They Said She Didn't Have "The Look." Now Elaine bartends at NYC's Top Bars.

They Said She Didn't Have "The Look." Now Elaine bartends at NYC's Top Bars.

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2526003/fan_mail/new] What does it take to survive in New York City when you have nothing but a dream? This is the unflinching story of Elaine Romero. Born in Brooklyn but raised in Puebla, Mexico, Elaine returned to NYC at 18, alone, to pursue an education. Instead, she was without support, leading to three years in a shelter. This is a story that begins not behind a bar, but with a fight for survival. In this episode of Bar Talking Talking Bar, we trace Elaine's incredible ascent fueled by pure resilience. From a job at McDonald's to breaking into the hospitality industry, she faced discrimination for her identity, her accent, and for not having the industry's "look." Yet, her hunger for self-improvement and an unbreakable work ethic saw her rise from busser to barback to a sought-after bartender at exclusive venues like The Raines Law Room and The Bedford. This episode is a testament to the human spirit and a must-watch for anyone who has ever been told they can't. If you’re into hospitality industry insights,  this episode is for you! 🔔 Subscribe for more powerful stories from the world behind the bar. 👍Like this video to support stories of resilience! 💬Comment below: Tag a mentor who made a difference in your life. Follow Elaine's journey: Instagram: @ELAINEROMEROMIX_ Follow Our Podcast 👇🏽 IG @bartalkingtalkingbarnyc TikTok @bttbnycpodcast 🌎 https://bartalkingtalkingbarnyc.com 🚨 SUBSCRIBE TO HELP US GROW🚨 LIKE & SHARE & COMMENT  to boost engagenment, increase reach, and build community! 🎧 🔊 📻 Listen to the full  episode,We're on every platform. Seriously. SUPPORT  THE  SHOW  🫶🏼 DONATIONS 💳💰 👇🏽 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2526003/support [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2526003/support] https://buymeacoffee.com/bartalkingtalkingbarnyc [https://buymeacoffee.com/bartalkingtalkingbarnyc]Every donation makes a difference and keeps this project thriving. Inquiries please reach out to Nury Robles at: 📧 bartalkingtalkingbar@gmail.com This podcast is designed for listeners aged 21 and over, or where the legal drinking age permits. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2526003/support] This podcast is designed for listeners aged 21 and over, or where the legal drinking age permits.   You Tube https://www.youtube.com/@BarTalkingTalkingBar-z8p [https://www.youtube.com/@BarTalkingTalkingBar-z8p] IG https://www.instagram.com/bartalkingtalkingbarnyc/ [https://www.instagram.com/bartalkingtalkingbarnyc/] Follow, Like, Share, Comment and Subscribe

Military Discipline, Bartending Hustle: How Neil Flores Conquered 3 North America's 50 Best Bars

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2526003/fan_mail/new] How does a military become one of New York City's most accomplished bartenders, working at three of North America's 50 Best Bars at the same time? This is the unfiltered story of Niel Flores. In this powerful episode of Bar Talking Talking Bar, we uncover the incredible journey of a New Jersey native with Salvadorian roots who forged one of the most unique paths in the hospitality industry. Neil shares his experience in the military, including his time as a mortician, and the pivotal moment he realized his true calling was behind the bar. This is a story about sheer grit. From starting as a barback with a dream of making it in Manhattan to simultaneously holding down positions at the legendary Employees Only, the iconic Katana Kitten, and the acclaimed Superbueno. Niel's journey is a masterclass in hustle, dedication, and what it truly means to succeed in the most competitive city on earth. If you’re into hospitality industry insights,  this episode is for you!  Explore 's world: Instagram: @NIELWUFLO   WATCH FULL EPISODE HERE: https://youtu.be/MVrJDiviJZ4 [https://youtu.be/MVrJDiviJZ4] Follow Our Podcast 👇🏽 IG @bartalkingtalkingbarnyc TikTok @bttbnycpodcast 🌎 https://bartalkingtalkingbarnyc.com 🚨 SUBSCRIBE TO HELP US GROW🚨 LIKE & SHARE & COMMENT  to boost engagement, increase reach, and build community! 🎧 🔊 📻 Listen to the full  episode,We're on every platform. Seriously. SUPPORT  THE  SHOW  🫶🏼 DONATIONS 💳💰 👇🏽 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2526003/support [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2526003/support] https://buymeacoffee.com/bartalkingtalkingbarnyc [https://buymeacoffee.com/bartalkingtalkingbarnyc] Every donation makes a difference and keeps this project thriving. Inquiries please reach out to Nury Robles at: 📧 bartalkingtalkingbar@gmail.com This podcast is designed for listeners aged 21 and over, or where the legal drinking age permits. Drink Responsibly  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2526003/support] This podcast is designed for listeners aged 21 and over, or where the legal drinking age permits.   You Tube https://www.youtube.com/@BarTalkingTalkingBar-z8p [https://www.youtube.com/@BarTalkingTalkingBar-z8p] IG https://www.instagram.com/bartalkingtalkingbarnyc/ [https://www.instagram.com/bartalkingtalkingbarnyc/] Follow, Like, Share, Comment and Subscribe

A Swiss Bartender's Global Journey to Bacardi's Agave Expert, Sam Willy's Path in NYC

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2526003/fan_mail/new] What does it take to leave your home behind and build a name for yourself in the most competitive hospitality city in the world? In this episode of Bar Talking Talking Bar, we uncover the incredible personal story of Sam Willy, a man whose journey is as finely crafted as his cocktails. We start in Switzerland and travel with Sam across the globe—from the vibrant scenes of South Africa and London to the demanding, high-profile bars of New York City. Long before he became a recognized industry leader, Sam was honing his craft, absorbing culture, and building a reputation for excellence at iconic NYC venues like Westlight and Gabriel Kreuther. This is the story of the person behind the title. We explore the ambition that drove him to become a National Finalist in the prestigious Bacardí Legacy competition and the passion that ultimately led him to his current role as an Agave Advocacy Manager for Bacardí. This episode is a tribute to the journey itself—a must-watch for anyone who believes in chasing a dream, no matter how far from home it takes you. 🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into the people who make the hospitality world move. 💬 Comment below: What city has inspired your career the most? Follow Sam's journey: Instagram: @willyoubemyguest Follow Our Podcast 👇🏽 IG @bartalkingtalkingbarnyc TikTok @bttbnycpodcast 🌎 https://bartalkingtalkingbarnyc.com WATCH FULL EPISODE HERE: https://youtu.be/XcoII0QKA2s [https://youtu.be/XcoII0QKA2s] 🚨 SUBSCRIBE TO HELP US GROW🚨 LIKE & SHARE & COMMENT  to boost engagement, increase reach, and build community! 🎧 🔊 📻 Listen to the full  episode,We're on every platform. Seriously. SUPPORT  THE  SHOW  🫶🏼 DONATIONS 💳💰 👇🏽 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2526003/support [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2526003/support] https://buymeacoffee.com/bartalkingtalkingbarnyc [https://buymeacoffee.com/bartalkingtalkingbarnyc] Every donation makes a difference and keeps this project thriving. Inquiries please reach out to Nury Robles at: 📧 bartalkingtalkingbar@gmail.com This podcast is designed for listeners aged 21 and over, or where the legal drinking age permits. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2526003/support] This podcast is designed for listeners aged 21 and over, or where the legal drinking age permits.   You Tube https://www.youtube.com/@BarTalkingTalkingBar-z8p [https://www.youtube.com/@BarTalkingTalkingBar-z8p] IG https://www.instagram.com/bartalkingtalkingbarnyc/ [https://www.instagram.com/bartalkingtalkingbarnyc/] Follow, Like, Share, Comment and Subscribe

Erin Birmingham: Fashion Roots Fuel Craft Cocktail Passion & Hospitality Leadership

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2526003/fan_mail/new] In this episode of BAR TALKING TALKING BAR, we sit down with Erin Gabriella Birmingham, the multi-talented General Manager and Beverage Director of Thyme Bar, one of NYC's speakeasies. Join us as we explore Erin's incredible journey from an art-focused upbringing in Ohio to becoming a recognized leader in the New York hospitality scene. Discover how her background in Fashion & Textile Technology and Studio Art provides the foundation for her creative process and management style. This isn't just a story about cocktails; it's a deep dive into how a passion for design, a strong work ethic, and a meandering career path through fashion and modeling can build a powerhouse in the beverage industry. Whether you're a hospitality professional, a creative, or simply love a story about passion and dedication, this conversation with Erin Birmingham is for you. 🔔 Subscribe for more stories from the people shaping the beverage world. 👍 Like this video if you believe in following a unique career path. 💬 Comment below: How has another industry influenced your career? 🚨 SUBSCRIBE TO HELP US GROW🚨 COMMENT  to boost engagement, increase reach, and build community! WATCH FULL EPISODE HERE: https://youtu.be/gcMmL3psV24 [https://youtu.be/gcMmL3psV24] Explore ERIN's world: Instagram: @ERIN.GABRIELLA @THYMEBAR_NYC Follow Our Podcast 👇🏽 IG @bartalkingtalkingbarnyc TikTok @bttbnycpodcast 🌎 https://bartalkingtalkingbarnyc.com [https://bartalkingtalkingbarnyc.com] 🎧 🔊 📻 Listen to the full  episode,We're on every platform. Seriously. SUPPORT  THE  SHOW  🫶🏼 DONATIONS 💳💰 👇🏽 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2526003/su... [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2526003/su...] https://buymeacoffee.com/bartalkingta... [https://buymeacoffee.com/bartalkingta...] Every donation makes a difference and keeps this project thriving. Inquiries please reach out to Nury Robles at: 📧 bartalkingtalkingbar@gmail.com This podcast is designed for listeners aged 21 and over, or where the legal drinking age permits. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2526003/support] This podcast is designed for listeners aged 21 and over, or where the legal drinking age permits.   You Tube https://www.youtube.com/@BarTalkingTalkingBar-z8p [https://www.youtube.com/@BarTalkingTalkingBar-z8p] IG https://www.instagram.com/bartalkingtalkingbarnyc/ [https://www.instagram.com/bartalkingtalkingbarnyc/] Follow, Like, Share, Comment and Subscribe

Hospitality Sales & Photography with Alejandro Olivas-Castillo

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2526003/fan_mail/new] Welcome back to Bar Talking Talking Bar! In this episode, we sit down with Alejandro Olivas-Castillo—Brand Lead at Edrington (producers of The Macallan & more)—to dive into the world of hospitality sales, brand ambassadorship, and community storytelling through photography. You will learn about Alejandro’s journey from Chihuahua to Kansas City—and how Criminal Justice, Sociology and a passion for photography led him to Edrington. Inside the life of a lead team: driving sales, building relationships, and representing the Edrington’s company. On his personal passion, photography, Alejando has been working on “A Great Day in Ñiu Yor” (AGDÑY): a 2026 photography community project & exhibition. Celebrating Latine & Indigenous creatives in NYC. This project is part of Photoville Festival, Brooklyn Bridge Park, May 16–30, 2026, curated by Alejandro (@mexicojuice) & Monica Patten (@lemonmonn). This is to show why cultural heritage & creative side projects matter in hospitality Learn more about AGDÑY and view the portraits: https://agdny.org/ If you’re into hospitality industry insights, beverage sales, brand ambassador strategies, or community-driven art, this episode is for you! 🎧 🔊 📻 Listen to the full, uncensored episode wherever you get your podcasts. We're on every platform. Seriously. FOLLOW OUR GUEST: Instagram: @MEXICOJUICE @AGDNY.PROJECT WATCH FULL EPISODE HERE: https://youtu.be/fMgTsRv_xIc [https://youtu.be/fMgTsRv_xIc] 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping our industry.  📱 Follow us on Instagram: @bartalkingtalkingbar  TikTok @bttbnycpodcast 🌎 https://bartalkingtalkingbarnyc.com SUPPORT  THE  SHOW  🫶🏼 DONATIONS 💳💰 👇🏽 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2526003/support https://buymeacoffee.com/bartalkingtalkingbarnyc Every donation makes a difference and keeps this project thriving. Inquiries please reach out to Nury Robles at: 📧 bartalkingtalkingbar@gmail.com This podcast is designed for listeners aged 21 and over, or where the legal drinking age permits. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2526003/support] This podcast is designed for listeners aged 21 and over, or where the legal drinking age permits.   You Tube https://www.youtube.com/@BarTalkingTalkingBar-z8p [https://www.youtube.com/@BarTalkingTalkingBar-z8p] IG https://www.instagram.com/bartalkingtalkingbarnyc/ [https://www.instagram.com/bartalkingtalkingbarnyc/] Follow, Like, Share, Comment and Subscribe