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Scott Gerke Talks Mental Health & How He Is Changing The World, One Stranger At A Time

Backyards of Key West Podcast with Mark Baratto

Release Date: 02/26/2021

Episode 244 - Mark Gets Interviewed on the BoostBeam Podcast show art Episode 244 - Mark Gets Interviewed on the BoostBeam Podcast

Backyards of Key West Podcast with Mark Baratto

In this episode, Mark Baratto has a role reversal and sits down with Thatcher Kezer on the "Business Talks Podcast with Boostbeam." Thatcher gets into the weeds on how I started as an artist and where my brand is headed. More on BoostBeam Website:  Podcast:  https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thatcher-kezer If you want to rank first in your local area on google or need help running highly profitable google ads on a pay for performance basis contact Thatcher directly at 

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Episode 243 - The Key West 1st Annual Rum Fest show art Episode 243 - The Key West 1st Annual Rum Fest

Backyards of Key West Podcast with Mark Baratto

Join Mark Baratto in this exciting episode as he chats with Neil Lindley, a self-proclaimed Rum Grand Master. Dive into Neil's journey into the world of rum, his inspiration behind creating Key West's first-ever Rum Festival, and explore some of the event highlights. This four-day festival, coinciding with National Rum Day on August 16, promises to be a spectacular celebration of rum culture. MORE ON KEY WEST RUM FEST Event Date: August 14-18, 2024 Location: Key West, America’s Southernmost continental Caribbean Island The 2024 Key West Rum Fest marks its inaugural year, aiming...

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Episode 242: Woolly Willie - A Tapestry of Tales, Tunes, and Triumphs show art Episode 242: Woolly Willie - A Tapestry of Tales, Tunes, and Triumphs

Backyards of Key West Podcast with Mark Baratto

Join host Mark Baratto as he dives into the colorful and eclectic world of “Woolly” Willie Alsedek, a master of storytelling whose life reads like a novel. In Episode 242, we unravel the threads of Willie’s adventurous journey from aspiring filmmaker to beloved author and artist. Willie opens up about the serendipitous rock-paper-scissors game that propelled him into the realms of digital media and how a national recession nudged him onto the boardwalks, guitar in hand, serenading the world one laugh at a time. More on Woolly Willie Website:   Instagram:   ...

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Episode 241 - A Taste of Key West, Savoring The Flavors of Community and Charity show art Episode 241 - A Taste of Key West, Savoring The Flavors of Community and Charity

Backyards of Key West Podcast with Mark Baratto

In this delectable episode, join host Mark Baratto as he dives into the heart of Key West's culinary scene with Scott Pridgen, Executive Director of A.H. Monroe. Discover the essence of the "Taste of Key West" event, a gastronomic festival that marries the love for food with a noble cause, with all proceeds supporting AHMonroe's initiatives. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Truman Waterfront on March 25th, 2024, from 6 to 9 pm, this episode uncovers what makes the "Taste of Key West" one of the island's most anticipated foodie festivals. Celebrating its 29th year, the event showcases an...

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Episode 240 - The Waggin' Wiggle Food Truck show art Episode 240 - The Waggin' Wiggle Food Truck

Backyards of Key West Podcast with Mark Baratto

Join Mark Baratto as he dives into the flavorful world of The Waggin' Wiggle, Key West's newest food truck sensation, with founders Bella Usenza and Alvaro Del Castillo. Discover the story behind their tropical slider paradise, from dream to delicious reality. Bella and Alvaro, seasoned veterans in the hospitality and service industry, share their journey of bringing The Waggin' Wiggle to life, their passion for food, and how they aim to tantalize taste buds one slider at a time. With a commitment to the vibrant Key West community, they're ready to make a splash with their unique take on...

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Episode 239 - The Concierge Girl with Kelly & Keith Hopkins show art Episode 239 - The Concierge Girl with Kelly & Keith Hopkins

Backyards of Key West Podcast with Mark Baratto

In this inspiring episode, host Mark Baratto sits down with Keith Hopkins, the other half of The Concierge Girl, to explore the adventurous journey and the thriving business he runs with Kelly Hopkins in Key West. Keith shares insights into their unique boat charter services, the innovative addition of golf carts, and the pivotal risks that led to unprecedented happiness and success. Dive deep into the story of a couple who turned their love for Key West, event planning, and helping others into a flourishing concierge business, making vacationers' dreams come true. Connect With Us: ...

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Episode 238 - Phat Slabs: The Artistry of Ryan Halligan show art Episode 238 - Phat Slabs: The Artistry of Ryan Halligan

Backyards of Key West Podcast with Mark Baratto

In This Episode: Join Mark Baratto as he sits down with the remarkably talented Ryan Halligan, the artist and visionary behind Phat Slabs. Dive into Ryan's captivating journey from his initial foray into woodworking and resin art to finding his true passion. Discover the inspirations drawn from the lush landscapes of Florida that fuel his creativity. Ryan also shares his aspirations, including the hope of one day sharing his story on Joe Rogan's podcast, showcasing the depth and vision behind his art. Discover More About Phat Slabs: Website:  Instagram:  Facebook: ...

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237 - Celebrating Creativity at the 59th Key West Art & Craft Festival show art 237 - Celebrating Creativity at the 59th Key West Art & Craft Festival

Backyards of Key West Podcast with Mark Baratto

In this captivating episode, join Mark Baratto as he engages in a fascinating conversation with Susann D'Antonio, the esteemed president of the Key West Art Center & Gallery. Dive deep into the vibrant world of the 59th annual Key West Art & Craft Festival, a celebrated event that showcases an incredible array of art and crafts. Listen as we explore the rich tapestry of creativity that the festival brings to light, from traditional crafts to contemporary artworks. Discover the 59th Key West Art & Craft Festival This year, the festival takes on a new dimension by merging the Key...

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236 - Crafted Elegance: Coasting Cocktails with Jessica show art 236 - Crafted Elegance: Coasting Cocktails with Jessica

Backyards of Key West Podcast with Mark Baratto

In this engaging episode, host Mark Baratto sits down with the talented craft cocktail maker and proud owner of Coasting Cocktails, Jessica. Join us as Jessica shares her inspiring journey into the world of mixology and recounts the pivotal steps she took to establish her business, which has quickly become a sensation at events. More on Coasting Cocktails a mobile craft cocktail company that is currently open for bookings. As a woman-owned business, Coasting Cocktails specializes in providing exceptional bartending services for weddings and events, bringing a touch of sophistication and...

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235 - From KWSOAPS to E11DROPS: Embracing Change show art 235 - From KWSOAPS to E11DROPS: Embracing Change

Backyards of Key West Podcast with Mark Baratto

In this episode, join Mark Baratto in a conversation with Mariam Tvaliashvili, the visionary behind the transformation from KWSOAPS to E11DROPS. Discover the significant changes that have taken place in the three years since their last discussion. Mariam shares insights into the bold decisions she made, including expanding her team and doubling the storefront. Explore the global aspirations of the newly rebranded E11DROPS. FROM KWSOAPS to E11DROPS For the past three years, our company operated under the name KWSOAPS—a self-explanatory title. However, as of January 2024, we proudly announce...

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In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Scott Gerke, a Key West local that many of you know - or will know real soon.

He created the Key West Full Moon Experience, has an event company, is a local DJ, took a stranger on the most epic Key West adventure - and suffers from anxiety.

Like most of us out there, Scott may have looked like he had everything together from the outside. The great job, great apartment, the girl, the height (he is super tall), and living the island life... until he suffered from his first panic attack.

After many months of feeling lost, Scott did what any reasonable person did; he sold all of his stuff and build a tiny house out of his Sprinter Van.

Scott found himself driving all over the country and documenting his journey. A journey which you can find on his YouTube channel called, "Once a Stranger, Now a Friend."

As someone who loves to meet new people, I created a little summer journey meeting random strangers and documenting the experiences I have with them, all through the power of hello. Life can bring us incredible offerings if we allow us to open up to all walks of life and that is what this series is all about. What I hope to gain from this journey is a better understanding of what makes all of us unique, with a new perspective on how each of us choose to live our lives.

~ Scott Gerke

We go in so many directions during this episode, but most importantly, want people out there that are suffering from some sort of mental health issue - YOU are not alone.

More on Scott Gerke

I live by the quote, "A stranger is just a friend you haven't met yet" and a believer in the power of hello. By accepting other for who they are and allowing them to be their true selves around us, we can live a pretty fulfilling and incredible life. All it takes is a simple hello. My ultimate goal with this channel is to create a mental health talk-therapy foundation, where people can use the foundation's money to talk out their feelings with a professional and become the best version of themselves. With your support, we can make that dream become a reality. Please subscribe to my channel and let's grow this channel, together. I am also a DJ and event producer in Key West, FL, and hope to celebrate an occasion with you someday :)

Website: https://www.scottcgerke.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MrGerkman

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottcgerke/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gerkescott