About the Show
The Spirited Advocate Podcast brings together leaders in the distilled spirits industry to discuss pressing issues of the day. The spirits industry is comprised of so much more than alcohol producers– its farmers, manufacturers, distillers and more here in the U.S. and around the globe. Host Chris Swonger and his guests explore it all while enjoying their favorite cocktail or distilled spirit.
Interested in being a guest on the show? Email us at [email protected].
About the Host
With over 25 years of experience in the public and private sector, representing elected officials and three diverse, global consumer goods companies, Chris Swonger has led integrated corporate affairs strategies with responsibility for public affairs, international government affairs, corporate reputation management, corporate communications, brand public relations, philanthropy, social responsibility policy and programming with distinction.
Chris serves as the President & CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States and Responsibility.org. DISCUS is the leading voice for distilled spirits in the U.S. market and serves as the industry’s advocate in state capitals, the nation’s capital and foreign capitals around the globe. Funded by leading distillers, Responsibility.org leads the fight to eliminate drunk driving and underage drinking and promotes responsible decision-making regarding beverage alcohol.
Spirited Advocate Podcast: Episode 4) Woody Harrelson, Martha Stewart and Barack Obama Walk Into a Bar
What do Woody Harrelson, Martha Stewart and Barack Obama all have in common? They’ve had a cocktail made for them by Derek Brown, owner of the Columbia Room which has won the award of Best American Cocktail Bar. Host Chris Swonger discusses what it’s like to make drinks for the famous as well as diving in to some of the more difficult challenges bars face with COVID-19.
Spirited Advocate Podcast: Episode 3) Spirits Perspective: Combating COVID-19
DISCUS President and CEO Chris Swonger discusses impacts of COVID-19 with Bob Dorfman, director of Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services. Specifically, Bob delves into the creative solutions his team has used to ensure business stay operational while protecting consumers and employees.
Spirited Advocate Podcast: Episode 2) Part Two: (American) Whiskey, Tariffs and COVID-19
DISCUS President and CEO Chris Swonger shares a drink with Amir Peay, owner of James E. Pepper distillery in Lexington, Kentucky. Peay sheds light on how tariffs are affecting U.S. businesses like his, while delving into the history that allowed him to revive the James E. Pepper brand.
Spirited Advocate Podcast: Episode 1) Part One: (Irish) Whiskey, Tariffs and COVID-19
In the first-ever Spirted Advocate Podcast episode, DISCUS President and CEO Chris Swonger shares a drink with William Lavelle, head of the Irish Whiskey Association. From tariffs to current concerns surrounding COVID-19, William brings an international perspective to topical issues facing the distilled spirits industry – and Irish Whiskey in particular.