Better on Draft 395 | Soul Mega

Wendy and Rob talk to Elliott Johnson of Soul Mega about going from homebrewer to running a business, winning the experienceship with Boston Beer, and building a community around creativity and connection.You can find Soul Mega beers around the DC, Maryland, Virginia area (hear about expansion plans in this episode!) in stores and at events. Find all the information about Soul Mega, upcoming events (like the Sam Adams collab!), and their social media handles at https://www.soulmega.com/ Support Elliott at the Brewbound Pitch Slam Decmber 9 and 10 (or find out how he did, depending when you listen to this episode): https://www.brewbound.com/events/brewboundlive2026/pitch-slam

In this special Halloween episode Wendy and Rob talk about their experience during Great American Beer Fest weekend in Denver. Visiting with some show friends and some festival events. Truly a great weekend!More information about the Dogfish Head World Wide Stout - Xocolatl version: https://www.dogfish.com/blogfish/xocolatl-world-wide-stoutCongratulations to Soul Mega for winning the Business Experienceship! https://www.bostonbeer.com/news/2026/06/samuel-adams-awards-soul-mega-2026-brewing-and-business-experienceship

Wendy and Rob talk to Darrell of Starr Craft Brewery. Darrell has a lot going on in the town of Richmond, MI with a recently-opened kitchen addition to the brewery. Come check out the beer and the kitchen, maybe have a Foldie or Unfoldie as the mood strikes you.

Wendy and Rob are in Denver for Great American Beer Fest! They stopped by to see our friends at Alley Brews and had a nice chat. This audio was recorded on-site in an active brewery. Listeners be advised!Liz and Chelsea of Alley Brews were last on Better on Draft on episode 375.Chris of Renegade was last on Better on Draft on episode 389.Wall Drug is quite the thing and Butt Drugs is a totally different thing.

Wendy and Rob get caught up on some recent and less-recent beer news from around the Internet!The Most Popular Beer In America (by search results): https://www.foodandwine.com/most-popular-beer-in-america-according-to-google-search-data-12071118Why Craft Culture Doesn't Land With Gen Z: https://www.brewersassociation.org/insights/why-craft-culture-doesnt-land-with-gen-zUS Consumption of Alcohol Is at Historic Lows (also with GLP1): https://247wallst.com/investing/2026/09/10/us-consumption-of-alcoholic-beverages-is-at-historic-lows-heineken-hires-glp-1-pitchwoman-to-sell-beer/Did Drunk Apes Help Us Evolve (Scrumping)? https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250801020109.htm5 Questions Brewers Wish You Would Ask During a Brewery Tour: https://www.craftbeer.com/editors-picks/5-questions-brewers-wish-ask-brewery-tourVaccine in a beer? Not as crazy as it sounds! https://www.sciencenews.org/article/vaccine-beer-polyomavirus-chris-buckWe're figuring out something for the show scheduled on the 26th, so watch that space. The October 9 show might not be live and might be released late. A lot of "mights". We do know Wendy and Rob will both be at Great American Beer Fest and that show on the 9th is related.

Wendy and Rob talk to Hamish and JP of Rocky Ridge Brewing in Australia. Founded outside Perth (where the $@#^ is Jindong?) Rocky Ridge is making some great beer with lofty sustainability goals. From farm to your glass (seriously, make the trip), Rocky Ridge is making some great beer and providing some cool locations. https://www.rockyridgebrewing.com.au/ 

Wendy and Rob are joined by Alex of Cabin North Brewing, a new brewery in the heart of Detroit's New Center - Northwest Goldberg. Alex has brought his love of hazy beers and mixed in Detroit's love of more traditional beers to offer visitors a varied lineup.https://www.cabinnorthbrewing.com/

Wendy and Rob talk to Jeremy Banas about Lone Star Beer since he wrote the book on it! Did you know this is the second business named Lone Star Brewing? You can find out all about it in Lone Star Beer: A History of Two Iconic San Antonio Breweries. Jeremy's books can be found at his website: https://jeremy-banas-ae3g.squarespace.com/books  and your favorite local bookstore.We also talk to Jeremy about San Antonio, Texas beer and the cities, and Tivoli brewing from Colorado.Better on Draft 391 | Lone Star Beer By Jeremy Banas

Wendy and Rob return from their adventures! They recount the beer and non-beer parts of their travels and other things.The wonderful brewery in Aukland whose name Rob couldn't remember just then is Galbraith Alehouse - stop 1 of the beer mile.The birding app is Merlin: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/The Atwater article: https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/atwater-brewery-reacquired-detroit-entrepreneur-after-sale-molson-coorsThe Hoppin' Frog article: https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/business/briefs/2026/07/10/akron-hoppin-frog-brewery-changes-management-new-owners-fred-karm-zachary-bastin/90877343007/

Rob visit Books & Brews to talk to people about the Schlafly Tap Takeover (and learns how to work his portable microphone). Books & Brews was featured in Episode 370 when we had Nick on.Schlafly was featured in Episode 382 when we had Jared on.Rob later learned that aside from living in the same neighborhood as Bobby and Whitney, they go to another Naptown Trivia event on Wednesdays where they are on a team The Bored Gamers used to compete against at Mind Over Mash! Hello, Low Expectations!