Backyards of Key West Podcast with Mark Baratto

In this reboot episode, the tables are turned as Mark Baratto sits down with podcast host Kelly Hopkins on her show The Local Side of Key West. We talk about my art and how I got started, social media, and how I started my podcast. This interview happened in the gallery right after I interviewed Kelly for my podcast (episode found here). More information on Mark Baratto Mark has over 20 years of experience in marketing, sales, operations, & events. Backyards of Key West Gallery owner, Artist, brand creator and local Key West podcaster. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-baratto/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markbaratto/

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the owner of The Baklava Key West. We talk about how these delicious treats make their way from Istanbul to Key West daily and the inspiration behind bring this classic Turkish dish to Old Town. More on The Baklava Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thebaklava.keywest/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090923799900 Location:  411 Greene St, Key West, FL 33040 Contact: (305) 304-8660

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with 2005 Mayor Morgan Joseph McPherson. We talk about how he turned his dream of going into the NFL into being a public servant. More on Morgan McPherson In 2005, Morgan McPherson defeated incumbent Mayor Jimmy Weekley and was the Mayor of Key West from 2005-2009. Area Advisory Committeeman, Boys' and Girls' Club of the Keys Board Member, Department of Juvenile Justice Former President, Lower Keys Ministerial Association Former Treasurer, Monroe County Tourist Development Council Former President, Police Athletic League Former Board Member, South Florida Regional Planning Council

In a remarkable display of unity and celebration, the vibrant island community of Key West came together to host the largest-ever pop-up parade to honor the legendary musician and local icon, Jimmy Buffett, following his passing. The incredible story behind this unforgettable event is now available in a captivating podcast interview hosted by Mark Baratto, a local artist and podcast creator, and featuring Paul Menta, the mastermind behind the extraordinary parade and owner of Key West First Legal Rum Distillery. Jimmy Buffett, known for his timeless music and island-inspired lifestyle, held a special place in the hearts of Key West residents. When news of his passing reverberated throughout the island, Paul Menta took it upon himself to organize an awe-inspiring tribute that would make Jimmy proud. In less than 24 hours, Paul and his team orchestrated a pop-up parade that drew over 8,000 enthusiastic participants. The podcast episode delves into the life and legacy of Jimmy Buffett, recounting cherished memor

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with fellow artist, Maggie Ruley. We talk about how she got started as an artist, how she made her way to Key West, and when she made the jump to full-time artist and gallery owner. More on Maggie Ruley Many people who love Key West could not live at their highest potential on a itsy-bitsy island.  If that's you, what do you do? Well, you vacation here whenever you can or create an island getaway home here. Good for you.  And when you need to relax, the island is here waiting for you. Maybe your island getaway needs the finishing touches of Key West art to make it the perfect island home you so truly deserve. Or maybe you need to take some tropical bliss to your up-north home as a reminder to relax. In that case, some of my island-inspired, ahhhhhh...... inducing art is just what you need. You can visit me in the gallery or explore the website to find the perfect art for your island haven, wherever it is, here in Key West, or up-north somewhere. ​Wishing you all beautif

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the owners of Key West's newest restaurant, Atlas Izakaya.  We talk about their inspiration for the restaurant, their experience in the industry, their tasting menu, and giving back to the community. More on Atlas Izakaya Izakaya means “stay-drink-place”. It is a word used to describe the perfect spot to settle down and dine with company. We are a chef owned and operated family establishment located in the heart of the historic Key West. Focusing on creating Japanese small plates. We’re happy to share that some of our menu offerings are part of a give-back program for the Boys and Girls Club of the Keys. $1 from our featured items goes to our community non-profit.  We encourage our guests to check out and sponsor our local programs. Address:  500 Truman Avenue #7 Key West, FL 33040Hours:  Monday - Saturday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Sunday: ClosedContact:   (305) 998-4189Make a Reservation:  https://www.opentable.com/r/atlas-izakaya-reservations-key-west?restref=127145

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Key West local Nick Norman to talk about where he started, and where he is going in this previous episode REBOOT. We find out how he got started with music and how he is constantly working to "sharpen the sword" of his craft. This is one of my favorite interviews so far because Nick is so easy to talk to and talks about his career as an open book.  More on Nick Norman A show-stopping vocalist and sharp songwriter, Nick Norman brings humor, heart, southern storytelling, and soulful swagger to the country genre. It's a sound that began taking shape in his hometown of Columbia, South Carolina, where Nick grew up listening to a soundtrack of home-state heroes — including Edwin McCain and Hootie & the Blowfish — and icons like Stevie Wonder and The Band. He soaked it all up, mixing the rootsy sounds of the FM dial with the awe-inspiring power of the gospel singers he'd hear every Sunday morning at the local church. A lifelong friend and collaborator of coun

In this exclusive interview reboot, Mark Baratto sits down with Rapper and Singer of the Dirty Heads, Jared Watson (aka Dirty J). This interview happened 30 minutes before the band went on stage for the beginning of their national tour, down here at the Key West Amphitheater. It may have been short, but for those fans out there, we touched on the bands origin story and their beginnings. More on the Dirty Heads Following in the footsteps of their California brothers Sublime, Huntington Beach’s Dirty Heads mix hip-hop, reggae, and rock along with that laid-back South Cali attitude. The group formed in 2003 when punk rocker Dustin Bushnell (aka Duddy B) asked his friend, rapper Jared Watson (aka Dirty J), to collaborate on a project that would focus on positive vibes and infectious grooves. Watson added singing to his vocal skills, and with percussionist Jon Olazabal, an acoustic trio version of Dirty Heads began playing shows and building an audience.  They soon hooked up with producer Rob Cavallo and headed in

In this episode of the podcast, Mark Baratto sits down with the Kiteboarder, Chef, and owner/creator of the Key West First Legal Rum Distillery, Paul Menta. We talk about how Paul took a number of chances when creating his rum distillery and how his "failures" help him find success. In a post-COVID-19 world, Paul saw how hand sanitizer was hard to come by, so made his own product mixing 140 proof alcohol with aloe and transmission gel, used in ultrasounds. Menta gave away the 3-oz bottles around town to service workers, retailers, mail carriers, and anyone else hard at work in Key West during high season for tourists. Key West First Legal Rum Distillery WHAT IS CHEF DISTILLED? For centuries, Distillers have been making the sweet libation...Rum.  Some legal, some not so legal. One common task shared by rum Distillers and Chefs alike is cooking sugar cane in big kettles or "stills." We are Chefs first and Distillers second, so our process is called Chef Distilled! This combination of skill brings out the best f

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with interior designer and self proclaimed vintage treasure hunter, Alexandra. We talk about her career as an interior designer, her mobile design studio and her new shop at the Shops at Mallory Square; right down the hall from the Backyards of Key West Gallery 

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with local musician, Reggae Lou. We talk about Lou's past, how he got into music, how he almost died (a couple of times), and how he finally found his groove. More on Reggae Lou & The Kind Budz Website:  https://www.reggaelou.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/reggae_lou/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Reggaelouandthekindbudz YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvXIOP2dbOeOoWHzosPmM3w With over a decade of experience in the music industry, Reggae Lou & The Kind Budz has gained quite a notable reputation for their solo career and collaborations. Not content to rest on their laurels, they are always building towards the next release, adding more classics to their repertoire. It is a common belief that music should be shared with listeners as much as possible. That’s why this Reggae Artist goes on tour on a frequent basis, making countless public appearances nationally and internationally.

Did you know that Bagatelle, Nine One Five Restaurant & Bar, and First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery are all owned by the same people? In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with co-owner Damian DeAngelis.  We talk about how he got involved in the restaurant business, which of the three were acquired first, and why he wanted to keep going until he had the one where it all started. More about Bagatelle Bagatelle Island Restaurant is located at 115 Duval Street, close to Mallory Square, in downtown Key West, Florida. Bagatelle is situated in a historic, architecturally-beautiful building, built in the 1800s, that was converted into a restaurant in 1979. Bagatelle serves a brunch 7 days a week, from 9am-4pm, featuring an array of eggs benedict, crispy, deep-fried french toast, fish sandwiches, and our famous lobster mac ‘n’ cheese. We also serve an American-Caribbean style dinner menu, featuring locally-sourced fresh fish, fine steaks, as well as an extensive wine list that appeals to any palate. B

In today's episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Frankie Flemming, Key West's top professional Makeup Artist. We talk about Frankie's experience on QVC, her world-traveling doing makeup, and how she landed here in Key West. More on Frankie Website:  https://www.frankiekeywest.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/frankiekeywest/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@frankiekeywest Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/shop/frankiekeywest?ref_=cm_sw_r_mwn_aipsfshop_aipsffrankiekeywest_W2G1ZDTSJ6YG9DEC3633 Meet Frankie Flemming, a Philadelphia-born professional make-up artist and hairstylist with a passion for beauty and a love for creating unforgettable memories. With an education from Cosmix School of Makeup and Paul Mitchell's Cosmetology School, and assisting celebrity makeup artist Mally Roncal, Frankie has honed her skills and taken her career to new heights, working with live television, print, commercial, celebrity, and bridal in Key West. What sets Frankie apart is her upbeat, enthusiastic, and resourceful

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with musicians from the band Homegrown. We talk about how they got started and why they love building their base in Key West. More on Homegrown Music Links:  https://linktr.ee/homegrownmusic Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/wearehomegrown/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/weare_homegrownband/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@homegrownband Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/artist/7L5p05zrYHEoYmwHcVY7Cv?si=3a_WGQT1S4OUSB9n45-fZw&utm_medium=share&utm_source=linktree&nd=1

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with singer-songwriter John Goolsby. This interview was done over a year ago and was completely lost.  After some technical creativity, I was able to restore it and loved our banter back and forth, which is why I am releasing it! More on John Goolsby Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/johngoolsbymusic/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lilgools/ New Event:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/john-goolsby-at-the-wildflower-tickets-651272723247

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Len Johnson, the co-owner of Better Than Sex - A Dessert Restaurant, to talk about what has been happing in their restaurant after being opened for 15 years! We talk about new locations, new menu items, and how Len and Dani keep their staff loving where they work! To listen to our first episode, CLICK HERE. More on Better Than Sex - A Dessert Restaurant Our dream began in 2003. As newlyweds, I was eager to make my husbands every desire a reality, so when he exclaimed to me “I want dessert!”, I wanted to impress!  Four hours later after patiently waiting, a fully decorated two-layer Oreo Cookie Cake appeared. Len was a happy hubby.  He proclaimed it ‘amazingly delicious’ and said: “wow if you can do this, what else can you do?”   I am not one for letting go of a challenge and really wanted to “show him” what I could do! Then began the odyssey that leads us to today. My love of baking stemmed from fond memories in my Italian family’s kitchen alongside my mom. So, I c

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Farmer Jeanne Selander to talk about how the animal farm started, how it impacts the community, and Farmer Jeanne's love for all animals. More on the Children's Animal Farm Website:  https://www.keysso.net/farmFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/KeysAnimalFarm/ The Animal Farm is open, free of charge, the second and fourth Sunday of each month from 1 to 3 pm.  Community and school groups may schedule special tours at the farm.  (Please note:  private tours for the general public are not available).   For more information, call (305) 293-7300 or email Farmer Jeanne Selander at jselander@keysso.net The Monroe County Sheriff's Office Children's Animal Farm is located on the grounds of the Monroe County Sheriff's Office Stock Island Detention Center, at 5501 College Road in Key West. (The Sheriff's Office Headquarters building and a State Department of Juvenile Justice holding facility are also located in the same complex.) The farm was started in 1994 in an open area

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with singer-songwriter, Howard Livingston. We talk about how he started his career as a musician and how he is a successful musician with no agent or record label. More on Howard Livingston Howie actually did what many folks dream of doing: he gave up the workaday world, moved to the Florida Keys, and became a musician. He is a native of the mountains of eastern Kentucky and moved to Indiana at age 13. Howie learned the guitar in his youth and played in a band as a teenager. After high school, he moved to Chicago, studied engineering, and launched a business manufacturing parts for diesel engines. Twenty years later he traveled to the Florida Keys, where he developed a severe case of “Keys Fever”, he never wanted to leave. The more he visited, the more music and the Florida Keys called out to him. Finally, he surrendered. The islands called both him and his guitar. He moved to the tiny sun-soaked island of Summerland Key, 24 miles from Key West, where he teamed up with

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Tucker's Provisions creator, and managing partner, Kurt Matarazzo. We talk about the creation of the legendary apparel brand started, a little backstory on Kurt, and what's in store for the brand's expansion.   More on Tucker's Provisions Born from a time when people shopped for quality, Tucker’s Provisions collects together objects and apparel that stand the test of time. If you like a classic way of dressing, an aesthetic that harks back to the days of cocktails and dancing on the weekends, sturdy items for everyday use and finding everything you need under one roof, Tucker’s Provisions will feel like coming home.   The Key West Insider’s Guide describes how Tucker’s Provision represents the spirit of classic Key West: “In the 1940s, what’s considered “Old Town” now was Key West. The scarcity of paved roads meant little, as few people owned cars. To get around, they walked, or they rode bicycles with no locks. They spent hours porch-sitting, kept chickens, caught

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the creators of Artfully Keys, Lance Berry, Sara Pasqueretta, and Chris Anderson.  We talk about the Artfully Keys concept, bringing artists together, and trying to fine out #WheresErnesto MORE ON ARTFULLY KEYS Come Be Apart Of The Family! If you are an artist located in the Florida Keys that would like to get your work recognized nationwide without having to learn the tricks of the marketing and SEO trade, send us an email! We welcome all types of first-person art! The best part is its free to showcase your work! Visit our website from more information:  https://www.artfullykeys.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/artfully_keys/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ArtfullyKeys/about