It's the first Listener Mailbag episode of Beer People! Hosts Matt and Chris take questions from listeners. Topics discussed:
To hear your questions on the podcast, send a message on Instagram or to beerpeoplepodcast@gmail.com.
Beer People links: IG, website
Snazzy theme music by Beer Person Gerry Mayer, check out more of his tunes here
Artwork by the illustrious Lotus of @lotiecreates
Mark Ricketts wants to grow. While he says that he isn’t a great brewer… yet… he has a thirst for honest feedback from the great brewers in the craft beer industry. Mark has the kind of humility that can make any person truly great: he knows his limitations and wants to push past them through honest evaluation and good old fashioned hard work. Mark brings that same passion to fatherhood and to his brewing and fermenting project, Summer in the Fields. Splitting time between Philly and Jamaica, Mark has the kind of energy that people gravitate towards. Mark has that ‘it’ factor that people want to surround themselves with. He even raises money for causes he believes in and brings people together over beer. Must be why people love to work with him and why people love to know him. Kindness, compassion, a desire to grow, and beer? Sounds like the perfect recipe.
Mark's links: IG
Beer People links: IG, website
Snazzy theme music by Beer Person Gerry Mayer, check out more of his tunes here
Artwork by the illustrious Lotus of @lotiecreates
In this episode, we chat with Rafa D’Armas - a man with many hats - for a conversation that’s as thoughtful as it is energizing. Rafa shares how beer can be a force for authenticity and human connection, plus how the social spaces we build around it can strengthen entire communities.
We explore the formative memories that shaped his philosophy as a brewer, the work he’s doing to expand access and equity through the Michael James Jackson Foundation and the Beer Culture Center, and how he continues to evolve his craft at Other Half. It’s an inspiring look at the intersection of culture, creativity, and community-building, told by someone who lives it every day.
Guest Instagrams: Rafa, Beer Culture Center, Michael James Jackson Foundation, Other Half NYC
Guest websites: Beer Culture Center, MJF, Other Half
Beer People links: IG, website
Snazzy theme music by Beer Person Gerry Mayer, check out more of his tunes here
Artwork by the illustrious Lotus of @lotiecreates
In this episode, we hang out with Cindy DeRama of Twin Elephant Brewing, brought our way by past guest John A. Paradiso. Cindy dives into how Twin Elephant forges bold collaborations with some of craft beer’s biggest names and how the raw, electric spirit of the New Jersey punk scene fuels their creativity.
We dive into Cindy's accomplishment of building a safe, welcoming space for every kind of beer lover, all while cranking out top-tier beer in any style.
Plus, we are joined by a guest host, Beer Person Mike, who is a loyal listener and was one of our top contributors to the Kickstarter!
Cindy's links: Twin Elephant website, Twin Elephant IG
Beer People links: IG, website
Snazzy theme music by Beer Person Gerry Mayer, check out more of his tunes here
Artwork by the illustrious Lotus of @lotiecreates
Erin Wallace is a true Philly legend. She has been the driving force behind some of the quintessential watering holes in the city limits. Ever heard of the Old Eagle Tavern? How about Devil’s Den? Did we mention she’s also the soon-to-be president of the Pink Boots Society? Erin’s resume reads like a history of the modern craft beer movement in Philly. She is part of the fabric of that story. In fact, she’s one of the main characters. So grab a city wide and give it a listen.
Erin's links: Pink Boots website, Pink Boots IG, Other Half Philly
Beer People links: IG, website
Snazzy theme music by Beer Person Gerry Mayer, check out more of his tunes here
Artwork by the illustrious Lotus of @lotiecreates
“A Station With No Station” - Turns out, you can successfully put the proverbial cart before the horse, as is the case with Prime Station Brewing. As Connor Sheridan and Jon Henning look for the perfect home for their beer and their time traveling inventor/brewer mascot, Axel Hopsworth, they’ve already begun spreading their suds throughout the greater Philadelphia area. Join us as we dive into nuts and bolts of getting their first two flagship beers into the market, all while searching for a prime location, or station, to build a welcoming, community-centric brewery and taproom.
Prime Station links: IG, website
Beer People links: IG, website
Snazzy theme music by Beer Person Gerry Mayer, check out more of his tunes here
Artwork by the illustrious Lotus of @lotiecreates
Find the Kickstarter here, and tune in on Instagram and TikTok for updates! We are $375 away from our next goal - can you help us reach that before Thurs July 24??
If you have any trouble with the links, search for "Beer People" on kickstarter.com and look for our logo. The campaign is called "Brewing Change, One Story at a Time" and is featured as a "Project We Love" by the Kickstarter editing team 😃🏆
More info below ⬇️
Thank you to all those who have already supported!
The next goal ($3k) means we get to:
🎉 double the honorariums for changemakers
📸 get us a camera
For YOU it also means:
🗳️ one MORE vote for EVERY dollar you give from here on out, voting on the outfits Matt and Chris will wear in an upcoming interview, w/ video posted online! 🤡 🕺🏻 👩🏻🚀 🍻 (everyone who contributed before $2k gets one vote too! The zanier your suggestions the better!)
🎁 get a $25 gift card to a brewery near you that we recommend if you contribute at the $250 level or higher (or already have!)
Stretch goals:
🟡 $5,000 – Complete the Mobile Studio + Hire an Intern- This lets us furnish our mobile studio with signage, a table, chairs, and professional lighting. Plus, we can hire an intern who can help us make video and audio clips, promote the brand, and expand our reach!
🔵 $10,000 – Hit the Road - Stories are best told in person, and while recording on Zoom is great for expanding our reach, we’d love to visit more guests in person. At this level, a portion of your support would help us record in-person with change-makers who are currently out of reach.
🔴 $50,000 – The Beer People Production Studio - This allows us to rent and set up a modest podcast studio in Philly for live interviews and editing!
He's baaaaack! For a 3rd time, join us as we continue our years' long conversation with New Trail Brewing's COO and Head of Brewing Operations, Mike LaRosa. Listen in as Mike talks about some exciting new products (including an NA version of his flagship IPA), how NA beer is made (it can involve Flubber), the growing size of the brewery, and exciting stories from hop harvest (a brand new hop?!). Hop to it and give it a listen.
New Trail links: IG, FB, X, website
Beer People links: IG, website
Snazzy theme music by Beer Person Gerry Mayer, check out more of his tunes here
Artwork by the illustrious Lotus of @lotiecreates
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are under attack, and that's b***s***. This podcast amplifies the voices of the folks making the world a better place through beer, and at a time when our values are under fire, it's essential that we rally together. We believe in love and unity, and we believe a multicultural society is a beautiful thing. The beer community is stronger, richer, and fuller when it's welcoming to everyone.
Listen as Matt and Chris tell their own personal stories of how diversity, equity, and inclusion have played a role in their lives. Then, find a way that you can continue this conversation by telling your own story or support others in telling theirs.
Beer People links:IG,website
Snazzy theme music by Beer Person Gerry Mayer, check out more of his tuneshere
Artwork by the illustrious Lotus of@lotiecreates
Trailblazers. That’s truly the best way to describe Jasmine and Drew Dill of Liquid Intrusion Brewing (LIBCo). Jasmine and Drew are actively pushing for more diversity, equity, and inclusion within the craft beer industry. Whether it’s engaging with other breweries through their work on the DEI committee of the Brewers’ Association of Maryland, having a full schedule of events for Black History Month, or owning Prince George's County's first black-owned brewery, the Dills are starting their efforts on the home front. Oh, and did we mention that these high school sweethearts also brew delicious beer that's sought out by everyone from novices to beer nerds? Don’t mind the intrusion and give this episode a listen to hear a powerful story of carrying on a legacy while blazing a new trail for all. As they say at LIBCo, "may the liquid always prevail!"
Liquid Intrusion links: IG, FB, X, website
Beer People links: IG, website
Snazzy theme music by Beer Person Gerry Mayer, check out more of his tunes here
Artwork by the illustrious Lotus of @lotiecreates
In West Philadelphia born and raised… you see where we’re going with this, right? Raise your hand if you thought we were talking about Rich and Mengistu Koilor of Two Locals Brewing Company. Owners of the first black owned brewery in Pennsylvania, the Koilors have created a beautiful space that showcases their affinity for the community, their reverence for the past, and their desire to provide the highest quality beer and experience for their patrons. Listen as we discuss the importance of family, education, community, legacy, music, and, of course, beer. Take a figurative drive over the Schuylkill into West Philly and give this jawn a listen.
IGs: Two Locals, Beer People
Websites: Two Locals, Beer People
Snazzy theme music by Beer Person Gerry Mayer, check out more of his tunes here
Artwork by the illustrious Lotus of @lotiecreates
Dorien Saunders has set the vibe. You feel it the minute you step foot into Whims Brewing in Atco, New Jersey. It’s the kind of place that you’d miss if you weren’t looking for it. Sitting in the middle of a nondescript strip mall, the brewery quickly establishes its presence through its signature purple color and countless hanging plants. That vibe, along with the excellent beer, the mom and pop attitude, and Saunders himself, are what make this a special place. Go out on a whim and give it a listen.
IGs: Whims, Beer People
Websites: Whims, Beer People
Facebook: Whims
Snazzy theme music by Beer Person Gerry Mayer, check out more of his tunes here
Artwork by the illustrious Lotus of @lotiecreates
In this conversation with Jackie and Brendan Breslin, owners of Wishful Thinking Brewing Company in Bethlehem PA, we talk about the science of pizza dough, the motivation behind an entrepreneurial spirit, and the importance of perfecting and preserving traditional European brewing and pouring practices. Embrace your love for foam(!) and give it a listen. Cheers!
IGs: Wishful Thinking, Beer People
Websites: Wishful Thinking, Beer People
Facebook: Wishful Thinking
Snazzy theme music by Beer Person Gerry Mayer, check out more of his tunes here
Artwork by the illustrious Lotus of @lotiecreates
Tune in every Tuesday in January for a new episode! We'll feature the owners of Wishful Thinking in Bethlehem PA, Whims in Atco NJ, and Two Locals in Philadelphia PA. These are great individuals doing great work for the community. You don't want to miss these conversations!
Richie Tevlin's sights have been set high for a long time and with launching Space Cadet Brewing, he's aspiring to earn a James Beard Award someday, not just to make tasty beer. In this episode, Richie takes us on his journey from the runway (his business degree at Penn State to Philly Brewing Co to head brewer at Victory Brewing Philly) to the launch pad (conceptualizing and opening his own brewery). We chat about how he chose the model of a small batch brewery, what profit margins look like in the industry, how he's telling a story through can art, and what it's like to be your own event planner. Listen as Philly's newest brewery takes flight.
IGs: Space Cadet, Beer People
Websites: Space Cadet, Beer People
Snazzy theme music by Beer Person Gerry Mayer, check out more of his tunes here.
Artwork by the illustrious Lotus of @lotiecreates.
Meredith Rebar’s impressive resume is too long to list here, but suffice to say that it’s no surprise she runs Home Brewed Events so successfully. Drawing on her experience at Tröegs and St. Benjamin’s brewing companies, plus being a Cicerone who has been involved with Philly’s Pink Boots Society since its inception AND having tons of event-planning experience for breweries and bands, she’s a rock star. Join us for this conversation where you’ll hear about the importance of making the beer industry a welcoming space for all, how intertwined the beer and music scenes are, and you’ll even get to hear what it’s like to take part in one of Meredith’s beer-and-food pairing classes. Find all of Meredith's upcoming events here. Cheers!
IGs: Meredith, Home Brewed Events, Beer People
Websites: Home Brewed Events, Beer People
Snazzy theme music by Beer Person Gerry Mayer, check out more of his tunes here.
Artwork by the illustrious Lotus of @lotiecreates.
We all need community, and community relies on accessibility. Matt Westfall drives that point home through his Cheshire, CT, brewery, Counter Weight. A sociology major, Westfall pivoted towards hops after college, but his degree serves as a foundation for what he has come to build. With an eye towards brewing approachable, high-quality beer as well as providing a welcoming environment, Westfall has opened his space to many community partners. Whether it’s a weekend barre or yoga class, a comedy show, or trivia, Counter Weight has become a weekly hang for many people. Westfall’s plan is working: brew good and affordable beer for people who want to have something to rely on while also inviting patrons in for a multitude of events. We all need community.
IGs: Counter Weight, Beer People
Websites: Counter Weight, Beer People
Snazzy theme music by Beer Person Gerry Mayer, check out more of his tunes here.
Artwork by the illustrious Lotus of @lotiecreates.
With great power comes great responsibility. Jen and John Kimmich have that power, earned through the creation of their iconic Alchemist Brewery and equally as iconic Heady Topper and Focal Banger beers. More importantly, the pair very much understand and embrace that responsibility. This has never been just about brewing for the Kimmichs, even though John rose to fame for literally creating hazy IPA as a style. Since opening as a 60 seat pub in 2003, the Alchemist has become a brewery known worldwide for not only white whale beers, but also for their multi-platform focus on sustainability. A certified B Corp, the Alchemist has become a gold standard. Jen and John Kimmich have been at the forefront of what the craft beer industry is and what it could and SHOULD be.
IGs: The Alchemist, Beer People
Websites: The Alchemist, Beer People
Snazzy theme music by Beer Person Gerry Mayer, check out more of his tunes here.
Artwork by the illustrious Lotus of @lotiecreates.
The Pittsburgh beer scene has spread rapidly across the Steel City, helping to mold and define many of the neighborhoods that make up the burgeoning city. Trace Brewing has been one of the leading pioneers in this movement. Spearheading their efforts are owner Dave Kushner and Head of Marketing and Customer Experience Aadam Soorma. Along with General Manager Katie Rado, Kushner and Soorma have worked to create and provide an open and accepting environment for their staff and patrons, while also brewing some of the best beer in the city. Through their countless events and community partnerships, the team at Trace has focused on making their space a mirror of the community they serve.
IGs: Trace, Remnant, Beer People
Websites: Trace, Remnant, Beer People
Snazzy theme music by Beer Person Gerry Mayer, check out more of his tunes here.
Artwork by the illustrious Lotus of @lotiecreates.
Intentionality is built into the fabric of Lesser-Known Beer Co in Winston-Salem, NC. As a co-founder, Will Loring is central to the design of this rising star brewery that just seems to earn more and more recognition by the day. You’ll want to have your thinking cap on for this episode because Will drops knowledge and philosophical quotes like none other, and you’re gonna want to make a note of this guy’s wisdom. Lesser-Known is known for not only making excellent beer, but doing so while offering patrons the chance to disconnect in a taproom that’s devoid of TVs and even has a place to store your phone to be more present. Will and Ryan make a point to travel to each country before they brew its style, as a way of honoring each style’s unique traditions. Lesser-Known will be well known before long.
Find Lesser-Known Beer Co on IG and their website.
Follow us on Instagram and check out our website.
Snazzy theme music by Beer Person Gerry Mayer, check out more of his tunes here.
Artwork by the illustrious Lotus of @lotiecreates.