Customs & Cocktails

CT Strategies

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Business

Customs & Cocktails, a podcast hosted by Shawn Beddows and Andrew Farrelly, two longtime customs professionals who’ve seen the good, the bad, and the baffling sides of global trade. This podcast started with a simple idea: ❝What if we had a space to talk candidly about Customs - news, challenges, real-life scenarios, and yes, the things that make us want to vent over a drink?❞

Sep 24

John Leonard & The Soju Bomb

John Leonard’s 34‑year career with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Customs Service culminated in his role as Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Trade at CBP Headquarters in Washington, DC. In this episode, John looks back on that journey reflecting on the broad portfolio of trade enforcement, security, and facilitation he led, and sharing how those experiences ultimately carried him to the opposite side of the globe, where he continues tackling many of the same challenges from the private‑sector perspective. And for a second time, our guest took over the cocktail segment, this time introducing us to the Soju Bomb. Known in Korea as somaek (a blend of soju and maekju, or beer) or poktanju, it’s a popular Korean beer cocktail created by dropping a shot of soju into a glass of beer. The classic “golden ratio” three parts soju to seven parts beer which produces a smooth, effervescent drink that softens the beer’s bitterness while mellowing the sharp edge of the spirit.
Aug 27

Al Gina & It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere Peach Iced Tea

Allen Gina serves as President of CT Strategies, a leading Customs and Border Management consulting firm that delivers strategic, forward‑leaning guidance to clients navigating border security and supply chain challenges in the U.S. and across the globe. Before founding CT Strategies, Mr. Gina held the role of Assistant Commissioner for International Trade at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). In that position, he led a workforce of more than 1,000 employees, managed a budget exceeding $300 million, and spearheaded the most ambitious trade‑transformation initiative in CBP’s history. In this episode, Andrew made it a point to give Al his flowers, recognizing both his leadership legacy and the “secret sauce” behind his management style. And, as a devoted iced‑tea drinker, Al even inspired the featured cocktail: “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere Peach Iced Tea.” Ingredients · 1.5 oz Maker’s Mark Bourbon · 2 oz fresh‑brewed black tea (chilled) · 0.5 oz peach liqueur (such as Schnapps) · 1.5 oz peach nectar · 0.5 oz mint simple syrup · Fresh mint sprig and peach slice for garnish Instructions Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the bourbon, black tea, peach liqueur, peach nectar, and mint syrup. Shake vigorously until well chilled. Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a mint sprig and a slice of fresh peach.
Aug 6

Milica Dragojevic Vendimiatti & Rakija

Milica Dragojevic Vendimiatti is a project and program manager for trade policy and facilitation, economic development, and stakeholder engagement. In this episode, Milica shares her story of embracing career and life changes and her experience and views on the dynamic global capacity building efforts. Milica also highjacked the cocktails portion of the show by introducing her favorite regional spirit, Rakija (a strong, clear fruit brandy popular in the Balkans, made from fermented fruits like plumbs, grapes, or apricots).
Jul 2

Dave Burnell & the Avocado Margarita

Andrew and Shawn are joined by Dave Burnell, who shares how he went from a professional tennis player to working at TSA. They cover everything from trusted trader programs to Dave’s current environmental conservancy work to how he beat Rush in the Battle of the Bands. --- Avocado Margarita · 2 oz Silver Tequila · 2 oz Reposado Tequila · 2 oz Agave Syrup · 1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice · 1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice · 3/4 oz Coconut Milk · 1 oz Triple Sec · 1/2 Avocado (Diced) Combine all ingredients into a blender. Add 2 handfuls of ice and blend for 30 seconds. Pour into Martini Glass (or other glass of your choice)
May 28

Ade Jimoh & The Paloma

Andrew and Shawn are joined by former NFL player Ade Jimoh to explore his journey from professional football to building a successful career in the business world. Ade shares insights into life in the NFL, and how mindset and work ethic can fuel success across very different careers. The group also reflects on fitness, personal growth, and the changes that come with time. --- Paloma Kosher salt 1 lime wedge 2 oz grapefruit juice 2 oz tequila ½ oz agave simple syrup juice of ½ lime 2 oz club soda 1 grapefruit wedge Rim a Collins glass with lime wedge and salt. Fill prepared glass with ice. Add grapefruit juice, tequila, simple syrup, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Top off with club soda and gently stir. Garnish with grapefruit wedge.
Apr 30

Tom Marvelli and The Fito | Customs & Cocktails

We’re changing things up this episode, bringing in a guest that does not have a trade background. Shawn and Andrew speak to Tom Marvelli, a creative and brand executive who recently launched Another Door Comics. Tom shares his experience working at Marvel and Hasbro and what brought him to start his own venture. They speak about what happens when your hobby becomes your job and how to foster creativity in your workplace. Plus, plenty of stories behind the making and marketing of your favorite movies in the Marvel universe! Check out Another Door Comics here: https://anotherdoorcomics.com/ --- The Fito 2oz Red Vermouth Juice from half a lime Club soda Combine with ice in a pint glass and stir.
Mar 26

Glyn Hughes and The Bloody Maria

Shawn and Andrew are joined by Glyn Hughes, Director General of TIACA, to discuss the latest trends in air cargo, global trade, and supply chain resilience. With over 44 years of experience, Glyn shares insights on the challenges facing the air cargo industry, the critical role of air cargo in global supply chains, and how industry associations use fact-based advocacy to shape policy and support growth. Plus: a Godfather impression and a shoutout to Shawn’s Air Cargo Strong rap: https://youtu.be/JBRtsc-p_Zw?si=CTK3Xw5p63UaGyiF
Mar 6

Michael Ford and The Gilda

Shawn and Andrew are joined by Michael Ford, a trade compliance expert with over 40 years of operational experience in all phases of export and import transportation and logistics. Recorded shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that the President does not have the authority to impose tariffs using the International Emergency Economic Power Act (IEEPA), this episode covers the fallout from the ruling, why SMEs should be prioritized, and the importance of collaboration between Customs and the trade community. --- The Gilda 2 oz Tequila1 oz Pineapple Juice0.5 oz Lime Juice0.5 oz Cinnamon SyrupAdd all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously until chilled. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Feb 12

Rich Loria and the Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini

Andrew and Shawn are joined by Rich Loria to talk all things CTPAT, the future of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programs, and the realities – both rewarding and challenging – of a career in U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Rich recently joined CT Strategies after a 33-year career with CBP. He is a seasoned supply chain security and customs operations expert with more than 20 years of experience in the CTPAT Program. --- Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini 1/4 cup vodka1/8 cup Kahlua1/8 cup espresso/coffee 1/8 cup Pumkin Spice RumChata 3 teaspoons brown sugar simple syrup Ice Chocolate covered espresso/coffee beans 1. Place a martini glass with 3 chocolate covered espresso/coffee beans in the freezer to chill. 2. Fill a cocktail shaker with 6-8 ice cubes. Combine all liquid ingredients in the shaker and shake for 20-30 seconds. 3. Strain contents into the chilled glass. Garnish with a little cocoa powder (optional)
Jan 16

Gordon Wright and the Smokey Old Fashioned

Andrew and Shawn sit down with Gordon Wright to dive into the topic of de minimis – both the fallout from the U.S. removing its de minimis threshold and how the EU has been considering eliminating their threshold. They also unpack the Trust & Check program and other major changes on the horizon with the EU Customs reform. With over 35 years of experience across border agencies and international transport associations, Gordon brings a wealth of insight to the conversation. He has led negotiations on cross-border security, customs regulations, cargo and mail supply chains, and international trade policy in the UK, EU, and beyond.

10 Episodes

Customs & Cocktails, a podcast hosted by Shawn Beddows and Andrew Farrelly, two longtime customs professionals who’ve seen the good, the bad, and the baffling sides of global trade. This podcast started with a simple idea: ❝What if we had a space to talk candidly about Customs - news, challenges, real-life scenarios, and yes, the things that make us want to vent over a drink?❞

Creator

CT Strategies
Years Active

2026
Episodes

10
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2026 CT Strategies
Show Website

Customs & Cocktails