Brews & Banter

In this episode, we welcome back our friend Chong, who first joined us on the podcast a while ago. This time, he returns with exciting news — he’s officially opened the first Muay Thai school in Syracuse! We dive into his journey, from overcoming the challenges of launching the gym to the rapid growth that now has him already scouting for a bigger space. Chong shares what Muay Thai means to him, what sets his school apart, and his ...

In this episode, we welcome back the awesome duo behind Willow Rock Brewing Company, Rockney and Kevin—but this time, they’re in our studio and they came bearing gifts (aka delicious beer)!

We first toured their brewery last year, but this time we sat down to talk shop, sip on their fresh pours, and hear what’s new—including the exciting news about their new location opening in Cicero, NY. Willow Rock continues to crush the local cr...

We kicked this one off with a cold beer to warm things up and welcomed a truly insightful guest, Barbara (Barb) Stone. Barb’s story is anything but typical—after over 20 years in senior leadership, she realized she had been chasing someone else’s version of success. That wake-up call led her down a new path, diving deep into resilience, positive psychology, and ultimately redefining what it means to live a fulfilled life.

Now a lead...

In this episode of Brews & Banter, we welcome longtime friend and day-one listener Chris Thompson—a man who’s lived several lives. From Filipino martial arts instructor, to IT professional, to now running a successful real estate and nature photography business, Chris’s journey is as inspiring as it is entertaining.

We talk about his decision to walk away from a stable IT career and pursue his passion full-time. Chris gets real ...

In this episode of Brews & Banter, Frank and Roman crack open a cold one with Anthony (Sales Manager) and Mike (Bartender & Trivia Host) from Lock 1 Distilling Co., a local spot known for its craft spirits and good times.

We kicked things off with a beer (because, of course 🍻), then dove into the behind-the-scenes world of Lock 1—from how it all started, to what it’s like repping the brand and slinging drinks behind the bar...

Things got wild fast when our guest Paul Armani showed up with a stash of killer craft beers from his recent travels across New York State 🍻. We cracked one open and didn’t waste any time diving into dirty talk, hockey rivalries, and a deep conversation about Paul’s unique profession as a Radiation Specialist with the NYS DEC (yeah, it’s a mouthful—kinda like Frank’s… well, you’ll have to listen 😂).

Paul and Roman bonded over thei...

In this empowering episode of Brews & Banter, Frank and Roman sit down with Registered Dietitian Emily Gozy, who’s personal journey from battling an eating disorder to helping women reclaim their health is as inspiring as it is eye-opening.

Over a cold brew in the studio, Emily shares how her struggles led her to a career in nutrition, why quick fixes don't work, and how true wellness comes from building sustainable habits that ...

In this episode of Brews & Banter, Frank and Roman crack open a Sour Monkey by Victory Brewing and dive headfirst into a wild mix of topics. From a few hot takes on today’s celebrities to a candid chat about how far AI has come in just two years—and where it might be headed—we don’t hold back. We also break down the ripple effects of tariffs and how they might be creeping into your daily life. It’s a little sour, a little smart...

In this episode of Brews & Banter, we sit down with Coach Bruce, a transformative coach dedicated to helping people navigate personal growth, career advancement, life transitions, and stress management. We dive into his unique 4 Key “V”s approach—Vision, Velocity, Vitality, and Victory—designed to create and sustain momentum in life and work. Whether you're looking to level up in your career, improve work-life balance, or break...

In this episode of Brews & Banter, we sit down with our good friend Anthony Tringale, owner of the Eat Local NY podcast and a well-known social media influencer in the food and beverage scene. We dive into some great conversations about the restaurant industry, Anthony’s experiences reviewing local spots, and his memorable pizza lunch with New York Governor Kathy Hochul. Of course, we also talk beer—including Anthony’s dream of...

Frank and Roman sit down with John and Josh from BBQuse, a veteran-owned BBQ sauce company born from friendship and a shared love for barbecue during a military deployment. They dive into the inspiring story of how BBQuse started in 2021, how their original sauce was created overseas, and how their lineup of bold and unique flavors came to life after John returned home. While their third partner, Zach, couldn't join the conversatio...

Frank and Roman kick off this episode with a Dragon Fruit Sour from Grow Brewing Co. before diving into a mix of wild topics and deep discussions. They catch up on recent events, including a gun show and their plans to host the next one. Frank raises a bizarre but hilarious question—do chickens have dicks?—while Roman goes on a thought-provoking rant about judicial bias in the courtroom.

Expect interesting facts, breakthrough techno...

On this episode of Brews & Banter, we sit down with Chris Angello and James Dufresne from Advanced Business Systems Inc. to talk about their work in the local community, their involvement with GBCC, and how they help businesses with everything from MFPs and copiers to IT services, VoIP phone systems, and even advanced water systems.

Of course, no conversation starts without cracking open some beers, and from there, we got into a...

On this episode of Brews & Banter, we sit down with Lindsay Mastro—founder of Conscious HR and author of Becoming Conscious in a Corporate World—for an insightful and down-to-earth conversation over some great beer.          Lindsay shares her journey from climbing the corporate HR ladder to embracing a more intuitive and holistic approach to leadership. After years of following the "good-girl track"—de...

In this episode of Brews & Banter, we sit down with Jennifer Johnson, owner of Fearless Fitness, a private, one-on-one personal training studio dedicated to helping clients achieve their strength and fitness goals. Jennifer shares her journey through the fitness industry, her experiences in bodybuilding competitions (including a hilarious fun fact about Pam oil spray—you'll have to listen to find out!), and how she built a spac...

Frank and Roman are back at it—just the two of them, no guests, no filters, just straight-up Brews & Banter like the good ol’ days. This time, they switch things up with a cider, dive into some brutal dad jokes (thanks to Frank), and kick off some much-needed laughs.🏌️‍♂️ Golf plans? Maybe. 🥃 A local whiskey bar? Definitely. 🚐 Roman’s obsession with minivans? Frank thinks he's lost it.    💀 Natural disasters? Fran...

In this episode, we catch up with our friend Lance Manyon, host of Real Bad Radio. Lance recently made the move back to Canada from Colorado, and we dive into what it’s been like for him to settle in. We chat about Canadian politics, his music, and his creative work, as well as what’s in store for the future of Real Bad Radio now that he’s back on Canadian soil.

Grab a brew and join us for a laid-back conversation packed wit...

In this episode, we sit down with Ben Tallini, owner of Haven Jiu-Jitsu, to explore the journey of building his local school and its incredible impact on the community. Ben shares how Haven Jiu Jitsu has grown, with students competing and winning medals in tournaments, and how their junior program, run by dedicated volunteers, is helping local kids build strong character through the sport.

We also discuss Ben's collaboration with la...