Best Mike Groener Podcasts (2025)

1
Ep 367 - James Douglas III: We'll See What's Next 1:00:45

12h ago1:00:45

1:00:45

James Douglas III moved around a bit as a child. The new environments, new social circles have a massive impact on who you become. Now, after years of hospitality, James is adapting yet again as he takes on an incredibly visible role with Ilegal Mezcal in Texas. His love of movies, people, and helping others is on full display in his very podcast c…

1
Ep 367 - James Douglas III: We'll See What's Next 1:00:45

1d ago1:00:45

1:00:45

James Douglas III moved around a bit as a child. The new environments, new social circles have a massive impact on who you become. Now, after years of hospitality, James is adapting yet again as he takes on an incredibly visible role with Ilegal Mezcal in Texas. His love of movies, people, and helping others is on full display in his very podcast c…

1
Ep 366 - Ricardo Pico: The Story of El Sotolero 1:15:09

12d ago1:15:09

1:15:09

Almost 10 years, we first sat down with Ricardo Pico as his journey in Sotol was just beginning. Now, so many achievements and projects later, what does Ricardo Pico reflect on in this new world of Sotol awareness. One of the only guests to appear on the show twice, Ricardo shares his tales of Don Lalo, the creation of Nocheluna Sotol, and what suc…

1
Ep 366 - Ricardo Pico: The Story of El Sotolero 1:15:09

13d ago1:15:09

1:15:09

Almost 10 years, we first sat down with Ricardo Pico as his journey in Sotol was just beginning. Now, so many achievements and projects later, what does Ricardo Pico reflect on in this new world of Sotol awareness. One of the only guests to appear on the show twice, Ricardo shares his tales of Don Lalo, the creation of Nocheluna Sotol, and what suc…

1
Ep 365 - Meghan Webb: The Journey, Not The Arrival, Matters 59:17

23d ago59:17

59:17

Meghan Webb has been a staple in hospitality industry for over a decade. Her travels and lust for life have taken her across the world, where she always shares her warmth and knowledge. This journey has recently brought things full circle with her return to Austin, TX. But this time, she is leading the charge for Lustau Sherry in the huge market of…

1
Ep 365 - Meghan Webb: The Journey, Not The Arrival, Matters 59:17

24d ago59:17

59:17

Meghan Webb has been a staple in hospitality industry for over a decade. Her travels and lust for life have taken her across the world, where she always shares her warmth and knowledge. This journey has recently brought things full circle with her return to Austin, TX. But this time, she is leading the charge for Lustau Sherry in the huge market of…

1
Ep 364 - Anthony Wills: The Story of Kilchoman Scotch Whisky 50:33

2M ago50:33

50:33

Anthony Wills is the founder and creator of Kilchoman Single Malt Scotch Whisky, the first new distillery to be built on Islay since 1908. His previous career in wine sales led him to delve into independent whisky bottling ventures. And with deep roots to Islay through his wife's family, the grand idea to open a new distillery actualized in 2005. T…

1
Ep 364 - Anthony Wills: The Story of Kilchoman Scotch Whisky 50:33

2M ago50:33

50:33

Anthony Wills is the founder and creator of Kilchoman Single Malt Scotch Whisky, the first new distillery to be built on Islay since 1908. His previous career in wine sales led him to delve into independent whisky bottling ventures. And with deep roots to Islay through his wife's family, the grand idea to open a new distillery actualized in 2005. T…

1
Ep 363 - Luis Del Pozo: Always Be Exploring 54:01

3M ago54:01

54:01

Luis Del Pozo exudes acceptance, curiosity, and hospitality. He cut his teeth in the hospitality industry of California where he honed his aesthetic and built a very supportive following on Instagram. Now, after starting a family and making Austin his new home, Luis represents the beautiful spirits of Lost Explorer. Whether dawning a stylish hat or…

1
Ep 363 - Luis Del Pozo: Always Be Exploring 54:01

3M ago54:01

54:01

Luis Del Pozo exudes acceptance, curiosity, and hospitality. He cut his teeth in the hospitality industry of California where he honed his aesthetic and built a very supportive following on Instagram. Now, after starting a family and making Austin his new home, Luis represents the beautiful spirits of Lost Explorer. Whether dawning a stylish hat or…

1
Ep 362 - Jorge Caldera: Home Is Where The Sotol Is 1:00:53

3M ago1:00:53

1:00:53

Jorge Caldera has remained behind the scenes as Sotol has seen a rise in availability and prominence in the agave market. (although Sotol itself is not agave). Yet, his continued efforts in the market, previously with Clande Sotol, and now with astonishing spirits of Sotol Parejo, have largely gone unnoticed....until now. Jorge was born and raised …

1
Ep 362 - Jorge Caldera: Home Is Where The Sotol Is 1:00:53

3M ago1:00:53

1:00:53

Jorge Caldera has remained behind the scenes as Sotol has seen a rise in availability and prominence in the agave market. (although Sotol itself is not agave). Yet, his continued efforts in the market, previously with Clande Sotol, and now with astonishing spirits of Sotol Parejo, have largely gone unnoticed....until now. Jorge was born and raised …

1
Ep 361 - Luis Loya: A True Treasure Hunter 49:43

4M ago49:43

49:43

Luis Loya grew up on cattle ranch in Chihuahua Mexico. His rebellious nature, and gift for drawing transformed into an insatiable need to explore later in life. He is the purveyor of some of the finest distillates in the world, and more specifically Mexico, with his brand La Mata Spirits. With beautiful spirits from Durango, Oaxaca, Nuevo León, and…

1
Ep 361 - Luis Loya: A True Treasure Hunter 49:43

4M ago49:43

49:43

Luis Loya grew up on cattle ranch in Chihuahua Mexico. His rebellious nature, and gift for drawing transformed into an insatiable need to explore later in life. He is the purveyor of some of the finest distillates in the world, and more specifically Mexico, with his brand La Mata Spirits. With beautiful spirits from Durango, Oaxaca, Nuevo León, and…

1
Ep 360 - Dani Taylan: A Symbol of Strength 1:06:33

4M ago1:06:33

1:06:33

Originally from Monterrey, Nuevo León, Houston's Daniela Taylan is at the top of the brand ambassador game. Whether it's serving mezcal at La Niña Blanca, sharing and educating for Tequila Fortaleza, or tapping into her botanical roots for Condesa Gin, Dani is truly working hard. She's always happy to offer a pour, share her experiences, and dedica…

1
Ep 360 - Dani Taylan: A Symbol of Strength 1:06:33

4M ago1:06:33

1:06:33

Originally from Monterrey, Nuevo León, Houston's Daniela Taylan is at the top of the brand ambassador game. Whether it's serving mezcal at La Niña Blanca, sharing and educating for Tequila Fortaleza, or tapping into her botanical roots for Condesa Gin, Dani is truly working hard. She's always happy to offer a pour, share her experiences, and dedica…

1
Ep 359 - Blair Ault: Full of Teachable Moments 1:04:57

5M ago1:04:57

1:04:57

Teacher, educator, whiskey ambassador, podcaster, and more... It makes one wonder what Milam and Greene's Blair Ault does NOT do. Houston's Blair Ault is a renaissance woman. She writes, teaches, hosts, and travels the United States extolling the virtues of Texas' Milam and Greene whiskey. Blair is an erudite Star Trek fan that encourages creativit…

1
Ep 359 - Blair Ault: Full of Teachable Moments 1:04:57

5M ago1:04:57

1:04:57

Teacher, educator, whiskey ambassador, podcaster, and more... It makes one wonder what Milam and Greene's Blair Ault does NOT do. Houston's Blair Ault is a renaissance woman. She writes, teaches, hosts, and travels the United States extolling the virtues of Texas' Milam and Greene whiskey. Blair is an erudite Star Trek fan that encourages creativit…

1
Ep 358 - Eduardo “Lalo” González: Tequila Is Thicker Than Water 1:03:07

5M ago1:03:07

1:03:07

Eduardo "Lalo" González has a rich history steeped in Tequila. His family created the brand Don Julio and revolutionized the use of whiskey casks to elevate premium categories of Tequila. Lalo Tequila found its roots in Austin, TX and fully took the industry by storm just as the world started to open up again. With a dedication to clarity and the p…

1
Ep 358 - Eduardo “Lalo” González: Tequila Is Thicker Than Water 1:03:07

5M ago1:03:07

1:03:07

Eduardo "Lalo" González has a rich history steeped in Tequila. His family created the brand Don Julio and revolutionized the use of whiskey casks to elevate premium categories of Tequila. Lalo Tequila found its roots in Austin, TX and fully took the industry by storm just as the world started to open up again. With a dedication to clarity and the p…

1
Ep 357 - Gustavo Ortega-Oyarzun: The Shape of Drinks to Come 1:04:14

6M ago1:04:14

1:04:14

Gustavo Oyarzun is an immensely thoughtful person. From creating culinary/cocktail salts (via Art of Drink) to imagining entirely new bar experiences, he uses a deeply pensive and aesthetic driven perspective to innovate in the cocktail industry. As we all sought connectivity during COVID quarantine, Gustavo chose to take his bartending skills to t…

1
Ep 357 - Gustavo Ortega-Oyarzun: The Shape of Drinks to Come 1:04:14

6M ago1:04:14

1:04:14

Gustavo Oyarzun is an immensely thoughtful person. From creating culinary/cocktail salts (via Art of Drink) to imagining entirely new bar experiences, he uses a deeply pensive and aesthetic driven perspective to innovate in the cocktail industry. As we all sought connectivity during COVID quarantine, Gustavo chose to take his bartending skills to t…

1
Ep 356 - Nino Gandulla: The Eye of the Tiger 1:00:31

7M ago1:00:31

1:00:31

Ninotchka Gandula, or as she's fondly known, Nino, is the national brand ambassador for Ojo de Tiger. The beautiful mezcal that mixes production from both Oaxaca and Puebla is yet another creation from the innovative team at Casa Lumbre. Nino grew up in Puerto Rico and remains one of the most respected voices in hospitality as she carries her Boric…

1
Ep 356 - Nino Gandulla: The Eye of the Tiger 1:00:31

7M ago1:00:31

1:00:31

Ninotchka Gandula, or as she's fondly known, Nino, is the national brand ambassador for Ojo de Tiger. The beautiful mezcal that mixes production from both Oaxaca and Puebla is yet another creation from the innovative team at Casa Lumbre. Nino grew up in Puerto Rico and remains one of the most respected voices in hospitality as she carries her Boric…

1
Ep 355 - Victor Diaz: The Story of Carabuena Tequila 58:11

9M ago58:11

58:11

As a native of Guadalajara, Victor Diaz has been surrounded by Tequila his own life. He has followed business ideas, and his innate tenacity gives him a drive like no other. After a fateful move to Austin Tx, he entered the hospitality industry at the legendary Maudie's TexMex restaurant. Here, whilst building relationships with patrons and fellow …

1
Ep 355 - Victor Diaz: The Story of Carabuena Tequila 58:11

9M ago58:11

58:11

As a native of Guadalajara, Victor Diaz has been surrounded by Tequila his own life. He has followed business ideas, and his innate tenacity gives him a drive like no other. After a fateful move to Austin Tx, he entered the hospitality industry at the legendary Maudie's TexMex restaurant. Here, whilst building relationships with patrons and fellow …

1
Ep 354 - Dalton Kreiss: There's No I In Mezcal 43:45

10M ago43:45

43:45

Dalton Kreiss is an athletic, solitary, and driven midwestern guy. He's always pursued ideas for businesses and ways to add value to those around him. After studies abroad, a new sense of entrepreneurship was born. However, in which direction and for whom remained a question. Years later, the subscription service Maguey Melate was founded. Just bef…

1
Ep 354 - Dalton Kreiss: There's No I In Mezcal 43:45

10M ago43:45

43:45

Dalton Kreiss is an athletic, solitary, and driven midwestern guy. He's always pursued ideas for businesses and ways to add value to those around him. After studies abroad, a new sense of entrepreneurship was born. However, in which direction and for whom remained a question. Years later, the subscription service Maguey Melate was founded. Just bef…

1
Ep 353 - Carolyn Gil: When You're Here You're Family 1:05:58

11M ago1:05:58

1:05:58

Carolyn Gil has a rich history in the hospitality industry. Not only has her family been foundational in the cocktail movement of NYC, but they have had their hands in some of world's most influential spots. Carolyn was in a sense, born into hospitality. Doing prep at a young age, her youth was steeped in bar culture. It was no surprise that she wo…

1
Ep 353 - Carolyn Gil: When You're Here You're Family 1:05:58

11M ago1:05:58

1:05:58

Carolyn Gil has a rich history in the hospitality industry. Not only has her family been foundational in the cocktail movement of NYC, but they have had their hands in some of world's most influential spots. Carolyn was in a sense, born into hospitality. Doing prep at a young age, her youth was steeped in bar culture. It was no surprise that she wo…

1
Ep 352 - Darrin Commerford: One Foot In Front of the Other 1:03:43

12M ago1:03:43

1:03:43

Darrin Commerford has midwest sensibilities and an inviting smile. Whether capturing the action of others, or venturing onto the hiking trails of the world, Darrin embodies hospitality. You're certain to find him slinging a drink, or snapping a perfectly framed photo. But you'll never find him in a state of rest. After a meaningful chapter with Ang…

1
Ep 352 - Darrin Commerford: One Foot In Front of the Other 1:03:43

12M ago1:03:43

1:03:43

Darrin Commerford has midwest sensibilities and an inviting smile. Whether capturing the action of others, or venturing onto the hiking trails of the world, Darrin embodies hospitality. You're certain to find him slinging a drink, or snapping a perfectly framed photo. But you'll never find him in a state of rest. After a meaningful chapter with Ang…

1
Ep 351 - Rich Bailey: Exploration Is Evolution 38:36

1y ago38:36

38:36

Houston native Rich Bailey has embraced kindness, openness, and a steady journey into self-empowerment. What at first was a path leading into practicing psychology soon turned into a path about self exploration. Years and many bar shifts later, Rich has recently moved to Austin, Tx to begin a new chapter as Bacardi's LGTBQ+ ambassador. The role is …

1
Ep 351 - Rich Bailey: Exploration Is Evolution 38:36

1y ago38:36

38:36

Houston native Rich Bailey has embraced kindness, openness, and a steady journey into self-empowerment. What at first was a path leading into practicing psychology soon turned into a path about self exploration. Years and many bar shifts later, Rich has recently moved to Austin, Tx to begin a new chapter as Bacardi's LGTBQ+ ambassador. The role is …

1
Ep 350 - Stephen Carrona: Decadence In Art 59:07

1y ago59:07

59:07

Houston native Stephen Caronna has worked in every conceivable role in the hospitality industry. A king of content and service, his career trajectory has led him to a gig of a lifetime as Texas market manager for Compass Box whisky. The exploratory and supremely cerebral whisky brand pairs the best of art and flavor in each bottling. There is a cat…

1
Ep 350 - Stephen Carrona: Decadence In Art 59:07

1y ago59:07

59:07

Houston native Stephen Caronna has worked in every conceivable role in the hospitality industry. A king of content and service, his career trajectory has led him to a gig of a lifetime as Texas market manager for Compass Box whisky. The exploratory and supremely cerebral whisky brand pairs the best of art and flavor in each bottling. There is a cat…

1
Ep 349 - Dercy Cabrera: Hustling and Bustling 1:03:36

1y ago1:03:36

1:03:36

Dercy Cabrera is a polished student of mezcal and spirits. Her years in distribution and sales made her the perfect person to make Mezcal Rosaluna a household name. With a dedication to health, community, and constant evolution, she embodies hospitality. You are sure to find her waiting right around the corner to fill your copita with a splash of R…

1
Ep 349 - Dercy Cabrera: Hustling and Bustling 1:03:36

1y ago1:03:36

1:03:36

Dercy Cabrera is a polished student of mezcal and spirits. Her years in distribution and sales made her the perfect person to make Mezcal Rosaluna a household name. With a dedication to health, community, and constant evolution, she embodies hospitality. You are sure to find her waiting right around the corner to fill your copita with a splash of R…

1
Ep 348 - Jesus Verde: Here, There, and Everywhere 56:40

1y ago56:40

56:40

Whether in front of or behind the camera, crafting an elegant cocktail, or competing on a national stage, you'll soon be familiar with the work of Jesus Verde. Although his burgeoning hospitality career is relatively new, he is no stranger to long hours and unflinching work ethic. Originally from Venezuela, his educational voyage brought him to the…

1
Ep 348 - Jesus Verde: Here, There, and Everywhere 56:40

1y ago56:40

56:40

Whether in front of or behind the camera, crafting an elegant cocktail, or competing on a national stage, you'll soon be familiar with the work of Jesus Verde. Although his burgeoning hospitality career is relatively new, he is no stranger to long hours and unflinching work ethic. Originally from Venezuela, his educational voyage brought him to the…

1
Ep 347 - Maestros Mezcaleros Antenogenes y Jose Garcia San Isidro Guishe 25:18

1y ago25:18

25:18

On a beautiful fall afternoon, we set out to San Isidro Guishe in Miahuatlán. A beautiful hotbed of mezcal production. The unique flavor of these mezcales are vibrant, stoney, and green. This is the interview with father and son maestros Antenogenes and Jose, two of the producers for Cinco Sentidos. A day that will be forever in my mind. The epitom…

1
Ep 347 - Maestros Mezcaleros Antenogenes y Jose Garcia San Isidro Guishe 25:18

1y ago25:18

25:18

On a beautiful fall afternoon, we set out to San Isidro Guishe in Miahuatlán. A beautiful hotbed of mezcal production. The unique flavor of these mezcales are vibrant, stoney, and green. This is the interview with father and son maestros Antenogenes and Jose, two of the producers for Cinco Sentidos. A day that will be forever in my mind. The epitom…

1
Ep 346 - Maestro Mezcalero Alberto Martinez: Santa Catarina Albarradas 19:28

1+ y ago19:28

19:28

On a beautiful fall afternoon, I took a trek to visit the palenque of maestro mezcalero Alberto Martinez. The awe inspiring view and perfect weather was accompanied by delicious food and mezcal. After settling in over a few drams, I had the privilege of interviewing Alberto. With the translation help of Jason Paul Cox of Cinco Sentidos, here is Alb…

1
Ep 346 - Maestro Mezcalero Alberto Martinez: Santa Catarina Albarradas 19:28

1+ y ago19:28

19:28

On a beautiful fall afternoon, I took a trek to visit the palenque of maestro mezcalero Alberto Martinez. The awe inspiring view and perfect weather was accompanied by delicious food and mezcal. After settling in over a few drams, I had the privilege of interviewing Alberto. With the translation help of Jason Paul Cox of Cinco Sentidos, here is Alb…

1
Ep 345 - Roberto Nuñez: Awakening the Senses 1:00:54

1+ y ago1:00:54

1:00:54

Roberto Núñez has traveled the world and the seven seas. His past studies in the seminary exposed him to many aspects of philosophy and cultural diversity. One day, things changed, and his journey into hospitality began to take form. With a litany of academic and cultural achievements, Roberto joined the team at Patrón Tequila after a fateful cockt…

1
Ep 345 - Roberto Nuñez: Awakening the Senses 1:00:54

1+ y ago1:00:54

1:00:54

Roberto Núñez has traveled the world and the seven seas. His past studies in the seminary exposed him to many aspects of philosophy and cultural diversity. One day, things changed, and his journey into hospitality began to take form. With a litany of academic and cultural achievements, Roberto joined the team at Patrón Tequila after a fateful cockt…

1
Ep 344 - You Make Whiskey Where? 48:06

1+ y ago48:06

48:06

A lovely live podcast recording in San Antonio for Bartender's Holiday. Chatting about challenging elements in producing Still Austin with Jordan Kaiser, Starward (Jake Hukee), and Blair Ault (Milam and Greene) Lots of indie rock in the conversation and amazing interactive tasting with folks at Blue Box. We chat emo bands, wine cask treatment, and …

1
Ep 344 - You Make Whiskey Where? 48:06

1+ y ago48:06

48:06

A lovely live podcast recording in San Antonio for Bartender's Holiday. Chatting about challenging elements in producing Still Austin with Jordan Kaiser, Starward (Jake Hukee), and Blair Ault (Milam and Greene) Lots of indie rock in the conversation and amazing interactive tasting with folks at Blue Box. We chat emo bands, wine cask treatment, and …

1
Ep 343 - Cameron George: How Nice To Peat You 45:43

1+ y ago45:43

45:43

Ardbeg's national brand ambassador Cameron George has a lush career in Seattle's hospitality industry. The transition from agave to Scotch whiskey was all so natural given a childhood connection with the country. With a focus on intellect, inclusion, and exploration of one's self, Cameron remains a mentor and positive influence on the world of whis…

1
Ep 343 - Cameron George: How Nice To Peat You 45:43

1+ y ago45:43

45:43

Ardbeg's national brand ambassador Cameron George has a lush career in Seattle's hospitality industry. The transition from agave to Scotch whiskey was all so natural given a childhood connection with the country. With a focus on intellect, inclusion, and exploration of one's self, Cameron remains a mentor and positive influence on the world of whis…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Mike Groener Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide