Drinking Partners

Brewing aficionados: take note. Back for his third time, Bill Oats from Three Rivers Underground Brewers visits the Drinking Partners podcast with an extensive collection of beer and knowledge. The early minutes feature a discussion on recipe development and have the men trying to decide if a pickle is a fruit as Bill describes TRUB’s successful dill pickle beer. What follows is a series of questions that focus on taste. From how to brew a proper Belgian to how to make yeast healthy, Bill drops all sorts of brewing lessons that homebrewers will appreciate. Ed and Day listen in as attentive students with only occasional outbursts, such as “Tell the yeast it’s beautiful.” Find Mr. Oats and other Three Rivers Underground Brewers members at this year’s Brewing Up a Cure, a homebrewer-centric festival that raises money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation on October 19 at the Energy Innovation Center in Pittsburgh. For more information, visit the event website: https://brewingupacure.org.

Favoritism and beef? That’s the theme in the latest Drinking Partners podcast as Ed finds himself embroiled in both. Martinea Goss, founder and instructor for Trap Yoga, stops by the studio to bring her unique vibe and to explain how she mixes music and yoga to create a dynamic, positive flow. Having created Trap Yoga to fill a void in the Pittsburgh yoga scene, Ms. Goss focuses on establishing a different scene and welcoming a new crowd and speaks on how she designs her classes. After a conversation about the Trap Yoga business model, the trio takes a sharp turn to discuss raccoons, which will not surprise anyone. The interview concludes with Ms. Goss’s plans for the future and, of course, her favorite form of potato. Find more about Trap Yoga and attend a class by checking Martinea out on Instagram: pittsburghtrapyoga

In the latest, laughter-filled Drinking Partners podcast, Ed and Day interview the duo of Slim tha DJ and the multitalented musician and rapper Benji. To start, they discuss the art of music and how to create the right vibe for the right crowd and debate the pressing question of playing the same song more than once a night. It’s three against one as Ed argues with an actual DJ in favor of repetition, proving that Ed will indeed argue with anyone. Next up, Benji talks about his introduction to rap through his brother, how he tried to separate himself from him, and how he splits time between his musical projects, including opening for some very impressive acts when he was only a 16 year old. Make sure to listen all the way through to hear a smooth duet between Slim tha DJ and Ed and which musical great each of the men would want to see perform live. In the latter minutes, both the musicians and comics talk about how they change up their songs and jokes to keep them fresh. The interview closes with how Benji and

In the newest Drinking Partners podcast, Ed and Day get things turned on them from the early minutes as they go from interviewers to being interviewed. Amanda Trocki, Executive Director, and board member Alicia Carberry of Pittsburgh Cares, a volunteer organization, come ready and prepared and start by asking some questions themselves. With the mission of finding meaningful volunteer opportunities for anyone interested, Pittsburgh Cares seeks to be an “event planner for volunteer projects.” From days of caring projects to corporate initiatives to a retired and senior volunteer program, Pittsburgh Cares has a place for everyone, even those with limited amounts of time. Throughout the podcast, the group discusses the many and varied chances for people to get involved and connected, with Day providing a great example of skills being matched with opportunities: as a hole digger for tree planting. Keep listening for Ed’s advice, which shouldn’t be a surprise for long-time listeners. There’s even a discussion on ho

In the latest Drinking Partners podcast, Ed and Day welcome Hugh Twyman, one of the original Pittsburgh music and event bloggers who is still documenting the entertainment scene. As Hugh Shows, he has become the expert on all musical happenings in and around Pittsburgh. Now, he has expanded into the production side as a curator with the Deutschtown Music Festival. He stops by the studio to talk with the Drinking Partners about all aspects of the music industry, including tips on how to become successful and how to improve marketing. Midway through, Ed and Day debate the merits of DJ Khaled in a throwback to their many similar musical disagreements. They set aside their differences and behave as Hugh speaks on how he crafts his musical lineups, which starts with identifying the headliner. The podcast wraps up with a discussion on how to stay relevant and prosperous in the rapidly changing entertainment world. Find out more about Hugh and his musical endeavors: http://www.hughshows.com

The Drinking Partners welcome Jess Hickey of Greensburg Craft Beer Week for a discussion on all beer related happenings in Westmoreland County. Featuring 16 breweries from across the county and 30 homebrewers, Greenburg Craft Beer Week will take place September 20-28. With a focus on community and craft, the festival hopes to showcase local businesses and restaurants around the greater Greensburg area during their 9-day event. Each day offers an exciting, beer-centric event around the Greensburg area, from brunch to trivia to the Brewer’s Double Dare; the festival itself is September 22. Ms. Hickey shares her extensive knowledge of both beer and business as she talks about planning the event, the actual beer itself, and the Greensburg community. Greensburg Craft Beer Week combines all three. To read more about the events and to purchase tickets, visit: http://www.greensburgcraftbeerweek.com/.

The talent in the studio doubles as brothers Arie and Randall Cole join the Drinking Partners in their latest release. DJ Arie and photographer Redd Vision stop by to converse on how they create and inspire, but also speak on how they research and improve their crafts. A unique flow develops that emphasizes and examines both men’s strengths, from Redd Vision’s “sniper” photography, which often includes candid images from surprising angles and DJ Arie Cole’s song choices that reflect and revolve around his crowds. When Ed delves deeper into Arie’s choices, he wonders if he is giving away the DJ’s “money moves” and admits his past as a college deejay. Listen in as the conversation shifts to an exploration of family dynamics and how Arie and Randall combine their passions. The closing minutes focus on how to progress and build, which sometimes involves learning a new approach or subject, according to the Cole brothers. The latest Drinking Partners podcast offers an inspirational and dynamic look into phot

In their latest podcast, the Drinking Partners interview Ashlee Green, writer and managing editor of The Northside Chronicle. To start, Ms. Green explains what creative nonfiction is, which gives Ed lots of ideas on how he can incorporate the craft into his own life. With a free monthly print edition that seeks to highlight the community, The Northside Chronicle’s focus includes profiles and features on Pittsburgh’s talent and news. Midway through, and after a Drinking Partners tangent, the trio discusses the history of Allegheny City, the once-independent area central to the Northside. After an examination of journalistic practices and approaches, Ms. Green details her favorite stories and how she plans to include even more voices and welcome new perspectives. To read The Northside Chronicle, visit: https://www.thenorthsidechronicle.com.

Live from Fresh Fest 2019, the Drinking Partners enthusiastically welcome Brooklyn Brewery’s brew master, Garrett Oliver, or as Ed calls him, “Mr. Renaissance.” With an audience as excited as both Ed and Day watching, Mr. Oliver gets right into what he sees as the recovery of the American food industry, one that was deceptive for decades. He effortlessly teaches history to those listening by exploring the rich, multi-cultural history of American cuisine, one that was replaced by “food facsimiles.” The trio then examines how to expand the perimeters of the craft beer scene to allow it to be more inclusive and approachable, a shared goal of everyone on the panel and the purpose behind the Fresh Fest Beer Fest. There’s beer drinking, too, to be sure as Ed and Day taste a smooth 9% Belgian strong golden that was heavily influenced by a Belgian brewer who came to New York to teach Mr. Oliver the re-fermentation process. The story also highlights what can happen when people share their keys. In the latter minutes o

Do you have a Hennessy holster? If so, the Drinking Partners want to marry you, which they admit in the opening minutes of their latest podcast. Soon after, Ed and Day act more wholesome with Fresh Fest sponsor Farm to Table Western PA and Erin Hart who brings a sampling of exciting local finds, including raw milk. When Day chases a beer with the raw milk, Ed draws a very interesting conclusion about what might happen next. Ed doesn’t stop going at Day, either, which makes for some entertaining moments! Give Ms. Hart credit for listening and laughing as the two go way off topic! There are moments of importance, especially when Ms. Hart explains how a 10% increase in buying locally can reenergize a local economy. From a beer-based chicken jerky to lamb sausage to Maggie’s Farm spiced rum, Ed and Day get to experience a Western Pennsylvania feast. Mixed in with the raucous Drinking Partners antics and wide sampling of food is a collection of extremely useful information and ideas that make buying locally easier

Beertender Christine Hallenback and Michelle McHugh, quality control manager, for Union Craft Brewing out of Baltimore stop by the studio in the newest Drinking Partners release. After sampling a ginger sour from Union’s “Rough Draught” series, Ed and Day tried a double IPA infused with fresh orange (Orange Double Duckpin) and outrageously analyze the decision making that goes into recipe development. In the studio, they try Divine, Union Craft Brewing’s newest IPA, one that promises to be as “free spirited and full of character as Charm City itself.” They take a break from brewing talk to discuss how to avoid parking tickets (you can’t) and for Ed to drop some bars. Listen in as beertender Christine teaches how to order a beer properly and Michelle explains how Union develops their experimental beers and their more traditional ones. And then Ed goes on a loud and lengthy tribute to Rueben sandwiches. And that is how your Drinking Partners roll! To learn more about Union Craft Brewing, visit: https://www.uni

Dennis Hock, founder of Strange Roots Experimental Ales, joins the Drinking Partners and discusses his approach to brewing “liquid art” and the experimentation his brewery is known for. He explains how his past career as a natural scientist heavily influences his current brewing career as the conversation gets deeply scientific. Listen in as Ed and Day sample a barely legal honey ale, one that was made by pushing “wild yeast as far as it could go.” The APV? 17.3%. The effects seem nearly instantaneous as wild laughter spreads across the studio. Once they settle, the conversation returns to a science-based one, as they talk about spontaneous fermentation and how to control their final products. Of course, Ed and Day interrupt to offer their own non-scientific thoughts. The podcast is a unique chance to learn how Strange Roots continues to push the limits of brewing. For more info about their “wild by design” beers, visit: www.strangerootsbeer.com.

In the latest Drinking Partners podcast, there are “So many syllables in the introduction” that Ed starts sweating as he welcomes Bill Flanagan and Jeff Broadhurst, the Chief Corporate Relations Officer and the Co-Chairman, respectively, of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development’s Our Next 75 summit. What follows is an in-depth conversation about the economic development of the Pittsburgh region and an explanation of the Our Next 75 summit, which brought over 1000 leaders from across a 10-county region together to strategize on how to move the area forward. Mr. Flanagan and Mr. Broadhurst patiently explain, despite Ed and Day’s interruptions, the scope and reach of the Allegheny Conference, although the Drinking Partners add their own, humor-centered touches on everything from transportation issues to the best icebreakers. As always, the Drinking Partners mix the serious with the absurd. This latest release offers an important and entertaining glimpse into what the future of the Allegheny region lo

The latest Drinking Partners podcast is an enthusiastic free for all as members of the Pittsburgh Craft Beer Society stop by the studio for a beer exchange and interview. Adam and Aaron join Ed and Day for the interview portion, which is quite wild and loud as the men sip on “whales.” Adam explains the naming history behind how rare beers earned the “whale” nickname, ones that Ed and Day immediately jump on. Their first is Dad’s Nuts from Fury Brewing, which seems a fitting first choice given the energy in the studio, although Ed finds sipping that particularly named beer hard to drink. Next up is Berry Berry, a double-fruited sour and a discussion on how the Pittsburgh Craft Beer Society operates. The beer continues to flow; a double hopped hazy from Other Half Brewing and Black Magic Panther, a scotch-barreled imperial stout from Westbrook Brewing Company. With each beer sampled, the laughs multiply, and Adam and Aaron explain how to become whale hunters. This latest release is one to remember and a fantast

John Lasher from Cellar Works Brewing joins the Drinking Partners and starts the boys off with an American Dubbel style stout with a rustic taste. Mr. Lasher talks about his start as a home brewer and the decision to leave his job in the nuclear engineering field to open Cellar Works in the opening segment. From bottle and can design to dumping bad beer, Mr. Lasher details how Cellar Works thrives, especially with a focus on locally sourcing and maintaining their “farmhouse philosophy.” Midway through, the conversation turns science and brewing-specific, leaving Ed to conclude that if he opened a brewery, it would fail. Throughout the podcast, the discussion is so in-depth and detailed that listeners will believe themselves able to get started brewing. And then the drunken wheels come off as Ed and Day let loose. An episode that true beer aficionados will love. Learn more about Cellar Works here: https://cellarworksbrewing.com.

Steve Sloan, owner and brewer for Roundabout Brewery, and Hootie (Justin Blakey) from Blowfish BBQ, join the Drinking Partners for a beer and barbeque feast in this latest release. After a brief interruption from Ed and Day as they discuss lawn maintenance, the men get down to business as both Steve and Hootie talk food and beer. The group pairs smoked brisket with a Roundabout Pilsner, which Ed and Day both admire for its clarity and taste as Steve explains the New Zealand influences behind Roundabout. Next up is a Marama IPA as Hootie gives his tips on what is essential for a BBQ starter kit and why he thinks Pittsburgh is finally ready for barbeque. The next course is a Ginga wheat accompanied by beef ribs, one of Blowfish’s specialty items. This newest Drinking Partners highlights two of Pittsburgh’s bests in beer and food, and listeners will want to visit both Roundabout Brewery and Blowfish BBQ after tuning in.

Special episode, special beer, and special guests abound in the latest Drinking Partners release. Podcasting live from Brew Gentlemen to celebrate their 5th anniversary, Ed and Day welcome the brewery’s co-owner Matt Katase and Braddock’s new mayor Chardae Jones. Ed promises to be politically correct, and Day promises to be himself as they learn about Mayor Jones’s rise to become part of the “millennial mayor” association. Matt jumps into the conversation to speak on the connection between business and community and how the two must rely on each other before he expands on how Brew Gentlemen got its start during his college years. Keep listening to learn the meaning (and vibe) behind Akamai, a double IPA offering with Hawaiian history and discover how Brew Gentlemen uses a mixed culture fermentation approach for their Mise En Rose series. In the latter minutes of the podcast, the conversation remains beer-specific with Matt detailing their new offerings brewed specially for their outdoor expansion. A fun and e

To celebrate their fifth anniversary and current fundraising efforts, DS Kinsel and Thomas Agnew from Boom Conepts join the Drinking Partners. Puppet karaoke? It’s a thing, and you can check it out at Boom Concepts at 6 pm on June 5. Thomas and DS explain how Boom is looking for “new spins of traditional sh*t.” The interview expands to a finance-focused one midway through as the men discuss how to expand income sources before they smoothly shift to art and culture and the importance of inspiration, support, and vibe. But it isn’t all serious contemplation; Ed explains why he doesn’t dance. The closing segment is NSFW, Drinking Partners-style and does not need to be/cannot be described with words. Follow along with what is happening with Boom Concepts at https://www.facebook.com/boomconcepts/.

With guest host Jared Evans returning, the Drinking Partners welcome Nick Rosich, head brewer of Penn Brewery. As they sip on a Penn Gold, the award-winning classic lager, Nick shares how Penn Brewery has stayed current by expanding beyond their early, more traditional offerings. From there, the discussion of the brewing process deepens as Nick explains the importance of yeast and how he got his start at Siebel Institute, a brewing school that has existed for over a century. With that background, the interview gets technical and precise about brewing, with Drinking Partners-styled interruptions and jokes. And then Day and Jared get existential. Tune in for that abrupt shift! Catch the Drinking Partners Friday, May 17th at the Ace Hotel for a silent disco and can release featuring a Fresh Fest exclusive brew. Find out more about Penn Brewery: www.pennbrew.com.

For the Drinking Partners latest release, they welcome Zach and Jeremiah from Union Brothers Brewing – Butler County’s newest addition that will open XX. After tiring of waiting in line for new beer releases, the brothers decided to start brewing their own. The first half of the podcast features Zach and Jeremiah discussing what will come for Union Brothers and allows listeners a unique view at the developmental process. As the men sample a citrusy Victor Nelson, Ed states, “You guys are just dudes I want to drink with.” From there, they taste the Simpleton pale ale, which features a rotating hop, and explore the trends happening in the craft beer world. Trap beer? Stay tuned to hear about the Union Brothers collaboration with Pittburgh-based rapper Hardo for Fresh Fest 2019. A smooth and exciting interview. Follow Union Brothers progress and where you can find them before their opening on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnionBrothersBrewing/.