PODCAST · society
If This Bar Could Talk
by If This Bar Could Talk
"If This Bar Could Talk" is a podcast about bartenders and the stories they have to tell. We also delve into the creative process of the bartender, learn about spirits and the history of cocktails all while sipping on a libation crafted by our guest.
Episodes
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Heritage in a Glass
In this episode, we sit down with Ari Stewart, Bar Manager at Cordial Cocktail Club. Though he's only been behind the bar for three years, Ari's roots in hospitality run deep. Raised in a family where both parents and his brother are professional chefs, flavor has always been at the center of his...
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Dynamic Duo
At Denmark on High, Columbus’ original cocktail lounge and home of the Black & Blue Manhattan, Chad Pozmantir and Isaac Osborne run the entire bar themselves. In this episode, they share how experience, trust, and teamwork keep the place moving on even the busiest nights. and make their two‑man...
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Pouring Through History
In this episode we sit down with Mike Feist, bar manager at Soul at The Joseph Hotel. Mike has worn many hats — trained chef, amateur historian, and one of Columbus’s most creative bartenders — but the through‑line is simple: he fell in love with bartending and never looked back. Mike pulls back...
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Magic Behind The Stick
What do you get when a magician walks behind the bar? In this episode, we’re hanging out with Chris Marek, bar lead at the Still House Bar at DoG Distilling Company in Lewis Center, to hear how he traded magic tricks for cocktail shakers. Chris is part storyteller, part bartender, and an…
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Cheech
In this episode, we sit down with Cheech Kinsway, Bar Manager at Palm Valley Cocktails who is proving that a great bar doesn't just serve cocktails, it serves its community. From hosting life-saving CPR seminars and American Sign Language nights to rallying the industry for the Campari Day of...
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Malört, Anyone?
In this episode we sit down with Justin and Sean from Sweeney's Tavern. Located in the historic Franklinton neighborhood, this community bar boasts creative craft cocktails, classic beers (aka "Dad" beers), a record player and plenty of shenanigans. And there is Malört, lots of it; Malört shots,...
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Fresh Victor Cocktail Mixers
In this episode, we speak with Ken MacKenzie, Founder of Fresh Victor cocktail mixers. Each mixer is a vibrant and tasty flavor combo that is preservative-free, non-gmo, gluten-free, vegan, kosher with organic sweeteners. Use them for a simple and delicious cocktail or mocktail, in a smoothy or,...
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Pizza in Front, Whiskey in Back
In this episode, Jared Fate with Wiseguy Lounge located inside Goodfellas Pizzeria talks about his journey in the hospitality industry. Wiseguy Lounge is a sexy bourbon centric cocktail lounge featuring expertly crafted cocktails, reasonably priced whiskey pours and amazing daily specials.…
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Pour l'Amour du Rhum
During our travels last month to Canada we stumbled upon a tiny rum bar in Montreal called El Pequeno Cocktail Bar. It is a Cuban themed rum bar with an engaging and welcoming bartender and an amazing cocktail menu and vibe. Jackson Long hasn’t been a bartender for very long but he’s already…
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Goodale Station Spring Menu 2026
In this episode, we stop by Goodale Station for some delicious brunch and an amazing Spring cocktail menu.
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The Shape Shifter
In this episode, Theo Lentz is back on the podcast but this time they are here to announce the long-awaited opening of The Shape Shifter cocktail bar located at 129 McDowell St in Franklinton. The soft opening will be on June 8 and open to the public on June 17. The first iteration of their menu...
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Noble Cut Cocktails and Pints Spring 2026 Menu
Get into Noble Cut for their great Spring cocktail menu which includes the cocktail Evil Mom, Fan Favorite at the "I'm Not "Really" A Bartender" amateur bartending competition AND proceeds from this cocktail will be donated to Service! A Relief Organization for Hospitality Workers.
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The Monks DID Come For Him
In this episode Derek Reno returns to talk about another winning mentorship in the I'm Not Really A Bartender amateur bartender competition, why he changed the name of the liqueur he created and what's coming soon to Echo Spirits.
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The Stillhouse Bar at Dog Distilling Spring menu 2026
Check out The Stillhouse Spring menu. It does not disappoint
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Denmark Spring Menu Release 2026
Get into Denmark for their amazing Spring menu
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Dreams Really Do Come True
From childhood dreams sparked in front of the TV to the glow of a buzzing dining room, Bismark’s journey into hospitality is anything but ordinary. Inspired at just six years old by hours of Food Network, he set his sights early on owning a restaurant—and never let go of that vision. In this...
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New Menu at Soul Bar — "Lost Cocktails of Columbus"
In this mini-sode, we sit down with Mike Feist at Soul Bar to review his historical menu "Lost Cocktails of Columbus".
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Tony makes the paint, Emma makes the art.
In this episode, we’re joined by Emma Lambert and Megan Randolph from Noble Cut Distillery Cocktails and Pints for a lively conversation about all things cocktails, spirits, and what’s next for their exciting new space. From behind-the-bar insights to what they’re shaking up this summer, they…
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Native American Mixologist Danielle Goldtooth
In this episode, Danielle Goldtooth, a Native American mixologist, Zooms in from New Mexico to share her mission to reconnect Americans to their food and honor the farmers, ranchers and agriculturists who provide it. Danielle, along with her husband Allen (who is a chef), and their business…
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I Like It Like That — Full Stop
Genevieve Johnson and Lindsay Koontz stop by to chat about their new bar "I Like It Like That". Located inside of Natalie's in Grandview Heights, ILILT is a place for everyone. Learn the backstory and inside jokes behind their fun and quirky cocktail names and the intentionality of their beverage...
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Service! A Relief Organization for Hospitality Workers — FUNDRAISER GALA MAY 16
Sang and Letha, two of the three founders of Service! stop in to talk about their first annual fundraising gala on Thursday May 16, 2024 at High Line Car House from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. This event is not just a fundraiser but also a way to show gratitude to the hard-working hospitality workers in our...
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Cobra — An Asian American Experience
In this episode, we talk with Alex Chien and David Yee two of the owners of Cobra in the Brewery District of Columbus. We talk about where they've been, what they're doing now and what they have planned for the future.
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Cocktail Modifiers — Chartreuse (Part Deux)
Because of the scarcity of Chartreuse, Derek Reno with Echo Spirits has gone full mad scientist by creating his own version of Green Chartreuse. It's absolutely delicious… and it's damn close to the original.
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Cocktail Modifiers — Chartreuse
In this episode, we learn about the history and uses of Chartreuse from Kyle Strategier, Beverage Director at Soul Bar at The Joseph Hotel in Columbus, Ohio.
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The Reigning Champion: Erin Edwards
In this episode we chat with Erin Edwards, the Food and Drink Editor at Columbus Monthly (by day) and our reigning champion of the I'm Not "Really" a Bartender — amateur cocktail competition.She reflects on the event and shares some sage advice with our three competitors for the upcoming...
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Meet Megan from Noble Cut
In this episode we chat with Megan Randolph, sales rep and bartender extraordinaire at Noble Cut Distillery. We chat about her creative process, inspiration, and the challenges of helping a young distillery grow.
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Hereinafter, learn about Ben Long
In this episode, we take a short road trip to Buckeye Lake, Ohio to visit with Ben Long, owner of Hereinafter Cocktail Tavern. Ben and his staff are crafting classic cocktails while Chef Justin Gottschalk serves up traditional Southern fare. In addition to tasty food and cocktails, the tavern has...
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World Traveling Tipsy Owl
In this episode, we chat with bartender Argy Mendoza about his passion for crafting cocktails, his own concept for a bar and what it's like bartending in Columbus, Ohio
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A Bar For Everyone in St Croix, USVI
While vacationing in St. Croix this Spring, we stumbled upon a quaint bar with an ocean view. Desperate to escape the heat, we were thrilled that they had a fan and AC at the bar. Grateful for the respite from the heat, we would have been very satisfied with anything cold but as it turns out, we...
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Cocktail Modifiers — Ancho Reyes
Learn about Ancho Reyes from Mary Palac, Mexican Spirits Portfolio Ambassador for Campari America and Sarah Oppelt, bartender at Alibi in Columbus, Ohio.
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Cocktail Class with Derek Reno
Finally, a class we all enjoy! In this episode our friends Ayanna, Bill, Cara and Eric join us for a cocktail class at Echo Distillery in Grandview Heights, Ohio. Learn the basics of cocktail making with Echo's Bar Manager, Derek Reno.
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Fred and Ginger - A Perfect Pairing
In this episode, Ryan Schumann, Bar Manager at Worthington Tavern, invited us to his home to talk about his journey as a bartender — where he's been and what's to come. His very cozy home was full of plants, a dog named Archer (yes, named after the cartoon series) and 2 cats one of which made her...
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Honing Skills at a Hidden Gem
In this episode we sit down with Billy Fury who is cutting her teeth and honing her skills at one the city best hidden gems — Soul at the Joseph. Although she has a degree in Environmental Science and is working toward a master's degree in Finance, she plans to stay in the craft cocktail industry.
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Getting to Know Theo
In this episode we sit down with Theo Lentz, bar manager at MOUTON on High, one of the first craft cocktail bars in Columbus, and chat about creative process, inspiration, and the challenges of managing a bar in the Short North Arts District of Columbus Ohio
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Cocktail Modifiers — Amari
In this episode, we learn about the history of Amari from Olivia Cerio, Campari's Italian Spirits Portfolio Ambassador and how it's used in a cocktail with Garry White, Owner and Creative Director at Denmark on High.
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Cocktail Modifiers — Crème de Violette
In this episode we chat with Jake Parrott, Portfolio Manager, Spirits and Aromatized Wines, at Haus Alpenz, and then we enlist the help of Kyle Strategier, beverage manager of Soul at the Joseph, to learn all about one of our favorite floral liqueurs — Crème de Violette.
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Cocktail Modifiers — Grand Marnier
In this episode we explore Grand Marnier with Ambassador Xavier Herit, Todd Adam, bartender at Hyde Park Prime Steak House and home bartender, Bill Teets.
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Cocktail Modifiers — Fee Brothers
In this episode we chat with Jon Spacher, CEO and co-owner (and fifth generation)of family-owned Fee Brothers, and enlist the help of Chris Marek of Light of Seven Matchsticks, to learn how they use Fee Brothers' products.
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Duck Fat Popcorn Forever at The Light of Seven Matchsticks!!!
In this episode we sit down with the crew at the Light of Seven Matchsticks, the original "speakeasy" in Columbus. The thoughtful and supportive owners and management foster an environment of creativity that shines through in their cocktails and events.
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We're at Goodale Station with Colette and Jordan
This week we spoke with Colette Mihocik and Jordan People, part of the team at Goodale Station.
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Cocktail Modifiers — Campari
The debut of our limited series on cocktail modifiers starts off with a classic — Campari! We speak with Daniel Warrilow, with Campari America, bartender, James DeFrance and Fr. Nic Ventura about Campari's history, uses in cocktails and an on-going love affair.
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Stories and Sips with Barry Chandler
We caught up with Barry Chandler, host of Stories and Sips and the reigning champion of the "I'm Not 'Really' a Bartender" amateur cocktail competition. Sláinte! storiesandsips.com
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Alibi
Alibi by If This Bar Could Talk
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Bartending in a Rural Village
In this episode, we chat via Zoom with Jordon Phillips, Bartender at Ghostwriter Public House in Johnstown, Ohio. Ghostwriter is a restaurant, bar, event space and Airbnb in a rural village in Ohio. Jordon, a self-described cocktail nerd, has traveled the country honing his bartending skills and...
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Service! A Relief Organization For Hospitality Workers
In this episode, we talk via Zoom with two of the three founders of Service!, a relief organization for hospitality workers, Sangeeta Lakhani and Letha Pugh (not present Matthew Heaggans). Despite having to deal with the shutdown of their own businesses (The Table, Bake Me Happy, and Prestons...
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Mirrored Rooms with Baby Cribs and Dungeons Full of Inspiration
In this episode we chat with Andrew Connelly, Bar Director at Ampersand Asian Supper Club in the Short North. He shares the source of inspiration for some of his favorite cocktail ingredients as well as some bizarre stories from his time behind the stick.
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Spreading The Good News About Booze and Navigating Covid with Brent Carter
Blair and Leigh Ann interview Brent Carter via Zoom. Brent is the co-founder of Make & Muddle and is a bartender in Chicago. We talk about the challenges of bartending and running a business during the pandemic. Visit their website at www.makeandmuddle.com
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P.J. Ford Takeover — Interview with the idiots responsible for this podcast.
Master Mixologist PJ Ford from Light of Seven Matchsticks takes over to interview Leigh Ann and Blair, creators of this podcast and lots of other shit.
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Six Rasas In Cocktailing
Genevieve Johnson with ROOH joins us in the studio to talk about the new world cocktails inspired by the six rasas; sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent and astringent.
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Foster Your Dreams — A Chat With Nigal Vann
We hated to see him go but we love watching his growth in the big city. From Columbus to Chicago, Nigal has worked hard to hone his bartending skills.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
"If This Bar Could Talk" is a podcast about bartenders and the stories they have to tell. We also delve into the creative process of the bartender, learn about spirits and the history of cocktails all while sipping on a libation crafted by our guest.
HOSTED BY
If This Bar Could Talk
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