Backyards of Key West Podcast with Mark Baratto24 Marras 2023

227 - Key West: A Smuggler's Tale, by Richard "Conch Boy" Gomez

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with published author, Richard "Conch Boy" Gomez to talk about his fictional book based on his own life as a smuggler in Key West during the 80's.

More on Key West: A Smuggler's Tale

In Key West: A Smuggler's Tale, we meet Bobby Campo, a journalist and native of Key West who is writing his first novel about a subject that has interested him for a number of years. His interview begins with a legendary Key West smuggler, a childhood friend of his very straight-laced father and mother (or so he thought).

In the early 1970s until the early 1980s, Norberto Belafonte Diaz smuggled marijuana into the Keys. During the interview he takes Bobby on a winding trail, not only down the backroads of their island home but also down the backroads of that dark history. Bobby is introduced to some of the most memorable characters of that time, each with their own adventure-filled stories.

But unbeknownst to Bobby, Norberto is leading him down a path that he has chosen carefully.

Key West: A Smuggler's Tale teaches us in the end that under the watchful eye of fate, old wounds can be finally healed.

About the Author

Richard now resides with the love of his life Michelle, in Jensen Beach, Fl. They both enjoy the retired life. When not traveling they wake each morning to the sound and sight of the ocean as it touches the shore. Life's adventures have turned to memories of a life worth living. Richard plans to continue to write about life on a spit of land surrounded by ocean far far away from normal, but always his idea of paradise. Key West, the place where his dreams became realities.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Conchboy123/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Key-West-Richard-Conch-Gomez/dp/B0CBW589HP

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Ep. 270 – "This Blows": A Musical Comedy Show That Doesn't Suck with Creator Jessica Wachs

In this episode, Mark sits down with Jessica Wachs, the creator and artistic director behind "This Blows" – a musical comedy show that doesn't suck! Written for locals, by locals, and starring locals,...

15 Marras 202516min

Episode 269 – Don Oriolo: Felix the Cat, Zazoo Records & Wild Stories From a Legendary Career

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the legendary Don Oriolo—a powerhouse in the worlds of art, music, and pop culture. From his decades of work with the Felix the Cat franchise to his role i...

2 Elo 20251h 21min

Episode 268 – Sipping History & Flavor with Whisky Rick of Key West

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Whisky Rick, the charismatic founder of Key West Whisky Tours, for a lively conversation that blends Key West history with handcrafted spirits. Rick shares...

23 Touko 20251h 22min

Episode 267 – A Taste of Paradise with Executive Chef Leo Minelli at Hyatt Centric Key West

In this flavorful episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Executive Chef Leandro "Leo" Minelli of Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa. Chef Leo shares his culinary journey from Mendoza, Argentina to the ...

16 Touko 202553min

Episode 266 - Fighting for Laughs: A Night of Comedy 4 A Hero with Kevin Redding

n this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Kevin Redding to talk about "Fighting for Laughs," a charity comedy show happening on July 5th, 2025, at the Key West Theater. Kevin shares how the idea for...

26 Huhti 202539min

Episode 265 - Mila of Mavka Jewelry: New Beginnings and Big Changes

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Mila, the creative force behind Mavka Jewelry. We chat about her journey launching a new business, her life in Key West, and—yes—the real story behind the ...

18 Huhti 202533min

Episode 264 – Morgan Bentley: Making Waves with Gyotaku Art

In this episode, I sit down with Gyotaku artist Morgan Bentley, whose work captures the spirit of the sea in every print. We dive into her artistic roots, how she discovered the traditional Japanese p...

11 Huhti 202535min

Episode 263 – Tropical Glam & Balanced Living: The Kirby's Closet Story

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with entrepreneur Kirby Myers. We dive into how she started her business, the ways she balances charity work with her marriage and family, and how she still fin...

14 Helmi 20251h 24min