Best Bakst Podcasts (2024)

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Politics Friday: This is not your typical summer before a ‘big election‘ 24:59

7h ago24:59

24:59

It has been an extraordinary month in our nation’s politics. There’s been development after riveting development, with each eclipsing the last. And yet, with still 100 days to go till Election Day, this could be just a taste of what’s ahead. MPR News host Brian Bakst talks with MPR political reporters Mark Zdechlik and Clay Masters about the last f…

1
S2 Episode 022 - Chef Brother Luck - From Being Top Chef To Being Brother Luck 51:05

3h ago51:05

51:05

Wow, this episode is truly amazing! It was recorded late last year with the fantastic Chef Brother Luck, and we had a deep conversation about the power of vulnerability and sharing your story authentically to help others through their own struggles with pain, grief, or depression. Chef Brother Luck openly rejects the toxic chef lifestyle and attitu…

1
S2 Episode 021 - James Cummings - From Writers Block To Butchers Block 50:14

4d ago50:14

50:14

In the newest episode of "We Recover Loudly," host Shell chats with special guest, Boiling Point lead writer James Cummings about the fascinating world of the hospitality industry, and how it has been depicted in such a relatable and impactful way by the whole team behind the award winning films and tv series. James shares his personal stories of w…

1
S2 Episode 020 - Derek Brown - From Escaping the Mind to Mindful Drinking 57:44

17d ago57:44

57:44

In this new episode of We Recover Loudly, Shell is joined by the wonderful Derek Brown. Derek is an author and NASM-certified wellness coach, and also the founder of Positive Damage, Inc. As one of the US’s top bartenders, he previously owned the Spirited Awards 2017 “Best American Cocktail Bar” Columbia Room in Washington, D.C. Derek published his…

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The stage is set for a Biden, Trump debate that could have implications on a tight race 49:36

20d ago49:36

49:36

Democrat Joe Biden, the current president, and Republican Donald Trump, the former president, meet Thursday, June 27, for the first debate either candidate has been in since 2020. The presumed presidential rematch has been set for months — with both candidates earning the necessary primary wins to gain their party nominations, which they’ll formall…

1
S2 Episode 019 - Jason-Candid Knüsel - From Hospitality Home Comforts to Hospitality Home Truths 54:11

23d ago54:11

54:11

In this new episode, Shell welcomes the delightful Jason-Candid Knusel, who is the director of non profit Healthy Hospo. With 15 years of experience in the food and drinks industry, including working at renowned venues like The Savoy and the NoMad Hotel in London, Jason has seen the importance of investing in a healthier hospitality culture. Alongs…

1
Politics Friday: How are voters in the state feeling about the upcoming election? A new poll says the race is close 24:47

1M ago24:47

24:47

This week MPR News and other media partners released the first Minnesota Poll results of the year. The poll, in partnership with MPR News, KARE 11 and the Star Tribune, revealed a close race for president. The Minnesota Poll also offered a glimpse at top issues for voters and showed the unease many have about Biden and Trump. In this Politics Frida…

1
S2 Episode 018 - Joshua Gandee - From "Just Don't Drink" to "I Am Josh, And I Don't Drink" 52:53

1M ago52:53

52:53

In this new episode, we get to know Joshua Gandee, a bartender and creative who has been working in and around the restaurant industry for over a decade. In 2017, Joshua made the decision to quit drinking and has since been promoting a non-alcoholic culture in his city of Ohio and beyond whether with his buddies Focus On Health, with Historic Revel…

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Politics Friday: Minnesota DFLers convene for their state convention 49:56

2M ago49:56

49:56

The 2024 DFL State Convention will be held at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center in Duluth beginning Friday afternoon. Coming up Friday at noon, a special edition of Politics Friday with a preview of the DFL convention. MPR News host Brian Bakst will talk with DFL Chairman Ken Martin and state Sen. Kelly Morrison, the endorsed candidate…

1
Politics Friday: Gov. Tim Walz weighs in after the Minnesota Legislature gavels out 56:10

2M ago56:10

56:10

The DFL is in its second year of control of the House, Senate and governor’s office. Over the last four months, the DFL passed a rideshare ordinance, a bill on gun restrictions with a tougher penalty for “straw purchasers” and various cannabis resolutions. But there’s also a list of bills that didn’t pass from an equal rights amendment to sports be…

1
S2 Episode 017 - Gabriel Rucker - From Flying Into Addiction to Coming Home to Roost 31:23

2M ago31:23

31:23

This week's guest is the iconic, and exceptionally talented, chef Gabriel Rucker. Having started in kitchens at a young age, even though he dropped out of culinary school, Gabriel's incredible talent was there from the start. At 25, Gabriel became the chef at Portland’s iconic Le Pigeon, where he redefined French cuisine with his signature adventur…

1
Politics Friday: Minnesota Republicans gather for their state convention 49:30

2M ago49:30

49:30

The Minnesota Republican Party convention gets underway at the St. Paul RiverCentre, with the selection of national delegates and endorsement of a U.S. Senate candidate on the to-do list. Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at the party’s annual Lincoln-Reagan fundraising dinner which will be held in association with the convention.…

1
Politics Friday: It’s crunch time at the Capitol 36:51

3M ago36:51

36:51

Minnesota lawmakers have only one more full week to finish up the legislative session’s work. MPR News host Brian Bakst spoke with two leaders of the Minnesota House about the authorization of construction projects, a touch-up of the state budget, updates to Minnesota’s new cannabis law and a possible plan to set minimum pay and protections for rid…

1
Politics Friday: Unfinished business at the Capitol 49:29

3M ago49:29

49:29

The two weeks that remain in the Minnesota Legislature’s 2024 session will result in a flurry of votes, negotiations and certainly twists. One key piece of unfinished business is the bonding bill — the slate of publicly financed construction projects that need state signoff to move ahead. MPR News host Brian Bakst talks with the chair of the House …

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S2 Episode 016 - ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY EPISODE!!! With Rupert Davison, A Rule of Tum 1:00:21

3M ago1:00:21

1:00:21

ONE YEAR BIRTHDAY PODCAST RELEASE !!! This week's episode marks one year since releasing episode one. To mark this milestone, it was important to invite a guest along who has been instrumental in the genesis of this whole project, and indeed my sobriety. My guest, Rupert Davison is one of the company directors of A Rule of Tum. Rupert is a director…

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S2 Episode 015 - MICKEY BAKST - From Isolation in Addiction to Kinship in Sobriety 50:27

3M ago50:27

50:27

In this week's episode we speak to the absolute legend Mickey Bakst, co founder of the national organisation Ben's Friends in the US. After losing a friend to addiction, Ben's Friends was born with a simple mission: to help struggling industry professionals break free from addiction. With almost 60 years of combined sobriety, Mickey and his partner…

1
Politics Friday: Changes are ahead on the Minnesota Supreme Court as one justice steps into retirement 49:42

3M ago49:42

49:42

After nearly 20 years on Minnesota’s Supreme Court, Justice G. Barry Anderson is retiring. Anderson is the longest-tenured current justice and the last to have gained his seat through the appointment of a Republican governor. MPR News host Brian Bakst talks with Anderson about his time in the Minnesota Supreme Court, his career in the courtroom and…

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Politics Friday: How will the grow go? A look at Minnesota’s future with cannabis 49:10

3M ago49:10

49:10

By this time next year, Minnesota might have quite a few new stores where people can buy marijuana in various forms. The goal is for an early 2025 rollout of licensed retail locations. But will there be enough supply to meet demand — and keep prices from rising too high? And what’s going on with the effort to clear records of people who had past ma…

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S2 Episode 014 - LAURA LOUISE GREEN - From Running on Empty to a Healthy Pour 1:07:45

3M ago1:07:45

1:07:45

In this week's episode, I sat down with the hilarious and incredibily intellectual Laura Louise Green, the founder of Healthy Pour. Healthy Pour is an organisation based in Chicago who focus on improving the mental health and well being of individuals in the workplace. Laura is a trained psychotherapist, and organizational consultant. It was shortl…

1
Politics Friday: The landscape of Minnesota education legislation and the outlook of business permitting across the state 54:31

4M ago54:31

54:31

State lawmakers have budgeted to provide more than $23 billion to schools in the current budget — a 10 percent bump over the prior budget. But many districts say they’re still feeling a strain. How come? What is being done to improve literacy, student nutrition, school safety and cultural competency? MPR News host Brian Bakst talked with two leadin…

1
S2 Episode 013 - KARL CONSIDINE - From Party Boy Persona to Authentic Sober Self 57:11

3M ago57:11

57:11

In this new episode, recorded late 2023, Shell talks to the wonderful Karl Considine back when he was still at the beginning of his journey with the now wildy successful Love From bar in Manchester. Throughout this heartfelt conversation, Karl peels back the layers of his experiences, discussing the stark realities of his former identity as the 'pa…

1
Politics Friday: The race is underway for Minnesota’s 2nd Congressional District 52:20

4M ago52:20

52:20

U.S. Representative Angie Craig won Minnesota’s 2nd Congressional District seat in 2018, but she’s won two reelection races by single-digit percentage margins. She’s in for another costly and competitive race. MPR News host Brian Bakst talks with Rep. Craig about her work in Congress and her upcoming campaign. Later, rural EMS providers are banking…

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S2 Episode 012 - BEN GIBBS - From Spiraling into Alcoholism to Sober Boozing with Style 51:40

4M ago51:40

51:40

In this new episode, Ben Gibbs, founder of the Sober Boozers Club, shares his journey with us in his signature candid, and humourous manner. He discusses his struggle with alcoholism and the pivotal moment that led him towards sobriety. Ben's story not only highlights his personal triumph but also sheds light on the growing market for non-alcoholic…

1
Politics Friday: A look at the work being done in the Attorney General’s office 53:43

4M ago53:43

53:43

Updated: 2:40 p.m. Anti-trust cases, consumer protection actions, defense of newly passed state laws and ramped-up criminal prosecutions — it’s all on the plate of Minnesota’s attorney general. MPR News host Brian Bakst talks with Attorney General Keith Ellison about proposed changes to Minnesota’s gun laws, an upcoming hearing on voting rights, on…

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A space shuttle coming to St. Cloud? It’s possible 4:24

4M ago4:24

4:24

A space shuttle could be touching down — metaphorically — in St. Cloud. Gov. Tim Walz last week said a donor had inquired about placing a space shuttle in central Minnesota. Walz told MPR News’ Politics Friday about the offer but gave few details about the project. “Someone wants to give us a space shuttle — the space shuttle, a real space shuttle …

1
Politics Friday: Walz on confronting challenges at the Capitol and beyond 55:42

4M ago55:42

55:42

There are two months to go in the Minnesota Legislature’s 2024 session, meaning high-level negotiations aren’t that far off. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz released a package of budget revisions this week and continues to make the case for other items on his agenda. MPR News host Brian Bakst sits down with Walz to talk about how he’s juggling priorities f…

1
Alison Loehnis 52:39

4M ago52:39

52:39

To learn more about Karen Harvey, Fashion Tech Forum and The Karen Harvey Companies, visit thekhc.co © 2020 Fashion Tech Forum, LLC. Produced by Fashion Tech Forum LLC 331 Park Avenue South New York, NY 10010 Founder and CEO, Karen Harvey Executive Producers, Karen Harvey and Jason Oberholtzer Producers, Maia Wojcik and Meghal Janardan Editor, Mich…

1
S2 Episode 011 - SHANNON MICHELLE - From Serving Spirits to Spirited Sobriety and Inclusivity 1:09:57

4M ago1:09:57

1:09:57

This week on We Recover Loudly, we pull back the curtain with Shannon Michelle, whose journey from pizza counter to cocktail shaker has taken a turn towards sobriety and a quest for inclusivity in the bar industry. Her candid stories serve as a beacon for those navigating the rewarding yet tumultuous waves of hospitality. From the personal cost of …

1
Politics Friday: The fate of a sports betting bill and a TikTok ban 49:08

4M ago49:08

49:08

This week, MPR News host Brian Bakst sits down with DFL Rep. Zack Stephenson and DFL Sen. Erin Maye Quade to talk about a sports betting bill that’s garnered a lot of buzz at the Capitol. The bill would establish regulations for on-site and mobile betting venues and who can operate them. Minnesota is in the minority of states where sports betting i…

1
Politics Friday: Bonding bill stirs up debate, but what will it take to get a deal? 49:22

5M ago49:22

49:22

MPR News host Brian Bakst is joined by Senate Capital Investment Committee Chair Sandra Pappas and Rep. Dean Urdahl, R-Grove City, the top Republican on the House Capital investment Committee. They’ll have big roles in shaping this year’s construction projects package known as the bonding bill. Minnesota lawmakers are sorting through billions of do…

1
S2 Episode 010 - ANDREW CLARKE - From Fire Gone Out to Mastering the Flame 56:15

5M ago56:15

56:15

On this week's episode, we are joined by Acme Fire Cult Leader, chef Andrew Clarke. Andrew Clarke shares about his childhood upbringing being around flames to mastering the art of live fire cooking. His journey has been one of transformation, both in the kitchen and in his personal life. As we discuss the timeline of his career, Andrew shares anecd…

1
Politics Friday: Minnesota’s major political party chairs on presidential primaries and the 2024 election season 49:05

5M ago49:05

49:05

Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden are closing in on their nominations. Coming up Friday at noon, MPR News host Brian Bakst talks to DFL Party Chair Ken Martin and Republican Party Chair David Hann about their party’s likely presidential nominees, and what that matchup may mean in Minnesota. Later, MPR News correspondent Catharine Riche…

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S2 Episode 009 - JORDAN C MASH GANG - From Lockdown Loses to Fermentation Gains 48:56

5M ago48:56

48:56

This week’s episode is a total riot. Shell is joined by one of the brains behind the incredible brewery Mash Gang. Jordan talks about the journey from a hobbyist homebrewer during lockdown to launching a successful non-alcoholic beverage company. He discusses how their initial experimentation with fermentation led to creating some rather unique pro…

1
Politics Friday: A new majority leader in the Senate and a Republican vying for Klobuchar’s seat 52:08

5M ago52:08

52:08

It’s the second year for the DFL trifecta at the State Capitol — but the party only has a one seat majority in the Senate and is led by a new face this year. Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy stepped into the role right as this year’s session began. Her predecessor, Kari Dziedzic gave up the position down after learning her cancer had returned. MP…

1
S2 Episode 008 - RAJ MARKANDOO - From Emotions Bubbling Over to Breath work and Bubala 48:05

5M ago48:05

48:05

On this week’s episode, we are joined by Raj Markandoo, an openly queer sober legend who currently works as Operations Manager at London based Bubala. Raj shares his personal journey of overcoming challenges growing up feeling disconnected from his community and how he finally found a sense of belonging when he started working in hospitality in Cum…

1
Politics Friday: Leaders of the House on this session’s priorities 52:43

5M ago52:43

52:43

The Legislature has gaveled in, and the Capitol is quiet no more. Minnesota Democrats had their way in passing an expansive agenda, from abortion protections to recreational cannabis to restored voting rights for people with felony pasts. DFLers also increased spending across state government, from universal school meals to modest tax rebates. This…

1
S2 Episode 007 - MARK McCULLOCH - From Hospitality Crisis to Hospitality Rising 1:02:31

5M ago1:02:31

1:02:31

On this week’s episode, we have marketing legend and one of the incredible minds behind ‘Hospitality Rising’, Mark McCulloch. The campaign, which has created more excitement and drive towards getting people to consider a career in hospitality than any previous attempt, is coming up to 18 months old and has industry awards such as Casual Dining Awar…

1
S2 Episode 006- GREG BAKER - From Chef on the Line to Life on the Line 1:08:00

6M ago1:08:00

1:08:00

On this week’s episode, we are joined by Greg Baker. Greg was a chef and restaurateur for 36 years, with six James Beard Award nominations behind him, before retiring in 2019, citing the physical and mental toll the work took on him as his reasons. In his last years as a chef, he became a vocal advocate for raising awareness of and dealing with sys…

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S2 Episode 005 - DENISE HAMILTON-MACE - From Bar Boss to Editor In Chief! 46:51

6M ago46:51

46:51

On this week’s episode of We Recover Loudly, we were joined by Denise Hamilton-Mace , who is the owner and Editor in Chief of Low No Drinker magazine, the UK's No 1 magazine for sober curious drinkers. Denise is a hospitality veteran, having worked her way up to management in fast paced, high volume restaurants and bars from an early age. Finding h…

1
S2 Episode 004 - PHIL BARANTINI - From 'Service Please' to Lights, Camera's, Action! 46:41

6M ago46:41

46:41

On this week’s episode of We Recover Loudly, we were beyond delighted to be joined by former chef and actor, now writer, producer AND film director, Phil Barantini. Phil is one of the creative minds behind the incredible films, and now BBC tv series, Boiling Point. Having previously worked as a chef, and personally experienced the stress, poor ment…

1
Looking ahead to this year’s election 49:11

6M ago49:11

49:11

The 2024 election kicks off when the first votes of the presidential campaign are cast Monday night in Iowa, where Republicans are jockeying for support in that state’s caucuses. Will former President Donald Trump score the victory that eluded him in his first White House run? Could rivals Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley pull off an upset or at least …

1
S2 Episode 003 - DEVAN RAJKUMAR - From Life gone up in flames to Fire Master 51:28

7M ago51:28

51:28

Welcome to this week’s episode of We Recover Loudly, with guest Devan Rajkumar, otherwise known as Chef Dev. Chef Dev has worked in the industry from a young man, climbing the ranks from dish pit to world renowned chef, writer and tv personality on shows such as Fire Masters. Having started in the industry with a desire to eventually be a food crit…

1
S2 Episode 002 - ALEX JUMP - From Death & Co to living life to the fullest! 59:31

7M ago59:31

59:31

Welcome to this week's episode of We Recover Loudly where Shell has the pleasure of chatting to beverage industry titan Alex Jump. Alex is an award-winning bartender who began her career behind the stick in her hometown of Tennessee after spending time studying aboard in Florence, Italy, including a stint interning at the largest wine shop in the I…

1
S2 Episode 001 - NEIL RANKIN - From Tempers flaring to a life lived with Symplicity 47:53

7M ago47:53

47:53

Welcome to this week's episode of We Recover Loudly where Shell is joined by the brilliant Neil Rankin. Neil, a physics graduate, began his career in French fine dining but is best known for his talent in BBQ and fire-based cooking. He has worked with acclaimed US BBQ chef Adam Perry Lang, and has made significant contributions to the BBQ and meat …

1
Roseann Lynch 54:15

7M ago54:15

54:15

Roseann Lynch not only has a vast and important role as Chief People Officer and Head of the Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation at Ralph Lauren, but she has her own personal set of values that guide her across all aspects of her own life – a fundamental value system of guiding principles and practices that shape the remarkable person that she is. Fe…

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TRANSGENDER AWARENESS WEEK BONUS EPISODE - With Phoebe and Rachel, The Joy Tuck Club 47:29

8M ago47:29

47:29

This weeks special bonus episode is released especially for Transgender Awareness week. I had the pleasure of being joined by my friends Phoebe and Rachel, hosts of The Joy Tuck Podcast, to discuss the challenges of being transgender, including the social expectations and the importance of the transitioning journey. I met Phoebe in the rooms of rec…

1
ADDICTION AWARENESS WEEK BONUS - With Patrick Lingle, Planta 56:02

9M ago56:02

56:02

This is the second bonus episode, released as part of Addiction Awareness Week 2023. On this episode I chat to fellow Burnt Chef ambassador Patrick Lingle. Patrick's journey began in restaurants during his youth, and he was immediately drawn to the energy and social aspect of the industry. We talked about the high demands and long hours of working …

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ADDICTION AWARENESS WEEK BONUS - With Liz Bennet-Greaves, Hyde's Brewery 45:16

9M ago45:16

45:16

This week's bonus episode, is released as part of Addiction Awareness Week 2023. It is a conversation with the lovely Liz Bennett, who works in a pub for Hyde's Brewery. One of the things we want the podcast to do is offer a platform for people currently working in the industry, while being sober, to share how they do it! Liz approached us wanting …

1
Rebecca Minkoff 53:40

9M ago53:40

53:40

To learn more about Karen Harvey, Fashion Tech Forum and The Karen Harvey Companies, visit thekhc.co © 2020 Fashion Tech Forum, LLC. Produced by Fashion Tech Forum LLC 331 Park Avenue South New York, NY 10010 Founder and CEO, Karen Harvey Executive Producers, Karen Harvey and Jason Oberholtzer Producers, Maia Wojcik and Meghal Janardan Editor, Mich…

1
SOBER OCTOBER BONUS EPISODE – With Amanda Thomson CEO and Founder Thomson & Scott 39:37

10M ago39:37

39:37

Enjoy this bonus episode in honour of Sober October, a delightful conversation with myself and award winning NA wine maker Amanda Thomson. An entrepreneurial powerhouse, this is a fascinating story about how she came to be the owner of such a successful brand. We discuss : The growing no & low alcohol market. The methods used to create these specia…

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