Beardly Bourbon and Spirits - Spirited Conversations

St. Louis musician Jimmy Griffin joins Keith Brake on Spirited Conversations for a deep dive into a lifetime of rock and roll, the St. Louis music scene, and what it takes to keep creating through the highs and lows of a career in music. Jimmy has spent decades performing as a vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, and member of projects including El Montero, Celebration Day, The Hard Promises, and The Incurables. In this conversation, he looks back at the people, bands, venues, and experiences that helped shape him into the musician he is today. The conversation starts with Jimmy's early influences, from Kiss and his first rock concerts to the St. Louis musicians who looked out for him when he began performing professionally at just 17 years old. Jimmy talks about the importance of mentorship, community, and being the kind of person other musicians actually want to work with. We get into the evolution of El Montero and what has turned the Pink Floyd tribute into such a major St. Louis tradition. Jimmy shares stories from the early Pageant shows, massive outdoor performances, working alongside nationally known artists, and the generations of fans who continue coming back year after year. Jimmy also tells the story behind Celebration Day, the Led Zeppelin tribute that grew out of an El Montero conversation and developed into another long-running St. Louis favorite. Topics discussed: Jimmy Griffin St. Louis music scene El Montero Pink Floyd tribute Celebration Day Led Zeppelin tribute The Hard Promises Tom Petty The Incurables King of the Hill St. Louis musicians The Pageant Killer Vintage Songwriting Guitar Rock and roll Music industry Life as a professional musician #JimmyGriffin #StLouisMusic #SpiritedConversations

Survivor 45’s “Sifu” joins Spirited Conversations by Beardly Bourbon for a wide-ranging conversation about Survivor, Beast Games, MrBeast, Tai Chi, fatherhood, business, music, loss, and learning how to stay centered when life hits hard.
Long before millions of people knew him from Survivor 45, Sifu was building a life around martial arts, music, entrepreneurship, and an unwillingness to quit.
In this episode, Sifu takes us inside his journey from learning Tai Chi at six years old under his father, Leroy Alsup, to becoming a master instructor and undefeated Push Hands competitor. He explains what Push Hands taught him about yielding, redirecting force, staying balanced—and why those lessons became just as important outside martial arts as they were in competition.
We also dig into his road to Survivor 45: applying only once, navigating the casting process, meeting Jeff Probst, taking his first international flight to Fiji, surviving on the island, and then returning home to a completely different reality where strangers suddenly knew his name.
But Survivor was only one chapter.
Sifu talks about competing on Beast Games, being invited by the MrBeast team to compete against 20 contestants for $500,000 in Someone Eliminated Every Minute, and how those opportunities continued to expand his world.
The conversation goes much deeper than reality TV.
Sifu opens up about being kicked out of his home at 17, working as a janitor at Walmart, building 5 Elements Fitness from an empty room into a nine-year business, becoming a father, losing people close to him, and turning pain into purpose rather than allowing circumstance to define him.
We also get into his life as a musician—from creating the viral “Addiction” project to performing at The Pageant after Survivor and joining other Survivor contestants through Survivor Rocks.
And because this is Spirited Conversations, all of it unfolds over a few interesting pours, including Dalmore, Stagg, Old Fitzgerald and more.
This isn't simply the story of a Survivor contestant. It's a conversation about resilience, ego, balance, creativity, family, self-belief and what happens when you keep opening the next door.
As Sifu puts it: “Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.” Subscribe for more Spirited Conversations by Beardly Bourbon.
Question for you the listener: If you had the opportunity, would you rather compete on Survivor or in a MrBeast challenge?
Connect with Sifu: https://www.instagram.com/sifus45/
5 Elements Fitness: https://www.trainwith5elements.com/
#SifuAlsup #Survivor45 #BeastGames

Who is Keith Brake? In this special backstory episode of Spirited Conversations by Beardly Bourbon & Spirits, we take a step back and explore the story behind the man, the whiskey, and the camera. Keith Brake opens up about his journey from picking up a camera for the first time to becoming a respected music photographer in St. Louis, a certified whiskey steward, and the creator behind Beardly Bourbon.
This conversation dives deep into Keith’s creative path, his background in live music, his passion for bourbon and whiskey culture, and how those passions eventually collided to create Spirited Conversations. From photographing some of St. Louis’ most talented musicians to building strong relationships in the bourbon community, Keith shares the real story of how curiosity, creativity, and discipline shaped his journey.
We also discuss what it means to balance a demanding career in manufacturing while pursuing artistic passions on the side, the challenge of turning hobbies into professional-level skills, and how the pursuit of excellence has influenced every area of his life. This episode is more than just bourbon talk. It is about entrepreneurship, storytelling, creativity, and the drive to build something meaningful.
If you enjoy bourbon reviews, whiskey culture, photography, music, entrepreneurship, and authentic conversations with interesting people, this episode is for you. Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring whiskey reviews, in-depth interviews, and spirited conversations with musicians, creators, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals.
Keywords: bourbon podcast, whiskey podcast, bourbon reviews, whiskey steward, bourbon culture, photography podcast, creative entrepreneurship, St. Louis music scene, bourbon community, whiskey reviews, Beardly Bourbon, spirits podcast, whiskey culture, photography journey, music photography.

Charlie Berry joins us for an unforgettable conversation about music, legacy, creativity, and forging your own path while carrying one of rock and roll’s most iconic last names. Charlie Berry is a St. Louis-based musician, guitarist, songwriter, and founder of the Charlie Berry Project. As the grandson of legendary rock pioneer Chuck Berry, Charlie represents the third generation of musicians in the Berry family, blending deep musical roots with a sound entirely his own. Influenced by math rock, jazz chord voicings, classic rock and roll, and modern guitar techniques, Charlie has carved out a unique lane while honoring the spirit of his family’s legacy. In this episode, Charlie shares stories from performing in France with musicians he had never met, touring, playing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, performing alongside his grandfather, and what it means to carry the influence of one of music’s most important cultural figures while building an original artistic identity. We also dive into the future of the Charlie Berry Project, upcoming music, touring plans, the revival of Blueberry Hill and The Duck Room, and Charlie’s evolving sound. Topics discussed: • Charlie Berry Project and original music • Chuck Berry’s musical legacy and influence • Touring in France and international music experiences • Jimmy Fallon, NAMM, and performing under pressure • Math rock, jazz influences, and guitar technique • Songwriting, creativity, and artistic growth • Blueberry Hill, The Duck Room, and the St. Louis music scene • Life as a third-generation musician If you love rock and roll, guitar culture, live music, songwriting, St. Louis music history, Chuck Berry, math rock, blues, jazz influences, or behind-the-scenes musician stories, this episode is for you. Follow Charlie Berry & The Charlie Berry Project: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cb3project/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1N3830GYDvdCyX4ks8agM7?si=fvcLSGcPQceQAyW9Fm4mbw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlieberryproject/ #CharlieBerry #ChuckBerry #RockAndRoll #StLouisMusic #GuitarPlayer #LiveMusic #MathRock #BlueberryHill #TheDuckRoom #MusicianPodcast

Neil Salsich, frontman of The Mighty Pines and know for his appearance on the Voice. Joins us to share his journey as a musician, creator, and performer. Based out of St. Louis, The Mighty Pines blend rock, folk, and bluegrass into a sound that’s entirely their own. In this conversation, Neil opens up about the realities of life on the road, the discipline behind creativity, and the balance between public persona and personal truth. From preparing for Pines Fest to releasing new music, this is an inside look at an artist fully committed to his craft.

Steve is a St. Louis-based musician. Best known as the golden voice behind the seven piece powerhouse The Urge. Formed in high school back in late 80's, The Urge took their eclectic mix of punk, reggae, hip hop, and ska, and sent a sonic shockwave from the Midwest that can still be felt to this day. From Steves Hotdogs, to tour stories with The Urage, Come with us as we sip whisky and talk shop.

Kevin is a film maker known for Schmetterling (2021), Brother vs. Sister (2016) and Bonnie Conway, P.I. (2022). Kevin was also a Pro Wrestling Manager under the name Mr. Late Nite for Pro Wrestling Epic (2010-2014). He now is the Festival Director / Owner of Always Late TV and is spending his time focused on feature films. Kevin has a pation for the arts and a drive to create film in the St. Louis area. You can connect with Kevin Here: https://www.alwayslatetv.com/