WHERE CRAFT MEETS COURAGE: THE SPIRIT OF GOOD TROUBLE
Some stories begin with a spark. Others begin with a pour. Dee Robinson’s begins with both.
This week on Culinary Confidential, airing Sunday, March 8 at 9 p.m. on AM 970 The Answer, Christina Cates sits down with Dee M. Robinson — CEO of Robinson Hill, founder of Good Trouble Bourbon, and a force whose work lives at the intersection of entrepreneurship, culture, and social impact. Robinson’s journey isn’t just about building a premium bourbon brand; it’s about honoring legacy, elevating community, and proving that a spirit can carry far more than flavor. It can carry purpose.
THE MAKING OF A MOVEMENT
Good Trouble Bourbon didn’t emerge from a marketing brainstorm or a trend forecast. It emerged from conviction. Robinson, a seasoned leader in food, beverage, retail, and hospitality, set out to create a bourbon that embodied the courage of those who challenge the status quo. Inspired by the late Congressman John Lewis and his call to make “good trouble,” she crafted a spirit that invites conversation, connection, and reflection.
The result? A premium craft bourbon that has already earned top awards and secured distribution in 40 states — all while staying rooted in a mission that extends far beyond the bottle. Good Trouble Bourbon is built to be sipped, shared, and talked about. It’s a catalyst disguised as a cocktail.
THE FOUNDATION BEHIND THE BOURBON
At the heart of Robinson’s work is the Shine Your Light Foundation, a nonprofit she founded to advance empowerment, equity, and opportunity. The foundation focuses on:
- Supporting underrepresented communities, especially women and people of color
- Providing mentorship, education, and leadership development
- Encouraging civic engagement and social justice initiatives
- Creating spaces for meaningful dialogue and community uplift
In the episode, Robinson discusses how the foundation and the bourbon brand are intertwined — two branches of the same mission to spark change, amplify voices, and build pathways for the next generation of leaders.
A CONVERSATION ABOUT LEGACY, LEADERSHIP, AND LIBATION
Christina Cates guides the conversation with her signature blend of industry fluency and curiosity. With more than two decades in New York City’s hospitality world — from Tavern on the Green to The Palm to Almond Tribeca — Cates brings a grounded, insider perspective to every interview. Her conversations aren’t just about food and drink; they’re about the people, the stories, and the cultural forces shaping the hospitality landscape.
Together, Cates and Robinson explore:
- How entrepreneurship can be a vehicle for justice
- Why bourbon can be a bridge between communities
- What it means to build a brand with intention
- How legacy and leadership inform every decision Robinson makes
- The power of “good trouble” in business, culture, and everyday life
The result is a conversation that’s warm, candid, and quietly radical — the kind that lingers long after the episode ends.
WHY THIS EPISODE MATTERS
In a world where brands often chase trends, Robinson is building something timeless. Good Trouble Bourbon isn’t about disruption for disruption’s sake. It’s about honoring history, uplifting community, and creating a product that reflects the values behind it.
For listeners interested in craft spirits, entrepreneurship, social impact, or the human stories behind hospitality, this episode offers a rare blend of insight and inspiration. It’s a reminder that the most powerful movements often start with a simple question: What if we did things differently?
TUNE IN
Airs Sunday, March 8 at 9 p.m.
AM 970 The Answer or the AM970 mobile app.
Replays available on Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Spotify, and more.
More information at: https://culinaryconfidentialchristina.com/
Because sometimes the boldest spirits aren’t poured — they’re ignited.
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