Champs with Mel

Two industry veterans dive deep into life, libations, and the messy landscape of modern America - no filter, all candor.

Summary

In this raw and unfiltered conversation, host Siobhan and guest Melanie take listeners on a rollercoaster journey through personal histories, professional adventures, and the complex social dynamics of contemporary America. From navigating religious upbringings and restaurant entrepreneurship to dissecting political tensions and societal challenges, this episode is a no-holds-barred exploration of personal growth, industry insights, and cultural commentary. Their dialogue weaves between lighthearted anecdotes about bartending, spirits, and podcast culture, and serious discussions about women's rights, LGBTQ+ challenges, and the current political landscape. The conversation reveals how personal experiences shape worldviews and the importance of maintaining humor and humanity in challenging times.

Melanie

Melanie is a seasoned hospitality professional with a rich background in restaurant ownership, spirits distribution, and bar management. Currently working with Spirit Bomb, a French spirits company, she brings a wealth of knowledge about the beverage industry and a refreshingly candid perspective on life and culture.

💡 Key Takeaways

• The complexity of religious upbringings and personal evolution

• Challenges and insights in the restaurant and spirits industries

• Navigating social and political tensions in modern America

• The importance of personal growth and maintaining perspective

• Understanding systemic challenges in rights and representation

"We failed the social media experiment from day one."

~ Melanie

Resources & Mentions

• Forbidden Island Tiki Bar

• St. George Spirits

• RuPaul's Drag Race

• Various podcasts (My Favorite Murder, Crime Junkies)