Community and Hospitality: In-Depth with Jay Corcraighe In this episode, Jay dives into the meaning of community and its importance in the hospitality industry. Jay explains how the Instagram handle 'Barethren' reflects values and role in supporting the bartending community.

Jay talks about some really cool initiatives like affordable meals for hospitality workers and organizing events for young bartenders.

Jay shares insights on the differences between hospitality standards in New Zealand and Australia, the impact of COVID-19 on the industry, and the crucial role of branding. Jay also discusses his journey, including his experiences in Australia, and touches on both positive and negative aspects of employer-employee relationships in the hospitality sector.

The episode wraps up with Jay's future aspirations, focusing on building his personal brand and fostering community growth. 00:00 Introduction and Defining Community 01:15 The Origin of 'Barethren' 03:13 Facilitating Community in Auckland 07:00 Personal Journey and Overseas Experience 19:56 Challenges and Changes in the Industry 23:32 Addressing Alcohol Consumption and Responsibility 29:06 Thoughts on Cocktail Competitions 33:24 Imagery and Branding in Bars 34:42 Creating Unique Cocktails 36:01 Positive Employer Experiences 40:16 Negative Employer Experiences 44:05 Comparing Hospitality in New Zealand and Australia 49:48 Memorable Bar Experiences 53:32 Future Trends in Hospitality 01:00:36 Career Aspirations and Personal Branding

This episode dives deep into the experiences of working in a female-dominated bar, discussing the unique challenges and achievements. The conversation covers the physical demands of the job, the progression from different hospitality roles across various countries, and the importance of teamwork and loyalty in a high-pressure environment. It sheds light on the occasional struggle with customer behavior, the evolution of the industry, and the balance between maintaining professional decorum and staying true to oneself. The discussion also touches on cultural influences, creative cocktail making, and the importance of having fun while managing a bar. 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 00:03 Challenges and Dynamics of an All-Female Team 02:46 Personal Stories and Career Journey 03:00 Experiences in Different Countries 04:29 Working in High-Pressure Environments 07:47 Managing and Leading a Team 11:43 Handling Difficult Customers 14:15 COVID-19 Impact and Adaptations 17:48 Balancing Work and Personal Life 24:20 Handling Injustice and Anger 25:23 Dealing with Difficult Customers 26:59 Empowering Young Staff 30:22 Long Shifts and Hard Work 36:15 Quickfire Questions and Fun Stories 45:16 Hospitality Horror Stories 47:09 Final Thoughts and Advice

Navigating Employer-Employee Dynamics in Hospitality In this interview I sit down with Josh Loman. He is one of our employees at Teresa Bar, and we explore the complexities of the employer-employee relationship in the hospitality industry. Josh shares his career journey, highlighting the challenges and learning experiences associated with switching jobs often and eventually finding stability. We delve into personal anecdotes about work experiences, emphasizing the benefits of mutual respect, the importance of feedback, and how hospitality can be akin to a sports team rather than a family. We also touch on serious matters like disciplinary actions, stressing the need for understanding and compromise from both employers and employees. The conversation is laced with humorous personal stories, offering a candid reflection on the realities of working in bars and maintaining a positive work environment. 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 00:33 Josh's Career Journey 02:20 Working at Teresa Bar 06:13 Employer-Employee Dynamics 10:30 Handling Disciplinary Actions 16:17 Balancing Work and Personal Life 20:41 Employer Relations and Bullying 20:51 Worst Boss Experiences 23:18 First Bar Job Stories 25:41 Crazy Bar Owners and Scams 29:20 The Importance of Mutual Respect 33:09 Biggest Work Mistakes 35:39 Final Thoughts on Employer-Employee Relationships

Navigating the Spirits Industry: From Bartending to Brand Representation with Ehren

In this episode, Ehren from Brighton, UK, shares his journey of 20 years in the hospitality industry. From starting as a "dish pig" to bartending across different countries, Ehren discusses his current role as a Proof & Company rep in New Zealand.

He explores the challenges of working solo after years of team-based work, the vibrant yet struggling bartending community in Wellington, and the importance of mental health in hospitality. Ehren also reflects on his personal experience with grief and how it has shaped his approach to supporting others in the industry.

The conversation touches on cocktail competitions, industry trends, and the need for better organized brand events to support and grow the bartending community.

00:00 Introduction and Career Background

00:56 Challenges of Working Solo

01:35 Transitioning from Bartending to Desk Jobs

02:04 Engaging Bartenders with Brands

05:19 Cocktail Competitions and Professional Growth

11:53 Mental Health in Hospitality

20:12 Personal Story of Loss and Grief

25:57 Processing Grief and Seeking Support

26:45 Understanding Individual Support Needs

27:36 Mental Health in the Hospitality Industry

28:47 Personal Coping Mechanisms

31:20 Diet and Its Impact on Mental Health

33:50 Challenges in the Hospitality Industry

36:44 Immigration and Employment Issues

39:07 Quickfire Questions and Personal Favorites

45:33 In the Weeds and Hospo Horror Stories

48:45 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Polarising subject.

People either love them or hate them.

In this short & sweet episode I break down my personal feelings about comps and the benefits vs what we could be doing better.

Enjoy.

Ever wondered what happens when you attempt to record a podcast with a group of bartenders?

Well... wonder no more...enjoy.

Thank you for joining me for the first ever season of Overproof. It's been a learning curve and I'm stoked to have had so many people join in the first season!!

I'm recording Season two over the next couple of weeks so subscribe to make sure you don't miss out when we come back AND stay tuned for more Bar Snack episodes in the meantime :-)

From Kitchen Hand to CEO: Dan Walker's Inspiring Journey in the Hospitality Industry In this episode of Overproof, CEO of True Believers, Dan Walker, shares his incredible journey from starting as a kitchen hand at age 12 to leading a global spirits brand.

Dan discusses his varied experiences, from working in kitchens and bars in New Zealand and Australia, to his role in the army, and eventually heading True Believers. He dives deeply into the inception and growth of True Believers, their innovative approach with Eco Spirits, and the challenges and triumphs along the way.

Plus, Dan offers insights into the future plans for the brand and his views on the evolving spirits industry. A must-listen for anyone interested in hospitality, entrepreneurship, and sustainable business practices.

Join Sarah Mitchell and Andrea on this episode of Overproof as they interview Eduardo Conde, the award-winning bartender and venue manager at El Primo Sanchez in Sydney.

Eduardo shares his journey from studying hospitality management in Mexico City to becoming one of Australia's top bartenders. Along the way, he discusses the challenges of opening a new bar, the value of mentorship, and the lessons learned from bar competitions.

Recorded at Pastel Bar in Auckland, this episode offers insights into the world of high-end bartending and the future of the industry. Special thanks to I Love Ponsonby and Pastel for their support and hospitality.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

00:52 Sponsorship and Venue Shoutouts

01:29 Eduardo's Current Role and Responsibilities

04:05 Journey into Hospitality

05:05 First Steps in the Bar Industry

07:34 Mentorship and Learning

12:49 Competitions and Achievements

19:27 Building Confidence in Competitions

20:10 Adrenaline and Its Effects

21:14 The Value of Networking

22:32 Preparing for Competitions

25:17 Future Plans and Mentoring

29:26 Quick Fire Questions

35:35 Final Thoughts and Gratitude