Ramblin' on the River

Alan Bernstein, Terri Bernstein, Ben Bernstein
  • 5.0 (12)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Bernstein family has been a prevalent name in Cincinnati's hospitality landscape since the 1960s.   Ramblin' on the River is a collection of their stories, tales, and experiences from their entrepreneurial endeavors in the restaurant and excursion boat business.   Join the Bernstein family as they take you on a journey through their history in their family's own unique style.  

  1. 02/12/2025

    Episode 20 - Bill Kinzeler

    After a brief delay, 'Ramblin on the River,' is back!  Hosts Ben,Terri, and Alan Bernstein are joined by guest Bill Kinseler. They embark on a nostalgic journey through the history of the Bernstein family's ventures in the restaurant and excursion boat business, particularly highlighting the legacy of the Mike Fink restaurant. The episode covers memorable stories, including the freezing winter of 1977-78, the saving of the Mike Fink from the ice, and various personal anecdotes about the family's operations and relationships with other prominent Cincinnati river families. They also reflect on Shirley Bernstein's impactful role and notable moments related to the family's business. Additionally, the episode includes updates on the podcast's reach and listener statistics, the latest news from the passenger vessel industry, and a special word of the day—'deadheading,' related to boat operations. 00:00 Introduction to Ramblin on the River 01:10 Meet the Hosts: Ben Terry and Alan Bernstein 01:24 Catching Up After a Long Hiatus 03:45 Medical Challenges and Family Stories 10:19 Introducing Special Guest: Bill Kinsler 19:58 The Bernstein Family's River Adventures 28:23 Unexpected Purchase: The Airplane Hangar 29:27 Navigating the River with Alan Bernstein 30:17 Power Lines Incident and Temporary Offices 31:39 The Bell Cincinnati and Shirley Cyphers 35:52 Pontoon Boat and the Homeless Man 40:14 Family Business and Career Paths 45:25 Remembering Shirley and Family Legacy 52:56 Deadheading Explained 56:17 Current Events and Coast Guard News 01:00:58 Wrapping Up and Future Plans 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!

    1h 3m

  2. 11/27/2024

    Episode 19 - Voices from our Past - Josh Mehling

    In this episode of Ramblin' on the River, we get into fond memories and hilarious anecdotes about their family, riverboat adventures, and interactions with long-time associates. From childhood summers to the origins of Cincinnati's hospitality landscape, the episode offers a journey through the family history, supplemented by engaging stories with special guest and former VP of Operations, Josh Mehling. The episode also features commentary on business operations, practical jokes, and meaningful relationships formed over the years. Additionally, listeners get insights into the inner workings of BB Riverboats and hear about Terri Bernstein's recognition as one of the Northern Kentucky Tribune's Newsmakers of 2024. 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:39 Welcome to Ramblin on the River 01:09 Meet Your Hosts: Ben and Alan Bernstein 02:47 Special Guest: Josh Mailing 04:21 Josh's Early Days at BB Riverboats 10:52 Hilarious Work Stories and Mishaps 29:02 The Infamous Xbox Incident 35:40 Susan and the Beef Tips Incident 37:29 Practical Jokes on the Cruise 39:26 Sleepwalking and Chocolate 40:19 The Car Key Mystery 43:09 Tall Stacks Chaos 50:19 Flatboats and River History 56:28 Current Events and Awards 01:00:20 Amusement Park Adventures 01:07:43 Conclusion and Farewell 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!

    1h 13m

  3. 11/20/2024

    Episode 18 - Al's Childhood

    In this episode we share nostalgic stories about Al's childhood growing up in Cincinnati. They discuss growing up in the Ohio River Valley, their family dynamics, including humorous and heartfelt anecdotes about siblings and pets. The episode touches on events like America's River Roots festival, the significance of hosting the captain's ball, and the family's pet stories, providing a deep dive into their family history and cherished memories. 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:39 Welcome to the Podcast 01:45 Listener Engagement and Feedback 02:24 Childhood Memories: School Days 04:27 Sibling Stories and Family Dynamics 20:28 Family Pets and Adventures 25:18 Grandma's Love for Animals 26:15 The Story of Segunda 30:59 Family Vacations and Memories 33:05 Childhood Friends and Memories 37:46 Sports and Neighborhood Life 41:34 Word of the Day: Toe the Line 45:11 Upcoming Events and Announcements 52:19 Conclusion and Farewell 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!

    54 min

  4. 11/13/2024

    Episode 17 - Gateway Clipper Fleet

    In this episode of the Ramblin' on the River' podcast, the family discusses their experiences with BB Riverboats, including collaborations with Gateway Clipper Fleet in Pittsburgh. Special guest Terry Wirginis from the Gateway Clipper Fleet shares stories about his family's business and their mutual influences. The conversation covers their mutual experiences, past ventures, humorous incidents, and the close-knit nature of the passenger vessel industry. This episode offers a blend of history, camaraderie, and the enduring bonds formed within the riverboat community. 00:00 Introduction to Ramblin on the River 01:23 Meet Your Hosts: Ben Terry and Alan Bernstein 02:08 A Journey Through the Bernstein Family History 02:49 Special Guest: Terry Wurgenis from Pittsburgh 03:48 The Origins of the Gateway Clipper Fleet 05:20 The Role of Betty Blake and John Conley 06:38 Terry Wurgenis' Early Involvement 10:14 The Transition to the Ohio State University 11:36 The Return to the Family Business 18:22 The Good Ship Lollipop Saga 22:41 Personal Stories and Friendships 28:19 The Bells of St. Louis Event 31:17 John's Leadership and Industry Insights 32:46 Casino Business Beginnings 34:11 Challenges and Successes in the Casino Industry 35:55 Understanding H Boats and Their Classes 38:53 The Evolution of Passenger Vessels 46:24 The Importance of Industry Collaboration 52:48 Gateway Clipper Fleet and Pittsburgh's Beauty 56:09 Rambling on the River: Word of the Day 59:37 Conclusion and Farewell 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!

    1h 2m

  5. 11/06/2024

    Episode 16 - Crockett's and the River Cafe

    This engaging episode of Ramblin' on the River delves into the rich history of the Bernstein family's involvement in Cincinnati's hospitality landscape. Hosts Ben, Terri, and Alan Bernstein discuss the family's entrepreneurial journey, touching upon key ventures such as the BB riverboats and the iconic Crockett’s restaurant. The episode is filled with light-hearted banter, personal anecdotes, and even introduces younger family members Emma Stewart and Elim Bernstein. From childhood memories to recent achievements, this episode captures the essence of family and tradition, all while sailing through the mighty Ohio River. 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 01:24 Welcome Back from Hiatus 03:43 Special Guests: Emma and Elim 05:03 Emma's Driving Adventures 10:15 Sports Updates: Volleyball and Football 14:03 Future Plans and Aspirations 20:18 Family Business History: Crockett's and BB Riverboats 27:15 Searching for Harold and Tom 27:38 Transforming the Restaurant 28:05 Crocodile Dundee Theme 28:40 Staff and Management Stories 29:29 Family Memories and Piano Lessons 32:09 The Great Beer Spill 35:28 Life Jacket Demonstration 40:37 Crockett's Culinary Delights 44:10 Word of the Day: Soup Coolers 47:46 Election Day and Current Events 55:35 Family Podcast Plans 58:13 Conclusion and Farewell 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!

    1 hr

  6. 10/16/2024

    Episode 15 - Mike Fink

    In this episode of 'Ramblin on the River' the Bernstein family explores the colorful history of their family's involvement in Cincinnati's hospitality business, focusing on the iconic Mike Fink riverboat restaurant. The discussion spans the boat's move from Cincinnati to Covington, significant challenges like the harsh winter of 1977-78, and memorable anecdotes that paint a vivid picture of the restaurant's legacy. From whimsical practical jokes between Carl Lindner and Ben Bernstein to celebrity visits and personal mishaps, the episode is a nostalgic journey through both hardships and joyous moments. The theme extends to discussions about community resilience amid recent severe weather events, nodding to the continuity of family traditions and the evolving hospitality landscape. 00:00 Introduction to Ramblin on the River 01:25 Meet Your Hosts: Ben, Alan, and Terri 02:09 Listener Engagement and International Audience 03:35 Family History: The Old El Greco Restaurant 05:41 The Mike Fink Restaurant: A Cincinnati Icon 15:30 Winter Challenges and River Adventures 20:52 Memorable Moments and Famous Guests 26:49 Dumbwaiter Mishap: A Classic Story 29:31 The Dumbwaiter Story 30:18 Childhood Memories with Grandpa 31:36 High Water Boat Moving 36:34 Cooking at the Table 38:16 The Fire Incident 39:55 The Banana Split Prank 51:44 Rambling on the River: Word of the Day 54:48 Hurricane Helene and Milton 01:00:56 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!

    1h 3m

  7. 10/09/2024

    Episode 14 - El Greco

    In this episode of 'Ramblin on the River, the podcast dives into the legacy of the Bernstein family's involvement in Cincinnati's hospitality scene, particularly focusing on their restaurant, El Greco. The script is peppered with anecdotes about family dynamics, notable events, and recipes from El Greco's menu. Two infamous stories are revisited - a mishap as a valet and a humorous restaurant incident involving Alan's mother. The episode also touches on the challenges and successes encountered over the years in the restaurant business. Alongside these personal stories, there's a mention of the upcoming Blink Cincinnati event, where BB Riverboats offers a unique experience to enjoy light installations via river cruises. 00:00 Introduction to Ramblin on the River 01:35 Meet the Hosts: Ben, Alan, and Terri 03:10 Terri's Birthday and Family Memories 04:18 Debate: Open-Faced Sandwiches and Boneless Chicken Wings 09:22 El Greco: The Family's Favorite Restaurant 11:23 The History and Layout of El Greco 28:51 Expanding El Greco: The Garden Room 31:45 Christmas at El Greco: A New Tradition 34:07 Shelly's Hospitality and Late-Night Dining 35:07 Dad's Restaurant Philosophy and Christmas Eve Tradition 37:25 El Greco's Unique Advertising and Diverse Menu 41:03 Valet Mishaps and Memorable Stories 49:20 Famous Characters and Signature Dishes 57:48 Freeze-Dried Al: A Family Nickname 01:00:14 Blink Cincinnati: A Spectacular Event 01:04:12 Concluding Thoughts 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!

    1h 7m

  8. 10/02/2024

    Episode 13 - Tall Stacks Pt. 2

    In the second part of this Tall Stacks episode of Ramblin' on the River the Bernstein's share humorous and heartwarming stories from the past festivals. The hosts also getinto the origin of the phrase 'three sheets to the wind' and provide insights into current riverboat industry trends and the economic landscape. Tune in for an engaging mix of history, humor, and river lore. 00:00 Introduction to Ramblin' on the River 00:39 Meet the Hosts: Ben, Alan, and Terri 01:51 Listener Engagement and Social Media 03:30 Miami Marlins Game and Poolside Memories 04:38 Tall Stacks Festival History 06:24 The Great River Race of 2003 11:59 Trophy Mishap and Recovery 16:51 Breakfast Cruise in the Fog 22:56 The Golf Cart Prank 26:33 The Brunch Cruise Challenge 27:25 Tall Stacks Event: Behind the Scenes 30:44 A Memorable Encounter at Tall Stacks 35:52 Three Sheets to the Wind: Nautical Origins 43:59 Current Events: The Economy and Industry Insights 52:22 Conclusion and Farewell 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!

    54 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

The Bernstein family has been a prevalent name in Cincinnati's hospitality landscape since the 1960s.   Ramblin' on the River is a collection of their stories, tales, and experiences from their entrepreneurial endeavors in the restaurant and excursion boat business.   Join the Bernstein family as they take you on a journey through their history in their family's own unique style.  

Information

  • Creator
    Alan Bernstein, Terri Bernstein, Ben Bernstein
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Ramblin' on the River
  • Show Website
    Ramblin' on the River