Episode 95 - Jason Myers, award winning trailer editor

I talk to Jason Myers, trailer editor (and my karate partner). We talk about the world of editing trailers, salvaging bad films and working with Michael Bay on Transformers. He tells us how to make a trailer, his trailer geek...

Episode 94 - Personal stylists Jordan LaValle and Meg Chapman

Over a gold rush and a whiskey sour, I talk to the Closet Files - a pair of high-flying personal stylists. We talk fashion, dressing men and styling women for work and leisure. They explain why clients need a stylist, going t...

Episode 93 - Jason Franklin, sports fanatic and co-founder of Sportiqe

We talk to Sportiqe co-founder Jason Franklin. He tells us about catching a Hulk Hogan shirt at WrestleMania, how being a ball boy for the Chicago Bulls changed his life and wearing personalized hoodies. He cracks open a Japa...

Episode 92 - Benjamin Percy, comic book writer

The whisky podcast is back and we have the excellently-voices Benjamin Percy aboard. The comic book writer tells us, over a Lagavulin 16, which super heroes would drink, how comics helped him as a kid moving cities and why Ma...

Episode 91 - Patrick Macmanus, writer, producer, showrunner, Dr Death, The Girl from Plainville

American in Paris, Hollywood writer and whisky lover Patrick Macmanus is the latest guest on the podcast. We explore learning languages, Americans abroad and what makes a good leader. Over a Dalmore 12 and a Glenfiddich Grand...

Episode 90 - Alan Miller, hat fanatic and founder of Official League

We talk to hat-preneur and marketeer Alan Miller. We talk fashion hats, washing hats, hat designs and basically all things hat. Over an Alexander Murray, he talks about owning 100s of hats, all-mesh hats, corduroy hats, wool ...

Episode 89 - David Siegel, former LA Dodgers exec and President of LA Sports Council

We talk to sports exec (and sports fanatic) David Siegel. We discuss his love of sport, pitching to his heroes and how bad some of the national anthems were at Dodgers Stadium. David tells us about a career in a baseball fron...

Episode 88 - Bob Schukai, EVP Open Banking, Mastercard

We talk rock music, whisky, crypto and the future of banking with the extraordinary Bob Schukai. The EVP of Open Banking at Mastercard tells us his about love of Orange County rockers Social Distortion, his fascination with t...

Episode 87 - Leigh Turner, former diplomat and novelist

We talk to former British diplomat-turned-novelist Leigh Turner. Leigh tells us about his new novel Palladium, getting clearance from the British Foreign Office to write these books and the motivation behind his new career. W...

Episode 86 - Grant Lottering, endurance cyclist and philanthropist

We speak to endurance athlete and motivational speaker Grant Lottering. He talks us through his near-death experience on an Italian mountaintop after a horrific bike crash, his road to recovery and his journey to inspire othe...

Episode 85 - Elliott Yamin, American Idol legend

Joining us for our first live interview in 2 years, it is American Idol favourite Elliott Yamin. He tells us his story of driving hours to a first audition for Season 5 of the show and his ascent to finishing third. We share ...

Episode 84 - Chris Uhde, co-owner ImpEx Beverages, Los Angeles Voice of Whisky

I speak to whisky impresario Chris Uhde. He tells his story of failed rock star to whisky expert, why he fell in love with scotch and learning about whiskies from around the world. We talk scotch, rice whisky, as well as Belg...

Episode 83 - Ross Campbell, General Manager Portland Pickles

An independent baseball team in Oregon have been going viral due to the exploits of their mascot - a giant pickle. Over a glass of Bulleit, we talk to Ross Campbell, General Manager of the Portland Pickles about Dillon T. Pic...

Episode 82 - Emily Cloke, British Consul General Los Angeles

We talk to Emily Cloke, British Consul General for Southern California, Utah, Arizona, Hawaii and Nevada. Over a glass of Balvenie, we talk diplomacy in a pandemic, remote working as a parent and diversity in the British Fore...

Episode 81 - Johnny, Whisky and Donuts

We talk to Johnny, who has built a substantial following pairing whisky and donuts. As we share a dream and a sugary cake, he explains how this bit of fun turned into a serious endeavor and a change of career, the world of sa...

Episode 80 - Charley King, event and wedding designer

In the first episode of 2022, we talk to wedding and event designer Charley King. She tells us about the extraordinary world of events in Los Angeles, working with elephants and llamas (including one that fell in a swimming p...

Episode 79 - Michele Kajiwara, SVP Premium STAPLES Center

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

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 Newp...

Episode 77 - Big Jimmy Denning, singer

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. He...

Episode 76 - Clare Risman, Executive Director of the St George's Society of New York

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 9/11...

Episode 75 - Grant Arnow, rock star turned lawyer

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 enterta...

Episode 74 - Neil Strachan, The Balvenie Ambassador for West Coast USA

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 h...

Episode 73 - Nicola Slater, Scottish tennis pro

We talk to the effervescent Nicola Slater, former Scottish tennis professional. We talk playing at Wimbledon, pay equality for women and working with Judy Murray. She talks about the thrill and excitement of the lower level t...

Episode 72 - Paul Bae, podcaster and writer

We talk to the extraordinary Paul Bae, actor, comedian, writer and podcaster. He talks about having his head blown off in the infamous movie the Interview, how the podcast he started because nobody wanted his screenplay has h...

Episode 71 - Markus Stripf, founder of Spoon Guru

We talk to Markus Stripf, co-founder of nutrition data analysis firm Spoon Guru. He explains how his company helps those on food exclusion diets to more easily find products they can eat. Markus explains that two in every thr...

Scotland Drinks Whisky Interview Personal Journals Scotch Tv & Film Liquor

Episode 70 - Oliver Wyss, President of Soccer at Orange County Soccer Club

In a special crossover episode we combine United States of Dramerica and America the Beautiful Game. We talk to whisky lover and soccer expert Oliver Wyss. The former Swiss international youth player, coach, agent and soccer ...

Personal Journals Interview Whisky Tv & Film Entertainment Society & Culture Arts

Episode 69 - Luke Crosby, martial artist and great-grandson of Bing

We talk to stuntman, fight co-ordinator, martial arts specialist and member of the famous Crosby family, Luke. He talks about his great-grandfather Bing, the extraordinary career of his mother Spice Williams-Crosby and his fa...

Personal Journals Interview Whisky Drinks Liquor Food

Episode 68 - Dave Vitale, founder of Starward whisky

We go Down Under this week to talk to Dave Vitale, the founder of Australian whisky sensation Starward. He talks about his company's market positioning, why Starward is perfect for cocktails and as a 'dinner table whisky'. He...

Episode 67 - Matt Green, comedian

We talk to British comedian and actor Matt Green. He explains how his viral pandemic comedy videos came about, we compare British and American comedic styles and he talks about 'audience deterioration' and how it is likely go...

Interview Whisky Drinks Liquor Whiskey Scotch Food

Episode 66 - Martin French, mobility consultant

This week's guest is Martin French, managing director at Berylls Strategy Advisors. We talk the future of driving, mobility, electrification and autonomous vehicles. Martin tells us why range anxiety should no longer be an is...

Personal Journals Interview Drinks Whiskey

Episode 65 - Will Leaf, pro golfer

We share a whiskey with aspiring golfer Will Leaf, who after a tough pandemic year, is selling shares in himself to fund his pro career. Will, who has had three holes in one (including two on par 4s), explains how his PGA Tou...

Interview Personal Journals Scotland Scotch Whisky

Episode 64 - Chris Newlands, founder of Spelfie, the space selfie company

We talk to Scottish entrepreneur Chris Newlands, founder of space selfie company Spelfie. The navy veteran explains the genesis of his company, why he thinks people will want to take space selfies at live events and how cloud...

Scotch Personal Journals Scotland Whisky

Episode 63 - Gary Gillan, President of North American Rangers Supporters Association

We talk to Gary Gillan, the president of NARSA - the North American Rangers Supporters Association. He talks about his beloved club Rangers, how being further afield brings you closer to the club and the origins of NARSA. He ...

Whisky Tv & Film Scotland Scotch Personal Journals Interview Entertainment Arts

Episode 62 - Ricky Crawford, luxury travel expert and Dram Good Laddie

We talk to veteran whisky and luxury travel expert Ricky Crawford. He tells us about the growing importance of sustainable travel, how it's going to become more important post-pandemic and the genesis of his Amazon Prime show...

Drinks Personal Journals Interview Whisky

Episode 61 - Dom Madell, New Zealand resident

We talk to Dom Madell, resident of Auckland, New Zealand. He explains what it is like living in a relatively covid-free country, survivor's guilt and the Kiwi view of the rest of the world. He talks about masks on trains - an...

Entertainment Drinks Interview Liquor Personal Journals Whiskey

Episode 60 - Tracie Franklin, whisky educator and Head Distiller Apprentice

We talk to Tracie Franklin, Head Distiller Apprentice at the Nearest and Jack Advancement Initiative. She tells her story of moving from Broadway to whisky ambassador to the leadership acceleration program run by Jack Daniels...

Drinks Entertainment Interview Personal Journals Scotch Whisky

Episode 59 - Jon Ryan, Super Bowl winner

We talk to Jon Ryan, the Super Bowl winning punter from the Seattle Seahawks. He tells us about the feeling of being part of a Super Bowl and the euphoria of victory. He also tells us about the feeling of being part of a Supe...

Drinks Scotland Scotch Society & Culture Personal Journals Interview Whisky

Episode 58 - David Balfour, co-founder of LIGHTBLUE and marketing and event expert

We talk to event and marketing expert David Balfour. The Scot living in Dubai with plans to expand in to the US talks events, how the pandemic has changed the industry, what is possible now and what direction he thinks events...

Scotland Whisky Personal Journals Interview Drinks

Episode 57 - Estelle McCartney, Chief Customer Officer Arctic Shores and communications professional

We talk to Estelle McCartney, Chief Customer Officer for Arctic Shores and veteran communications professional. She tells us about how the interface between business and Government has changed, the importance of ‘doing good’ ...

Drinks Entertainment Interview Liquor Personal Journals Tv & Film Whiskey Whisky

Episode 56 - Grant Pierce Myers, writer of The Maze Runner

We talk to screenwriter Grant Pierce Myers. He talks about the excitement of working on The Maze Runner, his parents organizing a special screening for their friends in his home town and his favorite line from the movie. He ...

Comedy Entertainment Interview Liquor Personal Journals Whiskey

Episode 55 - Kayla Drescher, magician

We talk to magician Kayla Drescher. She tells us about swapping science for magic, her dislike of Las Vegas and why the market town of Dunstable is her favorite place. She talks about her Magic in Heels business, the challeng...

Interview Personal Journals Scotch Scotland Whisky

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 watching the moon landing on television to his own flight into space. David, who has more than 15k fl...

Interview Liquor Personal Journals Scotland Whisky

Episode 53 - James Keston, owner of Orange County Soccer Club.

We talk to James Keston, owner of Orange County Soccer Club. He explains why he bought a USL team, what he is hoping to achieve on and off the field and how hard the pandemic has hit live sport. James talks about the unique p...

Personal Journals Tv & Film Society & Culture Interview

Episode 52 - Lorraine D’Alessio, immigration lawyer

We speak to immigration lawyer Lorraine D'Alessio, founder of the D'Alession Law Group. She talks about the 'hardest year' for her and her clients, battling the combination of the complex and ever-changing world of the Trump ...

Drinks Interview Liquor Personal Journals Rugby Scotch Scotland Whisky Whiskey

Episode 51 - Steve Lipp, whisky entrepreneur

We talk to whisky entrepreneur Steve Lipp, the man behind everything from Alexander Murray, to Costco's Kirkland whisky and also banana flavor bourbon sensation Howler Head. He tells us about how near-death experiences took h...

Tv & Film Whisky Scotland Interview Personal Journals

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 damage being done to the Intelligence Community by the current administration, the risks to Ame...

Interview Personal Journals Tv & Film

Episode 49 - Tom Stubberfield, documentary filmmaker

We talk to documentary filmmaker Tom Stubberfield, founder of Bullitt Films. He talks about his projects with the Chilean mine rescue, the Thai cave rescue as well as Hurricane Katrina and the Kilauea eruption in Hawaii. Tom ...

Interview Personal Journals Scotch Whisky

Episode 48 - Patrick Davies, former British Deputy Ambassador to the United States

We talk to former British Deputy Ambassador in Washington Patrick Davies. He talks about Biden's historic victory, the chaos of working with the Trump administration and what next for America. Having met President elect Biden...

Comedy Arts Interview Personal Journals Scotch Tv & Film Whisky

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 to the big and small screens. David has leaned into the virtual world, hosting instagram live puz...

Interview Tv & Film Personal Journals Drinks Liquor Whiskey

Episode 46 - Andy Serling, horse handicapper

We talk to the Sage of Saratoga, leading horse handicapper Andy Serling. He tells us how horse racing has grown during the pandemic, what makes the sport so special and how legal sports betting is inevitable in America. He ta...