Ramblin' on the River

In this episode of Ramblin' on the River, we get into fond memories and hilarious anecdotes about their family, riverboat adventures, and interactions with long-time associates. From childhood summers to the origins of Cincinnati's hospitality landscape, the episode offers a journey through the family history, supplemented by engaging stories with special guest and former VP of Operations, Josh Mehling. The episode also f...

In this episode we share nostalgic stories about Al's childhood growing up in Cincinnati. They discuss growing up in the Ohio River Valley, their family dynamics, including humorous and heartfelt anecdotes about siblings and pets. The episode touches on events like America's River Roots festival, the significance of hosting the captain's ball, and the family's pet stories, providing a deep dive into their family...

In this episode of the Ramblin' on the River' podcast, the family discusses their experiences with BB Riverboats, including collaborations with Gateway Clipper Fleet in Pittsburgh. Special guest Terry Wirginis from the Gateway Clipper Fleet shares stories about his family's business and their mutual influences. The conversation covers their mutual experiences, past ventures, humorous incidents, and the close-knit nat...

This engaging episode of Ramblin' on the River delves into the rich history of the Bernstein family's involvement in Cincinnati's hospitality landscape. Hosts Ben, Terri, and Alan Bernstein discuss the family's entrepreneurial journey, touching upon key ventures such as the BB riverboats and the iconic Crockett’s restaurant. The episode is filled with light-hearted banter, personal anecdotes, and even introduces...

In this episode of 'Ramblin on the River' the Bernstein family explores the colorful history of their family's involvement in Cincinnati's hospitality business, focusing on the iconic Mike Fink riverboat restaurant. The discussion spans the boat's move from Cincinnati to Covington, significant challenges like the harsh winter of 1977-78, and memorable anecdotes that paint a vivid picture of the restaurant&a...

In this episode of 'Ramblin on the River, the podcast dives into the legacy of the Bernstein family's involvement in Cincinnati's hospitality scene, particularly focusing on their restaurant, El Greco. The script is peppered with anecdotes about family dynamics, notable events, and recipes from El Greco's menu. Two infamous stories are revisited - a mishap as a valet and a humorous restaurant incident involving ...

In the second part of this Tall Stacks episode of Ramblin' on the River the Bernstein's share humorous and heartwarming stories from the past festivals. The hosts also getinto the origin of the phrase 'three sheets to the wind' and provide insights into current riverboat industry trends and the economic landscape. Tune in for an engaging mix of history, humor, and river lore.

00:00 Introduction to Rambl...

In this episode, the Bernstein family dives into the history of Cincinnati's Tall Stacks festivals, from their inception in 1988 through various installments, highlighting stories of successes, challenges, and memorable moments. The episode also features humorous anecdotes about family and work life, interactions with fans, and a segment on modern slang terms.

00:00 Introduction to Ramblin on the River
01:09 Meet ...

In this episode of 'Ramblin' on the River' share a series of humorous and intriguing maritime stories, including the two groundings of the Belle of Cincinnati, the partial sinking of the Captain Ben, and the unfortunate sinking of the diorama barge. They also discuss how the crew managed to improvise mooring situations by tying their vessel to unconventional objects. The episode concludes with exciting news about the...

This episode features a blend of intriguing family history and inspirational medical resilience. The family discusses the transformation of old riverboats into the famed haunted attraction, the USS Nightmare. Joined by Allen Rizzo, the episode highlights behind-the-scenes stories, memorable moments, and the growth of this fall tradition in Cincinnati. Additionally, Alan shares his profound medical journey from low platelet levels t...

This episode of 'Ramblin on the River,' takes listeners on a nostalgic journey through the family's history, focusing on Alan's summer of 1969 in the Catskill Mountains. The episode dives into the family's entrepreneurial past in the hospitality industry and includes amusing and heartfelt stories, debates on historical dates, and intricate recollections of Alan's youthful adventures, working as a busbo...

In this engaging episode of 'Ramblin on the River,' The Bernsteins recount their family's deep-rooted history in Cincinnati, from their early restaurant days to humorous and heartfelt stories involving local icons like Carl Lindner. They touch upon amusing bartending anecdotes, encounters with law enforcement, and the memorable heist that crowned the Belle of Cincinnati as an official river pirate boat. Additionally,...

In this episode, we delve into the history and growth of the Passenger Vessel Association (PVA). From its roots as the National Association of Passenger Vessel Owners (NAPVO) to its current form, the podcast features anecdotes, challenges, and accomplishments that shaped the association. Guests include John Groundwater, Executive Director of PVA, who shares his journey from the broadcasting industry to leading PVA. The episode also...

This episode of 'Ramblin on the River' focuses on the acquisition and renovation of the Belle of Cincinnati. The episode features vivid storytelling about the summer adventure in New Orleans, unexpected challenges and humorous mishaps during the renovation, and the journey of towing the World Peace Belle upriver. Special guest Troy Manthey, owner and operator of Yacht Starship, joins to share his unique experiences and in...

This episode delves deeply into humorous and heartfelt stories, from amusing retellings of family Christmases and vasectomy mishaps to sentimental recollections of Alan and Mary Bernstein's love story. Interspersed with these anecdotes, the family discusses their riverboat business operations and the challenges of managing a family-run company. The episode concludes with a sneak peek into next week's episode, which will f...

This episode of the 'Rambling on the River' podcast highlights their participation in the 1982 World's Fair in Knoxville, Tennessee.  The episode covers the acquisition and preparation of boats like the Becky Thatcher, and the various logistical challenges faced, from sinking boats to marketing tactics involving fish food. Personal anecdotes include guest Alan Rizzo's early work experiences and humorous as well ...

This episode of the 'Ramblin' on the River' podcast covers the history and entrepreneurial spirit of the Bernstein family. Meet the Patriarch and Matriarch of the family, Ben and Shirley Bernstein, and hear about their love story during WWII. The podcast highlights the family's journey in the restaurant business, and shares humorous and heartfelt family anecdotes, including the formation and growth of their many...

This episode of Ramblin' on the River, sponsored by BB Riverboats, begins with Alan Bernstein reminiscing about his experiences on the Delta Queen in 1970, including humorous and heartfelt stories about jobs, learning values, and even an unexpected brush with the law in Paducah, Kentucky. The hosts also discuss the significance of the Delta Queen in fostering Alan's love for the river and its hospitality culture. Current ...

A Bernstein Family Legacy: Steamboats, Stories, and Startups

The inaugural episode of Ramblin on the River, presented by BB Riverboats, starts with a nostalgic look at summertime in the Ohio River Valley. Hosts Ben, Terri, and Alan Bernstein introduce themselves and the podcast, which will chronicle the stories and history of the Bernstein family's journey in Cincinnati's hospitality and riverboat businesses. Det...