Backyards of Key West Podcast with Mark Baratto

In this follow up interview from his first one years ago, Mark Baratto sits down with Scott Saunders, the CEO, and creator of Fury Water Adventures Key West. We talk about how the business did during the COVID lockdown, how the business has evolved for the better, and future plans for Fury. More about Fury Water Adventures Key West Key West’s most popular attraction is the crystal blue waters surrounding our island paradise. For almost three decades visitors and locals alike have been choosing Fury Water Adventures as their number one excursion in and on the waters of Key West. Fury’s expertly maintained state-of-the-art fleet of boats will get you out on the water and back again with the utmost safety. Choose from underwater explorations on one of Fury’s three catamaran Reef Snorkeling boats, thrills in the air on our Parasailing boats, a chance to see marine life without getting wet on our Glass Bottom Boat, or take in Key West’s famous sunset aboard one of our Sunset Sails or our Sunset Cruise. For the rea

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with famed artists D. Arthur Wilson and Lisa Wilson of Wilson Signature Collection Fine Art Gallery. We talk about how they both got started on their art journey and the origin of Rhupert by D. Arthur. More about D. Arthur Willson Embarking in the fourth decade on his artistic journey, D. Arthur Wilson constantly marvels at the adventure his life has become.   Born and raised near Dayton, Ohio and the son of an artist, his self-taught career began at the tender age of three with his first painting.  It is appropriate to assume that the wild heart of the artist wandered throughout a series of artistic styles before settling with his passion and self-defined style of “Wild Expressionism”. Moving from coast to coast as a quick sketch portrait artist allowed Wilson to explore the people and places that would eventually lead him to that first painting in his definitive style: the inaugural tiger, up close and personal that sold while on the easel before its completion. Sinc

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Anna Turowska, the creator of Effortless Creations. We talk about how she we from working with a wedding planner to making the jump and started her own business. More on Effortless Creations Website:  https://www.effortless-creations.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/effortlesscreationsinfo/Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Effortless-Creations Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/effortlesscreationsinfo/ Location:  1030 Truman Ave 2nd floor, Key West, FL 33040 Effortless Creations is a boutique gifting company where gifts are made with love and creativity! We specialize in gift design for weddings, corporate events, hotel welcome and life's occasions gifts. My name is Anna Turowska, I live here in sunny Key West, Florida - people's favorite island, a popular wedding and vacation destination in the US! I moved here from New York in 2014 and I immediately fell in love with this crazy, beautiful place. Since then, I am a happy mom and fiancé. I started th

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with husband and wife Real Estate duo, Stephanie & Greg. We talk about how they are using TikTok to grow their business, their new podcast, and how giving more than asking, is always a winning strategy. More on The Little Island Group We are Greg and Stephanie.  A couple of Florida natives and Real Estate Agents living out our island dreams in the Florida Keys.  We are lucky enough to share our home with our senior Ridgeback and two rescue Shh Tzus who are by far the best parts of our lives. When we aren't obsessing over Florida Keys Real Estate, design, history, culture, food, or the insanely gorgeous turquoise waters and tropical flowers on our YouTube channel, you can find us volunteering with rescue animals, eating our body weight in chips and salsa, or catching our favorite show on Netflix. Website:  https://www.thelittleislandgroup.com/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginkeywest Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/livininkeywest/ YouTube:  https://www.

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Brandie, the Director of Effusion Gallery Key West. We talk about how Brandie got started in the art world and how she helped open Effusion Gallery in Key West. About Effusion Gallery EFFUSION GALLERY originated in 2004 in the historic Art Deco District of Miami Beach, in the heart of South Beach and its famed Ocean Drive. In 2013 a second location was opened in Downtown Miami, following an additional Gallery space in the trendy Wynwood Arts District in 2016. Today, with two new locations in Key West and Fort Lauderdale, Effusion Gallery continues to be a leader in South Florida’s Art Market, with the representation of over 50 established POP and Contemporary Artists from every part of the globe. Website:  https://effusiongallery.com/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/effusionkeywest Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/effusiongallerymiami  

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Kyle Carter to talk about his newest island festival called, "Key Western Fest." We also talk about the lineup for RokIsland Fest and the festival that started it all, Mile 0 Fest. RokIsland Fest:  Jan 17 - 21 Mile 0 Fest:  Jan 23 - 28 Key Western Fest:  Jan 31 - Feb 4 More on RokIsland Fest Dates:  Jan 17 - 21 Website:  https://www.rokislandfest.com/ The world’s greatest rock bands descend upon the island of Key West for a 5-day music festival in paradise. More on Mile 0 Fest Dates:  Jan 23 - 28 Website:  https://mile0fest.com/ The best in Red Dirt & Americana descend upon the island of Key West for a 5-day music festival in paradise. More on Key Western Fest Dates:  Jan 31 - Feb 4 Website:  https://keywesternfest.com/ Well..the greatest 4-day music festival on the planet, of course! AND we’re throwing a free kick-off party on Tuesday January 31st so be sure to come in early for 5 Nights of greatness! Oh…and you don’t have to wait until the evening to get y

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Denise Boudreau to talk about her annual retreat in Key West to rediscover the spark within yourself. We talk about how overworking and a mini-stroke caused Denise to battle bout of depression, and how the skills she learned to pull herself out, she now teaches in her retreats. More on Unlocked Unlocked: Leading & Living with Soul The ultimate retreat for women... It's time to discover your true purpose. January 11-13, 2023 Key West, Florida Website:  https://www.cultureoutcomeshub.com/unlocked You + Unlocked = everything you need to recharge yourself! Maybe you've thought you have a life that's "good enough". Everything is "fine". I mean, how greedy can you be to want more? It's time to STOP settling. If you feel you’re not doing enough: at work, for family, with your friends! I'm here to tell you: You most DEFINITELY are! It's time your goals align with your soul. Join me January 11-13, 2023 in Key West, Florida to make it happen!

In going through all of my podcast episodes before the New Year, there is one that stands out as a favorite interview I've done and also a favorite by many listeners. I think the story behind Fury Water Adventures is almost as amazing as how Scott Saunders turned his life around with one single moment. In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Scott Saunders, the CEO, and creator of Fury Water Adventures Key West. We discuss how Scott almost flunked out of high school, quit college (the first time), and gave up on making anything of himself. To any outsider, Scott would have been considered a "loser," but it was that rock-bottom breaking point that caused him to go from zero to hero in one instant. Have you ever felt unmotivated and didn't really care about much? Scott did too, and his story will get you looking in the mirror and declaring, "enough is enough!" **NOTE** We really get into the complete origin story at around the 13:00 minute mark, so stay with us, it's worth the wait! More about Fury Water A

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Tyler Steigelman on the WorthWhile Spotlight podcast for my first time on the hot seat for a full length interview. We talk about my first job out of college, living in NYC, starting a career as a full-time trader, and the birth of the Backyards of Key West brand. More on Mark Baratto I have worked with startups, created my own company, been part of businesses that have closed their doors, and have been part of businesses with a successful exit or two. I am always learning from podcasts, books, and the people I interview for my own podcast; but more importantly, I am always teaching and sharing everything I have learned and put to the test. LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-baratto/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/markbaratto/ Twitter:  https://twitter.com/markbaratto

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Captain Brad of Restless Native Charters. We talk about exploring Key West by sea, all of its offerings, and why a week-long trip at sea will be an unforgettable experience. More on Restless Native Charters Private Sailing Charter to adventurous locations around Key West, aboard one of our luxurious Catamarans. Enjoy the most beautiful sunsets in the world! Swim, snorkel, sunbathe and RELAX, all aboard our vessel in private luxury. We offer a customizable "CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE" packages to suit whatever your imagination can conjure! There's no better way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, honeymoon, or just have a quiet, romantic sail enjoying the beauty of Key West or your own customized EPIC Adventure! Website:  https://www.restlessnative.com/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RestlessNativeCharters/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/restlessnativecharters/YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOUHLFC0m8BbWRY4LfDGwMg TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the creator of Wild Function Fitness, Trenton Bennett. We talk about how his fitness journey began, his time in the Navy, and how he almost died cleaning the inside of water towers. More on Wild Function Fitness Trenton Bennett is the founder of Wild Function Fitness and your functional movement coach. He loves exploring physical limitations and new practices to broaden his knowledge and bring more value to his clients. Feel free to click the contact link if you have any questions or schedule a consultation today to begin your journey experiencing true freedom and functionality in your body.  Website:  https://www.wildfunctionfitness.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/wildfunctionfitness/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/wildfunctionfitness

For this week, I decided to replay a fan favorite for all to enjoy... again!! In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Len Johnson, the co-owner of Better Than Sex - A Dessert Restaurant, to talk about where Len's wife Dani gets her inspiration as head baker, and how she "tested" her recipes on all their dinner guests. We talk about the genius behind the restaurant's name (it was all Dani's idea), how they had the "guts" to even start this business after the recession, and how changing their client focus catapulted the brand. Be on the lookout for the Better Than Sex podcast, and don't forget to visit any one of their many locations to try, "Cookie Nookie Pie," Between My Red Velvet Sheets Cheesecake," "Peanut Butter Perversion," "The Morning After," just to name a few. More on Better Than Sex - A Dessert Restaurant Our dream began in 2003. As newlyweds, I was eager to make my husbands every desire a reality, so when he exclaimed to me “I want dessert!”, I wanted to impress!  Four hours later after patien

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Pier One Yacht owner, Mike Mullinger and Scott, the owner of Bluesail Vacation Yachts & Sailing Academy (previous episode here). We talk about the benefits of having a Yacht brocker and the partnership between them and Bluesail. More on Pier One Yacht Sales Pier One Yacht Sales has multiple offices on the Southwest Florida coast with a charter division in Ft. Lauderdale. We are committed to “exceeding your expectations” as a great full-service yacht brokerage. We have access to yacht listings worldwide and can help you find the sailboat or power boat of your dreams! HELPING RESIDENTS BUY AND SELL THEIR BOATS OF ANY SIZE SINCE 2004 Pier One Yacht Sales sells pre-owned power and sail boats. No matter what type or size of boat you are looking for, let our professional team research our Worldwide Network and find you the best deal for the best boat that fits your needs for now and in the years to come. Pier One Yacht Sales is a member of the International Yacht Br

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with brand creator and soul searcher, Tyler Steigelman. We talk about how Tyler sold everything he owned to travel around the country to meet interesting people and build his brand, WorthWhile. More on the WorthWhile Brand WorthWhile Brand is a movement that stands for you as an individual and for humanity as a whole. We envision a world of positivity, love, & unity. Our mission is to help aid in the rising stigma of anxiety, depression, and self-doubt by providing clothing with positive reminder. You are WorthWhile and our goal is to remind you of that. Be You | Be WorthWhile 10% of all profits are donated to A Worthy Cause non-profit.  Visit https://aworthycause.info/ to learn more. Website:  https://worthwhilebrand.com/ Instagram:  https://instagram.com/worthwhilebrand Facebook:  https://facebook.com/worthwhilebrand Twitter:  https://twitter.com/worthwhilebrand YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcmNOURUrj1Kmp7G48JQJhA Vlog:  https://anchor.fm/tyler-ste

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Maggie Montoya, the co-founder of Milagro Restaurant & Bar. We talk about how Maggie and her husband Kevin (the head chef) got started in the business, how Kevin's Mexican heritage influences his food creations, and why they moved their restaurant from Big Pine Key, to Key West. More on Milagro Restaurant & Bar A Key West restaurant with a passion for fine food & hospitality. Hidden off the beaten path, just two blocks from the Southernmost Point and one block from world-famous Duval Street, is Milagro Restaurant and Bar, a true culinary gem. Run by husband and wife duo, award-winning Executive Chef Kevin Montoya and General Manager Maggie Montoya, Milagro is a labor of love with deep ties to scratch-made food, art, and the community. Meet the owners, couple Kevin and Maggie, who pour their hearts and souls into Milagro. Veterans of the fine dining and hospitality industries, they use local seafood and produce in recipes they've spent years perfecting.

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Brian Fields and Michelle Tafova (AKA B-Man & Mi-Shell). We talk about how they both got their start in music, their love for Trop Rock, and how they are living their dream life down here in Key West. *Intro and Outro music provided by B-Man & Mi-Shell. More on B-Man & Mi-Shell Brian Fields & Michelle Tafoya, who go by the band name B-Man & mi-Shell, live the island life in Key West, Florida. Many know them from their previous band "B-Man & The MizzBeeHavens" that Brian formed when they lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico. B-Man & mi-Shell are a husband and wife music duo who write, produce, perform and share their music both nationally and internationally. In an article by “The Florida Weekly” they stated, “Their chemistry on and off stage looks perfectly natural, just like a proper rock n’ roll couple should, like Sonny and Cher or Johnny and June Cash. Website:  www.bmmbhz.com Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/bmanmishell/ Facebook:

This is a recap episode of my very first episode here in Key West talking about Fantasy Fest.  I wanted to release this episode for the last weekend of Fantasy Fest, so you all could learn more about this week long party that happens every year in Key West! In our first episode, Mark Baratto speaks with Nadene Grossman Orr who handles all of the planning for Fantasy Fest, the Annual Key West Songwriters Festival, and many more events through her company We've Got The Keys. We go deep into why she moved to Key West and what she loves about living and working here, and some of her favorite spots in town to eat drink and be merry. MORE ON NADENE Nadene arrived in Key West Florida in 1991 just after Graduation from SUNY Geneseo. Looking back on her introduction to Island Life – she established a strong foundation with the best Key West jobs … Cocktail Server, Crew on the Catamarans, and Concierge! The 3 C’s! She learned the Island inside and out and made lasting friendships that grew into the professional relatio

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Real Estate experts Angela McChesney and Jenny Perry (AKA the Key West Sisters). We talk about everything from the 2020 boom to the rental market to how the market is doing now... to how they really aren't sisters :) More on Key West Sisters Angela a third generation and Jenny a fourth generation “Conch”, both born and raised in Key West and have been friends since their toddler years. Angela and Jenny have the same goals, work ethic, motivation and each bring a different attribute to the table that makes their partnership unique. The girls have a true passion for the City of Key West and the Florida Keys and all that their little islands have to offer to buyers and sellers.We understand that buying or selling a home is more than just a transaction: it’s a life-changing experience. We are dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized service for all of our clients. We take great pride in the relationships we build and always work relentlessly on the client’s beh

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Event & Brand Partner expert, Brandie Weaver. We talk about how she started out in the event business in Oklahoma and how she took a career step backwards to take 10 steps forward. More on Brandie Weaver I eat, sleep, and breathe brand partnerships and events! I fell in love working with brands 15 years ago and since then I have sold over 4 million dollars in brand partnerships. I learned quickly that using different strategies, than the multi-million dollar event companies, was my key to success. I don’t believe in a cookie-cutter strategy and brands love working with me because I put myself in their shoes and problem solve my way through building strategies that equal results. Event Marketing, Brand Partnerships, and B2B Collaborations have changed tremendously in the past five years. Working with me will ensure you are always ahead of the curve to give you that edge you need to make your partnership and the relationship last beyond your next event. Website: 

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Capucine Jenkins, Saatchi Art's Senior Manager of Digital Art & Curator of NFTs.  We talk about the emerging art world, what she looks for in an artists, and the direction of art in a digital world. What Is Saatchi Art? Saatchi Art is the world's leading online gallery and presenter of "The Other Art Fair." THE BEST PLACE TO BUY ART YOU LOVE Discover an unparalleled selection of art by artists from around the world to suit all budgets, styles, and spaces. ACCESS TO KNOWLEDGEABLE CURATORS See new curator-approved artworks in special collections released weekly, or work with an art advisor to get personalized recommendations. SUPPORT EMERGING ARTISTS We value the talented artists we represent and pay them more on every sale than other galleries. Website:  https://www.saatchiart.com/Instagram:  http://instagram.com/saatchiartFacebook:  http://www.facebook.com/saatchionline YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqfUz6UyK4kKVsnTyPoWZJw Twitter:  http://www.t