Beards, Books, and Bourbon Podcast

Mark and Stephen share their love of books, and bourbon...and happen to have beards that their wives love. Join these two friends as they explore some of their favorite genres of books: mystery, thriller, Sci-Fi, fantasy, horror, metaphysical, and all things unknown while sipping on a different bourbon each episode.

A Discovery of Witches - OOPSISODE 11/01/2026

A Discovery of Witches - OOPSISODE We're back with the final bit of content for Season 6! Is it just the oopsisode? Is it bonus content? I don't know, but it's fun! Paired with our final episode of the season is WOLFBORNE whiskey. It's a delight. Check it out! Have we mentioned how super important it is to join the newsletter? And as always.... COME AND CHECK OUT THE MERCH. /episode/index/show/beardsbooksbourbon/id/43572704

2026 Finale-Ween! "A Discovery of Witches" 10/31/2026

2026 Finale-Ween! "A Discovery of Witches" IT BEGINS WITH A PAIR OF IDIOTS. IT BEGINS WITH A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES IT ENDS WITH SOME BOURBON AND A SEASON FINALE. And as always.... COME AND CHECK OUT THE MERCH. /episode/index/show/beardsbooksbourbon/id/43562834

The Return of the Botflies! - Wolf Worm OOPSISODE 10/31/2026

The Return of the Botflies! - Wolf Worm OOPSISODE We're back here on the night before Halloween to chat about Wolf Worm once again. To keep us motivated, we return to an old friend from the Evan Williams collection. Have we mentioned how super important it is to join the newsletter? And as always.... COME AND CHECK OUT THE MERCH. /episode/index/show/beardsbooksbourbon/id/43572574

"Dude. Bot Flies" - Wolf Worm & Never Surrender 10/24/2026

"Dude. Bot Flies" - Wolf Worm & Never Surrender The countdown to Halloween and the season finale continue with some body horror. WOLF WORM by T. Kingfisher absolutely delivers for spooky season, and to go along with it is NEVER SURRENDER from The Beautiful and the Damned. Belly up to the bar. Try a sip, and stay for a disgustingly delightful story with chills and humor. Get ready for all things Season 7 by joining the newsletter! CLICK THE LINK BELOW. And as always.... COME AND CHECK OUT THE MERCH. /episode/index/show/beardsbooksbourbon/id/43432319

Fool Moon OOPSISODE with Wolfborne 10/23/2026

Fool Moon OOPSISODE with Wolfborne We're back for another 15 minute oopsisode, where we talk about the things we forgot to talk about. Most of these are lighthearted affairs, but this time we sit down with a bottle of Wolfborne malted wheat and barley whiskey while we discuss addiction. Nothing says addiction quite like black magic and voluntary lycanthropy. Uh. Yeah. Just listen. As always.... COME AND CHECK OUT THE MERCH. AND SUPER IMPORTANT.... /episode/index/show/beardsbooksbourbon/id/43416519

Fool Moon with Bondstone Quad Oak Bourbon 10/17/2026

Fool Moon with Bondstone Quad Oak Bourbon We're back with Book Two of The Dresden Files, "Fool Moon" by Jim Butcher. Harry Dresdon is Chicago's only professional wizard. It says so on his business card, and this time around he's dealing with all things wolfy. To keep our cool, our pairing this episode is Bondstone Quad Oak Bourbon Whiskey as we begin the countdown to the end of Season 6! Please sign up for the BBB Newsletter to get in on some exciting things in Season 7. It’s easy to do, and we’ll only send you something once a month. Here’s the link! And as always.... COME AND CHECK OUT THE MERCH. /episode/index/show/beardsbooksbourbon/id/43337829

Interview with TJ Payne Oopsisode - Joe Hempel 10/10/2026

Interview with TJ Payne Oopsisode - Joe Hempel We're back with TJ Payne! This time, we are talking about the narrator of the Intercepts audiobook, Mr. Joe Hempel. We've listened to a lot of his narrations. So, to be able to talk with an author that has worked with the man behind the voice is a great way to cap off the interview. Once again, thanks to TJ for being our guest on the show! /episode/index/show/beardsbooksbourbon/id/43243118

Author Interview with the Amazing TJ Payne 10/04/2026

Author Interview with the Amazing TJ Payne This is our last author interview of the season. TJ Payne is a highly celebrated horror author with a dual career in screenwriting for movies and shows you've actually seen. Go look it up! TJ has over a roughly 15 years of writing experience in two adjacent industries. He is funny, insightful, kind, and brings with him a huge amount of experience and perspective for authors and readers alike. For our beverage this evening, we dive into our own collection to bring out our first infinity bottle which we have labeled "A Fine Mess". Learn more about inifinity bottles during the show, and later in our brand new official BBB Newsletter. Sign up for the newsletter And don't forget we have . /episode/index/show/beardsbooksbourbon/id/43161043

The 17th Annual Bourbon & Beer Fest! 09/27/2026

The 17th Annual Bourbon & Beer Fest! This year, BBB got to be the official podcast of of The Vine's 17th Annual Bourbon & Beer Fest in Grayslake, IL. It was fantastic. We had a tent of our own with a pop-up recording studio, and we got to talk to both attendees and vendors. We've selected a bunch for you to hear. If you want to get advanced notice about Season 7, some of the events that we are planning for the new year, or articles about some our favorite authors and labels, be sure to /episode/index/show/beardsbooksbourbon/id/43047548

What We Forgot about Storm Front - OOPSISODE 09/26/2026

What We Forgot about Storm Front - OOPSISODE We're back with Jim Butcher's first novel in his Dresden Files series, to talk a little more about the Red Court of Vampires. We will also be reminiscing about the delicious flavors of Dark Arts Whiskey House Bourbon with Mizunara wood staves /episode/index/show/beardsbooksbourbon/id/43039648

Storm Front by Jim Butcher with Hard Truth 09/19/2026

Storm Front by Jim Butcher with Hard Truth Tonight's episode is roughly 25 years in the making as the boys review Storm Front, book 1 in the Dresden Files series. This entire series is just fun with fantastic characters, story arcs, and world building. Speaking of fantsastic character and world building, tonight's bourbon is Hard Truth Bourbon, aged with Mizunara wood staves. This is some pretty amazing stuff. We think you will like all of it. /episode/index/show/beardsbooksbourbon/id/42958538

The Kari Pohar Oopsisode Interview 09/18/2026

The Kari Pohar Oopsisode Interview We're back with Kari Pohar and her book. "Cassandra Seer: Psychic On The Run". In this oopsisode, we talk about the infamous Mrs. Koch. To make that bit of story a bit sweeter (and spicier) we go back to a special bottle of Whiskey Acres we've tried in the past. Listen in to find out about it all. /episode/index/show/beardsbooksbourbon/id/42949438

Interview with Kari Pohar, Author 09/12/2026

Interview with Kari Pohar, Author Kari Pohar is an author here in our local community. Her latest novel is "", and on this episode, Kari sits down with BBB to talk all about it. She even tries her first sip of bourbon! The story takes place in The Wisconsin Dells, and so it's only appropriate that our pairing is . Like the bourbon, the story is all the best parts of Wisconsin wrapped up in a tale that is spooky, funny, and heartfelt. We think you're going to love both. /episode/index/show/beardsbooksbourbon/id/42882885

Brett Connors of Castle & Key - The Oopsisode 09/03/2026

Brett Connors of Castle & Key - The Oopsisode We're back with Brett Connors from Castle & Key to answer the all important question in 15 minutes or less. What does a Wizard do all day anyway? /episode/index/show/beardsbooksbourbon/id/42726965

The Story of Castle & Key 08/29/2026

The Story of Castle & Key On this episode, we have the privilege of speaking to Brett Connors, Lead Blender & Wizard, at Castle & Key. Brett is a fascinating guy. He's a mix of technical knowledge and personal experience wrapped in the gift of being a storyteller. We had a great time speaking with Brett, and we think you will love it too. To learn more about Castle & Key, go here. And as always.... WE HAVE MERCH! MERCH! MERCH! /episode/index/show/beardsbooksbourbon/id/42603835

"In the OOPS of the Night" with Dark Arts Whiskey 08/26/2026

"In the OOPS of the Night" with Dark Arts Whiskey We're back to spend a little more time to talk about the shenanigans from "In The Still of the Night" by David L. Golemon. Our beverage of choice is Dark Arts Whiskey House Straight Kentucky Bourbon with Mizunara wood staves. /episode/index/show/beardsbooksbourbon/id/42534260

"In the Still of the Night" with A Midwinter Night'sDram 08/24/2026

"In the Still of the Night" with A Midwinter Night'sDram Earlier in the season, we talked about "The Supernaturals" by David L. Golemon. We loved it! We loved it so much, we grabbed the sequel and started reading. And that's what we have on this episode. "In the Still of the Night" by David L. Golemon brings back to the ghost hunting team of The Supernaturals, and we can't wait to talk about it! Our companion spirit is "A Midwinter Night's Dram" presented by High West! We tried to feature this bottle in a previous episode that was eaten by digital demons. So, we're extremely happy to talk about it here on this episode. /episode/index/show/beardsbooksbourbon/id/42534155

Interview with Cameron Sullivan - The OOPSISODE 08/20/2026

Interview with Cameron Sullivan - The OOPSISODE We're back with the delightful Cameron Sullivan, author of "The Red Winter". We spend a little time talking about Joan of Arc, and revisiting Starward Whisky with a twist in the form of Pinhook. Pull up a chair. Get yourself a glass. We're about to get medeival...well...not really, but it sounded great. And as always.... COME CHECK OUT OUR MERCH. YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO DO IT. /episode/index/show/beardsbooksbourbon/id/42496245

Cameron Sullivan, Author of "The Red Winter" 08/15/2026

Cameron Sullivan, Author of "The Red Winter" On this episode, we have the absolute pleasure of talking with debut Novelist Cameron Sullivan to talk about his New York Times, USA Today, and Indie Bestselling novel, "The Red Winter". It is a lusciously dark and complex tale of deeply rich characters against the backdrop of the most infamous killings of 18th Century France. After you're done listening to the interview, find out more about the book and where to buy it here. Our whiskey this time around will be Starward Twofold Whisky, which is appropriate since not only is the whisky and the author from the same nation, but the same city as well. And as always.... WE HAVE MERCH! MERCH! MERCH! /episode/index/show/beardsbooksbourbon/id/42445340

What We Forgot About Still Austin - OOPSISODE 08/10/2026

What We Forgot About Still Austin - OOPSISODE We're back with Sam Bergren from Still Austin to talk about one of their expressions that his highly sought and hard to find. Once again, thanks so much to Sam and the folks at Still Austin for making these two episodes happen. And as always.... WE HAVE MERCH! MERCH! MERCH! /episode/index/show/beardsbooksbourbon/id/42365885

The Still Austin Interview with Sam Bergren 08/08/2026

The Still Austin Interview with Sam Bergren On this episode, we get the opportunity to sit down with our friend, Sam Bergren, from Still Austin. His combination of kindness and depth of knowledge made this interview a delight. Still Austin is relatively new on the scene in an industry with a deep history. Their innovation and artistry is a welcome addition to the world of whiskies, bourbons, and ryes. Take a listen! And as always.... WE HAVE MERCH! MERCH! MERCH! /episode/index/show/beardsbooksbourbon/id/42357115

"What We Forgot About Burning" - OOPSISODE 08/04/2026

"What We Forgot About Burning" - OOPSISODE As they do, Stephen and Mark spend a little more time talking about "We Burned So Bright" by TJ Klune. To see more about the author, check out his website here: For this Oopsisode revisit, the boys say hello to Bulleit Frontier Bourbon with a twist! And as always.... WE HAVE MERCH! MERCH! MERCH! /episode/index/show/beardsbooksbourbon/id/42316130

"We Burned So Bright" with Oklon Rye 08/01/2026

"We Burned So Bright" with Oklon Rye In "We Burned So Bright" by T.J. Klune, Stephen and Mark dive into a very personal story of what happens when a few people are confronted with the literal end of the world. No Hollywood solutions. No one to save the day. No heroic sacrifices. Just people, a black hole, and a ticking clock until the end. It's within those final minutes where life is really lived, where heroism manifests, where what really matters is revealed. Heavy topics need a heavy rye to carry one through. Oklon Rye by Far North Spirits fits the bill. To find out more about this unique business and all its products, you can visit their website here: As always, don't forget.... WE HAVE MERCH! MERCH! MERCH! /episode/index/show/beardsbooksbourbon/id/42284265

What We Forgot to Talk About the EWA 07/25/2026

What We Forgot to Talk About the EWA It's the OOPSISODE for our interview with Landon Borders, the Director of the Estate Whiskey Alliance, and on this episode we revisit a very rare bottle. Be sure to listen in for your chance to pick one up later this year. /episode/index/show/beardsbooksbourbon/id/42148305

Interview with Landon Borders of the EWA 07/20/2026

Interview with Landon Borders of the EWA On this episode, we interview Landon Borders, Director of the Estate Whiskey Alliance. We learn all about the tradition of farmers and farming families who are creating a legacy of land, water, and whiskey. Our pairing comes from a member of the Estate Whiskey Alliance, Maker's Mark. Landon samples a bottle of Star Hill, while Stephen and Mark take a few sips from Maker's Mark Home of the Brave edition. WE HAVE MERCH! MERCH! MERCH! /episode/index/show/beardsbooksbourbon/id/42148040

OOPSISODE - What We Forgot About The Supernaturals 06/27/2026

OOPSISODE - What We Forgot About The Supernaturals So many animals, like a lovely petting zoo of death. Sooth your PETA sensibilities with Middle West Port Pumpernickel Rye /episode/index/show/beardsbooksbourbon/id/41836335

The Supernaturals with Wolfborne 06/13/2026

The Supernaturals with Wolfborne What happens when everyone, from a washed up professor, to a state trooper, to a news anchor, and even a TV network executive all pin their hopes on a live TV event about the nation's most infamous haunted house? Nothing good for them, which makes it a great book for us! Stephen and Mark dive into the world of "The Supernaturals" by David L. Golemon. Their whisky sampling on this episode will be WOLFBORNE by Three Floyds. WE HAVE MERCH! MERCH! MERCH! /episode/index/show/beardsbooksbourbon/id/41630530

What We Forgot About Reality - OOPSISODE with Minden Mill Rye 06/07/2026

What We Forgot About Reality - OOPSISODE with Minden Mill Rye The boys are back and ready to go down the oopsisode rabbit hole of the nature of reality. Oh, BTW... WE HAVE MERCH! MERCH! MERCH! /episode/index/show/beardsbooksbourbon/id/41550525

What Is Reality? - Theme Show with Stork House Rye 05/30/2026

What Is Reality? - Theme Show with Stork House Rye Literature is full of stories about the nature of reality, the bending of it, or the outright removal of it. On this episode, we muse upon reality. To keep us ground, we sample Stork House Rye. And just in case you haven't heard.... WE HAVE MERCH! MERCH! MERCH! /episode/index/show/beardsbooksbourbon/id/41477170

OOPSISODE: Hell House with Bib & Tucker 05/22/2026

OOPSISODE: Hell House with Bib & Tucker Our oopsisode of Hell House is about....well, you'll just have to listen. Our bourbon revisit is Bib & Tucker Double Char Bourbon /episode/index/show/beardsbooksbourbon/id/41392025

Beards, Books, and Bourbon Podcast

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