About this episode

Ricky Ramirez shares his unexpected journey from metal musician to bar owner and bartender, highlighting his inclusive community space in Milwaukee.

Ricky Ramirez didn't mean to own a bar, it just kind of happened. And even though he sort of wishes he took a little more time diving in, The Mothership in Milwaukee, WI seems to have done ok, racking up a James Beard Semifinalist nod this year. Ricky grew up with religious parents in the Latin community so screaming in metal bands and becoming a bartender was not really an expected outcome (or was it?), but after pouring too many craft beers he switched to craft cocktails and created an inclusive community space for his neighborhood. Check out his playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1GwK1VgttSQWOcF1uDKKJY?si=meAp7hT3QriH3XDHiRSBMw

People in this episode

Host: Mo Herms

Guest: Ricky Ramirez

Topics covered

• bar ownership
• craft cocktails
• inclusive community
• metal music
• James Beard Semifinalist

Keywords

• Ricky Ramirez
• The Mothership
• craft cocktails
• Milwaukee
• James Beard Semifinalist
• metal bands
• inclusive community

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Mothership, James Beard

Places: Milwaukee, WI, Latin community

More episodes of Music and Booze With Mo

• Episode 204: Episode 204 - Mike Anders · April 27, 2026 · 46 min
• Episode 203: Episode 203 - Minakshi Singh · April 13, 2026 · 55 min
• Episode 202: Episode 202 - Nathan Elliott · March 23, 2026 · 47 min
• Episode 200: Episode 200 - Billy Weathers · February 23, 2026 · 41 min
• Episode 199: Episode 199 - Abigail Gullo · January 12, 2026 · 60 min
• Episode 198: Episode 198 - Charlie Lehman & Cosmo Soto · December 22, 2025 · 44 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Music and Booze With Mo podcast page.