Hospitality background, Wisconsin connection.
The podcast episode features Jonathan Pogash and his father, Jeffrey, as they interview Joel Johnstone, an actor known for his role in the TV show "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel." The conversation revolves around Joel's desert island cocktail preference, his hospitality background, and the Wisconsin connection between Joel and Jonathan.
Jonathan and Jeffrey start the episode by introducing themselves and their expertise in the cocktail and hospitality industry. They mention that they always look for the next big thing and interview trailblazers and tastemakers in the service industry.
The hosts then mention that they are recording the podcast on the corner of Hollywood and Vine, a location associated with Hollywood stars. They jokingly discuss the possibility of encountering Hollywood stars there.
They introduce their guest, Joel Johnstone, who plays Archie on "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel." They mention that the show has won many awards and is in its fifth and final season. They credit their friend and former college roommate, Michael Ziegen, for connecting them with Joel.
The hosts ask Joel about his desert island cocktail preference, to which he responds with a bourbon old-fashioned. They express their enthusiasm for the choice and joke about wanting the drink immediately.
They then discuss Joel's character on the TV show and his background in hospitality. Joel reveals that when he moved to Los Angeles, he worked as a barback in nightclubs. He mentions that he didn't learn much about mixology in those clubs and mostly made simple drinks like vodka Red Bull. However, he expresses his fascination with mixology and the craft of making drinks.
Jonathan shares his own experience of starting as a barback after moving to New York City to pursue acting. He mentions that he was jealous of his friend Michael Ziegen, who quickly found success in acting without having to work in bars or restaurants.
The conversation briefly shifts to praise Michael Ziegen for his early success in the acting industry. They acknowledge his talent and the shows he has appeared in, such as "Rescue Me" and "The David Letterman Show."
Returning to Joel, they discuss his Wisconsin connection. Joel reveals that he was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Jonathan then surprises Joel by mentioning that he went to Ripon College, a small college near Milwaukee. Jonathan shares that he spent a couple of weeks there during Badger's Boys State, an event where they were put up at Ripon College.
Joel expresses his surprise and excitement, mentioning that he also spent time at Ripon College. They discover that they have this connection through the college. Jonathan adds that notable figures like Harrison Ford and Spencer Tracy also attended Ripon College.
The hosts mention a rumor about Spencer Tracy climbing up the girl's dormitory at Ripon College and getting kicked out. They acknowledge that they are not sure if this rumor is true.
In conclusion, the podcast episode explores Joel Johnstone's desert island cocktail preference and his background in hospitality. The hosts also discuss the Wisconsin connection between Joel and Jonathan, as they both have connections to Ripon College. The episode provides an entertaining and informative conversation about cocktails, acting, and shared experiences.
Persistence and belief in oneself.
However, one theme that stands out throughout the podcast is the idea of persistence and belief in oneself. Joel Johnstone's journey in the acting industry is a testament to the power of these qualities.
From the transcript, we learn that Joel started his acting career in New York, performing in off-Broadway shows in front of small audiences. Despite the lack of recognition and the feeling of putting in so much effort for so few people to see it, Joel continued to pursue his passion. He recognized the timeless effect that film and TV had and decided to concentrate more on those mediums. This decision led him to move to Los Angeles in 2007.
However, the transition to LA was not smooth for Joel. He initially struggled to find auditions and did not have a strong representation. It was a mentally crushing time for him, and he questioned his decision to move. But instead of giving up, Joel picked himself up and started pounding the pavement again. He eventually found an agent and manager who believed in his talent and ability, and this marked the beginning of positive change for him.
The turning point in Joel's career came when he got a recurring gig on the HBO show "Newsroom" and another potential recurring gig on the HBO pilot "Getting On." These opportunities came after a period of not working and grinding in nightclubs. Suddenly, Joel found himself part of high-profile projects that propelled his career forward.
The podcast episode also mentions Joel's role in "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," which further solidified his success. The steady gig on the show for five years is a testament to his persistence and belief in himself.
Joel's story is a reminder that success in any field requires persistence and belief in oneself. Despite the challenges and setbacks he faced, he never gave up on his dream. He kept pushing forward, even when things seemed bleak. And eventually, his hard work and dedication paid off.
This message of persistence and belief in oneself is applicable to anyone pursuing their dreams. It's easy to get discouraged when things don't go as planned, but Joel's story shows that success is possible if you keep going. It's important to remember that setbacks are a part of the journey, and they shouldn't define your future. Instead, use them as motivation to work harder and prove yourself.
In conclusion, Joel Johnstone's journey in the acting industry exemplifies the power of persistence and belief in oneself. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, he never gave up on his dream. His story serves as a reminder that success is possible if you keep pushing forward and believe in your abilities. So, the next time you face a setback or doubt yourself, remember Joel's story and keep persisting.
Pilot read was a standout.
The transcript of the podcast reveals Joel Johnstone's experience in the acting industry, particularly his involvement in a pilot read that stood out to him. According to Joel, the pilot read for the show was an epic performance that left a lasting impression on him. He describes the room being filled with a hundred to a hundred and fifty people, and Rachel, one of the actors, owning the room with her performance. Joel even goes as far as to say it was one of the best performances he has ever seen in his life.
This standout pilot read was significant for Joel because it signaled that they had something special with the show. He knew they had created something unique and captivating. However, he admits that no one could have predicted the immense success and impact the show, which is not explicitly mentioned in the transcript, would have.
The recognition and acclaim that the show received, including Rachel's Golden Globe nomination, further solidified Joel's belief in the show's potential. He emphasizes that Rachel is not only a talented actress but also a wonderful human being, reinforcing the idea that the show had a remarkable cast and crew.
The podcast also touches on the strike that occurred in the entertainment industry, which Joel and many others were a part of. He expresses his gratitude for the solidarity and cohesiveness displayed during the picket lines. Despite acknowledging that the deal reached may not have been perfect, Joel is glad the strike is over and highlights the gains made during the negotiation process.
Additionally, the podcast reveals Joel's current role in the show CSI Vegas, where he plays a coroner. He describes his character as a bit of a comic relief in the morgue, providing some lightness to the otherwise serious setting. Joel expresses his enjoyment of being part of the show and working with a talented cast and crew.
Towards the end of the podcast, the conversation shifts to Joel's personal life, and he discusses the challenges of balancing work and family. He mentions that he and his wife are trying to find time to explore and enjoy the city of Los Angeles together.
Overall, the podcast transcript highlights the significance of the standout pilot read for Joel Johnstone and his belief in the show's potential. It showcases his journey in the acting industry, including the challenges he has faced and the successes he has achieved. Joel's story serves as an inspiration for aspiring actors, reminding them of the importance of persistence and self-belief in pursuing their dreams.
Stockpiling date nights, hot dogs.
In addition to discussing his acting career, Joel Johnstone also touches upon the topic of "stockpiling date nights" in the podcast transcript. He mentions that he and his partner have a one-year-old child, which has made it difficult for them to have regular date nights. However, now that their child is a little older, they are trying to plan and schedule several date nights in advance.
The reason for stockpiling date nights is that they want to explore new places and have new experiences together. They mention that they have exhausted all the places around where they live, so they are excited to try out new hot spots in different towns. Joel expresses his eagerness to talk to the host of the podcast because he knows that they are knowledgeable about the best places to visit in various towns.
The conversation then turns to the topic of hot dogs, specifically the best places to get them. The host mentions Pink's, a famous hot dog spot, and Joel adds that he has also been to Chili John's in Burbank. He describes Chili John's as not just having incredible chili, but also offering several types of chili. He mentions that they have three different types of chili and you can customize your hot dog with various toppings like relish and mustard.
The discussion about hot dogs continues, with Joel recalling another hot dog place in the valley that he can't remember the name of. The host suggests a place called Fab Fabs, and they briefly talk about their favorite hot dogs. Joel mentions that he only went to Chili John's, but the hot dog there was fantastic. He praises the rich and flavorful chili, mentioning that they even have a turducken chili dog, which contains turkey, chicken, and duck.
The conversation then takes a lighthearted turn as they joke about the cardiologist following them around due to their indulgence in rich and fatty foods. They talk about how the chili at Chili John's is so good that it makes them feel full just talking about it.
Overall, the discussion about stockpiling date nights and hot dogs highlights the importance of making time for oneself and one's relationship, even when faced with the challenges of parenthood. It emphasizes the need to explore new places and experiences, as well as indulge in enjoyable and delicious foods. The conversation between Joel Johnstone and the podcast host is light-hearted and entertaining, showcasing their shared love for good food and the excitement of discovering new hot spots.
Origin of the Rob Roy with Jeffrey Pogash and MacTavish
In this podcast episode of Cocktail Commentary, the host explores the origin of the Rob Roy cocktail. The episode begins with a description of the cocktail, which consists of scotch whiskey, sweet vermouth, and aromatic bitters. The host expresses their fondness for this combination of ingredients and introduces their guest, Mr. McTavish, who will be discussing the history of the Rob Roy.
The host explains that cocktails were originally created as a form of medicine and as a hangover cure. They were believed to clear the head and aid in digestion. Bitters, in particular, were used to help with digestion and to cure upset stomachs. With this context in mind, the host delves into the story behind the creation of the Rob Roy cocktail.
The year was 1894, and the Broadway theater scene in New York City was thriving. The host lists several plays and shows that were being performed at the time. They mention an operetta called Rob Roy, which was based on the Scottish outlaw Robert Roy MacGregor. The operetta depicted MacGregor as a folk hero, known for his flaming curly red hair and his championing of the common man. He was often compared to Robin Hood.
To publicize the Broadway production of Rob Roy, an impresario asked a bartender at the prestigious Waldorf Astoria hotel to create a cocktail. This cocktail would be named after the operetta and would serve as a promotional tool. The exact identity of the bartender is uncertain, but it is speculated that it may have been Johnny Solanz, the creator of the famous Bronx cocktail.
The recipe for the Rob Roy cocktail is then shared. It consists of two ounces of Glenmorangie single malt scotch whiskey, one ounce of sweet Italian vermouth, two dashes of Angostura bitters, and two dashes of orange bitters. The ingredients are combined in a shaker with ice, stirred until chilled, and then strained into a chilled coupe glass. The cocktail can be garnished with a cherry or a lemon twist.
The host mentions that there is some discrepancy in the preparation of the Rob Roy. Harry Craddock, author of the Savoy Cocktail Book, suggests shaking the cocktail, while the Waldorf Astoria recipe calls for stirring. Additionally, the Waldorf Astoria recipe uses orange bitters, but it is more common to use Angostura bitters today.
The episode concludes with the host expressing their enjoyment of the Rob Roy cocktail and thanking Mr. McTavish for sharing the history of its origin. The episode provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of cocktail history and the creative process behind the creation of iconic drinks like the Rob Roy.
In summary, the Rob Roy cocktail was created in 1894 as a promotional tool for the Broadway operetta of the same name. It was named after the Scottish outlaw Robert Roy MacGregor and was designed to showcase the characteristics of a fine single malt scotch whiskey. The cocktail has since become a classic in the world of mixology, and its history adds an extra layer of enjoyment to those who indulge in this delightful beverage.
Mamie Taylor is a scotch-based Moscow Mule variation.
The podcast transcript introduces a lesser-known classic cocktail called the Mamie Taylor, which is a scotch-based variation of the popular Moscow Mule. The host begins by expressing their love for a good Moscow Mule, which typically consists of vodka, ginger beer, and lime. However, they reveal that there is a cocktail similar to the Moscow Mule but made with scotch whiskey instead. This cocktail is called the Mamie Taylor and dates back to the Prohibition era.
The host mentions that they will be using a special scotch whiskey called Glenmorangie Tokyo, also known as A Tale of Tokyo, which is aged in Mizunara oak casks. They describe this scotch as having a rich, buttery flavor and recommend enjoying it on its own or in a cocktail. They proceed to make the Mamie Taylor by adding two ounces of the Glenmorangie Tokyo to a highball glass and filling it halfway with ginger beer. They then add ice and give it a stir before garnishing it with a lime wheel.
The host describes the Mamie Taylor as a "porch pounder," a refreshing drink to enjoy while sitting on the porch. They emphasize that the ginger beer balances out the oak and spice notes in the scotch whiskey, creating a delicious and lesser-known classic cocktail. They give it a taste and express their enjoyment of the fresh lime zest and the overall balance of flavors.
The podcast concludes with a brief mention of the sponsors, Glenmorangie and Barrett's Ginger Beer, and a reminder to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast. The host also provides information on where to watch or listen to the episode and invites listeners to follow them on social media. The podcast is produced by First Real Entertainment and can be found on various platforms.
In conclusion, the Mamie Taylor is a scotch-based variation of the Moscow Mule cocktail. It is made with scotch whiskey, ginger beer, and lime. The host of the podcast highlights the Glenmorangie Tokyo scotch whiskey, which is aged in Mizunara oak casks and adds a rich, buttery flavor to the cocktail. They describe the Mamie Taylor as a refreshing and balanced drink, perfect for enjoying on a porch. Overall, the podcast provides insights into the history and ingredients of the Mamie Taylor, showcasing it as a lesser-known classic cocktail worth trying.
