Find partners
Sweet'N Up with Jeff Spencer

Sweet'N Up with Jeff Spencer

Hosted by Jeff Spencer

BusinessEntrepreneurshipInterviews guests

Episodes

122

Latest episode

Sep 2025

Language

EN

About the show

Sweet'N Up with Jeff Spencer, the podcast Connecticut didn't know it needed! Join host Jeff Spencer as he dives into fun & meaningful conversations with anyone he can; Athletes, Politicians, Musicians, CEO's, Entrepreneur's, Chefs you name it! So stick around & SWEET'N UP!

Listen to episodes

60 recent
September 29, 2025Episode 1221 hr 50 min

#122: Chef Prasad Chirnomula

Chef Prasad Chirnomula is an award-winning chef and a two time Honoree of the popular James Beard Foundation. Chef Prasad owns and operates Chef Prasad in New Canaan, CT and Gourmet United in Easton, CT.Episode Sponsors:The Amber Room Colonnade⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theamberroom.net/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Affinity Esports⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.affinityesports.gg/⁠⁠⁠⁠Negative Kitty⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/negative_kitty⁠

April 10, 20252 hr 29 min

#121: Chris Sanzeni

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Sanzeni, a former aerospace engineer turned founder and head brewer of Broken Symmetry Gastro Brewery. Established in 2018, Broken Symmetry is a charming brewpub nestled in the heart of Bethel, CT, inside the town’s beautifully renovated historic train station. With 9 tap lines featuring their own unique brews, this spot offers an ever-evolving selection of beer styles, blending both traditional and modern flavors. Plus, Broken Symmetry stands out as one of the few brewpubs in Connecticut with a full kitchen, serving up mouthwatering dishes crafted by Executive Chef Matt Stanczak, the culinary genius behind the opening of Good Old Days Pizza.Episode Sponsors:The Amber Room Colonnade⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theamberroom.net/⁠⁠⁠⁠Uncle Matt's Bakery & Cafe⁠⁠⁠⁠https://unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com/⁠⁠⁠Affinity Esports⁠⁠⁠https://www.affinityesports.gg/⁠⁠⁠Negative Kitty⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/negative_kitty⁠

February 20, 2025Episode 1201 hr 30 min

#120: Justin Morales

Justin Morales is a seasoned hospitality professional with over 30 years of experience. With an impressive career in the industry, Justin has been a part of the opening teams of four restaurants in Hartford, Connecticut alone. He has worked and lived in the city for a significant part of his career, earning him a deep understanding and appreciation for its vibrant culinary scene. In 2017, Justin was honored with the Connecticut mixologist of the year award, showcasing his exceptional skills behind the bar. His expertise in crafting unique and delicious cocktails has earned him several other accolades over the years. Currently, Justin is the general manager of Fire by Forge , a Pan-American inspired, chef-driven concept located in Hartford on Broad Street that includes a café, full-service restaurant, bar, and catering operation. In 2024, Justin released his first book entitled “Serving Life: Behind Bars, Kitchens and the hospitality industry.”Episode Sponsors:The Amber Room Colonnade⁠⁠⁠https://www.theamberroom.net/⁠⁠⁠Uncle Matt's Bakery & Cafe⁠⁠⁠https://unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com/⁠⁠Affinity Esports⁠⁠https://www.affinityesports.gg/⁠⁠Negative Kitty⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/negative_kitty

January 17, 2025Episode 1191 hr 33 min

#119: Dom Alessandro

*Episode recorded summer 2024*Dom Alessandro has been the founder and owner of AW Design since 2000, a company which is dedicated to helping brand owners realize the potential of their brands through meaningful strategic development, passionate design exploration and detailed execution. Prior to AW, Dom was a Design Director at Landor NY, leading a team of designers on branding programs for clients such as Nestle, Pepsi and Proctor & Gamble. Dom has been one of the keys to the history of Danbury Hockey with his contribution centering around the logo design for four of the five teams to call Danbury home. Dom designed the iconic Danbury Trashers logo, followed by the Whalers, Titans, and Hat Tricks.Episode Sponsors:The Amber Room Colonnade⁠⁠https://www.theamberroom.net/⁠⁠Uncle Matt's Bakery & Cafe⁠⁠https://unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com/⁠Affinity Esports⁠https://www.affinityesports.gg/⁠Negative Kitty⁠https://linktr.ee/negative_kitty

November 22, 2024Episode 1181 hr 37 min

#118: Kyle Marcoux (Vulgar Chef) & Bobby Manere Jr.

Kyle Marcoux, known as THE VULGAR CHEF on Instagram is a creative foodie, who for many years has either delighted or outraged the foodie community with his eye popping recipes and combinations of different foods. Kyle was also one of the original guitarists for the popular metal band Within The Ruins. You’ve probably seen his reels while scrolling on your phone, and with 320k followers and counting, Kyle has worked with industry giants such as Liquid Death & DudeWipes.  Bobby Manere Jr. is the founder and owner of DOGTOWN a hot dog and burger joint located in Milford, CT since 2017.  The name Dogtown pays homage to Southern California’s 60’s and 70’s culture and music.  A play on words that embodies the laid back vibe of LA’s culture with an East Coast attitude and edge. If the last name Manere sounds familiar it’s because his father owned and operated Swanky Franks a legendary hotdog stand in Norwalk. With an emphasis on hotdogs, Dogtown captures the food and lifestyle of Southern California with a classic New England twist. Episode Sponsors: The Amber Room Colonnade ⁠https://www.theamberroom.net/⁠ Uncle Matt's Bakery & Cafe ⁠https://unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com/ Affinity Esports https://www.affinityesports.gg/ Negative Kitty https://linktr.ee/negative_kitty

July 3, 2024Episode 1172 hr 2 min

#117: Affinity Esports

Affinity Esports is Connecticut’s premier organization for healthier gaming experiences for all generations. AE is on a mission to redefine the gaming world, blending wellness, education, and inclusivity into every aspect of esports. Affinity is committed to leading a transformative movement, creating a balanced and nurturing environment where gamers of every age and background can excel, both in gaming and in life. Their vision is a future where gaming is a beacon of positive impact, fostering a community deeply rooted in healthy experiences and united by a shared passion for the game.

June 11, 2024Episode 1161 hr 33 min

#116: Sam Reyes

Sam Reyes is the owner and head bartender of Mariposa Taqueria, a Latin-American inspired restaurant located in Danbury, CT which was formerly know as Mezon. Sam is a member of the Reyes family, which owns incredible establishments around Danbury and the state such as Mines Carne, Amigos Deli, and Mecha Noodle Bar. Recently, Sam took him the award for “Bartender of the Year” at the 2023 Connecticut Restaurant Association’s CRAzies Awards show at Foxwoods, which honors the best of the best in our states incredible industry. Episode Sponsors: The Amber Room Colonnade https://www.theamberroom.net/ Uncle Matt's Bakery & Cafe https://unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com/ Holmes Fine Gardens https://holmesfinegardens.com/

April 26, 2024Episode 1151 hr 28 min

#115: Jonathan Mendonca

Fellow Brookfield resident Jonathan Mendonca is the author of the best selling book, “Life on Life’s Terms” which is a fascinating and inspiring true story from 10 years of opiate addiction to 4 years of sobriety, and all the lessons learned along the way. Life on Life’s Terms is a success story of self growth and realization through the eyes of an addict. In his book, Jon takes you through the trails of his youth that played a part into his eventual decade long battle with opiates and alcohol. Jon masterfully details what finally led him to throwing up the white flag in his addiction, his numerous attempts at finding sobriety and how he continues to stay sober through the hardships of life. After spending years leading a life filled with lies, anger and dependence on substances, Jon now spends his time helping addicts and non addicts alike lead a better life. As Jon says: “This book is for anyone who wants to turn it around. It’s never too late.” Episode Sponsors: The Amber Room Colonnade ⁠https://www.theamberroom.net/⁠ Uncle Matts Bakery and Cafe ⁠⁠⁠ https://unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com/⁠⁠⁠ Around Town Real Estate ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.aroundtownrealestatect.com/⁠ Holmes Fine Gardens ⁠https://holmesfinegardens.com/⁠ Reverie Brewing Company ⁠https://www.reveriebrewing.com/⁠ Perfusion Bar ⁠https://www.perfusionbar.com/

April 5, 2024Episode 1141 hr 50 min

#114: Seby Martinez & Kurt Vinci

Seby Martinez & Kurt Vinci are the founders and owners of Negative Kitty, an indie studio headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, bringing wickedly creative animation and video to artists and brands in need of some visual (and conceptual) edge. Having been established in 2021, and serving the Northeast and beyond, Negative Kitty has worked with indie creators, major label music acts, and multimillion dollar companies and their client work has been featured by publications like The Alternative Press, Brooklyn Vegan, The Tonight Show on NBC, and a whole lot more. Currently, Negative Kitty is hard at work, finishing up their first cartoon pilot entitled, Beef Creek, which will be released later this year.  Episode Sponsors: The Amber Room Colonnade ⁠https://www.theamberroom.net/⁠ Uncle Matts Bakery and Cafe ⁠⁠⁠ https://unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com/⁠⁠⁠ Around Town Real Estate ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.aroundtownrealestatect.com/⁠ Holmes Fine Gardens ⁠https://holmesfinegardens.com/⁠ Reverie Brewing Company ⁠https://www.reveriebrewing.com/⁠ Perfusion Bar ⁠https://www.perfusionbar.com/

February 16, 2024Episode 1131 hr 37 min

#113: Doug Polistena

Doug Polistena is the Owner & General Manager of the Amber Room Colonnade, an award-winning premier catering venue and landmark, located in Danbury, CT since 1969. Doug has personally worked with and executed over 3,500 events, to include major galas, weddings, mitzvahs and corporate functions. Episode Sponsors: The Amber Room Colonnade https://www.theamberroom.net/ Uncle Matts Bakery and Cafe ⁠⁠https://unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com/⁠⁠ Around Town Real Estate ⁠⁠https://www.aroundtownrealestatect.com/ Holmes Fine Gardens https://holmesfinegardens.com/ Reverie Brewing Company https://www.reveriebrewing.com/ Perfusion Bar https://www.perfusionbar.com/

Is this your show?

Claim this listing to keep it up to date, reach guests who want to pitch you, and manage bookings with Guestify.

Claim this listing

More Business podcasts