In this episode, I’m hanging with Paul Deras of Mike Hess Brewing down in North Park—and not only did we tour their killer facility, I even dry hopped a batch for the first time. 🤘

We’re talking:

✨ Tasting through a crisp West Coast Pils + a new hazy drop

🤣 A chaotic “Four-Pack” segment (yes… including a brutal FMK question)

🏴 Reflections on Rogue Ales closing and why supporting local breweries matters more than ever

If you haven’t hit Mike Hess Brewing yet, this is your sign. Grab a pint and Find Your Beer.

Mike also shares podcast updates, upcoming guests and events, and shout-outs to collaborators and local brewers.

In this episode of the Taproom, Guess who’s back behind the brewhouse? 👀Adrianne Hodap — now head brewer at @altersocietybrewing in Long Beach! We talk reclaiming her role, brewing 🔥 beers like Pine Avenue IPA & Fresh Mason, and finding that balance between creativity & classics.

We also dive into the LB beer scene, community collabs, and what it means to get back to your brewing roots.

🚀 Episode 142 is out of this world! Mike sits down with Andy and Chris Bergsma of @marsbrewing in Rancho Cucamonga 🌌🍺

From humble homebrewing beginnings to launching their family-run brewery, the Bergsmas share stories of building their taproom, crafting fan-favorite beers, and connecting with their local community.

They dive into beer highlights like My Favorite Märzen, Marty Light, Pathfinder, and Dead Gym, plus chat about GABF adventures, local brewery culture, and their love for hockey and music.

A down-to-earth convo with a family that’s truly shooting for the stars in craft beer. 

Episode 141 of the Taproom Podcast: host Mike sits down with the handler of GoodGary (aka GG), the viral turtle who visits breweries across LA and beyond. They chat about how the Instagram character started, favorite local and out-of-town breweries, and why supporting craft beer matters.

The conversation covers social media, festival memories, beer trends, rapid-fire favorites, and the personal stories behind brewery visits — a light, fun look at beer culture, community, and one very adventurous turtle.

Episode 140: Beers, Buds & Behind the Mic 🍻

Mike sits down with Dez Madrid from Buds, Booze, and Brews for a laid-back taproom chat filled with laughs, stories, and honest talk about the grind (and joy) of podcasting. They crack open some hazy IPAs and West Coast pilsners while diving into favorite breweries, podcasting as therapy, local hangout spots, and the chaos of keeping a schedule.

It’s real talk, brewery love, and a reminder for anyone thinking about starting a show: just hit record. 🎙️

From Code to Kegs: I sit down with Sky Conley of Alestone Brewing in Longwood, Florida to trace his path from programmer and Disney brewer to opening his own taproom during COVID. They cover Alestone’s signature beers (Jump Tree, Pelican Nightmares, Standard Classic, and a Czech Pilsner), community ties, pizza, and the surprising Bob Ross studio backstory.

The episode also highlights GABF weekend wins, messages from my buddy and field correspondent Art @La_Brewlife at the festival, Talking to Cody Sherwood Wichita brewing, Will Perry of False Idol brewing, and Bobby Diaz of Odd Muse Brewing

Host Mike sits down with T.O. Hunter of Crowns & Hops to trace the brand’s rise from social media project (Black People Love Beer, Dope & Dank) to a Black-owned brewing company. They discuss building authentic culture, protecting IP, recipe development, and the harsh business realities of opening a taproom during a volatile market.

The episode also covers signature beers (Dopest Hazy IPA, LA Sun, 8trill Pills), the 8 Trill Initiative supporting Black brewers, collaborations and festival plans, and practical advice on finance, distribution and community access in craft beer.

Host Mike sits down with Liam Wynn and Thomas Kendrick AKA(Tommy Tsunami) of 8Bit Brewing for a lively episode full of brewery stories, brewing journeys, and beer talk. They cover homebrewing beginnings, working on commercial systems, recipe development (including West Coast Pilsners and chasing the perfect American light lager), can artwork, the arcade vibe, and local craft‑beer culture. Expect candid anecdotes, brewery life, travel tales, and the passion behind making great beer.

Mike sits down with Steven Torres, brewer and co-founder of Gladiator Brews & Billiards in downtown Covina, to trace his path from a 15-year mail carrier to professional brewer. They discuss early mentors, brewery build-outs, recipe development, and the balance between classic lagers and hop-forward beers.

Steven shares stories about brewing challenges and successes, his core lineup (including a popular Mexican-style Munich Helles), community connections in Covina, and advice for aspiring brewers. The episode also covers local brewery culture, memorable brew days, and upcoming plans for taproom events and collaborations.

Mike sits down with Ann Obenchain, VP of Marketing at the Brewers Association, to talk all things Great American Beer Festival, From the World Beer Cup, to beer trends (NA beers, sours & cans) and the can’t-miss events like Meet the Brewer, Paired, Heavy Metal Taproom, and more.

Hear Anne’s craft beer journey + why GABF is the ultimate beer lover’s paradise 

#CraftBeer #GABF #WorldBeerCup #BeerFestival #DrinkLocal #BeerTrends #TaproomPodcast #BeerLovers #BrewLife #Cheers