Anthropological

We're back with our final episode of Season 4 and we're so excited to be joined by our friend and Chicago hosptiality powerhouse, Dylan Stewart! In this episode, we chat about cocktail conferences, industry gatherings, Tales, PDXCW, and more. So much more...

We're back with another conversation about the hospitality industry that we all know and love, and this time it's JUST THE FAM. Kisira and David chat about chain restaurants, a grouping of the industry that gets left out of a lot of discussions. Olive Garden and Chile's and Applebee's, OH MY!

Special thanks to our sponsors: Hotaling & Co., Elijah Craig, Cointreau

We're back with another conversation about the hospitality industry that we all know and love, this time with two industry powerhouses: Shannon Mustipher and Erika Flowers. We discuss the idea of "pipelines," including how we enter the industry, find our path within it, and make the most out of what it has to offer.

Anthropological is back with another conversation about the hospitality industry, which as many of us know, isn't always the healthiest environment to work in. We love it, which is why we take the time to analyze and restructure it. We're excited to do exactly that with our dear friend, Alex Jump. We discuss "toxic positivity" and how it can poorly influence our ability to manage conflict, grow as a business, and more.

On this special episode of Anthropological, it's just the family! Kisira and David go down the rabbit hole of "trending foods" found on YouTube, TikTok, and more. Pink Sauces and Skittle Margaritas and mystery milks...we provide our insight and honest "yay" or "nay" to these viral trends.

Who's hungry?! In this episode of Anthropological, Kisira and David are joined by James Beard Award-nominated Chef Zubair Mohajir or Wazwan, Lilac Tiger, and Coach House. He has created a cult following for himself in Chicago with his elevated approach to street food, whilst remaining true to the origin and story of specific dishes. We dish it all (no pun intended): our fav street foods; how to discover authentic vs. bastardized food; white-washing of international cuisine; and MORE.

In this Pride episode of Anthropological, we are joined by Chicago's very own Másha Potato, a Queen for all Queens. We break down the phenomenon of drag brunch, the socio-cultural importance of entertaining within bars, and how drag has emboldened hospitality professionals to infuse camp into drink naming, garnishing, and more.

Anthropological is BACK, and for its 4th season, we're excited to bring you more engaging conversations about hospitality, food, booze, and how it all ties in with a lil anthropological context.

On this episode, we 4 millennials discuss the act of hosting dinner parties, what inspires us, our must haves and do nots, and so much more. We're joined by friends and lovers, Kiki and Matt, to break down all the TEA on being the ultimate host.

In our final episode of Season 3, we are joined by the delightful and wildly talented Jessi Pollak. We break down the world of cocktail competitions: the good, the great, the not so good, the fun, the effort, the everything.

It's not just the word of the last 3 years, folks--it's real!  Accountability is the focus in this week's episode of Anthropological, and Kisira and David break down their personal experiences with holding people in leadership positions accountable, work spaces, and more.  They are joined by Chicago's very own Raeghn Draper, Co-Founder of the CHAAD Project, and a vet of the hospitality industry.  Give'em a listen while they dissect the difficulties in holding friends accountable, maintaining boundaries with certain sectors of the industry, etc.

They get a bad go-at-it from the industry, but we try to get to the bottom of the history of being an "influencer," as well as the business savvy mindset one must maintain in order to grow and monetize their personality and platform.   In talking with hospitality industry veteran, J'Nai Angelle, we get some great insight into the planning, strategy, and execution of palatable content.  In this episode, we go deep, and ask ourselves how we participate in this exchange with influencers, which platforms we find wildly effective, and what we wish we could see more out of this growing sector of marketing and information sharing.

In this brand new episode of Anthropological, Kisira and David sit down with Chicago Bartender, husband, and former socialite [at least that's what he told us] Ed Hong.  We discuss it all, from the foods we grew up on, to how we introduce our cultural foods to new friends, colleagues, and romantic partners.

From kimchi to bibimbap, and tofu scramble to sauceless flavorless sandwiches, you can only imagine the array of "food cultures" each of us have to talk about.  We break down the anthropological theory in the necessities of diet and how it translates to our modern Western lens and experiences.  Plus, we all live in Chicago, so we spill a bit on our thoughts on the Chicago food scene right now.  Listen to us SPILL. IT. ALL. 

FOOD PORN: You'll Know It When You See It...  With Noah Fecks, we discuss the evolution of food porn.  What did it look like in the 70s and 80s and how do we see it as a formidable marketing tool today.  With social media being a primary way for us to promote our own brands, new restaurants, bars, food, beverage, and the like, food porn can be an exciting way to entice the viewer.  We dish it ALL hunty, and this episode is mighty Queer for it.

Y'all, I'm Tired: The Real Life Stories of Burnout...Sip, sip bish.  Alongside chef and icon, Mariya Russell, we examine our personal and intimate experiences with burnout.  What is it?  When does it take place?  How do we navigate it and shift?

As chefs, bartenders, and hospitality professionals, we seem to participate in a cycle of feeling inspired, getting exhausted, becoming jaded, and then needing to find an escape or release.  But what if we had the resources to better secure our joy in what we do?

We chat with Mariya about her award-winning career, breaking boundaries and barriers, but how that doesn't always equate with pure career bliss.  We get into all the nitty-gritty regarding our time spent working for others, and how we have found a whole lotta fulfillment in being our own bosses.

Double R Diner’s Cup of Joe: Hospitality in Coffee Shops and Diners...Sip, sip bish.  Along with Michelle and Ezra of Ghost Town Oats, we break down the historical context of coffee.  Broad enough?  Okay, let's get more specific...  We're going to chat through the marketing and unique appeal of coffee ads in the 70s and 80s, along with the craft coffee boom that has taken place over the last decade.  What's in your cup of coffee?  What does it say about you?  Where are you getting it from?  Baristas stand at the forefront of human interaction, day in and day out, and we're here to get into the nitty-gritty of coffee shop culture, to help us all learn-out-loud what we can be noticing a tad more.

This week, we're excited to present a SPECIAL EPISODE of Anthropological.  Well, is it Anthropological?  Nah.  It's a crossover episode with our local, Chicago pals at Terms of Service Podcast.  Featuring your very own Kisira Hill and David Mor, being hosted by Justin Arnett Graham and Nariba Shepherd, this episode is a dive-in to the state of the hospitality industry.  It's like the state of the union, but better and with Champagne being poured.  We laugh, we open up, we NAME NAMES, and we have a gay ol' time.  Give her a listen.

This week, David and Kisira are joined by bartender extraordinaire, Iain Griffiths.  His wit, kindness, and good humor allows for this episode on Tropes to be fun, light, and downright raunchy.  These three play "two truths and a lie," along with debunking the myths and foibles of being a bartender.  Cheers.

Yassss!  A whole episode on the world of Influencers, social media, and how the hospitality industry is prominently affected by the existence and maintenance of the influencer community.  Katie Stryjewski AKA @garnish_girl is the perfect guest, having put together a vast following through her cocktail photography, authoring of a new cocktail/mocktail recipe book, and her bold use of color and garnish.  

Influencers might get a bad rep, but Kisira and David absolutely dive in to see how their own biases might be blocking their understanding and compassion for the influencer industry.  Cheers.

This week's episode of Anthropological is a deep dive into the existence of "tiki" as both a category of cocktails, and a style of bar.  Through recent reflection and accountability being held, many bars that self-identify as "tiki" have had to call themselves in on the reality of cultural appropriation, harmful imagery being used, and similar elements that truly muddle the purpose of said bar.

As we shift into an understanding that "tropical" and "tiki" are not synonymous, Anthropological is joined by Mary Palac, an award-winning and renowned bartender out of San Jose, California, offering her insight on Tiki, imperialism, and the history around using Filipino people for an "image" versus acknowledging, respecting, or valuing their labor and bodies.

'Tis another day, so another episode of Anthropological is ready to breathe freely and offer some anthropological context to some real life situations.  This week, Kisira and David are joined by Francisco Terrazas, the National Brand Manager for Mezcal Vago, where they discuss Consumerism, Mezcal and Tequila, agave cultivation, and how much we really care about knowing where our favorite products and goods come from.

While you're at it, Season 2 has 5 previous episodes where ALL the tea is spilt.  Go on!  Give it a listen.  Drink some cold brew, have some rosé, put on Real Housewives of Atlanta [mute it] in the background, and give'm a listen.  Cheers to you, and all you do.

On this week's episode of Anthropological, Kisira and David are joined by Vlad Novikov.  Vlad is a Chicago-based Bartender, leader and curator in hospitality spaces, and someone who has no issues asking the tough questions.  This week, we discuss Indulgence, luxurious things, sleeping in, and OPULENCE...she owns EVERYTHING.

This week's tea is spilled through each segment, from the kiki, the interview, and our reflection.  Cheers.

On this week's episode of Anthropological, David and Kisira are joined by the always-dazzling and über-creative Chef Jenny Dorsey.  Aside from being a renowned chef and food writer, Jenny is also the Founder of Studio ATAO, a non-profit that engages with guests and patrons in multimedia styles to both educate and offer tools and resources, alongside dining experiences.

This week, these three discuss Food Media: the goods, the bads, the uglies.  From discussions on who food publications really serve to the landscape of who writes on elements of food, beverage, and culture, this episode is a deep dive into the anthropological theories surrounding our food media.

Season II of Anthropological returns with a new format, array of bold and fabulous guests, and more discussions around hospitality, anthropology, and how it all works together.  Serving up real life applications for very anthropological theories is the game.  Kisira and David are the names.  Joined by Jim Meehan, Bartender, Author, and thought leader in hospitality, the focus is Craft.  We discuss high art, David Bowie, pasta water in cocktails, and "Is it sweet?"

Don't forget to subscribe, and be on the lookout for more of Season II of Anthropological.

Season II of Anthropological returns with a new format, array of bold and fabulous guests, and more discussions around hospitality, anthropology, and how it all works together.  Serving up real life applications for very anthropological theories is the game.  Kisira and David are the names.  Joined by Nicky Marcelin, Chef, and Founder of Epicurious Safari, the focus is Food Language.  We discuss picnic tables, educating through meals, and how we like to "speak" through our food and drink presentations.

Don't forget to subscribe, and be on the lookout for more of Season II of Anthropological.

They're back!  Season II of Anthropological returns with a new format, array of bold and fabulous guests, and more discussions around hospitality, anthropology, and how it all works together.  Serving up real life applications for very anthropological theories is the game.  Kisira and David are the names.  Joined by Korsha Wilson, host of A Hungry Society, food writer, and all-around Wonder Woman of abilities, the focus is Nostalgia.  We discuss record-keeping, maintaining the recipes of our ancestors, trauma that can exist within nostalgia, and mac n' cheese.  

Don't forget to subscribe, and be on the lookout for more of Season II of Anthropological.

On the final episode of Season 1 of Anthropological, David and Kisira are joined by The Canadian African, herself, Afia Amoako.  The group discusses veganism, and the politics and privilege that surround it.  This episode rounds out season 1 of Anthropological!

On Episode 9 of Anthropological, Kisira and David are joined by Ashtin Berry, co-founder of Radical XChange, Imbibe's 2019 Bartender of the Year, and one of Wine Enthusiast's 40 Under 40 Tastemakers.  We discuss the history of tipping in our country, and how European Imperialism has affected centuries of treatment towards BIPOC and Black workers in hospitality.

On this episode of Anthropological, Kisira and David are joined by John deBary, one Wine Enthusiast's 40 Under 40 Tastemakers, founder of Proteau, and author of Drink What You Want.  We discuss the constantly changing culture surrounding drinking, both in bars and at home.  

On this deliciously sober episode of Anthropological, Kisira and David are joined by Ben Branson, Founder of Seedlip.  We discuss the rise of the non-alcoholic movement, sober curiosity, and how wellness can have some troubling adjacent effects.

On this Queertastic episode of Anthropological, Kisira and David are joined by Dennis Norris II--reader, writer, former professional figure skater, and co-host of Food 4 Thot.  We discuss the topic of Identity, and how it is related between pop culture, anthropology, and our hospitality spaces.  

On this episode of Anthropological, David and Kisira are joined by the fabulous and whimsical Ryan Nicole Shepard, food writer and founder of Brown Sugar & Bourbon.  We discuss the general topic of "repackaging," and how it can be seen through our food, beverages, branding, and more.  Sip some rosé while listening to this one, because it's bound to make you laugh a little.

On this episode of Anthropological, David and Kisira discuss lessons they have each learned through food, restaurant spaces, and cultural experiences around the world as it pertains to hospitality.  They are joined by Chef Chris Scott to discuss how childhood experiences with food and beverage continue to influence the way we cook and dine today.

On this episode of Anthropological, Kisira and David discuss Queer Bars, their history, and the understanding of intersectionality when it comes to atmospheres in safe and Queer spaces.  Morgan Higgins, Chicago bartender and bar manager, joins us in discussing Chicago's Boystown culture, and the slow decrease in the existence of Lesbian and Black Queer spaces.

In this episode, Kisira and David are joined by Kisira's Dad and thought leader, Eddie Hill.  We delve into subjects surrounding food justice, Black farming, red lining, and more.  

On Season 1, Episode 1 of Anthropological, Kisira and David introduce the premise of this learn-out-loud series, chat about the evolution of skill sharing, activism, slacktivism, and talk with critically-acclaimed Chef and Founder of Studio ATAO, Jenny Dorsey, about the current state of the world.