Music and Booze With Mo

Latest Episodes:

Episode 203: Episode 203 - Minakshi Singh Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

Minakshi Singh started bartending at events and parties and fell in love... but legally, she couldn't bartend in an actual bar. It was the '00s in India, and despite that obstacle, she forged a career in the spirits industry and opened several bars. Starting with Cocktails and Dreams Speakeasy, she followed with Sidecar (awarded as one of Asia's Best), The Brook, The Old House (in Nepal) and the later cofounded the India Bartender Show, creating the premiere gathering for bartenders and spirits folk in the nation. (Women are now allowed to work in bars in several Indian states... but not all!) Live music plays a big part in her venues, and she loves to rock. Check out her playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/43XOfGjnoKvsRlxvhah8hk?si=_349LflpTO63rWQOaN1P6w

Episode 202: Episode 202 - Nathan Elliott Mar 23, 2026

Show notes

Nathan Elliott can be found behind the bar at Scotch Lodge in Portland, Oregon, which just racked up James Beard semifinalist nomination but has been deeply appreciated by its community since opening in 2019 (Esquire magazine has already recognized it as one of their best bars as well). Nathan got into bartending the old fashioned way - trying to support his music habit. From his start playing in a No Doubt cover band in junior high, he made it all the way to LA and an official music industry break playing bass and singing with the group National Product. Once the tours ended, he stopped just picking up shifts and went for the full time bar thing, mastering craft cocktails and letting the music become a beloved hobby. Rock out with him here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/55WvNsHNR8JEn8FVTKBJ9d?si=guRfyMnVSq-z5psFvx8a2w

Episode 201: Episode 201 - Ricky Ramirez Mar 09, 2026

Show notes

Ricky Ramirez didn't mean to own a bar, it just kind of happened. And even though he sort of wishes he took a little more time diving in, The Mothership in Milwaukee, WI seems to have done ok, racking up a James Beard Semifinalist nod this year. Ricky grew up with religious parents in the Latin community so screaming in metal bands and becoming a bartender was not really an expected outcome (or was it?), but after pouring too many craft beers he switched to craft cocktails and created an inclusive community space for his neighborhood. Check out his playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1GwK1VgttSQWOcF1uDKKJY?si=meAp7hT3QriH3XDHiRSBMw

Episode 200: Episode 200 - Billy Weathers Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

Billy Weathers is bringing community to both the music scene and the cocktail scene of Des Moines, Iowa. He opened The Contrary just over a year ago after visiting craft bars in places like Chicago and San Diego, and decided his town deserved something like that. His vision has just earned the space a James Beard semi-finalist spot for best new bar. Billy also performs hip hop as B. Well, and continues to play a part in supporting local music and art, determined to bring the citizens of his town more culture to enjoy. Check out Billy's Listening Hour (and some of his music too!) here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3rB2vS8wPLh3OVGQKawpCl?si=9VzTZ9TySTyBLfaKxFI45A

Episode 199: Episode 199 - Abigail Gullo Jan 12, 2026

Show notes

Abigail Gullo, who you can find leading the program at New Orleans spot Loa, kicked off her bartending career in her native New York, where she trained (and drank) under some of the masters of the mid aughts. After honing her skills at Fort Defiance, she realized her other career onstage acting and singing was possibly behind her (although she's still ready of the opportunity arises!). She made her way to New Orleans, where she landed at the Commander's Palace family and moved to the award winning Compere Lapin, picking up several accolades along the way for herself. Check out this playlist of the songs she sings along to behind the bar: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5XLX1r8vpWOaNs52gYefs7?si=COmBvRThTEGAfcmxXI7uVQ

Episode 198: Episode 198 - Charlie Lehman & Cosmo Soto Dec 22, 2025

Show notes

Charlie Lehmann & Cosmo Soto bartended in a variety of Sydney, Australia spots (from local dives to crafty speakeasies) before they had the opportunity to become owners of two music centric cocktail joints: Ramblin' Rascal Tavern and Double Deuce Lounge. They became the top selling spot for cognac in the country while also providing live tunes to their community, certainly haven't shied away from having some cheeky fun with their drinks, and provide some of the best playlists in town. There are many colorful characters in both the Aussie music and booze scene, and these two have some great stories about that and more! Then check out their Ramblin' Deuce playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1MBVg6ZQwU9xSmffOvvD5E?si=SVqU1sViQOKGRkK3GZFSDQ

Episode 197: Episode 197 - Damien Cavicchi Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

Damien Cavicchi is owner of Jackson, Mississippi's legendary music spot Hal & Mal's as well as the speakeasy tucked away nearby, The Walk In. Although he isn't a trained bartender (his calling is to be the chef), he did put those culinary skills to use when crafting the spirit free cocktails for The Walk In. Likewise, he dabbled at guitar and fronted a band in his younger days, but his love of music is still an integral part of him and now he channels it into playlists for the bars. Check out his Mezcal Morning music here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/20FWIdbXJemvLobgHSx0OB?si=LVtRVvUbTomPjxqeBsz-3Q

Episode 196: Episode 196 - Alex Howard Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

Alex Howard, owner of Martha My Dear in Nashville, thought he was going to go into the music industry but got bit by the bartending bug instead. He came from a family of music creatives, and he went to college to study the music business himself and become a mover and a shaker. To pay the bills he got into hospitality, and the longer he worked in it, the more he loved it. From learning the basics at Ruby Tuesday and fine tuning his skills at Attaboy, he made the leap to ownership with a spot named after a Beatles Song and his mom. Ease into his indie stylings with this playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6dj7gHkVNeUwNqLlyhsoKk?si=NIoQ309dSuSLlfbI70ndkg

Episode 195: Episode 195 - Hannah Spear Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

Hannah Spear, bartender at Chicago's Bisous, started playing violin when she was 6 and thought that was going to be her entire life. After years of training and the highs and lows that come with an intense musical existence, she needed to take a break. Enter bartending. Now the craft of making cocktails has her performing for Chicago's drinkers, playing with terroir, reversing martinis, and drinking sherry with jazz. Hear how she balances life at Bisous while restoring her love of violin on this episode, and check out her professed drama queen styled playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/18vOkhghn90s5tBOoDNwQn?si=bMg6gYjuTkuXd3FLiHGNXw

Episode 194: Episode 194 - Lou Bernard Oct 27, 2025

Show notes

Lou Bernard currently serves as the beverage director for Mita in Washington DC, applying his skills to the drinks at this James Beard nominated (and Michelin Guide) vegan Latin restaurant. He's been involved in the DC scene for years though, proudly bringing the flavors and inspirations from his Latin upbringing to the bar and introducing the area to Singani. He was recently named one of Punch's best new bartenders of 2025, and he's known to sling some drinks named for hip hop tracks while blasting rock en español. Check out his Latin Vibes DC style playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/25Je5BHIPWBiQ6X4eFm8k3?si=3AG3JPPVQhOntO6BGvqjKg

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