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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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234 - Redefining Sweetness: A Dive into Doozee Bespoke Ice Cream Bar Shop with Buck Epstein
Backyards of Key West Podcast with Mark Baratto
Join Mark Baratto in this delightful episode as he engages in a conversation with Buck Epstein, one of the masterminds behind Doozee Bespoke Ice Cream Bar Shop. Explore Buck's entrepreneurial journey, the allure of the ice cream business, and the innovative concepts reshaping the game. More on Doozzee Bespoke Ice Cream Bar Shop🍦 Indulge in the reimagined world of ice cream at Doozee, where the traditional meets the avant-garde. Nestled in a 650 sq feet space on Duval Street, Key West, Florida, Doozee has transformed into a sophisticated, music-infused, and social media-friendly haven....
info_outlineIn this episode of the show, Mark Baratto sits down with comedian Esther Ku. We talk about how she got into comedy, where she sharpened her craft and her up-and-coming show at Comedy Key West.
More on Esther Ku
Esther Ku is a Korean-American stand-up comedian born and raised in Chicago. She honed her act at many of New York City’s comedy clubs such as Caroline’s, Stand-Up NY, and Broadway.
Ku made her television debut as a contestant on NBC’s Last Comic Standing Season Six, advancing to the semi-finals in Vegas, then becoming one of the top ten finalists in Hollywood. She made her radio debut on the Howard Stern Show as a finalist on The Hottest Funniest Chick Contest. She was a regular cast member on MTV’s Girl Code for three seasons when college kids still had cable. She learned how to temporarily rap for her guest appearances on MTV2’s Wild’n Out with Nick Cannon. Ku played a receptionist in The Jack and Triumph Show sitcom alongside Jack MacBrayer, June Squibb, and Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, aka Robert Smigel on Adult Swim. She’s recorded several voices for Family Guy on Fox. She’s made cameos on The Jim Gaffigan Show, @Midnight, Boy Band, and The Fiddling Horse.
She is the host of her own podcast Ku and the Gang which has reached the top ten comedy podcasts on iTunes. She has been a guest on The Joe Rogan Experience, The Craig Ferguson Show, The Jenny McCarthy Show, The Church of What’s Happening Now with Joey Diaz, Tigerbelly Podcast with Bobby Lee, The Frazer Smith Show on KLOS, The Opie & Jim Norton Show on Sirius XM, the Guys We F*cked Podcast, Playboy Morning Show, Controlled Chaos with Josh Wolf, the Jason Ellis Show, Getting Doug with High, Bertcast with Bert Kreischer, Storyworthy Podcast, and more.
Website: https://www.funnyku.com
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3124957/
YouTube: https://youtu.be/Vn9G-Vs3eEw
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/funnyku
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/estherkuku
Podcast: https://www.funnyku.com/podcast