Industry Talks Hospitality Podcast

DJ Boris: I Was 15 When the Nightlife Took Over My Life | Industry Talks Hospitality Podcast

He didn’t just play the music — he built the room.
From handing out mixtapes on NYC sidewalks to headlining nights with over 5,000 people, DJ Boris built his name in the underground — not from fame, but from obsession, grit, and 22-hour sets that left clubs speechless.
In this intimate, never-before-heard conversation, Boris reveals the moment that changed his life at age 15, what it was like to beg for turntables, and how he eventually became the man they called to “save the club.”
We talk about:
The night he played from 3 AM to 3:30 PM
How the “Believe” movement started on a lighting ticker
Building legendary nights at crobar, Roxy, and Exit
Why New York’s golden age of nightlife can never be repeated
The real story behind “Baby, come save my club”
This is the story of a true underground icon — one who didn’t follow trends, but defined them.
🎧 Subscribe for more conversations with pioneers who shaped their industries.
🔔 Full video chapters below:
00:00 – Intro
00:15 – “I was 15 when I walked into The Tunnel”
02:36 – The track that changed everything: Paid in Full
04:50 – “Mom, can I have turntables for my birthday?”
06:58 – Making mixtapes & begging promoters for a chance
08:15 – “You can’t even get in — you’re only 18”
10:04 – Becoming the DJ who played every genre
12:02 – Living at home, playing clubs, still in high school
14:10 – Getting discovered in NYC’s legendary club circuit
16:40 – “Baby, come save my club” – the call that changed everything
18:55 – Building a 5200-person night at Crobar NYC
21:22 – 22-hour DJ set — from night to the next afternoon
23:18 – Creating the “Believe in Boris” movement
25:09 – New York vs. Miami club culture
28:02 – Pool parties, WMC, and building “Get Wet”
30:35 – The early days of Ultra Music Festival
33:12 – Losing the club... but never losing the crowd
35:00 – Reflecting on legacy, sound, and staying true
Connect with me on my instagram:
🤳Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emiguerra99/Connect with DJ Boris:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boris.transmit/?hl=en
 
Listen to my podcasts on:🍎Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-talks-hospitality-podcast/id1790526837
🍏Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Qqf1YkCmKKL0nEH9J5rAv
Check out my hospitality businesses on Instagram:
🏨 Breakwater Hospitality Group: https://www.instagram.com/breakwaterhg/
🏨The Wharf Miami: https://www.instagram.com/wharfmiami/
🏨The Wharf Fort Lauderdale: https://www.instagram.com/wharfftl/
🏨PIER 5: https://www.instagram.com/pier5bayside/
🏨JohnMartin’s: https://www.instagram.com/johnmartinsmiami/
🏨Carousel Club: https://www.instagram.com/carouselclb/
🏨Regatta Grove: https://www.instagram.com/regattagrove/
🏨Riverside Wharf: https://www.instagram.com/riversidewharf/
Thank you for your support. If you aren’t already subscribed, do subscribe to the channel for our latest episodes. Cheers!
 
#DJBoris
#BelieveInBoris
#NYCNightlife
#90sClubCulture
#HouseMusicLegend
#EDMLegends
#CrowbarNYC
#UndergroundHouse
#MixtapeEra
#MusicConference
#GetWetParty
#DJLife
#ElectronicMusicHistory
#DiaryOfADJ
#FromTheDecks

DJ Irie: I Was Just an Intern… Then He Put Me LIVE On Air!

He lost his scholarship, hid it from his parents, and risked it all — DJ Irie shares the untold story of how a Jamaican kid with a vinyl addiction became one of the most influential figures in entertainment.
DJ Irie is a world-renowned DJ, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the first official NBA DJ for the Miami Heat. But behind the spotlight was a path filled with hidden setbacks and defining moments.
He discusses:
How losing a scholarship changed his life.
Why he turned down the Miami Heat's first offer.
The truth behind deejaying in secret while still in school.
The mentors and celebrities who shaped his rise (Shaq, Jamie Foxx, Alonzo Mourning).
2014 World Cup Final performance in Brazil.
How Irie Weekend became a defining moment in sports culture.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro2:45 Discovering Vinyl & Skipping Lunch for Records7:12 The High School Crush That Changed Everything10:54 Lying to His Parents & Losing His Scholarship16:20 How DJing Paid His Tuition20:40 Becoming FIU’s VP & Student DJ Legend24:11 First Break: Radio Station to On-Air DJ29:30 Miami Club Scene & Mansion Residency35:44 The Call from Miami Heat38:55 Turning Down the Heat (At First)41:20 Becoming the First NBA DJ47:01 3 Championship Rings & Heat Culture50:55 Building “Irie Weekend” & A Perfect Storm56:40 Celebrity Support: Shaq, Jamie, Alonzo1:02:15 From Club DJ to Brand Empire
 
Connect with me on my instagram:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emiguerra99/Connect with DJ Irie:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irie/?hl=en
 
Listen to my podcasts on:Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-talks-hospitality-podcast/id1790526837
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Qqf1YkCmKKL0nEH9J5rAv
 
Check out my hospitality businesses on Instagram:
 Breakwater Hospitality Group: https://www.instagram.com/breakwaterhg/
The Wharf Miami: https://www.instagram.com/wharfmiami/
The Wharf Fort Lauderdale: https://www.instagram.com/wharfftl/
PIER 5: https://www.instagram.com/pier5bayside/
JohnMartin’s: https://www.instagram.com/johnmartinsmiami/
Carousel Club: https://www.instagram.com/carouselclb/
Regatta Grove: https://www.instagram.com/regattagrove/
Riverside Wharf: https://www.instagram.com/riversidewharf/
 
Thank you for your support. If you arent already subscribed, do subscribe to the channel for our latest episodes. Cheers!
 
#podcast #emigurerra #djirie #hospitalitybusiness #hospitalitypodcast

EP 007: Angel Febres

Emi Guerra sits down with hospitality visionary Angel Febres to chart the past 25 years of Miami nightlife, tracing Angel’s rise from influential promoter to respected restaurateur. Hear his thoughtful reflections on industry evolution, personal growth, and the debut of Yaya—his elegant new waterfront restaurant on Biscayne Bay that marries elevated dining with a timeless coastal spirit.

EP 006: Mayor Vince Lago

Emi Guerra sits down with Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago to explore his path into politics, the pivotal role of hospitality in building strong connections, and how the city’s award-winning restaurants and hotels flourish by engaging with the community. Tune in for leadership insights and a behind-the-scenes look at local business success.

EP 005: Javi Zayas

Emi Guerra chats with Javi Zayas, CEO of Swarm Inc., about his path into the event industry, Wynwood’s cultural rise, working with Kanye West, and partnering with Miami’s best promoters. Tune in for a forward-looking conversation on evolving event trends and what’s next for Swarm.

EP004: Frankie Ruiz

Emi Guerra  and Frankie Ruiz dive into the Miami Marathon, health tourism, run clubs, and Miami Beach’s evolving identity as a fitness destination—while also highlighting the allure of the Everglades. Discover how hospitality and fitness naturally intersect in this inspiring conversation.

EP003: Jimmy Piedrahita

Emi Guerra sits down with Jimmy Piedrahita to explore his rollercoaster journey in the donut business—from opening acclaimed shops to unexpected closures, and ultimately selling to Hollywood Donut Factory. Join them for a candid chat on entrepreneurship, resilience, and the sweeter side of life.

Industry Talks Hospitality Podcast

Step behind the scenes of Miami’s vibrant hospitality world with Industry Talks. This podcast dives into the stories of the visionaries, creators, and entrepreneurs shaping South Florida’s iconic restaurants, bars, hotels, and entertainment scene. From insider tips to untold struggles and inspiring wins, we explore what it takes to make Miami one of the most exciting places in the world. Whether you’re a hospitality enthusiast, an entrepreneur, or someone who loves great stories, Industry Talks is your all-access pass to the magic of hospitality.

EP002: Dave Garcia

Emi Guerra sits down with David Garcia to explore how La Camaronera earned a spot among America’s Top 100 restaurants, the transformative impact of Guy Fieri and Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, and the journey of preserving a family legacy while expanding his seafood empire with Captain Jim’s. Tune in for personal stories, business insights, and plenty of laughs from two old friends.

EP001: Tony Guerra

Brothers Emi and Tony Guerra dive into Tony’s first job in nightlife, the mentors who shaped his path, and why having a “tight front door” was once the secret to a nightclub’s success. Tune in for behind-the-scenes stories and industry insights that defined Tony’s journey.