Kelsey joins Sips & Secrets to talk about the everyday restaurant moments that drive servers absolutely crazy. From customers who don’t know what they ordered, to people who refuse to move when hot plates are burning your hands, to tables with zero awareness of the space around them — this episode is painfully relatable if you’ve ever worked in food service. We break down the unspoken rules customers never seem to understand, the stress servers deal with every shift, and the moments that test your patience more than anything else in the industry. If you’ve ever waited tables, bartended, hosted, or worked in a restaurant — this one’s for you. 🍸 New episodes of Sips & Secrets every week 📲 Like, comment, and subscribe for more real conversations Connect with Leticia Duarte: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sipssecrets.w.let Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sips.and.secrets/?igsh=dndrYTRyczU0bXNl# Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LeticiaDuartect Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28lCiWPFaDXSDEC1y5wHSp Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sips-secrets-with-leticia-duarte/id1828236650 Timestamps: 00:00 Restaurant Chaos Begins — Burnt Out, Busy, and Understaffed 00:25 After the Shift: Tip Pooling, Exhaustion & Real Talk 01:45 Small Restaurant Team, Big Takeout Rush 03:40 Large Parties, Steak Temps & Server Nightmares 05:00 Hot Plates, Crowded Tables & Rude Guests 07:41 The Most Annoying Customer Behaviors 09:45 Awkward Interactions With Young Customers 11:06 Creepy Customer Stories From the Floor 13:48 Getting Hit On While Working in a Restaurant 15:29 Accents, Identity & Navigating Cultural Spaces 19:09 Growing Up Mixed & Trying to Fit In 22:41 Old Tech vs New Tech — Phones, iPods & Durability Tests 27:02 Tech Nostalgia vs Modern Convenience 29:07 The Future of Tech & Social Media Addiction 32:43 Is the Metaverse the End of Smartphones? 35:46 How Technology Is Changing Social Skills 39:14 Isolation, Overstimulation & Social Media’s Dark Side 43:28 Cultural Differences, Communication & Family Values 47:45 The Reality of American Life — Hustle, Costs & Burnout 54:41 Hospital Bills, Medical Debt & Fighting Insurance 01:00:25 Why Health Insurance Is Broken for Young Workers 01:05:14 The American Dream vs Reality Abroad 01:09:27 Life Lessons You Only Learn Working in Restaurants 01:12:57 Restaurant Etiquette & What Guests Do Wrong 01:17:02 Mistakes, Hustle & Teamwork in Hospitality 01:22:23 Managing Chaos in a High-Stress Workplace 01:26:01 Why Strong Teams Matter in Restaurants 01:29:13 Sacrifices, Cash Tips & Surviving the Industry 01:32:17 Gratitude, Growth & Final Reflections

Owen joins Sips & Secrets to talk about the side of restaurant life that only people in the trenches understand. From trauma-bonding with coworkers because you’re basically going to war together every shift, to why managers and owners should never lead a restaurant unless they’ve actually worked the floor, Owen breaks down what really makes (or breaks) hospitality teams. We also dive into the future — with AI taking over industry after industry, is hospitality one of the last jobs that can’t be replaced? Or is change coming faster than anyone wants to admit? Raw, honest, and way too relatable for anyone who’s ever worked a double and questioned their life choices. Connect with Leticia Duarte: TikTok:   / sipssecrets.w.let   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sips.and.se... Watch on YouTube:    / @leticiaduartect   Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28lCiWP... Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Timestamps: 00:00 Restaurant Life & Staff Bonds 05:00 Crazy Nights & Chain Reactions 10:00 Restaurant Stress & Keeping Cool 15:00 Staff Dynamics, Managers & Trauma Bonding 20:00 Front vs Back of House & Food Runners 25:00 Unique Customers & Handling Complaints 30:00 Dealing With Difficult Guests & Emotional Regulation 36:00 Work Friendships, Staff Chemistry & Bonds 41:00 First Day Stories & Restaurant Workplace Culture 46:00 Restaurant Chains & Menu Mastering 52:00 Serving Experiences & Favorite Menu Items 58:00 Restaurant Hours, Burnout & Social Battery 01:03:00 Time Management, Life Balance & Fast Money 01:08:00 Lessons from Managing & Restaurant Growth 01:15:00 Life Skills, Early Adulting & Growth Paths 01:21:00 The Impact of Social Media & Divided Society 01:28:00 Restaurant Tech, AI & Hospitality Future 01:37:00 Solo Dining & Generational Differences 01:44:00 Work, Housing & Economic Challenges 01:49:00 Final Thoughts on Humanity & Optimism #SipsAndSecrets#RestaurantLife#HospitalityIndustry#ServiceIndustry#RestaurantWorkers#BehindTheBar#InTheWeeds#WorkTrauma#TraumaBond#ShiftLife#CoworkerStories#BurnoutCulture#AITakeover#FutureOfWork#CanAIReplaceUs

In this episode of Sips & Secrets, Tonya sits down with us to reveal the real side of bartending that nobody warns you about. We talk about: 💋 Why you always have to pay more attention to the woman when serving a couple ✈️ How travel bartending can feel easier because you don’t have to “learn” people 🔐 Why you need an “in” to get the better, higher-earning bartending jobs 🔥 How bartending saved her life after she got out of prison Tonya gets honest about rebuilding her life, navigating the politics of the hospitality world, and finding stability again behind the bar. If you work in the restaurant industry—or you love hearing raw, unfiltered stories—you’re going to feel this one. 🎙️ Welcome to Sips & Secrets: real hospitality stories, wild shifts, and the people who survive them. Connect with Leticia Duarte: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sipssecrets.w.let Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sips.and.secrets/?igsh=dndrYTRyczU0bXNl# Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LeticiaDuartect Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28lCiWPFaDXSDEC1y5wHSp Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sips-secrets-with-leticia-duarte/id1828236650

In this episode of Sips & Secrets, Angela and I break down why bartending is truly one of the best jobs in the hospitality industry — from making great money, having flexible hours, and being yourself behind the bar, to working with your best friends and building real community. If you’re curious about bartender life, how much bartenders make, why people love working in the restaurant industry, or you just want insider stories from two seasoned bartenders… this episode is for you. #BartenderLife #ServiceIndustry #HospitalityIndustry #Bartending101 #RestaurantLife #NightlifeCulture #SipsAndSecrets #BarLife Connect with Leticia Duarte: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sipssecrets.w.let Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sips.and.secrets/?igsh=dndrYTRyczU0bXNl# Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LeticiaDuartect Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28lCiWPFaDXSDEC1y5wHSp Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sips-secrets-with-leticia-duarte/id1828236650 Timestamps: 00:00 Bar Banter & Fun Workplace Vibes 00:25 Florida Life & Cold Weather Stories 01:18 Moving, Family, and Chasing Warmth 02:14 Beach Culture vs. Cold Weather 02:53 Working Out and Gym Stories 04:44 Fitness Routine & Life After Prison 05:56 Travel Plans & Making the Most of Vacay 06:38 Life Stories: Growing Up, Jobs, and Family 09:52 Work Ethic & Generational Differences 12:18 Restaurant Industry Growth & Bartending 15:59 Bartending Perks and Flexible Lifestyle 18:25 Craft Cocktails & Bartending Preferences 21:44 Bartender-Customer Relationships & Stories 24:53 Friendships, Networking, and Meeting People 27:17 Plans for the Future & Growing Businesses 31:04 Bartending with Family and Raising Kids 35:15 Bar Team Vibes & Energy Behind the Bar 39:00 Dealing with Guests: The Reality of Bartending 45:29 Going Out Scene in Connecticut & NYC Plans 46:12 Relationships, Third Wheeling & Single Life 47:44 Social Media, Business, and Life Balance 51:00 Adjusting to Social Media & Privacy 55:56 The Importance of Balance in Life 57:54 Wrap Up & Appreciation

If you’ve ever worked in a restaurant or behind a bar, this episode is going to hit home. On Sips & Secrets, we dive into what really happens when you’re dealing with bad tippers, impossible customers, chaotic shifts, and the emotional rollercoaster of working in the service industry. We talk about crying in the walk-in, smelling like food after every shift, how your mood affects your tips, and the toll bartending can take on your personal life. We also get into the heartbreak of leaving a job you loved after building close relationships with coworkers and regulars, the frustration of parents who don’t watch their kids, customers who leave tables destroyed, and why oversharing is practically a language in the restaurant world. If you love honest conversations about the service industry, mental health, burnout, and the reality of customer service, this episode is packed with stories and moments every restaurant worker will relate to. #ServiceIndustry #RestaurantLife #BartenderLife #BadTippers #SipsAndSecrets #HospitalityLife #ServerProblems #restaurantstories Connect with Leticia Duarte: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sipssecrets.w.let Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sips.and.secrets/?igsh=dndrYTRyczU0bXNl# Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LeticiaDuartect Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28lCiWPFaDXSDEC1y5wHSp Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sips-secrets-with-leticia-duarte/id1828236650 Timestamps: 00:00 – Hilarious Work Stories to Kick Things Off 00:26 – How Their Relationship Started: Dating & Early Chemistry 01:50 – Family Life, Compatibility & Finding the Right Partner 03:53 – Jobs, School & Figuring Out Career Goals 04:40 – Customer Service: The Highs, Lows & Daily Stress 06:38 – Small Restaurant Dynamics & Workplace Drama 10:11 – Funny Restaurant Moments & Unforgettable Incidents 13:01 – Vacations, Travel Stories & Dream Destinations 19:32 – Family Abroad: Local Stays vs. Resort Life 25:39 – Travel Seasons, Hot Weather & Summer Chaos 33:52 – Sleeping Habits, Nighttime Anxiety & Overthinking 37:08 – Post-Shift Decompression & Social Life Balance 41:27 – Bartender vs. Server: Pros, Cons & Real Stress Levels 47:49 – Customer Interactions, Etiquette & Pet Peeves 51:52 – Restaurant Expectations, Table Manners & Respect 57:10 – KIDS in Restaurants: Mayhem, Parenting & Chaos 01:05:29 – “Birth Control by Restaurant Work”: More Kid Stories 01:11:12 – Being an Aunt, Family Adventures & Kids Growing Up 01:17:22 – Childhood Memories, Guilt & Growing Up Fast 01:25:26 – Strict Parents, Secrets & Cultural Family Traditions 01:31:01 – Parenting Styles, Culture & Changing Expectations 01:36:00 – Weddings, Big Families & Event Planning Stress 01:37:33 – Final Thoughts: Gratitude, Stories & Laughs to End the Night

In this episode of Sips & Secrets, we get real about what it’s like growing up as the boss’s daughter, learning the restaurant business from the ground up, and finding confidence in showing your personality at every table. From juggling ADHD and chaotic shifts to building genuine connections with customers and coworkers, this conversation dives into the heart of hospitality, passion, patience, and purpose. It’s a reminder that loving what you do matters, and that every story, every service, and every shift teaches you something new about yourself. If you’ve ever worked in a restaurant, dealt with judgment, or just wanted to find your own rhythm in the chaos — this one’s for you. Grab your drink and join the conversation. 🍷 Connect with Leticia Duarte: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sipssecrets.w.let Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sips.and.secrets/?igsh=dndrYTRyczU0bXNl# Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LeticiaDuartect Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28lCiWPFaDXSDEC1y5wHSp Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sips-secrets-with-leticia-duarte/id1828236650 Timestamps: 00:00 Restaurant Roots & Growing Up in the Business 03:27 Behind the Bar: Cocktails, Conversations & Customer Chaos 07:15 ADHD, Health Struggles & Doctor Stories from the Grind 10:22 Beyond the Job: Therapy, Passion & Purpose 13:30 Serving With Personality: Mastering the Table Game 16:00 Restaurant Life Unfiltered: Fast Food to Fine Dining 20:00 Running a Restaurant at 18 — Leadership Lessons Early On 24:24 The Truth About Restaurant Friendships & Team Bonds 31:00 Tech at the Table: Handhelds, Tablets & Modern Service 36:21 From Host to Line Cook — Learning Every Role 41:32 Making an Impact: Inspiring Others Through Service 46:09 Burnout, Team Support & the Restaurant Rush 54:41 Closing Time Stories: Wild Shifts, Tips & Chaos 01:02:20 Tipping Culture & Staff Dynamics — What Really Happens 01:10:17 Small World Moments: Restaurant Connections & Community 01:16:30 Craziest Shifts Ever: Accidents, Commuting & Babysitting Tales 01:24:01 Love, Flirtation & Restaurant Romance — Reality vs. Love Island 01:27:29 Final Sips & Secrets — Lessons From the Industry

In this episode of Sips & Secrets, we dive into the reality of bartending, bar culture, and drinking — and how easy it is for alcohol to go from “part of the job” to something that takes over your life. We talk about how bartenders often become therapists for customers, taking on emotional weight night after night while trying to keep it together themselves. From crazy customer stories to the pressure to drink during shifts, to how addiction can sneak up slowly, this conversation gets real. If you’ve ever worked in a bar, restaurant, club, or nightlife — you know there’s a side people don’t talk about. Connect with Leticia Duarte: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sipssecrets.w.let Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sips.and.secrets/?igsh=dndrYTRyczU0bXNl# Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LeticiaDuartect Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28lCiWPFaDXSDEC1y5wHSp Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sips-secrets-with-leticia-duarte/id1828236650 Timestamps: 00:00 How “Bar Stories” Started — The Real Reason Behind the Podcast 01:00 Naming the Show & The Early Days of Recording on a Shoestring 03:00 Life in the Restaurant Industry — What People Don’t See 05:00 Burnout Behind the Bar — When the Fun Stops Being Fun 09:00 Being a Bartender = Therapist (The Stuff People Confess at Last Call) 12:00 Wild Nights, Hookups, Fights & Secrets That Never Made Instagram 17:00 Leveling Up: From Bartender to Managing & Beer Sales 21:00 Beer Sales Isn’t What You Think — Trends, Snobs & Industry BS 25:00 Cocktail Culture Exposed — Tricks, Flexes & Glassware Drama 30:00 Bar Disasters: Broken Glass, Raw Eggs & Customer Pet Peeves 34:00 Unpopular Opinions: Cocktail Hot Takes & Drink Rants 38:00 Sobriety in Bar Culture — The Hardest Conversation No One Has 43:00 Cash Tips, Bar Math & The Penny Stories You Won’t Believe 45:00 Best Bars We’ve Ever Worked In (And Ones We’d Never Go Back To) 48:00 Signature Drinks, Bar Rituals & Why Glassware REALLY Matters 49:00 Closing Thoughts — What We Learned & What’s Next

This week on Sips & Secrets by Leticia Duarte, we’re joined by Bobby Solez for a wild, unfiltered dive into the chaos of the hospitality world. 🍸 From getting arrested on the job to chasing dreams while surviving restaurant life, Bobby opens up about the real grind behind the glam — long nights, big risks, and the small wins that keep you going. We talk about what it’s like to work in this industry while trying to build something bigger, keeping your circle tight, and staying grounded when life throws you curveballs. If you’ve ever worked in a restaurant, bartended your way through your dreams, or just love hearing real stories from the trenches of hospitality — this one’s for you. #SipsAndSecrets #LeticiaDuarte #BobbySolez #RestaurantLife #HospitalityIndustry #RestaurantStories #RestaurantPodcast #ToxicWorkplace #BartenderLife #ServerLife #RestaurantCulture #HospitalityTea #RealTalk #ChasingDreams #BehindTheScenes Connect with Leticia Duarte: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sipssecrets.w.let Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sips.and.secrets/?igsh=dndrYTRyczU0bXNl# Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LeticiaDuartect Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28lCiWPFaDXSDEC1y5wHSp Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sips-secrets-with-leticia-duarte/id1828236650 Timestamps: 00:00 The Podcast Setup Went Sideways 😂 02:30 How We First Started Recording Content 05:30 Decorating on a Budget (Yes… Hobby Lobby) 09:00 Living With Roommates & The Legendary Water Wars 12:00 How Our Paths Crossed 15:30 The Love Story: How He Met & Married Britney ❤️ 21:00 Building a Content & Media Career from Scratch 25:00 Dealing With Hate, Support, and Internet Opinions 31:00 Cutting People Off & Protecting Your Peace 35:30 Wild Stories from Working in Restaurants 40:30 The Hustle: Money, Maturity & Growing Up Fast 46:00 Arrested?! The Craziest Restaurant Night Ever 53:00 Handling Criticism, Reviews & Public Pressure 58:30 Who’s Actually Running the Restaurant? (Pizza Skills Included) 01:01:00 Life in Danbury & Dream Places We’d Rather Be 01:04:00 Real Talk: Business, Podcasts & Enjoying Life 01:06:00 Sips & Secrets 🍸 — Storytime Gets Spicy 01:09:00 Final Thoughts & What’s Next

In this episode, we dive into manipulation, misconduct, and the price of speaking up — the uncomfortable realities that so many face in the restaurant industry and beyond. From bosses who abuse their power to the fear of being labeled “difficult” just for standing your ground, Leticia shares the emotional toll that comes with staying honest in environments built on control. This one’s for anyone who’s ever felt silenced, taken advantage of, or punished for doing the right thing. Because your story — and your voice — still matter. What we’re sipping on: – Recognizing manipulation & toxic leadership – The fine line between loyalty and exploitation – Speaking up in the workplace (and what it can cost you) – Rebuilding your confidence after misconduct – Turning pain into purpose #RestaurantIndustry #HospitalityLife #ToxicWorkplace #Manipulation #Misconduct #SpeakingUp #RestaurantPodcast #WorkplaceDrama #RestaurantStories #RestaurantCulture #RealTalk #WorkplaceTruths Where to find G! Instagram: @GabrielleCacciola TikTok: @Gabriellesworld.com Connect with Leticia Duarte: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sipssecrets.w.let Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sips.and.secrets/?igsh=dndrYTRyczU0bXNl# Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LeticiaDuartect Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28lCiWPFaDXSDEC1y5wHSp Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sips-secrets-with-leticia-duarte/id1828236650 Timestamps: 00:00 Gabriella’s Story Begins: Toxic Restaurant Secrets Exposed 03:00 First Restaurant Jobs: Red Flags & Early Exploitation 10:00 Tip Pooling Scandals & Workplace Manipulation 16:00 Standing Up to Harassment in the Hospitality Industry 22:00 Abuse, Power Dynamics & Zero Accountability 28:00 Therapy, Healing & When Abusers Try to Apologize 33:00 Finding Strength: Martial Arts, Mental Health & Recovery 40:00 Blue Hair, Identity & Building a Brand Through Truth 46:00 From Trauma to Purpose: Speaking Out & Inspiring Others 49:00 Final Reflections, Advice & Where to Follow Gabriella

This episode dives into miserable guests, broken boundaries, and the unfiltered reality of working in restaurants. From toxic bosses and jealous coworkers to the emotional burnout no one talks about, Leticia breaks down the side of hospitality most people never see. If you’ve ever worked in the industry or wondered what really goes on behind the scenes, grab a drink and settle in — it’s time for some real talk. 👀 What we’re sipping on: – Miserable guests & customer entitlement – Setting boundaries in toxic environments – Pretty privilege & personality clashes – The burnout cycle of restaurant life – Why so many finally walk away 🎙️ Sips & Secrets is your weekly dose of honesty, humor, and hospitality — shaken, not stirred. #SipsAndSecrets #LeticiaDuarte #RestaurantIndustry #HospitalityLife #ServiceIndustry #RestaurantStories #RestaurantPodcast #WorkingInRestaurants #ToxicWorkplace #RestaurantCulture Connect with Leticia Duarte: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sipssecrets.w.let Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sips.and.secrets/?igsh=dndrYTRyczU0bXNl# Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LeticiaDuartect Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28lCiWPFaDXSDEC1y5wHSp Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sips-secrets-with-leticia-duarte/id1828236650 Timestamps: 00:00 Surviving the Restaurant Industry: Truth You Don’t See 03:30 Roommates, Moving Out & Being Forced to Grow Up 06:10 College Life, Identity Shifts & Starting Fresh 09:40 From Host to Server: Climbing the Restaurant Ladder 13:00 Restaurant Hazing, Proving Yourself & Jealous Co-Workers 17:20 Getting Blamed, Bad Reviews & When Customers Turn Brutal 23:00 Drama, Politics & Who Actually Takes the Fall 28:40 Tipping Reality: Servers vs. Support Staff 34:00 Corporate Jobs vs. Restaurant Life: Mental Toll Comparison 39:30 Gossip, Cliques & Surviving Toxic Work Dynamics 43:10 The Physical Burnout No One Talks About 49:00 Chronic Pain, Stress & Working Through Exhaustion 53:50 The Pressure to Be Perfect: Health, Panic & Burnout 57:50 Instagram Life vs. Reality: Why Our Generation Is Struggling 01:02:50 Resilience, Family Expectations & Becoming Independent 01:05:50 Final Thoughts & Clinking the Glass One Last Time

Leticia sits down with Matty Ice for a wild Sips & Secrets episode packed with restaurant drama, mean bosses, and crazy ex-girlfriend stories. From nightmare shifts and toxic managers to dating disasters that sound too wild to be true — nothing is off-limits in this hilarious, unfiltered conversation. #SipsAndSecrets #IanBick #OnlyFansStories #CrazyEx #DatingIn2025 #TippingCulture #PodcastClips #RelationshipTalk Connect with Leticia Duarte: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sipssecrets.w.let Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sips.and.secrets/?igsh=dndrYTRyczU0bXNl# Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LeticiaDuartect Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28lCiWPFaDXSDEC1y5wHSp Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sips-secrets-with-leticia-duarte/id1828236650 Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Sips & Secrets: Chaos Begins 01:17 Matty’s Nerves & Leticia’s First Impressions 02:39 Signature Drinks, Allergies & Bar Confessions 04:08 Hangovers, Shots & Wild Nights 05:41 Birthday Plans & Vegas Madness 06:50 Vegas, Hookers & Business Write-Offs?! 07:58 Strippers vs. OnlyFans Debate 08:43 OnlyFans Secrets & Behind-the-Scenes Stories 09:34 Ian’s OnlyFans Hustle Gets Exposed 10:34 Selling Pics Online & Internet Weirdos 12:03 Double Standards, Bar Hookups & Drama 14:00 Bartender Adventures & Nightlife Tales 18:19 Drinking Culture & Growing Out of the Party Life 21:15 Hometown Struggles & Small-Town Vibes 25:00 Living at Home: Broke or Smart Move? 28:27 Childhood Memories & Strict Parenting 33:38 Breaking Rules & Crazy Teenage Years 38:43 Lessons Learned from Growing Up Wild 41:12 Ian’s OCD & Relationship Dynamics 43:32 Travel Chaos & Pet Peeves 45:12 Friend Group Personalities & Clashing Opinions 47:11 Restaurant Horror Stories & Mean Bosses 51:46 Why Restaurant Workers Deserve Medals 55:37 Tipping Culture in 2025: What’s Right? 01:00:52 Good Service vs Bad Customers 01:03:39 Restaurant Etiquette: What NOT to Do 01:06:08 Tough Love vs. Gentle Management Styles 01:10:03 Why Great Service Builds Great Restaurants 01:12:00 Final Shots, Laughs & Shoutouts

Working at Crumbl Cookies isn’t what you think… On this episode of Sips & Secrets we dive into everything from behind-the-scenes jobs to the never-ending battle of Instagram Reels vs TikTok’s For You Page, and why so many people now treat TikTok as the new Google. We break down the reality of Crumbl prep (yes, it takes seven hours), talk about how coworkers become family and why that makes leaving harder, and share why high schoolers are some of the worst coworkers you’ll ever have. We also get into social media creativity, comparing the freedom of working in a coffee shop versus a restaurant, and why having a consistent schedule is so important in the food industry. And of course, we couldn’t resist debating whether matcha really just tastes like grass. If you’re into funny work stories, social media trends, and real-life conversations, this episode is packed with honesty, laughs, and secrets you won’t hear anywhere else. #TikTokVsInstagram #ChatGPT #CrumblCookies #SocialMediaTrends #PodcastClips #SipsAndSecrets #AIChatbot #behindthescenesstories Connect with Leticia Duarte: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sipssecrets.w.let Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sips.and.secrets/?igsh=dndrYTRyczU0bXNl# Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LeticiaDuartect Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28lCiWPFaDXSDEC1y5wHSp Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sips-secrets-with-leticia-duarte/id1828236650 Timestamps: 00:00 – AI, TikTok & the Doomscroll Spiral 03:00 – Screen Time Addicts, Memes & Trend Culture 05:10 – Life in the Industry & Crazy Schedules 07:00 – Rum Cocktails & Bartender Confessions 09:00 – Wild Bar Stories & Sleeping on the Job 11:00 – Work Friends That Turn Into Family 13:00 – Crumbl Cookies, Baking & Staff Bonding 16:00 – Open Kitchens, Scratch Baking & Nightmare Customers 20:00 – Small Town Life: Local Hotspots & Big Changes 22:00 – Nostalgia Trip: MySpace, Facebook & Early Insta 25:00 – Creative Freedom vs Retail Rules 28:00 – Restaurant Rookies & Customer Fails 31:00 – Barista Artistry & Donut Designs 34:00 – Social Media Recipes That Actually Work 37:00 – AI Anxiety, Tech Rants & ChatGPT Chaos 40:00 – Weird Pet Peeves & Inanimate Object Rage 43:00 – High School Coworkers & Workplace Struggles 46:00 – Group Chats, Instigators & Workplace Drama 49:00 – Bakery Dreams & Weed-Infused Treats 52:00 – Early Mornings, Sleepless Nights & Shift Struggles 55:00 – Partners, Artistic Couples & Paint Night Stories 58:00 – Staff Turnover & Finding Family at Work 01:01:00 – Old Chat Apps & Online Dating Disasters 01:04:00 – Dating Profile Red Flags Exposed 01:06:00 – Vine, Musical.ly & Viral Internet Culture 01:09:00 – Tattoo Life: DIY Ink & Wild Stories 01:13:00 – Piercings, Hair Dye & Owning Your Identity 01:15:00 – Goodbye Laughs, Door Knobs & Last Secrets

This week on Sips & Secrets, we sit down with Mya for a hilarious, heartfelt conversation you won’t want to miss. She opens up about what it’s like serving tables while being a young mom, shares her take on the perfect first date, and we dive into how working in restaurants can turn your coworkers into a second family. #SipsAndSecrets #RestaurantLife #YoungMomLife #PerfectFirstDate #ServerLife #RestaurantStories #DatingTalk #PodcastForWomen Connect with Leticia Duarte: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sipssecrets.w.let Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sips.and.secrets/?igsh=dndrYTRyczU0bXNl# Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LeticiaDuartect Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28lCiWPFaDXSDEC1y5wHSp Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sips-secrets-with-leticia-duarte/id1828236650 Timestamps: 00:00 Awkward First Dates & Hilarious High School Stories 02:28 Family Moves, Basement Hangouts & House Parties 04:49 Pregnancy, Moving Out & Parents’ Reactions 09:07 Sibling Drama, Traditions & Growing Up Together 12:14 Working Two Jobs & Juggling Young Motherhood 19:10 Getting Back to Work & Life at Pipas 22:08 Why Restaurant Culture Matters & Keeps People Coming Back 25:24 Menu Debates, Wing Wars & Customer Favorites 27:41 Restaurant Life: Regulars, First Dates & All the Drama 37:32 Growing Up in Danbury & Accidentally Becoming TikTok Famous 41:22 Friendships, Family Bonds & Drifting Apart 50:15 Politics, Cancel Culture & Navigating Growing Up 53:53 Twitter Fingers, Bar Gossip & Petty Confessions 56:31 Chasing Dreams, Paying Bills & The Temptation of Fast Money 01:00:09 Restaurant Deals, Community Life & Pipas Stories 01:03:44 Closing Thoughts, Life Lessons & Birthday Vibes

This week on Sips & Secrets, Leticia and Luana pour a drink and dive into some wild and hilarious conversations. They debate why Libras might secretly be the best (or the most trouble), share their worst tattoo stories, and talk about what happens when couples argue in public. Plus, they get into men vs. women tattoo artists, and reveal the absolute worst spot on the body to get inked. This episode is unfiltered, funny, and the perfect mix of laughs and real talk. #SipsAndSecrets #PodcastClips #TattooStories #RelationshipTalk #CouplesDebate #ZodiacSigns #FunnyPodcast #UnfilteredConversations Connect with Leticia Duarte: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sipssecrets.w.let Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sips.and.secrets/?igsh=dndrYTRyczU0bXNl# Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LeticiaDuartect Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28lCiWPFaDXSDEC1y5wHSp Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sips-secrets-with-leticia-duarte/id1828236650 Timestamps: 00:00 Tattoo Shop Stories & Partner Drama 03:40 Indecisiveness & Libra Season 06:40 Tattoo Experiences: The Good, Bad & Awkward 14:30 Customer Service & Tattoo Industry Insights 23:10 Tattoo Pain, Preferences & Numbing Cream Confessions 31:50 Tattoo Design Process & Client Relationships 39:50 Service Industry Training & Restaurant Pet Peeves 48:50 Social Media, Growth, and Hustle Culture 56:30 Problem Solving at Work & Party Fails 01:03:30 Friendship, Family, and Nostalgia 01:08:20 Relationships, Growth, and Choosing Yourself 01:21:05 Love, Standards, and Finding the Right Person 01:33:05 Growing Up, Reflection, and 25-Year Milestones 01:39:00 Emotions, Parties, and Closing Reflections

On this episode of Sips and Secrets, we dive into how restaurant culture has shifted over the years. From a wild story about a bar tab that wasn’t paid and spiraled into a full-on brawl, to how social media spreads propaganda, and the madness of dealing with internet trolls — nothing is off limits #SipsAndSecrets #RestaurantStories #BarTabBrawl #SocialMediaTruth #InternetTrolls #PodcastClips #BehindTheScenesStories #UnfilteredPodcast Connect with Leticia Duarte: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sipssecrets.w.let Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sips.and.secrets/?igsh=dndrYTRyczU0bXNl# Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LeticiaDuartect Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28lCiWPFaDXSDEC1y5wHSp Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sips-secrets-with-leticia-duarte/id1828236650 Timestamps: 00:00 Intro & Setting the Scene 01:12 Podcast Vibes: Changes, ADHD, and Distractions 03:00 Getting Comfortable on Camera 05:02 Today’s Drinks & Bartender Banter 08:00 Behind-the-Scenes Bar Staff Dynamics 12:00 Social Media, Hate Comments & Cyber Bullying 18:00 Connecticut Towns, County Vibes & Living Situations 23:00 Danbury’s Development and Restaurant Scene 29:00 Changing Restaurant Culture & Clientele 35:00 Auditioning, Industry Evolution & Pandemic Impact 41:00 Career Bartenders: Burnout & Emotional Labor 48:00 Bar Fights, Unsafe Moments & Wild Stories 55:00 Customers, Entitlement & Negative Reviews 01:00:00 Working Styles, Beef & Social Dynamics 01:07:00 Restaurant vs. Corporate America: Gossip & HR 01:15:00 Best Restaurants in Connecticut & Personal Favorites 01:20:00 Friendships, Cliques & Bar Culture 01:25:00 Staff Chemistry, Parties & Closing Thoughts

Ian Bick—yes, Leticia’s boyfriend and host of Locked In—pulls up a chair on Sips & Secrets to spill hilarious and painfully real stories from the service industry. From the never-ending women vs. men bathroom debate, Karens clogging the deli line, and customers pranking staff, to the most embarrassing on-shift moments, rap stars acting like divas, getting banned from hotels, and the truth behind watering down drinks, this episode is pure behind-the-bar chaos. If you love restaurant confessions, bartender/servers’ war stories, and unfiltered hospitality life, you’re in the right place. #ianbick #RestaurantLife #ServiceIndustry #BartenderLife #ServerLife #CustomerService #KarenStories #ComedyPodcast Connect with Leticia Duarte: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sipssecrets.w.let Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sips.and.secrets/?igsh=dndrYTRyczU0bXNl# Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LeticiaDuartect Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28lCiWPFaDXSDEC1y5wHSp Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sips-secrets-with-leticia-duarte/id1828236650 Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome & Podcast Beginnings 03:00 Getting Comfortable and Early Fame 05:40 Social Media Challenges & Consistency 09:10 The Power of Networking & How We Met 12:10 Bartending Mishaps & Learning the Trade 18:00 Running Venues: Highs, Lows, and Wild Stories 25:20 Retail and Restaurant Realities: Karens & Chaos 32:00 Support, Gossip, and Friendships in Tough Times 41:00 Awkward Moments & Mishaps in Service 47:00 Dating Disasters, Angel Shots & Bar Secrets 52:10 Bartender Tales: Gossip and Ethical Dilemmas 55:15 Balancing Work, Life, and Burnout in Hospitality 01:03:00 Managing People & Maturity as a Young Manager 01:08:00 Closing Thoughts & Gratitude

On this episode of Sips & Secrets, Leticia sits down with Gabby for a night of unfiltered stories, laughs, and of course… secrets. From cancel culture to cocktails, nothing is off limits. The two dive into the truth about country clubs and what really happens behind the scenes, why restaurants are the best place to network, and how servers can maximize their tips by building real relationships with customers. They also unpack the Tea app and what people are really saying, why men have it harder in today’s world, and reminisce about the OG social media sites we all used to love. And of course, no Sips & Secrets episode would be complete without drinks — including the correct way to make an espresso martini (yes, you’ve been doing it wrong). #SipsAndSecrets #CancelCulture #CountryClubSecrets #NetworkingTips #RestaurantLife #EspressoMartini #DatingTalk #UnfilteredPodcast Connect with Leticia Duarte: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sipssecrets.w.let Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sips.and.secrets/?igsh=dndrYTRyczU0bXNl# Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LeticiaDuartect Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28lCiWPFaDXSDEC1y5wHSp Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sips-secrets-with-leticia-duarte/id1828236650 Timestamps: 00:00 Getting Started & Country Club Stories 01:35 Podcast Nerves and Smooth Intros 04:07 Love Island Reunion Recap 12:22 Cancel Culture and Social Media 16:07 Cultural Differences: Brazilian vs. American Life 21:35 Working in Restaurants & Espresso Martinis 26:11 Country Club Secrets & Summer Shenanigans 33:39 Bar Life, Networking, and the Regulars 41:08 Teamwork in Service and Managing Co-workers 50:48 Work Culture, Drama, and Banter 57:00 Generations, Social Apps, and Childhood Differences 01:00:01 Restaurant Family, Group Chats, and Farewell

Tiffany joins the show to break down life behind the bar and in the restaurant industry. From the chaos of serving vs. bartending, to unforgettable shifts (the best and the absolute worst), to the kitchen drama that nobody sees — this episode is packed with raw stories and real talk from inside the hospitality world. #Bartending #RestaurantLife #KitchenDrama #ServingLife #BarStories #HospitalityIndustry #RestaurantCulture #BehindTheBar Connect with Leticia Duarte: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sipssecrets.w.let Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sips.and.secrets/?igsh=dndrYTRyczU0bXNl# Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LeticiaDuartect Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28lCiWPFaDXSDEC1y5wHSp Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sips-secrets-with-leticia-duarte/id1828236650 Timestamps: 00:00 Server vs. Bar Life Introductions 02:28 Tiffany Joins the Show 03:40 Lime Obsession & Citrus Chat 05:21 Bartending Vibes & Drink Crafting 10:23 Serving vs Bartending: Stress & Stories 13:31 First Restaurant Jobs & Learning the Ropes 18:33 Best and Worst Bar Shifts 24:28 Friendships, Family, and Work Stories 31:46 Tiff & Kais: Love, Work, and Transition 36:53 Bar vs. Service Dynamic 44:27 Kitchen Conflicts & Staff Relationships 50:26 Bar Culture & Stan’s Staff 53:38 Wrapping Up, Laughter & Goodbyes

Leticia kicks things off by sitting down with one of her best friends, Samantha, for a no-filter conversation over drinks. From debating why lobster rolls cost so much to swapping hilarious restaurant pet peeves, the two dive deep into the real stories and secrets behind working in hospitality. Along the way, they reminisce about living abroad in Spain, share cocktail confessions, talk girl math and claw machine addictions, and reveal what it’s really like balancing work, friendships, and life in the restaurant industry. #SipsAndSecrets #RestaurantLife #HospitalityStories #RestaurantPetPeeves #LobsterRollPrices #AmericanDining #CocktailStories #GirlMath Connect with Leticia Duarte: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sipssecrets.w.let Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sips.and.secrets/?igsh=dndrYTRyczU0bXNl# Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LeticiaDuartect Watch on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28lCiWPFaDXSDEC1y5wHSp Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sips-secrets-with-leticia-duarte/id1828236650 Timestamps: 00:00 Tapas, Dining Out, and Restaurant Culture 02:00 Industry Careers & How They Met 04:30 Current Restaurant Jobs and Local Vibes 06:30 Lives in Spain and Reconnecting as Friends 09:30 Daily Drinks, Favorite Bars & Cocktail Stories 12:00 Working Near the Beach & Lifestyle Changes 14:00 Favorite Foods: Seafood, Lobster Rolls & Restaurant Memories 17:00 Food Sharing, Tapas & American Dining Culture 20:00 Guest Experiences & Customer Pet Peeves 23:00 Restaurant Staff, Uniforms, and Challenges 26:00 Arcade Addictions, Claw Machines & Girl Math 33:00 Growing Older in the Restaurant Industry 36:00 Hair Styles, Colors & Expressing Yourself at Work 39:00 Work-Life Abroad vs America: Schedules, Hustle, and Culture 42:00 Managing Teams, Restaurant Structure & Staff Dynamics 46:00 Work Friendships & After-Hours Hangouts 50:00 Roommates, Grandmas & Family Dynamics 53:30 Big Families, Black Sheep & Life Stories 55:30 Kids, Flexibility & Restaurant Jobs 01:00:00 Commutes, Patience & Takeout Pet Peeves 01:03:00 Staffing, Restaurant Chaos & Brunch Parties 01:06:00 Future in Hospitality & Industry Insights 01:09:00 Work-Life Balance, Bartending, and Loving Your Job 01:11:00 Wrapping Up: Yapping, Gin, and Dream Team

Each week, Leticia mixes up a custom drink for her guest — a bartender, chef, server, manager, or nightlife insider — and gets them to spill their wildest, rawest, and most unfiltered stories from the hospitality industry. From insane customer encounters and workplace drama to scandalous hookups and heartfelt moments, nothing is off-limits once the drinks start flowing. If you’ve ever worked in the service industry — or just love hearing the juicy, behind-the-scenes secrets of bar and restaurant life — this podcast is your new guilty pleasure.