The Post Shift Podcast with Shawn Soole

NEW EPISODE drops Friday, 9amIn this trailer, I sit down with Alex Kratena of Tayer & Elementary to talk shop about the business side of bars, the art of marketing, and how his unique style shapes the spaces he and his partners bring to life. This one’s a must-listen!

David Wondrich, renowned cocktail historian and author of Imbibe! and Punch, discusses cocktail history, research methods, and preserving authenticity. He tells stories of unexpected discoveries, persistent myths, and the making of The Oxford Companion to Spirits & Cocktails. Conversations touch on digitized archives, balancing creativity with craft, and which vintage drinks deserve revival.

NEW EPISODE drops Friday, 9amIn this trailer for our conversation with the legendary David Wondrich, we’re digging into the rich history of cocktails, challenging the status quo, and exploring the idea that not everything in this industry is set in stone. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this one!

In this live episode, Shawn Soole is joined by acclaimed bartender and entrepreneur Jack McGarry, co-founder of the world-renowned Dead Rabbit, to unpack what it really takes to build—and sustain—one of the world’s most celebrated bar brands. From Belfast to New York, Jack shares hard-won lessons on leadership, creativity, mental health, and legacy.🧠 What You’ll Learn:Jack’s personal and professional journey from Ireland to global acclaimThe vision and challenges behind launching Dead RabbitHow Irish culture and storytelling are at the core of his venuesThe evolution of bar leadership and creating a sustainable careerLive Q&A with honest insights on ownership, burnout, and bouncing back📌 Timestamp Highlights:00:03:00 – Jack’s beginnings in hospitality and early mentors00:16:00 – Opening Dead Rabbit and defining the mission00:32:30 – Scaling vision without losing soul00:47:45 – Audience questions: team culture, leadership, and resilience01:05:00 – What’s next for Jack: Irish Exit, McGarry’s, and beyond🎯 Who It’s For:Bartenders, bar owners, hospitality leaders, and entrepreneurs seeking raw, practical insight into what it takes to lead with purpose, build enduring brands, and navigate the highs and lows of the industry.🔗 Follow Jack McGarry:Instagram: @jackmcgarry1✅ If you enjoyed this episode:Hit that Like buttonSubscribe and turn on notifications for weekly conversationsDrop a comment with your biggest takeawayShare this episode with your team or hospitality community

We had an unforgettable live session with legendary bartender Julie Reiner, delving deep into her craft, creativity, and the evolution of the cocktail world.🌟 What You’ll Learn:🍸 Julie’s journey from her early days in hospitality to becoming a world-renowned bartender and co-owner of iconic bars.🔧 That signature touch – insights into her approach to flavour layering, balance, and technique.🏆 Industry stories featuring behind-the-scenes tales, leadership tips, and navigating trends.💬 Live Q&A – Julie answers your questions on bartending, career growth, and what’s next.📌 Key Moments (approx.):00:03:00 – Julie’s origin story and first bar experiences00:15:30 – Crafting iconic cocktails and ingredient sourcing00:30:45 – Shifts in the bar scene post-pandemic00:45:00 – Audience Q&A: tools, advice, creative hacks01:00:00+ – Future plans: workshops, new menus, collaborations❤️ Loved this episode? Show it by:Hitting LikeSubscribing and ringing the bell 🔔Leaving a comment with your top rebel insightSharing with your bar-loving community🔗 Connect with Julie Reiner:Instagram: @mixtressnycMore inspiring live chats drop weekly — available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your go-to podcast app.

In this episode, Shawn Soole sits down with Jean-Marc Baketel Dykes, the creative force behind Imbiblia, to talk about the intersection of storytelling, hospitality, and immersive dining experiences.We dive deep into:* Jean-Marc’s unique journey through the worlds of performance and service* How Imbiblia is redefining what it means to "dine with purpose"* The challenges of building truly experiential pop-ups* Creative collaboration, leadership, and the future of hospitality eventsThis is a must-watch for bartenders, restaurateurs, creatives, and anyone looking to break the mold in food and beverage.📌 Key Topics:* 00:02:35 — Jean-Marc’s background in theatre & service* 00:10:50 — The origins and ethos of Imbiblia* 00:22:00 — Designing sensory experiences with intention* 00:38:45 — Business lessons from immersive hospitality* 00:50:10 — What's next for Jean-Marc & Imbiblia👉 **If you enjoyed this episode, hit Like, Subscribe, and drop a comment with your favourite takeaway.**🔗 Follow Jean-Marc & Imbiblia:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imbibliaWebsite: https://www.imbiblia.com🎙️ More episodes every week on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your audio fix.

In this episode, Shawn Soole sits down with James Grass, the mind behind Chef’s Favourite, for an inspiring conversation about pivoting from industry insider to content innovator. James shares how he created a beloved media brand—Mates on Crates—that celebrates hospitality culture, community, and storytelling.What You’ll Learn* James’s creative journey and the vision that sparked Chef’s Favourite* Crafting content that resonates with hospitality professionals and fans alike* How Mates on Crates built its authentic voice and growing community* Strategies for turning passion into purpose and social platforms into impact* Live Q&A: insights on monetization, creative consistency, and adapting through changeTimestamp Highlights00:02:35 – James’s background, career pivots, and origin of Chef’s Favourite00:10:50 – Founding principles of Mates on Crates and community connection00:22:00 – Crafting media that hospitality professionals actually love 00:38:45 – Live Q&A: industry trends, content strategy, and personal lessons 00:50:10 – What’s next for Chef’s Favourite and the broader hospitality media landscapeWho It’s ForHospitality creators, bar and restaurant leaders, marketers, and anyone interested in how to authentically build meaningful media in—or about—the industry.If You Enjoyed This Episode:* Tap **Like*** **Subscribe** and ring the 🔔 to catch all upcoming livestreams* Drop your favourite insight or question in the comments* Share with your industry friends, team, or community to keep the conversation going

In this captivating episode—the celebrated Mr Lyan (Ryan Chetiyawardana) joins Shawn Soole for a deep dive into concept bars, creative reinvention, and the future of cocktail culture. From expansion to storytelling, this episode is a masterclass in pushing boundaries while remaining true to your creative core. What You’ll Learn• How Ryan built his identity and brand as Mr Lyan, blending hospitality with innovation.• The art of creating concept bars that are experiences, not just drinks.• Balancing design, storytelling, and guest emotion to stay ahead of cultural shifts.• Insights into expansion—moving ideas across geographies and platforms.• Shawn and Mr Lyan navigate an engaging live Q\&A on concept ideation, creative leadership, and more.Timestamp Highlights (Approximate)• 00:02:30 – Ryan’s journey to becoming Mr Lyan: inspiration and vision• 00:14:00 – Designing concept bars that provoke emotion and memory• 00:28:00 – Expanding a brand—challenges, lessons, and opportunities• 00:42:00 – Live Q&A: ideation, cultural trends, and staying creative• 00:58:00+ – What’s next in the curated world of experience-driven barsWho It’s ForBar operators, mixologists, creative directors, and hospitality innovators looking to explore how concept, emotion, and brand intersect in forward-thinking cocktail environments.If You Loved This Episode Hit Like Subscribe and ring the 🔔 for more weekly industry conversations Drop your favorite Mr Lyan insight or a question in the comments Share this episode with your creative circle or hospitality tribe

In this episode, Shawn Soole sits down with Simone Caporale, a global cocktail luminary behind SIPS Barcelona and the storied Boadas Cocktails bar in Barcelona. Simone shares his deep insights into preserving legacy, inspiring creativity, and bridging classic technique with modern innovation in the cocktail world.What You’ll Learn Simone’s journey from international bartending stages to founding SIPS Barcelona The heritage and spirit of Boadas Cocktails—Barcelona’s oldest cocktail bar How tradition and creativity co-exist in menu building and training The importance of mentorship, bar culture, and cross-cultural exchange Live Q&A: navigating trends, preserving authenticity, and shaping the future of hospitalityTimestamp Highlights 00:02:30 – Starting path: Simone’s early career and vision for SIPS 00:15:00 – Behind the bar at Boadas: history, technique, and atmosphere 00:30:00 – Balancing reverence for classics with contemporary cocktail design 00:42:00 – Live Q\&A: challenges in tradition-forward venues and bar education 01:00:00+ – What’s next: global collaboration, events, and creative directionWho It’s ForBartenders, beverage directors, bar owners, and cocktail aficionados yearning to explore how legacy and innovation can guide the future of hospitality.If You Loved This Episode Tap Like Subscribe and hit the 🔔 to stay updated on weekly conversations Share your favorite Simone insight—or ask him a question—in the comments Share this with your team or cocktail-loving community

In this episode, I chat with fellow "Australian" Hayden Lambert about the journey to and operating a small bar in metro Melbourne. This is a raw chat about small bar culture, community and business. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM – Shawn Soolehttps://www.instagram.com/shawnsoole/Soole Hospitality Conceptshttps://www.instagram.com/soolehospitalityconcepts/ FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PostShiftPodcast