In episode 163 Mike reconnects with guest Chris Leguizamon (Instagram: chris.thebeereducator) for a wide-ranging, conversational episode that feels like two friends catching up over beers. They discuss Chris’s move from San Diego and Pure Project to brewing and hospitality work in North Carolina, differences in regional beer culture, and the role of beer education in building community and trust.

Topics include judging beer at major competitions (Great American Beer Fest, World Beer Cup), trends and favorite breweries in North Carolina (Burial, Maine Brewing, The Veil, Burial, Fontaflora), current hop varieties to watch (Dulcita, Luna, Crush), situational beers, and Chris’s favorite local spots and guilty pleasures (Cookout, Pizza Baby, Bojangles). They also chat about brewery strategy, storytelling, and how to grow an audience as a podcaster.

Expect personal anecdotes, brewery recommendations, food pairings, and behind-the-scenes perspectives on judging, collaborations, and the craft beer industry’s ebbs and flows — all wrapped in easygoing banter and practical takeaways for beer fans and industry folks alike.