por Stepan Baghdassarian
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 and Grenache have quickly gained attention for their purity, balance, and sense of place. Join us for an honest and inspiring conversation about craftsmanship, community, and the magic of discovering your purpose through wine. #winepodcast #chriscarusowines #santabarbarawine #californiawine #organicwine #naturalwine #winelover #winemakerlife #syrah #grenache #paullato #centralcoastwine #wineconversation #winecommunity #winecountryliving #winepassion #wineinspiration #winejourney #wineenthusiast #winesofcalifornia #caruso #stepanbaghdassarian #alwaysdrinkthegoodstuff
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 community, and raise the funds needed to make this dream a reality. Today, the Armenian American Museum stands halfway complete, with a planned opening in April 2027. This is more than just a building — it’s a lasting tribute to Armenian history, culture, and identity that will inspire future generations. Tune in on Spotify and YouTube — and be part of the story of a museum built by the community, for the community. #ArmenianAmericanMuseum #BerdjKarapetian #ArmenianCulture #ArmenianHeritage #ArmenianCommunity #ArmenianPride #ArmenianHistory #ArmenianLegacy #ArmenianDiaspora #Glendale #LosAngeles #CulturalHeritage #CommunityLeadership #BuildingLegacy #HeritageMatters #InspiringStories #StepanBaghdassarianPodcast #AlwaysDrinkTheGoodStuff #Armenia #CulturalRenaissance
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, destination highlights, and what makes small-ship journeys so unforgettable. It was one of those conversations you never want to end — full of laughter, stories, and inspiration to pack your bags and explore the world. If you love travel, Europe, wine, food, and adventure, this episode is for you. Tune in to Always Drink the Good Stuff! wherever you listen to podcasts — and get ready to be transported. #TravelPodcast #WineAndTravel #ScenicCruises #EmeraldCruises #RiverCruise #LuxuryTravel #CruiseLife #EuropeanTravel #BordeauxWine #BurgundyWine #MoselValley #FoodAndWine #WineLovers #TravelAddict #Wanderlust #TravelGram #AdventureAwaits #ExploreTheWorld #TravelInStyle #PatagoniaTravel #Ushuaia #ArcticCruise #CruiseTrends #TravelTalk #CulinaryTravel #WineTasting #CulturalTravel #AlwaysDrinkTheGoodStuff #PodcastShow #JourneyThroughWine #StepanBaghdassarian
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 profound impact on children, youth, and adults, building stronger, healthier, and more connected communities. This is a story about resilience, purpose, and service — and how one man’s journey embodies the very mission of the YMCA. An incredible conversation you won’t want to miss. Thank you, George, for sharing your story and your heart with us all. #GeorgeSaikali #YMCA #GlendaleYMCA #YMCAUSA #LeadershipJourney #InspiringStories #CommunityImpact #MindBodySpirit #NonprofitLeadership #LebanonToUSA #ResilienceAndHope #LifeTransformation #YouthEmpowerment #CommunityLeaders #PodcastInterview #AlwaysDrinkTheGoodStuff #MotivationalStories #PurposeDrivenLife #HumanConnection #PositiveChange #SouthernLebanon #Glendale #StepanBaghdassarian
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 Burgundy and Barolo. We also look back on our unforgettable adventures through Champagne, Burgundy, and the rolling hills of Barolo — moments filled with laughter, discovery, and, of course, unforgettable bottles of wine. This conversation is a celebration of wine, food, travel, and the magic of sharing rare, beautifully aged wines with friends who truly savor every sip. If you love wine, stories, and the joy of good company, you won’t want to miss this episode. Cheers! #WineLover #ItalianWine #FrenchWine #BurgundyWine #Barolo #WineTravel #WinePodcast #WineTasting #WineJourney #WineCulture #WineStories #ChampagneLover #WineFriends #FineWine #VintageWine #WineAndFood #WineLife #WineExpert #WineCommunity #WineExperience #TravelWithWine #SavorTheMoment #WinePairing #WineConversations #CheersToWine #WineTalk #Nebbiolo #HerbieMonterrosa #StepanBaghdassarian #AlwaysDrinktheGoodStuff #KingofWine #KingofItalianWines #BugundyLover #BaroloBoys
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 varieties to the unique regions that make Armenian wines truly exceptional. We discuss the challenges and opportunities of marketing and exporting Armenian wines — not just within Armenia, but also across Europe and the United States. Vahagn also tells us about the international acclaim Armenian wines are receiving, including the impressive scores from James Suckling that opened the door for Zara Muradyan Wines to be featured at his prestigious New York tasting event. This is a must listen/watch episode for anyone interested in emerging wine regions, authentic winemaking, and the powerful stories that make every bottle special. Pour yourself a glass of Zara Muradyan 2022 Voskehat Reserve Single Barrel Vayots Dzor Armenia and join us for this deep dive into the future of Armenian wine with Vahagn Voskanyan. #ArmenianWine #ZaraMuradyanWines #IndigenousVarietals #ArmenianWinemaking #WinePodcast #WineStory #WinemakerLife #EmergingWineRegions #AncientVines #TerroirDriven #JamesSuckling #WineAwards #WineExport #ArmeniaWines #WineLovers #BoutiqueWines #HiddenGems #WineMarketing #ArmenianHeritage #WinemakingJourney #WinePassion #WineInNewYork #DiscoverArmenia #ZaraMuradyan #StepanBaghdassarian #VahagnVoskanyan #AlwaysDrinkTheGoodStuff #WomanWinemaker #VayotsDzor #Areni #Voakehat ReplyReply allForward Add reaction
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 led him to share his passion online. We talk about what inspires his recipes, how he approaches content for TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, and his adventures in developing spice blends and building new business ventures. Most importantly, we explore Ara’s big dreams, including his mission to bring Armenian and Middle Eastern flavors to an even wider audience through a network TV show — and the fearless drive that keeps him moving forward. #arazada #chef #ArmenianFood #MiddleEasternFood #ArmenianCuisine #MediterraneanFlavors #FoodPodcast #CookingPodcast #HomeCooking #FusionCuisine #FoodStorytelling #CulinaryCulture #ArmenianHeritage #MiddleEasternCulture #DiasporaStories #FoodIsCulture #TasteOfArmenia #FoodTraditions #PreserveCulture #CulturalCuisine #Abowww #AraZada #ChefLife #CookingWithAra #FoodiePodcast #FoodCreators #EatTalkShare #TasteofLebanon
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 whether Cuban cigars still rule the game. If you’ve ever been curious about the cigar lifestyle, entrepreneurship, or just love a good origin story—this one’s for you. #AlwaysDrinkTheGoodStuff #CigarLifestyle #GaroCigars #ChiropractorLife #FromMedicineToMaduro #CigarCulture #CigarAficionado #ArmenianEntrepreneur #CigarPassion #CigarStory #PremiumCigars #CigarTalk #CigarPodcast #CigarsOfInstagram #LeafToSmoke #BoutiqueCigars #CigarPairing #CigarLove #CigarLifeStyle #CigarBoss #GaroBouldoukian #StepanBaghdassarian #FollowYourPassion #Dreamsdocometrue
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-Nat made from grapes already growing in their newly purchased vineyards. It’s a story of heritage, vision, and fearless creativity in winemaking. Let’s get into it! #AlwaysDrinkTheGoodStuff #GregNemet #KareenWines #ArmenianRoots #WinemakerInterview #SierraFoothillsWine #AmadorCountyWines #PetNat #BarberaGrapes #NaturalWine #WinePodcast #WineStories #ArmenianHeritage #IndieWinemaker #FamilyWineBusiness #WinemakingJourney #VineyardLife #NewWorldWine #CraftWine #WineWithSoul #StepanBaghdassarian
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 evolution as an artist. #KevOrkian #BritishArmenian #Comedian #Musician #Actor #ArmenianHeritage #ComedyJourney #MusicAndComedy #PodcastInterview #LondonLife #TouringTheWorld #ArmenianCulture #InspiringConversations #StepanBaghdassarian #alwaysdrinkthegoodstuff