Backyards of Key West Podcast with Mark Baratto

The Backyards of Key West Podcast started with one simple idea: tell the real stories behind the island's most creative people.What began as a show about local business owners in Key West has evolved into a deeper dive into the world of art, entrepreneurship, and creative growth.Hosted by Mark Baratto—artist, gallery owner, and founder of The Artist Growth Collective—this podcast features weekly conversations with artists, gallery and studio owners, musicians, and entrepreneurs from across Key West and beyond.💡 Whether you're here for the island vibes or looking to build a thriving art business, there's something in every episode to inspire you.📅 New episodes drop every Friday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Pandora, and more.📻 Also airing Sundays at 10AM on 104.9FM in Key West.👉 Learn more at https://www.skool.com/the-artist-growth-collective

Backyards of Key West Podcast with Mark Baratto is a arts podcast hosted by Mark Baratto, with 269 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Mark Baratto hosts Backyards of Key West Podcast with Mark Baratto, a arts show with 269 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Episode #270

  Ep. 270 – "This Blows": A Musical Comedy Show That Doesn't Suck with Creator Jessica Wachs

  Nov 15, 202516 minS1

  <p >In this episode, Mark sits down with Jessica Wachs, the creator and artistic director behind "This Blows" – a musical comedy show that doesn't suck!</p> <p >Written for locals, by locals, and starring locals, This Blows is Key West's newest annual show that mashes up stand-up, sketch comedy, and live music into one big, ridiculous, heartfelt island experience. Jessica pulls back the curtain on how the show came to life, what it's really like building a hometown production from scratch, and why Key West is the perfect place for a comedy musical that doesn't take itself too seriously.</p> <p...

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #269

  Episode 269 – Don Oriolo: Felix the Cat, Zazoo Records & Wild Stories From a Legendary Career

  Aug 2, 20251h 22mS1

  <p >In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the legendary Don Oriolo—a powerhouse in the worlds of art, music, and pop culture.</p> <p >From his decades of work with the Felix the Cat franchise to his role in shaping music history (hello, Jon Bon Jovi & Meat Loaf!), Don shares personal stories that span generations of entertainment.</p> <p >💥 Hear about:</p> His first surreal meeting with John Lennon Fond memories of his friend Meat Loaf How Felix the Cat became his creative muse A surprise visit from Felix himself 😉 <p >This conversation is a wild, inspiring ride that barel...

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #268

  Episode 268 – Sipping History & Flavor with Whisky Rick of Key West

  May 23, 20251h 22mS1

  <p >In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Whisky Rick, the charismatic founder of Key West Whisky Tours, for a lively conversation that blends Key West history with handcrafted spirits.</p> <p >Rick shares how his deep love for storytelling and fine whisky inspired him to create immersive tasting experiences right here in paradise. From hidden gems and Prohibition tales to flavor profiles and favorite pours, this episode is a toast to the spirit of the island—literally.</p> <p >We talk about:</p> <p >How Whisky Rick got his name (and his start)</p> <p >The craft behind bu...

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #267

  Episode 267 – A Taste of Paradise with Executive Chef Leo Minelli at Hyatt Centric Key West

  May 16, 202553 minS1

  <p >In this flavorful episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Executive Chef Leandro "Leo" Minelli of Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa.</p> <p >Chef Leo shares his culinary journey from Mendoza, Argentina to the kitchens of South America, The Bahamas, New Zealand, and now Key West. We dive into what brought him to the island, his passion for local seafood and sustainability, and how he leads the kitchen at the stunning Four Flamingos, A Richard Blais Key West Kitchen.</p> <p >We also touch on:</p> <p >His vision for Four Flamingos and Blue Mojito</p> <p >What makes...

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #266

  Episode 266 - Fighting for Laughs: A Night of Comedy 4 A Hero with Kevin Redding

  Apr 26, 202540 minS1

  <p >n this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Kevin Redding to talk about "Fighting for Laughs," a charity comedy show happening on July 5th, 2025, at the Key West Theater. Kevin shares how the idea for the event came about, the incredible lineup of comedians involved — including Tony Woods, Chuck Nice, "The Reverend" Bob Levy, and Preston Gitlin — and how the show will benefit the veteran nonprofit organization A HERO.</p> <p >Hosted by local Key West native and veteran Petey Rancel, this one-night-only event is all about giving back to those who have served, while bringing the community together for...

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on Backyards of Key West Podcast with Mark Baratto. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.