Podcast is First of its Kind in Colorado

By Katie Coakley

If you’ve ever wondered why certain cocktails suddenly appear around town or what the job of “portfolio manager for Fernet Branca” entails, then there’s a new podcast just for you. Carlos Garcia, bar manager at the speakeasy Brooklyn’s on Boulder in downtown Colorado Springs, created “Behind the Stick.” It’s Colorado’s first podcast containing interviews with leaders from inside the food and beverage hospitality industry, including renowned Denver bartenders Chelsea Little (Senor Bear) and Annie Montgomery (Zeppelin Station).

THIRST chatted with Garcia to get the scoop on his reasoning behind the podcast and what listening audiences can expect.

THIRST: It seems like podcasts are becoming more popular than ever. Why is now the right time to launch “Behind the Stick?”

CG: As Colorado’s hospitality scene is currently booming (several trend-setting distilleries are being opened, along with so many unique and specialized breweries, as well as several outstanding boutique hotels are opening their doors, as example) many of our peers from around the state (and country) are using social media and other electronic channels to connect and share best practices so I wanted there to be a place, specific to Colorado, that further connected industry professionals in a setting that is casual yet full of new and thought-provoking information.

Why Colorado? What is the “scene” here?

As a native of Denver, I have always believed Colorado is a trendsetter for hospitality. We are very fortunate to have the beautiful and diverse landscapes, which I believe inspires creativity within many industries beyond hospitality. Therefore, it seems natural that we launched this podcast here … a place that has a long history of bringing new ideas to the rest of the nation.

As for the scene in Colorado, it remains robust and full of excellent thought leaders that are always pushing the limits on how to present consumers with new and adventurous ways to enjoy their free time.

You mention people who are pushing the envelope in the industry. Who are some of the Colorado folks that are doing this?

Wow—that is a tough and nearly impossible question to narrow down to a small list. Here are a few people that I have come to know that are truly pushing the envelope.

Stephen Winchell is an amazing and creative gent who works at a restaurant called the Warehouse in Colorado Springs. He is a person who is trying out new items all the time and really nails his new ideas in both presentation and within his original and delicious recipes. Topher Hartfield, a Denver-based bartender who just moved to Germany, is elite. I can’t wait to learn how his European adventures turn out and I am sure he will delight his new neighbors with his expertise learned in Colorado.

Although not from Colorado, Chloe Willhite, who earned the recognition as best bartender in 2019 for her work at Valkyrie in Tulsa, OK, is an amazing cocktail artist. (Guys, don’t sleep on the cutting-edge cocktail scene in Tulsa … a true hidden gem in the U.S. … be sure to get there one day soon).

Another person that pops into my head immediately is Julian Colon of Boulder who works at Steakhouse 316. This man understands hospitality more than anyone I have met since starting this adventure.

What's been your favorite episode so far?

That is a hard question to answer as we’ve been so lucky to have many incredible people join the podcast from the outset. But, if I were to choose my favorite, the interview with Shannon Tebay, bartender at Death & Company in New York City, was amazing. I suggest people visit her when in the Big Apple … the experience will be memorable. We are hopeful to host her in Colorado Springs one day soon!

Who are you looking forward to interviewing next?

I’ve been having great conversations with a fellow named Evan Pinzon, who worked at a fantastic cocktail bar and restaurant here in Colorado Springs called 503W. If you are ever in the Springs, try them out as their cocktails, food presentation and ambiance are all one-of-a-kind. However, Evan moved to San Antonio, TX, not long ago. When I was recently there for a bar competition, he and I had a chance to catch-up and it was interesting to learn about the cocktail culture within that wonderful city. It’s fantastic to learn how he is bringing what he learned in the Springs to his new employer in a city that is the seventh-largest in the United States. I can’t wait to have him share his experiences on the podcast.

Who would be a dream interview?

At this moment, easy, I would like to interview Steve Schneider (Star of the documentary “Hey Bartender” and Principal Bartender at Employees Only, NYC) and pick his brain on both the industry and his podcast work.

So, what’s next for “Behind the Stick?”

I have 15 pre-recorded episodes that are in production and will launch soon featuring so many amazing industry veterans from both Colorado and across the nation. Keep an eye out!

To listen to “Behind the Stick,” go to behindthestickpodcast.com or subscribe on your favorite podcast player.