The Taproom Podcast

Host Mike sits down with T.O. Hunter of Crowns & Hops to trace the brand’s rise from social media project (Black People Love Beer, Dope & Dank) to a Black-owned brewing company. They discuss building authentic culture, protecting IP, recipe development, and the harsh business realities of opening a taproom during a volatile market.

The episode also covers signature beers (Dopest Hazy IPA, LA Sun, 8trill Pills), the 8 Trill ...

Host Mike sits down with Liam Wynn and Thomas Kendrick AKA(Tommy Tsunami) of 8Bit Brewing for a lively episode full of brewery stories, brewing journeys, and beer talk. They cover homebrewing beginnings, working on commercial systems, recipe development (including West Coast Pilsners and chasing the perfect American light lager), can artwork, the arcade vibe, and local craft‑beer culture. Expect candid anecdotes, brewery life, trav...

Mike sits down with Steven Torres, brewer and co-founder of Gladiator Brews & Billiards in downtown Covina, to trace his path from a 15-year mail carrier to professional brewer. They discuss early mentors, brewery build-outs, recipe development, and the balance between classic lagers and hop-forward beers.

Steven shares stories about brewing challenges and successes, his core lineup (including a popular Mexican-style Munich Hel...

Mike sits down with Ann Obenchain, VP of Marketing at the Brewers Association, to talk all things Great American Beer Festival, From the World Beer Cup, to beer trends (NA beers, sours & cans) and the can’t-miss events like Meet the Brewer, Paired, Heavy Metal Taproom, and more.

Hear Anne’s craft beer journey + why GABF is the ultimate beer lover’s paradise 

#CraftBeer #GABF #WorldBeerCup #BeerFestival #DrinkLocal #BeerTrends #...

Host Mike sits down with Evan Blum & Richie Tevlin of @BrewDatPodcast + Space Cadet Brewing 🚀🍻From craft-beer journeys to Gen-Z marketing, small-batch brewing, Philly taproom culture, and the art of collectible cans/merch — this convo is stacked.

We also get into fav Philly breweries & cheesesteaks 🥪🍺, beer trends (lagers, IPAs, low-ABV), and the real talk of launching a beer biz.

🎙️ Don’t miss it — tune in now + cat...

Mike sits down with Taz Viloria—aka Comics & Brews—for a loose, laughter-filled conversation that moves from the barstool to the comic shop. You’ll taste the moment with him: a crisp Kolsch, a Westie so fragrant it stops the room, and the heady thrill of debuting a can art collab at a hometown brewery.

Follow Taz as he traces the messy, joyful path of making a show—merch sketches, card‑show booths, Bulba Hops stickers—and the d...

Join me on an inspiring journey from home brewing to the grand opening of Solorio Brewing. In this episode, I sit down with Raul Solorio, who shares his passion for craft beer and the pivotal moments that led him and his wife, Jennifer, to turn their backyard hobby into a thriving brewery. Discover how a chance visit to a local brewery sparked a dream, and how dedication, community support, and a love for brewing transformed that d...

Join Mike in episode 130 of the Taproom Podcast for a thrilling conversation with Dan and Leo of Steady Brewing. Nestled in Long Beach, Steady Brewing is not just a brewery; it's a vibrant community hub where craft beer meets courageous entrepreneurship.

In this episode, discover the inspiring tales of risk-taking and camaraderie, as Dan and Leo share their journey from backyard brewing to the vibrant taps of their new establishme...

Welcome to an unmissable episode of The Taproom Podcast, where host Mike sits down with Paul Trevino, also known as @Brewfighter818, from San Fernando Brewing. It's not just about the craft beer this time; the conversation quickly dives into a delectable world of culinary experiences, turning a simple beer podcast into a mouth-watering narrative.

Join us as we explore Paul’s transition from a culinary background to brewing, highlig...

Welcome to episode 128 of the Taproom Podcast, hosted by Mike. In this installment, we journey into the world of craft brewing with John Shari, owner and head brewer at Little Cottage Brewery in Avondale Estates, Georgia. Join us as John shares his inspiring story from homebrewer to brewery owner, discusses the unique offerings at Little Cottage, and gives an inside look at the thriving craft beer scene in Georgia. Whether you're a...

In this invigorating episode of the Taproom Podcast, host Mike dives deep into the captivating world of craft beer with special guest Jeff Dechant from Old Stump Brewing. As they sip on some of their favorite brews, Mike and Jeff explore the vibrant community connections formed at beer festivals, reminisce about the exhilarating experience of being at a Georgia Braves game, and share heartwarming stories about the welcoming nature ...

This episode of the Taproom Podcast features a lively discussion with Victor Montalvo from Boomtown Brewery, nestled in the vibrant Arts District of LA. Host Mike chats with Victor about his fascinating journey into the craft beer industry, starting from his early experiences at Indie Brewing Company to his current role as the director of sales at Boomtown.

Dive into the intricacies of brewing with insights from Victor as he share...

In this heartfelt milestone episode, host Mike reflects on reaching episode 125 of the Taproom Podcast. Mike shares personal stories from his July 4th weekend, including family visits and memorable moments with his brother Luis, the "brother from another mother." Emphasizing gratitude, the episode celebrates past guests and supporters, with special shoutouts to the last 24 guests. Listeners are taken on a journey through weekend re...

In this episode of the Taproom Podcast, host Mike sits down with Barney Santos and Winston Goreen, the dynamic duo behind Boulevard Market in Montebello. The conversation dives deep into the creation and evolution of this vibrant community hub, where craft beer, delicious food, and rich history intertwine. Mike explores the passion and dedication that fueled Barney and Winston to transform a once-vacant space into a thriving market...

This thrilling episode of the Taproom Podcast takes listeners on a vibrant journey through the bustling LA Beer Fest. Join your charismatic host, Mike, as he navigates the exciting world of craft beer events, engaging with industry luminaries and fellow beer enthusiasts alike. This episode is a lively mix of candid conversations, including insights from renowned brewers and first-time festival goers, along with a sprinkle of Mike's...

Welcome to episode 122 of the Taproom Podcast with your host, Mike. In this episode, Mike is joined by Tim Weaver from Branding for Breweries, connecting all the way across the pond. They delve into an engaging conversation exploring the intricacies of the UK craft beer scene, the evolution of pubs, and the role of branding in brewing success. From discussing the cultural significance of beer in the UK to insights into effective br...

Join host Mike for episode 121 of the Taproom Podcast as he shares an enlightening and fun-filled conversation with Francisco Martinez, also known as Pancho, from Paperback Brewing. Mike brings listeners into the world of craft beer through the engaging narrative of Pancho's journey in the brewing industry. Listeners can look forward to an introduction of exciting new segments like 'The Four Pack' and 'Taproom Tunes' as Pancho disc...

Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Taproom Podcast! In this episode, our host, Mike, sits down with Erika Fernandez from Burning Bridge Brewing in San Dimas to uncover her fascinating craft beer journey. They touch upon the evolution of Erika’s brewing career, her challenges, and triumphs in crafting beer, all the while sharing engaging anecdotes from her experiences.

Erika, alongside her brewing partner Bridget, highl...