It’s almost hop harvesting time, so in ep 29 learn about hop growing from those who get their hands dirty in this episode, featuring Dr. James Shepherd, owner of Smokedown Farm in Sharon, Connecticut, and farm manager Ally Hughes. Shepherd -- an epidemiologist on the front lines of dealing with COVID-19 --  provides some unexpected insight into the connection between virus control and hops, and Hughes discusses how their hops make local beers extra special.

This episode is sponsored by Back East Brewing in Bloomfield, Connecticut.

Opening/closing music: “Heat It Up” by Will and George

Background music: “Eternal Flame” by Lahar