Bourbon Bottles and Mind Boggles

Some conversations are simply too important not to revisit! Today, we're bringing back a classic episode filled with insights, encouragement, and a message worth hearing time and time again. Katy and Erin welcome special guest Holly Crader, J.D., Ph.D., host of the podcast Nothing But the Truth with Holly Crader, for an honest and relatable conversation about imposter syndrome.

Together, they explore why imposter syndrome happens, where it tends to show up, and how we can recognize it, challenge it, and support ourselves and others along the way. From setting healthy boundaries to learning to...

We're taking a trip down memory lane and bringing back a fan-favorite classic: The Mint Julep episode! This is one Katy and Erin love to reference, and for good reason. Things get a little slap happy as guest bartender Matt Dohar shakes things up (well, stirs things up!) while mixing the perfect Mint Julep. Along the way, we uncover the history behind this iconic cocktail and learn the secret to releasing all those fresh, fragrant mint oils. It's a classic episode worth sipping on again!

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Life has a funny way of knocking us down just to see what we’re made of. The question is: do we stay down, or do we step up? In today’s episode, Katy and Erin get real with special guest and author Jeff Jarrell as they dive into Set Backs and Step Ups.  

Join the ladies for a candid look at Jeff’s journey, the lessons learned along the way, and how life’s curveballs can sometimes lead to our biggest breakthroughs. Because setbacks happen to everyone, it’s what we do next that makes the story inter

What if Monday wasn’t something to survive, but a fresh start to look forward to?   In this episode, Katy and Erin welcome special guest Jeff Jarrell to chat about retirement, reinvention, and his latest book, 52 Mondays: A Year of Fresh Starts. Because who says New Year’s resolutions get all the glory? There are 52 Mondays in a year, and that’s 52 chances to begin again.

As the trio gab about fresh starts and turning the page, they shake things up with a festive Pomegranate Bourbon Mocktail.  Because good conversation deserves a good pour. Here’s to Mondays, n...

Katy and Erin welcome back their longtime friend and returning guest Jennifer Hill for a conversation about the ever-elusive work/life balance. You know, that magical state of existence where your career is thriving, your personal life is flourishing, the laundry is folded, and dinner isn’t whatever you found in the back of the fridge.  

But what does work/life balance actually mean? Who came up with the idea, and were they even busy? Get to know how these three very busy ladies juggle work, life, and all the chaos in between without completely losing their min...

Did you know peaches come from a can? And that they were put there by a man? Well, Katy and Erin are talking all about canned peaches today.  No, not really.  On this episode the ladies welcome back returning guest Jennifer Hill for another round of mocktail-making and questionable life choices. On the menu today, a Peach Smash Mocktail.

Tune in for this fruity beverages, peach-related disbelief, and a potentially life-changing first bite. Because on Bourbon Bottles and Mind Boggles, you just never know what you’re going to get.

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Are you a neat guy? Do you know your preferred mouthfeel? And, most importantly… do you know where Harry Potter went to school?

When Katy and Erin have the “guys” join the pod to casually talk bourbon, naturally things get a little spirited.  Join them for the laughs, the bourbon banter, and maybe a chance to learn a few things you never knew you needed to know about whiskey. 

A big thanks to Mark, Andy, Doug, and Mike for sharing their bourbon wisdom, opinions, experiences, and, of course, giving the ladies plenty of opportunities laughs.

Celebrate with the ladies as they talk about their first year of the podcast.  Join them as they look back on the journey so far. What they’ve learned, the moments that made them laugh, and what they’re dreaming up for the future.  Most importantly, they want to say a huge thank you to all of our listeners for coming along for the ride. Your support, stories, and encouragement mean so much!

Share with Katy and Erin your thoughts….

What would you like to hear in future episodes? 
Are there...

Katy and Erin may know a thing or two about the power of networking.  They practically have relationship selling in their DNA, but even seasoned connectors know there’s always more to learn.  Enter Jason Zygadlo: nationally recognized speaker, sales trainer, career development coach, and all-around branding enthusiast. Jason joins the ladies to unpack the power of building your own brand; because if you’re not defining your brand, someone else probably is.

They’ll explore how creating an experience can speak louder than a sales pitch, why the little details can make a big impressio...

In this episode, Katy and Erin set their sights on becoming billionaires one libation at a time.  They are joined by the endlessly energetic and entertaining storyteller Jason Zygadlo of build.your.own.brand.  Together, the trio dive into the simply sweet, stunningly colorful world of the Billionaire cocktail.

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Are the people we see on social media happy?  Does doom scrolling leave you with a serious case of FOMO? And is there no end to the algorithms?   Katy and Erin are definitely not social media experts, but that has never stopped them from voicing their opinions. In this episode they are diving into the good, the bad, and maybe other things that are not related to this topic.   Join the ladies on their journey down the rabbit hole of social media happy.

The Midwest summer thunderstorm may be bringing the drama, but Katy and Erin aren’t letting a little thunder and lightning muddle their spirits. They’re shaking things up with a fruity, dangerously delicious Strawberry Bourbon Smash.

Fresh strawberries, a splash of flavorful additions, and a healthy pour of smooth rye bourbon come together in one smashing combination. It’s sweet, spirited, and just sassy enough to make you forget you were ever hiding from the storm.

So grab your glass, embrace the weather, and enjoy the Strawberry Bourbon Smash.

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In this episode, Katy and Erin head to the home bar of amateur bartender Greg, where they chat about his love of cycling, his adventures across Europe, and the friendly cocktail competition he keeps going with his dad. Greg mixes up his go-to game day drink for cheering on his beloved Buffalo Bills. Grab a seat, raise a glass, and enjoy the Buffalo Juice Box.

Special Thanks to Carl Kriss of Heartland productions for the professional recording and editing of this episode!

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In this episode, Katy and Erin hit their flow state when they sit down with endurance athlete Katie Spotz. Katie is a world‑record‑holding, boundary‑breaking, “Oh sure, I’ll just casually do the impossible” kind of human. She’s the first female in more categories than we can list without needing a hydration break, and she treats challenges the way most people treat snacks, she just keeps going back for more.

Join the ladies as they dive into how Katie uses mindset to power through feats that make the rest of us feel winded ju...

This Bourbon Bottle episode might leave a bitter taste in your mouth, mostly because the vinegar in this mocktail needs to be balanced just right. But fear not, a dash of sugar goes a long way. Join the ladies as they raise a glass perfectly suited for their special guest today, Katie Spotz, endurance athlete and all-around Good Samaritan.

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In this episode, Katy and Erin tackle the age-old question: Are you your role, or is your role just something you do? They dive into the messy ways Identity and Role can become tangled together, share their own experiences, and offer practical insights on untangling the knot. Expect honest conversation, a few lightbulb moments, and maybe a gentle reminder that you're more than what's on your business card.

Back by popular demand (and because we couldn't stop thinking about the cocktail), we're replaying this fan-favorite episode featuring guest bartender Court DeLuca. Armed with a shaker, a whiskey sour, and a collection of heartwarming stories, Court whisks Katy and Erin, and listeners away on a memorable journey. Pour yourself a drink and join us for laughs, good conversation, and a reminder that the best stories are often served over ice.

How to make The Whiskey Sour

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Katy and Erin dive headfirst into the wonderfully weird world of adult friendships. The kind where you love your friends deeply while realized at the same time you haven’t seen them in months.   They candidly unpack how we make new friends without feeling like we’re awkwardly auditioning, how we keep the old ones, and why these relationships matter more than ever in our later years. 

Katy and Erin kick off this episode by belting out a classic song — and yes, they absolutely commit to keeping it going throughout the episode.  Layering in fun facts and delightfully obscure trivia about the tune, they almost forget their making a cocktail.  It’s simple, dangerously delicious and perfect to sip while sitting on your front porch swing.  Please enjoy the Bourbon Summer Breeze.

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·     2 1/2 ounces of Bourbon

·      3 1/2 ounces of apple juice
·      8 ounces of ginger ale
·      All spice

·      3-4 dashes of bitters
·      1/2 pear, thinly sliced

·      Garnish: sprigs of thyme

...

Today we're bringing back a fan favorite when Katy and Erin were joined by Erin’s cousin Helen for a heartfelt conversation about the lasting impact of 4-H and the programs that help young people build confidence, leadership, and life skills that stick with them for years to come. The trio also shared stories about the mentors who shaped their lives, and explore the simple, meaningful ways we can all show up as mentors for others.

Today we’re bringing back a classic from the early days of the show when Katy and Erin were joined by guest bartender Marc, Katy’s husband.   He shook things up with a bold twist on a timeless favorite: the Tequila Old Fashioned. Expect great stories, strong pours, and a fresh take on the traditional cocktail.

This episode is packed with girl power, as Katy and Erin dive into the serious, and not-so-serious realities of living in an all-female household. From emotional support chats to stealing clothes and bathroom schedules, they debate whether growing up in a house full of women was really all that different. Expect plenty of stories, lots of laughter, and an education on folding towels.

In this episode, Erin once again fearlessly experiments with getting the recipe right.  Joining Katy at the bar are Erin’s daughters, Caitlyn and Mikayla, for a spirited chat about cocktail favorites, questionable drink choices, and the occasional bartender confidence crisis. By the end of the episode, everyone agrees on one important truth: the Cowgirl Espresso Martini absolutely deserves a spot at the top of the favorites list.

How to make the Cowgirl Espresso Martini

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·        1 1/2 ounces of Bourbon
·        1 1/2 ounces of chocolate cream liqueur
·        1 ounce of espresso or cold brew coffee

·        Garn...

In this episode, Katy and Erin try to figure out what “retirement” actually means (besides weekday naps). They’re joined by “Mother” Mary Gensler, who shares her 35-year career journey and how she finally decided it was time to clock out for good. Bonus: Mary reveals her exciting plans for a retirement that sounds busier than most full-time jobs.

This episode features “Mother” Mary Gensler helping the ladies sip on a New Fashioned, proof that you can, in fact, reinvent a classic by politely asking the alcohol to leave.  Join them while they make a "New Fashioned".

How to make the New Fashioned

Ingredients

·        2 ounces of Bourbon
·        1 ounce of Amaretto
·        1/3 ounce of simple syrup

·        3 dashed of bitters

·        Orange peel

Instructions

o   In a shaker with ice, stir in all the ingredients

o   Strain into rocks glass to serve

o   Garnish with an orange p

In this episode, Katy and Erin tackle a familiar problem: why do our goals start strong but lose momentum halfway through? They unpack the roadblocks that get in the way and share ways to rethink our goals so success feels a little more within reach.

In this episode, the gals shake, stir, and sip their way through a drink that’s ridiculously easy to make—yet full of all the classic flavors we can’t get enough of. Three ingredients, two ladies, one unforgettable good time.

How to make the Gentlemen's Ginger

Ingredients

·        2 ounces of Bourbon

·        4 oz Ginger Beer

·        Lime

Instructions

o   Fill a rocks glass halfway with ice

o   Pour the bourbon of the ice

o   Pour the Ginger Beer into the glass

o   Stir lightly

In this episode, Katy and Erin toss the format out the window and give listeners exactly what they’ve been asking for...more zaniness from the gals. Tune in as the ladies grill each other with questions that lead to some surprisingly honest and hilariously entertaining answers.

In this episode, Erin brings a little elegance to the mix, turning her and Katy’s usual silliness into something classy with the simple yet iconic Perfect Manhattan.

How to make the Perfect Manhattan

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In this episode, Katy and Erin put their bedside manner to the test as they dive into the complex, heartfelt, and sometimes chaotic world of caregiving. Joined by friends Tish Henry, Kathy Nash, and Sara Rintamski, the group unpacks what caregiving really means, how it’s evolved across generations, and whether men and women tackle the role differently.

In this episode, Katy mixes up an inspirational cocktail for guests Tish Henry, Kathy Nash, and Sara Rintamski. With just a few simple ingredient and plenty of laughter, the ladies reflect on what truly inspires them. Sit back, sip along, and enjoy the Bourbon Spire.

How to make a Bourbon Spire

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In this episode, Katy and Erin asked long-time friend Jennifer Hill to join them at the bar and share with them her adventures into publishing. While talking about Jenn's daughter's new book, Erin attempts to make a Whiskey Sour Mocktail. 

How to make a Whiskey Sour Mocktail

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In this episode, Katy and Erin are joined by their long-time friend Jennifer Hill to unpack the DISC Profile with laughter, candid stories, and the occasional existential realization. Side effects may include unexpected insights and discovering things about Katy and Erin that may wish you didn't know.

In this episode, Katy and Erin take a road trip to the home of their friend Rob Fichter. Rob fixes the ladies a Brown Butter Old Fashioned in a nontraditional way while also sharing his passion for bourbon and stories about his rare collection.

In this episode, Katy and Erin go headfirst into a topic that may appear to be a compliment, but is it really? Why do we multitask, is it productive and could it be bad for our health?  Listen to find out more.

In this episode, Katy and Erin chill out with a quick and easy cocktail that can be made ahead of time and enjoyed when the time is right, the Gold Rush. We also learn that Erin cannot tell the difference between and a lemon and a lime…. or maybe it was just the bourbon talking.

How to make a Gold Rush

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In this episode, Katy and Erin are joined by Katy’s longtime friends Gina Dalessandro and Alysse Dalessandro and mother daughter duo with the entrepreneurial mindset and many great stories to share.  These four ladies of three different generations share their opinions on varying life situations.

 In this episode, Katy shows off her bartending skills to special guests Gina Dalessandro and Alysse Dalessandro. They share stories about trips to Italy, while Katy makes the Italian Old Fashioned.

How to make an Italian Old Fashioned

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Happy New Year! In this special episode Katy and Erin take a moment to reflect on their podcasting journey so far. They also share their goals for this new year and what to look forward to in 2026.

In this episode, Katy and Erin are joined by Erin’s cousin Helen.  The ladies talk about the pillars of 4H, and all the different programs that help the younger generation foster skills that will last them a lifetime.   They also get the mentors that shaped their lives and the ways we all can be mentors for others.