Drinking Partners

In the latest Drinking Partners release, Ed and Day welcome returning guest Ali Wyrostek, a beer rep for Rhinegeist, a Cincinnati-based brewery. To start the interview, the group drinks Cheetah Lager, a new offering that is, according to Day, “mad crushable” and discuss the latest beer trends: the surging support for local breweries and hazy IPAs. Ed veers off topic with a rant about Suburus before the trio talks about “shower beers.” The interaction that follows offers a perfect cocktail of the Drinking Partners – irreverent humor mixed with wit and beer. Continue listening to hear why Ed thinks he’ll be single once the episode airs. The latter half relaxes the rules of interviewing, and the conversation explodes into several branches of random and amusing thoughts. An exploration into what the Drinking Partners consider awaits listeners in this fun and festive episode. For more about Rhinegeist, visit www.rhinegeist.com

By now, listeners will be familiar with the Drinking Partners critiques of Pittsburgh cuisine, but Ed and Day giddily welcome the owners of Walter’s Southern Kitchen into the studio. Partners Joel and Chris are on the receiving end of the Drinking Partner’s energetic praise, as the interview opens with the duo reveling in the Lawrenceville restaurant’s offerings as they taste some of Walter’s favorites. Ed and Day are in a rare state of agreement as they sip and sample, and the conversation swings between the history of Walter’s (including an explanation of the name) and their plans for the future, one that focuses on food, culture, and community. Neither Joel nor Chris are willing to share the secrets of their syrup, yet they do share the extensive processes involved in using their custom-built smoker and explain the differences in angus cows. The end of the episode highlights what makes Walter’s Southern Kitchen unique as Chris delves into how the food is prepared. A must listen for foodies as Ed and Day unite in their gleaming review of Walter’s. Find out more here: www.walterspgh.com.

The Drinking Partners welcome Black Forge Coffee owners Ashley Corts and Nick Miller, who Ed introduces as, “the og’est of the OGs.” The duo stops by the studio to announce Black Forge’s expansion; after three years in the Allentown neighborhood, the metal-themed coffee shop will open an additional spot in McKees Rocks. The early minutes examine how Black Forge has welcomed art, comedy, and music, and now features live music several days per week. The interview flows with a smooth vibe, as Nick and Ashley speak on how they first met and what led them to ultimately open Black Forge. Hint: they both wanted to stop working for sh**y people. However, the podcast offers an invigorating and encouraging message, from how they crowd-funded for their second location to how they value their employees. And, of course, it gives Nick an, “excuse to get day drunk,” as they sip on a coffee-flavored mead that Black Forge collaborated on with Apis Wine and Meadery. As the hour progresses, the conversation becomes much more Drinking Partners-like, with hilarious results. In the closing minutes, Ed and Day continue a new Drinking Partners tradition and ask for Ashley and Nick to name their favorite potato. Stay tuned to hear their answers (and a NSFW admission from Ed). Find Black Forge Coffee House here: http://www.blackforgecoffee.com.

The Drinking Partners sit with (insert brewers’ names) of CoStar Brewing Company to discuss humble beginnings, plans for expansion and impact on community. Hear how (insert brewer that lives in Highland Park) deals with celebrity and random visitors at his home.

The Drinking Partners start their latest podcast with a call for listeners’ favorite moments and an admission that no one can figure out Day’s sound effects. What they do know is how important their guests are: Big Brothers Big Sisters community affairs officer Tom Baker and program associate Devon Taliaferro. With a message of consistency, care, and concern, Tom and Devon share how easy, accessible, and significant it is to become a mentor as they speak on their own experiences with the program. While Day talks about his personal history as a Little Brother, Ed jumps in with jokes, and the interview is a mixture of laughter and learning. Where else but in the Drinking Partners studio can you eat a Hennessy cupcake (courtesy of Devon and her sister) as you discuss the positive impacts of mentoring, for both adults and children? A compelling and motivating episode, filled with ideas on how to volunteer. As Devon asks, “Why are you not mentoring?” To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters Pittsburgh, visit https://www.bbbspgh.org.

Ed begins the latest Drinking Partners episode with eloquence and four-syllable words. But that doesn’t last long as the men bring on Neil Glausier of Burgh’ers Brewing, a “locally sourced, top to bottom” addition to the popular craft burger restaurant. Mr. Glausier talks on his start as a home brewer, which quickly impresses Ed and Day as they amusingly marvel over his use of very large and complicated terms. As the second episode recorded for the day, the Drinking Partners don’t miss any opportunity to venture off topic in their entertaining and enthusiastic way. Beer lovers and brewers will enjoy Mr. Glauier’s story as he explains how he blended his engineering background with brewing, or, as he calls it, “Hack engineering on the cheap.” With their Pittsburgh-centric beer names and its farm to table approach, Burgh’ers focuses on making beer inclusive and sustainable. The latter half on the episode is recipe-heavy and has the men discussing beer trends and processes, which results in an informative and detailed listen. For more information about Burgh’ers Brewing, visit http://burgherspgh.com.

Tracy Certo, founder and publisher for Next Pittsburgh, an online magazine with a “Focus on the people, places, and ideas advancing the city and the region,” joins the Drinking Partners for a comprehensive conversation centering on the city and its media outlets. The interview offers a snapshot of Pittsburgh’s news outlets in a hyper-focused manner, as Ms. Certo shares her views on the city’s changing media scene. Midway through, the group delves deeper and examines unconscious biases and intersectionality with an emphasis on current events. The Drinking Partners promise that they are “equal opportunity interrupters,” as they defend themselves in one particularly amusing exchange. This episode pulses with the beats of Pittsburgh in a fun and in-depth manner. To learn more about Next Pittsburgh, visit www.nextpittsburgh.com.

Meg and James Evans, founders of Pittsburgh’s Brewtal Beer Fest, rejoin the Drinking Partners for a special release episode to celebrate their October 20 music and beer festival. What makes the festival unique are the collaboration beers that all eleven bands have created – which results in fans experiencing a, “Once in a lifetime beer associated with a band they might love.” Heavy music and exclusive brews make Brewtal a must attend event at Mr. Smalls Theater and Funhouse. With two brewers on the episode, the conversation is both informative and rowdy as the group discusses Meg’s award-winning Honey Comb cream ale, and Day deliberates how he will get his face painted for the festival. Marriage, wrestling, and shoes also find their way into the conversation with hilarious results. To purchase tickets for Brewtal Beer Fest, visit https://www.pghbrewtalfest.com.

Follow These Rivers Festival cofounders James Drake and Jonathan Fisher join the Drinking Partners to promote their one-day music and art festival that aims to bring awareness and funding to waterways conservation and cleanup. Or, as Ed says, “Support this festival so you can drink at home without fear.” Follow These Rivers plans to use the day to “celebrate life, art, and our earth.” From a morning cleanup starting at the Millvale Riverfront Park to an afternoon and evening of music at Wigle Whiskey Barrelhouse, the festival hopes to highlight how easy it is to make simple, proactive changes. Throughout the interview, Mr. Drake and Mr. Fisher discuss the steps they have taken personally and with the festival to eliminate or reduce the reliance on plastic. An emphasis on the musical acts that will appear centers the episode, and, to catch an early listen, find the Follow These Rivers playlist on Spotify. To learn more about the festival and to purchase tickets, visit: https://www.ftrfest.com. The Drinking Partners will be hosting the event, and proceeds will go toward Plastic Ocean Project, Allegheny CleanWays, and Food City.

Day wore his special political socks and Ed wishes that he would have at least worn a vest as the Drinking Partners welcome Summer Lee – the Democratic nominee for the 34th Pennsylvania State House District – and Sara Innamorato – the Democratic nominee for the 21st Pennsylvania State House District. What follows is an in-depth analysis of the shifting politics of Western Pennsylvania and the nation as a whole. Ms. Lee speaks on her concept of people-centered politics, which she deems “common sense policies,” that focus on education, healthcare, and a fair living wage. Ms. Innamorato shares her approach, which supports progressive policies that promote a “dignified life.” When Ed asks if passion or savvy will garner the most change in Harrisburg, Ms. Innamorato and Ms. Lee answer in unison: “Both.” It is this combination of knowledge and dedication that listeners will hear throughout the interview. Even with such important women as guests, the Drinking Partners add light laughs and their own spins to the heavy banter. To learn more about Summer Lee and Sara Innamorato, visit their respective sites: https://www.summerforpa.com and https://www.saraforpa.com.