Tell Craig Your Story

Rob Dietrich - USA - Master Distiller of Metallica Blackened Whiskey

Episode 170- We’re thrilled to welcome Rob Dietrich — Master Distiller and Blender of Blackened American Whiskey — who joins us while on tour with Metallica as part of the explosive Metallica Takeover events.

Before becoming the face behind Metallica’s signature Blackened whiskey and cigar's, Rob lived a life few could imagine. From his early days serving in the U.S. Army to working as an event manager and roadie for some of the biggest names in music, Rob has truly seen it all — behind the scenes and behind the bar.

In this episode, Rob opens up about his wild journey through the world of live music, his transition into the whiskey industry, and how he blended both passions into something legendary. He shares the science behind Blackened Whiskey's sonic-enhancement process, using Metallica’s own music to shape the flavour of every barrel. He also shares his thoughts on the award winning Rye The Lightening

From backstage chaos to barrels of perfectly tuned whiskey, Rob’s story is one of grit, creativity, and rock ‘n’ roll spirit. @robwhiskey @blackenedwhiskey https://blackenedwhiskey.com

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#robdietrich #blackenedwhiskey #metallica #masterdistiller #drewestateblackenedcigars #denvercolorado #surfing #schoolbus #jameshetfield #larsulrich #kirkhammett #robtrujillo #davepickerall #usarmyservice #metallicatakeover #ryethelightening #metallicafamily #batch100 #batch106

IONU - Russia - New debut Album Poison Waters

This episode is a powerhouse showcase of international talent. IONU, the Russian rock band now lighting up the Shanghai music scene, brings serious energy, passion, and versatility. Known as the house band Red Star's at the iconic Pearl Theatre, they deliver top-tier tribute performances and original music that spans hard rock, funk, pop, and heavy metal.

The conversation gives listeners insight into their journey—from Russia to China, from cover shows to crafting their own distinct sound. Their debut album, Poison Waters launched in January 2025, is a testament to their musical range and commitment. The 3 tracks from the podcast are Taste of Love, Simple Song, and Crime.

Ksenia’s vocals are powerful and dynamic, Eugene’s basslines groove hard, Gil drives the rhythm with precision on drums, and Alexander shreds with soul on lead guitar. Their chemistry as a band comes through both in conversation and in every track. @ionu_offical @thepearlshanghai

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#ionu #redstars #russia #thepearlshanghai #pearltheatre #papag #grantoh #tellcraigyourstory #poisonwaters #houseband #hardrock #albumlaunch #tasteoflove #simplesong #crime #shanghaichina #ringnoise #redstars

Marty Friedman - USA - Platinum selling recording artist / Iconic Guitarist / Official Ambassador of Japan Heritage

Please welcome to the podcast one of the all time greatest guitar players, Marty Friedman. Born in Washington DC, USA, he started his music career with bands Hawaii and Deuce before forming Cacophony with Jason Becker. Friedman joined Megadeth in 1990 and their Rust In Peace album, is considered one of the best heavy metal album ever. He received International success touring the world and having multi platinum albums. Friedman left Megadeth in 2000 and in 2003 moved to Japan to start a whole new life.

Since moving to Japan he has become a Japanese celebrity and has eclipsed his accomplishments in Megadeth. He has released multiple solo albums, has been a producer and has collaborated with some of the biggest names in J-Pop, having consistent sold out tours. Friedman is a TV Star and a cultural ambassador. In December 2024 he released his autobiography which has been critically acclaimed around the world

Marty's band will be touring China next May in support of his new album Drama. He will be performing in Shanghai 15th May, Beijing 17th May and Guangzhou 18th May. We have 2 free tickets to give away to the Shanghai show. All you have to do is send a screenshot that you have shared this podcast on your social media and answer this question from the podcast- What Chinese pop star does Marty Friedman want to collaborate with? Send your DM to my Wechat or send to cjmaguire@hotmail.com . Winners will be announced on the 8th of May. 

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#martyfriedman #drama #dreamingjapanese #chinatour #bilibili #jacksonguitar #megadeth #davemustaine #rustinpeace #illumination #shanghaichina #jasonbecker #hawaii #deuce #kiss #madonna #theramones #riverplatefc #jaychou #fender #guitarist #soloalbum #cocaphony #japanesetvstar #momoiro #cloverz #culturalambassador #japan #japaneseculture #j-pop #dragonkiss #jeffloomis #tokyojukebox

Guido Esposito - Italy - Owner of Bella Napoli Italian Restaurants

Episode 167 - Please welcome to the podcast Guido Esposito, Founder of the award winning Bella Napoli Italian Restaurants in Shanghai In my opinion, it is one of the best Italian restaurants in China. Guido was born in Salerno, Italy. At the age of 18 years old, he moved to several European countries working at 5 star hotels before getting the opportunity to move to China and start his own business.

Bella Napoli was founded in Shanghai in January 2006, serving homemade Neapolitan food. After 3 years and 37 years experience in the industry, Guido founded his second Bella Napoli restaurant on Changle Rd. With the traditional southern Italian flavour and unique wood fire oven, Bella Napoli has won numerous awards and has earned the reputation as one of the most popular restaurants in Shanghai.

Instagram @guido_espos1to @bella_napoli-shanghai Bellanapoli-sh.com Wechat- @BellaNapoli 

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#bellanapoli #guidoesposito #bellanapoliitalianrestaurant #napoliitaly #mimmos #mama #pineapplepizza #marcellolippi #nikkilader #italianculture #pizza #tellcraigyourstory #podcast #5starhotel #marathon #shanghaichina #salernoitaly #sorrentoitaly #changleroad #woodfiredoven #southernflavour #parmesancheese

 

Adrian Manera - Australia - Owner of World Series Wrestling WSW / Manera Group / Haggle Co

2025 IS HERE! Welcome to a new season of Tell Craig Your Story podcast. We kick it off with Adrian Manera. Adrian was born in Adelaide, South Australia. He is the owner of World Series Wrestling (WSW), the leading Australian pro wrestling tour company.  Superstars like Jeff Jarrett, Gunther, AJ Styles, and Daniel Bryan have previously performed with the company. WSW has a new "Legacy" tour, with live events this March in Melbourne 28th, Brisbane 29th, Adelaide 30th and Sydney 31st. Limited tickets are still available. https://worldserieswrestling.com.au

Adrian is the Managing Director of the Manera Group and is Co-Owner of Haggle Co Home and Furniture, South Australia's largest family owned chain. https://maneragroup.com.au/home-outside-of-australia/#home/home

We talk about how we met in Shanghai? What he thought of MKW? This furniture business, Which AEW Superstar was put into the WSW Hall of Fame? Why he loves China, Wrestling in Australia, His entertaining Haggle Co ad's, and many great stories. @adrianmanera

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#adrianmanera #haggleco #maneragroup #wsw #worldserieswrestling #tellcraigyourstory #southaustralia #briancage #mkwwrestling #shanghaichina #homeandfurniture #jeffjarrett #ajstyles #gunther #rhearipley #danielbryan #seinfeld #thewiggles #adelaide36ers #andyraymond #wwe #wwf

New Tell Craig Your Story podcast Theme Song!

A big thanks to Skinny O.G and Black China Music Company for the latest Theme song for Tell Craig Your Story podcast. You check out my podcast with Skinny OG episode 153 and 154. Lets us know what you think? 

Instagram @skinny_og @black_china_baby

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#skinnyog #tellcraigyourstorypodcast #themesong #newseason #2025

 

Mariia Kharitonova - Russia - Queen Marie of MKW Pro Wrestling

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all my family, friends, and fans out there. 2024 has been a fantastic year for the podcast, and 2025 is going to be even bigger and better. Are you ready?

Please welcome to the podcast all the way from Vladivostok Russia, Queen Marie. We had to postpone the podcast prior to this recording as she was proposed to by her boyfriend. Congrats to you both. Queen Marie is the manager in MKW Pro Wrestling in China. She manages the heels in MKW. 

She moved to Harbin China to be a professional dancer and choreographer. Mariia moved to Shanghai and started her export business and will move to Dubai to grow her business.

Instagram - @memariia_7575 Wechat - MariiaKharitonova

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#queenmariia #queenmarie #mariiakharitonova #tellcraigyourstory #adriangomez #mkwprowrestling #bigsam #thestable #vladivostokrussia #shanghaichina #harbinchina #firefighter #vladimirputin #moscow #italy #wwe #aew #prowrestling 

Jenna Rauten - Finland - International Artist / Author

Episode 163 - Please welcome to the podcast Finnish Artist, Model, and Author Jenna Rauten. Now residing in Shanghai, China, Jenna  has been painting for over ten years now, and her paintings have been sold worldwide. Her artwork has been featured in numerous exhibitions. Her recent exhibition, "Celebrate Life," received rave reviews. Jenna has recently finished writing her first fantasy novel, which will be published next year. Jenna has been a fashion model in Finland and has done fashion shows in Shanghai.

www.jennarauten.com Instagram @jennarauten Wechat @CallMeYenna

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#jennarauten #callmeyenna #tellcraigyourstory #artist #painter #author #dungeonsanddragons #finland #shanghaichina #australia #fantasynovel #fashionmodel #apocalyptica #muse #nothingelsematters