Best Sutherland Institute Podcasts (2025)

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The public good of private faith | Bill Duncan and Sam Abrams 44:58

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2d ago44:58

44:58

In today’s cultural climate, religion is often treated as a purely private matter — something best kept out of public life. But what if that assumption is missing the bigger picture? On this episode of Defending Ideas, host Nic Dunn sits down with two leading experts to review new research showing that religious participation offers powerful public…

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S3 E11 Après All Day | Liz Tarry of TailGate Brewery 40:38

6d ago40:38

40:38

S3 E11 Après All Day|TailGate Brewery In this episode of Après All Day, Bob Cutler and Rich Stoner crack open a TailGate Orange Wheat and welcome Liz Tarry, sales and marketing director for TailGate Brewery to talk about the brewery’s gold-medal beers, its Lager Project craftsmanship, Nashville Sweet Tea, and founder Wes Keegan’s people-first philo…

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Beyond the rivalry: Presidents of BYU & Utah on building a better state 44:51

9d ago44:51

44:51

It’s rivalry week in Utah, but before the battle on the gridiron, the presidents of Brigham Young University and the University of Utah join the show to discuss collaboration. Host Nic Dunn sits down with BYU President Shane Reese and UofU President Taylor Randall for a joint interview. Together, they discuss how these two major universities are pa…

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S3 E10 The Black Bear Hockey Episode 31:29

13d ago31:29

31:29

S3 E10 The Black Bear Hockey Episode Bob Cutler and University of Maine Men’s Hockey Coach Ben Barr take a seat at Novio’s Table Eleven during Monday Night Dinner Service to talk oysters, Sazeracs, and the revival of Black Bear Hockey—digging into culture, community, and how Maine hockey’s identity continues to build around integrity, effort, and p…

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Rethinking welfare, upward mobility, and human dignity | Charles Murray 48:27

16d ago48:27

48:27

By Sutherland Institute

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S3 E9 The Wine Pair Episode 29:09

20d ago29:09

29:09

S3 E9 The Wine Pair Episode Bob Cutler switches from cocktails to corks, pouring a glass of Italian vino and welcoming Joe and Carmela, co-hosts of The Wine Pair Podcast. Known for their accessible style, the pair share how their show was born during the pandemic as a creative outlet and a way to explore wine together. The trio talk about interview…

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Free speech, civility, and civic courage | Rep. Celeste Maloy 39:39

23d ago39:39

39:39

Do you ever self-censor your political views because you’re worried about how others might react, or even fear backlash for sharing what you really believe? You’re not alone. And it's a sign that we’ve forgotten how to disagree constructively in American public life. On this episode of Defending Ideas, host Nic Dunn sits down with Rep. Celeste Malo…

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S3 E8 Novio's Radio | Prescribe Me Something Good 15:47

27d ago15:47

15:47

S3 E8 Novio’s Radio | Prescribe Me Something Good Broadcasting remotely *cough cough cough* after catching the school-season bug, Bob Cutler dials into the George Hale Ric Tyler Show on VOM and reflects on the history of “medicinal whiskey” before sharing hot toddy recipes, rum-and-maple variations, and cider or mulled wine twists—all meant to soot…

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The redistricting battle: What does the constitution say? | Bill Duncan 46:06

1M ago46:06

46:06

As redistricting debates make headlines in Utah and across the nation, a deeper issue is being overlooked: Who really has the constitutional authority to draw electoral maps? In this episode, host Nic Dunn sits down with Sutherland Institute Constitutional Law and Religious Freedom Fellow Bill Duncan to unpack the legal and civic principles at the …

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What’s next for America in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination? 6:06

1M ago6:06

6:06

Following the horrific assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, host Nic Dunn offers a special message on how Americans should respond to political violence, polarization, and contempt. Defending Ideas is a weekly podcast produced by Sutherland Institute. On this show, we are committed to renewing the principles of common sense cons…

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S3 E7 3 Days In Louisville | Elizabeth Sutherland 25:04

1M ago25:04

25:04

S3 E7 3 Days In Louisville|Elizabeth Sutherland Host Bob Cutler sits down with Elizabeth Sutherland as she plans a three-day Louisville getaway to celebrate her anniversary—aiming to balance bourbon, great food, arts, and a little non-spirits culture. A live call with Michter’s JP McCartan adds a premium twist—“bottle your own” barrel-proof bourbon…

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Republic vs. regime: Who wins the AI arms race? | Sarah Hunt 34:46

1M ago34:46

34:46

Artificial intelligence is fueling a new kind of arms race, one that isn’t just about technology, but about the clash of values between free republics and authoritarian regimes. In this episode, Sutherland Chief Growth Officer Derek Monson sits in for Nic Dunn, and is joined by Sarah Hunt, president and founder of the Joseph Rainey Center for Publi…

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S3 E6 Après All Day | Vail's Oktoberfest 37:22

2M ago37:22

37:22

S3 E6 Après All Day | Vail's Oktoberfest This Après All Day episode takes listeners straight into the heart of Vail’s 50th (or technically 55th) Oktoberfest celebration. Hosts Bob Cutler and Rich Stoner welcome special events manager Jeremy Gross to describe how the celebration connects the town’s Bavarian-inspired heritage to modern-day mountain c…

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I Love You, Bro: Combating male suicide | Joe Tuia'ana 56:28

2M ago56:28

56:28

Men make up nearly 80% of suicide deaths, yet too often their struggles go unseen. In this episode, host Nic Dunn and contributor Beth Akers are joined by Joe Tuia'ana who shares the story behind the I Love You, Bro Project, a grassroots movement creating safe, judgment-free spaces where men can open up, connect, and find purpose. From barbershops …

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S3 E5 Schoodic Institute’s Lisa Frazell 22:10

2M ago22:10

22:10

S3 E5 Schoodic Institute’s Lisa Frazell This episode takes listeners to Maine’s Schoodic Peninsula, where host Bob Cutler sits down with Lisa Frazell to spotlight the work of the Schoodic Institute, a nonprofit scientific partner of Acadia National Park. Lisa explains that while many confuse the institute with schooner boats, its mission is rooted …

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Absent fathers are America's hidden crisis | Ian Rowe 48:18

2M ago48:18

48:18

Why are so many boys and young men struggling in America today? The answer may lie in a crisis few are talking about: absent fathers. Host Nic Dunn and contributor Beth Akers sit down with Ian Rowe, author of Agency and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. They dive into why strong families and involved fathers are key to helping the…

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S3 E4 Novio's Radio | Uncomfortable Vendor Comments 17:34

2M ago17:34

17:34

S3 E4 Novio’s Radio | Uncomfortable Vendor Comments This episode of Cocktails with Friends takes a sharp turn from lighthearted mixology into deeply personal territory. Bob Cutler opens up about an anti-Semitic remark from a vendor rep, the lack of immediate accountability from the company, and the personal toll it’s taken on him and his family, re…

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Why young men are struggling and how to restore their purpose | Sam Abrams 44:42

2M ago44:42

44:42

Amid the ongoing discussions about challenges men and boys face in work, school, and other aspects of life, there’s a deeper question behind the statistics: what actually anchors young men and helps form their character? On this episode, host Nic Dunn and contributor Beth Akers sit down with Sam Abrams to discuss the formative role of families, fai…

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S3 E3 Après All Day | Park City's Mountain Mixer 30:04

2M ago30:04

30:04

S3 E3 Après All Day | Mountain Mixer In this episode of Après All Day, Bob and Rich head to Park City—at least in spirit—for the inaugural Mountain Mixer cocktail contest. The event brings together the top ten cocktails from a month-long, undercover judging process, culminating in a high-energy showdown at Deer Valley’s Silver Lake Lodge on August …

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Is Trump's DOJ pushing for a dangerous overreach? | Matt Germer and Derek Monson 49:16

2M ago49:16

49:16

Multiple states have received requests from the U.S. Department of Justice for state voter roll information. The DOJ says it’s enforcing federal election laws. Critics call it a dangerous overreach that could erode privacy, weaken security, and blur constitutional boundaries between Washington and the states. This week on Defending Ideas, host Nic …

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S3 E2 Dr. Michael Ross 27:19

3M ago27:19

27:19

S3 E2 Dr. Michael Ross This episode of Cocktails with Friends dives deep into modern fatherhood with Dr. Michael Ross, a pediatrician and longtime friend of host Bob Cutler. The two explore the evolving role of dads, not as know-it-alls, but as coaches learning alongside their kids. From navigating healthcare and screen time to managing interests a…

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Have we forgotten how to self-govern? | Sabrina L. Shaeffer 44:24

3M ago44:24

44:24

What if the root cause of America’s polarization isn’t just anger or partisanship — but the loss of a skill we’ve stopped practicing? On this episode, Nic Dunn speaks with R Street Institute VP of Public Affairs Sabrina Schaeffer to explore how the lost arts of debate, discourse, and civic engagement are essential to a thriving constitutional repub…

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S3 E1 Novio's Radio | Wyoming Whiskey For Acadia 15:25

3M ago15:25

15:25

S3 E1 Novio’s Radio | Wyoming Loves Acadia In this Novio’s Radio episode of Cocktails with Friends, Bob Cutler introduces George Hale and Ric Tyler to a special limited-edition bottle from Wyoming Whiskey that honors Acadia National Park. For the first time, the brand is recognizing a national park outside Wyoming—and they chose Acadia. Bob also ex…

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Should we reorient higher ed toward a skills-based economy? 51:50

3M ago51:50

51:50

One of the biggest challenges facing the economy in recent years, at both the national and state levels, is persistent workforce shortages across different industries. With more jobs than qualified workers, leaders in states like Utah are confronting the gap between education and training institutions and the needs of employers. On this episode of …

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S2 E52 Season 2 Retrospective | What A Long Strange Year It's Been 22:20

3M ago22:20

22:20

S2 E52 What A Long Strange Year Bob Cutler raises a Boulevardier and wraps up Season 2 with a reflective, funny, and heartfelt best-of episode featuring favorite moments and standout guests. He reflects on a year of head trauma, vermouth memories, fairway wisdom, popes and piercings, and bread-fueled dreams—tying it all together with cocktails, com…

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Rethinking charity to provide dignity over dependency | James Whitford 45:24

3M ago45:24

45:24

America is a compassionate country. But what if the way we’ve been “helping” those in poverty actually makes things worse? On this episode, host Nic Dunn sits down with James Whitford, founder and executive director of True Charity and Watered Gardens Ministries, and author of “The Crisis of Dependency: How Our Efforts to Solve Poverty Are Trapping…

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S2 E51 Devin Lueddeke Friends of Acadia 15:39

3M ago15:39

15:39

S2 E49 Devin Lueddeke of Friends of Acadia Bob Cutler chats with Devin Lueddeke of Friends of Acadia about preserving Maine’s national treasure that is Acadia National Park and celebrates the launch of a limited-release Wyoming Whiskey benefiting Acadia. Bob and Devin touch on ways everyday folks can support Acadia’s future with volunteer work, mem…

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What does patriotism require today? 6:09

3M ago6:09

6:09

A couple of weeks have passed since the July 4th celebrations, and after the fireworks fade and the flags are stored away, does our feeling of patriotism linger? What does patriotism mean today? In this special solo episode, host Nic Dunn reflects on the enduring responsibility of American citizens — not just to celebrate freedom, but to live it ou…

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S2 E50 Après All Day | If Après Is The Vibe, High Camp Is The Vessel 33:42

3M ago33:42

33:42

S2 E50 If Après Is The Vibe, High Camp Is The Vessel Bob and Rich head to new heights—literally and metaphorically—in this episode of Après All Day as they explore the story behind High Camp Flasks, a brand built on the idea that adventure and quality cocktails go hand-in-hand. Co-founders Nic Barisone joins the conversation to talk about how their…

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Are men turning away from college? | Mike Kofoed and Melinda Brock 46:52

4M ago46:52

46:52

College has long been seen as a gateway to opportunity and upward mobility. But today, fewer young men are pursuing higher education, accounting for just two out of every five degrees in the U.S. — a reversal of trends seen a generation ago. On this episode, Host Nic Dunn is joined once again by Defending Ideas Feature Contributor and AEI Senior Fe…

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S2 E49 Independence Day 8:31

4M ago8:31

8:31

S2 E49 Independence Day Bob Cutler delivers solo wisdom for the Fourth of July, sharing hydration hacks, pre-batch cocktail tips, and comedic warnings to keep friends (yes, Curtis, Chris, and Dano, Bob is looking at you!) upright and ready for the fireworks instead of snoozing after early-morning whiskey pours. Key Topics Hydration as a Holiday Str…

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Does government spend too much money on higher ed? | Josh Bandoch 39:22

4M ago39:22

39:22

Is our higher‑education system doing enough to meet the real needs of today’s job market? With a serious shortage of skilled workers across key industries, many are asking whether we’ve overinvested in traditional academia and underinvested in skill‑based training. On this episode of Defending Ideas, Nic Dunn sits down with Illinois Policy Institut…

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S2 E48 Novio's Radio | Dr. David Cloutier "Hydrofoiled" 14:48

4M ago14:48

14:48

S2 E48 Novio’s Radio | Hydrofoiled Bob Cutler returns to the George Hale Ric Tyler Show for a summer-themed installment of Cocktails with Friends, featuring special guest Dr. David Cloutier of the Veazie Vet Clinic. Bob mixes a mocktail for George, explains the concept of a highball, and crafts a new concoction that earns its name on-air: “Hydrofoi…

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Can AI make education more human? | Caleb Hicks 48:19

4M ago48:19

48:19

Teachers are stretched thin, but artificial intelligence could help. On this episode of Defending Ideas, host Nic Dunn talks with Caleb Hicks, CEO of SchoolAI, about how AI tools are enhancing personalized learning, supporting one-on-one instruction, and improving classroom outcomes. Also joining is Sutherland Institute’s Christine Cooke Fairbanks,…

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S2 E47 Fashion Design Student Tate Clough 22:33

4M ago22:33

22:33

S2 E47 Tate Clough In this episode, host Bob Cutler sits down with Tate Clough, the youngest guest to appear on Cocktails with Friends—a 21-year-old fashion design student, kitchen team member at Birdies, and aspiring model. Their conversation blends deep respect with light-hearted banter, exploring how Tate’s calm, competent energy in the kitchen …

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Utah’s Medicaid work reform explained | Nate Checketts 37:30

4M ago37:30

37:30

Should Medicaid include work requirements? Utah thinks so. On this episode, host Nic Dunn talks with Nate Checketts, deputy director of the Utah Department of Health & Human Services, about Utah’s push for a Medicaid work requirement. They discuss: Utah's federal waiver request Benefits cliffs and incentives How to build a pro-work safety net What …

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S2 E46 Après All Day | Father's Day w/Feet Banks 28:18

4M ago28:18

28:18

S2 E46 Après All Day | Father’s Day This special Father’s Day episode of Après All Day is a hilarious and heartfelt tribute to dads who just want good food, a stiff drink, and a chance to kick back. With guest Feet Banks from Canada, hosts Bob and Rich explore how fathers operate, celebrate, and sometimes survive—with laughter, storytelling, and pl…

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S2 EXTRA | Cocktails With Friends Introducing The "Après All Day" Podcast 6:46

4M ago6:46

6:46

Introducing The "Après All Day" Podcast In this special preview, Bob Cutler teams up with Rich Stoner—founder of All About Après—to launch a new spin-off of Cocktails with Friends celebrating the après lifestyle beyond the slopes. The two recount how their friendship began at a whiskey anniversary party in Jackson Hole, and how their mutual appreci…

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Episode 100: Ramesh Ponnuru on the future of conservatism 48:50

5M ago48:50

48:50

This week marks the 100th episode of Defending Ideas—and to celebrate, we’re joined by one of the nation’s leading conservative thinkers. Ramesh Ponnuru is editor of National Review, a columnist for The Washington Post, and a nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. In this milestone conversation, Ramesh and host Nic Dunn exp…

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S2 E45 Bols Master Distiller Monique ten Kortenaar 13:12

5M ago13:12

13:12

S2 E45 Bols Master Distiller Monique Bob Cutler interviews Monique ten Kortenaar, the Master Distiller at Lucas Bols, about the creation of Bols Blue 1575—a new liqueur celebrating the brand’s FOUR HUNDRED FIFTY-YEAR legacy. Developed over more than a year, this limited-edition update to their popular blue curaçao adds depth with botanicals and Jam…

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The (AI) doctor will see you now? Exploring the potential of artificial intelligence in healthcare 45:49

5M ago45:49

45:49

Imagine getting access to potentially life-saving medical care or screenings in the same place you buy shampoo. Thanks to artificial intelligence — coupled with advances in telehealth — this is already happening. The impact of AI on healthcare certainly raises important questions, such as whether AI will ultimately replace your doctor or simply hel…

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S2 E44 Novio's Radio | Begin The Gin 14:44

5M ago14:44

14:44

S2 E44 Novio’s Radio | Begin The Gin In this on-air special of Cocktails With Friends, Bob Cutler tells the story behind his collaboration with Blue Barren Distillery to craft a rhubarb gin liqueur inspired by a drink he fell in love with in London. From development to distribution, he walks listeners through the journey of bringing the flavor to M…

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Trump’s tariffs: path to working-class prosperity, or protectionist misstep? 55:23

5M ago55:23

55:23

President Trump’s tariffs have reignited a national debate: Are they a path to restoring working-class prosperity, or a protectionist misstep that ultimately hurts American consumers? Defenders of tariffs often argue that the measures will restore manufacturing jobs, which they claim have suffered and negatively impacted the economic prospects of m…

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S2 E43 Paul Culina | Icing Your Boo Boo 26:42

5M ago26:42

26:42

S2 E43 Paul Culina | Icing Your Boo Boo Bob Cutler sits down with his longtime friend Paul Culina, UMaine’s veteran athletic trainer, to talk about three decades of college hockey, the evolution of student-athletes, and what it means to stay rooted in a place like Orono. They discuss NIL, draft dynamics, facility upgrades, and the grit it takes for…

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Men without work, with Nick Eberstadt 51:02

5M ago51:02

51:02

Work is essential for upward mobility, stability, and overall well-being. Yet for millions of men across the United States, work is increasingly absent from daily life. What’s behind this trend, and how does it impact society? On this episode, Defending Ideas contributor and AEI Senior Fellow Beth Akers joins host Nic Dunn for a conversation with N…

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S2 E42 Cocktails With Friends Hotline | Pot-pourri Edition 10:12

5M ago10:12

10:12

S2 E42 Hotline Pot-pourri In this “Hotline Pot-pourri” edition, Bob Cutler tells of the technical mishap that almost derailed his Mangy Moose episode, fields a listener question about expanding Apres culture beyond skiing, and candidly explains why he doesn’t serve CBD or THC cocktails—despite their popularity and legality in Maine—citing safety an…

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Will AI take your job — or make you better at it? 55:58

5M ago55:58

55:58

New technology can profoundly change our lives, and artificial intelligence is no exception. But as AI becomes more ubiquitous, especially in the workplace, will its impact be more innovative or disruptive? On this episode of Defending Ideas, host Nic Dunn is joined by AEI Senior Fellow Brent Orrell. Brent offers an optimistic yet grounded vision o…

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S2 E41 Forgive Me, Father Bill! 20:20

6M ago20:20

20:20

S2 E41 Forgive Me, Father Bill Father Bill Labbe, a longtime friend of host Bob Cutler, joins this heartfelt and hilarious episode of Cocktails with Friends. Their friendship began in 2012 with a disagreement over student-athlete schedules and Sunday Mass, and has since grown into a bond grounded in mutual respect, candid conversation, and plenty o…

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Parental rights on trial: what’s at stake in education 47:23

6M ago47:23

47:23

Should parents have a meaningful say in what their children learn — and how they learn it? On this episode of Defending Ideas, we examine two pivotal legal battles shaping the future of parental rights in education: one challenging a state-level school choice program, and another currently before the U.S. Supreme Court that could restrict a parent’…

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S2 E40 Novio's Radio | Daiquiri Inquiry 13:26

6M ago13:26

13:26

S2 E40 RADIO Daiquiri Inquiry Bob Cutler of Novio’s Bistro teaches listeners how to make a fresh strawberry daiquiri and a creative strawberry-rhubarb daiquiri during a fun, spring-themed episode of Cocktails with Friends on the George Hale Ric Tyler Show. He explains the classic daiquiri build, how to modify recipes with different spirits, and emp…