Bourbon Bottles and Mind Boggles

In this episode, Katy and Erin try to figure out what “retirement” actually means (besides weekday naps). They’re joined by “Mother” Mary Gensler, who shares her 35-year career journey and how she finally decided it was time to clock out for good. Bonus: Mary reveals her exciting plans for a retirement that sounds busier than most full-time jobs.

This episode features “Mother” Mary Gensler helping the ladies sip on a New Fashioned, proof that you can, in fact, reinvent a classic by politely asking the alcohol to leave.  Join them while they make a "New Fashioned".How to make the New FashionedIngredients·        2 ounces of Bourbon·        1 ounce of Amaretto·        1/3 ounce of simple syrup·        3 dashed of bitters·        Orange peel Instructionso   In a shaker with ice, stir in all the ingredientso   Strain into rocks glass to serveo   Garnish with an orange peel

In this episode, Katy and Erin tackle a familiar problem: why do our goals start strong but lose momentum halfway through? They unpack the roadblocks that get in the way and share ways to rethink our goals so success feels a little more within reach.

In this episode, the gals shake, stir, and sip their way through a drink that’s ridiculously easy to make—yet full of all the classic flavors we can’t get enough of. Three ingredients, two ladies, one unforgettable good time.How to make the Gentlemen's GingerIngredients·        2 ounces of Bourbon·        4 oz Ginger Beer·        Lime Instructionso   Fill a rocks glass halfway with iceo   Pour the bourbon of the iceo   Pour the Ginger Beer into the glasso   Stir lightlyo   Garnish with a lime wedge

In this episode, Katy and Erin toss the format out the window and give listeners exactly what they’ve been asking for...more zaniness from the gals. Tune in as the ladies grill each other with questions that lead to some surprisingly honest and hilariously entertaining answers.

In this episode, Erin brings a little elegance to the mix, turning her and Katy’s usual silliness into something classy with the simple yet iconic Perfect Manhattan.How to make the Perfect ManhattanIngredients2 ounces of Rye Bourbon3/4 ounces of sweet Vermouth3 dashes of bittersGarish:  Marchino CherryInstructionsCombine all Bourbon, Vermouth and bitters into a mixing glass,Stir in a few ice cubes,Strain into a coupe glass,Garnish with a cherry.

In this episode, Katy and Erin put their bedside manner to the test as they dive into the complex, heartfelt, and sometimes chaotic world of caregiving. Joined by friends Tish Henry, Kathy Nash, and Sara Rintamski, the group unpacks what caregiving really means, how it’s evolved across generations, and whether men and women tackle the role differently.

In this episode, Katy mixes up an inspirational cocktail for guests Tish Henry, Kathy Nash, and Sara Rintamski. With just a few simple ingredient and plenty of laughter, the ladies reflect on what truly inspires them. Sit back, sip along, and enjoy the Bourbon Spire.How to make a Bourbon SpireIngredients1.5 ounces of Bourbon2 ounces of lemonade1 ounce of cranberry juice1 egg whiteLemonInstructionsFill a rocks glass with crushed ice,In a mixer add Bourbon, lemonade and cranberry juice,Stir until blended,Pour over the ice,Garnish with a lemon twist

In this episode, Katy and Erin asked long-time friend Jennifer Hill to join them at the bar and share with them her adventures into publishing. While talking about Jenn's daughter's new book, Erin attempts to make a Whiskey Sour Mocktail. How to make a Whiskey Sour MocktailIngredients3 ounces of strong black tea, cooled1/2 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice3/4 tablespoon of simple syrup - made with maple syrup1 egg whiteAngostura bittersGarnish: maraschino cherriesInstructionsCombine the tea, lemon juice, simple syrup and egg white into a shaker with ice,Shake vigorously for 20 secondsAdd a few ice cubes to the shaker and shake again for another 20 seconds,Strain into a rocks glass,Add a few drops of the bitters,Garnish with maraschino cherries.For more information on Jenn's daughter's book, The Demon's Curse.⁠Home | AChill Publishing

In this episode, Katy and Erin are joined by their long-time friend Jennifer Hill to unpack the DISC Profile with laughter, candid stories, and the occasional existential realization. Side effects may include unexpected insights and discovering things about Katy and Erin that may wish you didn't know.

In this episode, Katy and Erin take a road trip to the home of their friend Rob Fichter. Rob fixes the ladies a Brown Butter Old Fashioned in a nontraditional way while also sharing his passion for bourbon and stories about his rare collection.

In this episode, Katy and Erin go headfirst into a topic that may appear to be a compliment, but is it really? Why do we multitask, is it productive and could it be bad for our health?  Listen to find out more.

In this episode, Katy and Erin chill out with a quick and easy cocktail that can be made ahead of time and enjoyed when the time is right, the Gold Rush. We also learn that Erin cannot tell the difference between and a lemon and a lime…. or maybe it was just the bourbon talking.How to make a Gold RushIngredients1.5 ounces of Bourbon3/4 ounce of honey syrup3/4 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juiceGarnish: lemon twistInstructionsFill shaker half way with iceAdd the bourbon, honey syrup and lemon juiceShake until well chilledStrain into a chilled rocks glass (ice in optional)Rim the glass with a lemon peel and add to the drink

In this episode, Katy and Erin are joined by Katy’s longtime friends Gina Dalessandro and Alysse Dalessandro and mother daughter duo with the entrepreneurial mindset and many great stories to share.  These four ladies of three different generations share their opinions on varying life situations.

 In this episode, Katy shows off her bartending skills to special guests Gina Dalessandro and Alysse Dalessandro. They share stories about trips to Italy, while Katy makes the Italian Old Fashioned.How to make an Italian Old FashionedIngredients2 ounces of Bourbon1/2 ounce of Amarena1/4 ounce of simple syrupDash of Angostura bittersDash of Orange bittersGarnish: Orange peelInstructionsIn a mixing glass filled with ice, and the bourbon, Amarena and simple syrupAdd a few dashes of Angostura bitters and orange bittersStir until chilledStrain over a large cube in a rocks glassRim the glass with an orange peel and add the peel to the glass

Happy New Year! In this special episode Katy and Erin take a moment to reflect on their podcasting journey so far. They also share their goals for this new year and what to look forward to in 2026.

In this episode, Katy and Erin are joined by Erin’s cousin Helen.  The ladies talk about the pillars of 4H, and all the different programs that help the younger generation foster skills that will last them a lifetime.   They also get the mentors that shaped their lives and the ways we all can be mentors for others.

In this episode, Erin tries her hand at bartending yet again and this time around Katy and Erin may have created a new bourbon lover. Listen to find out how to make a Kentucky Mule.How to make a Kentucky MuleIngredients2 ounces of Bourbon1/2 ounce of fresh lime juice4-6 ounces of ginger beer, chilledGarnish: full mint sprigsInstructionsFill a cooper mug or highball glass with crushed ice.Pour in the bourbon and fresh lime juiceTop off with the chilled ginger beerStir contents gentlyGarnish with a lime wedge and/or fresh mint sprig

In this episode, Katy and Erin get really personal when they share their experiences with working parent guilt. While opening up about their moments of guilt, they dive into different scenarios and talk through ways to cope.  

In this episode, Katy and Erin get a little slap happy while guest bartender Matt Dohar mixes up a Mint Julep. We learn the origin of this signature cocktail and the best way to release the oils within mint leaves.How to make a Mint JulepIngredients2 ounces of Bourbon1 tablespoon of simple syrupCrushed ices3-4 fresh mint sprigsInstructionsAdd 6-8 mint leaves and simple syrup to a rocks glass.Muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup.Add bourbon and fill glass with crushed ice.Stir until glass becomes frosted.Garnish with a sprig of mint.

In this episode, Katy and Erin sit at the round table with Katy’s husband, Marc, and their good friends, Court and Hue DeLuca. They share stories about heritage, family dynamics, and the ways our families shape us. They also ask: Does leadership stem from our family influences?

In this episode, Katy and Erin welcome guest bartender Court DeLuca, who shares a cocktail that is near and dear to his heart: the Whiskey Sour. Court shows off his bartending skills and his knowledge of bourbon while serving up this special drink with plenty of TLC.How to make The Whiskey SourIngredients2 ounces of Bourbon1 ounce of fresh lemon juice3/4 ounces of simple syrup1 eggDash of bittersInstructionsCombine bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup and egg white (no yolk) into a cocktail shaker without ice.Shake vigorously until egg white creates a foam.Add and handful of ice to the shaker and shake to chill the cocktail.Strain into a rocks glass.Garnish with a couple drops of bitters.

In this episode, Katy shares her experience with taking a mecation. Why did she do it, what did she do while she was there and was the fire department called?   Guess you will have to listen to find out.

In this episode, Erin gets out of her comfort zone to mix up a drink neither of the ladies have tried before. We soon learn that they love it. This cocktail gives just the right balance of sweet and tart… the New York Sour.How to make The New York SourIngredients2 ounces of Bourbon2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice1 tablespoon of simple syrup2 tablespoons of red wineMaraschino cherriesInstructionsPour bourbon / whiskey into a shaker with ice.Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and simple syrup.Mix vigorously.Pour into a glass with ice.Gently pour wine over the back of a spoon. Just above the top of the cocktail – do not mix the wine into the cocktail.Garnish with lemon peel and/or a cherry.

In this episode, Katy and Erin, along with guest bartender Matt Dohar, dive into the differences between girls’ trips and guys’ trips. They talk about why guys’ trips seem so much easier to plan, and why Katy and Erin aren't planning more trips for themselves.

In this episode, Katy and Erin are served a drink with no name by guest bartender Matt Dohar. We learn why it has no name and if they should be naming it.How to make The Drink with No NameIngredients2 ounces of Bourbon.5 ounces of Amaretto1 small lemonInstructionsIn a mixing glass, pour bourbon and amaretto.Half the lemon.Add dash of squeezed lemon juice.Stir and pour into glass over ice.Peel other half of lemon.Rub rim of the glass with lemon peel and add as garnish.

In this episode, Katy and Erin welcome special guest Holly Crader, J.D., Ph.D., from the podcast Nothing But the Truth with Holly Crader. Together, Katy, Erin, and Holly share their experiences with imposter syndrome. They explore what causes it, where it tends to show up, and how we can support ourselves—and others—through it.No topic is off limits, as the conversation also delves into setting boundaries and learning how to accept compliments. All of this takes place while enjoying a glass of “The Imposter,”. 

In this episode, Katy get behind the bar to serve up something a little different.  Today, she shares with us her mocktail "The Imposter".  Going a little off our theme of bourbon, Katy and Erin thought mixing up a mocktail paired nicely with their Mind Boggle episode - Imposter Syndrome. How to make a The ImposterIngredients2-3 ounces raspberry juice1/2 fresh blood orange, juiced6-8 fresh raspberriesSparkling soda or lemonade to taste2-3 full mint leavesOptional: simple syrup, honey or agaveInstructionsPour raspberry juice into shaker with ice.Add blood orange, juice, and lime juice.Mix vigorously.Pour into a glass with ice.Stire in a little sweetener for flavor.Garnish with blood orange slice, fresh raspberries and/or sliced mint.

In this episode, Katy and Erin explore questions like: What are affirmations? How often should we practice them? And do they actually work?

In this episode, Katy and Erin are served a "Penicillin" by guest bartender Dr. Brian Schroer, a pediatric allergist with the Cleveland Clinic.  Dr. Schroer shares insights on why we have allergies and the importance of testing.How to make a PenicillinIngredients2 ounces of Bourbon / Scotch Whiskey.75 ounces Honey Syrup (2 parts honey to 1 part hot water, stirred until combined).75 ounces fresh lemon juice1 disk fresh gingerGarnish: Candied ginger or lemon twistInstructionsPour bourbon/whiskey into a shaker with ice.Add honey syrup, lemon juice and fresh ginger.Mix vigorously. Pour into a chilled glass, with no ice.Garnish with candied ginger or lemon twist.

In this episode, Katy and Erin share their perspective on self-care—and how overwhelming it can be. They discuss their thoughts on finding balance, whether social media helps or hurts, and, in the end, what really matters.

In this episode, Katy and Erin are joined by guest bartender Marc, Katy’s husband, who puts a twist on a classic bourbon cocktail by preparing a Tequila Old Fashioned.How to make a Tequila Old FashionedIngredients1.25 ounces of Bourbon.75 ounces of Tequila.25 ounces of Lavender simple syrup1 dash of plum bittersGarnish: brandied cherryInstructionsIn a mixing glass half filled with ice, add bourbon, tequila, simple syrup and bitters.Stir with the ice until well chilled.Strain into a glass over fresh ice.Garnish with a brandied cherry.

Get to know Katy and Erin. Learn what started them on the path of enjoying bourbon, what made them decide to do a podcast and what you can look forward to in future episodes of Bourbon Bottles and Mind Boggles.