We talk to the multi-talented David Kwong about puzzling during lockdown, missing live audiences and his love of bringing magic to the big and small screens.David has leaned into the virtual world, hosting instagram live puzzles and now has a full set in his basement for the sold out 'Inside the Box' show.He tells us about compiling puzzles for the New York Times, his favorite magic history stories and working on movies like Now You See Me - where he had to literally tape a coin to Morgan Freeman's hand - and shows like Deception and Blindspot.We talk about the science of magic, taking advantage of faulty wiring in the brain and his TED talks about it.And he tells the amazing story of Chung Ling Soo.David drinks a Talisker 10 while I enjoy a Bunnahaibhain - which has the same Scrabble tile value as his name.

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Episode 47 - David Kwong, puzzler and magician

We talk to the Sage of Saratoga, leading horse handicapper Andy Serling.He tells us how horse racing has grown during the pandemic, what makes the sport so special and how legal sports betting is inevitable in America.The New York Racing Association handicapper talks about falling in love with his home track of Saratoga, how race tracks without crowds are "sad" and how a horse's name impacts its odds.Andy describes how much research he does on each race, why he backs his picks with money and his hopes for big crowds after Coronavirus.And why he wants to share a Blanton's bourbon  with Philip Roth at Saratoga.

Episode 46 - Andy Serling, horse handicapper

We talk to former Glasgow Warrior and Scotland rugby player Ruaridh Jackson.We talk about retiring early due to Covid and transitioning to a career in whisky and gin.He tells us about the re-launch of Glenturret, Scotland's oldest working distillery, describes his frustration at the recent closures of the Scottish hospitality industry and the importance of alcohol for a winter in Scotland.Ruaridh describes the highs and lows of his rugby career, mental health in sport and learning to drink whisky to unwind after games.He tells us about his Garden Shed Gin business, ignoring criticism on Twitter and why he wants to share a Balvenie 14 with Bob Marley on a Scottish beach.

Episode 45 - Ruaridh Jackson, ex-rugby player and Glenturret whisky

We talk to Jael Ballard, director of corporate partnerships at LAFC.She tells us how much she misses live sport, how MLS has seized the moment with social activism and how the world has changed for women in sport.We talk about the principles behind the new Los Angeles MLS club, the passion of the fans and how there is enough room in Los Angeles for all the sports teams.She also talks about equestrian vaulting, family friendly soccer and why she wants to share a tequila with Michelle Obama.

Episode 44 - Jael Ballard, LAFC

We talk to British diplomat Richard Hyde, Her Majesty's representative to Texas, New Mexico, Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma.He talks about diplomacy in the age of covid, diversity in Texas and in the British foreign service and his love for rodeo, bbq and breakfast tacos.We also cover the importance of teaching Americans to drink scotch while sharing Aberlour and Jura.He tells us about the importance of outreach to the Hispanic community in his States, female leadership in the British foreign office and growing up in Liverpool as the son of a disabled immigrant.The wide-ranging discussion also covers why Texans walk with a swagger, why the state is misunderstood in the UK and how comfortable cowboy boots really are.

Episode 43 - Richard Hyde, British Consul General in Texas

We talk to David Laird, newly appointed Luxury Portfolio Specialist for William Grant.He explains why people spend thousands on good whisky, why sales are up so much during the pandemic and why even the most expensive whisky is made to be drunk.Over Balvenie and Glenfiddich 21 we discuss high-end whisky packaging, a $1k cocktail and the importance of drinking the best whiskys sitting down and with as few other people as possible.He also talks about running a bar in Memphis, his brief professional soccer career and wanting to share a dram with his family.

Episode 42 - David Laird, luxury whisky specialist

We talk to a Californian brewery owner about how pizza saved his business, running a bar during Covid and why a Scottish landscaper started selling English-style beer in Los Angeles.He tells us about how he protects his customers, why he doesn’t worry about their health and keeping inebriated people socially distanced.And how he wishes he could sell whisky alongside beer.He also tells us why he wants to drink an Oban with Sean Connery.

Episode 41 - Alastair Boase, MacLeod Brewery

We talk to actor Brad Beyer who pays tribute to his 42 co-star Chadwick Boseman.He talks about working with the Black Panther actor and his portrayal of Jackie Robinson, how the film handled race and his sadness at the loss of such an acting talent.Brad tells of getting an appreciation for whisky from his acting teacher, mentor and friend the legendary Wynn Handman, who sadly succumbed to Covid in April.Brad also talks about his acting career, the difficulties of the industry during the pandemic and what might happen next.

Episode 40 - Brad Beyer, actor and co-star in 42 with Chadwick Boseman

We talk to Marc Benardout, British producer and director turned DUI campaigner following the death of his son.We talk about the social complications of drinking and driving, how DUIs are up dramatically during Covid and he tells the heartbreaking story of the untimely death of his son Noah.We use handheld breathalyzers to show what a whisky can do to you, talk about the  legislative flaws around DUI and how Marc has turned tragedy into activism.This episode is brought to you in partnership with BACtrack, Makers Mark and the Noah Benardout Foundation.

Episode 39 - Marc Benardout, DUI campaigner

We talk to news and sports broadcaster Gavin Ramjaun.He tells us about reporting on sport during a pandemic, the importance of mental health for middle-aged men and buying the Saudi Arabian oil minister a Macallan.We also talk about race discrimination in broadcasting, why sports commentators need to get back to venues and why he set up a men's lifestyle channel.And why he wants to have a whisky with Donald Trump.

Episode 38 - Gavin Ramjaun, broadcaster

We have a very funny and very honest conversation with actor, writer and director Natalie Morales.She talks about her love for the entertainment industry, coping with her shows always being cancelled and how smashing her face into a balcony almost derailed her career.Also her love for Buston Keaton, her dislike of President Trump’s voice and why Parks and Recreation was such a good show.We also talk about starring in her own network show, the joy of writing with her best friend during lockdown and drinking 40-year-old whisky at the British Consulate.

Episode 37 - Natalie Morales

We speak to professional traveler Matt Long.He talks about the joys of visiting Disney World even in a pandemic, how his career was launched by a Jeopardy cruise and the moral complication of encouraging travel during Covid.He tells us why he loves travel, why he misses it and how you have to be brave (or at least ready) to jump on a plane.We also cover the future of the cruise industry, the need for staycations and Scottish gin made from shavings of historic golf clubs!And drinking a Lagavulin with Oscar Wilde.

Episode 36 - Matt Long, travel writer

We talk to Matthew Wiseman, CEO of BAFTA Los Angeles.He talks about the struggles of his members in a world without tv and film production, moving BAFTA’s education programs online and the future of cinema.He also talks about his organization’s approach to diversity, the resurgence of drive-in movies and refusing to take celebrity selfies - unless he meets a Ghostbuster.And talking tea with Elton John and his love for Brentford Football Club.

Episode 35 - Matthew Wiseman, BAFTA Los Angeles CEO

We talk to Tom about whisky and gin  diplomacy, the work of diplomats in a post-covid world with no glitzy receptions and his love for Ghana.We also cover how Black Lives Matter is being handled in Ghana, the wonders of street food and the importance for a British diplomat of living above a whisky store in Lebanon.And why he would have liked to share a Glenfiddich with Winston Churchill.

Episode 34 - Tom Hartley, British Deputy High Commissioner to Ghana

We talk to Fifth Dan Black Belt and owner of Cutting Edge Karate, Master Brandon Kemmer.He tells us about the importance of martial arts in a well rounded education, teaching karate over Zoom and meeting Chuck Norris.He also talks about learning Krav Maga, how you're never too old to start karate and his brief child acting career - including being given a dirty magazine by Ross in Friends!We also discover the Karate Kid and Kung Fu Panda led to a spike in student enrollments, his joy in watching Bruce Lee films and why everyone should take up martial arts.

Episode 33 - Master Kemmer, Tang Soo Do Master

The whisky podcast that's not about whisky.Each episode we sit down with a whisky drinker from the worlds of entertainment, sport, business or even the whisky industry.And they tell their story and drink whisky.

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