The Post Shift Podcast with Shawn Soole

In this episode, Shawn Soole sits down with hospitality trail-blazer April Wachtel — a bartender-turned-entrepreneur with more than 25 years in the beverage world, now founder and CEO of Cheeky Cocktails. She opens up about shifting from behind the bar to building a scalable brand, and how she’s helping both professionals and home enthusiasts elevate their game. 🧠 What You’ll Learn• How April progressed from busser and bartender to brand ambassador for major spirits companies — and finally to creating her own line of professional-grade mixers and syrups. • The story of Cheeky Cocktails: why she spotted a gap in the mixer market, how she rebranded and scaled during the pandemic, and what “premium cocktail ingredients made accessible” really means. • Key lessons in entrepreneurship: product development, early-stage manufacturing, route-to-market strategy, and how to survive in a male-dominated industry. • Live Q&A: focusing on how to start with small budgets, build brand equity, navigate failure, and make a meaningful impact in the beverage industry.⏱ Timestamp Highlights (Approximate)• 00:02:30 – April’s early hospitality beginnings: bartending, beverages, brand work• 00:14:00 – Recognizing the gap: why mixers and syrups needed a rethink in the craft-cocktail era• 00:28:00 – Building Cheeky Cocktails: pivots, scaling, distribution & pandemic dynamics• 00:42:00 – Live Q&A: advice on entrepreneurship, inclusion, and staying creative behind the scenes• 00:58:00+ – What’s next: product innovation, education, and building community around the bar-to-business journey🎯 Who It’s ForBartenders, beverage directors, hospitality entrepreneurs, CPG founders, and anyone curious about how the bar world and product world intersect — how you turn craft into brand and experience into scale.✅ If You Loved This Episode• Tap Like• Subscribe and hit the 🔔 to catch more live conversations with industry makers• Leave a comment with your favourite April insight — or ask your burning question about starting a beverage brand• Share this episode with your bar team, your network of creators, or anyone looking to make their mark in hospitality

In this episode, Shawn Soole talks with Lindsey Johnson — founder of Lush Life Productions, creator of Camp Runamok, and organizer of PDXCW — about her mission to uplift hospitality professionals through education, grassroots activism, and creative collaboration. Lindsey shares stories of building communities, offering inclusive training, and using limited resources to drive change. 🧠 What You’ll Learn• Lindsey’s journey from bartender to community builder and educator. The philosophy behind her grassroots bar tours, training pop-ups, and hospitality pop culture events. How “jam econo” (doing more with less) informs her approach to building educational spaces for bartenders. • Stories of organizing on the road — pop-ups, training, pop culture collabs, and social advocacy in hospitality. • Live Q&A: scaling community events, hospitality activism, and empowering bar professionals through inclusivity and education.⏱ Timestamp Highlights (Estimated)• 00:02:45 – Lindsey’s background and how she began building Lush Life Productions.• 00:14:20 – The story behind Camp Runamok and the philosophy of grassroots training.• 00:28:00 – PDXCW: designing workshops and events for the community. • 00:42:10 – Live Q&A: empowering bartenders, building inclusive cultures, activism.• 00:58:00+ – What’s next: future events, education programs, and community growth.🎯 Who It’s ForBartenders, hospitality professionals, educators, event organizers, and anyone who wants to build meaningful communities, create inclusive learning experiences, or make an impact through hospitality. If You Loved This Episode• Hit Like• Subscribe and ring the 🔔 for more conversations with industry changemakers• Share your favourite Lindsey insight or question in the comments• Share this with your team, your colleagues, or anyone in the hospitality community

In this episode, Shawn Soole sits down with Ryan Foley — publisher of BARTENDER Magazine, author, and advocate for the craft. Together, they dig into how media shapes the narrative of hospitality, the evolving coverage of the trade, and what it takes to document the bar world with clarity and purpose.What You’ll Learn• Ryan’s path from bartender coverage to leading a major industry publication• How BARTENDER Magazine influences trade trends, education and professional standards• His role in amplifying non-alcoholic cocktail education and bar best practices• The intersection of content, culture, and bar commentary• Live Q&A focusing on journalism, trade events, and how media supports hospitality growthTimestamp Highlights (Approximate)• 00:02:30 – Ryan’s background and the genesis of BARTENDER Magazine• 00:14:00 – The role of trade media in shaping bar culture and education• 00:28:00 – Expanding into non-alcoholic content and serving professionals• 00:42:00 – Live Q&A: media, mentoring emerging talent, and covering hospitality in real time• 00:58:00+ – What’s next: editorial direction, industry events, and evolving narrative🎯 Who It’s ForBar managers, hospitality leaders, beverage directors, writers, and anyone interested in how media and storytelling influence the trajectory of the industry.✅ If You Loved This Episode• Hit Like• Subscribe and ring the 🔔 to stay up-to-date with expert-led conversations• Drop your favorite takeaway from Ryan or ask any questions in the comments• Share this with your team or your hospitality network

In this episode, Shawn Soole sits down with Kate Chernoff — the newly crowned World Class Canada Bartender of the Year 2025, based out of Keefer Bar in Vancouver. A bartender with a natural gift for hospitality, story-driven craft, and competitive fire, Kate takes us through her ascent, her philosophy behind every shift, and how she’s representing Canada on the the global stage. What You’ll Learn• Kate’s journey from student to bartender, and how she discovered a passion for the craft. • How competitions shaped her style and voice behind the bar—technical skill, storytelling, creativity. • Her winning approach in challenges that include flair, flavour, and sustainable thinking. • How she infuses hospitality with heart — making guests feel seen and welcomed. • Live Q&A on performing under pressure, preparing for global finals, and staying true to her roots while growing publicly.Timestamp Highlights (Estimated)• 00:02:30 – Kate’s early days behind the bar and what drove her into competition.• 00:14:00 – Behind the scenes of her winning performance at World Class Canada.• 00:28:00 – Balancing creativity, technique, and sustainability in cocktail development.• 00:42:00 – Live Q&A: lessons from competition, and moving into global finals.• 00:58:00+ – What’s next: representing Canada, refining her craft, and mentoring others.🎯 Who It’s ForBartenders, hospitality leaders, competition hopefuls, and anyone wanting to see how passion + technique + narrative can lead to national recognition — and beyond.✅ If You Loved This Episode• Hit Like• Subscribe and ring the 🔔 to catch more episodes featuring rising stars & industry legends• Drop your favorite Kate insight or send your questions in the comments• Share this with your team or colleagues who love craft, competitions, and growth

In this episode, Shawn Soole sits down with bartender, educator, and creator Stephen Myers to explore how one builds a meaningful presence from the ground up—blending craft, content, and authenticity in a crowded field.What You’ll LearnStephen’s journey: from behind the bar to developing his digital brandThe mindset behind consistent content creation and storytellingHow to find your niche voice—even when the noise is loudConnecting community and craft: techniques, tools, and growthLive Q&A: content strategy, monetization, burnout, and staying inspired in hospitalityTimestamp Highlights (Approximate) 00:02:30 – Stephen’s beginnings and storytelling aspirations 00:14:00 – Finding a unique brand voice in hospitality 00:28:00 – Building systems and processes for consistency 00:42:00 – Live Q&A: advice on content, collaboration, and sustainability 00:58:00+ – Where Stephen’s headed next: projects, community, and growth 🎯 Who It’s ForBar operators, content creators, educators, and anyone looking to build a personal presence rooted in craft, authenticity, and community. ✅ If You Loved This EpisodeGive it a LikeSubscribe and hit the 🔔 for more conversations from hospitality’s creatorsDrop your favorite Stephen insight or leave a question in the commentsShare this with your team, creative peers, or anyone looking to find their voice

In this special milestone episode, Shawn Soole sits down with Patrick Dooley, bartender-turned-writer and creator of Boulevardier. Together they explore how one builds a narrative in hospitality, crafts a personal brand, and translates lived bar experience into meaningful storytelling and influence. What You’ll Learn Patrick’s journey behind Boulevardier—why he writes and how the bar perspective shapes his voice The balance between bar work, writing, and maintaining relevance in cocktail journalism How to build content that resonates: finding your niche, staying candid, and evolving with your audience Strategies for monetizing creative work without sacrificing authenticity Live Q&A: managing criticism, staying inspired, and scaling your influence across the industry Timestamp Highlights (Approximate) 00:02:30 – Patrick’s origin: how and why he started Boulevardier 00:14:15 – Crossover craft: blending bar life and writing voice 00:28:00 – Navigating content strategy, growth, and maintaining integrity 00:42:20 – Audience questions: growth pains, brand deals, and staying fresh 00:57:00+ – Looking ahead: new projects, collaborations & what’s next 🎯 Who It’s ForBartenders, content creators, hospitality professionals, and anyone interested in how to turn passion into platform—this is for those who want to build something that lasts beyond the bar shift. ✅ If You Loved This Episode Like this video Subscribe and hit the 🔔 to get future episodes Drop your favorite Patrick insight or question in the comments Share this episode with your team, collaborators, or friends in the industry

Join Shawn Soole in a dynamic conversation with Geoffrey Toffetti, a hospitality insider turned CEO who’s reshaping how frontline teams drive guest experience and revenue. From his early days as a hotel valet to leading FPG’s SaaS revolution with IN‑Gauge, Geoffrey shares the behind‑the‑scenes strategies that empower hotels to sell more, serve better, and scale smarter.What You’ll Learn• Geoffrey’s journey from valet to C‑suite—building empathy and strategy from the ground up • FPG’s pivot from consulting to a scalable SaaS model, designing IN‑Gauge to empower staff at the point of sale • The value of incremental revenue via front desk and F&B upselling—high-margin, high-impact, low‑overhead • How FPG onboard and train large teams virtually, from launch cadence to ongoing client success frameworks • Looking ahead: integrating AI not to replace, but to amplify frontline creativity, backed by decades of performance data Timestamp Highlights (Estimated)• 00:02:30 – Starting as a valet and rising into leadership—Geoffrey’s hospitality origin story• 00:14:00 – Building IN-Gauge: FPG’s shift to digital training and performance insights• 00:28:00 – Revenue without renovation: how hotels unlock millions with existing resources• 00:42:00 – Rolling out FPG’s onboarding and client success strategy—scalable, virtual, consistent• 00:58:00+ – Leveraging AI to support—not replace—human connection at the frontline🎯 Who It’s ForHotel leaders, beverage and customer experience managers, training directors, and hospitality operators eager to turn frontline moments into powerful revenue engines—all while empowering staff and keeping the guest at the heart.✅ If You Loved This Episode Hit Like Subscribe and ring the 🔔 to stay connected with the latest in hospitality innovation Share your biggest takeaway—or your dream upsell strategy—in the comments Spread the knowledge: share this episode with your team or industry community

In this episode, Shawn Soole chats with Charlotte Voisey, newly appointed Executive Director of the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. For nearly two decades before this role, Charlotte shaped the industry as the global head of ambassadors at William Grant & Sons. Now, she’s steering the future of the global cocktail community-here’s how.What You’ll Learn• Charlotte’s journey: from bartender across London, Barcelona, Buenos Aires, and New York to industry leader and educator • How she helped craft the legendary experiences at Tales of the Cocktail-and the hands-on parties, seminars, and cultural moments that made the event iconic • What’s next for Tales in 2025 under her leadership: the theme “Evolve,” expanded seminar tracks from education to wellness and business, and a renewed focus on preparation for the industry’s future • Balancing the legacy of the global gathering with innovation, inclusivity, and the energy of newcomers-Tales continues evolving while honoring its roots • What attendees-both returning and first-timers-can expect, and how Charlotte is helping tailor the experience for diverse generations and needs Timestamp Highlights (Estimated)00:02:30 – Charlotte’s global journey from bartender to global brand ambassador to festival leader00:15:00 – Tales’ party legacy and the storytelling that made it legendary00:30:00 – Shifting from ambassador to Executive Director-what this role means for the industry00:42:00 – "Evolve" in 2025: new seminar tracks, future-forward programming, and inclusion strategies00:58:00+ – How Charlotte is bridging generations and shaping a forward-looking Tales experience🎯 Who It’s ForBar leaders, event organizers, educators, and anyone invested in the culture, community, and evolution of hospitality-this episode shows how leadership and vision drive progress.✅ If You Loved This Episode• Hit Like• Subscribe and ring the 🔔 to stay tuned for more conversations from hospitality’s changemakers• Share your favorite Charlotte insight-or a memory from Tales-in the comments• Share with your team, industry peers, or anyone passionate about where the cocktail community is headed

NEW EPISODE - Friday 9am PSTIn this episode, Shawn Soole chats with Charlotte Voisey, newly appointed Executive Director of the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. For nearly two decades before this role, Charlotte shaped the industry as the global head of ambassadors at William Grant & Sons. Now, she’s steering the future of the global cocktail community.

In this special episode, Shawn Soole sits down with the iconic Dale DeGroff , widely known as The King of Cocktails , for a legendary conversation on how he shaped modern cocktail culture and continues to inspire the next generation of bar leaders.What You’ll Learn• Dale’s origins—and how his journey transformed the craft of bartending into an art.• His pioneering work in building storied venues that blurred the lines between bar and experience.• The philosophy behind reviving forgotten cocktail traditions while embracing innovation.• How he mentored and influenced a generation of bar professionals—raising the ceiling for the entire industry.• Live Q&A: insights on staying creative, navigating change, and ensuring legacy lives on.Timestamp Highlights 00:02:30 – Dale’s cocktail calling: early inspirations and the ‘why’ behind the craft. 00:14:00 – Defining modern mixology: reinvention of service, spirit, and storytelling. 00:28:00 – Venue-building with intention: creating cocktail destination experiences. 00:42:00 – Live Q\&A: mentorship, creativity beyond the bar, and staying true to your vision. 00:58:00+ – What’s next: lessons for today’s bar leaders and the future of cocktail culture.Who It’s ForBartenders, hospitality leaders, cocktail aficionados, and anyone eager to understand how one person’s vision transformed a global culture—and what that means for the future of the bar industry.If You Loved This Episode Give it a Like Subscribe and tap the 🔔 for ongoing live conversations with hospitality’s bestLeave your favorite Dale DeGroff quote or question in the comments—keep the legacy going!Share with your bar team or industry peers to inspire the next wave of craftsmanship

In this episode, Shawn Soole chats with Vancouver Island’s shellfish expert and restaurateur Jess Taylor, founder of the acclaimed Wandering Mollusk and now the driving force behind Shuck Taylor’s. Jess takes us on a journey from catering to community hubs—covering everything from live shucks and local sourcing to building a brand that celebrates creativity, locality, and approachable hospitality.What You'll Learn* Jess’s early start-up in shellfish catering and the birth of Wandering Mollusk* The origins and ethos behind Shuck Taylor’s: fresh bivalves, big flavour, and a welcoming vibe* Why local sourcing and Pacific Northwest terroir matter in every bite—and slurp* Building community: craft events, casual menus, and the art of hospitality retail* Live Q&A: menu development, scaling for service, and staying true to regional rootsTimestamp Highlights* 00:02:45 – From catering entrepreneur to local seafood icon: Jess’s beginning* 00:12:30 – Launching Shuck Taylor’s: concept, community, and identity* 00:24:15 – Sourcing regionally and cultivating quality from sea to shell* 00:35:40 – Live Q\&A: operations tips, event planning, and team culture* 00:48:00 – What’s next for Shuck Taylor’s: growth, new menus, and creative directionWho It’s ForRestaurateurs, chefs, hospitality operators, and anyone passionate about building local food experiences—from pop-up roots to brick-and-mortar success.If You Loved This Episode* Hit Like * Subscribe and tap the 🔔 for weekly industry-style conversations* Tell us your favourite shellfish moment—or ask Jess a question—in the comments* Share this episode with your culinary or local business community

NEW EPISODE drops Friday, 9am PSTIn this trailer, I get to chat to Jess Taylor of Shuck Taylor's and how he has built not just the brick and mortar of the space but the culture with his team, all while elevating the seafood scene in BC.

In this episode, Shawn Soole welcomes Kimberly Flear , founder of Last Call Coaching , for a heartfelt and transformative conversation. Kimberly shares her journey from burnout and addiction within the hospitality industry to becoming a leading advocate for well-being, psychological safety, and sustainable leadership in the places we serve.What You’ll Learn* Kimberly’s personal story: going from service to self-care and recovery* Building recovery-ready workplaces that prioritize mental health and psychological safety * Leadership that centers empathy, employee engagement, and staff retention * Practical strategies for reducing turnover, absenteeism, and promoting a sustainable team culture * Live Q&A: advice on launching wellness initiatives, empowering teams, and bringing recovery awareness into hospitalityTimestamp Highlights* 00:02:30 – Kimberly shares her early hospitality roots and turning point into recovery* 00:12:00 – Launching Last Call Coaching and what motivated the mission* 00:25:30 – Core principles of building recovery-ready workplaces—well-being meets business* 00:38:00 – Live Q\&A: managing stigma, bringing training into teams, and speaking truth to leaders* 00:52:00 – Kimberly’s vision forward: tools, workshops, and culture change in actionWho It’s ForThis episode is essential for hospitality owners, managers, HR leaders, and anyone passionate about creating cultures that support both team well-being and operational excellence.If You Loved This Episode* Hit Like * Subscribe and tap the 🔔 for weekly industry-style conversations

NEW EPISODE drops Friday, 9am PSTIn this trailer, I chat with Kimberly Flear about mental health and how it is evolving, changing and finally getting better in the hospitality industry.

In this episode, Shawn Soole dives deep with drinks writer and historian Robert Simonson, exploring not only the evolution of iconic cocktails like the Martini and Old‑Fashioned but also spotlighting his pivotal role launching the very first Martini Expo-a groundbreaking, immersive Martini celebration happening this fall in New York City.What You’ll Learn• How Robert moved from theater writing to chronicling the cocktail revival.• The enduring appeal of the Martini and Old‑Fashioned-and why these classics still matter.• Behind-the-scenes insight into his book A Proper Drink and other seminal works like 3‑Ingredient Cocktails.• Why the Martini Expo, launching September 12–13 at Industry City in Brooklyn, is a landmark moment for the industry. Expect tasting seminars, book signings, a Three‑Martini lunch, a glittering Martini Mixer, and more. • Live Q&A: writing for hospitality, preserving cocktail storytelling, and the cultural power of a great Martini.Timestamp Highlights (Approximate)00:02:30 – Robert’s path to becoming a leading voice in cocktail history.00:14:00 – Unpacking the Old-Fashioned: origins, evolution, and legacy.00:28:00 – The Martini’s story: shifts, myths, and modern relevance.00:42:00 – A Proper Drink and the drive to document the cocktail revival.00:58:00+ – Q&A: tips on writing, research, and bringing drink culture into the future.Who It’s ForBartenders, beverage directors, authors, and cocktail lovers who value stories as much as drinks-and who are intrigued by the Martini’s rise to its own festival stage.If You Enjoyed This Episode• Hit Like• Subscribe and ring the 🔔 for more conversations that bridge history, culture, and the bar world• Share your favorite Robert insight-or ask about what you’d like to see at the Martini Expo-in the comments• Share this episode with your bar team, content community, or cocktail-forward friends

NEW EPISODE drops Friday, 9am PSTIn this trailer, Robert Simonson breaks down the nuances of building a true classic martini—covering ratios, technique, and philosophy—offering insider insight ahead of his Martini Expo in New York.

In the episode, Shawn Soole is joined by industry heavyweight Pietro Collina, whose résumé includes legendary institutions like Eleven Madison Park, NoMad, and his current role as Beverage Director for The Teslef Group (Viajante 87, Los Mochis, Sale e Pepe). In this candid and inspiring session, Pietro shares how he’s helped define some of the world’s most influential bar and restaurant programs-through mentorship, precision, and hospitality-driven creativity.What You’ll Learn• Pietro’s journey through Eleven Madison Park and the culture that shaped him• How NoMad helped bridge fine dining and cocktail excellence• His philosophy on building bar programs that reflect identity, purpose, and flow• The creative process behind Viajante 87’s bar experience and The Teslef Group’s beverage DNA• Audience Q\&A on training teams, scaling systems, and delivering consistency across multiple venues 📌 Timestamp Highlights00:03:00 – Entering the world of fine dining at Eleven Madison Park00:15:00 – Lessons from NoMad: bar meets kitchen meets guest experience00:30:00 – Designing the beverage program at Viajante 8700:45:00 – Live Q&A: leadership, team culture, and scalable excellence01:00:00+ – What’s next: expansion, new projects, and collaborative growth🎯 Who It’s ForBar and restaurant leaders, beverage directors, and operators looking to create world-class programs that blend creative excellence with operational precision. ✅ If You Enjoyed This EpisodeSmash the Like buttonSubscribe and hit the 🔔 for weekly industry insightsDrop your favorite takeaway from Pietro in the commentsShare this episode with your team or bar community

NEW EPISODE drops Friday, 9am PSTIn this trailer, Pietro Collina delivers a masterclass on multi-unit management - where trust, systems, and accountability form the backbone of sustainable success. If you’re leading teams across multiple venues, this is the insight you need.

In this live episode, Shawn Soole sits down with Brenton Mowforth, creator of “Cheers to Happy Hour,” for a lively conversation on the power of community-driven content, the evolving culture of happy hour, and how to turn passion into purpose.Brenton’s journey: from cocktail enthusiast to hosting “Cheers to Happy Hour”The creative process behind crafting engaging, memorable happy hour contentWhy happy hour is more than a drink—it’s community, nostalgia, and connectionHow social media and video trends are transforming bartending cultureHonest Q&A: audience questions on content creation, collaboration, and staying inspired00:02:30 – Brenton’s origin story and the idea behind “Cheers to Happy Hour”00:14:15 – Developing authentic content and connecting with your audience00:27:00 – The culture of happy hour—stories, memories, and community impact00:38:20 – Live Q&A: tools, collaboration, and evolving with content trends00:50:45 – What’s next: expanding the brand, new formats, and future episodesContent creators, bartenders, community-builders, and anyone fascinated by culture, connection, and the evolving face of hospitality online.Tap LikeSubscribe and ring the 🔔 to catch more live conversationsDrop your favourite “Cheers to Happy Hour” moment or tip in the commentsShare this with your friends, followers, or community🧠 What You’ll Learn📌 Timestamp Highlights🎯 Who It’s For✅ If You Enjoyed This Episode

NEW EPISODE drops Friday, 9am PSTIn this trailer, I chat with Brenton Mowforth about the early days of Cheers to Happy Hour —how it started as a creative side project and evolved into a full-blown brand and business. We dive into content creation, community building, and the real work behind making drinks go viral.