What We're Drinking with Dan Dunn

Dan takes a break from talking booze to share two very different chapters of his life. First, he dishes on his unlikely new career as a mystery novelist, from writing a screenplay about murder and cheesesteaks in Philadelphia to landing a two-book deal with St. Martin's Press. With his debut novel, A Cheesesteak to Die For, arriving in fall 2027, Dan reveals why writing fiction has taken over his brain, and how a scheme to outsmart Hollywood turned into an unexpected creative obsession. Then things take a decidedly messier turn. Dan recounts a Hinge date in New York City that started out almost too good to be true. There was a beautiful woman, undeniable chemistry, a few cocktails, and a promising afternoon on the Lower East Side. What could possibly go wrong? Well, let's just say that a corned beef sandwich and a spectacular betrayal by his own digestive system conspired to make this one of the most unforgettable dates of Dan's life. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ghosts, goblins, jack-o'-lanterns, and booze. Halloween has come a long way in 2,000 years, but one thing hasn't changed: people have been celebrating with spirits—both supernatural and alcoholic—for centuries. In this special Halloween edition of History at Work and in the Making, Dan traces the holiday's fascinating history, from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain to the Irish immigrants who brought their traditions to America. Along the way, we discover why people started wearing costumes, how trick-or-treating evolved from medieval customs involving food and ale, why jack-o'-lanterns were originally carved from turnips, and what bobbing for apples once had to do with finding a spouse. Plus, the origins of Halloween mischief, the surprising role of hard cider, and how a holiday devoted to warding off evil spirits became one of America's favorite excuses to enjoy the good ones. Pour yourself something delicious and settle in for a spirited journey through Halloween history. Presented by Warbringer Mesquite Smoked Southwest Bourbon. Learn more at warbringerbourbon.com. Because good stories deserve good pours. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dan welcomes actor Dulé Hill, entertainment industry veteran Tom Caltabiano, and Brad Japhe for an episode that pairs exceptional Scotch whisky with a candid, wide-ranging conversation about the state of modern entertainment. As the foursome explore an impressive lineup of whiskies from Glenglassaugh, The Glenlivet, Rosebank, Glen Scotia, and Laphroaig, they dig into the seismic changes reshaping Hollywood, from the shifting economics of television and film to the challenges facing creative talent in an industry that seems increasingly unsure of what audiences actually want. Along the way, they share stories, insights, and plenty of laughs, with a special appearance by Martingale Cognac adding a little French sophistication to an otherwise Scottish affair. It's an entertaining collision of show business and the spirits business, featuring great whisky, strong opinions, and an unfiltered look at an entertainment industry in the midst of a major identity crisis. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Liqueurs don't always get the respect they deserve. We're here to change that. Just in time for National Liqueur Day, Dan Dunn and acclaimed spirits writer Brad Japhe explore one of the drinking world's most colorful, versatile, and deliciously misunderstood categories. It's a spirited journey through centuries of history, fascinating origin stories, closely guarded recipes, and the people who turned humble botanical concoctions into some of the world's most beloved drinks. Along the way, Dan and Brad celebrate an all-star lineup featuring Disaronno, Tia Maria, Averna, Fernet-Branca, Aperol, Campari, Sarti Rosa, Domaine de Canton, Hpnotiq, and PAMA. From Italian aperitivo culture and the enduring appeal of amaro to the surprising stories behind iconic bottles, this episode is a full-throated celebration of the sweeter, bitterer, and occasionally weirder side of the spirits world. Consider it our love letter to liqueur. Sealed with a kiss. Served with a twist. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s cocktail hour, and Anna Vocino is here to make sure there’s something good to eat with whatever’s in your glass. The actress, comedian, bestselling cookbook author and founder of Eat Happy Kitchen joins Dan to talk about her new book, Eat Happy Cocktail Hour: Deliciously Gluten Free and Low Carb Sips, Dips, and Bites and the art of eating and drinking well without sucking all the fun out of it. Also on the show, Dan revisits an article he wrote years ago about the ruination of one of Venice Beach’s most iconic streets and discovers, somewhat depressingly, that the damn thing may be even more relevant today than when he wrote it. And finally: Ever wonder what it would be like to have drinks with Yoda? Of course you have. Well, wonder no more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, Dan sits down with acclaimed bartender Kenta Goto and award-winning drinks writer Noah Rothbaum to talk about their new book, The Goto Bartender’s Guide, a look at Japanese cocktail culture through the drinks, techniques, traditions, and philosophy that have shaped Goto’s singular approach to bartending and hospitality. Also on the show: a fresh round of Drinks of the Week, with Dan cracking into wine, vodka, and rye whiskey. And in the latest History at Work and in the Making, we go back to a time when putting ice in a cocktail wasn’t just a given—and trace the unlikely history of how frozen water became one of the most important ingredients behind the bar. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dan takes a look at how the Trump administration’s tariffs are hitting the drinks business, from distilleries, wineries and importers to bars, restaurants and, ultimately, the people picking up the tab. Who’s getting squeezed, how much money is at stake, and what could all of this mean for the price of your next bottle or cocktail? The episode also includes Dan’s tribute to his friend Bryan “Bald Bryan” Bishop, the beloved longtime co-host of The Adam Carolla Show, who passed away last week after an extraordinary 18-year battle with cancer. Dan got to know Bryan during his years as the Carolla show’s resident booze expert, and remembers a genuinely good man who will be deeply missed. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

To celebrate Mexican Independence Day, Dan takes the show on the road—or at least down the street—for a special live episode recorded in front of an audience on the rooftop of Casa de Ocho, Tequila Ocho’s pop-up in the heart of Venice Beach. Joining Dan is his old friend Zane Lamprey, comedian, author, world traveler, and legendary host of the seminal drinking shows Three Sheets and Drinking Made Easy, along with Philip Khandehrish, longtime tequila expert and Brand Ambassador for Tequila Ocho and Heaven Hill Brands. Philip gives Dan and Zane the full Ocho education, from the late, great Tomás Estes and master distiller Carlos Camarena to single-estate agave, vintage harvests, terroir, and what makes Ocho one of the most distinctive tequilas on the planet. Along the way, Dan and Zane look back at the early days of covering drinking culture, how wildly the booze business has changed since then, and share probably far more information about themselves than anyone in attendance actually asked for. Tequila was involved. These things happen. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dan has been away on a much-needed vacation, so this week we’re reaching into the vault for an encore presentation of one of our most-listened-to episodes of 2024. It’s a very special caffeinated edition of the show, as Dan turns his attention to his other liquid obsession: coffee. Joining him is none other than Maynard James Keenan. Yes, that Maynard—vocalist for Tool, A Perfect Circle and Puscifer, not to mention the man behind Caduceus Cellars, Merkin Vineyards and Queen B Vinyl Cafe, his Arizona coffee-roasting venture. Dan also serves up hot takes on two of his go-to java brands, La Colombe and Free Rein. Along the way, there’s a story about Bruce Springsteen, a heartfelt tribute to a Van Halen cover band, and enough coffee talk to keep you wired until Dan returns with a brand-new episode. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Whiskey legend Fred Minnick joins Dan and Brad Japhe to celebrate his upcoming induction into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame and, naturally, they mark the occasion by opening some very good bottles. The lineup includes Old Fitzgerald 7-Year Bottled in Bond, Old Grand-Dad 114 Single Barrel, Jefferson’s Ocean and Founder’s Reserve 20 Year, Four Roses Single Barrel, and Booker’s Milkshake Batch. Fred also discusses his powerful new book, Bottom Shelf: How a Forgotten Brand of Bourbon Saved One Man’s Life, which blends memoir with the fascinating history of Old Crow. It’s the story of Fred’s return from the Iraq War, his decades-long obsession with whiskey, and how taste, history, and one largely forgotten bourbon helped him find purpose and ultimately build one of the most influential careers in American whiskey. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.