EPI 262 :: Shane Mulhern :: Executive Director :: Thrive DC

While you’re putting gifts under the tree or preparing to ring in the New Year, this week’s Designated Drinker will be offering much needed aid to individuals experiencing homelessness in DC’s Ward 1. Shane Mulhern, Executive Director of Thrive DC, understands how important it is for a community to support its own, regardless of where they are in their journey. Through Thrive DC, Shane supports individuals to achieve greater self-sufficiency through healthy meals, laundry assistance, counseling, and transitional housing – and that’s just a few of their offerings! If you’re looking for a last-minute gift, consider donating in your loved one’s name to help Thrive DC (or your own local nonprofit) continue their work into the new year.

EPI 261 :: Keyatta Mincey Parker :: Founder :: A Sip of Paradise

As a gardener and a community organizer, our Designated Drinker understands the importance of establishing roots. We're talking with the queen bee of A Sip of Paradise, Keyatta Mincey Parker, who transformed her love of gardening with her grandmothers into a vibrant community garden. Keyatta has cultivated a space for service industry professionals, providing community support and horticulture therapy to anyone who needs it.

EPI 260 :: Matt Hetrick :: President :: Harmony Group Inc

A word of financial advice from our Designated Drinker this holiday season: Don't buy a gift for yourself! We’re talking money with Matt Hetrick, President of Harmony Group, which provides CPA services and growth advice to restauranteurs across the United States. Even if you're not a restaurant owner, he’s got some advice for everyone on the psychology of money, how to stay informed in local politics, and how you can best support your favorite local restaurants. Oh, and always remember to tip your service workers.

EPI 259 :: Molly Scalise :: Deputy Director of Communications :: FRESHFARM

Farm-to-table has been a trending concept for chefs and culinary afficionados for years, but why stop there? If you want to meet and talk with the producer of your produce, Molly Scalise can help make that a reality. As the deputy director of communications at FRESHFARM, Molly and her team work year-round to build a sustainable, equitable, and resilient food system and provide access to fresh, locally-grown produce, no matter how much coin one might have in their pockets. With the holiday season fast-approaching, you can support their cause by shopping at one of their farmer’s markets or by making a donation to help everyone have fresh food for their holiday meals.

EPI 258 :: Katrina Mathis :: Director of Volunteer Services :: Food and Friends

If you've ever been part of a large family Thanksgiving dinner, you know that the logistics can be a challenge. So imagine how tough it must be to prepare and deliver 4000 turkey dinners, including 1600 pies, to 800 clients in the DMV area on the holiday. This is where Katrina Mathis shines. She's director of volunteer services at Food and Friends, where they prepare and deliver medically-tailored meals to those battling serious illnesses every day. Her dedication to service is inspirational. And supporting her cause is one of the most heartwarming ways to give thanks and give back during not only the holidays, but all year long.

EPI 257 :: Rachel Christ-Doane :: Director of Education :: Salem Witch Museum

So you have your costume picked out, pumpkin carved, candy ready, and maybe even some skeletons in your front yard. Now, complete your Halloween prep with our episode about witches with Rachel Christ-Doane, the Director of Education at the Salem Witch Museum. We discuss the most famous witch hunt of the Western world, the meaning behind the word witch, and the evolution of the image of the witch over time, including the TV show "Bewitched" and modern day witchcraft. It's a fascinating history filled with scapegoating and injustice, not to mention, delicious cocktails.

EPI 256 :: Bridgette Taylor :: CEO, Founder :: Harridan Vodka

The most haunted places in the U.S. include the halls of hotels, abandoned insane asylums, old theaters, prisons, and historic battlefields. Even household items like dolls, clothing, and furniture have been the subjects of paranormal activity. But what about a bottle of vodka? Bridgett Taylor, the founder of Harridan Vodka, is doing everything she can to infuse her booze with actual boo’s utilizing a distilling process that includes aging her product in some of the most notoriously haunted locations in the country. It’s one of the few vodkas designed to be remembered for its taste, not to be lost in mixers. And while we can’t prove it's haunted, we can guarantee that it will leave your taste buds enchanted.

EPI 255 :: Sarah Elston :: Registrar :: National Museum of the American Latino

Ever met a real life archeologist? Unlike Indiana Jones, most don’t usually carry around a pistol and a bullwhip. They are more like Sarah Elston. As registrar for the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Latino, she is utilizing her archeological and anthropological skills to help conserve sensitive cultural materials. Learn what it takes to put together an exhibit, as well as what to expect with their upcoming exhibits. For Sarah, working at the museum isn't a job—it's a passion. From excavation to display, she works to keep objects safe, stable, and secure as she strives to educate the public and promote scholarly research. There’s no doubt—we think you’re really going to dig this episode 😁 

EPI 254 :: Rollin Amore :: Owner/Chief Scientist :: Mimi’s Handmade Ice Cream

During his 30+ years in banking, Rollin Amore traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia, and loved bringing back flavor ideas to use in his cooking at home. Today, in "retirement," his travels infuse the constantly changing menu of ice creams and sorbets at Mimi's Handmade Ice Cream. But you won't find “shock value” ingredients in his delicious frozen concoctions. Instead, he—and his customers—prefer fresh and unique flavors, such as cucumbers, lychee, roasted red peppers, or purple yams. It's a new twist on one of America's oldest treats. And whatever your tastes, these flavors appeal to the kid in all of us.

EPI 253 :: Dog Days of Summer

The dog days of summer are the hottest and most unbearable of the year, and it’s no secret that intense heat can lead to intense stress. But few things are more stressful than running a restaurant. This week we check in with Gina on the 11-year anniversary of Buffalo & Bergen. There’s no doubt that operating a successful restaurant is hard work, especially in this era. But whether you’re dealing with oppressive heat or the challenges of running your own business, having a refreshing cocktail can make all the difference. That’s why Gina is helping us all stay cool with a fantastic tip for at-home bottled cocktails that can be kept ready-to-drink in your freezer.

Inflation, service wage increases, bad tipping—the restaurant industry is fraught with challenges these days. In part two of our dog days of summer chat with Gina about running a successful small business in the food and beverage industry, we get further into her daily trials and tribulations. It’s chaotic, stressful, exhausting—and worth every minute. Especially when you’re surrounded by great people, tasty food, and best of all, delicious cocktails. And if you’re looking to beat the heat with a refreshing chilled drink, this week’s cocktail recipe will pick you up and cool you down.

EPI 252 :: Alex Doman :: Founder :: AVEC Drinks

"Hey, buddy? Need a hit? Some of that cane for your brain? You know you can't get enough.” Sugar is that other powdery white drug that the world is addicted to. We consume twice as much as recommended for our health, and soft drinks and mixers are the number one source of added sugars. But Alex Doman, co-founder of AVEC mixers, is on a mission to cut sugar consumption and improve what people mix with their spirits. And so is Gina, with an easy tip to spice up your drink with jalapeños. 

It’s time you stopped disrespecting your spirits with sugar-filled mixers. Part two of our talk with Alex Doman, co-founder of AVEC mixers, definitely brings the flavor as we get further into how he creates healthier canned drinks that are great solo and in cocktails. By experimenting with ingredients from around the world, he creates sophisticated and tasty flavors with dramatically less sugar. And Gina’s doing some mad scientist-level cocktail experimenting as well with a delicious recipe for a Spicy Mexican Mule that will give your taste buds a swift kick.

EPI 251 :: Elaine Chon-Baker :: Founder/Managing Dir :: Mokja Ventures

Starting a successful restaurant is no easy feat. You need not only great food, but also a strong concept and initial funding. That’s where Elaine Chon-Baker comes in. As founder and managing director of Mokja Ventures she helps restaurateurs get the money they need to open and operate. So how does a college dropout with almost no experience in the restaurant industry establish a flourishing venture capital fund dedicated to restaurants? It’s been an interesting path. But Elaine is living proof that perseverance pays off.

Elaine Chon-Baker started a venture fund so that she could invest in the people who are doing great things for the restaurant industry. But first, she had to invest in herself. In part two of our talk with Elaine we hear how she immersed herself in all aspects of the industry in order to turn her love of food, finance, and startups into a successful venture capital fund. By adapting and learning, she paved the way into uncharted territory. And what cocktail is appropriate for a woman who is so passionate about her craft? A whiskey sour made with fresh passion fruit, of course. Introducing the scrumptious Passion Flower!

EPI 250 :: Liz Einhorn :: Founder & CEO :: Experience Threee

Airports are like a bizarre mix of a shopping mall and a cattle auction, with a side of security paranoia thrown in for good measure. Is it any wonder that most of us crave a cocktail while waiting on our flights? This is definitely no surprise to our guest Liz Einhorn. She helps airport concessionaires, beverage brands, and restaurants get you that next beverage while you're making a connection in DCA, ATL, or just about any airport. And she does it all to help you feel more comfortable when faced with the prospect of sitting in a cramped metal tube at 35,000 feet for hours on end. Cheers to Liz and neck pillows!

Airport dining has come a long way from dry rubbery sandwiches and lackluster coffee. Today's travelers have lofty expectations when it comes to food and drink, and they want options that go beyond the generic fast-food joints. In the second part of our talk with Liz Einhorn, we discuss how a restaurant or concessionaire goes about opening a location at an airport and what makes a brand concept work at such a unique location. And Gina has a delicious recipe for an Icepick with orange tea that will definitely elevate your taste buds. So fasten your seatbelt and raise your glass to summer travel! 

EPI 249 :: Camila Soriano & Chris Wirth :: Founders :: Volley Tequila Seltzer

Almost every packaged good you can buy at a grocery store comes with a nutrition label, except one—alcoholic beverages. So what exactly is in that tasty can you're sipping at the beach? Well if you like vanilla flavoring, you might unwittingly be consuming the anal gland excretions of a beaver! Google it. It's this lack of transparency—along with a love of fresh, natural cocktails—that led Camila Soriano and Chris Wirth to start Volley Tequila Seltzer. Utilizing only 100% Agave tequila and real organic juices, they've created a unique brand that's smooth, clean, and best of all—beaver free. After all, it’s called a beverage, not a beaverage.

Ready-to-drink cocktails don’t have the greatest reputation. (Remember Zima, Purple Passion, or Calvin Coolers? Ewww.) But our guests have cracked the code on canned cocktails. In the second part of our conversation with the co-founders of Volley Tequila Seltzer, Camila Soriano and Chris Wirth tell us more about how they go about putting together the right flavors for their clean alcoholic beverages. And Gina has her own ideas on how to take a great drink and make it even better with fresh fruit. When it comes to mixing with  Volley, she’s definitely aced it!

EPI 248 :: Daniel Hays :: President :: Equality NoVa

As a president of the board of Equality NoVa, Daniel Hays knows that even though the LGBTQ+ community has come far, it still has a long way to go. And every day he’s dedicated to making his non-profit a strong beacon for equality despite the challenges. And the challenges are numerous! Managing community organizations is far more demanding than it appears. Nonprofits confront unique obstacles and complexities within their sector, including extensive work to stay compliant with government regulations as well as keeping people engaged with the cause. But Daniel is living proof that personal involvement translates into community progress. Cheers, Daniel!

Hey, politicians... Until drag queens start breaking into schools and beating kids to death with a copy of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” you might be focusing on the wrong issues! After all, many drag queens give back to the community and raise money for charities, not to mention the whole right to free speech thing. In part two of our talk with Daniel Hays, we discuss his alter ego – Muffy Blake Stephyns, the former Empress of Washington, D.C. – and how drag helped get him through some tough times. And inspired by our guest, Gina has created a special hot pink lychee lemonade. Just like Muffy, it’s both sweet and powerful!

EPI 247 :: Aubrey Slater :: Chief Brand Development Queen :: Saint Luna Moonshine

Dedication is the key to achieving success and personal growth. Just ask Aubrey Slater – she’s been dedicated to the hospitality industry for more than 20 years. Her unwavering commitment and perseverance has taken her around the world – from Prague to Maui to NYC – as a bartender, beverage director, and sommelier. And as a proud trans woman and former Marine, she's learned to soldier on in pursuit of her dreams, which has led her to her latest endeavor as co-owner and chief brand development queen of Saint Luna Moonshine. Thanks to her dedication, artisanal moonshine is finding its way behind the bar and into many a glass of cocktail enthusiasts and spirit aficionados everywhere.

In the second part of our chat with Aubrey Slater, the delightful co-owner of Saint Luna Moonshine, we unravel the enigma of how she discovered what it takes to be a good man by transitioning into a woman. This "twisted little tree" is now flourishing with resilience as she embraces a life brimming with excitement and unapologetic individuality. And prepare your glasses, because she's concocting her incredible recipe for a milk punch moonshine cocktail that's so velvety smooth, it'll make silk feel jealous. Allow us to present to you... The Silky!

EPI 246 :: Dr. Marcia Chatelain :: Pulitzer Prize Winning Author :: Franchise: The Golden Arches in Black America

PT 1 Scholar and author Dr. Marcia Chatelain is a woman of many passions - her son, civil rights history, reality TV drama, and oh, let's not forget her love for fine cocktails. Her commitment to her interests is so fierce that it's no wonder she's won so many awards for her writing, speaking, and teaching, including a Pulitzer Prize for her latest book Franchise: The Golden Arches in Black America. And what pairs just as nicely with a good book as it does with a Real Housewives marathon? Gina's golden gin that’s been infused with chamomile. It’s this week’s special tip that’s quick, easy, and delicious.

PT 2 In her book, Franchise: The Golden Arches in Black America, Dr. Marcia Chatelain expertly showcases the inextricable link between the struggle for racial equality and the success of black-owned businesses. Marcia sheds light on the complex relationship between race and capitalism in America and is a vital read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the intersection of race and economic power in the US. The complex relationship is enough to make you want a drink. So how about a tasty chamomile punch? We guarantee it’s the type of cocktail that you’ll never find served at a restaurant franchise. 

EPI 245 :: Dawn E. Morrow :: Poet :: The Habit of Hope

PT 1 You won't believe it, but Dawn E. Morrow has a superpower - she can make poetry-loathing people fall in love with her verses. And if that wasn't impressive enough, she does it while also being a healthcare administrator by day. In her first book of poems "The Habit of Hope" Dawn celebrates hope as a saving grace in our desperate world. Her poems go down easy just like Gina’s equally refreshing and easy-to-make fizz that has just the right balance of sweetness and fruit. So get ready for some tasty verses!

PT 2 Dawn E. Morrow is out there converting poetry-haters into poetry-lovers one verse at a time. And to top it off, she's doing all of this while having a full-time job overseeing a large team of 40 workers. How does Dawn manage to follow her passion for poetry while holding down her career? It’s not easy. But she’s been able to organize her life to make room for her passions, including poetry as well as dancing. And we all know Gina’s passion is making tasty cocktails, like this week’s pineapple fizz. It’s not only poetry, but it’s also sure to make your tastebuds dance!

EPI 244 :: Dr. John Edward Hasse :: Jazz Author & Curator :: Smithsonian National Museum of Am. History

P1 Dr. John Edward Hasse knows so much about jazz music that he could probably tell you what type of saxophone Charlie Parker played on any given Tuesday in the 1940s. He’s just that good. As Curator Emeritus of American Music at the Smithsonian he has curated exhibits on music legends Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Ray Charles. He's also a regular contributor to The Wall Street Journal, a Grammy-nominated producer and author, accomplished musician, and esteemed speaker. And he’s the ideal guest to have as we celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month. After all, he created it back in 2001.

PT 2 Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) didn't just happen by accident. It took more planning than a Duke Ellington composition! In part two of our chat with The Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History Curator Emeritus Dr. John Edward Hasse we learn how JAM came into being. Because of his efforts, most nations now officially recognize and celebrate the historical and cultural significance of jazz music. And Gina is like the Louis Armstrong of mixology, always exploring and discovering new notes and flavors to create her own unique jazz-inspired cocktail. You’re going to love her tasty tribute to the historic relationship of jazz and gin!

EPI 243 :: Rose Previte :: Co-Founder :: Go There Wine

PT 1 It's time to raise a glass to National Women in Wine Day! And who better to celebrate with than Rose Previte, the badass DC restaurateur and wine disruptor extraordinaire! With Go There Wines, Rose is bringing the heat to the global wine industry by showcasing trailblazing wines made by underrepresented winemakers from places like Lebanon, Georgia, and South Africa. Why? Because it would be a tragedy if we all missed out on these amazing wines! I mean, can you imagine a world without that perfect glass of vino? Yeah, me neither. So let’s cheers to Rose and all the women shaking things up in the wine game!

PT 2 Ever heard of chacha? Not the ballroom dance, but the potent Georgian grape brandy that will knock your socks off! It’s clear, strong, and the secret ingredient in this week’s amazing cocktail. And it’s one of the many distinctive flavors Rose Previte has discovered on her travels. In part two of our chat with the fearless adventurer and grape guru of Go There Wines we learn more about how Rose is all about exploring grapes and regions that you probably didn't even know existed, teaming up with winemakers who aren't afraid to take risks and shake things up. Best of all, drinking these wines might make you feel a little better about that hangover!

EPI 242 :: Heather Wibbels :: Managing Director :: Bourbon Women

PT 1 If you're one of those people who thinks women generally prefer a Cosmo or a sweet Rosé at happy hour, you would be mistaken. These days, you'll find more and more women sipping whiskey cocktails. After all, women are equipped with a slightly better sense of smell than men, which makes them better whisky tasters, like our guest Heather Wibbels. She’s the managing director of Bourbon Women, a group passionately dedicated to bourbon culture, that is helping grow the spirit’s appreciation among women throughout the country. Now that's a mission that deserves a toast.

PT 2 Crafting bourbon is an art. And if you ask us, so is drinking it. As we continue our discussion on all things bourbon with Heather Wibbels, Managing Director of Bourbon Women, we find out more about how she's bringing women of all walks of life together over a glass of whiskey. And Gina’s right there with her, mixing together a modified Manhattan cocktail that will have you longing for your ole Kentucky home… even if you’re from New Hampshire.

EPI 241 :: Dan & Kat Eckhart :: Celebrity Occultists

PT 1 Occultism is on the rise, especially among Generation Z. But what is it? Well, there's a lot more to it than Ouija boards and lucky numbers. The occult can be discovered among all sorts of traditional beliefs, but only if you're looking for it. And as celebrity occultists, Dan and Kat Eckhart are always searching with fresh eyes. From starting an occult school to communicating with the dead on television, they’re helping people discover all the magic in their lives that they never knew existed. Best of all, learning that magic can be real is just the beginning of this adventure!

PT 2 Ever thought you were psychic? Maybe you are. As we continue our talk with Dan and Kat Eckhart, we jump into a spirited discussion about extrasensory abilities that can manifest themselves in many ways, no matter who you are. You can even learn how to grow your psychic abilities with a mantra. But, as we learn, with great power comes great responsibility. And we have the feeling that Gina’s psychic, too. Otherwise, how would she know that we all would fall in love with her magical espresso and whiskey cocktail creation?

EPI 240 :: JoAnn Hill :: Author :: DC Scavenger & Secret Washington, DC: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure

PT 1 Everyone knows about Washington DC’s famous attractions, like all the monuments, landmarks, and incredible museums. But if you want to dig deeper into the area’s rich history, you really need to get to know JoAnn Hill, author of DC Scavenger and Secret Washington, DC: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure. She has all the secrets lying beneath the surface of our nation’s capital. From quirky oddities, to enchanted forests, to bizarre burial sites, to signs of the occult, JoAnn introduces us to a treasure trove of mystique, peculiarities, and hidden history just waiting to be explored.

PT 2 In the second part of our talk with author JoAnn Hill, we continue our discussion about some of DC’s off-the-grid must-see sites. So what makes her such a wanderlust? JoAnn loves connecting with people and places by immersing herself in different cultures. It’s helped widen her perspective and taught her a lot, including some of the best places on Earth to get a good drink. So get ready to take your taste buds to Paris with a tasty crème de cassis Champagne cocktail from Gina that will have you saying, “Oh là là.”

EPI 239 :: Talia Goldstein :: Founder :: Three Day Rule

PT 1 Ever gone on a Tinder date and been told you look different than your pics and then offered gas money to leave? Or maybe you’ve had a blind date where you happened to bump into her husband while out to dinner? There is no doubt about it – dating is tough! But luckily Talia Goldstein is here to make it easier. She’s the founder of Three Day Rule, an exclusive matchmaking company. And in part one of our talk we learn how she turned a hobby into a thriving company that’s found matches for hundreds of clients, including top executives, entrepreneurs, and celebrities. She’s definitely keeping cupid busy.

PT 2 Still looking for a partner this Valentine’s Day? Or maybe you’re just looking for a great cocktail recipe? Well, stop swiping and start sipping with part two of our episode with matchmaker Talia Goldstein. She knows exactly what an ideal first date should and shouldn’t be like. Here's a hint: skip the café and go to a cool, cozy bar for a tasty cocktail instead. And if you’re lucky, maybe you can bring your date home and impress them with Gina’s super delicious dirty martini recipe. Take our word for it, vodka and pickle juice are a match made in heaven!