Bedtime Bar Stories

In this episode of Bedtime Bar Stories, Gina's London adventure continues at the historic Prospect of Whitby, London’s oldest riverside tavern, to talk to a very special guest: writer, director and podcast hall of famer, Jamie Morton. Jamie and two friends wrote one hell of a story when they turned his dad’s unusual career move into global podcast sensation ‘My Dad Wrote A Porno’ which finished last year after racking up hundreds of millions downloads, a stack of awards, a HBO TV special and 2 sell-out world tours. His next project is directing Lovestuck, a brand-new musical based on the ‘worst date ever’ coming to Stratford East Theatre in London, in June 2025. Join Jamie and Gina for a hilarious conversation that covers the creation of 'My Dad Wrote A Porno', some of Jamie's favourite bars and some of his wildest drinking-related adventures including one out-of-this-world trip to Ukraine. They also discuss the historical and cultural idiosyncracies of pubs, and even delve into the ghost stories associated with certain locations, like London's historic prospect of Whitby, where this episode was recorded.Find out more about Lovestuck the Musical, here: stratfordeast.com / @lovestuckmusicalA big thank you to Dima’s Vodka for supporting this episode. Crafted with care in Ukraine using their unique black soil and quality grains. Learn more at dimasvodka.com and let them know we sent you!You can also help support Ukraine via the following organisations:Ukraine Charity Org: ukrainecharity.orgWomenFight4UA: womenfight4ua.comUkrainian Action: ukrainianaction.comMission Ukraine: www.missionukraine.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging conversation, Gina Noble interviews Ciro, the owner of Ciro's Pomodoro Pizzeria in London. Ciro shares his fascinating journey from Rome to London, detailing the challenges he faced in establishing his restaurant, which has become a beloved destination for both locals and celebrities. The discussion covers Ciro's culinary philosophy, his experiences with famous personalities, and the unique atmosphere he has created at his pizzeria, blending music and dining into a memorable experience. Ciro's passion for food, music, and community shines through as he recounts anecdotes and the legacy he aims to build through his restaurant.Find out more about Ciro Pomodoro here: https://www.pomodoro.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this festive episode of Bedtime Bar Stories, host Gina Noble interviews producer Lee Hardwicke about holiday traditions, the bustling hospitality industry during the festive season, and the heartwarming moments that come with family gatherings. They discuss the cultural differences between Christmas and Thanksgiving, share listener interactions, and even whip up a delicious cocktail recipe. The conversation also delves into the origins of the podcast and memorable interviews from past episodes, highlighting the joy of storytelling over drinks. In this engaging conversation, Gina shares fascinating stories from his podcast, 'Bedtime Bar Stories,' highlighting extraordinary characters, ghostly encounters, and memorable customer interactions. The discussion explores the evolution of the bartending industry, favourite customer types, and hilarious restaurant mishaps, while also looking forward to exciting future guests and episodes.Chapters00:00 Festive Beginnings: Holiday Cheer and Introductions03:08 Holiday Traditions: Celebrations Across Cultures05:51 The Hospitality Hustle: Working Through the Holidays09:04 Family Gatherings: The Heart of Holiday Celebrations11:49 Thanksgiving vs. Christmas: A Cultural Comparison15:09 Engaging with Listeners: Questions and Interactions18:05 Cocktail Time: Festive Drink Recipes20:55 The Birth of Bedtime Bar Stories: A Journey of Storytelling23:46 Memorable Interviews: Highlights from the Podcast30:19 Extraordinary Characters and Iconic Venues31:48 The Essence of Bedtime Bar Stories32:45 Travel Tales and Unique Encounters34:35 Ghost Stories from Minerva's38:33 Finding Fascinating People41:22 Memorable Customer Interactions43:33 The Evolution of the Bartending Industry48:39 Favorite Customer Types51:07 Hilarious Restaurant Mishaps54:41 Dream Guests and Future Plans Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Bedtime Bar Stories, host Gina Noble takes listeners on a journey through the iconic Drake Hotel in Chicago, exploring its rich history, celebrity encounters, and the unique culture of hospitality that defines the establishment. Gina talks to Chris, Bob and Benny, long-time staff members of the Drake, who share their experiences and memorable stories, including interactions with famous guests like Princess Diana and Aretha Franklin. The conversation also touches on the impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry and the enduring relationships formed with guests over the years. Additionally, the episode delves into the hotel's folklore, including ghost stories that add to its mystique.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Bedtime Bar Stories00:58 The Drake Hotel: A Historical Overview03:26 Signature Cocktails and Hotel Culture04:53 Journeys to the Drake Hotel07:18 Memorable Encounters with Celebrities12:35 The Importance of Guest Relationships15:53 Anecdotes from the Hotel's Glory Days20:40 The Drake's Unique Legacy23:58 The Impact of COVID-19 on Hospitality25:49 Ghost Stories and Hotel Folklore32:37 Celebrity Encounters and Memorable Moments39:32 Haunted Tales and Ghostly Experiences46:01 The Heart of Hospitality: Personal Stories and Reflections58:56 The Drake's Rich History and Notable GuestsFind out more about The Drake here: https://www.thedrakehotel.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SummaryIn this episode of Bedtime Bar Stories, host Gina Noble is joined by guests Liz, Jake and Nadia to share heartfelt stories from their time in the bar industry, focusing on the impact of friendship, loss, and the signs from loved ones who have passed. Liz reminisces about a special friend, Levitt, whose untimely death left a profound mark on her life. The conversation flows into a night of reunion with friends, laughter, and unexpected adventures, highlighting the importance of connection and the magic of shared experiences. In this engaging conversation, Gina, Liz, Jake and Nadia share heartfelt stories about the power of connection, the beauty of being present in the moment, and a profound encounter with a clairvoyant. The discussion flows into the significance of communication and the impact of storytelling, particularly in the bartending world, where personal experiences and memorable encounters come to life. The conversation culminates in humorous and relatable tales from bartenders, highlighting the unique challenges and joys of their profession. Plus, Jake shares his signature cocktail recipe, the Chino Latino. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Bedtime Bar Stories02:15 Remembering Levitt: A Special Friendship08:31 The Impact of Loss and Grief12:20 Signs from Beyond: Levitt's Presence19:35 The Coven: A Night of Reunion and Revelry29:27 The Power of Connection32:16 Moments Over Memories36:06 A Clairvoyant Encounter40:50 The Gift of Communication44:02 Bartender Tales: A Prince Encounter52:28 Bar Mares: The Nightmares of Bartending Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gina is back wit the second part of her sit down with the elusive and charismatic Michael J Peter, best known as the ‘Godfather of the modern gentleman’s club’. Michael serves up a heady cocktail of stories from his life in the fast lane. His rise from humble beginnings in Orlando to becoming one of America’s leading nightclub operators and the colorful characters he met along the way from Donald Trump to the Pussycat Dolls. And when it comes to his thoughts on Trump, he doesn’t hold back.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The storyhunter returns for season 2 with a bang. Gina sits down with the elusive and charismatic Michael J Peter, best known as the ‘Godfather of the modern gentleman’s club’. Michael serves up a heady cocktail of stories from his life in the fast lane. His rise from humble beginnings in Orlando to becoming one of America’s leading nightclub operators and the colorful characters he met along the way from Donald Trump to the Pussycat Dolls. And when it comes to his thoughts on Trump, he doesn’t hold back. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Nightlife and Storytelling02:53 Legal Challenges in the Nightclub Business06:07 The Evolution of Nightclubs: From Orlando to Miami09:05 Creating Opportunities in Private Club Management12:01 The Impact of Family and Education on Career15:09 The Rise of MJ's and Studio 5418:12 Cocktail Culture and Personal Favorites20:06 Growing Up in Ithaca: A Unique Perspective24:03 The Influence of Academic Environment on Success24:59 The Journey from Bartender to Nightclub Owner32:13 Secrets to Running a Successful Bar35:45 The Music Industry and Celebrity Connections42:23 The Pinnacle of Musical Collaboration45:33 Transforming the Pussycat Dolls49:13 Memorable Stories from the Entertainment World51:55 A Brush with Donald Trump01:02:04 The Trump Connection: Business and Politics01:11:32 Reflections on Trump and His Influence Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We have a treat for you today… some terrifyingly funny comedians sharing their hangover horror stories including our very own Joe Bartnick along with fellow funnymen Mark Christopher, Steve Lamm, Freddy Finnerty and David Sadman. A special thank you to David for hosting us at his fabulous new comedy club… the Sadman Comedy Cafe in Boca Raton. This episode is sponsored by Anti-Elixr, the first beverage designed to reduce the aftereffects of drinking​: antielixir.comFind out more about Sadman Comedy here: sadmancomedyproductions.com / @sadmancomedyproductions / @sadmanscpFollow David Sadman: @david.sadman.180Follow Joe Bartnick: @mrjoebartnickFollow Mark Christopher: @markchaha Follow Freddy Finnerty: @freddyfinnertycomedyFollow Steve Lamb: @stevelammcomedyFind out more at: bedtimebarstories.comAs always, tips are welcome: https://bit.ly/BedtimeBarStoriesTipJarOriginal theme music by BVDHI: https://www.instagram.com/bvdhi_music Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's time for part 2 of our 'Summers On The Beach' episode. Step into a time machine and journey back to the neon-soaked, sun-kissed era of Fort Lauderdale in the 1980s! 🌴☀️ In this captivating podcast, we're taking you on a nostalgic trip through the vibrant and unforgettable moments that defined this iconic city during a truly unforgettable decade. Meet Alan and Suzanne who used to run the legendary 1980s Fort Lauderdale Bar 'Summers On The Beach' and hear all about the spring breaks of the 80s and go backstage with iconic music acts like Joan Jet. Find out more at: bedtimebarstories.com As always, tips welcome: https://bit.ly/BedtimeBarStoriesTipJar Original theme music by BVDHI: https://www.instagram.com/bvdhi_music Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Step back in time to the electrifying 1980s with our latest episode of Bedtime Bar Stories. Join Gina as she sits down with two legends of the Fort Lauderdale bar scene, Suzanne and Alan, who took the helm at the iconic "Summers on the Beach" bar.In this episode, we embark on a journey filled with sun, surf, and unforgettable memories as Suzanne and Alan regale us with their incredible stories from the golden age of Fort Lauderdale nightlife. Picture the beach at sunset, the sound of crashing waves, and the warm Florida breeze as we delve into:Wild Beach Parties: Hear about the wildest and most legendary beach parties that made Summers on the Beach the place to be.Sun-Kissed Days: Suzanne and Alan paint a vivid picture of the sunny days spent on the shores of Fort Lauderdale, where the fun never stopped.Iconic Cocktails: Discover the secrets behind the bar's signature cocktails that kept the crowds coming back for more.The Soundtrack of an Era: Relive the music that defined the 1980s and created the ultimate beach party atmosphere.Unforgettable Memories: From celebrity encounters to heartwarming stories of friendships formed, Suzanne and Alan share the moments that still bring a smile to their faces.Whether you're a seasoned spring breaker, a lover of nostalgia, or just in need of a great story, this episode will transport you to a time when life was a beachside party. So grab your virtual beach chair, put on your favorite shades, and tune in to "Summers on the Beach" with Suzanne and Alan, exclusively on Bedtime Bar Stories. Subscribe, listen, and let the good times roll! Find out more at: bedtimebarstories.comAs always, tips welcome: https://bit.ly/BedtimeBarStoriesTipJarOriginal theme music by BVDHI: https://www.instagram.com/bvdhi_music Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Bedtime Bar Stories is about love, loss and following your dreams wherever they may lead you. It starts, as so many adventures do, with a guy walking into a bar and locking eyes with a girl - in that most storied of towns, Vegas - but, with many twists and turns in between, it ends two and a half thousand miles away right here in Fort Lauderdale with them putting smiles on the faces of everyone from kids [facing critical illnesses] to tech billionaires. It’s the story behind one of Fort Lauderdale’s hottest attractions, the Hydro Flight Show, and its multi-talented creators Lena and Sean. Gina sat down with Lena & Sean at the fabulous Village Cafe North Beach Hotel in Fort Lauderdale: https://www.village-cafe.com Follow Lena & Sean here: https://www.instagram.com/thehydroflightshow Find out more about The Hydro Flight Show here: https://thehydroflightshow.comFind out more at: bedtimebarstories.com As always, tips welcome: https://bit.ly/BedtimeBarStoriesTipJar Original theme music by BVDHI: https://www.instagram.com/bvdhi_music Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summer might be over, but the story hunt is just getting started. The mysterious ‘Lee’ and ‘Cassandra’, big players in the sports and entertainment worlds, sit down with Gina at one of Fort Lauderdale’s hottest wine bars, the aptly named Rebel Wine Bar to share tales from a life in the fast lane.From being mistaken for a male prostitute to an Italian adventure that went so off the rails they almost didn’t make it back. This episode will either make you glad you’re safely back at home or leave you wanting to relive a crazy summer! Find out more about Rebel Wine Bar: https://rebelwinebar.com/Follow us at: bedtimebarstories.comAs always, tips welcome: https://bit.ly/BedtimeBarStoriesTipJarOriginal theme music by Omahrose: linktr.ee/Omahrose Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s opening night at the Bedtime Bar Stories virtual bar and who better to open than comedian, best-selling author, hockey expert and master-storyteller, Joe Bartnick. As you’d expect from a veteran of the stand up scene who’s shared the stage with Bill Burr, Lisa Lampanelli, Dave Chapelle and Robin Williams (to name just a few) Joe has a tale or two to tell. All X-rated of course and best served with Joe’s ‘not for the faint hearted’ take on a Manhattan.Find out more about Joe Bartnick on joebartnick.com Follow Joe on: Twitter / Instagram Find out more at: bedtimebarstories.com As always, tips welcome: https://bit.ly/BedtimeBarStoriesTipJar Original theme music by Omahrose: linktr.ee/Omahrose Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s episode is all about the magic of a barroom conversation with friends - you never quite know what you might end up talking about or where the time went. Gina sits down with Debbie and Ronnie to talk about dating disasters but they end up talking about coming out, a care-home break out, drugs smuggling, rum running, local Fort Lauderdale Lore and much, much more.Find out more at: bedtimebarstories.comOriginal theme music by Omahrose: linktr.ee/OmahroseFind out more about our sponsor Anti Elixir here: https://antielixir.com Find out more about The Floridian here: http://thefloridiandiner.com As always, tips welcome: https://bit.ly/BedtimeBarStoriesTipJar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gina explores the darker side of the nightlife industry where discretion is the name of the game. This week’s storytellers include one of Fort Lauderdale’s toughest heads of security, a charismatic couple of high-end hotel workers and a private chef who specialises in cooking with an ingredient illegal in 12 states. Just like this week’s stories, this week’s drinks are highly intoxicating and should be poured with discretion.Find out more at: bedtimebarstories.com Original theme music by Omahrose. Listen HEREAs always, tips welcome: https://bit.ly/BedtimeBarStoriesTipJar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The story hunt continues with Gina Noble and more of the Fort Lauderdale bar scene’s most colourful characters. This week’s stories include an amateur spy, a cockpit cowgirl and a ‘blue’ house along with the usual serving of great bars and cocktail recipes to make the story go down smoother.Find out more at: bedtimebarstories.comOriginal theme music by Omahrose: linktr.ee/OmahroseAs always, tips welcome: https://bit.ly/BedtimeBarStoriesTipJar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The great American story hunt begins as Gina hears stories from some of Fort Lauderdale’s most colorful characters in some of the city’s most iconic bars. First on the menu, it’s tales of a Cocaine Cowboy at the infamous Mutiny nightclub, a lost Ferrari and the hidden meaning of Pineapples…Find out more at: bedtimebarstories.comOriginal theme music by Omahrose: linktr.ee/OmahroseAs always, tips welcome: https://bit.ly/BedtimeBarStoriesTipJar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Gina Noble, the 'story-hunter-in-chief' and proud member of America's 15-million-strong hospitality workforce, as she travels across America, starting in Fort Liquordale itself, to test her belief, based on years serving everyone from the 'Wolves of Wall Street' to 'regular Joes', that everyone has a story and the best ones are found in bars. So whether you're turning in or turning out, it's the end of a long day or the party is just getting started... let Gina pour you a story because it's always story o'clock somewhere.Follow us at bedtimebarstories.comOriginal theme music by Omahrose: linktr.ee/OmahrosenQPfC26AIRW0LRlHwR7n Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.