Get Hoptimized Podcast

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In Episode 73 of the Get Hoptimized podcast, we sat down with the leadership team behind the Massachusetts Brewers Guild (MBG): Executive Director Katie Stinchon, Vice President Sarah Lee, and board member Corey Aldoupolis to uncover how they turned a statewide guild into a unifying force for brewers of all sizes.

Visit massbrewersguild.org for legislative updates, event calendars, and details on the upcoming Technical Brewing and Business Conference.

-Music Credit-

Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck 

Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com 

Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

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The non-alcoholic (NA) adult beverage space—including NA beer, wine, spirits, and cannabis beverages is experiencing a massive boom. Chris welcomes Meagen Coester, founder of the Afficionado Certification Program (AFNA), the world's first professional-level alcohol-free training platform, to discuss why education is the key to unlocking this market's potential.

Visit alcoholfreeaficionados.com to learn more about AFNA program and unlock the revenue potential of the non-alcoholic adult beverage space

-Music Credit-

Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck 

Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com 

Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

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@gethoptimized 

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Chris opens up the creative minds in this episode with Carl Cleanthes, founder of Epic Made, an entertainment-quality content agency known for work with clients like Sci-Fi, Nickelodeon, Hasbro, and Deschutes Brewery. Learn why storytelling and consumer psychology must come before asset creation.

To explore how high-level animation and brand strategy that can elevate your brand and drive sales, reach out to Carl or his team at epicmade.net and colorfulcarl.com

-Music Credit-

Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck 

Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com 

Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

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For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.
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@gethoptimized 

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They're back! Al Schuster and Heather Johnson from Polaris Brand Promotion are here to announce the launch of SampleFinder—the revolutionary new app that promotes experiential marketing directly to you! Say goodbye to missed demos.

Visit SampleFinder.com to sign up for the launch newsletter and feature your events on the app.

-Music Credit-

Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck 

Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com 

Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

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For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.
www.gethoptimized.com
@gethoptimized 

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Jay Williams, founder of Free Bird Southern Springwater shares the secrets to building a brand with a soul in the competitive canned water market, detailing their explosive growth, Americana branding strategy, and a critical distribution deal with retail giants in United Distributors and Walmart.

Visit drinkfreebird.com to connect with Jay Williams and check out the brand

-Music Credit-

Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck 

Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com 

Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

---
For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.
www.gethoptimized.com
@gethoptimized 

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On this episode, host Chris is joined by Andrew Bauman, Executive Director of the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild, to explore the state's vibrant beer scene, legislative wins, and partnerships that strengthens members long-term success.

If you're interested in learning more about the Arizona Brewers Guild, upcoming events, or to inquire about becoming a Guild member or support any of their initiatives, please visit their website at chooseazbrews.com

-Music Credit-

Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck 

Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com 

Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

---
For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.
www.gethoptimized.com
@gethoptimized 

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We sat down with Brian Deignan,  owner and operator of Validation Ale. Brian brought his background in startup tech and market validation to the brewing industry. The result is a radically innovative, customer-centric model that has allowed the brewery to thrive. The "Validation" Concept: A Real-Time Beer Leaderboard.

If you want to learn more about Validation Ale's innovative approach, head over to their website and fill the contact form. 

-Music Credit-

Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck 

Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com 

Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

---
For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.
www.gethoptimized.com
@gethoptimized 

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Chris sits down with Caroline Wallace, Executive Director of the Texas Brewers Guild and Chris Troutman, Co-Founder of Good Line Beer Co., to unpack the realities of running and growing a craft brewery in today’s market especially in a state as large and diverse as Texas.

This episode offers both a statewide leadership perspective and an on-the-ground operator’s view of how breweries are adapting, innovating, and collaborating to move forward. 

Visit their website texasbrewersguild.org to explore membership options and get plugged into one of the most dynamic beer communities in the US.

-Music Credit-

Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck 

Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com 

Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

---
For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.
www.gethoptimized.com
@gethoptimized 

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Washington State is one of the most influential craft beer regions in the world and the Washington Brewers Guild sits at the center of it all. 

In this episode of the Get Hoptimized Podcast, our host Chris speaks with the Guild leaders in Daniel Olsen and Shawna Cormier about advocacy, collaboration, and what it takes to support independent breweries in a maturing beer market.

To support independent craft beer in Washington;

👉 Visit the Washington Brewers Guild website washingtonbrewersguild.org
 👉 Follow on IG @WAHBrewersGuild (industry) & @WashingtonBeer (consumer)

-Music Credit-

Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck 

Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com 

Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

---
For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.
www.gethoptimized.com
@gethoptimized 

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In this episode of the Get Hoptimized Podcast, we’re joined by Marty Nachel—certified beer judge, Beer for Dummies author, and craft beer industry veteran. 

Marty shares the moment that launched his career, reflects on the industry’s evolution, and dives into the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame, including 2026 nominees, future initiatives, and details on the upcoming induction ceremony.

Explore more about Marty Nachel’s work and the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame at americancraftbeerhalloffame.org. 

-Music Credit-

Neon Drive by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck 

Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com 

Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

---
For more information on Get Hoptimized, check out our website or follow us on social media.
www.gethoptimized.com
@gethoptimized