The Memory Motel in Montauk, famed for its Rolling Stones name-drop, Andy Warhol visits, and ghost stories, now has its own podcast: Memory Memo. Hosted by Brian Kenny and Morgan Siegel, and recorded at the bar itself!
Musicians: Nick Corredor, Jacob Nitti, and Spencer May performing at Memory Motel
The Name
Kenny chose “Memory Memo” for its clever wordplay with Memo fitting inside Memory Motel. It also nods to the bar’s nickname and the project’s beginnings as a newsletter. Siegel immediately agreed it was the perfect fit.
The Setting
The staff lives on-site which creates a great atmosphere for recording. Kenny notes that people naturally open up in bars. Siegel, who has worked there since the age of sixteen, says the place simply feels like home.
Oliver Benz, Sasha Benz
“Being a dive bar in the heart of Montauk gives it an edge no other bar could ever have.”
Brian Kenny
The team expected to spend their first season interviewing mostly bar patrons, but interest from guests has been strong from the start. When asked about their favorite stories tied to the Memory Motel’s past, they recalled the “cat witch ghost lady,” rumors it once operated as a brothel, and Mick Jagger casually playing the bar’s piano. Looking ahead, Kenny sees bigger-name guests, sharper production, and a wider audience, while Siegel hopes to bring in live events and more listener interaction. Ultimately, they want Memory Memo to be filled with laughter while sharing a piece of Montauk with people wherever they are.
