From Flower to Spirit

The Warrior Shaman

In this episode, we sit down with Aistis, the mind behind Panamericano, the speakeasy-style cocktail bar known for showcasing spirits exclusively from across the Americas. Aistis shares his incredible journey from Lithuania to Miami — including the life-changing moment he won a green card lottery that opened the door to a new chapter in the U.S. What started as a leap of faith turned into a career built on discipline, curiosity, and a deep respect for hospitality. We dive into the philosophy behind Panamericano’s cocktail program — how limiting the back bar to spirits from North, Central, and South America sparks creativity rather than restriction. Aistis breaks down the balance between technical precision and storytelling, and how intention shapes every drink that leaves the bar. We also explore: The mindset required to grow in a competitive hospitality city like Miami Why perspective matters more than hype How identity influences creativity behind the bar This conversation is about resilience, opportunity, and building something meaningful far from where you started. A story of craft and cocktails done with purpose.

From Flower to Spirit

In this episode, we sit down with Phil and James, the founders of Aphlora Passion Flower Liqueur, a spirit distilled at Big Cypress Distillery that captures the wild, tropical soul of South Florida. Childhood friends turned business partners, these two South Florida natives share the journey from growing up together to creating something truly original. What started as an idea rooted in curiosity and creativity became a beautifully crafted passion flower liqueur — floral, expressive, and unmistakably Floridian. We talk about: How Aphlora was born and why passion flower The process of bringing a niche liqueur to life Working with Big Cypress Distillery to refine and distill the product The challenges of launching a spirits brand in today’s market Redefining the “Florida Man” narrative through craftsmanship and intention Phil and James prove that Florida isn’t just headlines and chaos — it’s innovation, culture, and artistry. This conversation is about friendship, risk, identity, and building something meaningful from the ground up. South Florida roots. Real craftsmanship. A liqueur that tells a story.

Engineering Flavor

In this episode, we sit down with Fernando Plata of Big Cypress Distillery to talk about his journey into the world of distillation, the passion behind craft spirits, and the wide range of products he’s helped create and develop. Fernando shares how he first got introduced to distilling, the challenges and rewards of working in the craft spirits industry, and what makes the Big Cypress approach unique. From concept to bottle, we dive into the artistry, science, and storytelling behind each product he’s involved with. Due to unexpected technical camera difficulties during recording, this episode takes on a unique visual twist. Instead of traditional footage, the conversation is presented through animation and comic-book-inspired visuals as an homage to classic Captain America-era cartoon storytelling. The result is a fun, nostalgic style that adds a creative layer to an already great conversation. If you’re interested in craft spirits, entrepreneurship, or hearing how passion projects evolve into full-fledged brands, this episode delivers insight, personality, and a little vintage comic-book flair. Hope you enjoy. Cheers!

Bringing It All Back

In this episode, we link up with Kayla for one of the most unconventional interviews we’ve done yet. Recorded while shooting pool, the conversation carries a laid-back, spontaneous energy that mirrors Kayla’s adventurous spirit and lifestyle. Kayla shares her experience traveling across 16 countries in just 6 months, diving into the cultures, people, and unexpected lessons she encountered along the way. From meaningful conversations with strangers to moments of personal growth and perspective shifts, her journey became more than just travel — it became a catalyst for redefining how she wants to live her life. Fresh back in Miami for only 48 hours, Kayla reflects on reverse culture shock, the emotional highs and lows of constant movement, and how traveling helped her realize she wants to fully pursue life as a digital nomad. We talk about what inspired that decision, the realities behind the lifestyle, and the challenges she now faces as she prepares to take her next steps toward living and working abroad again. This episode is about curiosity, stepping outside comfort zones, and what happens when you give yourself permission to explore the world — and yourself — without limits. Hope you enjoy. Cheers!

The Next Gen

In this episode, we sit down with Alex Velazquez from Kaori to talk about his journey behind the bar and the mindset that keeps him grounded in the industry. Alex breaks down his role at Kaori and gives us a peek into the philosophy and creativity behind parts of the cocktail menu. We dive into how he first got into bartending, the importance of authenticity in hospitality, and why staying true to yourself matters in a fast-paced scene. Outside of the bar, Alex shares how he decompresses and resets through his workout routine and the discipline it brings into other areas of his life. A conversation about craft, balance, and staying centered while chasing growth.