The Beer Hour with Johnathan Wakefield

First up this week on The Beer Hour we're speaking with Jordan Weisberg, Head Brewer and Co-Owner of Point Ybel Brewing out of Fort Myers, Florida. He'll take us through the Brewery's beginnings and how they found success, and especially what community means to them as they recover from Hurricane Ian.  
To donate and help out those recovering from Hurricane Ian in the Southwest Florida area, visit leecountystrong.com or go to https://communitycooperative.com/home/leecountystrong/  

Then the brains behind Omega Yeast join the show! Lance Shaner and Mark Schwarz explain what yeast is, its role in the brewing process, and the innovative ways they're trying to create the yeast of the future.  How many generations are there in a typical yeast batch? How does yeast affect the flavor of beer? How does one even become an expert in yeast cultivation? Listen in and find out!

It's baseball all around on The Beer Hour this week! First up we've got former minor leaguer and current head brewer at Warwick Farm Brewing, Ryan Seiz. He'll take us through Pennsylvania's beer scene, the journey from athlete to brewer, and the correct way to say "Louisville". He also discusses the importance of the farmland where they grow their own hops and ingredients, and how that improves their brew.
Then former Miami Marlins President David Samson talks baseball, finance, and the state of sports in Miami. Host of the "Nothing Personal with David Samson" podcast, he'll give his unfiltered takes on the sports world and his memories of his time with the Marlins.

We're going to Estonia and back on this week's Beer Hour! First we'll speak with Estonia's Põhajla Brewing's Ivar Aus, Peeter Keek, and Chris Pilkington about what it's like to be at the forefront of a nascent craft brewing scene. Find out what makes a Baltic Porter special, and where they plan to go next.
Then we come back to Wynwood to chat with Coyotaco's Alan Drummond about bringing Mexican food to Miami, and his vast food and drink network. From the secret ingredient to a great tortilla to everything you've wanted to know about mezcal, listen in to get the best tips.

It's barrels around the country on The Beer Hour this week! First up we'll talk to Matt Mills and Chris Schofield of Barreled Souls Brewing about how they got their start as childhood friends and why they ferment everything in oak barrels. Using the Burton-Union system of brewing, they create a unique taste that can only be achieved in their oak barrel process.
Then Dan Saettele and Matt Walters of Foeder Crafters of America join to explain what a foeder is, what it does, and how they make it. From drying wood for over two years to receiving $10,000 checks to get put on a waitlist, hear the incredible story of craftsmanship and artistry.

We're going from Sopranos country to the gridiron on this week's Beer Hour! First Eric Ruta of New Jersey's Magnify Brewing Company joins to share their story and paint a picture of the current tri-state craft beer scene. He'll fill us in on what it's like making a "Kool-Aid Sour" and rotating an impressive array of experimental beers.
Then former NFL center Brett Romberg takes us through his career and gives his outlook for the upcoming college football season. He'll discuss the mentality of a professional athlete and the changes he had to go through when his playing days came to a close.

We're going from freezing temperatures to humid heat on the Beer Hour this week! Timmy Johnson, co-founder of Barrel Theory Beer Company in St. Paul, Minnesota joins the show to share their story and how to stay warm in a freezing brew room. From home brewing to 5 1/2 years going strong, hear how they set up shop in a snowshoeing capital.
Then Shawn Motely, store manager of UNKNWN's Miami apparel shop, reflects on building community and promoting exercise at Lebron's lifestyle brand. Shawn organizes community runs, keeps an avid sneaker collection, and connects with brands and collaborators from around the world.

From baguettes to mac n cheese, it's a delicious episode of The Beer Hour this week! Outer Range Brewing co-founder Lee Cleghorn joins the show to talk opening up a brewery in France. From early days drinking Belgian beers to the high elevation Frisco, Colorado ski slopes, hear all about Outer Range Brewing's story.
Then Derrick "Chef Teach" Turton joins to discuss the journey of his House of Mac from food truck to restaurant, and his legendary career in the music industry. The former manager of Pitbull discusses Miami music and food, the importance of a family barbecue, and why mac n cheese can be make or break for a good time.

We're coast to coast on The Beer Hour this week! Zach Page of Portland, Maine's Belleflower Brewing talks about being a new brewery on the scene, and the right pace for expansion. From surfing the net on Beer Advocate to buying used dairy wares to brew beer, hear Belleflower's amazing story.
Then Venice Beach legend Harry Perry joins the show to reflect on his career in music, the idea behind his iconic look, and being the Kama Kosmic Krusader. Inspired by the amazing performances of James Brown at an early age, Harry decided to spend his life wowing audiences around the world, most known for playing guitar while rollerskating down the Venice Beach Boardwalk.

It's a very Florida episode of The Beer Hour this week!
Arkane Aleworks' Joe Scheibelhut talks about early homebrewing, spicy beers, and the Florida craft beer scene. How did stouts become a year-round staple? And why is local support so important?
Then Miami Herald food editor and author Carlos Frias joins to talk the best restaurants in Miami, his early days as a journalist, and his trip to Cuba. He explains the building blocks of being a great journalist, and why a restaurant's "scene" is just as important as the food.

Expand your consciousness and enjoy some cookies on this week's episode of The Beer Hour!
We speak with The Eighth State's cofounder Cameron Owen about bringing flavorful beers and a full culinary lifestyle approach to the small Greenville brewery. We'll learn how he got his start, why food is so important to a taproom experience, and what Timothy Leary has to do with brewing.
Then Miami's own Cindy Kruse joins us in studio to talk her Cindy Lou's Cookies franchise, going from humble beginnings to taking the cookie world by storm. Why is passion so important to baking? And what inspires her to eat cookies every day for lunch? Listen in and find out!