Drinking Partners

Samantha Bentley, one of Pittsburgh’s funniest comedians, joins the Drinking Partners in their latest release and will have listeners laughing for over an hour. The trio jumps from topic to topic with their unique spins on everyday issues, and the conversation never fails to conclude with a magical comedic touch, even when Samantha discusses her early struggles with comedy. Ever wonder how Ed wins every argument he’s in? Tune in for that answer as the comedians get personal, and Samantha shares some of her best stage moments. Perhaps the best moment is when Samantha admits to objectifying Ed, in an exchange that will be ranked as one of the Drinking Partners best. A classic, comedy-centered episode that will please every listener. To hear more from Samantha, check her out May 3rd at the Ace Hotel in her starring role at the Three Women One Mic show. For more details, visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/503944047041811/.

Ed complains as he finds himself in “third place on his own podcast” in the voice department as Aadam Soorma from Porter Craft Beer Tours joins the Drinking Partners. The early minutes center on Mr. Soorma’s Cleveland roots, but transition into his job as a representative of Pittsburgh and columnist for pittsburgh.verylocal.com. From there, the talk goes to all things beer, from where, when, and how to enjoy the Pittsburgh brewery scene. And then things go off topic in very unexpected ways, as Ed and Day discuss man-dogs and muzzling babies. Yes, you read that right. As usual, the Drinking Partners double back to discuss beer and brewery flexing, with lots of pausing for laughter breaks. A fun listen that is perfect for the warmer weather and brewery visits.

In their newest podcast release, the Drinking Partners highlight Revival Chili, after they offer a hilarious examination of the business casual look. Jordan Robarge - Revival Chili’s founder - speaks on his food truck’s founding and mission, one that includes second chances, open hiring, and in-depth training. In addition, he talks about their expansion to include Nancy’s Diner, which allows Revival to employ more people and expand their community reach. Ed and Day chow down on a spicy chicken chili, which leads to some Drinking Partners confessions. Blending both the diner and food truck, Nancy’s features chili and waffles, in addition to a full menu. And BYOB, which Ed and Day take credit for as they veer off topic in their amusing ways. The interview concludes with Jordan talking about Revival’s expansion and outreach plans, intermixed with more of Ed and Day’s rants and raves. For more information about Nancy’s Revival and Revival Chili, visit www.revivalchili.com.

The Drinking Partners welcome Jamie Warcen and Paul Schneider, owner and head brewer for Cinderlands Beer Company in their latest release. Ed promises to become a cinders expert as the men discuss how Cinderlands emerged as both a craft brewery and independent restaurant. As the men taste a strong-smelling guava coconut tart IPA, Paul explains the process behind its tropical conception; the beer leaves Ed and Day thrilled and talkative, as they are overcome by the original taste. (Very talkative as they veer into a Drinking Partners-esque rant about candy.) Midway through, Ed drops an unforgettable pause moment before the conversation returns to beer, specifically the ancient traditions of brewing and a great explanation of the differences in saisons. The interview closes with Jamie and Paul both sharing how they develop their own choices, with some hints at their recipes. With their second location opening soon in the Strip District, Cinderlands is looking to continue to make their impact known in both brewi

Brooke Franus and Lee Schmidt, the couple behind the Pittsburgh-based Stewards of Beer, join the Drinking Partners and drop their tagline in the opening minutes: We’re here for your beer. During the first half of the podcast, Brooke and Lee explain the concept behind Stewards of Beer, one that aims to educate, promote, and assist the thriving beer culture in Western Pennsylvania. Up first on the expansive sample of beers they have brought to the studio is a collaboration beer from New Belgium that features a Mexico-inspired fruit infusion. As the Drinking Partners sip, Brooke and Lee discuss their upcoming class offerings, which teach everything from beer and food pairings to keg line maintenance, with many topics in between. The classes will be held at Hal’s Bottle Shop in Ross Township, and enrollment for the 6-week class can be accessed through www.stewardsofbeer.com. After a break for Ed and Day to give advice on how to be a relationship wingman, the group tastes an earthy sour and a chocolate stout, and

In the latest Drinking Partners release, Ed and Day host Charleroi-based Four Points Brewing owner Dave Barbe and head brewer Adam Boura. At less than a year old, Four Pointe Brewing is one of the newcomers on the scene and the conversation starts with a discussion on how they began. After spending over a year “fine-tuning” their beer by sampling it at Mr. Barbe’s restaurant (Fourth Street Barbeque) and overcoming a delay caused by a bankrupt supplier, the brewery opened in July 2018 with the Fourth Street IPA as their flagship beer. The men discuss how they operate as a small brewery and the advantages that come with small batch brewing. The Black Currant Fruitition sour impresses Ed enough to make him croon and leads to a debate about the pronunciation of “currant.” Mr. Boura offers a thorough explanation into his brewing process during a mid-point segment, which aficionados will enjoy. Stay tuned until the end to hear a discussion on how best to handle critics and reviews. Visit Four Points Brewing in Char

The Drinking Partners welcome Dave Dicello, one of Pittsburgh’s most popular photographers whose distinct images of the city are easily recognizable and widely shared and loved. After Ed claims the #elevateddroneselfie hashtag (listen in for the full story), Day questions Mr. Dicello’s approach to capturing some of Pittsburgh’s best scenes, ones that are both random and planned. The conversation that follows is an impressive and vigorous display of an artist at work, in his own words and detailing his vision. Midway through, Mr. Dicello admits which of his photographs is his favorite and the reason why. From there, the group talks about technology and advancements in photography gear and concludes with a discussion about filters and editing. This latest Drinking Partners release is a dynamic listen that highlights Dave Dicello’s career and craft while examining the work behind the art of photography. For more information about his work, visit his website: http://davedicello.com

Jared Herman, Luke McKelvy, and Erich Walls – the founders of Levity Brewing Company in Indiana, Pa join the Drinking Partners in this latest release. The trio speaks on the brewery’s founding in a college town and how they all professional careers to open Levity. Their first offering is the High End Flannel, an award-winning mixed fermentation sour that leads to some Drinking Partners tangents, one that involves horse dung. Next up is the Knock and Howl and a conversation on sasquatch culture as the abundance of male energy takes over. By the time they sample the Dark Soul, Ed and Day are feeling fine and contemplating the importance of wearing a robe. Wondering how they got there? Listen in to find out. To learn more about Levity, visit http://www.levitybrewing.com.

For their 200th episode, the Drinking Partners bring in two extra-special guests, and, unsurprisingly, sip some extra-special drinks. A Drinking Partners favorite – Rick Sebak – returns to, according to Day, “stunt on me,” and legendary, award-winning Pittsburgh sports photographer Christopher Horner joins the party. And a party it is as the group opens the podcast by sampling a 19.9 % Black Tuesday beer that Day has aged for three years. Minutes into the interview, Rick remembers that he’s dealing with two comedians as Ed shares some NSFW hospital dreams before the interview transitions into how both Rick and Christopher capture and share Pittsburgh’s history. Of particular interest is when the men are asked to name their favorite Pittsburgh moment, and Rick remembers Fresh Fest fondly and flatteringly. For Mr. Horner, it’s the 2013 Wild Card game that the Pirates won at PNC Park. When Rick uncorks a bottle of Remy Martin cognac, the energy intensifies and the singing begins. There’s even a brief duet betwee

As soon as the newest Drinking Partners episode starts, Ed spends time “trying to figure out how you all are married.” Who is he talking about? Dennis and Sammy, the duo who owns and operates First Sip Brew Box, a monthly subscription box for craft beer lovers. From how they began First Sip Brew Box to how they design each box, Dennis explains the ingenuity behind the company and how they have grown in the three years since their start. Each month features a new brewery and the theme is centered around that choice. The group also discusses how to streamline the small business model while paying fair wages. All along, however, the Drinking Partners chime in, with their expected ridiculousness and inexplicable stories are shared. Dennis and Sammy can’t even get through an explanation of what they pick for their boxes without Ed and Day hilariously commenting; for example: beer soap. Stay tuned for more from First Sip Brew Box, including Pet Brew boxes coming in Spring 2019. For more information about First Sip

“You can’t pause me for a physical reaction that you had,” Ed informs Day as the latest Drinking Partners podcast starts. Promising to be wild, they welcome Barz Blackman and JP from indie rock/hip hip band BBGuns who open the interview by discussing their unique style that crosses genres and combines varying influences. From the importance of a beat and hook to the process of song writing, Barz and JP open up about how the BBGuns sound and spirit developed, which leads to a larger discussion on the music industry, albeit with a Drinking Partners spin (be ready to laugh). Keep listening as Ed admits how he will celebrate “making it,” after he prods Barz and JP to have crazier goals, despite their practical inclinations. Toward the end of the interview, the group talks about social media and manufactured moments and how to connect the personal and professional. To close the podcast, Ed, Day, Barz, and JP fulfill the promise to be wild as they examine cheap labor in an indescribable, wacky, and at times loud ma

Al Grasso of Allegheny City Brewing joins the Drinking Partners and talks about the brewery’s early days. As they sip on a Fairwaters pilsner, Mr. Grasso speaks on the defining pillars of the brewery: great beer, great service, and a great atmosphere. From an explanation into the significance of their name to the importance of their water’s mineral content, Mr. Grasso gives a thorough and interesting telling of how Allegheny City Brewing operates. Next, the trio samples a newly released and unnamed stout featuring Nancy B’s cookies. Ed and Day offer some suggestions for names as Al talks about how difficult it is name beers. Up next is a plum-flavored sour, which leads to a conversation about . . . grocery stores. The closing minutes are loose and amusing with plenty to laugh about as Ed and Day give advice you might not have known you wanted. For more about Allegheny City Brewing, visit www.alleghenycitybrewing.com.

In the latest Drinking Partners release, Ed and Day interview Jeff Betten, general manager of Pittsburgh-based Misra Records and founder of Wild Kindness Records. The opening segment features Mr. Betten discussing his commitment to the Pittsburgh music scene and how he sees it expanding and developing. From there, the group discusses the role of a music label (and conclude that producer Buzzy is their label) and the types of artists and bands that they represent – “commercially competitive artists who make smart, substantial, story-driven music.” As head of a record label, Mr. Betten hears the pulse of the city, which leads to a conversation on gentrification and the changing scopes of Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods. And then the real Drinking Partners emerge, and a lengthy, and, at times combative, debate on Ice Cube and Ice-T ensues. Even when the interview gets back on a musical track, Ed and Day find a way to argue. Listen until the end to hear the Drinking Partners thoughts on future collaborative projects.

In the newest Drinking Partners release, Ed and Day welcome RB, a “curator of good times” and founder of FarESH Brand, a Pittsburgh-based concept brand seeking to blend fashion, culture, and creativity. In the early minutes, fashion is the focus, or, more accurately, counterfeit fashion as Ed and Day let loose on trends from the past and the knock-offs they influenced. From there, the trio gets hyper local, as they discuss how the festival scene is reintroducing people to the city of Pittsburgh and the talented individuals who make up the creative scenes. For listeners who look forward to Ed’s singing, the midway point highlights him in a new voice. From there, the beer kicks in and the conversation becomes NSFW, as the Drinking Partners often are. The closing segment refocuses on RB and his thoughts on the vibe he is hoping to promote. For more information on FarESH, visit: www.fareshbrand.com.

Matt and Keana McMahon, the married owners of Eleventh Hour Brewing stop by the studio in the newest Drinking Partners podcast. Hear how a home brewing kit gifted to Matt from Keana led to the eventual founding of Eleventh Hour. An interview with a married couple would not be complete without playful bickering and banter, which Ed and Day encourage and take part in. Listen in to learn why Day remarks, “We are essentially drinking your love juice.” From can design to tank maintenance and tank design and beyond, the McMahons explain how their brewery developed. Tune in until the end to hear Ed admit, “That is the most pause-able moment I’ve ever been involved in.” To learn more about Eleventh Hour Brewing, visit them at their Lawrenceville taproom or www.11thhourbrews.com.

As the Drinking Partners enjoy a holiday sampling from Troeg’s, they welcome DJ Nate Da Barber, whose tag sums up his professional passions as an owner of two barbershops and a popular Pittsburgh DJ. An insightful conversation revolves around the importance of barbershops in the Black community, succinctly explained by Ed, “The barber knows it all.” Having been active in Pittsburgh’s hip hop scene for the last 20 years, DJ Nate offers up a reflective view. Midway through, the group talks about Fresh Fest, the country’s first Black beer festival, hosted by the Drinking Partners and featuring Nate Da Barber in the VIP area, an event that significantly changed the vibe around beer culture. In the episode’s concluding minutes, Nate discusses his career in entertainment and the DJ industry in general. A fun listen that gleams with excitement for things past and things future. To learn more about Nate Da Barber, visit his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/djnatedabarber1/

The Drinking Partners celebrate their last podcast recording of 2018 by reflecting on their achievements with gratitude and awe before welcoming a very special guest. After years of being on the other side of the mic, the Drinking Partners enthusiastically welcome their producer Buzzy Torek, who continues to work as they record. What follows is a unique listen that offers a glimpse into how Epicast Network got started. The trio discusses how they each discovered craft beer and their journeys from basic beer to, as Ed calls it, “bougie beer.” Up first in their studio sampling is a peanut butter stout from Dancing Gnome, which receives a thorough analysis. Buzzy, who is a photographer for Craft Pittsburgh, brings knowledge and experience to the interview as he shares his thoughts on all things Pittsburgh and beer (and admits which are his favorite Drinking Partners episodes). Day dubs Buzzy, “a third of the cast,” and, after that (and with the beer kicking in), the conversation livens up. An IPA is followed by

In the latest Drinking Partners release, Ed and Day welcome returning guest Ali Wyrostek, a beer rep for Rhinegeist, a Cincinnati-based brewery. To start the interview, the group drinks Cheetah Lager, a new offering that is, according to Day, “mad crushable” and discuss the latest beer trends: the surging support for local breweries and hazy IPAs. Ed veers off topic with a rant about Suburus before the trio talks about “shower beers.” The interaction that follows offers a perfect cocktail of the Drinking Partners – irreverent humor mixed with wit and beer. Continue listening to hear why Ed thinks he’ll be single once the episode airs. The latter half relaxes the rules of interviewing, and the conversation explodes into several branches of random and amusing thoughts. An exploration into what the Drinking Partners consider awaits listeners in this fun and festive episode. For more about Rhinegeist, visit www.rhinegeist.com

By now, listeners will be familiar with the Drinking Partners critiques of Pittsburgh cuisine, but Ed and Day giddily welcome the owners of Walter’s Southern Kitchen into the studio. Partners Joel and Chris are on the receiving end of the Drinking Partner’s energetic praise, as the interview opens with the duo reveling in the Lawrenceville restaurant’s offerings as they taste some of Walter’s favorites. Ed and Day are in a rare state of agreement as they sip and sample, and the conversation swings between the history of Walter’s (including an explanation of the name) and their plans for the future, one that focuses on food, culture, and community. Neither Joel nor Chris are willing to share the secrets of their syrup, yet they do share the extensive processes involved in using their custom-built smoker and explain the differences in angus cows. The end of the episode highlights what makes Walter’s Southern Kitchen unique as Chris delves into how the food is prepared. A must listen for foodies as Ed and Day un