Episode 145 sits down with Daniel Cady, Grant Shulkin and Jacob Sherman of Taproom Beer Co. in North Park, San Diego. The conversation traces their personal journeys from homebrewing and front‑of‑house jobs into professional roles, explores the brewery’s passion for wet‑hop/fresh‑hop beers (including their GABF bronze), and highlights signature pours like Jagged Hedge, Church of Chill and Modern Love.Topics include brewing and sales paths, festival success (Yakima/Fresh Hop accolades), recipe and label stories, collaborations and distribution, plus why Taproom’s lineup and neighborhood vibe are worth a visit. Expect tasting notes, behind‑the‑scenes anecdotes, and quick hits about beer culture, community and upcoming Taproom events.

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

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).

Join me on an inspiring journey from home brewing to the grand opening of Solorio Brewing. In this episode, I sit down with Raul Solorio, who shares his passion for craft beer and the pivotal moments that led him and his wife, Jennifer, to turn their backyard hobby into a thriving brewery. Discover how a chance visit to a local brewery sparked a dream, and how dedication, community support, and a love for brewing transformed that dream into reality. From experimenting with extract kits to mastering all-grain brewing, and finally, to opening the doors of Solorio Brewing, this is a story of passion, perseverance, and the power of community. Tune in to hear how Raul and Jennifer's shared vision and hard work have created a beloved local brewery that continues to bring people together over a shared love of craft beer.

Join Mike in episode 130 of the Taproom Podcast for a thrilling conversation with Dan and Leo of Steady Brewing. Nestled in Long Beach, Steady Brewing is not just a brewery; it's a vibrant community hub where craft beer meets courageous entrepreneurship. In this episode, discover the inspiring tales of risk-taking and camaraderie, as Dan and Leo share their journey from backyard brewing to the vibrant taps of their new establishment. Experience the thrill and challenges of opening a brewery, the passion behind each brew, and how a team of spirited individuals, including their families, came together to create something extraordinary. As the trio sips on a west coast delight, they delve into stories of sleepless nights, hometown support, and the dream-turned-reality of bringing bold flavors and new adventures to life. This episode offers a heartfelt dive into the challenges and triumphs of Steady Brewing, echoing the essence of community, ingenuity, and the relentless pursuit of passion.

Welcome to an unmissable episode of The Taproom Podcast, where host Mike sits down with Paul Trevino, also known as @Brewfighter818, from San Fernando Brewing. It's not just about the craft beer this time; the conversation quickly dives into a delectable world of culinary experiences, turning a simple beer podcast into a mouth-watering narrative. Join us as we explore Paul’s transition from a culinary background to brewing, highlighting how his passion for food influences his approach to creating craft beer. Discover the stories behind San Fernando Brewing's community-driven initiatives and events, along with some unforgettable brewing tales (and a few misadventures) along the way. Whether you're a beer aficionado or a culinary enthusiast, this episode promises a flavorful blend of both worlds, celebrating the art of brewing and the joys of cooking. Don't miss out on this exciting narrative that calls out to support local breweries and savor every sip and bite!

Welcome to episode 128 of the Taproom Podcast, hosted by Mike. In this installment, we journey into the world of craft brewing with John Shari, owner and head brewer at Little Cottage Brewery in Avondale Estates, Georgia. Join us as John shares his inspiring story from homebrewer to brewery owner, discusses the unique offerings at Little Cottage, and gives an inside look at the thriving craft beer scene in Georgia. Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast or just curious about the brewing process, this episode is packed with insights and stories that will make you appreciate the artistry and passion behind every pint. Enjoy the conversation and discover what makes Little Cottage Brewery a standout destination for beer lovers. Tune in for an engaging discussion about passion, community, and the ever-evolving landscape of craft beer. Stay tuned till the end for some exciting upcoming events and a heartfelt tribute to the craft beer community. Don't miss the chance to hear about the unique beers and creative minds that are shaping the future of brewing. Cheers!

In this invigorating episode of the Taproom Podcast, host Mike dives deep into the captivating world of craft beer with special guest Jeff Dechant from Old Stump Brewing. As they sip on some of their favorite brews, Mike and Jeff explore the vibrant community connections formed at beer festivals, reminisce about the exhilarating experience of being at a Georgia Braves game, and share heartwarming stories about the welcoming nature of the craft beer community. The episode takes a nostalgic turn as the duo bond over their shared love for wrestling, offering listeners a unique blend of topics that reflect the joyful and diverse experiences within the craft beer world. From discussing favorite brews like the Summer IPA to contemplating creative collaborations with local breweries, this episode is a testament to the passion and camaraderie that define the beer industry. Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast or a casual listener, this engaging conversation promises laughter, insights, and a new appreciation for the unifying power of beer and storytelling. Tune in to discover the charm of Old Stump Brewing and the fascinating tales that make each beer a memorable part of the community tapestry.

This episode of the Taproom Podcast features a lively discussion with Victor Montalvo from Boomtown Brewery, nestled in the vibrant Arts District of LA. Host Mike chats with Victor about his fascinating journey into the craft beer industry, starting from his early experiences at Indie Brewing Company to his current role as the director of sales at Boomtown. Dive into the intricacies of brewing with insights from Victor as he shares stories about Boomtown's unique beer lineup, the brewery's close-knit community, and the artistic inspiration behind their can designs. Discover the challenges and triumphs of managing beer sales, understanding customer preferences, and maintaining quality across their beloved core products and experimental brews. The conversation also explores the resilience and innovation required to navigate post-pandemic shifts in the beer industry. From discussions about Dodgers-themed beer nights to the influence of LA's graffiti culture on Boomtown's branding, this episode offers a comprehensive glimpse into the heart of the brewery scene in Los Angeles. Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of brewery operations, this episode is sure to entertain and inform. Cheers!