The Last Call Podcast with Arthur G

What if the bourbon community could be the key to preventing military DUIs and addressing veteran mental health? Today on the Last Call Podcast, Arthur G. is joined by Luis Martinez Jr., a retired Marine, Pat Tillman Scholar, and founder of the Whiskey Valor Foundation.
Luis unpacks his journey from military service and geospatial intelligence to discovering the power of the bourbon community at a wellness retreat. We discuss how Whiskey Valor is fulfilling its motto, “More than whiskey,” by funding rideshare vouchers to eliminate military DUIs and using that data to spot early signs of PTSD.
In this episode, we cover:
The Whiskey Valor Mission: How Luis is using Uber/Lyft vouchers to keep service members safe and identify early warning signs of financial stress or PTSD.
Veteran Wellness Retreats: An inside look at their fully funded, judgment-free retreats that give veterans a safe space to connect and heal.
Bourbon for a Cause: How distillery partnerships, wet labs, and special barrel picks are paying it forward—including a planned double-barrel release to benefit a fallen service member’s family.
How You Can Help: Ways to get involved and support the foundation, even if you don't drink.
Connect with Us:
Whiskey Valor Foundation: https://whiskeyvalor.org/?srsltid=AfmBOorbqPf6hvby6npvMhLtBFfKc-3TL3Iqg-5x3j02kTqIQReV-cQg
Follow Luis: @whiskeyvalor
Follow Last Call Podcast: @lastcallwitharthur
Episode Chapters:(00:00) Welcome and Mission(01:44) Luis’ Military Journey(03:23) Discovering Bourbon Culture(06:33) Pat Tillman Scholars Explained(09:19) Whiskey Valor Core Mission(11:28) Rideshare Program Impact(13:39) Education and Wet Labs(16:39) Wellness Retreat Approach(19:08) Aftercare and Early Check-Ins(23:20) Colorado Retreat Planning(25:15) A Life-Changing Moment(26:07) Impact Beyond Whiskey(27:46) Retreat Returns to Colorado(28:55) Barrel Pick Pay-It-Forward(32:50) Distillery Partners Explained(35:17) Behind the Scenes Grind(37:12) How to Support Without Drinking(40:22) Last Call Favorite Pour(42:26) Where to Follow and Upcoming Events(44:50) Final Thanks and Sign Off

How does a search for a 10-year anniversary bottle turn into a craft spirits brand that gives 100% of its profits to homeless veterans?
In this episode, host Arthur Gatton sits down with US Army veteran Dr. Ken Thompson. Dr. Thompson is the founder of Trendsetter Spirits, born out of the Alpha Omega Phi Military Fraternity and Sorority and brought to life through a partnership with veteran-owned Dragon Distillery in Maryland.
Dr. Thompson opens up about his personal journey of retiring from the military in 2009, managing PTSD and traumatic brain injuries, and channeling his experiences into earning a doctorate to help other transitioning veterans. Tune in as we discuss the nuances of small-batch rum production, how they developed their massive hit—Mango Pineapple rum—and what it takes to land shelf space at giants like Total Wine.
Most importantly, you'll hear how every single bottle sold translates directly into veteran programming, golf therapy, and community support.
If you want to drink well and do good, this is an episode you can't miss.
Support the Mission & Get Your Bottle:
Trendsetter Spirits: https://trendsetterspirits.com
Alpha Omega Phi Military Fraternity & Sorority: https://www.alphaomegaphi.org
Dragon Distillery: https://www.dragondistillery.com
Connect on Social Media:
Trendsetter Spirits IG: @trendsetterspirits
Trendsetter Spirits Facebook: Trendsetter Spirits
Alpha Omega Phi IG: @alphaomegaphi
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!
🎧 Episode Chapters00:00 Meet the Guest01:17 Trendsetter Spirits Origin03:29 Nonprofit Mission04:53 Military to Boardroom06:58 Doctorate With Purpose09:30 Why Trendsetters10:42 Pandemic Outreach12:14 How to Get Involved14:03 Brand Bottles and Distribution16:48 Choosing Rum18:02 Small Batch Process20:10 Flavor Development21:32 Mango Pineapple Hit22:02 Flavor Testing Timeline23:13 Store Driven New Releases24:05 Winning Big Retail25:50 Bottles To Veteran Impact27:54 Golf Therapy For Veterans31:47 Next Markets And Events34:39 How To Buy And Request36:23 Signature Cocktail Tips37:20 Mission And Social Links39:29 Mosquito Control Sponsor

How does a death metal guitarist end up building one of Florida's premier tropical cocktail programs? 
This week on The Last Call Podcast, host Arthur G sits down with Richard “Richie” Brown, guitarist for I Am Morbid and Terrorizer, and the creative force behind Permanent Vacation. Richie opens up about balancing a dual career shredding on stage at massive European festivals like Belgium's Graspop and managing a high-volume, world-class tiki bar. 
We talk about the recent "Speed Freak" takeover night with Paris’ legendary Dirty Dick, the hospitality philosophy inspired by Pittsburgh’s Hidden Harbor, and how Richie runs a fully functioning cocktail bar directly out of his tour bus bunk. Plus, Richie drops exclusive updates on Terrorizer’s upcoming album, their transition to festival-focused touring, and a whirlwind travel guide featuring bar finds in Bangkok, Singapore, Poland, and Baba Au Rum in Athens.
Pull up a stool for a deep dive into the unexpected parallels between commanding a metal stage and commanding a bar. 
Inside this episode:• [01:17] The "Speed Freak" Dirty Dick's Paris pop-up.• [02:53] Playing Europe's massive festivals vs. club tours.• [14:06] Transitioning from music to high-end bartending and consulting.• [23:52] Tiki community menu philosophy and Hidden Harbor's influence.• [28:11] Global bar crawl: Bangkok, Singapore, Bulgaria, and Athens.• [37:07] Tipping culture, respect, and European vs. American hospitality.• [42:38] How to pack a functional cocktail bar on a tour bus.
Connect with The Last Call Podcast on social media to see behind-the-scenes photos and cocktail recipes from this episode! 
Support our sponsor: https://www.byrnepest.com/

Dive deep into the world of single malt scotch with returning guest Daniel Crowel (“Glenmo Dan”), Glenmorangie’s National Brand Ambassador!
In this episode, host Arthur G sits down with Dan to explore the cutting edge of Glenmorangie's whisky experimentation. We taste the highly anticipated Harrison Ford limited edition (finished in re-toasted Portuguese red wine casks) and discuss how the Hollywood legend actually helped refine the final profile. Plus, we pull back the curtain on Dr. Bill Lumsden’s fearless creative process, the evolution from the Private Editions to the new “A Tale Of” series, and the fascinating science behind Glenmorangie’s signature ester-driven, fruity style.
In this episode, we cover:
The Harrison Ford Partnership: A tasting and breakdown of the new 46.5% ABV, non-chill filtered limited release.
Behind the Barrel: Dr. Bill Lumsden’s massive library of simultaneous whisky experiments.
Fermentation Science: How Glenmorangie’s hard, mineral-rich spring water dictates yeast nutrition and flavor.
"Once Upon a Time in Scotland": Spotlighting the actual distillery workers behind your favorite drams.
Chapter Markers:00:00 Welcome Back Glenmo Dan aka Daniel Crowel 01:23 Fans Ask: Experimental Bottles02:44 Private Editions And “A Tale Of”04:51 Meet Dr. Bill Lumsden07:01 How Experiments Run In Parallel09:37 Why Time Cannot Be Rushed11:06 Harrison Ford Limited Edition14:33 Celebrity Endorsement Done Right19:14 Cask Recipe And Tasting Notes25:43 Once Upon A Time In Scotland28:03 The People Behind The Whisky31:24 Spirits, Music, And Memory32:36 Whiskey Memories and Music35:05 Distillery Pride and Joy37:20 Hard Water Fermentation Science42:07 Against Whiskey Marketing Bias44:53 Whiskey Speed Dating Events48:07 Dr. Bill’s Fearless Creativity52:36 Experimental Releases Explained55:35 Musician Collab Dream Cask01:01:23 Where to Find Dan01:02:51 Final Thanks and Sign Off01:04:39 Sponsor: Mosquito Control
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

Does blended Scotch truly get the respect it deserves? We dive deep into the technical craft and history of blending to find out.
On this episode of The Last Call Podcast with Arthur G, we sit down with Gabriel Cardarella, North American Brand Ambassador for Dewar’s. We are breaking down the intricate details of Dewar’s double aging process, the persistent myths surrounding blended scotch, and how Master Blender Stephanie McLeod is spearheading massive innovation across their portfolio.
Gabe also shares his wildly unconventional career path—transitioning from managing tours for the Jackass crew to becoming a highly respected whiskey educator inducted into the Keepers of the Quaich. We explore the philosophy behind experimental releases like the Stone Toasted series, discuss Dewar’s role as the official Scotch of the US Open, and conduct a focused tasting of Dewar’s 12 (featuring a first-fill unrinsed bourbon cask finish sourced from Angel’s Envy) and Dewar’s 15.
Grab a glass and join us as we explore how whiskey connects people through time, place, and memory.
In this episode, we cover:
The truth about age statements and why they don’t automatically equal quality.
The technical mechanics of Dewar’s double aging and cask finishing.
Gabe's journey into the Keepers of the Quaich in 2024.
Tasting notes on Dewar's 12 (Bourbon Finish) and Dewar's 15.
Modern bar culture, the Highball soda hack, and frozen Penicillin ideas.
Episode Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome to the Dewar's Deep Dive02:01 - Gabe’s People-First Philosophy05:06 - Beyond the Script: Authentic Whiskey Talk09:51 - Dewar's Heritage and Innovation15:12 - Why Blends Deserve Respect17:29 - Age Statements and Time Capsules20:41 - Meet the Makers Behind the Whisky22:25 - From Jackass Tours to Scotch27:16 - Keepers of the Quaich Explained31:10 - Proving Credibility in Scotch34:14 - Golf, the 19th Hole, and US Open Limited Releases36:33 - Hyper-Local Cask Finishes40:44 - The Discovery Mindset in Whiskey42:05 - Blends vs. Single Malts43:03 - Dewar's 12 Bourbon Finish45:12 - Tasting Notes & Storytime50:50 - Single Malts Worth Exploring54:20 - The Stone Toasted Challenge56:57 - How Dewar's 12 Drinks59:07 - Scotch in Modern Cocktails01:01:13 - The Highball Soda Hack01:02:51 - Frozen Penicillin Ideas01:08:13 - Desert Island Dram01:10:29 - Deathbed Drink Choice01:13:06 - Dewar's 15 Deep Dive01:15:13 - Media-Inspired Cocktails01:19:54 - Wrap Up & Where to Find Gabe

🎟️ See Masquerade of the Red Death at Orlando Fringe (May 12–25): Get tickets at orlandofringe.org
Arthur G. and Aurora Fable host a special bonus episode of The Last Call Podcast with performer Luna La Volpe, who is taking the stage as Death in Masquerade of the Red Death at the Orlando Fringe Festival.
Luna shares the evolution of her performance career, spanning two decades of teaching dance, character work, and theme park entertainment. She discusses how Miss Foxy DeVill brought her into the world of burlesque, and why finding a home base at The Collective helped her heal from negative experiences in the entertainment industry.
In this episode, we discuss:
The Reality of Theater: What it truly requires to be a "swing" and how producers encouraged Luna to build her own androgynous interpretation of Death.
Community & Boundaries: Navigating direct communication, setting boundaries, and building a supportive community outside of an echo chamber.
Orlando Fringe Survival Guide: Exploring "The Lawn," navigating the loss of state arts funding, and breaking down ticket pricing—including the $6 Monday shows for service industry workers!
Episode Timestamps:00:00 - Bonus Episode Intro01:15 - Meet Our Guest: Luna La Volpe01:37 - Origin Story: From Theme Parks to Burlesque07:54 - Why the Burlesque Community Matters16:51 - Straight Talk vs. Tact & Setting Boundaries25:21 - "Resting Rage Face" Stories38:37 - Categorizing Friendships & Accountability52:05 - Stepping into the Role of Death54:10 - The Importance of Swings in Theater01:01:31 - The Orlando Fringe Funding Pitch & What is "The Lawn"?01:10:02 - Fringe Ticket Costs & Industry Monday Discounts01:17:51 - Finding Death's Androgyny01:35:58 - Final Plugs and Fringe Dates01:42:24 - Sponsor: Burn Pest Control

Welcome back to The Last Call Podcast with Arthur G! Today we are joined by two incredible burlesque performers, Aurora Fable and the newly married Whitney Wolfe, for an episode full of theater secrets, book talk, and cocktail chaos.
With the award-winning “The Masquerade of the Red Death” returning for Fringe (May 12–25), we get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring Edgar Allan Poe’s dark concepts to the stage. Aurora shares her panic-mode preparation schedule, while Whitney discusses the pressure and creative freedom of stepping into the role of the new Green Room.
Beyond the stage, we’re diving into smut reads, romantasy books, the logistics of casting partners in burlesque acts, and a hilarious game of Dracula: F***, Marry, Kill.
🥃 What We’re Drinking:To match the Green Room theme, we’re pouring up a fantastic Green Chartreuse "Last Word" variation, alongside a refreshing Gin, Lemon, and Hibiscus cocktail.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!
Episode Chapters:00:00 - Meet Aurora Fable & Whitney Wolfe03:45 - Orlando Fringe Prep & "The Masquerade of the Red Death"06:05 - Big Bang Boom Collective’s "Tour de Force"10:07 - Whitney Joins the Cast: The New Green Room14:18 - Drink of the Day: Hibiscus Gin & A "Last Word" Variation17:53 - Translating Poe into Burlesque28:53 - The Colored Rooms of Death Explained43:36 - Podcast Side Quests & Audience Stats48:04 - Smut Reads, Galatea, & Romantasy Books55:39 - Casting Partners in Acts & Beetlejuice Ideas01:02:17 - Rapid Fire & Dracula FMK01:09:05 - Where to Find the Guests01:14:12 - Final Thanks & Sponsor
Links & Resources:
Sponsor: Protect your home with Byrne Termite and Pest Control! https://www.byrnepest.com/
Catch the Show: Get your tickets for “The Masquerade of the Red Death” at Fringe (May 12–25) here: https://www.orlandofringe.org/
Tour de Force: Grab tickets for Big Bang Boom Collective at the Me Theater on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/big-bang-boom-collective-69152612363
Take a Class: Join Whitney’s Wednesday burlesque class at Exchange Dance Academy: https://www.exchangedance.com/
Follow Aurora Fable: aurorafable
Follow Whitney Wolfe: misswhitneywolfe
Follow Arthur G: @lastcallwitharthur on Instagram and TikTok

Show Notes:
Episode Overview: Who really profits from the global obsession with mezcal? In this episode of The Last Call Podcast with Arthur G, Arthur sits down with Fabiola Santiago—public health expert, advocate, and the founder/executive director of Mi Oaxaca. Born in the "world capital of mezcal," Santiago Matatlán, and raised in Los Angeles, Fabiola brings a vital perspective to the spirits industry.
Fabiola unpacks the harsh realities often hidden behind slick marketing campaigns, challenging the idea that mezcal is synonymous with all of Mexico. She dives into the anti-Indigenous bias and power imbalances regarding brand ownership, exposes the loopholes in Denomination of Origin laws, and explains how terms like “artisanal” and “ancestral” came to be. From discussing her advocacy work against wage theft to highlighting ethical ways to enjoy agave spirits, this episode is a must-listen for any cocktail enthusiast or hospitality professional who wants to understand what is actually in their glass.
Key Takeaways from this Episode:
The Mission of Mi Oaxaca: How the nonprofit is fighting for cultural preservation and economic equity in the mezcal industry.
The Wage Theft Wake-Up Call: How a high-profile case involving an upscale Mexican restaurant sparked Fabiola’s focus on exploitation in food and spirits.
Label Loopholes: The truth behind Denomination of Origin and what "artisanal" or "ancestral" really means.
Celebrity Brands & Gentrification: The disconnect between the mezcal boom and the reality on the ground in Oaxaca.
Expert Bottle Picks: Fabiola’s top ethical and authentic mezcal recommendations, including Siete Misterios, Real Minero, and Mezcal Vago.
Connect with Fabiola & Mi Oaxaca:
Website: https://www.mioaxaca.org/
Instagram: @oaxacthetalk
Connect with The Last Call Podcast:
Instagram: @lastcallwitharthur
YouTube: @lastcallpod

Welcome to The Last Call Podcast with Arthur G! Pour yourself a dram and settle in as we take a deep dive into the world of single malt Scotch with Dan Crowell, the U.S. Brand Ambassador for Glenmorangie.
In this episode, Dan shares his unconventional journey from music school and drumming to becoming a leading voice in hospitality and spirits education. We break down what it actually takes to master Scotch, focusing on genuine passion, empathetic education, and the intensive blind tasting required to train your palate and manage bias.
🥃 What We Pour Into In This Episode:
The Glenmorangie Difference: How their famous “giraffe” tall stills and copper reflux create an elegant, signature flavor profile.
Cask Management Masterclass: The logistics of shipping sherry casks, preventing spoilage, and why the flagship expression evolved from a 10-year to a 12-year.
Tasting & Deconstructing: We taste and break down the Triple Cask Reserve, the Lasanta 15’s shift to first-fill Oloroso, and the complex, high-roast chocolate malt secrets behind the coveted Signet.
Experimental Releases: Exploring the limited “Tale” series (Tale of the Forest & Tokyo Oak) and getting a few hints about their upcoming May 4th launch.
Whether you're a seasoned Scotch enthusiast or just starting your whisky journey, this episode is packed with industry insights and expert knowledge.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and let us know your favorite Glenmorangie expression!
Episode Chapters:00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro01:55 Spirits as Universal Language03:03 From Music to Hospitality09:27 Empathy and Education Mindset11:53 Scotch Aha Moment16:41 Passion That Resonates20:00 Master of Scotch Journey24:26 Mentorship and Rigorous Exams28:12 Training Your Palate32:17 Life on the Road as Ambassador36:28 What Makes Glenmorangie Unique37:09 Giraffe Stills and Copper Reflux39:06 Reflux and Flavor Style40:11 Hard Water Fermentation Boost40:44 Giraffe Still Explained41:33 Features vs Benefits Marketing45:06 Cask Timing and Spoilage49:57 Bourbon Barrels and Ardbeg Contrast52:52 Signet Origins and Secret Recipe54:53 Roasted Malt Production Challenges58:02 Signet Blending and Price01:01:14 Original 12 Replaces 1001:02:30 Why the Flagship Evolved01:09:57 15 Year Return to Oloroso01:13:22 Tasting Notes and Blind Approach01:14:27 Cinnamon Sherry Notes01:16:05 Triple Cask Explained01:19:04 Tales Series Origins01:19:58 Tale of the Forest01:25:21 Tale of Tokyo Oak01:28:20 Whiskey Music Pairing01:31:47 Movie Cocktail Build01:34:11 Where to Find Dan01:36:35 Wrap Up and Sponsor

Can a book really be cursed? Prolific horror author Robbie Dorman joins Arthur G to discuss the intersection of faith trauma, Southern Gothic horror, and the art of the drink. Whether you're a writer looking to sharpen your craft through "intentional conversations" or a cocktail nerd looking for the perfect Green Chartreuse substitute, this episode has a seat for you at the bar.
 
📍 Timestamps (Optimized for Engagement)
00:00 Welcome to The Last Call
01:04 Mixing the "Eldritch Abyss" (Cosmic Horror Cocktail)
07:07 The Origins of a Horror Obsession
16:53 Income Diversification: Teaching & Writing Seminars
25:14 The "Antifreeze" & The Dark Shape of God: Horror at Home
34:20 The Great Green Chartreuse Hunt (Substitutes & Alternatives)
37:46 Faith Trauma and Southern Gothic Hurdles
49:34 How to Read Like a Writer
57:32 "Do the Weird Thing": Advice for Creators
01:16:05 Video Games vs. Worldbuilding (Resident Evil to Disco Elysium)
01:29:57 Integrating Cocktails into Fiction
01:32:33 The Deathbed Drink Pick
01:33:58 Where to find Robbie Dorman