Always Drink The Good Stuff!

In this episode, we sit down with Varinder Sahi, Owner & Winemaker of Copia Vineyards in Paso Robles, for a candid and deeply human conversation about land, heritage, and the unlikely path that led him to world-class winemaking.

Born in Punjab and raised within thirteen generations of Indian farming tradition, Varinder shares how the philosophy that “land is like mother” continues to guide every decision he makes in the vineyard. From his early years in engineering and business, to discovering wine later in life and studying winemaking at UC Davis, this episode traces the full arc of a call...

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Ara Dabandjian, founder, arranger, and musical director of Element Band, for a deep, thoughtful, and truly inspiring conversation about music, culture, and legacy.

Founded in 2005, Element Band has become a cornerstone of the Armenian music scene in Los Angeles, known for reimagining traditional Armenian songs in a way that feels both nostalgic and contemporary. In this episode, Ara shares the story behind the band’s creation, the artistic vision that has guided it for nearly two decades, and the responsibility that comes with carrying cultural heritage through music.

🎙️ Always Drink the Good Stuff! Podcast – Featuring Vander (Von) Kochar Filmmaker, Writer & Philosopher

In this episode of Always Drink the Good Stuff!, I sit down with award-winning filmmaker, writer, and philosopher Vander (Von) Kochar — a visionary creator whose work challenges the limits of narrative and thought.

Von’s films are known for blending magical realism with daring social commentary, creating cinematic experiences that provoke, question, and inspire. From the psychological mystery of Italian for Travelers, to the socially impactful documentary Heal America, the historically rich Re-Electing Lincoln, and the bold sci-fi thriller Manfish, his projects explore wor...

🎙️ Always Drink the Good Stuff! Podcast – Featuring Larry Schaffer of tercero wines & The Rhone Rangers 🍷

This week, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Larry Schaffer — Owner & Winemaker of tercero wines and President of the Board of Directors for The Rhone Rangers. Larry’s knowledge and passion for Rhône varietals is matched only by his commitment to educating and inspiring wine lovers everywhere.

We dive into Larry’s unique journey from a career in music and business to becoming one of Santa Barbara County’s most respected voices in Rhône-style winemaking. He shares why he fell i...

On today’s episode, we welcome Chris Caruso of Chris Caruso Wines, a passionate winemaker from California’s Santa Barbara County.

Chris shares his inspiring journey into wine — his second career, much like so many who fall deeply in love with wine and turn that passion into a calling. We talk about his early experiences, his apprenticeship under the renowned winemaker Paul Lato, and how that mentorship shaped his approach to crafting elegant, expressive wines.

Chris now focuses on vineyard-specific, organically farmed wines that reflect the beauty and diversity of the Santa Barbara terroir. His Syrah...

Episode: Building a Legacy — The Armenian American Museum with Berdj Karapetian

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Berdj Karapetian, Executive Chairman of the Armenian American Museum, to talk about a vision decades in the making.

Berdj shares his remarkable story — born in Armenia and raised in Los Angeles — and how his life journey led him to spearhead one of the most important cultural projects for the Armenian community in the United States. We talk about the early days of the idea, the initial meetings, and how he helped bring people together, unite the commun...

This Week on the Always Drink the Good Stuff! Podcast

This week’s episode was an absolute treat — a wonderfully fun and insightful conversation with Richard Bravo of Scenic & Emerald Cruises.

We talked about everything that makes travel magical: cruising through Europe, discovering hidden gems in Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Mosel River, savoring fine food and wine, and exploring ports of call from Asia to Patagonia — even cruising to the Arctic from Ushuaia!

Richard brought a wealth of knowledge about travel, culture, and the art of river cruising, sharing insider perspectives on cruise trends...

Welcome to another episode of Always Drink the Good Stuff!

Today, I had the privilege of sitting down with George Saikali, the President and CEO of the Glendale YMCA — a man whose life story is as inspiring as the organization he leads.

George takes us back to his humble beginnings in southern Lebanon, sharing how the YMCA became a turning point that helped him leave the streets and transform his life. Guided by the Y’s timeless motto — “Mind, Body, and Spirit” — George has dedicated his life to empowering others. Through his leadership, he continues to make a pr...

Today’s guest on Always Drink the Good Stuff! Podcast is someone who truly lives and breathes wine. I had the pleasure of sitting down with my good friend Herbie Monterrosa — a lifelong wine enthusiast, passionate wine salesman, dedicated traveler, and expert on both French and Italian wines. Affectionately known as the King of Italian Wines, Herbie’s journey is as inspiring as it is fascinating.

In this episode, Herbie shares his story of humble beginnings working in restaurants, his path to becoming one of the top voices in Italian wine, and his deep love for Bu...

Welcome back to Always Drink the Good Stuff, where we explore the stories behind the glass and the passionate people shaping the world of wine.

This week, we’re honored to welcome Vahagn Voskanyan, the force behind Zara Muradyan Wines — a remarkable Armenian winery led by his talented wife, winemaker Zara Muradyan.

In this inspiring conversation, we dive into the incredible journey of Zara Muradyan Wines and the vision behind their beautifully crafted wines. Vahagn shares insights on Armenia’s ancient yet rapidly evolving wine industry, from its diverse indigenous grape variet...

Welcome back to Always Drink the Good Stuff where we dive deep into the stories behind the flavors and the people who bring them to life.

Today, we’re thrilled to sit down with Ara Zada: chef, author, TV personality, and social media creator whose bold, heartfelt approach to Armenian and Middle Eastern cuisine has captured the attention of food lovers everywhere.

In this episode, Ara takes us on an honest journey through his background and culinary roots — from the highs and lows that shaped his path to the creative spark that...

What Do Chiropractors and Cigars Have in Common? Relief.

On this episode of Always Drink the Good Stuff!, we sit down with Dr. Garo Bouldoukian— a chiropractor who followed his other passion for cigars and founded Garo Cigars. From healing pain to crafting pleasure, his journey is as bold as his smokes!

We asked him everything—from what drew him to medicine, to what lit the flame for cigars, and how his Armenian roots and doctor’s discipline influence his blends. He opens up about the challenges, the craft, the culture, and wh...

In this episode of Always Drink the Good Stuff!, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the incredibly dedicated and talented winemaker Greg Nemet, co-owner of Kareen Wines.

Greg shares his family's fascinating journey—from Armenian roots in Georgia and Russia to building a life (and a wine label) in the U.S. We dive into how his winemaking style is evolving, explore the exciting new vineyards he and his family have acquired in the Sierra Foothills of Amador County, and talk about the bold, fresh wines he’s creating—including a vibrant Barbera Pet-Na...

In this episode of Always Drink the Good Stuff!, we sit down with the incredibly talented Kev Orkian – a British-Armenian comedian, musician, and actor. Kev opens up about his upbringing, sharing the unique experience of growing up in a close-knit Armenian family in London. He reflects on his journey, starting with music before transitioning into comedy, and how these two passions have shaped his career. Over the past 25 years, Kev has toured the world, blending his comedic brilliance and musical talent to entertain audiences everywhere. This insightful conversation offers a deep dive into Kev’s life, his heritage, and his...

In this episode, I had the incredible honor of sitting down with Vahe Berberian, a multi-talented Armenian artist, comedian, painter, novelist, and storyteller. Known for his captivating work that blends humor, cultural reflection, and artistic mastery, Vahe shares his unique perspective on life, creativity, and the power of storytelling. From his artistic journey to his insights on the intersection of comedy and culture, this interview offers a deep dive into the heart and mind of a true visionary. Prepare for a conversation that is both thought-provoking and inspiring, as we explore the art of living and creating through the...

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Adam Kablanian is a tech entrepreneur, wine entrepreneur, philanthropist humanitarian, and the owner of Alexandrea Winery in Armenia

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Victoria Arslanian is a trailblazing winery owner and winemaker who knows what it takes not only to put her winery on the world map but also the entire Armenian wine industry. Hear her story and the story of Armas wines.

A Pioneering Craft Distiller, Melkon Khosrovian is the co-founder and spirits maker at Greenbar Distillery, Los Angeles’s first distillery since Prohibition and maker of a growing portfolio of organic spirits and non-alcoholic cocktails. Learn how it was a graduate class in journalism that introduced him to his future wife and the rest as they say is in the bottle!

A heartfelt and sometimes touching conversation with social media influencer and marketer, the CEO of Barcelona Enterprises Alen Semsar.

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A passionate conversation with wine educator, sommelier, winemaker and founder and CEO of Learn About Wine Ian Blackburn.

A candid and inspiring conversation with psychologist, college professor, school principal and winery owner Dr. Viken Yacoubian. Learn how love of wine and love of Armenia brought Viken to set up a winery in Armenia in partnership with world renowned winemaker Paul Hobbs. Learn how that friendship started and the rest, as they say, is Armenian wine history.

Greg Hosharian joins the podcast to talk to Stepan about music! From his childhood and family roots to conducting an orchestra at the Disney Concert Hall!

Stepan sits down with Sommelier, Frederic Hemon and talks about his passion for wine, hospitality, and his vast experience as the sommelier at the amazing Alexander's Steakhouse in Pasadena.

Stepan sits down with photographer Karineh Gurjian and talks about her inspiration for the photographic art she is so passionate about creating.