The Taproom Podcast

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

Host Mike sits down with Evan Blum & Richie Tevlin of @BrewDatPodcast + Space Cadet Brewing 🚀🍻From craft-beer journeys to Gen-Z marketing, small-batch brewing, Philly taproom culture, and the art of collectible cans/merch — this convo is stacked.

We also get into fav Philly breweries & cheesesteaks 🥪🍺, beer trends (lagers, IPAs, low-ABV), and the real talk of launching a beer biz.

🎙️ Don’t miss it — tune in now + catch what’s next from BrewDat & Space Cadet!

#CraftBeer #BeerPodcast #PhillyBeer #DrinkLocal #FindYourBeer

This week I sit down with Daniel Guido—better known as Ugly Brewer—for a deep dive into the world of craft beer. From his journey out of the canning line and into brewing, to building Tipzy Entertainment w/ his girlfriend Lorena, we cover brew days, challenges, and the passion that keeps the craft scene alive.

If you love beer, community, and a good story over a pint, this one’s for you.

Mike sits down with Taz Viloria—aka Comics & Brews—for a loose, laughter-filled conversation that moves from the barstool to the comic shop. You’ll taste the moment with him: a crisp Kolsch, a Westie so fragrant it stops the room, and the heady thrill of debuting a can art collab at a hometown brewery.

Follow Taz as he traces the messy, joyful path of making a show—merch sketches, card‑show booths, Bulba Hops stickers—and the dream of a live‑work taproom now shifting from Utah to Wisconsin. Between podcasting hacks and goofy fan confessions, the episode lands in the small victories: a favorite glass, a sold‑out launch, and the rumble of college‑football‑barbecue plans.

It’s a road trip through nerd culture and craft beer—full of personality, tall tales, and the kind of detail that makes you want to follow the journey (and maybe grab a snorlax pint glass along the way).