support for marginalize…

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RANDALL POSTER 41:34

3M ago41:34

41:34

Randall Poster is a highly sought-after music supervisor for film and television who has worked closely with legendary directors like Wes Anderson, Richard Linklater, Martin Scorsese, and countless others. He’s helped craft some of Hollywood’s most iconic soundtracks, including Rushmore, The Wolf of Wall Street, Boyhood, and over 100 feature films.…

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Talking Tequila w the founder of Lalo | Bartender at Large ep 438 26:24

3M ago26:24

26:24

Join us for an exclusive interview with Lalo González, the visionary third-generation tequila maker and co-founder of Lalo Tequila. Discover the rich heritage and passion behind each bottle as Lalo shares his family's secrets and dedication to quality. From the agave fields to the craft of distillation, get an inside look at what makes Lalo Tequila…

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Spirited Women w Sammi Katz & Olivia McGiff | Bartender at Large ep 437 27:41

3M ago27:41

27:41

In this episode, we sit down with Sammi Katz and Olivia McGiff, the author & illustrator of Spirited Women: Makers, Shakers, and Trailblazers in the World of Cocktails. Their book celebrates the groundbreaking women who have shaped the cocktail world, from bartenders and distillers to historians and writers. Sammi and Olivia also share insights int…

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TINKER HATFIELD 49:43

3M ago49:43

49:43

Tinker Hatfield is considered to be one of the most influential sneaker designers of all time. During his time at Nike, he's collaborated with legendary athletes like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant to create some of the most iconic and beloved sneakers of all time, from the Air Jordan to the Air Max. He is quite literally the Michael Jordan of Jordan…

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Hanging w the Cocktail Man: Danil Nevsky | Bartender at Large ep 436 28:04

3M ago28:04

28:04

Join us for a conversation with Danil Nevsky, entrepreneur, bartender, and founder of Indie Bartender. In this episode, he shares his insights on independent bartending, brand collaborations, and the future of the industry. From creative cocktail development to building a personal brand, Danil offers invaluable advice for bartenders looking to brea…

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Likable Cocktails w Kaitlyn Stewart | Bartender at Large ep 435 27:51

4M ago27:51

27:51

Kaitlyn Stewart, the beverage powerhouse behind Likable Cocktails and a former World Class Global Bartender of the Year, joins the podcast to talk about making demystifying cocktails and making them more approachable for folks at home. With years of experience in the industry, Kaitlyn has built a platform that celebrates creativity, education, and …

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State of Bars in 2025 w Tim McKirdy | Bartender at Large ep 434 26:09

4M ago26:09

26:09

In this week's episode, Vinepair writer & host of Cocktail College, Tim Mckirdy shares his perspective on the state of the craft cocktail bar in 2025. This week, we dive deep into how innovative trends balanced with experience and price are reshaping the craft cocktail landscape. He highlights the delicate balance between classic cocktail tradition…

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STACY PERALTA 59:22

4M ago59:22

59:22

Stacy Peralta is a true pioneer of skateboarding. In the mid 1970s, journalist and artist Craig Stecyk began chronicling of a group of young rebellious skaters from the streets of Venice and Santa Monica. Blending surfing’s fluid style with aggressive innovation, Stacy Peralta and a handful of other skateboarders would become known as the Z-Boys—a …

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Talking Mezcal w Gilberto Marquez | Bartender at Large ep 433 25:52

4M ago25:52

25:52

Join us for an interview with Gilbert Marquez, the Global Brand Ambassador for Mezcal Ilegal. Marquez has been with the brand since its early days and played a key role in its rise to international acclaim. As a first-generation Mexican American, he is deeply committed to preserving Oaxaca’s mezcal traditions, working closely with fourth-generation…

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The History of Alcohol w Edward Slingerland| Bartender at Large ep 432 26:52

4M ago26:52

26:52

This week, we are joined by Edward Slingerland, author of Drunk: How We Sipped, Danced, and Stumbled Our Way to Civilization. Edward unpacks the fascinating role alcohol has played in shaping human society, from fostering social bonds to sparking creative breakthroughs. We explore how intoxication has influenced culture, cooperation, and innovation…

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MICHAEL "KAVES" McLEER 59:59

4M ago59:59

59:59

Michael “Kaves” McLeer is a Brooklyn-born painter, recording artist, graffiti artist, author, tattoo artist and creator of Brooklyn Pop - an astounding immersive experience celebrating the borough of Brooklyn. The exhibit is an astounding collection featuring hip-hop memorabilia, graffiti, movie collectibles, historical artifacts, and personal item…

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Hanging w Not Just a Bartender | Bartender at Large ep 431 27:43

4M ago27:43

27:43

In this episode, we chat with Chris Leavitt, the creative mind behind the social media sensation @NotJustABartender." Chris shares his mission to highlight the multifaceted lives and talents of bartenders beyond their work behind the bar. We discuss the inspiration behind his platform and how it’s reshaping the way the industry and the public perce…

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Catching Up w Lars Williams of Empirical Spirits | Bartender at Large ep 430 22:38

5M ago22:38

22:38

Join us, as we chat with Lars Williams, the innovative mind behind Empirical Spirits, to explore the art and science of distillation. Lars delves into the creative process behind their latest creation, a unique cilantro spirit that pushes the boundaries of flavor. We discuss how Empirical Spirits blends culinary techniques and fermentation to craft…