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Luca The Podcast
Luca The Podcast
Author: Luca Missaglia
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© Luca Missaglia
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LUCA, THE PODCAST is a series of honest, inspiring, and unfiltered conversations with the people shaping the world of hospitality.
Hosted by Luca Missaglia — co-founder of The Art of Shaking — each episode dives deep into the stories, mindset, and passions of bartenders, brand founders, creatives, and industry leaders from around the globe.
🎧 New episodes every Sunday
📺 Watch full video episodes on YouTube: youtube.com/@lucathepodcast
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @lucathepodcast
💌 Contact: lucathepodcast@gmail.com
Hosted by Luca Missaglia — co-founder of The Art of Shaking — each episode dives deep into the stories, mindset, and passions of bartenders, brand founders, creatives, and industry leaders from around the globe.
🎧 New episodes every Sunday
📺 Watch full video episodes on YouTube: youtube.com/@lucathepodcast
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @lucathepodcast
💌 Contact: lucathepodcast@gmail.com
34 Episodes
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From a Fine Arts degree in acting to becoming a leading voice at New York’s legendary Employees Only, Matt Maretz embodies creativity and dedication in hospitality.🎙 In this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST, Matt talks about:– His early inspirations and unexpected path into bartending– What makes Employees Only such a special place– How he approaches creativity and menu development– His take on mental health, balance, and the future of bars– Advice he’d give to his younger self📩 Contact: lucathepodcast@gmail.com📲 Instagram: @lucathepodcast📺 Watch on YouTube: LUCA, THE PODCAST
Recorded at the Athens Bar Show, this special edition of LUCA, THE PODCAST features Lauren Mote — educator, mentor and global voice in hospitality.This episode explores what truly defines a great bar, the power of mentorship, and how legacy is built through purpose, not ego.We talk about:• Belonging in hospitality• The three stages of life & career• Mentorship as friendship, experience & accountability• AI and the future of bartending• Why personality and purpose matter more than perfectionThis episode is made possible thanks to: https://theartofshaking.com/THE ART OF SHAKING: AMARO SANTONI: https://amarosantoni.com/en/prodotto/amaro-santoni/Special thanks to Athens Bar Show for hosting.📩 lucathepodcast@gmail.com📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lucathepodcast
In this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST, Luca sits down with Alex Kratena — one of the most respected and influential figures in global hospitality.From his early years in Central Europe to witnessing 9/11 in New York…From leading the Artesian to multiple World’s 50 Best Bar wins…From walking away at the peak to building Tayēr + Elementary…This conversation goes far beyond cocktails.We talk about:• Pressure and recognition• Toxic environments and leadership• Why awards can change your life — but shouldn’t define it• Creativity as a language• Entrepreneurship vs corporate life• Governments and the reality of running hospitality businesses• Happiness and purpose--Recorded at Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge.This episode is made possible thanks to:THE ART OF SHAKINGhttps://theartofshaking.com/AMARO SANTONIhttps://amarosantoni.com/en/prodotto/amaro-santoni/Follow us on Instagram:@lucathepodcast
In this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST, recorded at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge, Luca Missaglia sits down with Pietro Rizzo to discuss curiosity, discipline, brand identity and what truly defines a modern bartender.Pietro reflects on his Italian roots, his international journey and the importance of personality, pride and constant learning in hospitality.This episode explores:– Why personality beats technique– The power of curiosity in career growth– Building credibility in a competitive industry– Leadership and mentorship– The mindset required for long-term success🎙️ Podcast supported by The Art of Shaking🍊 In partnership with Amaro Santoni🙏 Special thanks to the Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge📩 Contact: lucathepodcast@gmail.com📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lucathepodcast
In this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST, recorded at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, Luca Missaglia sits down with Michele Lombardi to explore discipline, luxury hospitality, and what truly defines a great bartender.From his early days in his family’s bar in Italy to leading beverage programs in London’s five-star hotels, Michele shares how responsibility, precision, communication and education shaped his career.Topics include:– Growing up in hospitality– Adapting to London’s competitive cocktail culture– Why technique alone isn’t enough– Luxury as an experience, not a material concept– Mentorship, team culture and long-term growth--🎙️ Podcast supported by The Art of Shaking🍊 In partnership with Amaro Santoni📩 Contact: lucathepodcast@gmail.com📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lucathepodcast
In this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST, recorded at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge, Luca Missaglia sits down with Camille Vidal to discuss mindful drinking, burnout, and the future of hospitality.Camille opens up about her journey from working behind the bar and traveling the world as a global brand ambassador to founding La Maison Wellness — a platform dedicated to balance, wellbeing, and a healthier relationship with alcohol in our industry.This conversation explores:– Why hospitality burns out its best people– How mindful drinking can change the way we gather– The concept of healthy hedonism– Why balance is essential for long-term success– Creating a more inclusive and sustainable drinking culture🎙️ Podcast supported by The Art of Shaking👉 https://theartofshaking.com/🍊 In partnership with Amaro Santoni👉 https://amarosantoni.com/en/prodotto/amaro-santoni/🙏 Special thanks to Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge📩 Contact: lucathepodcast@gmail.com📲 Instagram: https://instagram.com/lucathepodcast📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lucathepodcast
In this Athens Bar Show Edition of LUCA, THE PODCAST, Luca Missaglia sits down with Julio Bermejo, one of the most respected and authentic voices in global hospitality.From creating the Tommy’s Margarita to championing 100% agave tequila decades before it became mainstream, Julio shares a lifetime of wisdom rooted in curiosity, humility, and genuine human connection.This episode explores:The true meaning of hospitalityWhy sincerity matters more than perfectionTequila, tradition, and educationListening as the most underrated skillWhat keeps a bar relevant after 60 yearsAn episode about people, presence, and doing things the right way — for the long run.--📍 Recorded at the Athens Bar Show🙏 With special thanks to Athens Bar Show🎙️ Podcast supported by The Art of Shaking👉 https://theartofshaking.com/🍊 In partnership with Amaro Santoni👉 https://amarosantoni.com/en/prodotto/amaro-santoni/📩 Contact: lucathepodcast@gmail.com📲 Instagram: https://instagram.com/lucathepodcast📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lucathepodcast
In this special Athens Bar Show Edition of LUCA, THE PODCAST, Luca Missaglia sits down with Daniyel Jones for a deeply inspiring conversation about hospitality, knowledge, mentorship, and personal growth.Daniyel reflects on his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a respected global voice in education and hospitality. He speaks candidly about gratitude, discipline, failure, and why applying what you learn is the true key to success — not fame, not trends, and not shortcuts.Topics include:Gratitude as the essence of hospitalityWhy knowledge without application is meaninglessMentorship, evolution, and long-term growthWhat makes a bar truly greatServing people with intention and responsibility--📍 Recorded at the Athens Bar Show🙏 With special thanks to Athens Bar Show🎙️ Podcast supported by The Art of Shaking👉 https://theartofshaking.com/🍊 In partnership with Amaro Santoni👉 https://amarosantoni.com/en/prodotto/amaro-santoni/📩 Contact: lucathepodcast@gmail.com📲 Instagram: https://instagram.com/lucathepodcast📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lucathepodcast
In this Athens Bar Show Edition of LUCA, THE PODCAST, Luca Missaglia sits down with Claire Warner for an honest, thought-provoking conversation about hospitality, communication, and the future of human connection.Claire shares her perspective on why bars and hospitality venues play a critical role in teaching us how to be social, empathetic, and present in real life — especially at a time when screens, isolation, and social anxiety are reshaping how we interact.Topics include:The future of communication in hospitalityBars as spaces for social learning and connectionLoneliness as a social and physical health issueEducation, mentorship, and emotional intelligence behind the barWhy hospitality is about experience, emotion, and meaningAn episode that challenges the industry to think bigger — and more human.--📍 Recorded at the Athens Bar Show🙏 With special thanks to Athens Bar Show🎙️ Podcast supported by The Art of Shaking 👉 https://theartofshaking.com/🍊 In partnership with Amaro Santoni 👉 https://amarosantoni.com/en/prodotto/amaro-santoni/📩 Contact: lucathepodcast@gmail.com📲 Instagram: https://instagram.com/lucathepodcast📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lucathepodcast
In this special Athens Bar Show Edition of LUCA, THE PODCAST, Luca Missaglia sits down with Chiara Buzzi to talk about hospitality beyond trends, ego, and performance.Chiara reflects on her journey running bars in Milan, developing cultural and educational projects, and navigating leadership, burnout, and responsibility in a constantly changing industry. She speaks openly about why hospitality is not about fame or cocktails — but about people, presence, and care.Topics include:– The difference between service and real hospitality– Leadership and responsibility toward young teams– Why education is still missing in our industry– Burnout, balance, and learning to say no– What it truly means to host people today--📍 Recorded at the Athens Bar Show🙏 With special thanks to Athens Bar Show🎙️ Podcast supported by The Art of Shaking👉 https://theartofshaking.com/🍊 In partnership with Amaro Santoni👉 https://amarosantoni.com/en/prodotto/amaro-santoni/📩 Contact: lucathepodcast@gmail.com📲 Instagram: https://instagram.com/lucathepodcast📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lucathepodcast
Recorded at the Athens Bar Show, this episode features Georgia Georgakopoulou, whose journey from a small town in Peloponnese to leading one of the world’s most recognized bar teams is nothing short of inspiring.Georgia shares her grounded and refreshing perspective on hospitality:– Why humility is her greatest tool behind the bar. – How The Clumsies shaped her leadership and identity.– Why “people serving people” is the real essence of hospitality.– What Greece is missing — and what’s about to change.– Her dream of creating impact through mentorship and education.An episode filled with honesty, clarity, and heart.🙏 Special thanks to the Athens Bar Show for making this conversation possible.--📍 Recorded at the Athens Bar Show🎙️ Supported by The Art of Shaking → https://theartofshaking.com/🍊 Powered by Amaro Santoni → https://amarosantoni.com/en/prodotto/amaro-santoni/📩 Contact: lucathepodcast@gmail.com📲 Instagram: https://instagram.com/lucathepodcast📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lucathepodcast
In this Athens Bar Show special, LUCA, THE PODCAST sits down with Bex Almqvist — a bartender turned brand ambassador turned distiller, whose journey embodies passion, humility, and the courage to rebuild a dream from scratch.Bex shares her incredible story:– Growing up in the UK cocktail scene at The Lonsdale– The mentors who shaped her path and pushed her forward– Competing, learning, and becoming a voice in the industry– Burnout, four years living in the mountains, and finding herself again – Building a distillery with her own hands, guided by balance, texture, and purpose– What the industry needs next — and how education must evolveA story about obsession, resilience, and the beauty of starting over.--📍 Recorded at the Athens Bar Show🎙️ Sponsored by The Art of Shaking → https://theartofshaking.com/🍊 In partnership with Amaro Santoni → https://amarosantoni.com/en/prodotto/amaro-santoni/📩 Contact: lucathepodcast@gmail.com📲 Instagram: https://instagram.com/lucathepodcast📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lucathepodcast
Recorded at the Athens Bar Show, this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST dives into the mind of Arina Nikolskaya, a linguist-turned-industry leader who reshaped how bar communities connect and evolve.Arina shares how she went from an accidental job interview to running her own bar show, why communication matters more than technique, and what most people misunderstand about hospitality and creativity.A sharp, inspiring look into culture, leadership, and building something bigger than yourself.📍 Recorded at the Athens Bar Show📩 Contact: lucathepodcast@gmail.com📲 Instagram: https://instagram.com/lucathepodcast📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lucathepodcast
From barista to brand ambassador to bar owner, Ricardo Nava represents the new wave of Mexican hospitality. Known for his work at Limantour, his years leading education for Bacardí Latin America, and now as co-creator of Bar Mauro, Ricardo brings authenticity, family values, and purpose to every step of his career.Recorded in Mexico City, this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST explores:– How Limantour shaped his identity as a bartender– What winning World Class Mexico meant for his life– The birth of Bar Mauro and the meaning behind its DNA– The importance of community, mentorship, and humility– His advice for young bartenders chasing a dream📍 Recorded in Mexico City📩 Contact: lucathepodcast@gmail.com📲 Instagram: https://instagram.com/lucathepodcast📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lucathepodcast
From a Kurdish refugee family in Sweden to opening one of New York’s most talked-about bars, Moe Aljaff has turned rebellion into art. Founder of the Schmuck brand, Moe shares his story of persistence, independence, and building something from nothing — by doing it all his own way.🎙 In this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST, recorded in New York City, Moe talks about:– How growing up as a refugee shaped his creative mindset– The rise of Two Schmucks and what it taught him about identity– The decision to bring his brand to New York– His leadership philosophy and approach to chaos– Why authenticity beats perfection — every time📍 Recorded in New York City📩 Contact: lucathepodcast@gmail.com📲 Instagram: @lucathepodcast📺 Watch on YouTube: LUCA, THE PODCAST
From Como to Barcelona, from fixing engines to designing the world’s most awarded bars, Simone Caporale has built a career defined by precision, creativity, and passion. Co-founder of SIPS — World’s Best Bar 2023 — and former head bartender at The Artesian, Simone redefines what hospitality can be when design meets emotion.🎙 In this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST, recorded in Barcelona, Simone shares:– How he found his calling behind the bar– The creative mindset behind The Artesian and SIPS– The balance between artistry and discipline– His advice for young bartenders entering the new era of hospitality📍 Recorded in Barcelona📩 Contact: lucathepodcast@gmail.com📲 Instagram: @lucathepodcast📺 Watch on YouTube: LUCA, THE PODCAST
From shaping the gold standard of luxury service at The Connaught Bar in London to co-founding MWA in Mexico City, Maura Lawrence Milia is leading a new era of hospitality built on authenticity, creativity, and purpose.🎙 In this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST, recorded in Mexico City, Maura shares:– How she left one of the world’s best bars to start fresh in Mexico– The vision behind MWA and its venues Outline, Café Arigie, and Copal– Why she believes Mexico is “on fire” with creative energy– Her philosophy on mentorship, consistency, and building legacy– What’s next for her and her growing hospitality family📍 Recorded in Mexico City📩 Contact: lucathepodcast@gmail.com📲 Instagram: @lucathepodcast📺 Watch on YouTube: LUCA, THE PODCAST
From a childhood in Hawaii to becoming one of the most respected voices in modern mixology, Julie Reiner has transformed hospitality in New York City and beyond. Founder of Clover Club, Leyenda, and Milady’s, she built her reputation on mentorship, creativity, and consistency.🎙 In this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST, recorded in New York City, Julie shares:– How she pioneered the craft-cocktail movement in NYC– Why mentorship is the key to lasting success– The stories behind her most iconic cocktails– Her experience judging Netflix’s Drink Masters– What balance and purpose mean after three decades in the industry📍 Recorded in New York City📩 Contact: lucathepodcast@gmail.com📲 Instagram: @lucathepodcast📺 Watch on YouTube: LUCA, THE PODCAST
From Marina di Carrara to the top of the cocktail world, Giacomo Giannotti’s story is built on family values, creativity, and hard work. Founder of Paradiso, the #1 Bar in the World, Giacomo opens up about his roots, his process of innovation, and his ongoing mission to create not just cocktails—but meaningful experiences.🎙 In this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST, recorded in Barcelona, Giacomo talks about:– The family origins that shaped his passion for hospitality– The creation of Paradiso and how he built its identity– The power of creativity through the Paradiso Lab– His views on sustainability and human responsibility in bars– What’s next for him and the future of Paradiso📍 Recorded at the Miiro Borneta Hotel, Barcelona📩 Contact: lucathepodcast@gmail.com📲 Instagram: @lucathepodcast📺 Watch on YouTube: LUCA, THE PODCAST
From Marine Corps discipline to managing some of the busiest and most influential cocktail bars in the world, Steve Schneider has built a career defined by passion, toughness, and relentless drive.🎙 In this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST, recorded in NYC, Steve shares:– His journey from military life to bartending– Lessons learned at Employees Only and how it shaped his leadership– The challenges and rewards of opening bars in multiple countries– His philosophy on legacy, mentorship, and what keeps him inspired📍 Recorded in New York City📩 Contact: lucathepodcast@gmail.com📲 Instagram: @lucathepodcast📺 Watch on YouTube: LUCA, THE PODCAST




