I have something a little different for you today, and I will be interested to know how you like it. My husband and I filmed a short review of James May’s James Gin, and I decided to edit the audio for the podcast in addition to posting the video on YouTube. I hope you can get a sense of the flavor profiles of these three new gins and decide whether you might like to try them, too. Please subscribe and leave a review. Let me know which is your favorite gin or which spirit you prefer.

In this episode, Shana and Ed McLean explore the unique flavors of James May's gin collection, tasting three distinct varieties: Asian Parsnip, California Dreamgin’, and London Drizzle. They share their personal preferences and insights on each gin's flavor profile, comparing them to the well-known Hendrick’s gin. The conversation highlights the creativity behind the gins and concludes with their overall impressions and recommendations.

Links

https://us.jamesgin.com

https://www.topgear.com/

https://www.amazon.com/The-Grand-Tour-Season-1/dp/B086VXCTGW

https://hendricksgin.com/

In this conversation, Eliz Phillips shares her journey as a Creative Services Director, discussing how creativity has shaped her career and personal life. She reflects on her experiences in advertising, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the evolving role of creativity in the workplace, especially in the context of AI. Eliz emphasizes the importance of overcoming fear in creative expression and applying creativity beyond professional boundaries. She advocates for the value of creativity in an increasingly automated world, encouraging others to embrace their unique perspectives and ideas.

Eliz Phillips is a Senior Director, Creative Services in Washington, D.C. She has worked in the creative field for nearly 30 years—as a copywriter, content strategist, consultant, and creative director. She’s launched her own agency, freelanced at top agencies in the area and worked at Arnold Worldwide. She is a graduate of VCU Brandcenter. When she’s not working, she meditates, lifts weights, jogs, walks, hikes, takes classes and volunteers as an escort for Chicago Honor Flights. She is a part time Uber driver and full time cheerleader for her three teenagers. She also has a rescue dog and a barn cat.

Links: https://brandcenter.vcu.edu/

Chapters

00:00 Creative Services and Career Journey

10:52 The Year of Yes: Embracing Opportunities

14:46 Building a Brand: Challenges and Triumphs

19:24 Identifying Good Ideas and Creative Processes

20:09 The Power of Idea Generation

21:16 Harnessing AI for Creativity

23:14 Overcoming Creative Blocks

25:03 Applying Creativity Beyond Work

30:02 Navigating a Creative Career

In this engaging conversation, Dustin Miner shares his unique journey from being a professional firefighter to becoming a passionate winemaker. He discusses the art and science behind winemaking, particularly focusing on the Norton grape, a varietal native to Virginia. Dustin emphasizes the importance of family involvement in his winery and the creative process that goes into crafting each bottle of wine. He also touches on the challenges of winemaking, the significance of understanding wine chemistry, and his aspirations for the future of his winery.

Links:

https://nokesvillewinery.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorQgtACtkLiUAjOSS5gxthFtZSYcPV5-5ly6202kz_M8TWzRZQO

https://www.burnsidefarms.com/

https://virginiaartfactory.org/

https://carmellos.com/

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Winemaking

03:53 Understanding the Norton Grape

06:44 Crafting Unique Wines

09:39 The Importance of Community and Events

12:25 Family Involvement in Winemaking

15:33 Future Aspirations and Growth

24:47 Family Involvement in Winemaking

27:36 The Art of Winemaking

34:40 Virginia's Wine Identity

41:28 Innovative Winemaking Techniques

46:53 Upcoming Events and Future Plans