An early coastal life in Cancun set an amazing precedent for Montelobos and Ancho Reyes' ambassador Camille Austin. Her interest of nature, people, and terroir began to percolate as she established her intense work ethic in the burgeoning Miami cocktail scene. A key competition further catapulted Camille into the limelight and her reputation as a brilliant mind in hospitality continued to expand. After an influential move to NYC, Mezcal ultimately changed her whole career. We chat seafood, salt, and the new Ancho Reyes Verde that hits Texas THIS week.

It's hard to say where Han Shan started his career in this hospitality industry. But suffice it to say, his rich background in art, music, and activism painted a perilous journey to get here. From Tibet to the Middle East, the winding road led Han to an interesting contest for brand ambassadorship. After a successful online campaign utilizing his knowledge of the world, film, and spirits, Han is now the national figure for Hudson Whiskey; the craft pioneer distillery that now has affirmed it's place in the narrative of modern whiskey. Who is Han Shan and where did he truly come from? We chat DC punk, Tibet, and Hudson Manhattan Rye whiskey.

Where is ambition and drive created? Is it innate, or imbued by those closest to us? For Bacardi's Gabe Cardarella, the people around him have driven him to greatness. From early days in promotion to tour managing members of Jackass in Mexico, Gabe has strategically made himself the key innovator in every industry he's entered. Now as a jet setting whiskey expert spreading the deliciousness of Dewar's, Gabe tries to craft unique experiences for the vast fans of Whisky. We chat truffles, on the spot questions, and relationships.

"Food Editor" is one of the most coveted positions in this modern food renaissance and for Austin Chronicle's Brandon Watson, it's both a blessing & a curse. Starting in small town Texas, and traversing through white collar jobs, Brandon parlayed a recurring lunch date into something bigger: Food Writer! Personal health issues, and many quasi-hip restaurants later, where is Austin's food scene going? We chat lights, Barflys, and health.

Erin Wade is a case study in ambition and learning. What started as an interest in Science turned into a Harvard English degree. Unexpectedly, this road dove into fashion and then completely mutated into the most meaningful chapter yet....farming. Erin's connection to the earth and people inspired her to craft a restaurant concept that embodied quality and health. A short time later, her breadth of talents converged and Vinaigrette was born. A celebratory year after she opened her Austin location, we chat Subway, Bastrop, degrees, and more....

In an exploration of love, sex, spirituality, and politics, this second chat with Tomas Estes explores the cerebral aspects of this living legend. How does love betray and free us? How is this modern era of segregation unfolding in stark contrast to the 60's? Where is the narrative of the world headed? Wherever the path goes it will be fraught with love and fear.

Tomas Estes has dove head first into every annal the world has had to offer. From many successful restaurants to the globally lauded Tequila Ocho, he has remained transparent and open to every opportunity in this life. This is the first of two chats with the worldly "Dali Lama" of Tequila. His achievements and impact on the world of hospitality will be forever felt. We chat Peter Fonda, fatherhood, and wrestling.

Robin Nance of Auchentoshan Single Malt Whisky could be considered a modern Whisky icon, but she has lived a few other lives before this one. At a young age, Robin was drawn to photography both behind and in front of the lens. This artistic spirit drove her to travel the world and ultimately end up in LA to pursue acting. Many stand up comedy sketches and auditions later, Robin entered the hospitality industry full time. With an emerging penchant for Single Malt, Robin's turn to the brand side was inevitable. We talk Flashdance, San Antonio, and being outspoken about your beliefs.