Technology has given us new, exciting and convenient ways to consume content and gain knowledge about pretty much anything. Podcasts are a valuable resource that you and your staff should be using to keep on top of techniques, recipes and trends. Think about how convenient it would be to listen to the latest and greatest industry content during your commute to work. We’ve rounded up 7 of the best bartending, mixology, and hospitality industry podcasts out right now. Cheers!
The Mixology Talk Podcast
- Available on iTunes: Yes
- Available on Stitcher: Yes
- Number of episodes: 71
- Duration of podcasts: Around 20 minutes
A Bar Above is billed as “the ultimate resource for bartenders, bar management and craft cocktail creators.” It was created by Chris Tunstall and his wife Julia in 2012 to make it simpler for bartenders to hone their craft. Chris, it turns out, taught himself how to bartend by reading hundred-year-old books, and through years of trial and error. The A Bar Above podcast is called The Mixology Talk Podcast and it’s hosted by Chris and Julia. Tips, tricks and techniques are the main focus of this podcast, along with interviews with industry professionals. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the scene, you’ll learn a lot from The Mixology Talk Podcast. The latest episode is entitled, “White Spirits, Syrups vs Liqueurs and Compound Gin: It’s another Listener Questions Episode!” That’s right – Chris and Julia accept listener questions and address them in future episodes.
Road Rash Podcast
- Available on iTunes: Yes
- Available on Stitcher: Yes
- Number of episodes: 10
- Duration of podcasts: From over 30 minutes to slightly over 2 hours
Join Chef Brian Duffy and mixologist Russell Davis each week for the Road Rash Podcast. After all, what could go wrong? Brian and Russell discuss everything from great food to excellent drinks to the state of the industry, and talk to special guests along the way. In the latest episode, their tenth, Brian and Russell take you behind the scenes of the 2016 Nightclub & Bar Show and speak with special guest James Breakwell. Eat. Drink. Travel. Listen.
The Steve Schneider Show
- Available on iTunes: Yes
- Available on Stitcher: Yes
- Number of episodes: 32
- Duration of podcasts: From roughly 30 minutes to just over 90
Want to learn about the bartending and the hospitality from one of the very best? Of course you do. Listen to Steve as he speaks with guests like Giuseppe Gonzalez, Tom Walker, Simone Caporale and Dushan Zaric about the current state of the industry. You’ll gain real insight into the goings on in the hottest bars across the world. Co-host and childhood best friend Chris (also known as MothMonsterMann) works for a restaurant chain and provides a different perspective on the industry. Steve speaks with 2016 Nightclub & Bar Bartender of the Year Nectaly Mendoza in the latest episode of the Steve Schneider Show.
Bartender Journey
- Available on iTunes: Yes
- Available on Stitcher: Yes
- Number of episodes: 159
- Duration of podcasts: About 30 minutes
The goal of this podcast is bartender education and elucidation. Brian “Vince” Weber entered the hospitality industry as a dishwasher at the age of 14, eventually working his way up to bartender. Bartender Journey was launched in 2013 and focuses on education and exploration, utilizing interviews with bar owners, consultants, authors, educators, brand ambassadors, master distillers and other industry experts. “Pisco & Pisco Sours,” the most current episode, features Johhny Schuler.
Bartender HQ
- Available on iTunes: Yes
- Available on Stitcher: Yes
- Number of episodes: 65
- Duration of podcasts: About 15 minutes
David Sangwell covers all aspects of bartending and operations on his Bartender HQ podcast. Want to know how entering competitions can help you develop your technique? Looking for an edge when it comes to memorizing hundreds of recipes? How about an interview featuring BevSpot’s Rory Crawford talking about making your bar more profitable? The latest episode, “Luna Solihull & Online Flair Challenge Update,” finds David talking about changes made to the bars at Luna Solihull that make them more efficient.
The Speakeasy
- Available on iTunes: Yes
- Available on Stitcher: Yes
- Number of episodes: 181
- Duration of podcasts: About 30 minutes
Host Damon Boelte is the bar director for Prime Meats in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. He has consulted for bars and restaurants and has also worked with several spirits and beverage companies, such as Maker’s Mark, Plymouth Gin, Tito’s Vodka, Highland Park, and Stumptown Coffee. His techniques and cocktail recipes have been well documented in many respected publications. Subscribe to his podcast, The Speakeasy, to listen to Damon talk about spirits, cocktails, coffee, and all things liquid with guests that include some of the industry’s leading mixologists. Damon’s most up-to-date episode, “A Day in the Life of a Mezcalier,” provides insight into all things agave and the particulars of mezcal.
Speaking Easy Podcast
- Available on iTunes: Yes
- Available on Stitcher: Yes
- Number of episodes: 17
- Duration of podcasts: About 30 minutes
This podcast is something much different than the others on this list. Speaking Easy is hosted by Alex and Jordan, and they’re not industry experts. In fact, they’re not even bartenders. They are, however, two aficionados who are passionate about technique, crafting quality drinks, drilling down to the history of spirits and cocktails, and hospitality. This is relevant for several reasons, not the least of which is the insight they’ll give you into the mind of your guests, including Millennials and Gen Z. Alex and Jordan are your target demographic: two young cocktail and spirits enthusiasts who have accumulated a wealth of knowledge they’re happy to share with others. Want to know what Millennials expect from you when they visit your bar? Wondering why Gen Z consumers of legal age seem to know so much about spirits, cocktails, technique and presentation? Then you’ll want to give this podcast a listen. Like Damon Boelte, Alex and Jordan tackle mezcal in their latest episode.