Conversations, Stories, and Cocktails. A podcast for the hospitality industry by Swizzle Media LLC @swizzlemediallc
Host: Patrick Abalos @mixmanpatrick
Director of Photography/Media: Luis Anaya @luisanaya_media
Season 2 Episode 25: Deke Dunne, Formerly of Allegory DC
In this week’s episode recorded a few weeks ago in Washington DC, we sat down with Deke Dunne, the former beverage creative director behind Allegory at the Eaton Hotel. He shared his journey from politics to bartending, the story behind Allegory’s bold menu concepts both past and current, navigating through COVID, enzymes, and how storytelling, community, and authenticity can turn a bar into a destination. That in our opinion, is how the best concepts come to be that aren’t forced - they’re built with a soul.
Special Guests:
Deke Dunne (@deke_dc) formerly of Allegory DC
Produced by Shift Change Creative and hosted by: Patrick Abalos @mixmanpatrick. Special thanks to the Deke for recording with us!
15 May 2026
Season 2 Episode 24: Jacki Schromm of Donna's Houston
From sports bars to bar ownership, Jacki walks us through her journey in the industry and the importance of hospitality. As she said "You have the power to turn someone's bad day around with just a smile and a drink.”. We couldn’t agree more!
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In this week’s episode, we are joined by: Jacki Schromm, co-owner of recently opened Donna’s in Houston, TX. In this episode, we talk about her start in the industry from Florida, Boston, to Houston and now bar ownership. We dive into hospitality, Speed Rack, cocktail competitions, regional taste differences, community importance, bar ownership, menu flips, and staff mentoring. This one is not to be missed!
Special Guests:
Jacki Schromm @houstonlibations of Donna’s Houston @donnashouston
Produced by Shift Change Creative and hosted by: Patrick Abalos @mixmanpatrick. Special thanks to the Jacki for recording with us in her bar!
8 May 2026
Season 2 Episode 23: Andrew Solis of Cut Above Zero Proof
From Banking to a Family Business in Zero Proof Spirits. We dive head first into the world of Cut Above Zero Proof where inclusivity is key!
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In this week’s episode, we are joined by: Andrew Solis of Cut Above Zero Proof. We caught him right after a production run of their Zero Proof Gin. In this episode, we talk about his start outside hospitality and the transition to business ownership with his wife Blanca and motivations that drive Cut Above. From tasting thousands of blends to create their brand and the intricacy of mixing/tasting zero proof spirits, Andrew walks us through it all.
Special Guests:
Andrew Soliz @andrewraulsolis of Cut Above Zero Proof @drinkcutabove
Produced by Shift Change Creative and hosted by: Patrick Abalos @mixmanpatrick. Special thanks to the Cut Above Team and Andrew for recording with us!
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