In this special Athens Bar Show edition of LUCA, THE PODCAST, Luca sits down with Babis Kaidalidis — founder of Athens Bar Show and one of the key figures behind the growth of Greece’s hospitality scene.

From starting in the industry at 12 years old to building one of Europe’s most respected bar events, Babis shares an honest perspective on success, hard work, education, and community.

In this episode, they explore:

– How Athens Bar Show began

– Why education matters more than products

– The truth behind building something from zero

– Why there is no secret to success

– The future of hospitality and technology

Recorded live during Athens Bar Show.

Special thanks to the Athens Bar Show team for hosting this conversation.

This podcast is proudly supported by:

The Art of Shaking

https://theartofshaking.com/

Amaro Santoni

https://amarosantoni.com/en/prodotto/amaro-santoni/

Follow LUCA, THE PODCAST for more episodes.

In this special Athens Bar Show edition of LUCA, THE PODCAST, Luca sits down with Bianca Grisolia — PR and communication expert working with some of the most exciting bars and brands in the industry.

Bianca shares a clear and honest perspective on what it really takes to build visibility and grow in today’s hospitality world.

In this episode, they explore:

– Why there is no magic formula in PR

– The importance of authenticity in branding

– How to build a strong communication strategy

– The role of storytelling in hospitality

– Why communication is no longer optional

Recorded live during Athens Bar Show, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone building a brand in the drinks industry.

Special thanks to the Athens Bar Show team for hosting this episode.

This podcast is proudly supported by:

The Art of Shaking

https://theartofshaking.com/

Amaro Santoni

https://amarosantoni.com/en/prodotto/amaro-santoni/

Follow LUCA, THE PODCAST for more episodes.

In this special Athens Bar Show edition of LUCA, THE PODCAST, Luca sits down with Jon Anders Fjeldsrud — agave expert, educator, and global ambassador of tequila and mezcal culture.

With years of experience traveling across Mexico and working closely with producers, Jon shares a deep and personal perspective on the meaning behind agave spirits.

In this episode, they explore:

– The philosophy behind mezcal

– Why education is essential in hospitality

– The importance of connection and culture

– What truly defines a great bar

– Service vs drinks

Recorded live during Athens Bar Show, this episode is a reflection on people, tradition, and the future of the industry.

Special thanks to the Athens Bar Show team for hosting this conversation.

This podcast is proudly supported by:

The Art of Shaking

https://theartofshaking.com/

Amaro Santoni

https://amarosantoni.com/en/prodotto/amaro-santoni/

Follow LUCA, THE PODCAST for more episodes.

In this special Athens Bar Show edition of LUCA, THE PODCAST, Luca sits down with Kaitlin Wilkes — hospitality professional, consultant, and co-founder of the Attaboy Woman Project.

From her early days at The Savoy’s American Bar to working globally across hospitality and brand strategy, Kaitlin shares a powerful and human perspective on what truly defines great hospitality today.

In this episode, they explore:

– Why drinks are not the most important part of a bar

– The importance of listening and reading the guest

– How to create meaningful experiences

– The evolution of the cocktail industry

– Representation and inclusion in hospitality

This episode was recorded live during Athens Bar Show.

Special thanks to the Athens Bar Show team for hosting this conversation.

The podcast is proudly supported by:

The Art of Shaking

https://theartofshaking.com/

Amaro Santoni

https://amarosantoni.com/en/prodotto/amaro-santoni/

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @lucathepodcast

In this special episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST, recorded live at the Athens Bar Show, Luca sits down with one of the most influential figures in the spirits world — Alexandre Gabriel.

From his early days growing up on a farm in France to becoming a Master Blender and global innovator, Alexandre shares a powerful perspective on creativity, failure, and what it truly takes to build something lasting in hospitality.

This conversation explores:

– The philosophy behind great rum

– Why failure is part of the process

– The importance of curiosity and humility

– How to build and lead a team

– The future of education in hospitality

A special thank you to Athens Bar Show for hosting this episode.

This podcast is made possible thanks to:

THE ART OF SHAKING

https://theartofshaking.com/

AMARO SANTONI

https://amarosantoni.com/en/prodotto/amaro-santoni/

Follow LUCA, THE PODCAST for more episodes.

In this special Athens Bar Show edition of LUCA, THE PODCAST, Luca Missaglia sits down with Leah Van Deventer — journalist, spirits educator, drinks consultant, and Academy Chair for The World’s 50 Best Bars (Southern Africa & Indian Ocean region).

Leah shares her journey from journalism into the global cocktail world and offers a unique insider perspective on hospitality culture, bar rankings, and the importance of community in the industry.

In this conversation, they explore:

• How Leah entered the drinks industry

• Why curiosity is the key to building a career

• The truth behind The World’s 50 Best Bars

• Why people don’t actually go to bars just to drink

• The role of education in shaping the future of bartending

• How networking events like Athens Bar Show create real opportunities

This episode was recorded live during Athens Bar Show, one of the most influential events in the global hospitality industry.

Special thanks to the Athens Bar Show team for making this conversation possible.

The podcast is proudly supported by:

The Art of Shaking

https://theartofshaking.com/

Amaro Santoni

https://amarosantoni.com/en/prodotto/amaro-santoni/

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @lucathepodcast

Recorded at the Athens Bar Show, this special edition of LUCA, THE PODCAST features Lauren Mote — educator, mentor and global voice in hospitality.

This episode explores what truly defines a great bar, the power of mentorship, and how legacy is built through purpose, not ego.

We talk about:

• Belonging in hospitality

• The three stages of life & career

• Mentorship as friendship, experience & accountability

• AI and the future of bartending

• Why personality and purpose matter more than perfection

This episode is made possible thanks to: https://theartofshaking.com/

THE ART OF SHAKING:

AMARO SANTONI: https://amarosantoni.com/en/prodotto/amaro-santoni/

Special thanks to Athens Bar Show for hosting.

📩 lucathepodcast@gmail.com

📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lucathepodcast

In this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST, Luca sits down with Alex Kratena — one of the most respected and influential figures in global hospitality.

From his early years in Central Europe to witnessing 9/11 in New York…

From leading the Artesian to multiple World’s 50 Best Bar wins…

From walking away at the peak to building Tayēr + Elementary…

This conversation goes far beyond cocktails.

We talk about:

• Pressure and recognition

• Toxic environments and leadership

• Why awards can change your life — but shouldn’t define it

• Creativity as a language

• Entrepreneurship vs corporate life

• Governments and the reality of running hospitality businesses

• Happiness and purpose

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Recorded at Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge.

This episode is made possible thanks to:

THE ART OF SHAKING

https://theartofshaking.com/

AMARO SANTONI

https://amarosantoni.com/en/prodotto/amaro-santoni/

Follow us on Instagram:

@lucathepodcast