Carl Busch's Diaries Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/alchemix-bar-diaries Carl shares his insights and personal opinions on various aspects of cocktails and bartending. He delves into a wide range of topics related to the bar industry, discussing anything that sparks his interest or feels relevant to his experiences in the field. © 2026 Man Down Media d40d880d-12e9-52ad-96c7-bd5205ffcc8b yes en Wed, 27 May 2026 08:10:22 -0500 Wed, 27 May 2026 08:11:29 -0500 https://www.alchemix.bar/ https://img.transistorcdn.com/d0RlkFB3f2jyXS2TgpZE3JCk57B7NWLe4DeNCtc4UGQ/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzQ4NTU0LzE3MDY1/ODAzODMtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.jpg Carl Busch's Diaries https://www.alchemix.bar/ episodic Man Down Media Carl shares his insights and personal opinions on various aspects of cocktails and bartending. He delves into a wide range of topics related to the bar industry, discussing anything that sparks his interest or feels relevant to his experiences in the field. Carl shares his insights and personal opinions on various aspects of cocktails and bartending. bartending, cocktails, mixology Carl Busch carl@alchemix.bar No Yes 3 Months In: Am I Crushing It or Failing? My Wine Shop Journey 8 8 3 Months In: Am I Crushing It or Failing? My Wine Shop Journey full 8d27eab0-1186-4088-b826-cb2383ccd852 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ea47f820 Carl shares the roller-coaster journey of running a wine shop, three months in. He discusses initial goals, unexpected challenges like low shop awareness and slow foot traffic, and the surprises of wine versus cocktail sales. 

Discover his strategic changes, from increasing social media engagement to launching specials and promoting loyalty programs. Explore how Carl aims for steady growth and raising wine education as the holiday season approaches. Reflecting on successes and lessons learned, Carl remains optimistic about overcoming hurdles and reaching his ultimate goal of $30,000 monthly revenue.

]]> Carl shares the roller-coaster journey of running a wine shop, three months in. He discusses initial goals, unexpected challenges like low shop awareness and slow foot traffic, and the surprises of wine versus cocktail sales. 

Discover his strategic changes, from increasing social media engagement to launching specials and promoting loyalty programs. Explore how Carl aims for steady growth and raising wine education as the holiday season approaches. Reflecting on successes and lessons learned, Carl remains optimistic about overcoming hurdles and reaching his ultimate goal of $30,000 monthly revenue.

]]> Fri, 25 Oct 2024 10:05:08 -0500 Man Down Media Man Down Media 829 Carl shares the roller-coaster journey of running a wine shop, three months in. He discusses initial goals, unexpected challenges like low shop awareness and slow foot traffic, and the surprises of wine versus cocktail sales. 

Discover his strategic changes, from increasing social media engagement to launching specials and promoting loyalty programs. Explore how Carl aims for steady growth and raising wine education as the holiday season approaches. Reflecting on successes and lessons learned, Carl remains optimistic about overcoming hurdles and reaching his ultimate goal of $30,000 monthly revenue.

]]> bartending, cocktails, mixology No 7 Things I Have Learned in 3 Months of Owning a Wine Shop 7 7 7 Things I Have Learned in 3 Months of Owning a Wine Shop full 01d53179-de83-4eaa-94d9-04e66511cab4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/81dcd62c Embark on my personal journey as a wine shop owner, where I've learned seven crucial lessons in just three months. I'll share my experiences with time management, the power of saying no, the value of embracing mistakes, and the joy of fully immersing myself in the business. 

I also underscore the profound significance of listening to feedback, which is instrumental in shaping the direction of my business. I share how I care for my mental and physical health and cherish the fulfillment of pursuing my dream. With candid reflections and valuable insights, I provide a raw and honest look at the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. 

As I share my journey with you, you will discover the unique challenges and triumphs of owning a wine shop in the heart of Dubuque, Iowa.

]]> Embark on my personal journey as a wine shop owner, where I've learned seven crucial lessons in just three months. I'll share my experiences with time management, the power of saying no, the value of embracing mistakes, and the joy of fully immersing myself in the business. 

I also underscore the profound significance of listening to feedback, which is instrumental in shaping the direction of my business. I share how I care for my mental and physical health and cherish the fulfillment of pursuing my dream. With candid reflections and valuable insights, I provide a raw and honest look at the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. 

As I share my journey with you, you will discover the unique challenges and triumphs of owning a wine shop in the heart of Dubuque, Iowa.

]]> Fri, 27 Sep 2024 13:06:55 -0500 Man Down Media Man Down Media 630 Embark on my personal journey as a wine shop owner, where I've learned seven crucial lessons in just three months. I'll share my experiences with time management, the power of saying no, the value of embracing mistakes, and the joy of fully immersing myself in the business. 

I also underscore the profound significance of listening to feedback, which is instrumental in shaping the direction of my business. I share how I care for my mental and physical health and cherish the fulfillment of pursuing my dream. With candid reflections and valuable insights, I provide a raw and honest look at the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. 

As I share my journey with you, you will discover the unique challenges and triumphs of owning a wine shop in the heart of Dubuque, Iowa.

]]> bartending, cocktails, mixology Yes I Bought a Wine Shop 6 6 I Bought a Wine Shop full 20a4da67-87a3-4f6f-aec6-3e43038a72a8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/55c1f99f Carl reveals his latest venture into owning a wine shop, EJ's Wine Shop in Dubuque. He discusses the unexpected journey from cocktail enthusiast to wine shop owner, detailing the shop's unique offerings, including organic and imported wines, and the recent addition of a full liquor license. 

Carl shares his excitement about the new business, the extended opening hours, and his learning experiences. He also hints at future plans for the YouTube channel, featuring business insights and cocktail creations. Join Carl on his new entrepreneurial journey, blending wine, cocktails, and retail success.

]]> Carl reveals his latest venture into owning a wine shop, EJ's Wine Shop in Dubuque. He discusses the unexpected journey from cocktail enthusiast to wine shop owner, detailing the shop's unique offerings, including organic and imported wines, and the recent addition of a full liquor license. 

Carl shares his excitement about the new business, the extended opening hours, and his learning experiences. He also hints at future plans for the YouTube channel, featuring business insights and cocktail creations. Join Carl on his new entrepreneurial journey, blending wine, cocktails, and retail success.

]]> Thu, 05 Sep 2024 09:19:13 -0500 Man Down Media Man Down Media 497 Carl reveals his latest venture into owning a wine shop, EJ's Wine Shop in Dubuque. He discusses the unexpected journey from cocktail enthusiast to wine shop owner, detailing the shop's unique offerings, including organic and imported wines, and the recent addition of a full liquor license. 

Carl shares his excitement about the new business, the extended opening hours, and his learning experiences. He also hints at future plans for the YouTube channel, featuring business insights and cocktail creations. Join Carl on his new entrepreneurial journey, blending wine, cocktails, and retail success.

]]> bartending, cocktails, mixology Yes Bartending Hacks: How to Prevent Body Wear and Tear 5 5 Bartending Hacks: How to Prevent Body Wear and Tear full 171fba0f-80ed-4e77-a5c4-5b26e4a256f1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9f394aab Carl discusses the importance of keeping your body healthy as a bartender. He shares advice from fellow bartender Eric Castro about using both hands to prevent strain and improve technique. Carl emphasizes the need for bartenders to prioritize their physical well-being to have a long and successful career. By practicing using both hands, bartenders can also increase their speed and efficiency. Tune in to learn valuable tips for maintaining your body in the demanding field of bartending.

]]> Carl discusses the importance of keeping your body healthy as a bartender. He shares advice from fellow bartender Eric Castro about using both hands to prevent strain and improve technique. Carl emphasizes the need for bartenders to prioritize their physical well-being to have a long and successful career. By practicing using both hands, bartenders can also increase their speed and efficiency. Tune in to learn valuable tips for maintaining your body in the demanding field of bartending.

]]> Tue, 02 Apr 2024 09:31:00 -0500 Man Down Media Man Down Media 341 Carl discusses the importance of keeping your body healthy as a bartender. He shares advice from fellow bartender Eric Castro about using both hands to prevent strain and improve technique. Carl emphasizes the need for bartenders to prioritize their physical well-being to have a long and successful career. By practicing using both hands, bartenders can also increase their speed and efficiency. Tune in to learn valuable tips for maintaining your body in the demanding field of bartending.

]]> bartending, cocktails, mixology No Creating Cocktails for a Fundraiser Competition 4 4 Creating Cocktails for a Fundraiser Competition full 43bdbaf2-ad9a-483e-a6e6-e467796ec5d9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8c0e0cc4 Join Carl as he prepares for the Martini Shakeoff, a fundraising event in Dubuque, Iowa. He shares his creative process for crafting four unique cocktails based on the Kentucky Derby theme. 

Carl incorporates innovative techniques and flavors to impress the judges, from deconstructed espresso martinis to elevated mint juleps. Discover how he weaves the theme throughout each drink, creating a cohesive and winning competition entry. 

Get inspired by Carl's approach to mixology and learn how to create standout cocktails for any occasion.

]]> Join Carl as he prepares for the Martini Shakeoff, a fundraising event in Dubuque, Iowa. He shares his creative process for crafting four unique cocktails based on the Kentucky Derby theme. 

Carl incorporates innovative techniques and flavors to impress the judges, from deconstructed espresso martinis to elevated mint juleps. Discover how he weaves the theme throughout each drink, creating a cohesive and winning competition entry. 

Get inspired by Carl's approach to mixology and learn how to create standout cocktails for any occasion.

]]> Fri, 15 Mar 2024 10:30:48 -0500 Man Down Media Man Down Media 313 Join Carl as he prepares for the Martini Shakeoff, a fundraising event in Dubuque, Iowa. He shares his creative process for crafting four unique cocktails based on the Kentucky Derby theme. 

Carl incorporates innovative techniques and flavors to impress the judges, from deconstructed espresso martinis to elevated mint juleps. Discover how he weaves the theme throughout each drink, creating a cohesive and winning competition entry. 

Get inspired by Carl's approach to mixology and learn how to create standout cocktails for any occasion.

]]> bartending, cocktails, mixology Yes The Milk Washing Cocktail Dilemma: How to Save Time and Money 3 3 The Milk Washing Cocktail Dilemma: How to Save Time and Money full b76f9fb5-4ffe-49a6-ad6d-9bb5e1d7e8b9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2c8fef19 Carl discusses the time-consuming process of milk-washing cocktails on a large scale and seeks a more efficient method. After receiving suggestions from viewers, he plans to try using a brew bag and nut milk bag to streamline the process. In the following video, he will demonstrate the new method with a one-gallon cocktail. Carl aims to optimize processes for future bartenders and continue creating videos for his audience.

]]> Carl discusses the time-consuming process of milk-washing cocktails on a large scale and seeks a more efficient method. After receiving suggestions from viewers, he plans to try using a brew bag and nut milk bag to streamline the process. In the following video, he will demonstrate the new method with a one-gallon cocktail. Carl aims to optimize processes for future bartenders and continue creating videos for his audience.

]]> Thu, 15 Feb 2024 06:59:28 -0600 Man Down Media Man Down Media 195 Carl discusses the time-consuming process of milk-washing cocktails on a large scale and seeks a more efficient method. After receiving suggestions from viewers, he plans to try using a brew bag and nut milk bag to streamline the process. In the following video, he will demonstrate the new method with a one-gallon cocktail. Carl aims to optimize processes for future bartenders and continue creating videos for his audience.

]]> bartending, cocktails, mixology Yes I am Changing Our Brand 2 2 I am Changing Our Brand full 95ae9efc-dbc1-48e4-bd3f-074cb989d088 https://share.transistor.fm/s/837d346e In this episode, Carl announces a shift in his channel's focus to theory-based cocktail content and the science of mixology, along with a rebranding to "Carl Busch." 

He addresses his wife Riley's reduced appearance due to scheduling, assures the strength of their marriage, and invites feedback on these changes, teasing an upcoming video about double shaking.

]]> In this episode, Carl announces a shift in his channel's focus to theory-based cocktail content and the science of mixology, along with a rebranding to "Carl Busch." 

He addresses his wife Riley's reduced appearance due to scheduling, assures the strength of their marriage, and invites feedback on these changes, teasing an upcoming video about double shaking.

]]> Fri, 26 Jan 2024 17:54:20 -0600 Man Down Media Man Down Media 262 In this episode, Carl announces a shift in his channel's focus to theory-based cocktail content and the science of mixology, along with a rebranding to "Carl Busch." 

He addresses his wife Riley's reduced appearance due to scheduling, assures the strength of their marriage, and invites feedback on these changes, teasing an upcoming video about double shaking.

]]> bartending, cocktails, mixology Yes Mixology Experiments: Challenging the Dry Shake 1 1 Mixology Experiments: Challenging the Dry Shake full ffa29f6a-2e47-4e57-ae7a-6bc367410204 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8464e86c In this episode of Alchemix Bar Diaries, Carl discusses his thoughts on cocktail-making techniques and the use of egg whites in cocktails. He questions the traditional method of double shaking and explores his own approach of shaking with ice for 20 seconds. Carl believes that the ice can help emulsify the egg white and create a velvety mouthfeel in the cocktail. He plans to continue experimenting with this technique and compares the results with a traditional dry shake in a future video.

]]> In this episode of Alchemix Bar Diaries, Carl discusses his thoughts on cocktail-making techniques and the use of egg whites in cocktails. He questions the traditional method of double shaking and explores his own approach of shaking with ice for 20 seconds. Carl believes that the ice can help emulsify the egg white and create a velvety mouthfeel in the cocktail. He plans to continue experimenting with this technique and compares the results with a traditional dry shake in a future video.

]]> Tue, 09 Jan 2024 20:32:46 -0600 Man Down Media Man Down Media 432 In this episode of Alchemix Bar Diaries, Carl discusses his thoughts on cocktail-making techniques and the use of egg whites in cocktails. He questions the traditional method of double shaking and explores his own approach of shaking with ice for 20 seconds. Carl believes that the ice can help emulsify the egg white and create a velvety mouthfeel in the cocktail. He plans to continue experimenting with this technique and compares the results with a traditional dry shake in a future video.

]]> dry shaking, cocktails, craft cocktails Yes