Stories From A Bar

For Episode 46 I am hanging out at The Ruck in Troy, NY with Jake from Northeast Beer Community! We work our way through a few beers which you will hear all about as we chat Northeast Beer Community and how it came to be, the upcoming anniversary party, they beer he has brewed with Chris Schell from The Warbler, and all kinds of other general beer chit chat. Grab a drink and enjoy! *side note: just ignore the part where I say it's "Episode 42"

For Episode 45 I had the pleasure of sitting down with the owners of Common Roots Brewing Company Bert and Christian Weber! We have some beers and talk all about the early days of Common Roots, the fire that burned it all down, the community and rebuilding, and of course their foundation. It's an action packed episode, Enjoy!

On location for Episode 44 at The Warbler Brewery in Delmar, NY! I hang out with Owner/Brewer Chris Schell while we taste and talk about a glorious smattering of his beers as well as the brewery, how he got into brewing, the worst beer he's ever made, and some real nature nerd stuff. Enjoy!

In Episode 43 I am hang out at the new brewery in Guilderland, NY Mixed Breed Brewing! I'm joined by 3 of 5 owners Guy Bucey, Josh Matot, and Matt Mead as we talk about all kinds of things including the brewery and their plans, how they got into beer and brewing, and their grand opening. As a heads up some parts may be a little low sound wise as I admittedly did not have the best setup for 4 people. Don't let that stop you from enjoying this great episode though!

For Episode 42 I day drink and chat (virtually) with owner of The Pony Bar in NYC Dan McLaughlin! We talk about life, how he got into the craft beer scene, NYC, The Pony Bar, and keeping it all going during the pandemic. Grab a drink and enjoy!

In Ep 41 I welcome I welcome Steve Barnes to the show! Steve has been at the Times Union since 1996 and we chat about the evolution of the business, his popular Table Hopping blog, how he got into journalism, and even a little bit about exotic dancers. Check it out!

For Episode 40 I am hanging out (virtually) and doing some day drinking with Tim Walton! We talk about everything Tim is up to with 518 Brews and the other 518 Facebook groups as well as Tim's Kitchen and his business Paladin Media LLC. Grab a drink and enjoy!

For Ep 39 I am hanging out (virtually) with local musician Josh Casano! We have some drinks and chat about life, music, and smoking meat. Enjoy!

In Episode 38 I have some beers and hang out virtually with Jeff Morad the Program Director at WEQX! We drink, laugh, and talk about all kinds of nonsense including EQX, some favorite moments, how he got into radio, beer, and even the last time he saw his own chin that's under that iconic beard of his. Have a beer and enjoy the last episode of 2020!

For Ep 37 I hang out and have a beer with owner of The Ruck in Troy, NY Dave Gardell. Starting as the door man and working his way to owner Dave has been part with The Ruck since it opened in 1998. We chat about The Ruck's evolution, the affects of Covid, and Dave's passion for craft beer and the community. Eat, Drink, and be Merry!

In episode 36 I chat with co-owner of The Hollow Bar & Kitchen Dora Philip! We talk all about Dora's time living in NYC, how The Hollow came to be, live shows, how local Covid impacted businesses in downtown Albany are supporting each other, the Restart and Save Our Stages Acts and how you can help. Check it out!

In Ep 35 I talk with Jack McGarry, Co-owner of The Dead Rabbit Grocery & Grog in lower Manhattan! Topics include coming up through the hospitality industry in Ireland, opening a truly authentic award winning Irish Pub in NYC, being the youngest to ever win International Bartender of the Year, how Covid has affected the business, and his hopes for the future. Enjoy!

In Episode 34 I'm joined by Executive Director of the New York State Brewers Association Paul Leone! We talk all about his professional background in TV Production and Media as well as his role as Executive Director of the Brewers Association. Enjoy!

In Episode 33 I hang out and have some beers with Erik Budrakey! Co-creator and Content Manager of True Brew Magainze. Erik talks about how True Brew Magazine got started, his time in the beer business, how he got into journalism, and the amazing cross country trip that shaped his life. All while we enjoy some delicious beers at Unified Beerworks in Malta, NY. Check it out!

Happy Pride Month! For Episode 32 I chat with Mark McCauslin founder of Colonie Pride! A community led organization for LGBTQ+ citizens and allies in Colonie, NY. Mark shares what his experience was like coming out, forming Colonie Pride, the effort to get the town to formally recognize Pride Month every year, and celebrating pride month in quarantine. Chek it out, enjoy, and spread the word!

For Episode 31 Emmanuel Treski from Speakeasy 518 returns! We talk about the instructional drink making videos Emmanuel has been doing while the Speakeasy has been closed, as well as his recommendations for what you should have on hand to get through this quarantine. Not to mention how we are staying busy at home with video games and dogs of course. Enjoy!

For Episode 30 I welcome back to the show Owner/Brewer at Artisanal Brew Works Kurt Borchardt! We talk about how Artisanal is adjusting to doing business during a pandemic, raising money for out of work hospitality workers with collaborative beers, future beers coming, and a shared desperate need for a haircut. Enjoy!

For Episode 29 I'm joined by the head brewer at Indian Ladder Farms Cidery & Brewery Scott Veltman! Talking everything from how he got into brewing, working at Ommegang and C.H. Evans/The Pump Station, to life on the farm and the best ways to support Indian Ladder these days. As well as what we've been up to when not working of course. Enjoy!

For Ep 28 head brewer of C.H. Evans Brewing at The Albany Pump Station Sam Pagano returns to the podcast! In this quarantine edition of the podcast Sam and I have some drinks while talking about the status of the Pump Station/C.H. Evans. From his new role as beer delivery driver, to the options available to help support the business, as well what we've been doing to keep ourselves entertained at home these days. Some ridiculous, some not. Cheers!

In Episode 27 I get my inner Viking on and head to Helderberg Meadworks in Esperance, NY to drink mead and hang out with owner Peter Voelker! There's talk of Vikings, horns, mead, skulls, and of course our worst fashion choices. Enjoy!