The Bourbon Friday Show: Recent Episodes
Bourbon Friday
The Bourbon Friday Show is a talk show showcasing changemakers in the St. Louis startup scene and beyond that is produced during our weekly social gathering, Bourbon Friday. Each week we come together to share our stories, struggles, experiences, and yes, a little bit of bourbon.
In this week's episode, we talk with Bryon Pierson Jr, Co-founder & CEO of Edurain, about his entrepreneurial journey and their File, Find, Fund platform. Bryon's a good friend, and what he is doing to help kids pay for college and housing is amazing. And Since we talked about paying for education, I talk about Scholarship and Education in the Bourbon Industry in the second part of the episode. And I even do a tasting of Uncle Nearest 1884!
In this week's episode, we talk with Talena Handley of Girlie Garage, about how she uses her background as a mechanic to create a platform that empowers women on the road. We go in-depth on how Talena got her start, and what led her on the startup journey. Since we talked about women empowerment during the 2nd part of the episode, Host Erik Lutenegger talks about Women and Bourbon, finishes with a tasting of Maker's Mark 101. Will he have a functional palate this week?
In this week's episode, and it's our 100th episode so there was no way we'd miss out on talking with Nick Niehaus, Co-founder & Head Trainer of Business Video School and past Host of the Bourbon Friday Show, we talk about Nick's entrepreneurial journey, what he's doing with Business Video School and get some tips on how you can get started with video for your business. In the second part of the episode, Host Erik Lutenegger talks about Bourbon and Social Media and does a tasting of Fistful of Bourbon. Will he finally be surprised by a bourbon? Listen and find out.
In this episode, we talk to Roy Scott, the Founder and CEO of Healthy Hip Hop, and how they are trying to create the Sesame Street of the 21st Century. We discuss the inspiration of the idea, their creative process, funding as a black founder, as well as his experience with Arch Grants and Techstars. We also discuss Republic, the crowdfunding-style startup investment platform, and Health Hip Hop's current campaign. In the second part of the show Erik Lutenegger, the founder of Tenacity and Host talks about Musicians' involvement in Spirit Brands and Investing. And finishes with a tasting of Virginia Black, an American Whiskey by Drake
In this episode, we talk to Trinity Torres of FedTech about their programs that help entrepreneurs work with the Government. Then Erik runs down the laws of bourbon and it's history.
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Perry Drake, Associate Teaching Professor at the University of Missouri - St. Louis and Conference Founder of MDMC, the Midwest Digital Marketing Conference. During the interview, we talk about the origins of MDMC, how it pivoted during COVID, and what's next. We also talk with Perry about being a college Professor during COVID Then Erik talks about the Marketing of Bourbon and how the words on bottles might not actually mean anything.
In this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we are joined by Michael Sato, Co-founder & Executive Director of Freecog, a non-profit startup which is developing innovative, tech-driven solutions to provide courts with an efficient and equitable alternative to the cash bail system by using a mobile app platform to increase accountability while decreasing incarceration costs.
Featured Bourbon: George Remus Bourbon
Today on the Bourbon Friday Show, we talk to Rebecca Brian Pan, CEO & Co-founder of Covo and Christopher Holt, CEO & Co-founder of TechArtista about their new partnership and the St. Louis co-working ecosystem.
Featured Bourbon: Jefferson’s Reserve Pritchard Hill Cabernet Cask Finished
Today on the Bourbon Friday Show, we talk to Anatolij Gelimson, CTO of FastDemocracy a federal, state, and local legislative analytics platform that provides users with a way to follow politics and take action Featured Bourbon: Devils River Bourbon
Today on the Bourbon Friday Show, we look back at 2019 and announce our top episodes of last year!
Featured Bourbons: E.H. Taylor Single Barrel, Stumpy's Old Monroe, 1792 Full Proof
Recording Date: Jan 3, 2020
In this episode, we talk to Austin Smith, Co-founder & CEO of Mission Control, a platform where people can create video game leagues with friends.
Featured Bourbon: Old Charter 8
In this episode, we speak with Olena Lazareva, COO of Loro, a smart companion robot for wheelchair users, controlled by a user-friendly application.
Featured Bourbon: Evan Williams Single Barrel
In this episode, we talk to Eric Laurent, Founder & CEO of Roo Storage, the "Airbnb for Storage" which optimizes the storage experience by connecting people in the local community with extra space to people seeking a more affordable storage solution.
Featured Bourbon: Buffalo Trace Bourbon
In this special episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we recorded multiple segments live from Venture Café Night at 39 North, The Art of Alcohol! We discuss everything from Economic Development to Craft Distilling to CRISPR and GMOs. We were lucky enough to be joined by these 6 great guests.Karla Roeber, Vice President of Public...
In this episode, we talk to Raj Singh, Founder & CEO of Connexio, which acts as a personalized, AI driven, virtual advisor for students who want to study internationally.
Featured Bourbon: Michter's US*1 Bourbon
In this episode, we talk to Michael Seaman, Co-founder & CEO of SwipeSum, A platform enabling merchants to find the most cost-effective credit card processing solution.
Featured Bourbon: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
In this double-length Startup Week episode, we were happy to feature St. Louis City Treasurer Tishaura O. Jones & Gill Wagner, Global Village Publishing Partner.
Bourbons: Weller Special Reserve & StilL630 Experimental Series
In this episode, we talk to Samantha Lee, Host of CreativeMornings/St. Louis, a free breakfast speaker series, providing intellectually and creatively stimulating dialog to the St. Louis Region. Featured Bourbon: Bourbon from Watershed Distillery
In this episode, we welcome Marc Bernstein, CEO of Balto Software. Balto understands phone conversations and visually guides reps, live, on each call. After the call, data points reveal which strategies work and which don’t.
Featured Bourbon: I.W. Harper Kentucky Bourbon
In this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we welcome Dan Parris, In Motion Conference Director and Executive Director of Continuity and Bobby Herrera, award-winning filmmaker. The In Motion Video Conference is the region’s premier filmmaking conference which will be hosted Saturday, November 2nd, 2019 @ Covo STL Featured Bourbons: JTS Brown Bottle-in-Bond & Russell’s...
In this episode, we talk to Erin Joy of Black Dress Circle, a facilitated peer roundtable program that brings local women business owners together to discuss issues, share experiences, and leverage collective knowledge.
Bourbon: Ironroot Harbinger XC
In this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we are joined by Jenny Bristow, Partner & CEO of Anvil Analytics + Insights, a data-focused, full-service agency that specializes in digital marketing, web design and development!
Bourbon: Jim Beam Single Barrel
In this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we are joined by Jason Gifford, the General Manager of The Last Hotel, one of the newest and hottest hotel properties in downtown St. Louis.
Bourbon: J. Rieger Private Stock
In this episode, we are joined by Mary Louise Helbig, Executive Director of ITEN, which provides programs for rapid development of scalable tech ventures, engaging entrepreneurs to help others build successful companies.
Bourbon: David Nicholson 1843
In this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we are joined by Ellen Chisa, the Co-founder & CEO of Dark, a holistic programming language, editor, and infrastructure for building backends without accidental complexity.
Bourbon: Journeyman Featherbone
In this special episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we recorded multiple segments live from the Venture Cafe St. Louis Kinesis 2019 Fundraising Event.
In this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we are joined by Darcella Craven, President & Chief Fear Conqueror of Veterans Business Resource Center.
Bourbon: Merica Bourbon
In this episode, we are joined by Mark Tatgenhorst, GEOSAURUS Program Director at T-REX. A tech innovation center that brings government, industry, academia and startups together to solve geospatial information problems.
Bourbon: Woodford Reserve
In this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we are joined by Adam Stumpf, the Owner and Master Distiller of Stumpy's Spirits to talk about running a grain-to-glass distillery on an 8 generation farm.
In this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we are joined by Steve Sommers, the Executive Director of TEDxGatewayArch to talk about all things TEDx.
Bourbon: Old Dominick Huling Station
In this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we are joined by Jason Hall, the CEO of Arch to Park. We discuss St. Louis Economic development and the STLMade Movement.
Bourbon: StilL630 Monon Bell Cask Strength
On this episode, we talk to Charli Cooksey, Founder & CEO of WEPOWER, which focuses on redesigning systems & policy in the areas of education, health, justice, and economic systems to benefit everyone in the community.
Bourbon: New Riff Single Barrel
On this episode of The Bourbon Friday Show features Ola Ayeni, Founder of Claim Academy, a St. Louis-based developer bootcamp that teaches participants to code in just 3 months.
Bourbon: FEW Bourbon
On this episode, we feature Dr. Chris Ho, Owner of Drug Design Methodologies, which develops software to optimize and measure drug-target binding, which ultimately helps accelerate and de-risk drug development.
Bourbon: Jack Daniel's Old No. 7
In this episode, we interview Janna Westbrook, Founder & CEO of Provider Pool. Her company has created an online community that connects nursing professionals available per diem with healthcare providers.
Bourbon: Woodford Reserve
On this episode, we're talking with Michael Powers, Co-Founder of Tower Grove Pride, a festival dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, allies, and the Tower Grove community.
Bourbon: Old Forester 81 Proof
The Bourbon Friday Show welcomes Olamide Adeboye, Founder & CEO of Wakava, a premium beverage company that produces Natural African traditional antioxidant herbal cold-brew beverages.
Bourbon: New Holland Beer Barrel Bourbon
On this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we talk with Tony Bryan, Executive Director of CyberUp, a nonprofit that focuses on bridging the cybersecurity skills gap in the St. Louis area.
Bourbon: Legent
The Bourbon Friday Show welcomes Charlie Walch, CEO of Pluton Biosciences, which looks for microbes in soil to development sustainable products for the agriculture, pharmaceutical, and bioremediation industries.
Bourbon: Four Roses Cask Strength
On this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we talk with LaShana Lewis, Founder and CEO of L.M. Lewis Consulting, which helps companies improve their diversity and inclusion through trainings and consulting.
Bourbon: Rabbit Hole
On this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we talk with Junior Lara, host of the Auténtico Podcast, which caters to the Latinx members of the business professional community in St. Louis and beyond.
Bourbon: J.R. Revelry
On this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we talk with Kiley Summers, Founder of SpenDebt, a financial technology company designed to assist people to pay off debt by leveraging of micropayments through everyday transactions.
Bourbon: Koval
On this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we talk with Lindsay Van Quaethem, Founder and CEO of City Block, which helps businesses in downtown St. Louis share their stories and conquer digital marketing.
Bourbon: Calumet Farm Single Rack Black 10yo
On this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we talk with Ronke Faleti, Founder and CEO of korédé, who is on a mission to make the most beautifully functional work bag.
Bourbon: TX Bourbon
On this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we talk with James Forbes, Co-Founder and CEO of Good Life Growing, a social enterprise with a mission based bottom line to combat urban decay and food insecurity.
Bourbon: Dogmaster
On this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we talk with Rebecca Brian Pan, Founder and CEO of Covo, a coworking brand in San Francisco and St. Louis that is reimaging the coworking model.
Bourbon: Amador Double Barrel Bourbon
On this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we talk with Jazmin Olivares, Communications and Community Manager for QDivision, the IT department for moving and logistics industry leader, UniGroup.
Bourbon: Angel's Envy
On this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we talk with Mike Bynum, Executive Director for The BALSA Foundation.
Bourbon: Jack Daniel Single Barrel Select
On this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we talk with Lisa Kuntz, Co-Director for the St. Louis chapter of Startup Grind.
Bourbon: Wild Turkey Long Branch
On this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we talk with Michael Lamb, President and Co-Founder of nativeMSG, a platform for automating business functions across messaging channels.
Bourbon: Bulleit Bourbon
On this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show we talk with Melanie Igwe, Founder and COO of Drugviu, a site that crowdsources medication, reviews, and experiences from communities of color.
Bourbon: Old Grand Dad 114
On this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show we talk with Karlos Ramirez, President and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan St. Louis.
Bourbon: Elijah Craig
On this episode, we talk with Lakesha Mathis, Program Director for the St. Louis Regional Chamber’s Diverse Business Accelerator. We also are joined by Wood Hat Spirits to do a corn whiskey tasting. (Not actually the 50th episode... lol)
Quick thank you to everyone to Covo and Everyone that came out on last-minute notice. Plus events!
In this special episode, Nick Niehaus of Connect Marketing, Jonathan Allen of EQ, and Erik Lutenegger of Tenacity talk about what they've learned while collaborating to produce The Bourbon Friday Show.
Bourbon: Maker's 46
On this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we talk to Meghan Winegrad, Founder and CEO of Generopolis, about their recently launched online giving platform.
Bourbon: Old Bardstown
On this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show we talk with Peter Martin, Founder and CEO of Open Studio, about their platform where aspiring musicians can learn to play jazz music.
Bourbon: Heaven’s Door Tennessee Bourbon
On this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show we talk with Dave Weglarz, founder and owner of StilL 630 Spirits, about his journey into the world of bourbon and other craft spirits.
On this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show we talk with Jessica Stanko about the Skandalaris Center for Interdisciplinary Innovation and Entrepreneurship and its programs.
Bourbon: Old Monroe Single Barrel
On this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show we talk with Josh Schwartz and Nick Robison, co-founders of SalesMentour STL, about their plans to create a sales accelerator in St. Louis.
Bourbon: Old Forester 100 Proof
On this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show we talk with Andrew Glantz, Founder and CEO of GiftAMeal, about their social sharing app that helps provide meals to people in need in the St. Louis and Chicago areas.
Bourbon: Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
On this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show we talk with Dawn Manske, Co-Founder and CEO of Made for Freedom, about her mission and how Made for Freedom fights human trafficking with style.
Bourbon: Old Forester 1870
On this episode, we talk with Dixie Gillaspie and Philip Penrose from Return to Your Power about their recent workshop, Optimizing Your Brain for Leadership, and how leadership demands are changing for today’s workforce.
Bourbon: Four Roses Small Batch
On this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show we talk with Zoe Scharf, Co-Founder & Chief Brand Officer at Greetabl, about their personalized gift-giving platform.
Bourbon: Larceny & Woodford
On this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show we talk with Sarah Schlafly, Co-Founder and CEO of Mighty Cricket, about her recent product launch and ‘cereal’ entrepreneur journey.
Bourbon: Four Roses Single Barrel
On this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show we talk with Chris Rhein, Starwolf, about the band’s history and recent album release.
Bourbon: Still630 Monon Bell
On this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show we talk with Dustin McKissen, a two-time “Top Voice” on LinkedIn and contributor to Inc, CNBC, Venturebeat, CNN, and EQ, about his first novel, The Civil War at Home.
Bourbon: Old Crow
On this episode, we talk with Dr. Cheryl Watkins-Moore, Director of Bioscience Entrepreneurial Inclusion at BioSTL, about the recent Vision conference and what inclusion looks like in the St. Louis startup scene.
Bourbon: Uncle Nearest 1856
In this episode of the show, we are joined by Bree Maniscalco, the Director of Development of Cinema St. Louis, which promotes the art of cinema and expands the variety and availability of cinema experiences in St. Louis.
Bourbon: Old Forester Statesman
In this episode, we are joined by Doug Wilber, the CEO of Gremlin Social, which helps banks and other heavily regulated institutions use social media.
Bourbon: Jefferson's Reserve
In this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we are joined by Alon Gilboa, the CEO & Co-Founder of Explority, a platform that helps educators take the hassle out of organizing out-of-classroom experiences.
Bourbon: Defiance High Rye Bourbon
In this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we had the opportunity to talk with Jeff Mazur, Executive Director at LaunchCode, about their work to close the tech skills gap in St. Louis.
Bourbon: Urban Bourbon
In this episode of the show, we talk with Vice President of Communications & Marketing at Forest Park Forever, Stephen Schenkenberg, about the importance of Forest Park to the St. Louis region and how they help preserve it.
Bourbon: Yellowstone Select
In this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we had the opportunity to talk with Matt Menetti, Executive Director of GlobalHack, about GlobalHack’s upcoming hackathon on October 12-14.
Bourbon: Cedar Ridge Iowa Bourbon
In this episode of the show, we talk with Connie Bowen, Program Manager at The Yield Lab, about agrifood tech and how the Yield Lab Institute aims to support ag tech companies around the world.
Bourbon: 1792 Small Batch
In this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we had the opportunity to talk with Brian Matthews, Co-Founder and General Partner of Cultivation Capital, about the role they play in early-stage venture capital funding in St. Louis.
Bourbon: Angel's Envy
In this episode, we with Doug Hall, Executive Vice President of Global Solutions for Geniecast, about how they make some of the most famous speakers in the world accessible to businesses and organizations.
Bourbon: Jim Beam Repeal Batch
In this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we talk with Elaine Queathem, Entrepreneur in Residence for the at ITEN, and CEO of Savvy Coders, about the roles she plays in the St. Louis tech and innovation scene.
Bourbon: Belle Meade Small Batch
In this episode of the show, we talk with Andrew Smith, Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the St. Louis Regional Chamber, about the venture capital scene and its impact on the St. Louis region.
Bourbon: David Nicholson Reserve
In this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show we talk with Amit Kothari, co-founder and CEO of Tallyfy, about their beautiful and functional software solution to streamline repeatable business processes.
Bourbon: Wild Turkey Rare Breed
In this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we had the opportunity to talk with Elise Hastings, Managing Director of Givable, about their giving platform and how it’s helping people think differently about giving.
Bourbon: Maker's Mark Private Select
In this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we had the opportunity to talk with Emily Lohse-Busch, Executive Director at Arch Grants, about the role Arch Grants plays in building the St. Louis economy.
Bourbon: Baker's Bourbon 7 Year
In this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we are joined by Mohamed Hassan, a member of the Egyptian National Fencing Team, to discuss the US National Fencing Championships.
Bourbon: Old Forester 1897
In this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we had the opportunity to talk with Dr. Patricia Hagen, President and Executive Director of T-REX, about some of the upcoming ventures for the space.
Bourbon: Jim Beam Stillhouse Select
In this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show we had the opportunity to talk with William de Oliveira and Tifany Espindola from Key2Enable about their assistive technology product the Key-X.
Bourbon: Evan Williams Red Label 12 Year
On this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show we had the opportunity to talk with Jeff Stevens from WellBeing Brewing Company about how they are revolutionizing the Non-Alcoholic (NA) beer market.
Bourbon: Cody Road Bourbon
In this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we are joined by Satya Mishra, a St. Louis area Entrepreneur & Podcaster.
Bourbon: Wild Turkey Longbranch
In this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we are joined by Cody Beck of the American Hauntings Podcast.
Bourbon: Buffalo Trace
In this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we are joined by Darryl Palmer, CTO & Co-founder of Janus Choice. We also talk about Singularity University.
Bourbon: Evan Williams Single Barrel
In this episode, we are joined by Dave Costenaro, the Executive Director of Prepare.ai, the Midwest's premier forum to explore, understand, and influence the impact of Artificial Intelligence on our lives and businesses.
Bourbon: Jim Beam Black
In this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we are joined by Tamara Loseva of Capital Innovators.
Bourbon: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
In this episode, we are joined by Laura Tromben & LT Woods of Tattoo The Lou, a convention that represents a cross section of the best in the tattoo industry.
Bourbon: Wood Hat Rubenesque
In this episode, we are joined by Erica & Andrew Barnell, Co-founders of Geneoscopy, a next generation diagnostic to better prevent, detect, and guide treatment for gastrointestinal disease.
Bourbon: Old Forester 1920
In this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we are joined by Lisa Hu, Founder of Lux & Nyx, a luxury handbag company with a social conscience equipping rockstar women with the tools they need to go places.
Bourbon: Makers 46
In this episode, we are joined by Tyler Kelley, SLAM! Agency, a digital storytelling agency that helps brands realize and reach their highest potential. And find out about the launch of a new Podcast, Innovation City.
Featured Bourbon: Basil Hayden
In this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we are joined by Luke Babich, CSO & Co-founder of Clever Real Estate, a nationwide referral service that helps you sell your home and save on commission.
Featured Bourbon: Woodford Reserve Bourbon
In this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we are joined by Charlie Beckwith, the co-founder and CTO of FocalCast. FocalCast is a full-service web-based platform for Market Research.
Bourbon: Four Rose Yellow Label
In this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we are joined by Gary Hinegardner of Wood Hat Spirits and discuss how he makes his mid-Missouri whiskeys, bourbons and cordials.
In this episode, we are joined by Sarah Schlafly, the co-founder and CFO of MultiPass, an ecosystem which operates and partners with select coworking spaces, venture capital firms, accelerators and business vendors.
Bourbon: Four Rose Small Batch
In this episode, we are joined by Melanie Igwe, the Co-Founder and CCO of Ilerasoft, which has created the Efficiency Score, a new standard in healthcare, like a credit score for medical equipment.
Bourbon: Four Rose Small Batch
In this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we are joined by Vanessa Lobo, the Co-Founder of Connect Marketing, a real estate marketing company that makes the video ad process easy, fun and affordable!
Bourbon: Jim Beam Kentucky Bourbon
In this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we are joined by Tiffany Chimal, the co-founder and COO of MakersValley, an online platform that connects designers & boutiques with Italian apparel manufacturers.
Bourbon: Bulleit Bourbon
In this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we are joined by Chisom Uche of SixThirty. We discussed Venture Capital and what VCs are looking for when funding and investing in Startups.
Bourbon: Jim Beam Devil's Cut
In this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we are joined by James Thomas, Host of the Morning Blend.
n this episode of the Bourbon Friday Show, we had the honor of hosting Kathleen Bauer, Community Director of T-REX, a major hub for the tech startup scene in St. Louis.
Bourbon: Larceny
In our “inaugural” episode of The Bourbon Friday Show featured an interview with Erik Lutenegger, founder of web-dev startup Tenacity and the Bourbon Friday tradition.
Bourbon: Heaven Hill 6yr Bottled in Bond