Turning the Tables: A Conversation with Big Chief of The Whiskey Trip
Mike “Big Chief” Hiatt doesn’t just collect bourbon bottles—he collects stories, too. I met Mike years ago, back when I was working at a distillery in Tennessee and he was just beginning his podcasting journey. It didn’t take long for us to realize we shared a common bond: a love for bourbon, the stories behind it, and the friendships that grow along the way. These days, Mike, his wife Viv, and their loyal dog Woodrow make their home on a farm in Orange County, Texas. When he’s not recording episodes of The Whiskey Trip, Mike’s out on the road, chasing the people and passion that make every bottle unique. Today, I get to turn the tables and interview the interviewer—hoping to share a bit of the warmth, wisdom, and easy camaraderie that have made him a favorite in the whiskey world.
BB: You have a way of making conversations feel easy and unforced, especially with distillers. What do you think helps people relax enough to tell real stories?
Big Chief: I believe that creating a relaxed and unforced atmosphere in conversations, especially with distillers, is key to eliciting real and authentic stories. Passion and vigor are qualities that are not simply given but earned over time. Through my military career, I have learned to be the calm in the storm, to lead others to safety amidst chaos. To rescue others, one must first conquer their own fears and rage. This principle applies to storytelling as well. People are drawn to structure, and when I am fully prepared, deeply understand a brand, and convey my genuine passion for discovering their story, that is when the magic happens. That is when they open up, and true connection is made. By approaching interactions with genuine curiosity, empathy, and a deep understanding of the subject matter, I am able to establish a sense of trust and comfort. This allows people to let their guard down, feel at ease, and open up about their experiences and stories. When individuals sense my passion for truly listening and connecting with them, it creates a space where they feel valued and understood, leading to more meaningful and honest conversations.
BB: Having been on your podcast several times myself, I’ve always appreciated how natural the flow feels. Has your approach to interviewing changed since you started The Whiskey Trip?
Big Chief: Everything evolves over time, including my evolution as a host. I have learned the art of spontaneity, allowing conversations to flow naturally without the constraints of a script or time pressure. While there is still a semblance of structure, I embrace the flexibility to adapt and pivot during an episode to draw out the best from my guests. I keenly observe their body language, tuning into cues that indicate nervousness or discomfort. In such moments, I pivot seamlessly, drawing them in with an easy question before circling back to deeper topics that I had prepared beforehand. This dynamic approach, fueled by intuition and empathy, ensures that each conversation is engaging, authentic, and impactful.
BB: After talking with so many distillers, what has surprised you most about the people behind the bourbon?
Big Chief: The element that has truly caught me off guard is greed. It may come as a surprise to some, but I witness it all too often. While I am driven by the stories and the quest for the next exceptional whiskey, there are distillers who prioritize profit above all else. Their focus is on selling whiskey quickly to recoup their investment, disregarding the time, passion, and integrity that true whiskey-making demands. Whiskey is a product of dedication, craftsmanship, and the genuine commitment of honorable individuals. While not everyone I encounter embodies this ethos, encountering greed in this industry shakes me to my very core. It contradicts my fundamental values and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of integrity and authenticity in the pursuit of crafting exceptional spirits.
BB: Your conversations tend to slow things down in a good way. Do you think bourbon itself teaches patience — both for the maker and the drinker?
Big Chief: I firmly believe that whiskey, much like life itself, evolves over time with patience and perseverance. It has the power to both reward and punish, a lesson I learned in my youth when I may have faced its harsher side. Now, I savor its complexities and beauty by taking my time to appreciate it in the company of friends like you. The same principle applies to distillers. In their early days, mistakes may be made, processes rushed, but with experience and maturity, they learn to slow down, observe, and refine their craft with a deep sense of patience and understanding. Just as all good things come to those who wait, the art of distilling whiskey embodies the virtues of patience, dedication, and the belief that excellence is achieved through time and perseverance.
BB: When you look at bourbon culture today, what do you hope never gets lost as it continues to grow?
Big Chief: I am deeply passionate about preserving the art of craftsmanship, the legacy of recipes, and the rich stories that accompany them. This belief is at the core of why my show holds such significance. It serves as a timeless record, a platform for future generations to discover the essence of brands and the remarkable individuals who transformed grains, wood, and water into something truly enchanting. While I observe a trend towards automation among some distillers, particularly in the industry giants, I find solace in the craft distillers who continue to uphold age-old techniques, mirroring the practices of the pioneers in distillation. It is my fervent hope that these traditions and the spirit of artisanal craftsmanship endure, ensuring that the magic of whiskey-making remains a vibrant and cherished part of our heritage for years to come.
If you’re ready to go beyond the label and into the heart of American whiskey, The Whiskey Trip Podcast is your ticket. Big Chief’s deep respect for tradition—and the people who keep it alive—shines through in every conversation. Whether he’s swapping stories with legendary blenders or lifting up the unsung heroes of small-batch craft, Mike reminds us that whiskey is about more than what’s in the glass. It’s about history, resilience, and the kind of friendships that last long after the bottle’s gone. Pour yourself a glass, settle in, and join the journey—The Whiskey Trip is streaming now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and at TheWhiskeyTrip.com.
Cheers!
