BarNinja Podcast - The Ultimate Bartending & Mixology Podcast

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Ever slept in a truck while your house is earning you Airbnb cash? Ryan has, and let me tell you, it's just one of the wild slices of life we're unpacking as we chat about the deeper side of hospitality with our special guest. This episode isn't just about pouring drinks; it's about pouring your soul into every connection—those five-minute friendships that bloom across the bar and the kind of service that turns a one-off visit into a "welcome back!" Join us, Bill, Kayla and Mike Garrison, as we swap tales that reveal the heart behind the art of connection, from the personal to the professional.
Now, let's get real about happiness—no, not the kind padded by zeros in your bank account. We're sharing the ups, downs, and upside-downs that have taught us how joy comes from inside, not your income. Our guest opens up about transforming negatives into unforgettable positives, making sure every customer leaves with a story to tell. And if you're curious about just what happiness truly means, we're laying it all out on the table. No spoilers, but it involves cold tuna bites, sleeping in trucks, and yes, a whole lot of being blessed. Tune in for an honest, laughter-filled journey through the highs and heart of what makes our lives behind the bar—and beyond—genuinely fulfilling.

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Ever wondered how serving in the military and law enforcement might influence one's approach to restaurant ownership? The answer lies in the inspiring journey of Ryan Walters a former police officer turned successful business owner. Ryan, the owner of Drifter's restaurant, reflects on how his previous background honed his leadership skills for the hospitality industry. His unique story takes us from his beginnings as an aspiring bartender to running his own thriving business.
Enliven your leadership style with insights from Ryan on fostering a positive team mentality in a typically high-turnover industry. His recipe for success is seasoned with positive energy, humility, and unfiltered honesty with customers. Explore the transformative power of leading by example, as he shares the invaluable lessons learned from his own mentor, our own Blind Bill!. This episode not only offers fresh perspectives on attaining success in the restaurant industry but also serves up motivation for any budding entrepreneur or those intrigued by journeys of profound personal growth. Tune in and let Ryan’s story inspire, motivate and enlighten your entrepreneurial spirit.

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Have you ever stepped into a bar that felt like stepping into another era? That's the charm of dive bars! We're all aboard the nostalgia train in this episode of the Bar Ninja Podcast with your favorites - Kayla Louge and Mike Garrison. On our journey, we're joined by Leslie, a dive bar expert who shares her unforgettable experiences from Dinos and Santas, two dive bars in Nashville.
Find out why we believe that the best dive bars are those where folks don't take themselves too seriously and the past is literally etched into the walls. We share amusing anecdotes about regulars like Charles, and delve into the eternal debate - is it safe to drink the tap beer? You don't want to miss out on the hilarious recounting of Charles pulling out his tooth after a few shots of wild turkey! So, hop on and let's pay tribute to the unpretentious spots that serve as community anchors and havens of authentic fun.

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This is a quick but super important episode. If you know any bartenders please send this episode to them. This is the difference from average bartenders and rockstars that have super loyal regulars and bars you can't get a seat at. Hope you enjoy. Please share our podcast with any bartenders you know!

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This is probably the most important bar consulting podcast we will do. It is the reason some bars offer bad service and don't make money. It's also why some bartenders don't achieve their maximum revenue potential (for themselves and for the owner.) We also discuss big challenges as a bartender and why Blind Bill learned to become a good photographer.