The Taproom Podcast

Episode 196 welcomes the SoCal Cerveceros — Ryan (rsquared_brewing), John (worlds.apart.blends) and Memo (West11thBrewing) — recorded at Del Pueblo in Pasadena. Mike and the guests trace how they found craft beer and homebrewing, the club’s growth and community impact, and what keeps them passionate about brewing. Topics include club history and events (Coldchella/Coachella), favorite styles and brewing approaches (lagers, Mexican lagers, IPAs, hazies), yeast and temperature tips (including Kviek), naming and branding stories, and trends like low-ABV and non‑alcoholic beers. Expect lively conversation, practical brewing insights, personal beer memories, and recommendations for homebrewers and listeners who want to connect with the SoCal beer scene.

Join host Mike for Taproom Podcast episode 195 with brothers Augie and Adrian of Brewjeria as they recount building their Pico Rivera taproom, surviving an opening during the COVID shutdown, and expanding into Chula Vista. The conversation covers brewery origin stories, community-building, live music and comic nights, and the challenges of consistency and creativity in brewing. Hear about anniversary releases (Diosa de Oro, Pump Up the Yams, Trenar Sud), best-selling beers like Gallo Fino and Grapes of Wrath, canning plans, and how Brewjeria tailors styles for the neighborhood. Mike and the guests also talk beer trends (hazy IPAs, light lagers), upcoming events, festival plans, and what’s next for the crew. Expect local brewery stories, tasting highlights, a peek behind the taproom operations, and info on Brewjeria’s anniversary weekend (Nov 13–15) — perfect for fans of craft beer, community-driven spots, and brewery storytelling.

Episode 194 of the Taproom Podcast with host Mike features members of the IE Brew Witches — Tiff, Loretta, Rebecca and Jax — talking about membership, meetups, brewery trips (including Milwaukee), collaborations, and what it’s like to be women in the craft-beer community. Mike also shares recent brewery visits and his time at Rio Hondo’s biotech & fermentation program, while the Witches discuss fundraisers, nonprofit work, brewing days, favorite beer styles, and upcoming events/registration (deadline Nov 7, sparkle party Dec 12). Expect beer stories, travel recs, community-building tips and practical encouragement for new brewers and podcast beginners.

Episode 193 of the Taproom Podcast — a Taps & Tailgates reunion with Mike, Nav, Jake, Ernie and Jizzy. The group digs into homebrewing (Jizzy’s Mosaic Mixtape IPA and Wandering West backstory), taste-tests local cans from Level Up and Trillium, and recaps a wild Portland/Seattle brewery trip. Highlights include an “Ultimate Tailgate Tournament” pitting chicken wings, jalapeño poppers, pigs in a blanket, ribs, brisket, burgers and more against each other; beer pours and tasting notes (sours, hazies and rice lagers); and spirited trivia rounds — 90s pop-culture, beer trivia and Smallville callbacks. There are also laughs about Buffalo Wild Wings sauces, tailgate food strategies, and local beer community shout-outs (IEbrewwitches, Level Up). Expect two hours of beer talk, banter, food debates, homebrew tips, travel stories, and friendly rivalries — perfect for craft beer fans and anyone who lives for tailgate food and good company.

In this special 30-minute episode Mike sits down with Luis, owner of Level Up Brewery, to celebrate the taproom’s two-year anniversary. They reminisce about the grind of opening, the growth of the team (Al and Dre), and the role the local community played in getting the brewery to this milestone. Hear behind-the-scenes details about anniversary beer releases and secret collabs (including work with Gladiator and Route 30), brewing techniques (whirlpool, hop-dipping, Citra and New Zealand hops), new merch drops, and creative seltzer experiments. Luis also shares candid reflections on stepping back as an owner, building a team, and the gratitude behind year two. Expect a casual, heartfelt chat full of brewing talk, personal stories, and event info for the anniversary weekend (Oct 16 — DJ, karaoke, golf simulator, new beers and merch). Grab a drink and enjoy the conversation.

Host Mike sits down with Kreis Holland of Tactical Brewing (Baldwin Park/Orlando) to explore the brewery’s origin, growth and community-focused approach. They discuss brewing techniques—from fooder-aged lagers and New Zealand Pilsners to West Coast IPAs and popular watermelon sours—plus creative experiments (oyster-black lager, pandan and ube) and the brewery’s expansion into a 12,000 sq ft facility. Key topics include balancing creativity and consistency, the business side of beer (distribution and regional challenges), festival touring, the local Orlando craft scene, launching a spirits program, and practical advice for aspiring podcasters and brewers. Expect beer stories, brewing tips, and wide-ranging conversation about craft culture and community.

Mike welcomes brewer and Tipsy Entertainment co-founder Daniel Guido for Taproom Podcast episode 191. They discuss Daniel’s dual role as a brewer and event promoter, Tipsy’s rapid growth, and how karaoke, trivia and creative events have helped build strong brewery partnerships from Big Bear to Long Beach. The conversation covers community-focused work — back-to-school and Christmas drives supporting foster and local kids — plus behind-the-scenes brewing life, job hunting in the industry, beer styles and trends (stouts, black IPAs, cask ales, seltzers), situational beer picks, and ideas for bringing breweries and people together. Listeners can expect stories, practical tips for event and brewery collaboration, local beer recommendations, and where to find Tipsy Entertainment on social media. Tune in for a mix of beer talk, community impact, and entertaining nightlife ideas.

Episode 190 of the Taproom Podcast features returning guest Cody Sherwood (Less Hate More Lager), now at Central Standard Brewing. Mike and Cody cover the closure of Wichita Brewing, Cody’s move to Kansas City, becoming a new dad, and his advocacy for mental health in the brewing community. The conversation also dives into beer culture and trends — the rise and pitfalls of hazy IPAs, the case for lagers, sensory challenges, and industry pretension — plus fun segments like “Three Beers and a Story,” festival talk (JBF, CBC), upcoming shows, and community-focused events. Expect honest, unfiltered brewers’ talk and practical perspectives on brewing, sales, and staying authentic.

Episode 189 brings a lively Brewers' Roundtable with Bridget Gonzalez (Burning Bridge), Tyler Sadler (Shadowgrove) and Yvette DeLuna (Boomtown/Feathered Serpent). Mike hosts a 1hr 40min conversation packed with tasting notes, brewing projects, and the realities of balancing family and brewery life. Topics covered include recent Portland/Seattle beer runs, festival plans (GABF, Oktoberfest), scholarship opportunities (MJF/Master Brewers Academy, Pink Boots), and trends like the return of lagers, hazy IPAs and fruited sours. Brewers discuss beers they’re proud of — a jasmine rice kölsch, New Zealand pilsner, Munich dunkel, bottle-conditioned saison with osmanthus — plus tips for competitions and collabs. Key moments: candid talk about returning to brewing after parental leave, the value of community support for women and non-binary brewers, a playful “pour it or dump it” game, and plenty of behind-the-scenes banter from the taproom. Expect upbeat, chaotic energy, practical insights, and recommendations to support local breweries.

Host Mike sits down with Ray Ricky Rivera of Mexican Monk Brewhouse in Paramount to discuss the taproom’s origin, the meaning behind the Mexican Monk brand, and the partnership with a local horchateria. They cover operational details like contract brewing vs. retail licensing, tap rotation, food partnerships, and lessons learned from high‑volume events such as World Cup watch parties. Ray also shares his brewery menu philosophy (gateway beers, Belgian wit, lagers, West Coast vs. hazy IPAs), community programming (comedy, plant bingo, chess, Binho nights), and how the space supports families and local creatives. He talks about his past as a musician and the recent East LA Sabor Factory reunion, plus ongoing goals for Norwalk Brewhouse and future hospitality projects. Expect practical small‑business advice, behind‑the‑scenes stories of launching a taproom, tasting highlights (Paramount Pils, West Bless, La Blanca), and why persistence and community connections matter in craft beer. Follow Mexican Monk on Instagram @MexMonk for events and hours.