Drinking Partners

Comedian Gab Bonesso has listeners laughing within her first few moments as the latest Drinking Partners guest as she narrates her personal history in a wildly amusing manner. Dropping by the studio to promote her comedy album release, “Everyone’s Dead,” Ms. Bonesso’s enthusiastic energy and spunky passion inspires rapid-fire conversations and unrestrained admissions that are both hilarious and expository. Midway through, the interview deepens in both intensity and importance, as Gab describes how personal tragedy influences and affects her comedy. Part-confessional and part-performance, the segment is one of the most unforgettable moments in the history of the Drinking Partners. The trio’s chemistry builds as the podcast progresses, and jokes and quips are amplified by the group’s natural ease with each other. A fascinating listen with moments of intimacy and moments of mania. To download “Everyone’s Dead,” the first comedy release from Misra Records, visit https://gabbonesso.bandcamp.com. For information about Gab Bonesso’s live shows, visit http://gabbonesso.com.

Fellow Epicast podcaster Scot MacTaggart takes a seat for the first time on the studio’s couch to be interviewed by the Drinking Partners in this latest offering. In a reversal of sorts, the Pitchwerks host answers questions instead of asking them as he explains the concept behind his podcast: one that focuses on sales, marketing, and entrepreneurship and focuses on promoting what has worked for his guests and what might work for his listeners. Midway through, Mr. MacTaggart turns the tables on Ed and Day and quizzes them which makes for an interesting analysis. Stay tuned for the Pitchwerks founder’s thoughts on the three most important tips on how to succeed. A great listen for those seeking guidance on how to propel their business or craft further. For more from Pitchwerks, tune in to the Epicast Network (www.epicastnetwork.com) or visit www.pitchwerks.com.

Shane Lohman of Steel City Beer – Pittsburgh’s only craft beer wholesaler – joins the Drinking Partners in the latest podcast and greets listeners with one of the “top ten what ups to the people,” according to Day. With an objective dedicated to connecting craft beer breweries with the community, Steel City Beer fills a much-needed niche in Western Pennsylvania, and Mr. Lohman describes the thoughts behind his business model in the opening half of the podcast. Which leads to the Drinking Partners developing a business plan of their own: a collapsible glass to be used at the bar. Midway through, the men lose their filter in a not safe for women segment, but shift back to a beer-centered conversation soon after. Learn more about Steel City Beer Wholesalers and the craft beer they offer at http://www.steelcitybeerwholesalers.com.

Top radio host and comedian Randy Baumann opens the show with an inspiring (and entertaining) tale of how he went from accountant to comedian to radio personality in the early minutes of the latest Drinking Partners podcast. From there, the trio discusses making the transition to full-time artist and performers and the risks and rewards that come along with such a move. As a long-time host of one of Pittsburgh’s most popular morning shows on WDVE, Mr. Baumann is the perfect guest – informative, amusing, and open, which leads to in-depth analyses on topics ranging from local entertainers to national comedy sensation Dave Chappelle. In the second half of the podcast, the conversation centers on the changing dynamics of how audiences engage and consume media and entertainment, often in binges and longer formats. One of the Drinking Partners best podcasts to date and a “safe for work” listen that features stories and comedy that everyone will enjoy. Tune in to The Morning Show with Randy Baumann on WDVE - 102.5 FM.

Live from the Hollow Oak Land Trust Brewhaha, the Drinking Partners podcast from their first venue with chandeliers and with a full crowd listening and are joined by Executive Director Sean Brady, who explains how Hollow Oak seeks to connect and promote green space in the Pittsburgh Airport corridor, and who teaches Ed and Day about a “rogue hoe,” which quickly becomes their favorite tool and inspires one of the best Drinking Partners bits to date. In an event that features local breweries paired with Fellowship Foods artisanal fare, the Brewhaha is a yearly fundraiser for the land trust. In the second half of the podcast, brewers Zach of Brixton Brewing and Matt from Insurrection AleWorks sit with the Drinking Partners and speak on their early attempts at brewing. Toward the end of the podcast, Ed and Day attempt to woo the brewers into crafting a beer in their honors, with Ed’s as a “super swaggy” vanilla stout that is “super smooth with a lot of flavor.” Or perhaps a Rogue Hoe beer, that is a “boys’ night out drink.” A fun and quick listen that is certain to brighten your day. Learn more about the Hollow Oak Land Trust at http://www.hollowoak.org.

Rate and review the Drinking Partners Podcast, and you could be the next target of Ed and Day’s roasting, much like AndyQWERTY, whose review inspired a hilarious critique during the opening minutes of this week’s episode. Once the laughter settles, the Drinking Partners introduce Cindy Nixon-Fernandez, an actress, producer, and radio host of La Rumba Pittsburgh – the only local Latin hits station. The early parts of the interview center around the slow growth of Latino culture in Pittsburgh, with a fun and entertaining discussion of the “international aisle” in local grocery stores. Midway through, the trio talks about Blood on the Leaves, a recent release that Ms. Nixon-Fernandez starred in, and the impact of examining social issues through film and media, a prominent topic during this engaging and thought-provoking analysis. Tune in Thursdays from 7-9 PM at 88.3 FM to listen to La Rumba Pittsburgh or visit www.CindyFernandezNixon.com to find more information about Ms. Nixon-Fernandez.

In this week’s release, Ed returns and brings his fiery zest with him, making fast work of Day before welcoming guests Natalie Bencivenga and Kim Lyons. As hosts of Epicast’s newest podcast, The Broadcast, Ms. Lyons and Ms. Bencivenga smoothly banter with the Drinking Partners and personify the very message of their own podcast: to give women a voice in media and promote female-centered projects. But there is also talk of vasectomies and “in-house” sex, Ed’s hospital beard and tips on personal grooming, and a few other NSFW topics. Midway through, the intimacy and revealing nature of the interview expands into an important analysis of the difference between the male and female gaze and how to reshape those differences. As only the Drinking Partners can, the seemingly heavy discussion is riddled with amusing anecdotes, hilarious asides, and blush-worthy admissions. A must listen for those seeking an inside look into the minds of the opposite sex. For more information or to listen to The Broadcast, visit www.broadcast-podcast.com.

Comedian Terry Jones sits in for Ed, who makes a guest appearance in this rowdy episode that features Burning Bridges Festival founder John Dick Winters. Stopping by the studio to promote the upcoming comedy festival (March 31-April 1), John does not shy away from roasting Day and forcing Terry to play referee. The interview swings from tart and acerbic to informative and positive, and back again as the comics cannot contain their quick wit and playful mockery. There is never a dull moment during this episode’s 90-minute run, which spotlights the comedian lifestyle intimately and realistically. Be prepared to laugh repeatedly during this relentlessly amusing installment. For more information and to purchase tickets for the Burning Bridges Festival, please visit https://burningbridgesfestival.com.

With the addition of a sober Drinking Partner in comedian Terry Jones, this episode might seem to follow a straighter path, but the laughs roll from the opening minutes. Joined by Jason Sauer, owner of Most Wanted Fine Art, a Pittsburgh gallery that features local, national, and international artists, ones that often do not have the exposure or opportunity to showcase their art. Each month, at their studio and performance space in Garfield, Most Wanted Fine Art promotes a new artist, which allows it to unite art with community service. Midway through, the men discuss demolition derbies and the folksy designs that color the cars, which, for Mr. Sauer, represents a uniquely American art form. Day listens on as Terry and Jason hold a lengthy and detailed discussion centering on cars, from style to size to their cultural influences. For more information about Most Wanted Fine Art, visit: http://mostwantedfineart.com. For an hour of laughs, check out Limbo Negro, a comedy album by Terry Jones: https://tjonespoc.bandcamp.com/album/limbo-negro (also available on Amazon, iTunes, and Tidal).

After one of the strangest and most laughable transitions in Drinking Partners history, Day Bracey and guest host Jared Evans welcome Adam Shuck, creator of Eat That, Read This, a humorous, lunchtime e-newsletter filled with local news and gossip, and editor of The Glassblock, a Pittsburgh-based web magazine focused on culture, craft, and writing. With so much artistic talent in the studio, the conversation quickly centers on the nontraditional workday of entertainers and writers before shifting to a sharp and nuanced analysis of the mood and development of Pittsburgh. The trio briefly discusses journalism and the role of media in today’s political and social climates, while also having some fun talking about tax evasion, which none advise attempting. This Drinking Partners episode provides an informative listen to most things Pittsburgh. Find more from Adam Shuck at www.theglassblock.com and sign up for his newsletter at www.eatthatreadthis.com.