Alberto Marcolongo — From Italy to New York: Discipline, Creativity & Why Pressure Is a Privilege

Recorded in New York City, this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST welcomes Italian chef Alberto Marcolongo.

From his early memories in Italy to working in Michelin-starred kitchens across Europe and Asia, and eventually building his career in New York, Alberto reflects on the experiences, mentors and philosophies that have shaped him.

Together with Luca, they discuss the importance of trust and mentorship, the realities of leadership, collaboration between chefs and bartenders, and the role of creativity in modern hospitality.

One of the most powerful moments of the conversation comes when Alberto explains why he believes that:

“Pressure is a privilege.”

An inspiring episode for chefs, bartenders and anyone passionate about hospitality.

Follow LUCA, THE PODCAST for more conversations with the people shaping the future of hospitality.

Special thanks to our partners:

🥃 AMARO SANTONI
https://amarosantoni.com/en/prodotto/amaro-santoni/

🍸 THE ART OF SHAKING
https://theartofshaking.com/

Recorded in New York City, this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST welcomes journalist, author and educator Mandy Naglich.

Mandy shares her journey from working in hospitality to becoming one of the leading voices documenting cocktail culture, drinks journalism and the science of taste and smell.

Together, Luca and Mandy explore:
– the psychology behind cocktails and hospitality
– storytelling in bars and media
– burnout, connection and life in the drinks industry
– social media, authenticity and AI
– what truly makes a great cocktail bar
– and why hospitality is ultimately about human connection

A thoughtful conversation about culture, curiosity and the future of hospitality.

Special thanks to the partners supporting the podcast:

🥃 THE ART OF SHAKING
THE ART OF SHAKING

🍊 AMARO SANTONI
AMARO SANTONI

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @lucathepodcast

Recorded in New York City, this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST welcomes Andrea Grujic — bartender, creative director and storyteller working at the intersection of hospitality and media.

Andrea shares her journey from growing up across multiple countries to building a creative career in New York hospitality. The conversation explores storytelling, content creation, mentorship, burnout, social media, personal branding and the emotional side of hospitality that people rarely talk about.

A powerful and deeply human episode about resilience, creativity and connection.

Special thanks to the Athens Bar Show.

This episode is proudly supported by:

🥃 THE ART OF SHAKING
THE ART OF SHAKING

🍊 AMARO SANTONI
AMARO SANTONI

Follow the podcast on Instagram:
@lucathepodcast

In this special Athens Bar Show edition of LUCA, THE PODCAST, Luca sits down with Yiannis Vardakis — Brand Ambassador of Athens Bar Show and one of the people helping make one of Europe’s most important hospitality events happen.

From starting with boxes and operations to becoming a key figure behind the scenes, Yiannis shares a real perspective on teamwork, hospitality, and building something that lasts.

In this episode, they explore:

– How Athens Bar Show operates behind the scenes
– Why hospitality skills matter in business
– The truth about successful events
– Why networking creates opportunity
– The future of hospitality gatherings

Recorded live during Athens Bar Show.

Special thanks to the Athens Bar Show team for hosting this conversation.

This podcast is proudly supported by:

The Art of Shaking
https://theartofshaking.com/

Amaro Santoni
https://amarosantoni.com/en/prodotto/amaro-santoni/

Follow LUCA, THE PODCAST for more episodes.

In this special Athens Bar Show edition of LUCA, THE PODCAST, Luca sits down with Babis Kaidalidis — founder of Athens Bar Show and one of the key figures behind the growth of Greece’s hospitality scene.

From starting in the industry at 12 years old to building one of Europe’s most respected bar events, Babis shares an honest perspective on success, hard work, education, and community.

In this episode, they explore:

– How Athens Bar Show began

– Why education matters more than products

– The truth behind building something from zero

– Why there is no secret to success

– The future of hospitality and technology

Recorded live during Athens Bar Show.

Special thanks to the Athens Bar Show team for hosting this conversation.

This podcast is proudly supported by:

The Art of Shaking

https://theartofshaking.com/

Amaro Santoni

https://amarosantoni.com/en/prodotto/amaro-santoni/

Follow LUCA, THE PODCAST for more episodes.

In this special Athens Bar Show edition of LUCA, THE PODCAST, Luca sits down with Bianca Grisolia — PR and communication expert working with some of the most exciting bars and brands in the industry.

Bianca shares a clear and honest perspective on what it really takes to build visibility and grow in today’s hospitality world.

In this episode, they explore:

– Why there is no magic formula in PR

– The importance of authenticity in branding

– How to build a strong communication strategy

– The role of storytelling in hospitality

– Why communication is no longer optional

Recorded live during Athens Bar Show, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone building a brand in the drinks industry.

Special thanks to the Athens Bar Show team for hosting this episode.

This podcast is proudly supported by:

The Art of Shaking

https://theartofshaking.com/

Amaro Santoni

https://amarosantoni.com/en/prodotto/amaro-santoni/

Follow LUCA, THE PODCAST for more episodes.

In this special Athens Bar Show edition of LUCA, THE PODCAST, Luca sits down with Jon Anders Fjeldsrud — agave expert, educator, and global ambassador of tequila and mezcal culture.

With years of experience traveling across Mexico and working closely with producers, Jon shares a deep and personal perspective on the meaning behind agave spirits.

In this episode, they explore:

– The philosophy behind mezcal

– Why education is essential in hospitality

– The importance of connection and culture

– What truly defines a great bar

– Service vs drinks

Recorded live during Athens Bar Show, this episode is a reflection on people, tradition, and the future of the industry.

Special thanks to the Athens Bar Show team for hosting this conversation.

This podcast is proudly supported by:

The Art of Shaking

https://theartofshaking.com/

Amaro Santoni

https://amarosantoni.com/en/prodotto/amaro-santoni/

Follow LUCA, THE PODCAST for more episodes.

In this special Athens Bar Show edition of LUCA, THE PODCAST, Luca sits down with Kaitlin Wilkes — hospitality professional, consultant, and co-founder of the Attaboy Woman Project.

From her early days at The Savoy’s American Bar to working globally across hospitality and brand strategy, Kaitlin shares a powerful and human perspective on what truly defines great hospitality today.

In this episode, they explore:

– Why drinks are not the most important part of a bar

– The importance of listening and reading the guest

– How to create meaningful experiences

– The evolution of the cocktail industry

– Representation and inclusion in hospitality

This episode was recorded live during Athens Bar Show.

Special thanks to the Athens Bar Show team for hosting this conversation.

The podcast is proudly supported by:

The Art of Shaking

https://theartofshaking.com/

Amaro Santoni

https://amarosantoni.com/en/prodotto/amaro-santoni/

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @lucathepodcast