• Episode 4 - 1982 World's Fair
    Jul 31 2024

    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 as challenging events at the fair, such as a costume contest and a crowd control incident leading to a legal battle. Additionally, it discusses makeshift accommodations, navigating low water levels, fuel shortages, and logistical hurdles faced on the journey back to Cincinnati. The episode also touches on the contemporary topic of marijuana legalization and its maritime industry implications, and teases future segments like the renovation of the Emerald Lady into the Belle of Cincinnati.

    Please like and subscribe to this show. Connect with us on our Facebook or Instagram page. Check out our website at RamblinontheRiver.com or email us directly at podcast@bbriverboats.com. Thank you for listening!

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    1 hr and 41 mins
  • Episode 3 - Ben and Shirley Bernstein
    Jul 24 2024

    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 properties. The episode concludes with a tribute to the late patriarch, his entrepreneurial spirit, and the family's continuing legacy, along with discussing recent and upcoming events.

    00:00 Introduction to Ramblin' on the River
    01:25 Meet the Hosts: The Bernstein Family
    02:19 International Audience and Previous Episode Recap
    03:15 Story Time: Ben and Shirley Bernstein
    04:11 High School Sweethearts and Early Years
    05:06 World War II and Long-Distance Love
    11:07 Post-War Life and Starting a Family
    27:23 The Entrepreneurial Spirit of Grandpa
    30:57 Expansion and Success
    31:20 Reflecting on Unique Restaurants
    31:54 Dad's Fearless Spirit
    32:31 Dad's Illness and Passing
    33:21 Remembering Dad's Legacy
    33:40 Mom and Dad: The Perfect Team
    34:19 Funeral and Reception
    35:34 Family Memories and Awards
    39:11 Word of the Day: Offtaglubloozem
    46:10 Current Events: Newport Blast
    55:58 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

    Please like and subscribe to this show. Connect with us on our Facebook or Instagram page. Check out our website at RamblinontheRiver.com or email us directly at podcast@bbriverboats.com. Thank you for listening!

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    58 mins
  • Episode 2 - A Summer on the Delta Queen
    Jul 17 2024

    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 events in the maritime industry, such as illegal charters, are highlighted, explaining the importance of Coast Guard regulations and the steps required for legal passenger operations. The word of the day, 'Mark Twain,' is explained, providing historical context and its significance in river navigation. The episode concludes with a preview of the next episode about the Bernstein family's entrepreneurial endeavors in the restaurant business.

    00:00 Introduction to Ramblin' on the River
    03:18 Story Time: Alan's High School Graduation and the Delta Queen
    13:22 Life on the Delta Queen: Responsibilities and Adventures
    25:18 The Magic of the River: Reflections and Experiences
    31:32 From Delta Queen to BB Riverboats: The Journey Begins
    35:03 Pittsburgh and the Gateway Clipper
    35:35 The Legacy of Betty Blake
    37:02 Founding BB Riverboats
    37:49 Alan's Journey to Captaincy
    39:11 Challenges of Maritime Licensing
    46:52 Understanding Mark Twain
    51:31 Illegal Charters and Safety Concerns
    59:47 Conclusion and Future Episodes

    Please like and subscribe to this show. Connect with us on our Facebook or Instagram page. Check out our website at RamblinontheRiver.com or email us directly at podcast@bbriverboats.com. Thank you for listening!

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Episode 1 - Welcome to Ramblin' on the River!
    Jul 10 2024

    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. Detailed anecdotes include Alan's youth in Ecuador, the origins of the family's restaurant business, and the eventual inception of BB Riverboats. Highlights include a humorous tale of a mistranslation in a speech, a recount of Alan's impromptu job on the Delta Queen, and a discussion on rail jumping incidents. The episode sets the stage for future explorations of family stories, riverboat life, and the rich history of their entrepreneurial ventures.

    00:00 Introduction to Ramblin on the River
    01:23 Meet the Hosts: Ben, Alan, and Terri
    01:43 The Birth of the Podcast
    01:56 Setting Expectations and Listener Engagement
    03:18 Alan's Podcast Inspiration
    04:39 Family Stories and Alan's Health Journey
    07:58 Terri's Educational Background
    10:38 Ben's Background and Boat Handling Skills
    13:04 Alan's Early Life and Career
    18:11 Life in Ecuador: Alan's Teenage Years
    30:19 Alan's Start on the Delta Queen
    36:26 Grandma's Happiness and College Dropout
    37:08 Gregory Steakhouse and El Greco
    41:20 The Mike Fink Era
    43:39 Benson's Catering and Rebranding
    46:40 Covington Landing and Joint Ventures
    54:50 Rail Jumping and Safety Concerns
    01:04:11 Conclusion and Future Episodes

    Please like and subscribe to this show. Connect with us on our Facebook or Instagram page. Check out our website at RamblinontheRiver.com or email us directly at podcast@bbriverboats.com. Thank you for listening!

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    1 hr and 8 mins