logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2024
58m 27s

From Chaos to Clarity

HERITAGE RADIO NETWORK
About this episode

Chris Hunter started his first company at twenty-five, which makes sense once you hear what it was. The multi-time entrepreneur and creative force behind Koia sits down with the band to talk about his journey through the beverage space, beginning as a nightclub bouncer and ending as a holistic, health conscious dad. Oh, and along the way he also sparked one of the biggest beverage controversies of the 21st century and single-handedly changed federal law when he started a company that begins with “Four” and ends with “Loko”.

Plus, the thing you all come to the Speakeasy for: deep dive economic analysis! Greg unpacks the increasingly popular “no tax on tips” notion and why certain thinkers love to hate it.

Follow Chris on Instagram at: @__christopherhunter__
Follow Koia on Instagram and TikTok at @drinkkoia

Love The Speakeasy but wish there was more? Check out Bottled in Bond, our new Patreon podcast exclusively for you, our best regulars! Join now for sponsor-free listening, video podcasts, access to pre-sales and drink recipes from all our guests. Higher proof and aged to perfection, check it out now at patreon.com/BottledinBond

 

Don’t forget to click SUBSCRIBE and RATE the show if you can. 

🔥🔥Join us each week as industry leaders, Damon Boelte and Sother Teague, sit down with a wide range of hospitality and spirits experts from around the world to discuss everything that impacts our business. 

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Damon Boelte @DamonBoelte

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

Greg Benson @100ProofGreg

Speakeasy Podcast @SpeakeasyPodcast

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

Sother Teague @CreativeDrunk

SpeakeasyRadio @SpeakeasyRadio

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Speakeasy by becoming a member!

The Speakeasy is Powered by Simplecast.

Up next
Yesterday
Boomerang! with Lalo of Lalo Tequila
Live from BCB Brooklyn and Industry City Greg and Damon catch up with Lalo González of Lalo Tequila. They stop by Lalo’s booth to discuss the booming market for blanco tequila, where the future of agave spirits is headed, and how they hit on the very distinctive bottle and label ... Show More
27m 4s
Jul 8
Boomerang! with Lalo of Lalo Tequila
Live from BCB Brooklyn and Industry City Greg and Damon catch up with Lalo González of Lalo Tequila. They stop by Lalo’s booth to discuss the booming market for blanco tequila, where the future of agave spirits is headed, and how they hit on the very distinctive bottle and label ... Show More
27m 4s
Jul 4
In the First Place…
There’s so much more to Korean drinking culture than just soju and Haera Shin wants to tell everyone all about it. From the distinctive (and uniform!) green bottles, to the culture of “first place,” “second place” and “third place” to a fermented rice beverage that’s way older th ... Show More
1h 2m
Recommended Episodes
May 2022
Cocktail Entrepreneurship w H. Joseph Ehrmann | ep 298
In this episode of the show, we are joined by bar owner and entrepreneur, H. Joseph Ehrmann of Fresh Victor. He is a longtime veteran of the industry and has done a great job of diversifying his projects, while at the same time taking advantage of trends and staying dynamic. Tune ... Show More
30m 4s
Mar 2025
Talking Tequila w the founder of Lalo | Bartender at Large ep 438
Join us for an exclusive interview with Lalo González, the visionary third-generation tequila maker and co-founder of Lalo Tequila. Discover the rich heritage and passion behind each bottle as Lalo shares his family's secrets and dedication to quality. From the agave fields to th ... Show More
26m 24s
Dec 2024
From Seattle Basements to Stardom: The Making of “charlieonnafriday”
Wildly talented rapper and singer-songwriter charlieonnafriday joins Tish and Brandi to talk about his incredible rise to stardom. From his early days recording music in a Seattle basement to touring with icons like Macklemore and breakout stars like Tate McRae, Charlie takes us ... Show More
58 m
Oct 2024
Bonus Podcast: Worn & Wound and Collective Horology Present “Elements of Design,” Live from the Windup Watch Fair
If you haven’t already, be sure to refresh the Worn & Wound podcast feed this morning, because we have a special bonus pod to start your week. At the recent Windup Watch Fair in New York City, we recorded a very special podcast in front of a live audience with our friends at Coll ... Show More
40m 44s
Sep 2024
Drop the Beat and the Self-Doubt
We’re nearly through our summer reruns and will be back in October with new video episodes and unbelievable guests (for real, not just saying that…) With only a few throwback episodes it’s getting harder to choose, but we think you’ll enjoy this one that dives into some evergreen ... Show More
50m 2s
Jul 2024
Hoagie Mouth (Live from Philly)
A Philly transplant calls to talk with Gethard in front of a crowd of a few hundred Philadelphians at the First Person Arts Festival. She tells him all about being a victim of the Kia Boys, what it’s like to manage a tattoo shop, how she ended up on the East Coast, and why Black ... Show More
1h 16m
Mar 2024
'The $150,000 Coach' Shannon Graham & Four Loko Founder, Chris Hunter 💸 E61
Shannon Graham, founder of Astranaut, has dedicated himself to empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives for over 20 years. He has started projects to help with video game addiction and to empower Hispanic immigrants financially. Shannon's teamed up with leaders all over th ... Show More
1h 10m
Jan 2025
Catching Up w Lars Williams of Empirical Spirits | Bartender at Large ep 430
Join us, as we chat with Lars Williams, the innovative mind behind Empirical Spirits, to explore the art and science of distillation. Lars delves into the creative process behind their latest creation, a unique cilantro spirit that pushes the boundaries of flavor. We discuss how ... Show More
22m 38s
Apr 2023
90s Cocktails w John deBary | Bartender at Large ep 342
Join us as we chat with cocktail expert and author John deBary about his latest book, Saved by the Bellini. From twists on the classic Bellini to other '90s-inspired cocktails, DeBary shares his insights and inspiration behind each creation. Get ready to sip back in time and disc ... Show More
28m 38s
May 8
Mexican Drinking Traditions w Alan Ruesga-Pelayo | Bartender at Large ep 445
Join us for an inspiring chat with Alan Ruesga-Pelayo, former North American Brand Ambassador for Tequila Cazadores, as he shares why he believes that tequila is more than just a drink—it’s a celebration of Mexico’s rich history and culture. He believes that a great drink becomes ... Show More
29m 10s