Jeremy Jernigan [00:00:00]:
Welcome to Cabernet and Pray, the podcast where we explore Christianity through the beauty of wine. And today's episode is fun. We're going to take a little bit of a turn not necessarily talking about wine, although we're both drinking wine, but we're going to talk cocktails with someone who is really good at making them. This is episode 25 with Jordan Hughes. Jordan is a commercial photographer and videographer based in Portland, Oregon. He primarily works with bars and restaurants and liquor brands. He's also known as the high proof preacher on social media, where he's been sharing cocktail tutorials and techniques online for the last seven plus years, where on Instagram alone, he has more than 230,000 followers to this account. He runs an online learning platform that teaches aspiring creatives how to break into the cocktail, liquor, photo and video industry.
Jeremy Jernigan [00:01:02]:
As you may have imagined from the name, this is someone who has gone from the ministry world to the cocktail beverage world, and it is a fascinating story. You are going to love meeting Jordan. Enjoy. Episode 25.
Jordan Hughes [00:03:03]:
I don't mind hearing nice things about me. Orlando. Not nice things. I'm used to that, too, so.
Jeremy Jernigan [00:03:07]:
Well, Jordan, today I plan on only nice things. So, hey, I do want to welcome you to the podcast. We're so excited to have the high proof preacher here with us today.
Jordan Hughes [00:03:19]:
Well, I'm honored. Yeah. Also, like, any excuse, I have to open a bottle of wine in the afternoon, too. I'm thrilled.
Jeremy Jernigan [00:03:28]:
Yeah. I mean, that's how I tell people, like, I'm not doing this because I want to. This is, you know, this is professional stuff. Not anyone do the day drinking like I do, you know?
Jordan Hughes [00:03:38]:
Totally. Yeah.
Jeremy Jernigan [00:03:41]:
All right, so let's talk about what we're drinking today. I'll go first, explain what's in my glass, and then Jordan's going to explain what's in his glass, which is going to be new for a lot of people. So I'm excited. Today, I am rocking a Brunello date. Montelccino. This is a incredible wine from Italy. Sangiovese is the grape, if you like, Tuscany area. If you've gone there, this is what they do.
Jeremy Jernigan [00:04:07]:
And this thing is just, this is a banger. This is a 2018. I was getting notes of cherry, dried fig, clove, and then some fun ones. I got, like, roasted tomato and balsamic. And so I'm just getting, like, a little italian experience over here. That's what I'm enjoying. Jordan, what are you drinking?
Jordan Hughes [00:04:27]:
Well, I've been telling people this summer, I'm in my pet nat era, so. Pet nat, I guess it's a petite, natural, something like that. This one was from a local winery here in kind of, I think they're out in the gorge now, but called landmass. Two friends of mine started it, but it's their r u ok. From 2022. It was something they started during the pandemic where they were, like, super, super, super small wine company. Now they've expanded quite a bit, but they started it to just, like, check in on their friends, and they'd drop off a bottle of pet nap for different people. They'd just swing by, drop it on their porch, and say hi, sort of thing, and they've kept it going.
Jordan Hughes [00:05:12]:
Uh, but, yeah, let me see. I think it's just, like. It's. It's made of unoaked chardonnay. Um, but, yeah, I mean, for me, like, I'm. I'm also not super articulate with, you know, tasting those. When it comes to wine. Wine is kind of a newer thing for me to get into, but it's definitely, like, you know, perfect for just, you know, patio sipping, you know, green apple, lemon peel.
Jordan Hughes [00:05:35]:
There's a little bit of, like, anise in there, but just, you know, sparkling, refreshing. It just super easy to just crush it with friends. So if I open. Open a bottle, I'm like, I'm not getting up till this bottle's done, so.
Jeremy Jernigan [00:05:49]:
I feel like when you open a bottle of anything sparkling, you have to just commit to, like.
Jordan Hughes [00:05:54]:
Right? Yeah. Yeah.
Jeremy Jernigan [00:05:55]:
It's not.
Jordan Hughes [00:05:57]:
I've got, like, the special, you know, sealers that, you know, supposed to keep the carbonation. Like, I never use them. I just finished the bottle, so.
Jeremy Jernigan [00:06:05]:
Those sealers are for quitters, Jordan.
Jordan Hughes [00:06:07]:
Right. Hey. Exactly.
Jeremy Jernigan [00:06:09]:
Well, that's a great choice on a warm Portland day, it's literally. We've exceeded 110 here in Arizona, so I don't feel bad for you, even though you were telling me it's a hot day. Very hot here, and so. But I'm drinking a red. I don't know. I'm a. I'm a sucker for punishment, I guess.
Jordan Hughes [00:06:28]:
No, you're good.
Jeremy Jernigan [00:06:30]:
I was looking it up after you sent it to me, and if you didn't know, you would think the bottle was ruach. Like, I almost like some cool Hebrew word or something, and then.
Jordan Hughes [00:06:43]:
Yeah.
Jeremy Jernigan [00:06:43]:
Oh, it's. It's. Are you okay? But, like, right? Not. Not the words.
Jordan Hughes [00:06:48]:
I think they get that all the time, just like. Oh, the ruach. What language is that? It's. Are you okay? Yeah.
Jeremy Jernigan [00:07:00]:
Well, Jordan, you have such a cool story, and, you know, I connect to, obviously, parts of your story, and I'm excited to hear more of it today and how some of our worlds over overlap a little bit. But before we do, I would be amiss to miss an opportunity here. On a personal note, because I have a cocktail expert in my midst, and so my wife has a favorite drink, and I thought, before we get into anything serious, I got to make sure I get this in there. So the lemon cello spritz is my wife. Go to drink. I saw recently you did a collab with Luxardo on this, so I know you're. You may be branded in this regard, maybe limited in what you can say. But just as one, one dude to another who's trying to make his wife an awesome drink, any tips I need to know to make that thing real, real special for her?
Jordan Hughes [00:07:54]:
Hmm. I mean, I feel like with spritzes, it's one of those things where, like, when it comes to cocktails in general, I'm pretty, like, yeah, measure everything. It's all about, like, consistency. And I, you know, making sure you're, like, precise with your measurements and all that. With spritzes, I feel like it's one of the few times where I'm all like, you don't have to be very precise. You can kind of, like, I say, like, swedish chef it, you know, like the Muppet, where it's, like, always just kind of, like, tossing stuff in. And that's where I feel like, with spritzes, like, hey, you got bubbles. You got some sort of liqueur or bitter element in there.
Jordan Hughes [00:08:30]:
It's like, even if you don't nail the exact proportions, like, it's going to be good. Just like, with lemon cello in general. Like, I'm not. I'm honestly not actually a huge limoncello fan. So, like, for that particular collab with Luxardo, they have a lemon cello, but they also have this liqueur called bitter bianco, which is like a gentian clear bitter liqueur. I often use that to make, like, a white negroni, uh, where it's kind of this very dry, you know, bittersweet taste to it, uh, from genshin root. But that's where, for that video, I was like, all right. Like, they wanted me to make a lemon cello spritz.
Jordan Hughes [00:09:14]:
So, like, we're promoting our lemon cello. Has to be around that. I was like, well, can I split the base with lemon cello and bitter bianco? And, like, oh, yeah, that sounds awesome. Um, so it definitely makes it, uh, you know, little less sweet.
Jeremy Jernigan [00:09:26]:
The.
Jordan Hughes [00:09:26]:
The, you know, bitter bianco is still a liqueur, so it has sweetness to it. Um, but it brings in just a little more complexity to it, brings it more onto the. The bitter side of things. Um, which I also feel like is more. More italian, too. You know, the aperitif or a parativo, I guess, for italian, like, you know, it's meant to kind of stimulate the appetite before a meal. Uh, so that's where, you know, for my palate, I like things that go a little more on the bittersweet or bitter side of things. Without knowing your wife, you know, she.
Jordan Hughes [00:09:58]:
She might like that, she might not. That sort of like, that might be a fun way to kind of experiment and see, like, you know, for some people, they're like, aperol, you know, it's definitely more on the sweet side of bittersweet versus campari, which is a lot more on the bitter side, you know? So it just kind of depends, like, I, what, what side of that spectrum she might be on. But, um, personally, I'd say, like, splitting the base with lemon cello and, like, another bittersweet liqueur can be a good way to go. Um, not only just to kind of give it a upgrade, but also just to add more complexity to the drink itself.
Jeremy Jernigan [00:10:35]:
So I love it. I saw, I saw that the split base, and I was like, yeah. Feeding my level of understanding.
Jordan Hughes [00:10:41]:
I don't even know what.
Jeremy Jernigan [00:10:43]:
I don't know that other course. So I don't, I didn't know. Great explanation.
Jordan Hughes [00:10:47]:
And, yeah, yeah, it very much comes down to, like, personal preference and that I feel like that's part of the fun of cocktails. And how I got into cocktails was just like, it is so customizable to, you know, to your own taste and preferences. And it's like a cool way of getting to know somebody. And also, like, like, for me, like, making drinks for friends or when acquaintances, you know, come by the studio or home, it's fun to kind of, like, it's like a fun challenge to figure out, okay, what does this person like? And then how can I, like, you know, give them, like, a really cool experience or a surprise by, like, oh, I mentioned, or I overheard that they really like mezcal or something and, and coming up with something that really, like is, feels very customized to them. And I feel like people just go like, whoa. Like, you really thought through this. You really, like, put time and work into making a drink that is something that's special to me. So, yeah, so I'm kind of going on there, but that's kind of how I feel like I got into it was just like, there's kind of some magic in the customizable side of cocktails.
Jeremy Jernigan [00:11:53]:
No, I think that's the same with wine, too, is, you know, I'll have someone like, oh, I don't drink wine. And I'll ask, what have you had that you didn't like? You know, and they'll say, a couple. And I'm like, okay, I can kind of figure out what you don't like. And then, you know, have you anything that you did like or that wasn't terrible, then you kind of go from there and it is really cool. Like, when you. When someone says, I don't like this, and then you find a drink for them that they go, oh, my gosh, that's. That's fantastic. And you're like, yes.
Jeremy Jernigan [00:12:18]:
Like, I just connect worlds for you, and you can do all sorts of drinks. So, so well done to you. All right, I'm going to try that, and I'll have to report back on the findings. Okay. So I was in ministry for two decades. I left. My final role was as a lead pastor. Thought I was going to retire, and in that role in that church, not gone back into any traditional role, and now doing things like a wine podcast where we talk theology and life.
Jeremy Jernigan [00:12:49]:
You were also a pastor. No longer a pastor. Now you are a big name, making cocktails on social media. Tell us a little bit of that journey. How do you go from that to where you are today?
Jordan Hughes [00:13:03]:
Yeah. Yeah. I mean, it's a little bit of, like, okay, what. Where do I start? But, yeah, I mean, to go over kind of at least briefly, like, you know, grew up as a church kid going to Sunday school. My dad was an elder at my church growing up, so he wasn't, like, on staff, but was, you know, kind of, you know, part of the leadership team. Team. We kind of, like, jumped into, like, this church plant where the church I grew up at, you know, church was kind of getting birthed out of that. And so from, like, age 1213, kind of, you know, some of those peak youth group years, you know, was just super involved in this church plant.
Jordan Hughes [00:13:46]:
And for me, you know, I was like, my heroes were my youth pastor, my pastor, and I was like, oh, I want to be a pastor someday because I'm like, I'm going to camps, and I'm like, their job is to just take us to camp. That sounds awesome. You know, so super involved with youth group and became, like, the youth group worship leader, and that very much kind of became my identity for high school and even early college. Like, I went to Multnomah University here in Portland. So Bible College got. Got my degree in Bible and theology, but kind of stayed living at home and volunteering a ton at my church all through high school and college. And then even when I graduated, I did, like, a church internship overseas. It just was like, you know, fully in sort of thing.
Jordan Hughes [00:14:37]:
Then when I, like, got home and got a job at a church, and again, that's kind of the fast version. But, you know, got a youth pastor job and eventually kind of moved into, like, family pastor. I was over, like, youth kids, all of that basically, like, got into working as a pastor at a church and was just like, oh, like, this is killing me. And there's a full. There's different levels to that. I think there's a piece of that where it's like just being in a role that maybe wasn't right for me. Like, for me, it was like this leadership role over volunteers and trying to staff kids rooms on Sundays while also trying to figure out youth group. And there's just, like, a lot that I had to figure out that was just a lot for, you know, early mid 20 something year old out of Bible college.
Jordan Hughes [00:15:32]:
It's like, oh, like, this is a lot of just responsibility. And for me also, it was just a time of, like, I had grown up in church. My wife and I got married early twenties as well. And your twenties still very much kind of like growing up and figuring out what adulthood looks like and now being married and having this job and started to have stuff of like, oh, like, even with church and working for a church and seeing, like, all right, there's still part of wanting to work for a church and go into ministry was like, oh, like, there's no, like, sales goals. There's no, like, KPI's, you know, it's about people, and it is, but it's like, churches still have to make money and they're still, you know, there's still goals. There's still, you know, the struggles are a little different, but got to kind of these simultaneous, like, point of burnout but also this point of, like, starting to wrestle with my own faith and kind of my own, like, they're not necessarily, like, just yet. Like, am I a Christian? But, but stuff of like, oh, like, there's maybe some things about church or about Christianity as a whole that I, I don't actually jive with or that now as I'm an adult and kind of out of, like, my, my parents house and out of kind of my youth group bubble, it's like, oh, life just works a little differently than I thought it did, than I thought it does. And when you're in the middle of thinking through some of these big questions and doubts, but your whole career is around leading people and not doubting, you know, at least I felt very like, I can't even ask these honest questions because my career, my livelihood depends on me knowing and me leading people and leading kids and all of that.
Jordan Hughes [00:17:18]:
So for me, it just kind of got to a point where it's like, I just have to do something else, at least for a while, it wasn't even like, I'm leaving ministry, I'm leaving Christianity. It was just like, I just have to do something different, you know, that's not connected to church stuff for a bit. So, so that was at least kind of the long, short of like, that kind of switch. For me, getting into cocktails and posting drinks online was a little unexpected. Like, I had always kind of done photography on the side, as so many people do. It's like, it's a fun, creative outlet. I have a camera. I have a, you know, some lenses.
Jordan Hughes [00:17:52]:
I can kind of mess around. So I was doing some of that. I was also doing some graphic design work. I was just kind of like, while I'm kind of in this, okay, I'm leaving, stepping aside from this career or this calling or whatever, call it for a while, I was like, might as well do something that's just fun, that I enjoy and it's creative. So I was trying to see what creative things stuck, and I was like, I was really into making cocktails just for fun. Another creative outlet of, like, people would come over. I was always a little careful about it as a pastor because I'm like, ah, this might look kind of weird to some people, so a little more secretive about it, you know, but was still this very, like, kind of enjoyed the hospitality side of like, we'd have people over and I would come up with a drink menu. I'd have, like, a design actual menu and come up with the drinks.
Jordan Hughes [00:18:39]:
And that aspect was really fun for me. So that's where I eventually just started. Since I was a pretty decent photographer, I would just start posting photos of the drinks I came up with at home and sharing the recipes. And I didn't necessarily put my face on it at first when I was still working at the church, but was just kind of like, oh, here's a way to kind of share some of the stuff I was making. And then once I kind of stepped aside from the church job, I immediately kind of felt that freedom a bit of like, oh, I can kind of reinvent myself a little. I don't necessarily have to be as secretive about, like, I make drinks for people. And, yeah. So with that, I started kind of sharing more about just, yeah, making cocktails.
Jordan Hughes [00:19:23]:
I started getting to know different, like, distilleries in Portland, kind of the mom and pop ones of just the smaller companies, and they started seeing my work and being like, hey, like, you're, you know, I wasn't a bartender. They're like, you're a guy at home making drinks. But the people buying our stuff are people at home making drinks. And they want to know how to, what to do with it. You know, even just you asking questions, like, all right, my wife likes this spritz. How can I upgrade it? You know, it's, it's like a little different than, you know, a bartender who's thinking poor cost and being able to make, you know, 100 of these drinks a night. So I kind of just fit this, like this spot for, for kind of these small distilleries to be like, oh, like, I can come up with recipes that are geared for your at home enthusiast, but I could also take really good pictures of their products and their cocktails. So it's kind of this one two thing.
Jordan Hughes [00:20:14]:
Like, you get the recipe and you get the marketing assets sort of thing. And that's how I got into it really was like, I was like, oh, like, I'm solving a problem here for these distilleries and kind of providing them with this service. And I feel like it snowballed from there where as I started working with more distilleries, I started going to some industry events, like tales of the cocktail in New Orleans that are very heavy, you know, bartender, liquor brand industry event. Got to know some pr people there, some people at bigger brands, and just eventually kind of grew and grew where it wasn't like an overnight. Like these days, you have people who post a video on TikTok and blow up, and the next day they quit their job and they're like, I'm a TikToker now. For me, it was very kind of this long, slow burn of like, of, yeah, very much like a snowball of just kind of like working with bigger and bigger companies and starting out, I was just kind of like, I do cocktail photography, but I also do social media management. Or I can make drinks for a Nike event or I can do some graphic design for this realtor or whatever. So it's kind of hodgepodging stuff, but it was something where like, well, I enjoy the cocktail photography thing.
Jordan Hughes [00:21:25]:
At first I was like, that's way too niche to be a job, but I really enjoy that. But then it was like, well, that's what I was getting known for and getting most attention for. So I was like, maybe I should just kind of double down on that for a bit and see where that goes. And here we are seven years later where like, I'm, I kind of introduced myself generally. I was like, I'm a cocktail and liquor brand photographer, also videographer now. So it's still not very succinct. But I'm like, I generally work with beverage related companies. It doesn't have to be booze, but it tends to be more in the kind of liquor cocktail world.
Jordan Hughes [00:22:02]:
But, yeah, so I ended up kind of just focusing on that again, just as kind of like, let's see what happens. And, yeah, kind of becoming a little more specialized there was really beneficial for me. And, yeah, now it's like I do kind of a variety of things with, there's the social media side, there's the kind of influencer y type things, but then there's also this, you know, it's a commercial photo video business as well. So it's kind of two things that overlap, and they complement each other very well. But overall, I'm like, it's also just a really fun way to make a living. Not without its struggles, of course, as with anything, but I'm pretty thankful to get to do what I do, for sure.
Jeremy Jernigan [00:22:47]:
Well, that is fascinating to hear. And that was a great summary of point B. What. What were the emotions in that transition? Because a lot of people that I talk to on this podcast in particular, have. Have some transitional moment with the church. Right. Where they're. They're entering into a new era where they're not in the same role, not in the same faith tradition, or something's changing.
Jeremy Jernigan [00:23:12]:
And a lot of people who are listening and watching this are also in a similar transition. They're trying to figure out, how do you navigate this? I'd be curious. Washington, was it just blue sky? This is so great. Did you have moments where you thought, I'm losing my mind? This doesn't make any sense. Were your family concerned for you? I mean, like, what was. What was the human side of this obviously out for you, but sure. How did it feel in that process?
Jordan Hughes [00:23:39]:
Yeah, no, great. Great questions. Yeah, yeah. I mean, it was. It was hard. It was kind of a little bit of all that you mentioned, but I think at first, like, it was very much this. I was, like, even considering leaving the church job felt like, oh, is this okay? I think also, just growing up as a church kid, too, like, I just had that inner voice of, like, maybe like, thinking I'm in trouble all the time, which isn't necessarily like my parents. It was just like, part of just, you know, you have a God who's watching you every move sort of thing, and I kind of had this feeling of, like, no, me working for a church is like a calling.
Jordan Hughes [00:24:31]:
This is what I'm called to. So for me, I was kind of spinning out on this. Like, wait, so if I leave, am I walking away from, like, God's calling on my life? And that was, like, really hard for me of just, like, am I, like, sinning by, like, quitting this church job? So at first, that was the initial, like, oh, my gosh. Like, and it was kind of a bit of a process of kind of talking with various mentors, kind of even in the church world who are like, jordan, like, it's. It's okay. Like. Like, you can quit a job. And I, like, it's, you know, so it took a few people just being, like, almost kind of giving me permission sort of thing.
Jordan Hughes [00:25:11]:
And then even once I was kind of, like, not working for a church, there was that initial, like. Like, I. I kind of felt the pressure release of, like, my livelihood isn't based. Like, I can actually start asking some of these hard questions, uh, about what it is I believe. Like, are my beliefs different from my parents? Is that okay now that I'm a. An adult, you know, and all of those kind of things that you just wrestle with? And I feel like, for my wife and I, too, it was kind of cool that we both. She was a missionary kid, I was a pastor's kid, you know? So we kind of both have this similar upbringing, married very young, as a lot of people in the church do. And then I feel, like, kind of grew up together in our twenties where we both kind of had this, you know, journey, which I also feel is kind of on the christianese spectrum of things, but where we kind of were, like, realizing, oh, like, life just works a little different.
Jordan Hughes [00:26:10]:
We kind of both grew up with, like, yeah, like, if you're in the church, you're good. If you're out, you know, things are rough, things are bad, or, you know, anyone who leaves the church, it's like, oh, pray for them and we feel bad for them and we hope they come back. And for us, it was like, not only this personal freedom of, like, oh, now that we're no longer, like, on staff, and then we kind of, like, we didn't even reconnect into a church just attending. We kind of tried there for a while, but we enjoyed this, like, no ulterior motive to meeting people, of being like, we can meet someone and we don't have this. Like, we gotta invite them to church, we gotta ask them if they're saved. And we just so enjoyed, like, this kind of, like, oh, we can just meet someone and love them for them and not feel like we gotta get them here or we're not doing our job. I feel like in that we kind of were like, wait, here's all these people. And for me, in the bar world, which even previously, like, oh, kind, it's like, oh, bar world, that's, that's the opposite of church or whatever, you know, alcohol, uh, meeting all these bartenders and people in the industry, which, there's a broad range of people, but for the most part, I was like, oh, I was meeting these people who work at bars whose whole job, yeah, there's making drinks, but their whole job is, like, giving people an experience and making whoever walks in feel welcomed.
Jordan Hughes [00:27:37]:
Again, not every bartender, some bartenders are really shitty, but a lot, a lot of the I was meeting and getting to know, I was like, oh, here's these people who are so loving and awesome and like, these people aren't, you know, some of them, maybe we're christians, but it was like, here's these people who aren't, you know, in this church world that I was used to, who are good people. And this might sound kind of really rudimentary to some listeners, but it was like, it was weird for me to be like, oh, here's people who aren't Jesus followers and who are, like, just really good, wonderful, loving, kind humans. And that, like, clashed with what I was given growing up in Sunday school and in church. And like, yeah, if you walk away, you know, your. All of your morals go out the window and you're just going to be a horrible human, you know, more or less. Kind of what I got was like, oh, here's all these, like, people outside the church who are actually very loving and good and in many cases, do a better job of loving people and caring for people than a lot of the people I grew up with or spent time with in church. And again, that's kind of broad strokes. There's still, I know, lots of wonderful, incredible people who I still love and have relationship with in the church, who very much give me hope and like, okay, it's, you know, but it was just, like, such a contrast between just how I thought world worked and just kind of my own worldview to then kind of getting outside of the church world church bubble, if you will, and being like, oh, this is just not what I was told.
Jordan Hughes [00:29:14]:
It was, like out here. And it was certainly a long, long process for both my wife and I. Like, I mean, to get very intimate, I guess. Like, we kind of had our time of, like, do we even make sense together? We got married as young christian kids. And we did the communion at our wedding, and now here we are in our late twenties. We're like, we're different humans. We wouldn't say our marriage is centered around Jesus anymore. And we're like, does this still even work? You know? So we kind of had a lot of very intense, kind of honest searching for our own personal faith journey, our own marriage, and just so many things in life just kind of like, yeah, like, just feeling untethered and kind of like, whoa, like, what do you, who even are we anymore? Sort of thing.
Jordan Hughes [00:30:00]:
So, yeah, so definitely, like, rough was not like, an easy, I don't even know how many years that would span, but at least kind of around, thankfully, right before pandemic, wife and I kind of like, you know, we did some marriage counseling and just a lot of, kind of seeking different mentors throughout our life of, like, okay, like, are we Christians? Are we nothing? I don't really know anymore. But we decided, like, no, like, we want to be together. We want to figure out what does life look like on, you know, beyond the defense of kind of the circle of church and Christianity and not necessarily want to just throw all that away, but being like, okay, like, how can we just live life differently? Because life works differently than what we were handed so very much. Kind of got to this point of like, we're going to figure this out. We're together. We want to be together, and we want to be there to support each other through this kind of, like, reimagining life and reimagining faith, whatever that looks like. And then, of course, 2020 hit and so many more kind of things with pandemic and all that. And we also had our first child in 2020.
Jordan Hughes [00:31:15]:
So, so many crazy things have kind of, like, since then. Yeah, it's like becoming a parent is already such a, you know, blows up your life, but to have that in the middle, you know, August 2020 was just like, things were already blown up anyway, so lots of crazy stuff in the years since then. And, yeah, now, you know, 2024, time of recording, you know, still figuring out life and faith and what that looks like. But now with, with two kids, two daughters, but, yeah, very much kind of in this place of kind of accepting, like, oh, yeah. Like, we aren't who we used to be. You know, we don't believe what we used to believe, but we're also, like, you know, not wanting to just, like, throw out everything we were given growing up. I feel like there was a time we were like, we were almost angry at kind of like, you're not angry, but just kind of annoyed or a little. Just like.
Jordan Hughes [00:32:17]:
Like, I lived in such a small box, and then I kind of felt like I was duped a little. And there's lots of things I was very thankful for with growing up and a lot of things I was protected from, but I think for a while, we were kind of like, screw this. I can't believe that. You know? And now we're a little bit more of kind of this. Like, no, like, there's still a lot of good that we were handed, and a lot of things with our upbringing and the faith we were handed, that was good. Even though we've gone, we've kind of departed from kind of exactly how we used to believe or think. Now we're kind of more in this, like, a little more open of, like, all right, there's a lot of things that are really good, but there's also things we want to do differently for us. And also just with being parents now, we're like, you think about it differently with kids and being like, all right, there's still some things we want to impart to our children and maybe some things we don't.
Jordan Hughes [00:33:10]:
Um. And that just kind of changes how you approach things as well. But, um. Yeah, yeah. So that's another kind of. I feel like my summaries end up being really long summaries.
Jeremy Jernigan [00:33:20]:
So I'm like, these are fascinating answers, and I'm sure our listeners and watchers are, like, dialing right now. This is great. You know, you're making me realize. We often talk about how the church, and, I mean, kind of the church collectively uses fear. And I think most of the time, when people hear that or see that, they think of, like, hell, right? Like, that's often a fear based, like, if you don't do this, you know, this is the consequence. But as I'm listening to, I'm realizing there's, like, this implied fear, and I haven't really even ever articulated, as I'm kind of just processing what your answer is. But there's this implied fear of if you get too far away from. You use the phrase the box.
Jeremy Jernigan [00:34:03]:
If you get too far away from this box, things are going to go bad for you. And I think a lot of people in transition, in their faith, for whatever reason, have that fear that they're grappling with of, like, what does it mean if I change my views? What does it mean if I don't go to this community anymore? What does it mean if I branch out? Right? Because that. That fear is very much implied. And I remember for us, the first time we went through some, like, something really difficult. Personally, as a family post, being on a church staff, I realized I had this, like, unknown of, like, will anybody be there for us? You know, because, like, I was like, the church is the one that's there for you. And we weren't at that, at that season. We weren't a part of a church community. I was like, I don't know if we're going to get anything.
Jeremy Jernigan [00:34:47]:
And then watched, as you said, people all over come around us and support us and in oftentimes more tangible ways than the church, you know, quote unquote. And so you do realize, like, oh, like, there is. There is life in the church and there's life outside of the church and. Yeah, and, like, you can. There's good in both. But we often have this implied fear that we don't even name at times. And yet it takes a story like yours, you know, to go, oh, yeah. Like, you can.
Jeremy Jernigan [00:35:17]:
You can make it outside of there and you don't die. Like, right. You have some hard questions, but you're still doing okay. You know what I mean? And, yeah. How many people just need almost that permission for their own journey?
Jordan Hughes [00:35:31]:
Right? Yeah, totally. Because, yeah, I mean, for me, like I said, like, it was very much growing up in, in the church, you know, being highly involved to the point where I was like, yeah, it's all my friendships, every, like, meaningful mentor I've ever had. You know, it's all. It's all someone from church. Like I said, like, my marriage, it's like we were married at the same church. Like, our. Our marriage was around, you know, it's you, me and Jesus, you know, it's all like, everything is so everything in my life is centered around this. So to, like, you know, first it was like, the anxiety simply of, like, oh, this is my livelihood.
Jordan Hughes [00:36:13]:
Yeah. Because when you're working for a church, as you know, it's this other layer of complexity where, like, this is attached to how I support my family and how I live. But even taking that out of the equation, it's still, you know, it's like, yeah, every other aspect of my life is connected to this somehow, to where.
Jeremy Jernigan [00:36:31]:
You don't even realize.
Jordan Hughes [00:36:33]:
Yeah, totally. Yeah. And you don't realize it until you start untethering or stepping away.
Jeremy Jernigan [00:36:41]:
That's the scary part, is as you start doing some of these things, you start realizing, oh, I have this assumption and I have this assumption, and I'm about to challenge them, and see what happens. And.
Jordan Hughes [00:36:52]:
Right.
Jeremy Jernigan [00:36:53]:
You do it in real time.
Jordan Hughes [00:36:55]:
Totally. Yeah. And that's where it's like, there's. Yeah, there's this level of, like, it's not necessarily like, it's guaranteed. Like, you get to the other side and you're like, I'm all good. I still like. It's not like it's a guaranteed outcome either, but it is kind of like this. It's tricky because, at least for me, I know not everyone has the exact same church experience, but there is kind of that narrative of like, oh, if you leave, it's going to be so hard and life's going to crash and burn.
Jordan Hughes [00:37:28]:
And there is almost that validation in that. I always hesitate even saying deconstruction now because it's kind of a buzzword now, but that. That season of when you are untethering or deconstructing, where you're like, yeah, it feels like the world is crumbling. Your world, at least is crumbling. So almost validates the narrative of, like, oh, yeah. My pastor always said if I left, life would suck and everything, I would lose everything. And in a sense, like, that is true. Like.
Jordan Hughes [00:38:00]:
But the thing is, I don't know, like, for some people, maybe, like, there's a point where, like, all right, no, I'm going to go back. You know? And for me, like, I'm actually very thankful for both my wife and I, which is also very kind of not surprising, but it's like, it. It was. I'm thankful. We both kind of went through the process and ended up in a similar place and wanting to continue and seeing each other with our flaws and. And our, like, okay, no, we. We still want to do this. So I've had many friends who are like, we got married with you, me, and Jesus, and now it doesn't make sense, you know, if I had to part ways.
Jordan Hughes [00:38:37]:
So for us, it was cool to have that shared experience of, like, absolute terror for both of us and then to both get through it, to face, like, for me, I. I talk about it, like, walking up to the edge of a cliff and being like, oh, my God. And, like, we both kind of went there together and then kind of stopped. Or, like, I got you where, you know, so. So that's where I feel like being able to get through that process and now getting to dream a bit and be like, okay, like, what. What does our lives look like outside of the box or beyond the fence? What? You know, whatever metaphor I would decide to stay on. Yeah, it's kind of like, yeah, it's it's actually really. It's still hard there.
Jordan Hughes [00:39:26]:
There's things that I. I talk about. Like, I miss a lot of aspects of being in a church and the community aspect and this normal, like, weekly scheduled social connection. But there's this piece of, like, I feel like I've, again, not trying to sound like, oh. Like I'm above it or I've grown beyond. Like, if. If church or a certain way of thinking or spirituality fits for someone, I'm, like, wonderful. I'm not trying to convince anyone to get out of it for me, like, uh, now I kind of feel like, all right, there are things I miss about church.
Jordan Hughes [00:40:02]:
I would love to go back, but I'm like. I'm just different now. I'm just a different human. It would be kind of forcing myself into a shirt that doesn't fit. It's not like the shirt's bad. It's just like, this doesn't fit me anymore. I could try to squeeze into it, but, like, it. I miss wearing it.
Jordan Hughes [00:40:19]:
I miss the stuff I did. I miss the memories attached to it, but, like, this just isn't me anymore. I've changed. I just can't really go back. That's not necessarily like, I'll never be part of a church again, but just like, I am just a different human than I was ten years ago, and I'm thankful for that and thankful for what I've learned through that. And I still don't totally know what that looks like for life and faith and whether we're part of an evangelical church or another type of faith practice. Uh, but it's just kind of like, this very kind of bittersweet of, like, there are so many good memories and things that I love and appreciate, but at the same time, I'm like, I can acknowledge, like, yeah, but I'm different. And I can't just go back to how things used to be, for better or for worse.
Jordan Hughes [00:41:09]:
Well, mostly for better, but yeah, no, and this is.
Jeremy Jernigan [00:41:11]:
This is a very similar story that I hear. You know, a lot of people who have this journey, and so one of the questions I love asking people, and I. I think your answer could be fascinating. You, if you look at the last ten years, we'll say, so obviously, last seven have been kind of in this role. You're right. Now, how would you describe the ways in which your faith has changed? Right. So whatever you would describe your faith as today.
Jordan Hughes [00:41:35]:
Yeah.
Jeremy Jernigan [00:41:35]:
Can you articulate, like, hey, I changed gears on this, this and this, or it's very in this way, right?
Jordan Hughes [00:41:45]:
Yeah, I mean, it's something that I, in some ways, struggle with because I think part of, again, kind of the growing up, at least in the kind of faith, kind of Calvary chapel ish type background where I'm kind of used to, like, you got to have your, your points, your, you know, statement of faith sort of thing. So there's a bit where I, I kind of have this inner, like, and he didn't have exactly what I have. I need to know exactly what I believe and be able to articulate it. And I feel like part of the journey for me is kind of being okay with, like, I can't fully articulate it yet. It's kind of part of where I'm at. But I feel like some of the big stuff for me. And a lot of this kind of came also with, like, as I was preparing to, you know, have my first child and as, you know, that just messes up your world and your beliefs in a lot of different ways. But one of the aspects of just, like, kind of the core belief of, like, yeah, people are sinful and wrong and deserve hell unless they have Jesus sort of thing.
Jordan Hughes [00:42:52]:
And for me, I think that's connected to a lot of different experiences for me, of, like I mentioned, like, kind of leaving the church, stepping out of the faith circles and being like, oh, here's a. These wonderful, beautiful people loving people in ways that I was like, there are no ulterior motives here, and they aren't trying to convert you or get you to a Wednesday night study and just being, seeing people care for people selflessly and being like, again, people still, you know, there are selfless, loving people in the church, too. Not trying to deny that, but just, like, seeing that in such abundance outside the church and being like, cool. So these people are sinful and destined to hell. I was just like, huh? And then just this piece of, like, oh, yeah. Like a belief system that's founded on your inner, you're out, and it's that black and white and no nuance. And I think that as I started to kind of question that, I feel like that. That's when things really started to kind of crumble for me when it came to, like, my christian beliefs of, of just like, the.
Jordan Hughes [00:44:01]:
The lack of nuance, the flattening, the. Just like you're, you're in. You're either on our team or you're not. And yeah, the gospel is great news, but it, it's just good news for these people. And you could be a really shitty human, but as long as you believe just stuff where I feel like those are the things that really kind of hit me hard first, where maybe that was the first thing that fell for me was like, just like, I. To be quite honest, I don't believe in hell anymore. I just don't think that's. And that's.
Jordan Hughes [00:44:33]:
I feel like that's a big one where a lot of, you know, family members or, you know, even church friends who I still have, like, yeah, that's a big thing because it's like, yeah, if you don't have eternal punishment, what Jesus come for, you know, it just starts to, you know, knock a lot of things down. So that at least is a pretty big one. One of the first things for me where I'm like, belief system that is based around a threat of violence, I just am like, come on. Like, even as, like, a kid, where I'm like, yeah, if someone tells me you're going to hell, you're never going to see your parents again, that's an easy yes, sign me up for Christianity. And I just am like, I just don't think that's how it works. And, yeah, so with that, like, you know, that kind of breaks down a lot of things. Kind of the original sin mindset of, like, even thinking through now with having two beautiful daughters and thinking through, okay, like, I don't want them to be saddled as a three year old. What? You know, my oldest is almost four, and she's just very perceptive and thinking about telling her, like, oh, yeah, like, you are sinful and you're gonna go to hell.
Jordan Hughes [00:45:49]:
Which was told to me as a three or four year old and being like, oh, like, I can't imagine giving that to a four year old in that weight and that, like, you are evil unless you do this to me. I'm just like, oh, that's so. To me, I just, like, that is harmful. That is not okay. So that's at least my, like, that was kind of one of the first things of just like, I don't want to saddle my kids with this weight, and there's gonna be hard questions someday, I'm sure. But I'm like, I don't want them to have to be this child, like, wrestling through, like, this idea of original sin and, like, you're just a horrible, evil person and goodness is outside of you. I feel like that was a hard thing. That's still a hard thing for me, of I have the inner voice of, like, like I mentioned, like, oh, I'm always in trouble or I can't trust myself or if someone's making me feel uncomfortable, it's a me problem.
Jordan Hughes [00:46:48]:
It's not because, you know, so also as a safety thing with young girls, too, it's like, no, I don't want them to think that they can't trust their own inner voice, that their flesh is wrong and deceitfully wicked. Like, I want them to be able to recognize, to be in their body and to trust themselves and to not think, oh, the only goodness is outside of me, and I have to trust in this other thing to find goodness. Yeah, that's at least kind of a snippet in kind of where I am currently. And those were kind of the, maybe the big chinks or big holes in the wall that kind of made things start to crumble for me because those are big things, of course, and that's connected to a lot of different things. And like I said, I don't necessarily have a super nicely, like I did in Bible college at a very nicely formatted, bulleted point. Here's what I believe. Here's what I don't believe sort of thing. I'm like, I don't have that anymore, but at least kind of have these, these threads that I'm pulling on, maybe still pulling on a bit.
Jordan Hughes [00:47:54]:
So, yeah, at least gives you a snippet, at least, hopefully.
Jeremy Jernigan [00:47:59]:
And for anyone watching or listening, if you pull on the thread of Isdev, is eternal conscious torment really the way God works? And you challenge that, you will have a similar experience to Jordan. You, you will start to realize, oh, I'm unraveling all sorts of things that then don't make sense because they all hinge on this thing. And if this one thing isn't legit, which a lot of issues with, then, yeah, the whole thing, you have to start making sense of it. So that's. Sure you're not alone.
Jordan Hughes [00:48:28]:
That's. Yeah.
Jeremy Jernigan [00:48:31]:
You mentioned in one of your videos, and I thought this was a very, very intriguing perspective, that when you were younger, you didn't abuse alcohol, and so you don't today as an adult, have a lot of the negative connotations that often adults bring into it. I thought that was so interesting because that's been my experience. I grew up in a house. Alcohol was never around. I just didn't grow up with it. My parents didn't drink, and so I got into alcohol way later in my life. But it's such a fascinating insight. Can you talk more about the significance of that for you?
Jordan Hughes [00:49:08]:
Yeah, totally. Yeah. Like you said, it's like, didn't have alcohol in my house growing up. Both. I don't want to share too much of my. My parents background just because it's their story, but they just both came from pretty. Just hard backgrounds with, uh, you know, parents who either had, you know, alcohol abuse issues or just kind of some family history stuff, where both my parents, like, when they got married, um, were just like, you know, we. We don't want that for our family.
Jordan Hughes [00:49:42]:
Uh, they were also like, because, you know, there is sometimes this hereditary aspect with alcohol abuse or kind of addiction in general. Uh, I think for my dad and mom were like, we just don't even want to take a chance, sort of thing, and we're just gonna kind of a blanket, no alcohol. Um, I think I saw them have, like, a bud light on vacation once as a kid, or a glass of wine, and it was always like, oh, whoa, mom and dad, like, but it was just like, this very, like, even then, it was like they would drink a glass of wine once we went to bed, and if we opened the door, they're unclear. So. So it was very much like, yeah, blanket thing, no alcohol, which I honestly appreciate. And that's where I kind of said in that video that I posted was like, I appreciate their. Even if it was a very heavy handed for them, it's like, maybe they didn't have to be that extreme, but for them, they were like, they saw firsthand the, you know, what alcohol abuse can do and how that affects people. And, um, you know, one of my uncles died way, way too young, um, largely connected to alcohol abuse.
Jordan Hughes [00:50:52]:
So that's where it's like, they both had, like, intimate knowledge of. Of what that can do. So for them, they're just like, yeah, we just don't want that for our family. We're kind of breaking this cycle, which I'm very thankful for. Um, and, yeah, like I said, I feel like, for me, they kind of gave me, which wasn't what they were intending necessarily, but they kind of gave me this gift of, yeah, like, hey, now I'm high proof preacher. And I. I, you know, I said, tilt my camera. You just see a wall covered in liquor.
Jordan Hughes [00:51:26]:
But, yeah, like, for me, like, when I. Like, when I turned 21, I don't think I even had a drink. Like, it just was like, I don't care. Like this. I didn't have a history of it. Like, I guess I never partied again. I was church kid. I was worship leader as a high schooler.
Jordan Hughes [00:51:44]:
I went to Bible college. At the Bible college I went to, you had to sign a contract saying you would not drink while you're enrolled at this university. And people broke that all the time. But I didn't. I was a good church kid, so, like, you know, I graduated, you know, turned 21, didn't have a drink. And then I think it wasn't till I was, like, 22. So, like, a year later. Yeah, it was when I was doing this internship in.
Jordan Hughes [00:52:05]:
In Europe and had a glass of wine in Spain and was like, oh, this is kind of nice, you know, and just was, yeah, I'm trying to remember when I had, like, my first, like, cocktail. Cocktails were very much kind of the thing for me where I was like, whoa. Like, this is fascinating. Got into cocktails and spirits very much from this craft kind of culinary perspective of like, oh, like, here's this cocktail. And, you know, you can make it so many different ways to cater to a person's preferences. Like, like I said at the beginning of this, and then just spirits in general. Like, you know, first got into whiskey. There's a lot of guys just kind of like, all right, whiskey, bourbon.
Jordan Hughes [00:52:45]:
This is cool. But then you get into tequila, mezcal. All these spirits that aren't just, like, taste good fun and cocktails, but there's all this, like, cultural, historical significance behind these different spirits. And even behind just, like, one spirit, there, like, rum in itself was like, that's one where, like, yeah, a lot of my friends who had kind of, like, you know, partying background, they're like, I hate rum because that's what you get shit faced on in college. But, like, rum, it's like, it's such a diverse spirit where it's made differently in every region of the world. Part of that's why it's the pirate spirit, because there's not a whole lot of rules around it. So I'm like, every country makes it differently. Even within a country, there's going to be different regions, different distillers are going to have their own style.
Jordan Hughes [00:53:31]:
There's certain ones that, like, are very funky and fruity. Others that are very dry have a ton of terroir. It's just like, such a broad, broad, broad range of styles and flavors and cultural significance. So for me, it was just like this just incredible trip of discovery and of, like, learning about the world in a way. I hadn't seen it before through cocktails. It was something that was, like a hobby that was very exciting to me, something that I was like, I can't get bored of this because there is so much to learn, whether that's the cocktails, whether that's the ingredients, the cultures behind him. It's just like, there's so many different rabbit holes I could go down, but it's also something that is designed to be shared with people. And that's part, you know, the hospitality aspect of, like, yeah, I can have this wall full of booze, but I'm like, why I have this is because, like, I'll have people buy here and be like, what are you interested in? What do you want to try? And I get to share all the stuff that I've, all the knowledge and experiences that I've gained, and now pass it on to somebody else then now they have this experience and this excitement to also learn, not just because what's in the glass is good, but because there's so much behind it.
Jordan Hughes [00:54:46]:
And, yeah, you could probably even see it in my face on the webcam because it's just like, there's just so much cool stuff in there. So that's where it was just cool to come into that without any baggage. And even if you have, you know, I still. People are like, oh, tequila. I can't do it because I threw it up, or, you know, you can still redeem it. I feel like, to use a christian word, but having good tequila, you know, having good tequila is like a. Oh, whoa. Like, it's kind of a light bulb.
Jordan Hughes [00:55:19]:
It's a born again moment, you know, so I can still speak this language if I have to, you know? But, yeah, like, and that's, like, part of the fun for me, too, is like, you know, if someone's used to just getting blasted with, you know, tequila and bad memories, but then if I pull out some, you know, cascane, it's number ten. That, you know, this is a $70 bottle of tequila. Like, you aren't supposed to shoot this with lime and salt. There's so much flavor and terroir just with a. In this liquid. And seeing someone try that and being like, I had no idea you could sip on a blanco tequila and that that would actually be good. Like, having that moment with someone is just so cool. And that's where I'm like, I'm thankful for that, to bring it back.
Jordan Hughes [00:56:03]:
Like, the gift my parents gave me where it's like, I don't have this kind of the baggage or the bad memories I have to get over and also just even for my own life and health, like, um, you know, people might see, like, whoa, you have a ton of booze on the wall, but it's also like, yeah, and almost all these bottles are full. Like, I'm not just sitting in here drinking. Like, it's very much something that. I mean, now it's. It's a little tricky, too, because it's my work. It's assigned more to what I do every day, but it's like, it's very much connected to, like, I'm not just in here drinking cocktails or drinking spirits. It's still very much to, for me, something that's associated with sharing with people. So, like, I always feel kind of weird.
Jordan Hughes [00:56:49]:
Sometimes I'll just be like, oh, like, I got a new spirit, or, oh, I got this new whiskey in the mail, so I'm going to pour myself some to try it, but I always feel weird just kind of sitting down and drinking something on my own. I'm like, no, I want to share this with someone. I have this excitement about it, and that's part of the excitement, is to get to pass it on and share it with other people. So, for me, that. That, again, I am aware of just how fortunate I am, and that's why I did the video was just kind of like, this is a privilege that I've been given that it's not. Booze isn't something I go to. To medicate with. It's.
Jordan Hughes [00:57:26]:
It really is attached to learning and to a culinary experience and to sharing with other people. Um, and that's where it's. It's truly something that has enriched my life, uh, and has brought, you know, some really incredible friendships. Uh, and, yeah, meeting. Hey, even meeting you, you know, just, you know, connecting with people over a liquid, over something that can be harmful if used in a certain way, but at the same time, like, it's. It's something that has only made my life more beautiful and has given me a broader understanding of the world and of people. And, yeah, with that, it's like, it's still something to be careful of. It's still, you know, good to check yourself and all of that, but I'm very thankful for having that.
Jordan Hughes [00:58:18]:
That background that my parents were. Had that, like, kind of initial feeling of, like, no, like, we. We don't want to risk anything for our kids just because they. They've seen it. But giving me that separation and that protection, I feel like, allowed me to go into it with this kind of, um, just beautiful intention and have a truly. Just really life enriching experience. Um, so, yeah. Yeah, I feel like I'm still preaching.
Jeremy Jernigan [00:58:46]:
So, yes, I've ever had on this podcast. I'm not I have so many questions I'm not going to get to because you have great answers. So I'm going to ask a few practical cocktail questions.
Jordan Hughes [00:59:00]:
Oh, yeah.
Jeremy Jernigan [00:59:02]:
And then we're going to do a speed round. Okay.
Jordan Hughes [00:59:04]:
All right.
Jeremy Jernigan [00:59:04]:
We'll, uh, we'll try to dial it in here, but I would be remiss to miss some of these things. Um, okay, so looking through your book plug for your books, it's very fun. Hey, uh, the drink that jumped out at me was the banana sidecar. Had no idea. I love banana, but I was like, I can't even picture what this thing would taste like. I mean, literally, you picture it, but I can't imagine I've ever had anything like, what's funny? You make this drink sound so easy to make, and it's eight ingredients. Counted them. I'm like, I'm not pulling this thing off anytime soon.
Jeremy Jernigan [00:59:40]:
If we ever hang out in person, Jordan, this is the drink I'm hoping I can talk you into making for me because I would be fascinated to hear I. But it got me thinking as I was like, man, that thing's awesome. Do you have a go to if you're hanging out with, hanging out with some friends and there's like, hey, jordan, what do you want to, what do you want to drink tonight? Like, what's your go to as the cocktail guy? What's your go to?
Jordan Hughes [01:00:01]:
Cocktail? Yeah, I mean, I feel like part of it kind of depends on the season, right? I mean, honestly, like, I, you know, people ask, like, favorite spirit or spirit category. I do gravitate more towards, like, agave spirits now. So to tequila, mezcal ricia. Like, it's kind of a broad category, but, um, so I often go more towards, like, um, I mean, I make a ton of margaritas. Oh, there's that. Uh, but there's a drink called the, the naked and famous, which is a mezcal cocktail. Has mezcal aperol, four ingredients on this one. Uh, but mezcal aperol, yellow shark juice and fresh lime.
Jordan Hughes [01:00:41]:
So it's in the more kind of refreshing, citrusy type cocktail. But, you know, it's got the mezcal, which, you know, people think of mezcal simply as smoky. There's, there's more layers to it than that, but there's certainly a smoky element. It's kind of like a spicy element to some mezcal as well. Aperol, kind of bittersweet orange chartreuse is kind of all kinds of botanicals in there. So it's a four ingredient cocktail. But just a lot of. A lot of different layers to it that are just really delicious, but ends up being kind of like a more complex margarita.
Jordan Hughes [01:01:17]:
And it's like a bright, kind of red, almost pink color, too. So it's always just, like, pretty, really refreshing, you know, refreshing cocktail, but something that you also feel like you. You don't want to drink quickly, it's a little lighter on the booze, but you're like, okay. Like, there's just so many flavors going on. You kind of want to sip it slowly. And so that, that's one of my favorites, honestly. Like, Portland weather, climate, cold. You know, I lean a lot.
Jordan Hughes [01:01:46]:
I do really enjoy a lot of kind of spirit forward cocktails more in the old fashioned type of realm. So one of my favorites is a sazerac, which is similar to an old fashioned, where it's, um, you typically make it with rye whiskey or cognac, a little bit of sugar, something called peychaud's bitters, uh, which is just another kind of bitters that are kind of like a kind of bitter cherry. Kind of has this medicinal element to it, and then, like, a bit of absinthe. Um, and you. You typically stir it with ice chilled, but then you, you serve it just in, like, a rocks glass without ice. It kind of looks like you're just sipping on, like, a finger or two of whiskey, but it's actually, you know, a few different ingredients together. And that's just like a. It's actually like a classic New Orleans cocktail.
Jordan Hughes [01:02:34]:
Um, it's kind of one of the earliest cocktails, supposedly. Uh, but that's just a really nice one for kind of, you know, darker, colder weather spirit forwards. You're. You're very much, like, sipping that slowly. It's mostly spirit. You know, a little bit of sugar and bitters, and then, you know, 2oz of cognac or rye. Yeah. So, you know, so it's not like, you know, Margarita naked and famous, like I talked about, where you got citrus and sweet and, you know, with this, it's like you're.
Jordan Hughes [01:03:02]:
You're kind of sitting there by the fire, taking your time with it sort of thing. But, yeah, excellent cocktail. But, yeah, I generally kind of go between those two. Kind of like an agave, focused kind of margarita type drink, and then kind of more of the sazerac, little boozier but complex cocktail. So I guess I'm giving you two. Those are kind of my go tos. Yeah.
Jeremy Jernigan [01:03:27]:
I also love old fashioned. And, yeah, I've only seen you reference Luxardo cherries, so if you have other cherries, I haven't seen it, but I have been to bourbon events where they swear by Woodford reserve cherries. The bourbon cherries? Yeah. Do you have a definitive, this is the right cherry, or are you, are you open minded on cherries? Yeah.
Jordan Hughes [01:03:50]:
So my main thing is mainly just, like, don't get the bright, like, the neon red ones that are just soaking in sugar and are just like, yeah. Even when you, even when you eat them, it's like, oh, tasty. Oh, that's a nice little chemical aftertaste. So. So the Woodford ones I have had are also very good. Luxardo's just, like, a little easier to get, as far as I've seen. I'm sure Woodford has theirs available a little more widely now, but yeah, looks sort of cherries are just like, they're like the old school. Like, brandy cherries.
Jordan Hughes [01:04:26]:
I mean, they're still sitting in, like, this kind of syrup type thing, but it's like, they aren't neon red. It's not like a bunch of chemicals in there. There's like, this whatever. They're soaking in it. I think it's like, you know, there's part of it is like, brandy or there's some sort of proof to it. So that's like the preservative where versus a bunch of chemicals. It's alcohol. But, like, the, the cherries themselves are like, they're smaller.
Jordan Hughes [01:04:51]:
They're not, you know, there's some super unnatural color. So they just, like, you eat one of those, and then if you eat one of the neon red ones, you're like, how are these even the same species of fruit? Like, they just taste, like, so drastically different. And I feel like they just look nicer, too. Like, like, the neon red ones just make me think, you know, milkshake, red robin, whatever, versus the luxardo or Woodford ones. You know, they're dark, they're smaller, so they don't look quite as unnatural in your face. They just look classier, and they taste so much better. So that's where I'm. I'm usually just like, luxardo, just that's kind of the.
Jordan Hughes [01:05:28]:
Get those. They are, you know, to, like your $4 can of, you know, bright red cherries. The lixardo ones are like $20 for a thing of cherries. So it is like a, it's a luxury. But it's. I just am, like, if you're going to make cocktails, like, get. Get good stuff, it doesn't mean you have to be getting the, you know, hundred dollar bottles. Like, there's some really good ingredients.
Jordan Hughes [01:05:53]:
That's where I often try to recommend. Like, in my book, I have a section on each cocktail page was like, all right, here's, like, different ingredients I recommend. And oftentimes it's bottles that are more in the $20 to $30 range for spirits and liqueurs. Just like, you don't have to go crazy, but don't go bottom shelf. Like, if you put crap ingredients together, you're going to have a crap cocktail. Like, that's just, you know, you can't expect an amazing cocktail without amazing ingredients. So that's, that's where there's a level. I'm like, it's.
Jordan Hughes [01:06:24]:
If it's a hobby, it's not going to be a cheap hobby, but, uh, like, you don't have to go nuts, but there's a middle. There's a middle ground you can find. Right? Totally.
Jeremy Jernigan [01:06:36]:
Don't go to the bottom shelf, but you don't have to buy the $50 bottle, you know, if you don't.
Jordan Hughes [01:06:40]:
Yeah, I guess that's the case for, for anything you get into, right? Like, there's always, when I always a.
Jeremy Jernigan [01:06:45]:
Nicer thing, I'll often ask them, what kind of cherries do you put in your old fashioned? And if they say, oh, they're a little maraschino cherry, I'm like, not order something else. That's the cherries going in it. I don't, I don't want this drink. I don't need that.
Jordan Hughes [01:06:59]:
Yeah, yeah.
Jeremy Jernigan [01:07:00]:
Okay, so you're a cocktail guy, but you have experience with wine. Wine was one of the things that you said got you into the alcohol journey. I love asking people if I were to say, hey, what's the best glass of wine you ever had? Is there a memory that comes to mind? Is there a time that you think, I was with these people, we were on this trip or whatever, or a bottle that you go that was, like, as good as you can remember wine ever tasting. Do you have anything comes to mind?
Jordan Hughes [01:07:30]:
Hmm? I mean, it's. Yeah, I feel like with wine, I, I just still feel very intimidated with wine. Like, even coming on here, I'm like, I don't know if I can. I don't know if I can talk wine. You know, like, I'm not as articulate. Well, because even, like, I'm in, you know, I live, you know, in Portland, where we've got wine countries or, you know, right in the back door backyard sort of thing. And I have felt weird as the cocktail guide at wine events where I'll get invited to stuff and there'll be wine shop owners and they'll pretty quickly figure like, oh, you're a cocktail guy. And I kind of pretty quickly kind of get, like, shut off.
Jordan Hughes [01:08:06]:
Like, you can't hang sort of thing where it's like, I don't have their palate or their, you know, so I have, like, felt that a few times. Not, not fully. I mean, I've, I feel like people I've gotten to know at wineries are much more just like, it's usually kind of the wine shop or wine bar owners where I've kind of gotten the, like, I don't know about you, you're a cocktail guy. So I do kind of feel that, like, oh, I don't know if I'm quite knowledgeable enough, but just when it comes to experience wise, I mean, like, like I said, I didn't drink winter 21. Probably the first drink I had was in Spain. It was in the basque region, and it was, I think it's chocolatey. It's like, tx, you know, it's this weird basque word, and it's like, pretty cheap wine. It's not like they're nice stuff.
Jordan Hughes [01:08:59]:
I think it's pronounced chocolate. I'm probably saying it wrong. I just remember that, like, it sounds like they're saying chocolate, but it's like a, TX is like the, how it starts, but it's like a slightly, like, naturally sparkling, but they're like, they always pour it very long. Like, it's kind of this very, you know, spanish kind of flair thing. And it was just every bar with seafood had this chocolatey stuff. And for me, that, like, and that was kind of first drinking experience. The first time, I really felt like, buzz, you know? So there's always that kind of connection to it, of like, it was this beautiful experience with friends walking around this, you know, basque region of Spain, trying the freshest seafood I've ever had. And then, you know, these bartenders who are very, just kind of, you know, it's like, very much connected to this whole experience of, it's not just, here's this precious liquid.
Jordan Hughes [01:09:55]:
It was like, you know, here's this slate with shrimp we caught today, and then let me pour you this wine. And they're like, making, like, a show out of it. For me, like that, that was kind of, you know, it's like my first time sort of thing. So for me, like, that, that's always kind of had this, like, anytime I see a, I don't see it often, because, again, it's like, this kind of niche basque wine that's not, like, super common. Whenever I see that in a store, it's always, like, some weird size, and I'm like, it's like, $11. I'm getting it. You know, so. So that one's always kind of felt, like, special to me.
Jeremy Jernigan [01:10:32]:
Let's go away.
Jordan Hughes [01:10:34]:
Yeah. And then, yeah, I feel like from there, it's. Yeah, like I said, like, I'm not super knowledgeable, knowledgeable about it, but I've always kind of gravitated more towards, you know, sparkling wines and, like, pet nat and Portland. I feel like, especially is kind of in the, you know, trying to be hipster about everything. Kind of a natural wine world where it's a lot of, kind of skin contact wines and orange wine, and that kind of world of wine, at least just feels a little. There is kind of the hipster element that's a little like, okay, come on, guys. Like, but that world, and some of the people I've met in that world, at least, are just very, like, I appreciate the not feeling quite as precious about it, where it's just very like, oh, if you're interested in learning, yeah, come learn. And there's certainly that element with kind of old world wines, too.
Jordan Hughes [01:11:33]:
I've been to the cognac region in France, which is, again, more focused about cognac, but it's a ton of grape vineyards and people who've been in, you know, growing these vineyards for hundreds of years, and those people as well, are like, I don't care if you know nothing about this. I'm just excited to share this with you. So I always kind of appreciate those, those types of people in the wine world where it's like, it's okay if you don't speak my language or you can't take a sip and articulate, you know, what year, what vintage this is. We're like, I'm excited about this. And simply you showing interest and excitement. Good for me. So that those are always kind of the people that I'm drawn to, and then in return, I'm kind of drawn to those, those kind of, those products or their brand. Yeah.
Jeremy Jernigan [01:12:19]:
So, yeah, love it. Well, we want to officially welcome you into the wine world.
Jordan Hughes [01:12:24]:
Hey, thank you. Yeah. Maybe I should book a call with you for some. Some lessons to talk like, I know what I'm. I'll give you the way to drinking.
Jeremy Jernigan [01:12:35]:
Fool everyone to thinking, it's so complicated, dude. I was like, you can spend your whole life devoted, and still people could stump you on what about this region? Or, you know, it's like, totally. It's like, I went.
Jordan Hughes [01:12:48]:
I'm always fascinated. Yeah. I'm just fascinated by the people who, like, who can take a sip and just know. I'm just like, you know, what year in what region?
Jeremy Jernigan [01:12:57]:
Who does that? And it's really annoying because you, like, taste like I'm getting notes. He's like, this is on the south side of. You're like, how? How. How do you do that? And he, like, can pick it out. Exactly. And it's like, man, gosh, it's annoying. Hate that guy. Okay, so I'm gonna ask you questions.
Jeremy Jernigan [01:13:16]:
First thing that comes to mind, I don't want you to stew on this. Just gut reaction. What is something you used to believe that it turned out later you were wrong about?
Jordan Hughes [01:13:27]:
Oh, man. Gosh, how can I not stew on that? I think I used to believe that. Wrong about. Geez, man. I mean, I feel like I kind of mentioned some of this when we were talking about some of this stuff earlier of just like the. Yeah, like, leaving church or leaving Christianity. It's like, it's a. It's a walking away.
Jordan Hughes [01:13:59]:
It's a kind of. For me, at least, like, anyone I knew who left church or left youth group or whatever it was, you know, it was always at least framed as, like, oh, like they were, you know, either got lazy, complacent and left, or it was like this very, like, dramatic fallen, you know, always kind of this fallen away language. And that's where, for me, it was weird to have my own experience of leaving and being like this actually felt very intentional. And then meeting a lot of people where it was similar, where it was like, not just like, oh, the ways of the world are just so alluring or whatever. It felt like, no, like, this was actually, like, this is the best thing for me and my family to leave, to step out of this and that you can still be a good person and have a moral compass and not just have your life go to shit. So I feel like that was probably the biggest thing of just like, oh, like, I was starting to think through, like, who should I go back and, like, apologize to for, like you mentioned, like, when you leave and you're like, will anyone else. Will people still even be there for me? Will anyone even call me? And I started thinking, like, well, yeah, I used to be in the church, and people would leave. I was like, how sad.
Jordan Hughes [01:15:23]:
They fell away, or they. And it's like, I didn't call them. I didn't bother sitting down with them and hearing their, like, what their experience was. So that's where I was starting to think through, like, oh, shoot. Like, who did I leave? Who was I? That person, too, who was no longer there for them. And that's where it's like, oh, like, how can I go reconnect with these people? Not just to be like, hey, I'm out, too, but to be like, oh, like, I'm. I'm sorry that I wasn't there for you.
Jeremy Jernigan [01:15:49]:
Right.
Jordan Hughes [01:15:49]:
Um, yeah. Yeah. So maybe that's kind of. I could probably go down that trail for a bit, but that's good. Yeah.
Jeremy Jernigan [01:15:59]:
What do you see as the main issues facing Christianity in America today?
Jordan Hughes [01:16:04]:
Man? What? Heavy lightning round. Lots of big, big questions.
Jeremy Jernigan [01:16:13]:
Alcohol in them. So I usually get some really honest answers by this.
Jordan Hughes [01:16:16]:
Hey, yeah, sure. Yeah, man, I should have been pouring this 100 proof bourbon I got. That would probably get some great answers from me. But I don't know, this is always a hard one, but just especially in 2024 election year and all that. Like, politics is just insane and divisions in the US especially. But, yeah, I feel like, I mean, the whole kind of Christianity being attached to patriotism and again, not. Not fully like, I mean, again, I lived in Portland, which is like, even a lot of the christian churches I'm a part of in Portland are. Are very more on the progressive side of things.
Jordan Hughes [01:17:03]:
Try to not be as, you know, connected to some of the political stuff. But it's almost like, how do you not these days, everything's just extra polarized right now. And I feel like there is this level of. I feel like, again, not really being in a church or in christian circles necessarily. I do see a lot of goodness and hope in Christianity, but, like, when it's tethered to a political party or a political ideology, and, like, it's like, if you're a Christian, you can only vote this way. I just am. Like, that is only harmful to. To everyone.
Jordan Hughes [01:17:42]:
But I'm like, especially to the religion side because that was also a part of my story, too, was just like, you know, just some stuff with just recent politics with Trump and all of that, whether listeners, whoever support him or not, there was just this side of Sunday school. Teachers or whoever, people growing up were like, nope, you can only follow this guy or you can only vote for this guy. And me just being like, okay, but here's all this stuff he said or done, and how does this line up with the things you've taught me and how is, like, it just seems so like, we'll throw everything out to just make sure we're on the right political side. And again, that kind of touches what I was saying. Like, the. The lack of nuance and just the, like, for me, I'm like, comes to Democrat, Republican. I was like, I really like anyone on either side. I don't see, like, a, this is the one way to go.
Jordan Hughes [01:18:41]:
But for christians in the US specifically, like, just being so focused on, like, no, it's this political party or this person. I just don't see that how that helps anybody. And I feel like that's just damaging to everyone. So I feel like, again, like, I'm also trying to, like, answer that as nicely as I can to come. Like, I don't know who's listening to this. Everyone knows I'm from Portland. I generally lean more left and, you know, um, so no secret there. But just, like, I just feel like everything is so.
Jordan Hughes [01:19:17]:
So polarized and christians feed into that so heavily. I think also just because, like, that's the water I used to swim in. So I see that where I'm like, I feel like that's damaging not just to the divide we're experiencing as a country, but also I'm like, oh, I'm not sure if Christianity as a whole in the US will survive this, of what's happening right now. And, like, I don't know that. So, so my. My long, short answer is politics, because it's all levels of messed up right now, being so intertwined with kind of Christianity and different faith leaders. So I don't really have a, I guess, a super clear cut answer, but I was like, it's all kinds of messed up, and I'm not sure how to fix that, but that's where we're at.
Jeremy Jernigan [01:20:05]:
Well, we'll file that as christian nationalism, for the record.
Jordan Hughes [01:20:09]:
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Sounds good.
Jeremy Jernigan [01:20:12]:
Okay.
Jordan Hughes [01:20:12]:
What?
Jeremy Jernigan [01:20:12]:
Is something blowing your mind right now?
Jordan Hughes [01:20:16]:
Something blowing my mind? Anything.
Jeremy Jernigan [01:20:19]:
Anything that you're just, like, thinking about, like, wow, that's interesting.
Jordan Hughes [01:20:25]:
Is blowing my mind right now. Gosh. I mean, I have young kids, so they're always kind of, like, you know, that's, I guess, kind of the easy answer of just, like, having kids who are, like, four and one and just, like, you know, obviously, like, been around kids, been a youth pastor, kids pastor. But when they're your kids, it's just, like, a different thing. And, yeah, for me, I was, like, not super stoked on becoming a dad or having babies. I was excited to have, like, grown kids someday, but I was kind of like, I could go without the newborn faze or toddlers. I was like, you can't reason with them. I can't explain, you know? So for me, it was and still continues just like, it's pretty amazing how fun it is.
Jordan Hughes [01:21:19]:
I didn't think it would be this fun. This, like, even, like, just a few months into having our first kid, I was like, this is really fun. Super hard. I mean, that's a given. Everyone will tell you, kids are hard. Tail is oldest time, but it's like, no one told me this was just gonna be so freaking fun. Even at, like, a few months old. Again, two things are true at once.
Jordan Hughes [01:21:40]:
Super, super hard. One of the hardest things, like, my wife and I have done is having kids, especially for her physically having kids. But, yeah, like, raising children who you give everything for, and then they will get mad and throw fits and, you know, when it's like, I've done everything for you, but then you have these moments where you're like, oh, my gosh, this is so fun and so beautiful, and there's nothing better in life. That always blows my mind. I feel like every phase they grow into, I'm just like, holy. Like, I feel like I'm constantly having my mind blown on the parenting side of things, for sure. On the work side of things, you know, there's other stuff. There's always spirits I'm jumping into or learning about different things where, yeah, I feel like I have a lot of fun stuff.
Jordan Hughes [01:22:28]:
I get to get into it in life and work. But parenting has been pretty wild, I.
Jeremy Jernigan [01:22:34]:
Must say, with you, a problem you're trying to solve right now.
Jordan Hughes [01:22:42]:
Problem I'm trying to solve is, I guess, to put it succinctly, maybe balance. For me, it's like, I've been at this seven years now, being self employed as a creative content creator, influence, all these kind of things that I do. And I feel like I've gone from kind of freelancer mindset to now business owner, where now I have, you know, some people, I have, like, an admin assistant, and I have someone who kind of helps me on shoots. And, you know, this year, you're getting more of the nitty gritty business stuff, like switch to an s corp and, you know, figuring out my finances to go, like, okay, like, I've done this for seven years, and the way I've done this won't get me to the next stage of my business. Or I of, you know, like, all right, like, we. We are renting, and we're like, if we want to buy a house in this crazy market. Like, um, you know, I don't have a w nine or w two or whatever. Just making sure, like, when you're freelance, you can kind of like, all right, you have up months, you have down months.
Jordan Hughes [01:23:52]:
It all kind of washes out where I'm like, this last year, I hired, like, an accountant and having someone actually going through my books. And so with that, I just feel like it's become more of this behemoth of, like, I'm a business owner now. I'm also a dad and a husband, and I'm trying to, like, actually live a life. I want to live that, you know, that that was part of being freelance and being like, oh, I can build my own thing, but even as you're, as the thing grows, I'm like, oh, like, that takes on a life of its own, and I still want to be a very present and available dad. I want to be able to take a Friday off if I, if I want to, to be with my kids. And, um, so feeling so now I just feel like I'm kind of in this new phase of, like, how do I figure out balance? How do I figure out, um, running a business versus just being a freelancer and just kind of, like, one month at a time, I'll figure it out. Now it's like, no, like, I gotta think months and years down the line is. Cause, like, there's, I've got, you know, two little girls, my wife, and people depending on me, and not just financially, but also just to be there for them and to be present and not just on my phone responding to Instagram comments all the time.
Jordan Hughes [01:25:04]:
So for me, I feel like this year is, like, just figuring out, you know, what I need to do to run a business well, but also to be, you know, a present father and husband as well. And that's something, I guess, you're always kind of adjusting and figuring out. But for me, I just feel like I've got a lot to do to kind of get out of the freelancer mindset and into kind of healthy, balanced business owner mindset. And that's easier said than done.
Jeremy Jernigan [01:25:33]:
It's a very adult answer of you.
Jordan Hughes [01:25:36]:
Oh, thank you.
Jeremy Jernigan [01:25:39]:
What's something you're excited about right now?
Jordan Hughes [01:25:43]:
Yeah. Excited about. Yeah, I feel like I can kind of go to different buckets in my life. I've talked about some fatherhood stuff, some business stuff, and this is kind of a little more on the business end, where I've gotten more opportunities to teach and to speak at events in person and so much of my work and life and content, it's all online doing photo and video, and it's, it's on social media or it's on a digital ad somewhere. You know, it's all online. So it's been cool. I've gotten some opportunities to speak on either, you know, cocktail classes sort of thing, teaching people how to make drinks or on the visual side. And this year, I have a lot of opportunities to share about how to do what I do, like how to capture drinks and how to capture bartenders.
Jordan Hughes [01:26:36]:
You know, how do you light a bar or restaurant? How do you go in a busy hospitality, the environment, light it, photograph it, capture it. Well, kind of has its own challenges and nuances. So I've gotten a lot of opportunities to. Last week, I was in New York for this big bar convention. So all these bartenders and bar owners and I got to teach on, like, here's how I go into bars and restaurants, and here's how I photograph and, you know, take video and photo and how to capture these things like glassware and bottles that are hard to capture. So for me, like, that's just been really fun to, to be in person teaching. I do a lot of, you know, like I said, video content and whatever, but to actually be with people, to pass on the knowledge I've learned and to be able to see, like the, I get the immediate, immediate feedback you don't always get online. Sometimes you get comments, likes, but getting to talk with people, getting to see the light bulb moment in people, being like, that's how you do that.
Jordan Hughes [01:27:34]:
Cool. Like seeing that moment in people, like the moments I've had, it's kind of connected to cocktails in a way of like, it's sharing an experience with someone. And for me, it's like years of knowledge and learning and experimenting and messing up and then getting to, like, pass that on and make it easier for someone else to learn the same thing. It's just been like a different area of my brain and just like, there's something I want to chase down where I'm just like, oh. Like, I'm really enjoying getting to teach and getting to, like, share with people and again, making that experience, passing on that experience. And that's just something where I'm like, I really want to keep doing that to a certain degree because I think that that just activates me in a different way. It puts me in a different mindset of versus just producing, feeding the algorithm, getting so many videos out, or executing on client demands. It's just like this different part of me getting to, like, it's not necessarily tied to, you know, a video performing well or a client being thrilled with my results.
Jordan Hughes [01:28:37]:
It's like, here's what I've learned. Here's what I've done. Let me give it to you so you can. You can take it and run with it. That's just been very energizing to me, and I feel like has given me a lot of kind of new, fresh energy as I continue to be a self employed whatever it is I do. So.
Jeremy Jernigan [01:28:59]:
Is there anything else you'd like to add that I may not have asked you about?
Jordan Hughes [01:29:04]:
Um, yeah, I don't think. I mean, yeah, we covered all kinds of stuff. This was probably one of the more like, uh, just kind of intimate conversations as far as talking about life and faith. And obviously, you know, you've seen some of the videos. I've shared little snippets of it. So, yeah, this was cool to just get to share more of that background. It's a background I've been trying to share a bit more of because people seem to resonate with it. So, yeah, this was cool just to have kind of a longer format opportunity to share that.
Jordan Hughes [01:29:36]:
And, yeah, if anything, just for listeners. Like, yeah, obviously people are always like, follow me, subscribe, whatever. But also, I'm, like, part of social media for me is it's been so fun to actually connect with people, especially people who resonate with my own background or even just with cocktails. So that's where I'm like, hey, like, follow. Yeah, but, like, shoot me a DM. Like, I would love to know if you heard the conversation. I'm also, like, people dm me all the time with questions around cocktails. Like, the first thing you asked about a spritz.
Jordan Hughes [01:30:07]:
Or people will be like, you know, I got this cool flavor of bitters or syrup at the store. What can I make with this? And honestly, like, I love helping people out with that stuff. So if you have cocktail questions, just hit me up on Instagram. Um, yeah, like, sometimes I'm not always able to respond right away, but, uh, I truly love getting to help people with cocktail stuff or suggesting recipes or different things you can do. Um, that's honestly just very fun for me and also energizing as well. So just to encourage, uh, you as well, Jeremy, and anyone else listening, like, hey, you have cocktail questions? I'm a DM away. Hit me up. Always down to, uh, to help you out.
Jeremy Jernigan [01:30:46]:
Okay, so someone is like, yes, I love this guy. I want to connect with them, how do they connect with you online?
Jordan Hughes [01:30:52]:
Yeah, yeah. So high proof preacher, uh, on Instagram and TikTok, you know, um, I always feel like I'm the old guy on TikTok, but, uh, you know, but TikTok and Instagram probably a little more responsive. The DM's on Instagram, but, yeah, those are great places to get in touch. I also have another kind of account and platform called cocktail camera, and that's more of my educational stuff, where I educate more on the photo video side, kind of teaching people how to do content creation and photo video in bars and restaurants and stuff like that. So if that's interesting, that's cocktail camera, same thing. Instagram, YouTube channel, website, that sort of, sort of deal, but around cocktails and just kind of probably the most responsive for if you have cocktail questions. Just going to hype proof preacher on Instagram is a good place to. To get in touch with me.
Jordan Hughes [01:31:47]:
I have my email and my bio, too. If, you know, if you're like, I need to send you a bunch of, you know, a bunch of links or whatever, there's lots of ways you can just kind of reach out to me there. But Instagram is probably a good place to start.
Jeremy Jernigan [01:31:58]:
And you also have highproof preacher.com.
Jordan Hughes [01:32:01]:
Yeah, yeah, hyperpreacher.com. i, you know, I feel like I kind of started as a blog, so hyperpreacher.com was like the blog I started with. So now I kind of like, you know, I'll dump a bunch of recipes on there. And so that's supposedly kind of a slightly more searchable way to find specific cocktail recipes. But also, I'm like, that's where I feel like on Instagram, I'm like, people just use me like Google, and they're like, hey, where's your spicy margarita recipe? And I'll just send them the link on there, you know, so they're like, they don't even bother searching my blog anymore. They're just like, hey, Jordan, you could, you could google this. You could search this, but whatever, I'll send it to you.
Jeremy Jernigan [01:32:43]:
Well, hey, Jordan, it has been seriously a joy to talk to you. One of the easiest conversations I have hosted thus far on the podcast. You have such interesting answers, and I love hearing just how you're thriving in this role, how you're being honest about it. I love, you know, and I would encourage anyone who's watching or listening check you out on. On Instagram, because you talk about a lot of this stuff to your platform. I find that very intriguing. You're just very open with it. And so thanks for taking the time to talk and to share all this with us.
Jeremy Jernigan [01:33:19]:
And we gonna have to. We're gonna have to meet in person at some point and.
Jordan Hughes [01:33:23]:
Yeah.
Jeremy Jernigan [01:33:24]:
Together.
Jordan Hughes [01:33:25]:
Totally. Yeah. Next time you're in, uh, you know, Oregon wine country, let me know, and we'll, uh, we'll, uh, we'll go hard. We'll hit all the wineries.
Jeremy Jernigan [01:33:36]:
There's over 600, so we're going to need some time, but, uh, we're going.
Jordan Hughes [01:33:40]:
To need a few weeks. But, uh, that's awesome.
Jeremy Jernigan [01:33:43]:
Well, dude, seriously, thank you. This has been. This has been a great time.
Jordan Hughes [01:33:47]:
Cool. Yeah. I appreciate it. Honored.
Jeremy Jernigan [01:33:50]:
All right, everyone, thank you for. For tuning in with us. Obviously, we talked a little bit more cocktails today, so a little change of pace from the wine scene. But hopefully this was intriguing to you as well. I found most people who enjoy wine also enjoy beer, cocktails, and other drinks. So if that's you, this was a nice change of pace, but we so grateful that you are tuning into this, and we can't wait to have you on the next episode of Cabernet and Pray. Thanks, guys.
