

The Post Shift Podcast with Shawn Soole
Shawn Soole
The Post Shift Podcast with Shawn Soole dives into the business of hospitality with raw, honest conversations on entrepreneurship, leadership, mental health, and modern hospitality culture. From industry icons to rising stars, each episode unpacks real stories, hard lessons, and fresh ideas that help bar and restaurant pros thrive. Tune in for unfiltered insights into what it takes to build a lasting, meaningful career in today’s fast-changing hospitality world.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 9, 2025 • 2min
TRAILER - Geoffrey Toffetti on Turning Frontline Staff into Revenue Drivers
NEW EPISODE drops Friday 9am PST In this trailer, I sit down with frontline efficiency expert Geoffrey Toffetti to explore how creating a nurturing workplace culture can drive stronger performance and ultimately boost revenue per employee.

Oct 3, 2025 • 43min
Charlotte Voisey on Evolving Tales of the Cocktail and Leading the Culture Shift
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

Oct 2, 2025 • 2min
TRAILER - Charlotte Voisey on Evolving Tales of the Cocktail and Leading the Culture Shift
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.

Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 8min
From Punch to Platform: Dale DeGroff on Craft, History, and Hospitality Evolution
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

Sep 25, 2025 • 1min
TRAILER - From Punch to Platform: Dale DeGroff on Craft, History, and Hospitality Evolution
NEW EPISODE drops 9am PST In this trailer, I had the amazing privilege to chat to King Cocktail himself, Dale DeGroff. We chatted about the early days of cocktail culture and his rise to fame. MUST LISTEN

Sep 19, 2025 • 56min
Jess Taylor on Shucking Success: Building a Seafood Destination from Scratch
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

Sep 18, 2025 • 2min
TRAILER - Jess Taylor on Shucking Success: Building a Seafood Destination from Scratch
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.

Sep 12, 2025 • 44min
Kimberly Flear on Healing Hospitality: Recovery, Resilience & Rebuilding the Culture
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

Sep 11, 2025 • 35sec
TRAILER - Kimberly Flear on Healing Hospitality: Recovery, Resilience & Rebuilding the Culture
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.

Sep 5, 2025 • 41min
Robert Simonson on Mixing Words, Whiskey, and Cocktail Culture
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


