Episode 54: Culinary Legends & Real Talk: Charleston Wine + Food Festival 20th Anniversary Part 2

In Episode 54 of Never Stop Dreaming Biggie, Angel and Brian Holmes are back LIVE from the Charleston Wine + Food Festival's 20th Anniversary — straight from the Hospitality Hub at High Wire Distilling Company. This is Part 2 of our special multi-part series, and this one gets personal, hilarious, and deeply meaningful all at once.Angel sits down with Lisa Buzzelli (original CWFF planning committee member and the woman Angel calls Queen Volunteer), Ann Marshall (co-founder of High Wire Distilling and Holmestead advisor), and the legendary Mickey Bakst (18-year GM of the Charleston Grill and co-founder of Ben's Friends — a sobriety organization now serving restaurant workers in 28 cities nationwide). Angel and Brian also share their own reflections on the week, the big Holmestead announcement, and what it feels like to finally slow down and receive the recognition you've earned.If Part 1 was about the dreamers who built Charleston's culinary identity — Part 2 is about the people who showed up every single day to keep it alive.The "G" in BIGGIE stands for Give — and Mickey Bakst has lived that letter more than almost anyone Angel has ever known. His work with Ben's Friends is proof that the most powerful thing you can build isn't a restaurant or a festival — it's a community that catches people when they fall.Key Takeaways:Discover why Lisa Buzzelli has volunteered for every single one of CWFF's 20 years — and what that kind of loyalty actually buildsLearn how Mickey Bakst helped shape Charleston's culinary identity by bringing the world's greatest chefs to our tablesUnderstand why Ben's Friends believes you don't have to leave the restaurant industry to find sobrietyHear the wildly funny story of Angel's festival "move-in" at Ann and Scott's house (blow-up dolls very much included)Find out what Angel had to pray about before accepting this week's recognition — and why receiving is just as important as givingSee how the best fringe events always end with cops, sloppy Joes, and nine people in one carLearn what 20 years of showing up for a community really looks like from the people who lived itDiscover what's coming next for Angel, Brian, and The HolmesteadWhether you're building something from scratch, navigating the messy middle, or learning how to let people pour into you for once — this episode is for you.Learn more about Ben's Friends: https://bensfriendshope.com/ Learn more about High Wire Distilling Co: https://highwiredistilling.com/CONNECT WITH ANGEL: 🎙 Never Stop Dreaming Biggie Podcast 📱 Instagram: @neverstopdreamingbiggie | @angelpholmes 🌐 Website: sipindipity.com 📧 Email: [email protected] 🌴 The Holmestead: theholmesteadhideaway.com 👩‍💼 The Brighter Side Society & Brighter Week: sipindipity.com/brighter-side-societyTake the Free Flow Style Assessment: https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/6980f62c2606173ca6c95a49 Check out Substack: https://angelpholmes.substack.comSUBSCRIBE & SHARE: If this episode reminded you that the right village changes everything — and that you are worthy of being celebrated — please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear these stories. Your support helps us reach more dreamers ready to turn their vision into reality.