BarNinja Podcast - The Ultimate Bartending & Mixology Podcast
The bartending podcast for home and professional bartenders. We share best practices, tips, trends, tools, hacks, product reviews, and innovations in the bartending and mixology field. We cover everything from being a better bartender to being a better drinker.
Episodes
We catch up on bar life, then dig into the industry friction points that guests feel but rarely name out loud. We debate what’s happening to cocktail culture, why hospitality still matters most, and how trends like tip pooling and bourbon collecting are changing the game.
• dive bartender skill versus the mixologist label and what it signals to guests
• cocktail pricing creep and when the value stops match...
Guests don’t compare you to last year’s prices; they compare you to their best recent experience. We dig into why the gap between “good” and “great” hospitality has widened, and how small, repeatable moves—clean bathrooms, warm greetings, and a clear point of view—turn rising costs into loyalty instead of churn. From the moment someone parks to the last goodbye, we treat service like hosting a dinner party, not runn...
Chef Bobby pulls back the curtain on restaurant ownership, revealing a leadership philosophy centered on genuine care for his staff. His innovative approach guarantees front of house $27/hour regardless of how slow business gets—a practice that's transformed his Arlington restaurant's culture while virtually eliminating callouts.
Behind every seemingly simple dining experience lies a complex ecos...
Dive into the vibrant world of bartending as we explore the intricate balance between craft cocktails and genuine connections! At the end of the episode, we explore the biggest problem in bartending for 2025. We'll discuss the changing landscape of the bar industry, sharing personal anecdotes and insights gained from years of experience. Discover why being a great bartender transcends simply mixing drinks—it&ap...
Ever wondered how the evolution of tipping culture has affected both servers and patrons alike? This episode promises an in-depth exploration of modern tipping practices, from the challenges posed by electronic payment systems to the blurred lines between genuine gratuity and hidden labor costs. Join hosts Bill Thornton, Kayla Lowe, and Mike Garrison as they share personal anecdotes and address the ethical complexit...
Ever wondered how couples manage to mix love and business successfully? This week on the Barn Ninja Podcast, we promise to unravel the secrets behind blending romance and entrepreneurship. With our special guest, Jacqueline Westfall, co-owner of Drifters, we explore the humorous and candid moments of their journey from early dating jitters to harmonious business partners. Jacqueline shares how clear communication, ...
Ever caught off-guard by the potency of a deceptively large wine glass? Join us as we navigate these comical predicaments and more with the wit and wisdom of the Bar Ninja crew. We’re raising a glass (and an eyebrow) to the comedic struggles that come with everyday decisions, celebrating the arrival of a new shaker that's flipped our cocktail game on its head, and dishing out details on the influential bartendi...
Ever slept in a truck while your house is earning you Airbnb cash? Ryan has, and let me tell you, it's just one of the wild slices of life we're unpacking as we chat about the deeper side of hospitality with our special guest. This episode isn't just about pouring drinks; it's about pouring your soul into every connection—those five-minute friendships that bloom across the bar and the kind of ser...
Ever wondered how serving in the military and law enforcement might influence one's approach to restaurant ownership? The answer lies in the inspiring journey of Ryan Walters a former police officer turned successful business owner. Ryan, the owner of Drifter's restaurant, reflects on how his previous background honed his leadership skills for the hospitality industry. His unique story takes us from his be...
Have you ever stepped into a bar that felt like stepping into another era? That's the charm of dive bars! We're all aboard the nostalgia train in this episode of the Bar Ninja Podcast with your favorites - Kayla Louge and Mike Garrison. On our journey, we're joined by Leslie, a dive bar expert who shares her unforgettable experiences from Dinos and Santas, two dive bars in Nashville.
Find ou...
Ready to embark on a whimsical journey into the divisive world of brunch? Buckle up for a hilarious and insightful debate that will leave you either craving pancakes or swearing off Eggs Benedict forever. We're your hosts Bill, Kayla, and Mike, and in this episode, we're joined by special guest Leslie, who's not exactly a fan of the mid-morning meal. Will our passionate defense of mimosa-infused Sunda...
We are Back! New site is up! New products are out! New podcasts have been recorded! Check out barninja.com and subscribe to your favorite podcast player as well as our email newsletter.
Make sure to follow us on Instagram.com/barninja and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. Also be sure to stop by the store at barninja.com to purchase a J Plate bottle opener to help keep the show on the air! Thanks for tuni...
This is a quick fun episode about Bill and the bacon stretcher. In other news, there are exciting things coming soon with BarNinja! Stay tuned in the next several weeks!
Make sure to follow us on Instagram.com/barninja and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. Also be sure to stop by the store at barninja.com to purchase a J Plate bottle opener to help keep the show on the air! Thanks for tuning in! Mike, Bil...
We are back to it with Season 2 of the BarNinja Podcast! In this episode you learn about how bartending changes your life, instills confidence, while helping to bring out the best version of your personality. It also teaches you leadership and emotional intelligence through creating connections and dealing with personalities.
Send this podcast to any of your friends or family that are thinking of getting i...
This episode ties in with our last episode, but in this episode we discuss when our facilitation of fun went way wrong i.e. bar flair mishaps, almost burning down the bar, sabering champagne etc. It is a light hearted funny episode from our past adventures. We do bring our earlier episodes into these situations to show how you can keep your calm, and the bars spirits high even when things go way wrong. By transferri...
This is a quick but super important episode. If you know any bartenders please send this episode to them. This is the difference from average bartenders and rockstars that have super loyal regulars and bars you can't get a seat at. Hope you enjoy. Please share our podcast with any bartenders you know!
Make sure to follow us on Instagram.com/barninja and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. Also be sure ...
This is probably the most important bar consulting podcast we will do. It is the reason some bars offer bad service and don't make money. It's also why some bartenders don't achieve their maximum revenue potential (for themselves and for the owner.) We also discuss big challenges as a bartender and why Blind Bill learned to become a good photographer.
Make sure to follow us on Instagram.com/barninja a...
In this episode we answer some listener questions with the Who, What, When, Why & How of the BarNinja Podcast. We also solve a mysterious Tequila disappearance. If you have any feedback for us, or what us to cover a topic, or answer a question email podcast@barninja.com
Make sure to follow us on Instagram.com/barninja and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. Also be sure to stop by the store at barninja....
In this episode we take it back to the beginning! We talk about designing and prototyping our first product the BottleNinja, and how that product was the catalyst for founding BarNinja. We also discuss Yo Yo's and fidget spinners, but you will just have to listen in to find out how those work into the picture.
Make sure to follow us on Instagram.com/barninja and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. Also...
In this episode we dive further into to how energy can turn into great long term relationships. This episode is applicable to anymore and everyone and has some great lessons on how to build a regular base of business for your establishment.
Make sure to follow us on Instagram.com/barninja and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. Also be sure to stop by the store at barninja.com to purchase a J Plate bottle o...
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