United States of Dramerica
United States of Dramerica
There is nothing like a dram of whisky to inspire an important conversation.Each week we sit down with a guest from the worlds of entertainment, sport or business and they tell their story over a glass of whisky.
Play EpisodeSome of our most popular episodes
Episode 54 - David Mackay, Virgin Galactic Chief Pilot
We talk to David Mackay, the Chief Pilot for Virgin Galactic. He tells us his journey from a young boy in northern Scotland watch…
Episode 50 - John Sipher, ex-CIA operative
For our 50th episode of the podcast, we have ex-CIA operative John Sipher. In a powerful and damning interview he talks about the…
Episode 48 - Patrick Davies, former British Deputy Ambassador to the …
We talk to former British Deputy Ambassador in Washington Patrick Davies. He talks about Biden's historic victory, the chaos of w…
Episode 47 - David Kwong, puzzler and magician
We talk to the multi-talented David Kwong about puzzling during lockdown, missing live audiences and his love of bringing magic t…
Episode 37 - Natalie Morales
We have a very funny and very honest conversation with actor, writer and director Natalie Morales. She talks about her love for t…
Episode 30 - Laura Schwab, Aston Martin
We talk to Aston Martin’s President for the Americas Laura Schwab. She tells us about her love for the iconic British brand, the …
Episode 17 - Jeff B Cohen, Chunk from the Goonies
We talk to Beverly Hills lawyer Jeff B Cohen about writing books, how puberty ruined his child acting career and, of course, bein…
Recent Episodes
Episode 79 - Michele Kajiwara, SVP Premium STAPLES Center
Oct. 11, 2021
We talk to the passionate Michele Kajiwara, SVP Premium at the STAPLES Center. She talks about selling sports experiences in a Covid world, the impact of the social justice movement and how much she missed the thrill of live…
Episode 78 - Shaun Robinson, manager of Hilton Anaheim
Aug. 30, 2021
We talk to Shaun Robinson, manager of the Hilton Anaheim, California's third largest hotel. He tells stories from his 30+ years in the business including meeting Pele and Muhammed Ali, how we got his start as a waiter in New…
Episode 77 - Big Jimmy Denning, singer
July 19, 2021
We talk to the only Scotsman to headline on the Las Vegas Strip, Jimmy Denning. He tells us about sharing limos with Wayne Newton, how Matt Goss mixes his whisky and being sick in one of the most expensive suites in Vegas. H…
Episode 76 - Clare Risman, Executive Director of the St George's Society of New York
June 28, 2021
We talk to Clare Risman, former British diplomat and now Executive Director of the St George’s Society of New York. We talk about the historic charity, their role supporting everyone from Titanic survivors, to creating a 9/1…
Episode 75 - Grant Arnow, rock star turned lawyer
June 14, 2021
We talk to entertainment lawyer Grant Arnow. He talks about his career as front man of Takota, touring Europe and some of the things he saw while touring with bands. He explains his transition to corporate lawyer then entert…
Episode 74 - Neil Strachan, The Balvenie Ambassador for West Coast USA
May 17, 2021
We talk to the lively Neil Strachan of Balvenie. We talk about corporate golf tournaments, the etiquette of drinking whisky and doing business in South East Asia and getting lost during a Manila whisky festival. He explains …
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About the Host
Dan Rutstein
Dan is a former British diplomat and whisky enthusiast.
He started the podcast because he wanted to be able to have important conversations with interesting people over an enjoyable drink.