“Straight Talk” with Dj Doc

BEHIND THE BOTTLE – SOCAL COCKTAIL & SPIRITS FEST 2026! Join Host Thomas Howard aka DJ Doc and Co-Host Andre Hobbs for another exciting edition of Behind The Bottle, a featured segment on the Straight Talk with DJ Doc Podcast Platform, as we take you inside the SoCal Cocktail & Spirits Fest 2026, held at the beautiful Gillette House in Irvine, California! During this exciting event, we had the opportunity to sit down with SIP Awards Founder and CEO Pouya "Paul" Hashemi along with several award-winning spirits brand owners and entrepreneurs, hearing firsthand about their journeys, the inspiration behind their brands, the craftsmanship involved in creating their spirits, and what makes their products stand out in the competitive spirits industry. Fast Moving Consumer Goods Owner, Sandro Piancone, was one of the sponsors that made sure these spirit owners had the opportunity to be branded nationally. Attendees enjoyed an engaging atmosphere celebrating the world of cocktails and premium spirits, with opportunities to discover unique brands, experience tastings, connect directly with industry professionals, and learn about the creativity and passion behind the bottle. Behind The Bottle is more than just a conversation about spirits. It's about the people, the passion, the business, and the stories that bring each bottle to life! Host / Producer Thomas Howard: https://poplme.co/djdocsd/share Co-Host Andre Hobbs: http://www.andrehobbs.com Sponsor Fast Moving Consumer Goods Sandro Piancone: fmcgstock.com Guests: SIP Awards Paul Hashemi & Artika Negahdar: Sipawards.com Waterloo Gin Company Jean Marie Sperling: waterloogincompany.com Status Wines Rob Tangipa: status wines.com Wooler Brands Amy Wooler: woolerbrands.us Matiari Tequila Dave Welch: sansws.com San Hagen Tequila Stine Kidemose Jensen: sanhagen.com Nafta Distributors Nuri Alajl: naftadist.com Casa Ajurra Bardia Vahidi PhD: casaAjurra.com High Mountain Spirits Jeffrey Su: highmountainspirits.com Vieroma Cacao Liquer Maria Jose Rojas / Kasha Touloei: vieroma.com Drunken Bean Coffee Whiskey Claudia Hoyser: centerfirespirits.com Bushwood Spirits Matt Bulle: bushwood.com

In this episode, Thomas & Dr. Carlos Sanchez, discuss his journey from cardiology to wellness entrepreneurship, emphasizing prevention and holistic health strategies to improve quality of life. Key Topics The path to becoming a cardiologist and interventional specialist The importance of early prevention in cardiovascular health Technological advances in minimally invasive heart procedures Holistic approaches to wellness and lifestyle medicine The role of supplements and functional beverages in health Creating a wellness-first energy drink called Kalmara Strategies for impacting health before disease develops The connection between gut health, nutrition, and heart health The importance of sleep, exercise, and stress management Entrepreneurship in health and wellness Takeaways: Early intervention and prevention can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. Technological advances allow for minimally invasive procedures that save lives and improve recovery. Holistic health strategies, including nutrition, sleep, and stress management, are crucial for long-term wellness. Creating health-focused products like supplements and energy drinks can support preventive care. Education and ownership of wellness are key to changing health outcomes. Guest Dr. Carlos Sanchez: https://www.instagram.com/drcarlossanchez1?obrf=NmN3azFvM2JtNmRo Sponsor R.O.C. Media: https://www.instagram.com/r.o.c._media?igsh=MWg4N3hqcjhsaTh4aQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Host / Producer Thomas Howard: https://poplme.co/djdocsd/share

Thomas speaks with Author Pearl Howie who shares her inspiring journey from growing up in England to becoming a prolific author and traveler. She discusses overcoming fears of success, the impact of her childhood environment, and her unique approach to living life fully. Key Topics: Pearl Howie's childhood in Epsom and its influence The five types of fear of success and how to overcome them The role of writing as therapy and self-discovery Travel as a tool for healing and growth Impact of childhood environment on self-perception Pearl's experience with survivor guilt and grief The importance of authenticity and living fully Pearl's books and her Camino de la Luna series The significance of embracing success and overcoming fear Guest Pearl Howie: pearlhowie.com Host / Producer Thomas Howard: https://poplme.co/djdocsd/share

summary In this episode, Thomas Howard aka DJ Doc interviews Sontrell Hawkins-Woods about surrogacy, her personal journey, and how she's helping others navigate the process. They discuss the importance of informed decision-making, ethical practices, and building strong relationships in surrogacy. Key Topics: Surrogacy journey and personal experience How to find and select a surrogate Legal and ethical considerations in surrogacy Building strong relationships between intended parents and surrogates Understanding the costs and insurance coverage for surrogacy The importance of psychological evaluations in surrogacy Misconceptions about surrogacy in the black community Legislation affecting fertility treatments in California Advice for those considering surrogacy The role of support systems and communication Guest: Sontrell Hawkins-Woods: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sontrell-hawkins-woods Sponsor Royal Serene: https://www.instagram.com/tasha.da.esthi?psln=OHN6enFyZmsxeDk0 Host / Producer Thomas Howard: https://poplme.co/djdocsd/share

In this episode, Sonya Bellamy Jones shares her inspiring journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a wellness advocate, dance instructor, and community leader. She discusses the following Her childhood and early independence Inspiration from Debbie Allen and fame Her work in community and education The mission of Ahead Movements Incorporated Dance as a tool for healing and confidence Overcoming physical trauma and living with a bullet in her lung The importance of meeting people where they are in dance and wellness Her vision for a future dance and wellness facility The role of dance in stress relief and emotional health Her experience as a moderator and event host Guest Sonya Bellamy Jones: https://www.instagram.com/ahead_movements?srtk=ZWYyNndpOHIzazdi Sponsor Royal Serene: https://www.instagram.com/tasha.da.esthi?obrf=OHN6enFyZmsxeDk0 Host / Producer Thomas Howard: https://poplme.co/djdocsd/share