Happy Hour Playbook

EPISODE 13: "Round 2: The Grind"

The postseason pressure is mounting, the ice is thinning, and the lottery balls have finally stopped rolling. This week on the Happy Hour Playbook, Chris and Wes break down a massive slate of sports news—from the Wizards hitting the jackpot to the NHL and NBA "Grind" of the second round. We also take a moment to toast a Vikings legend and look ahead to the NFL schedule release.

Segment 1: Happy Hour Pour

Featured Spirit: K. Luke 100 Proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey

We’re cracking open a bottle from Kevin and Luke Neighbors. This "blender’s brand" is all about the art of the profile.

• The Vibe: Bold, high-character, and non-chill filtered for a rich, "chewy" mouthfeel.
• The Specs: 100 Proof (50% ABV), Small Batch Straight Bourbon.
• The Verdict: Both Chris and Wes give it a Playoff Worthy 🏆 rating. It’s a premium pour that belongs on the big stage.

Segment 2: NHL Playoffs Update

We are deep in the second round, and the bracket is a battlefield.

• Western Conference: Colorado leads Minnesota 2-1 (Game 4 tonight!), while Vegas and Anaheim are deadlocked at 2-2. 
  
• Eastern Conference: The Carolina Hurricanes have officially punched their ticket to the Finals with a 4-0 sweep of the Flyers. Meanwhile, Montreal holds a 2-1 lead over top-seeded Buffalo. 
  

Segment 3: NBA Playoffs & The Draft Lottery

• The Grind: OKC is on the verge of a sweep against the Lakers (up 3-0), while the Wolves and Spurs are in a 2-2 dogfight. In the East, the Knicks are already through (4-0), waiting for the winner of Cavs/Pistons. 
  
• The Jackpot: The Washington Wizards have secured the #1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft! We discuss why AJ Dybantsa (BYU) is the consensus prize and look back at the Wizards' hit-or-miss history with the top pick (John Wall vs. Kwame Brown). 
  

Segment 4: NFL Offseason & Milestone Moves

• All Day in the Ring: The Vikings announce Adrian Peterson will be inducted into the Ring of Honor. We revisit the staggering stats of the last non-QB to win MVP.
• Market Shifts: Chris Boswell becomes the joint-highest-paid kicker, David Njoku heads to the Chargers, and Breece Hall signs a massive 3-year extension ($45.75M) with the Jets. 
  
• Schedule Watch: The full 2026 NFL schedule drops this Thursday, May 14th! 
  

Segment 5: Happy Hour Locks

We close out the show with our best bets for tonight’s NBA and NHL action. Will the Thunder finish the sweep? Can the Wild even the series on home ice?

"From the lottery luck in DC to the grit on the ice, the grind never stops. Keep it real and keep it rolling."

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EPISODE 12: “Pucks, Play-Ins, and the Good Old Days” Part 2

Welcome back to the Happy Hour Playbook! In Episode 12, Chris and Wes are breaking down one of the wildest weeks in playoff sports and pouring up a premium bottle before taking a massive trip down memory lane.

The Happy Hour Pour We’re kicking things off with a heavy-hitter—the Tomintoul Cigar Malt. It's an Oloroso Sherry cask-matured Speyside single malt built for the long haul. Does this dense, rich pour earn a “Playoff Worthy” rating, or is it a “First Round Exit”?

NHL Round 1 Recap & Round 2 Preview The first round delivered overtime thrillers, historic rivalries, and massive upsets. We break down the Ducks shocking the Oilers, the Flyers' gritty Game 6 OT win in the Battle of Pennsylvania, and the current Game 7 madness. Plus, we preview the Round 2 matchups, looking at whether Anaheim can keep their "team of destiny" run alive against Vegas and how Tortorella's Flyers stack up against the Hurricanes.

NBA Round 1 Recap & Round 2 Preview The West saw a changing of the guard with the Thunder and Spurs asserting dominance, while the East gave us absolute chaos. We talk the 76ers’ historic 1-3 comeback against the Celtics, preview the upcoming Knicks vs. Sixers bloodbath at Madison Square Garden, and look ahead to LeBron preparing for his 299th career playoff game against OKC.

The Good Old Days (Part 2) Grab a Surge and a Lunchable, because we’re heading straight back to the 90s. We talk the ultimate weekend ecosystem (malls, skating rinks, and arcades), peak after-school snacks, the undisputed danger of the backyard Slip 'N Slide, and the defunct restaurants, retail stores, and iconic commercials we’ll never forget.

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Keep it real and keep it rolling.

Episode 11: “Draft Steals and Playoff Thrills”

Grab a glass and pull up a chair! In Episode 11 of the Happy Hour Playbook, Chris and Wes are breaking down a massive week in sports. We’ve got our complete NFL Draft report cards, overtime thrillers in the NHL, and a look at Round 1 of the NBA Playoffs. Whether you’re celebrating your team’s latest draft steal or stressing over an elimination game, we’ve got you covered.

Episode Breakdown:

• Segment 1: Happy Hour Pour (Bulleit 10 Year)  We’re stepping up our bourbon game today and moving away from everyday mixers. Chris and Wes review the Bulleit Bourbon 10 Year. With a deep coppery look, toasted oak nose, and a high-rye kick smoothed out by a decade in the barrel, we give you the official verdict. Is it going to the Practice Squad, a First Round Exit, or is this bottle Playoff Worthy?
• Segment 2: NFL Draft Report Card The picks are in, and it’s time to hand out the grades! We go pick-by-pick through Rounds 1 and 2 of the NFL Draft. Who made the smartest day-one impact picks? Who took the biggest developmental swings? We highlight the absolute steals (looking at you, Bills and Colts) and debate the polarizing picks that will shape the league for years to come.
• Segment 3: NHL Playoffs – Winning the Inches 🏒 Playoff hockey is in full swing, and it is a pure dogfight:
• Dallas Stars vs. Minnesota Wild (Game 4): Minnesota flips the script, winning the "blue paint wars" to take a 3-2 OT victory and tie the series 2-2. We discuss the difference between Dallas's elite power play and Minnesota's gritty 5-on-5 dominance.
• Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers (Game 4): Facing elimination, Sidney Crosby puts the team on his back to keep the Pens breathing. We talk about Arturs Silovs stepping up in net and the gritty details that kept Pittsburgh alive against a dangerous Flyers squad.
• Segment 4: NBA Playoffs – Round 1 Action  To close out the show, we pivot to the hardwood to recap the biggest storylines, upsets, and standout performances from Round 1 of the NBA Playoffs.

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Let us know in the comments: What was your favorite draft pick for your team, and what are you sipping on this week?

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Next Week: We're cracking open a new bottle and diving in some new topics. Don't miss it.

"Keep it real and keep it rolling."

We’ve officially hit double digits! Welcome to Episode 10 of the Happy Hour Playbook. This week, Chris and Wes are popping a very special bottle to celebrate, breaking down a chaotic start to the NHL and NBA postseasons, and taking a hilarious trip down memory lane to the golden era of 90s and 2000s childhood nostalgia.

Grab a glass, settle in, and let’s get into it!

In This Episode:

• The Happy Hour Pour: We’re trading the whiskey for champagne! Chris and Wes review Moët Nectar Impérial, breaking down its crisp sweetness and deciding if it’s a Playoff Worthy pour or a First Round Exit .

• NHL Playoffs - Round 1: * The Dallas Stars stumble in a brutal 6-1 Game 1 loss to the Minnesota Wild.

  • Old-school, chippy hockey reigns supreme as the Carolina Hurricanes shut out the Ottawa Senators 2-0.

  • The Philadelphia Flyers defy their 3.8% mid-season playoff probability to stun Sidney Crosby and the Penguins 3-2 in Pittsburgh.

• NBA Play-In & Playoffs: The brackets are officially set after a wild week of hoops. We break down the Hornets' OT thriller over the Heat, the Warriors' vintage comeback against the Clippers, and how the Magic and Suns ultimately secured the 8-seeds to set up massive first-round clashes.

• Childhood Nostalgia: We’re switching gears from the playoffs to the playground. We discuss the tech, toys, and trends that defined our youth—from the stress of keeping a Tamagotchi alive and surviving the Bop It, to Scholastic Book Fairs, Blockbuster Friday nights, and the absolute flex of owning a Trapper Keeper and milky gel pens.

• Happy Hour Locks: Wes and Chris serve up their PrizePicks slips for the opening weekend of the NBA Playoffs. (Picks are for entertainment purposes only. Bet responsibly.)

This episode’s celebratory pour is brought to you by Dallas Breathe Free Forney and Dr. Iloabachie. If you need to breathe a little easier this allergy season, be sure to check them out!

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Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

Next Week: We're cracking open a new bottle and diving into some new topics. Don't miss it.

"Keep it real and keep it rolling."

A Massive Thank You to Our Sponsor!

Episode 9: Masters Finale, NFL Draft & NHL/NBA Playoffs

The sports calendar doesn’t get much better than this.

In Episode 9 of The Happy Hour Playbook, Chris and Wes dive headfirst into one of the most loaded weeks in sports—where Augusta meets the Draft, and playoff intensity takes over.

Masters Recap

From early dominance to a dramatic Saturday shake-up, we break down the wild ride at Augusta. Rory McIlroy came out firing and made history early—but the field stormed back to set up a must-watch Sunday showdown. Who handled the pressure, and who folded when it mattered most?

NFL Mock Draft (Picks 17–32)

Welcome to the “Value Zone.” This is where contenders get dangerous and franchises define their future. From trench warfare to a Clemson pipeline takeover—and a potential first-round RB surprise—we break down the picks that could shift the league.

NHL Playoff Chaos

The bracket is anything but set. The Sabres surge, the Kings storm in, and the Metro division turns into survival mode. We’re talking streaks, seeding shakeups, and the teams you don’t want to face right now.

NBA Playoff Push

The regular season is wrapping, and the road to the Larry O’Brien is officially underway. From Play-In drama to powerhouse contenders, we’ve got everything you need to set your bracket and watch the madness unfold.

Happy Hour Pour

This week’s review: Rebecca Creek Texas Blended Bourbon. Smooth, balanced, and built for a deep run—just like a championship contender.

Happy Hour Locks

A few plays to keep an eye on this week—just vibes, no guarantees. Bet responsibly.

⸻

Produced By: Chris Castillo

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Available on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

Next Week: New pour, new plays, and more chaos across the sports world.

Keep it real and keep it rolling.

Episode 8: The ultimate sports crossover has arrived. In this episode of the Happy Hour Playbook, Chris and Wes navigate the busiest week on the sports calendar. From the high-stakes hardwood of Indianapolis to the pristine fairways of Augusta, we’ve got your front-row seat to the action.

Grab a glass, pull up a chair, and join the conversation as we break down a week where every league is hitting a fever pitch.

On This Week's Menu:

• Happy Hour Pour: We’re cracking open a bottle of Angels Envy to see if it’s "Playoff Worthy" or a "First Round Exit."
• The Big Dance Finale: Recapping the chaos of the Final Four and previewing the National Championship showdown set for April 6th. Can the Big Ten finally end its title drought?
• Masters Week is Here: Rory McIlroy is defending his green jacket and hosting the Champions Dinner (sticky toffee pudding, anyone?), while Scottie Scheffler remains the man to beat. Plus, we address the late-breaking drama surrounding Tiger Woods and his status for Augusta.
• F1 Gear Shift: The 2026 season just hit a major speed bump. We discuss the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix and how a five-week gap changes the championship hunt.
• Ice in the Veins: The NHL Playoffs are just around the corner (April 18). We talk intensity, sudden-death overtime, and why the Wild Card spots are the most dangerous seeds in sports.

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• Join the Community: Find us on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook @HappyHourPlaybook.

"Keep it real and keep it rolling."

Episode 7: Brackets, Big Swings & Bubble Teams

March Madness is bringing the chaos, the playoff races are heating up, and baseball is officially back.

In this episode of The Happy Hour Playbook, Chris and Wes crack open a Guinness for the Happy Hour Pour, then dive into a packed sports slate featuring a full Sweet 16 recap, Elite Eight reactions, and Final Four predictions. From Duke and UConn surviving thriller matchups to Arizona and Illinois punching their tickets, the guys break down the biggest moments from the tournament and who they think can cut down the nets.

Then it’s over to the diamond as they recap MLB Opening Night, including the Yankees’ 5–2 win over the Giants, Aaron Judge showing up in the spotlight, and the wild Barry Bonds-to-the-Yankees story that almost changed baseball history.

After that, they hit the ice to break down the NHL playoff race, bubble teams, and the matchups if the postseason started today.

Shifting to the NBA playoff push, the Play-In picture, and the final stretch of the MVP race.

They close things out with the debut of Happy Hour Locks—their bold, for-fun picks of the week. Big games, big swings, bubble teams, and bigger takes—this one’s loaded.

Produced By: Chris Castillo

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Next Week: We’re cracking open a new bottle and diving into some new topics. Don’t miss it.

Keep it real and keep it rolling.

Episode 6: The Miami Miracle, March Madness, & The Great Outdoors

Grab a glass and pull up a chair! This week on the Happy Hour Playbook, Chris and Wes are navigating the madness of the hardwood, the magic of the diamond, and the dust of the desert. We’re breaking down a historic week in sports while recapping our Spring Break adventures from the Rio Grande to the Oklahoma pines.

On the Menu: The Happy Hour Pour

We kick things off by cracking open a bottle of Forty Creek Niagara Whiskey. Is this $25 Canadian blend "Playoff Worthy," or is it heading for a "First Round Exit"? We put it on the board and give you the honest truth on the burn and the bargain.

The Miami Miracle: WBC Finals

The "Dream Team" met their match. We recap the stunning 3–2 upset in Miami as Venezuela claims its first-ever World Baseball Classic title.

The Clutch Factor: Eugenio Suárez’s go-ahead double and Maikel García’s MVP performance.

The Heartbreak: Bryce Harper’s late-game heroics weren’t enough to overcome a frozen U.S. offense.

The Verdict: Is Venezuela officially the new #1 baseball nation?

March Madness: Brackets & Heartbreak

From 59-point blowouts to historic collapses, the opening rounds of the NCAA tournament did not disappoint.

Duke’s Scare: Cameron Boozer saves the #1 seed from a nightmare start against Siena.

The Cinderellas: High Point’s first-ever tourney win and VCU’s massive 19-point comeback against UNC.

The Juggernauts: Michigan and Houston look like the teams to beat, while Florida learns a hard lesson in late-game execution.

The Spring Break Recap

The Big Bend Breakdown: Chris takes us through the high desert of West Texas—staying in a Geodome, hiking Santa Elena Canyon, and surviving the jagged rocks of Old Ore Road. Plus, the must-visit food truck in Terlingua.

Broken Bow Spirits: Wes shares the vibes from Oklahoma, covering cabin life, lake days, and the quest for the perfect trout.

What to Watch This Week:

We look ahead to a massive sports schedule, including MLB Opening Night on Netflix (Giants vs. Yankees) and the high-stakes Sweet 16 matchups featuring Duke, Arizona, and Alabama.

Produced By: Chris Castillo

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Next Week: We're cracking open a new bottle and diving in some new topics. Don't miss it.

"Keep it real and keep it rolling."

Episode 5: The Mental Playbook

Grab a cold one and settle into the booth. This week, Chris and Wes are navigating the highs of a chaotic sports week and the lows that don't always show up on a stat sheet. From "Green" Pacificos to the "Group of Death," we’re breaking down the playbook for March.

On the Tap Tonight

The Happy Hour Pour: It’s almost St. Paddy’s Day! We’re cracking open some Pacifico (Import, ~$20/case) and giving it a festive green tint. Does this Mexican lager belong in the "Playoff Worthy" tier, or is it a "First Round Exit"?

NHL: War in the Central: The Avalanche and Stars are playing with chainsaws. We dive into the "All-In" gamble in Denver with the return of Nazem Kadri and why the Stars are the NHL’s "Silent Giant."

NFL Trade Explosion: The league just turned upside down. Geno Smith is back in New York, DJ Moore is Josh Allen’s new WR1, and the Cowboys just landed Rashan Gary. We also track the Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa "prove-it" sweepstakes.

WBC Knockout Stage: Italy stunned the world, and now the real pressure begins. We preview the Quarterfinal showdowns, including Canada vs. USA in Houston.

The Main Event: "The Injured List"

In our most serious segment to date, we step away from the highlights to talk about Mental Fitness.

In sports, we celebrate playing through broken bones, but we rarely talk about the "mental hamstring pull." Chris and Wes discuss the "Mask of Masculinity," identifying the signs of male depression—like irritability and escapism—and why seeking help is a tactical adjustment, not a forfeit. We’re challenging you to check in on your "Starting Five" this week.

"If a star QB’s mechanics are off, he sees a coach. Why do we think the brain is any different?"

The Starting Five Challenge: Text your group chat tonight. Not about a parlay, but to check the headspace.

Produced By: Chris Castillo

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Next Week: We're cracking open a new bottle and diving in some new topics. Don't miss it.

"Keep it real and keep it rolling."

Episode 4: Chaos, Caps & Conspiracies

Grab a glass and pull up a chair—the sports world has officially lost its mind. In this action-packed fourth episode, Chris and Wes navigate a week of absolute mayhem, from the "Great Reset" of the NFL roster to the high-stakes global stage of the World Baseball Classic.

The guys start the night by cracking open a bottle of Traveler Bourbon for the Happy Hour Pour. Does this MLB-partnered whiskey hit a home run, or is it a "First Round Exit"?

Then, it’s straight into the trenches of the NFL Offseason. With the salary cap skyrocketing to $301.2 million, teams are making cutthroat moves. We break down the shockwaves of Kyler Murray’s release, the blockbuster trades sending Maxx Crosby to Baltimore and Trent McDuffie to the Rams, and which teams are sitting on a "War Chest" of cash versus those drowning in the red.

Later, we shift gears to the international stage. We preview the 2026 World Baseball Classic—including Team USA’s "Redemption Tour" led by Paul Skenes—and discuss the massive Formula 1 overhaul as the sport moves to Apple TV with 4K views and 50% electric engines.

Finally, we dive into the strangest story in Santa Clara: Is a local power substation actually "melting" the 49ers’ ligaments? We wrap it all up with a cathartic look at our biggest pet peeves, from "Left-Lane Campers" to the dreaded "Meeting That Could Have Been An Email."

What’s In This Episode:

• The Happy Hour Pour: A deep dive into Traveler Blended Whiskey—notes, price points, and our "Playoff Worthy" rating system.

• NFL Chaos: Detailed analysis of the Kyler Murray and Stefon Diggs releases, the biggest winners/losers of the cap wars, and the retirements shaking up the O-line.

• WBC 2026: Your "Cheat Sheet" for the global tournament. Who has the edge between Ohtani’s Japan, the Dominican "Dream Team," and the new-look USA squad?

• F1’s New Era: What the Apple TV deal means for your wallet and your viewing experience, plus the 2026 rule changes that make cars nimbler and faster.

• The 49ers "Radiation" Conspiracy: Science or superstition? We look at the viral theory regarding the Silicon Valley Power substation and player injuries.

• The Pet Peeve Playbook: We vent about the social and digital etiquette violators that drive us crazy.

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Keep it real and keep it rolling.