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Cocktails
Venice
Mount Gay Rum
Sogood Sake
Cincinnati
Hospitality
Equal Measures
Hospitality Industry
Cocktail Culture
Prohibition
Bourbon
Woodford Reserve
Bartending
Sake
Food Pairing
Inclusion
Hotel Bars
Cincinnati Chili
New Riff Distilling
Bourbon Trail

Where can you learn to live life one cocktail at a time? Here on the Lush Life Podcast discover why an old-fashioned is the drink of choice, who is making their own bitters and how ice, or lack there of, is transforming the cocktails you drink. Hosted by your favorite drinking companion, Susan L. Schwartz, the Lush Life Podcast introduces you to the movers and shakers of the cocktail world.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes277Founded10 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Society & CultureFoodPlaces & TravelArts

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Artwork for Lush Life

Latest Episodes

It takes a certain courage and a fair bit of conviction to build a whisky distillery that dares to do things differently. Luckily, today’s guest is genetically predisposed to have both.

Today I’m sitting down with Gareth Moore, CEO of the Virginia D... more

You just can’t help falling in love with a town that gave us both the King of Rock n Roll and the Queen Bee. Today’s episode brings us the delights that can only be found in Tupelo, Mississippi.

Sponsored by Tupelo CVB, we’re diving into the history... more

There is only one place to experience the sunset over Venice with a cocktail in hand. Our guest today is the one behind the drinks that make it unforgettable.

Let me introduce Valentina Mircea, the Bar Manager of The Skyline Bar at the Hilton Molino... more

YouTube

At the St Regis, it’s two, two bars in one. Our guest is well aware of that fact - preparing a perfectly executed Negroni at noon on a sun-drenched terrace… and then later that evening a Warhol-worthy cocktail set in a bespoke glass.

Today I’m sitti... more

YouTube

Paris has taken Venice by storm but this time round, unlike Napoleon in 1797, they’ve arrived with shakers not soldiers. Our guest today is leading the charge!

I’m sitting down with Pietro Lorefice, Bar Manager of Experimental Cocktail Club Venice, ... more

YouTube

In music, most of us are attracted to a song’s continually repeated musical rhythm, "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple, "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" by the Rolling Stones, or "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes, but once those were new to us... more

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Some birds sing at dawn to wake us up, but today we’re celebrating the birthday of a certain nocturnal songbird whose award-winning cocktails, wonderful hospitality, and sultry nightly soundtrack have been keeping London warbling for 15 years.

Today... more

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Our guest has ventured from the Arctic Circle to Kentucky’s rickhouses to Scotland’s distilleries in pursuit of one singular spirit. Now he’s sharing his wisdom with the world.

This week, the legendary Noah Rothbaum joins me to crack open The Whiske... more

YouTube

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Recent Guests

Gareth Moore
CEO of Virginia Distillery Company
Virginia Distillery Company
Episode: How to Drink at the Virginia Distillery Company
Jennie Bradford Curlee
Deputy Director, Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau
Tupelo CVB
Episode: How to Catch the Buzz in Tupelo, Mississippi
Jeri Carter
Owner and Queen Bee, Queen's Reward Meadery
Queen's Reward Meadery
Episode: How to Catch the Buzz in Tupelo, Mississippi
Valentina Mircea
Bar Manager Hilton Molino Stucky Venice
Hilton Molino Stucky Venice
Episode: How to Drink at the Hilton Molino Stucky Venice with Valentina Mircea, Bar Manager
Ludwig Negri
Manager of The St. Regis Bar and The Arts Bar at The St. Regis Venice
The St. Regis Venice
Episode: How to Drink at the St Regis Venice with Ludwig Negri, Bars Manager
Noah Rothbaum
Leading authority on cocktails and spirits, James Beard Award winner, author, and associate editor of the Oxford Companion to Spirits & Cocktails.
Episode: How to Read The Whiskey Bible with Noah Rothbaum
Maija Zummo
Senior Communications Manager for Domestic and International Communications for the Cincy Region.
Cincy Region
Episode: How To Find the Spirit of Cincy
Bill Whitlow
Brand Ambassador of Wenzel Distillery
Wenzel Distillery
Episode: How To Find the Spirit of Cincy
Bianca Grisolia
Founder and organizer of Barcelona Hotel Bar Week, communication strategist, international PR expert
BG PR & Communication
Episode: How to Enjoy Barcelona Hotel Bar Week with Bianca Grisolia, Founder

Host

Susan L. Schwartz
Host of Lush Life

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 18 ratings
  • Terrible

    Seems completely unedited, poorly titled episodes, rambles etc

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    AnnaPrekeges
    United States4 years ago
  • Great podcast, amazing interviews

    Love it

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Nika Susani
    United Kingdom6 years ago
  • Amazing pod!

    Best Food and drink pod!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Marcus Bronzy
    United Kingdom7 years ago
  • Susan Knows Her stuff

    This woman is so fun to listen to. I am transported to the glamourous life, listening to the most interesting bar stories in the world! My favorite podcast to listen to on Fridays.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    captainfuzz
    United States8 years ago
  • Fantastic podcast

    This is a wonderful podcast for anyone interested in cocktails, spirits, the life of a bartender or inspiration behind some of the world's top bar menus. I love the interviews and the stories

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    kittysue
    United States9 years ago
  • Cheers to Best Sips!

    This podcast is awesome. I love learning about cocktails around the world and the mixologists who create them.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Best Sips
    United States9 years ago
  • Quick hits, great sips!

    Susan's natural interview style is refreshing, and her use of ambient sound from the actual bar make you feel like you're right there at the bar with her. I can't wait to see where's she's drinking from next!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Evo Terra
    United States9 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the breadth of guests from distilleries to hotel bars and travel destinations.
Susan's hosting style is engaging and transports listeners to bar life.
Ambient bar sound and storytelling create a vivid listening experience.
Interviews offer practical industry takeaways and inspiring bartender stories.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#17
Saudi Arabia/Arts/Food
Apple Podcasts
#104
Philippines/Arts/Food
Apple Podcasts
#114
Poland/Arts/Food
Apple Podcasts
#154
United Arab Emirates/Arts/Food
Apple Podcasts
#199
South Africa/Arts/Food
Apple Podcasts
#226
Israel/Arts/Food

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Florida Living LIfeJamie and Julie

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

How to Drink at the Hilton Molino Stucky Venice with Valentina Mircea, Bar Manager
Q: What makes Skyline's cocktails connect with Venice's identity?
She describes the menus as inspired by the skies over Venice, with color palettes and flavor profiles tied to local scenery and landmarks, plus an education program for staff to understand the city's culture.
How to Drink at the Hilton Molino Stucky Venice with Valentina Mircea, Bar Manager
Q: How did sustainability become central to Skyline's operations?
Valentina explains they adopted a holistic approach, from sourcing practices and waste reduction to in-house infusions and edible garnishes, all geared toward long-term stewardship and mentorship of younger staff.
How to Drink at the St Regis Venice with Ludwig Negri, Bars Manager
Q: So what did you think it would be like living in Venice? ... did you think it would be quite insular or too touristy?
Ludwig says Venice offers both bustling tourist areas and quieter neighborhoods; he anticipated the city would be touristy but found quieter options off the main corridors, balancing work culture with everyday Venetian life.
How to Drink at the St Regis Venice with Ludwig Negri, Bars Manager
Q: Now I know all about you, but why don't you tell our listeners a little bit about you and I'm sure I'll interrupt a thousand times with questions.
Ludwig outlines his journey from Lake Garda to London, then back to Italy, highlighting his path through luxury hotels, the Dorchester, and eventually taking the helm at The St. Regis Venice, where he helped shape two distinct bar identities.
How to Drink at the Experimental Cocktail Club Venice with Pietro Lorefice, Bar Manager
Q: What are some examples of the cocktails that you produced?
Pietro highlights the Thalassa cocktail, which is inspired by the Mediterranean beach experience, and Fancy Nancy Clancy, which features candy floss shaped like clouds.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Lush Life

What is Lush Life about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A globe-trotting, hospitality-leaning series that spotlights the people shaping cocktail culture—from distillery founders and bar managers to tourism professionals and tastemakers. Episodes explore everything from the craft of whiskey and sustainable bar programs to the stories behind iconic venues and regional drinking traditions, often weaving in tourism, architecture, and city-specific beverage scenes. It's notable for high-profile bartenders and industry leaders who share practical insights, mentorship moments, and behind-the-scenes looks at how bars, brands, and events create memorable experiences for guests. Potential listeners include hospitality professionals, spirits enthusiasts, and PR/marketing pros seeking industry context, insp... more

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How many episodes of Lush Life are there?

Lush Life launched 10 years ago and published 277 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Lush Life?

Recent guests on Lush Life include:

1. Gareth Moore
2. Jennie Bradford Curlee
3. Jeri Carter
4. Valentina Mircea
5. Ludwig Negri
6. Noah Rothbaum
7. Maija Zummo
8. Bill Whitlow

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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