Utah Stories Show

Epic Brewing has been a mainstay in Utah's craft beer scene since opening in 2009. 🍺 Epic burst onto the Utah craft beer scene with incredible high-point beers immediately loved by Utah craft beer fans. Initially, Epic could not keep up with the demand for their beer for their first two years of operation: founders, David Cole and Peter Ericson, along with brewmaster Kevin Crompton, struck paydirt with a simple formula — beers with more than 3.2% ABV that tasted fantastic, offering a massive variety of beers along with standard offerings.

By 2012 Epic had outgrown their humble State Street facility in just a few years of operation and looked to expand. They decided to join Denver's massive craft beer scene in the River North or RiNo District. Epic thrived for a long time in RiNo. They expanded to more markets throughout the U.S. But after a decade the craft beer market began shifting dramatically. The biggest shifts were away from beer and towards seltzers and canned cocktails. What created this shift is hard to pinpoint. However, consumers turning away from microbreweries might have something to do with how so many were being bought out by private equity. Utah's most renowned brands such as Wasatch, Squatters, and Uinta took venture capital deals that would pump money into these big brands to increase their visibility and market share and take advantage of greater distribution channels and economies of scale. Epic kept plugging away making great beers and chose not to cash out.

How does Epic compete in today's craft beer scene? Ryan Kluh and Clay Turnbow sat down with us on the Utah Stories podcast to explain how Epic has found a new niche in the craft beer world. Epic has consolidated its brewing operations, closing its River North facility in Denver Colorado focusing just on the Utah market. Epic's line-up of beers changes seasonally. Turnbow let us sample the beers that they are most proud of at the moment. The one I found the most surprising was their "Pineapple Express." Which requires a huge amount of pineapple juice to create each barrel. It tastes how it sounds, it's fruity, sweet and it's like drinking a tropical drink on this snowy afternoon. They also brought their big double IPA called Chasing Ghosts. It's a hoppy, traditional IPA that offers a high-gravity beer more accustomed to Epic's initial claim to fame. And of course their "Big-Bad Baptist". The beer that made them famous. It contains chocolate, and coffee and is aged in whiskey barrels. This is a beer to be slowly sipped to be properly enjoyed. I liken it to drinking a bourbon. Like the badness on the label, it is rich and big. Kluh and Turnbow are having a great time doing what Epic has always been great a doing: brewing a massive assortment of craft beers that Utah consumers enjoy. Their success in their State Street facility is due to its remaining local and true to the spirit of what makes craft beer beloved by Salt Lakers: you can see the brewers working; fans get a constant update on beer offerings, and the proof is in the sampling of their products: they are unique and delicious!

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In this powerful episode of Utah Stories, we tackle the hard-to-discuss issues of homelessness, mental health, and the nonprofit system. Richard Markosian sits down with Bernie Hart, a changemaker who's been quietly transforming lives for over a decade.

Bernie runs a free Tai Chi program at Library Square in Salt Lake City, offering not only breakfast but also a chance for homeless individuals to heal their minds and bodies. Hear his unfiltered insights on why many homeless individuals are labeled "service-resistant" when, in reality, they have experienced repeated failures from existing mental health and shelter systems.

This episode challenges the conventional nonprofit model, which Bernie argues is more focused on satisfying donors than creating real change for clients. He offers an honest critique of mental health programs and addiction services while proposing a shift toward community-based, human-centered solutions. Get Involved: Support Bernie's mission at UnderstandingUsNonprofit.org Follow Utah Stories for more in-depth interviews and community spotlights.

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Meet Bryan Billmeyer, a resident of The Other Side Village who turned his life around after years of addiction and homelessness. Now a coach, Bryan helps others find their path to recovery through the Whole Person Change approach—a philosophy of accountability, authenticity, and addressing the root causes of trauma. Discover how this transformative model is creating lasting change for those overcoming life's toughest challenges. visit UtahStories.com for more and to subscribe to our free digital newsletter. There you can also support our journalism by subscribing to our print magazine for $2 per month. Follow us on: Instagram @UtahStories Twitter @UtahStories

Explore how The Other Side Village is transforming lives and addressing homelessness with a groundbreaking model of whole-person change and community support. In this inspiring interview, Preston Cochrane, CEO of The Other Side Village, shares insights into their mission, including vocational training, zero-tolerance policies, and creating safe, sustainable housing for chronically homeless individuals. Discover stories of transformation, like Brian and Jennifer, who have overcome immense challenges and now mentor others through their journey. Learn how this innovative community is funded, its impact on homelessness, and its potential as a model for affordable housing solutions across the Wasatch Front and beyond. 📖 For more about The Other Side Village and to support their mission, visit TheOtherSideVillage.com. 👍 Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more in-depth discussions on homelessness and innovative solutions. #HomelessnessSolutions #TheOtherSideVillage #CommunitySupport #AffordableHousing #UtahStories visit UtahStories.com for more and to subscribe to our free digital newsletter. There you can also support our journalism by subscribing to our print magazine for $2 per month. Follow us on: Instagram @UtahStories Twitter @UtahStories

What makes a great bourbon? Meet Brant Pounds, owner of Spirits of the Wasatch, a Utah-based craft distillery, as he shares his journey from mechanical engineer to master distiller. In this deep dive, Brant explains the science and artistry behind distilling whiskey, the unique four-grain bourbon his team produces, and what sets craft distilleries apart from industry giants. We also discuss bourbon's regional protection, the impact of barrels on flavor, and why whiskey tasting is both an art and a science. Plus, Brant reveals his experience at Moonshine University and how he turned a passion for whiskey into a thriving business. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into the world of spirits and craft distilling! 🥃🔥 #Whiskey #Bourbon #Distilling #CraftSpirits visit UtahStories.com for more and to subscribe to our free digital newsletter. There you can also support our journalism by subscribing to our print magazine for $2 per month. Follow us on: Instagram @UtahStories Twitter @UtahStories

Explore Utah's rapidly evolving housing market in this insightful discussion! Real estate expert Asha Klarich shares her perspective on housing affordability, rising prices, and how buyers are adapting in a competitive market. Learn about the impact of population growth, high-density developments, and strategies for first-time homebuyers to navigate the challenges of 2025. Plus, discover tips for leveraging ADUs, finding off-market properties, and making smart investments in Utah's booming housing scene.

📌 Topics Covered:

• Utah's rising home prices and affordability crisis
• ADU regulations and high-density housing solutions
• Smart tips for first-time buyers and house hacking strategies
• How population growth and California migration impact the market
• Insights on buying vs. waiting for interest rates to drop

💼 Guest: Asha Cleric, Real Estate Agent & Attorney 📞 Contact Asha:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: Elevated Utah Homes
• Phone: 801-907-5505

📰 Featured Publications:

• Utah Stories Magazine
• Faces of Utah Magazine

Don't miss this deep dive into the future of housing in Utah and practical tips to get ahead in today's real estate market! 🌟

#UtahHousingMarket #RealEstateTips #HomeBuying2025 #AffordableHousing

Discover the incredible journey of Jesse Lapin and Yoni Karmon, co-founders of Magnum E-Bikes, as they share their story of innovation, perseverance, and passion. Starting with a life-changing accident in Israel, this duo built a thriving e-bike company that has revolutionized the cycling industry in the U.S.

Learn how their complementary skills, grassroots hustle, and commitment to quality helped them scale from selling bikes door-to-door to partnering with major retailers like Costco. Hear their insights on bootstrapping a business, the future of e-bikes, and the importance of loving your work and team.

📖 Read more inspiring stories of Utah's entrepreneurs in Faces of Utah Magazine at UtahStories.com. 👍 Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring stories!

#MagnumEBikes #Entrepreneurship #CyclingRevolution #UtahBusiness

Discover why Quality Billiards is the 'Face of Game Rooms' in Utah! In this debut episode of Faces of Utah, we bring you the inspiring story of Josh Thorn, a helicopter pilot who transformed his career into a thriving business venture as the owner of Quality Billiards & Game Rooms. From flying high in the skies to redefining Utah's game room experience, Josh's journey is one of passion, grit, and entrepreneurial brilliance.

Josh's story is a masterclass in pivoting careers, taking risks, and pursuing dreams with confidence. Whether you're an entrepreneur, game room enthusiast, or someone searching for inspiration, this episode is packed with motivation and valuable takeaways.

Discover the magic behind Kevin Costner's Horizon, as actor Colin Cunningham takes us behind the scenes of one of Utah's biggest productions. From breathtaking Moab vistas to the challenges of staying grounded in Hollywood, Colin shares his journey, insights into the film industry, and the incredible talent found in Utah's community theater scene. Learn why he believes passion, persistence, and resourcefulness are key to success in filmmaking.

Meet Rob Meyrick, a coach at The Other Side Village. Once battling addiction and facing rock bottom, Rob now helps others transform their lives. Discover his journey, the unique culture of The Other Side Academy, and how honesty, accountability, and compassion are changing lives every day.