The Post Shift Podcast with Shawn Soole

Shawn Soole

The Post Shift Podcast with Shawn Soole dives into the business of hospitality with raw, honest conversations on entrepreneurship, leadership, mental health, and modern hospitality culture. From industry icons to rising stars, each episode unpacks real stories, hard lessons, and fresh ideas that help bar and restaurant pros thrive. Tune in for unfiltered insights into what it takes to build a lasting, meaningful career in today’s fast-changing hospitality world.

  1. Kimberly Flear on Healing Hospitality: Recovery, Resilience & Rebuilding the Culture

    5D AGO

    Kimberly Flear on Healing Hospitality: Recovery, Resilience & Rebuilding the Culture

    In this episode, Shawn Soole welcomes Kimberly Flear , founder of Last Call Coaching , for a heartfelt and transformative conversation. Kimberly shares her journey from burnout and addiction within the hospitality industry to becoming a leading advocate for well-being, psychological safety, and sustainable leadership in the places we serve. What You’ll Learn * Kimberly’s personal story: going from service to self-care and recovery * Building recovery-ready workplaces that prioritize mental health and psychological safety * Leadership that centers empathy, employee engagement, and staff retention * Practical strategies for reducing turnover, absenteeism, and promoting a sustainable team culture * Live Q&A: advice on launching wellness initiatives, empowering teams, and bringing recovery awareness into hospitality Timestamp Highlights * 00:02:30 – Kimberly shares her early hospitality roots and turning point into recovery * 00:12:00 – Launching Last Call Coaching and what motivated the mission * 00:25:30 – Core principles of building recovery-ready workplaces—well-being meets business * 00:38:00 – Live Q\&A: managing stigma, bringing training into teams, and speaking truth to leaders * 00:52:00 – Kimberly’s vision forward: tools, workshops, and culture change in action Who It’s For This episode is essential for hospitality owners, managers, HR leaders, and anyone passionate about creating cultures that support both team well-being and operational excellence. If You Loved This Episode * Hit Like * Subscribe and tap the 🔔 for weekly industry-style conversations

    44 min
  2. Robert Simonson on Mixing Words, Whiskey, and Cocktail Culture

    SEP 5

    Robert Simonson on Mixing Words, Whiskey, and Cocktail Culture

    In this episode, Shawn Soole dives deep with drinks writer and historian Robert Simonson, exploring not only the evolution of iconic cocktails like the Martini and Old‑Fashioned but also spotlighting his pivotal role launching the very first Martini Expo-a groundbreaking, immersive Martini celebration happening this fall in New York City. What You’ll Learn • How Robert moved from theater writing to chronicling the cocktail revival. • The enduring appeal of the Martini and Old‑Fashioned-and why these classics still matter. • Behind-the-scenes insight into his book A Proper Drink and other seminal works like 3‑Ingredient Cocktails. • Why the Martini Expo, launching September 12–13 at Industry City in Brooklyn, is a landmark moment for the industry. Expect tasting seminars, book signings, a Three‑Martini lunch, a glittering Martini Mixer, and more. • Live Q&A: writing for hospitality, preserving cocktail storytelling, and the cultural power of a great Martini. Timestamp Highlights (Approximate) 00:02:30 – Robert’s path to becoming a leading voice in cocktail history. 00:14:00 – Unpacking the Old-Fashioned: origins, evolution, and legacy. 00:28:00 – The Martini’s story: shifts, myths, and modern relevance. 00:42:00 – A Proper Drink and the drive to document the cocktail revival. 00:58:00+ – Q&A: tips on writing, research, and bringing drink culture into the future. Who It’s For Bartenders, beverage directors, authors, and cocktail lovers who value stories as much as drinks-and who are intrigued by the Martini’s rise to its own festival stage. If You Enjoyed This Episode • Hit Like • Subscribe and ring the 🔔 for more conversations that bridge history, culture, and the bar world • Share your favorite Robert insight-or ask about what you’d like to see at the Martini Expo-in the comments • Share this episode with your bar team, content community, or cocktail-forward friends

    41 min
  3. From EMP to Viajante 87: Pietro Collina on Leading Bar Culture at the Highest Level

    AUG 29

    From EMP to Viajante 87: Pietro Collina on Leading Bar Culture at the Highest Level

    In the episode, Shawn Soole is joined by industry heavyweight Pietro Collina, whose résumé includes legendary institutions like Eleven Madison Park, NoMad, and his current role as Beverage Director for The Teslef Group (Viajante 87, Los Mochis, Sale e Pepe). In this candid and inspiring session, Pietro shares how he’s helped define some of the world’s most influential bar and restaurant programs-through mentorship, precision, and hospitality-driven creativity. What You’ll Learn • Pietro’s journey through Eleven Madison Park and the culture that shaped him • How NoMad helped bridge fine dining and cocktail excellence • His philosophy on building bar programs that reflect identity, purpose, and flow • The creative process behind Viajante 87’s bar experience and The Teslef Group’s beverage DNA • Audience Q\&A on training teams, scaling systems, and delivering consistency across multiple venues 📌 Timestamp Highlights 00:03:00 – Entering the world of fine dining at Eleven Madison Park 00:15:00 – Lessons from NoMad: bar meets kitchen meets guest experience 00:30:00 – Designing the beverage program at Viajante 87 00:45:00 – Live Q&A: leadership, team culture, and scalable excellence 01:00:00+ – What’s next: expansion, new projects, and collaborative growth 🎯 Who It’s For Bar and restaurant leaders, beverage directors, and operators looking to create world-class programs that blend creative excellence with operational precision. ✅ If You Enjoyed This Episode Smash the Like button Subscribe and hit the 🔔 for weekly industry insights Drop your favorite takeaway from Pietro in the comments Share this episode with your team or bar community

    54 min
  4. Brenton Mowforth on Turning Content into Community with Cheers to Happy Hour

    AUG 22

    Brenton Mowforth on Turning Content into Community with Cheers to Happy Hour

    In this live episode, Shawn Soole sits down with Brenton Mowforth, creator of “Cheers to Happy Hour,” for a lively conversation on the power of community-driven content, the evolving culture of happy hour, and how to turn passion into purpose. Brenton’s journey: from cocktail enthusiast to hosting “Cheers to Happy Hour” The creative process behind crafting engaging, memorable happy hour content Why happy hour is more than a drink—it’s community, nostalgia, and connection How social media and video trends are transforming bartending culture Honest Q&A: audience questions on content creation, collaboration, and staying inspired 00:02:30 – Brenton’s origin story and the idea behind “Cheers to Happy Hour” 00:14:15 – Developing authentic content and connecting with your audience 00:27:00 – The culture of happy hour—stories, memories, and community impact 00:38:20 – Live Q&A: tools, collaboration, and evolving with content trends 00:50:45 – What’s next: expanding the brand, new formats, and future episodes Content creators, bartenders, community-builders, and anyone fascinated by culture, connection, and the evolving face of hospitality online. Tap Like Subscribe and ring the 🔔 to catch more live conversations Drop your favourite “Cheers to Happy Hour” moment or tip in the comments Share this with your friends, followers, or community 🧠 What You’ll Learn📌 Timestamp Highlights🎯 Who It’s For✅ If You Enjoyed This Episode

    49 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The Post Shift Podcast with Shawn Soole dives into the business of hospitality with raw, honest conversations on entrepreneurship, leadership, mental health, and modern hospitality culture. From industry icons to rising stars, each episode unpacks real stories, hard lessons, and fresh ideas that help bar and restaurant pros thrive. Tune in for unfiltered insights into what it takes to build a lasting, meaningful career in today’s fast-changing hospitality world.

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