Drinking Partners
The Drinking Partners Podcast features comics Ed Bailey and Day Bracey swilling microbrews and spirits and engaging in dynamic, entertaining, and informative conversations with entertainers, politicians, and entrepreneurs, ranging from comedian Todd Glass to Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto. Sometimes outrageous and sometimes educational, the Drinking Partners are nothing short of highly addictive…
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Drinking Partners #263 - Funkytown Beer | Barrel and Flow 23
08/08/2024
Drinking Partners #263 - Funkytown Beer | Barrel and Flow 23
Welcome to Drinking Partners Live at Barrel and Flow 2023! Ed and Day kick things off with a lively introduction, setting the stage for an exciting discussion. Proudly reminding everyone that Barrel and Flow is the number one brew festival in America—not just in Pittsburgh or among black brew festivals, but across the entire country. Founders of Funkytown Brewing from Chicago, Illinois: Richard Bloomfield, Greg Williams, and Zach Day share their inspiring journey from childhood friends to successful brewery owners. They cover their early days of drinking beer in college, their trip to Thailand in 2017, and how it sparked their desire for financial independence and a deeper involvement in the beer industry. The Funkytown team highlighted their unique approach to brewing, focusing on low bitterness and low astringency to create palatable beers that appeal to a wide audience. They also shared their experiences with the Sam Adams American Dream initiative and the challenges they faced, including a two-year trademark battle over the word "funky." Community involvement is a cornerstone of Funkytown Brewing. They partner with various non-profits and organizations to give back and support their local community. The episode also delved into the importance of representation and intentionality in the craft beer industry. The Funkytown founders emphasized the need to create a culture that resonates with their target demographic, using hip-hop references and familiar flavors to make their beers more accessible. As always, the episode wrapped up with an invitation for listeners to join the festival and continue supporting the craft beer community. Cheers to Funkytown Brewing and to all the listeners for making this journey with the Drinking Partners team!
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Drinking Partners #262 - Mary Hester | Life Venture Real Estate Solutions
08/01/2024
Drinking Partners #262 - Mary Hester | Life Venture Real Estate Solutions
Welcome to the 262nd episode of the Drinking Partners podcast, recorded live at the vibrant Emerald City. In this episode, Ed and Day dive into the importance of homeownership and building generational wealth with special guest Mary Hester, founder of Life Venture Real Estate Solutions. Mary shares her expertise on how her advocacy firm helps individuals become successful homeowners by providing education and connecting them to valuable resources like subsidies and grants. The discussion covers the psychological barriers and trauma related to money that many people face and how Life Venture addresses these issues through education and support. Mary emphasizes the importance of having a good credit score, consistent work history, and some savings to get started on the path to homeownership. The episode also touches on the significance of understanding equity, the dangers of predatory lending, and the necessity of post-purchase counseling to ensure long-term success. Mary highlights the collaboration with Catapult Greater Pittsburgh, which offers homebuyer education workshops and one-on-one sessions to help individuals with budgeting, credit, and financial planning. Packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to enter the real estate market and build a stable financial future, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to learn more about taking the first steps towards homeownership and securing your family's legacy. Guest: Mary Hester | Location: , Pittsburgh. Produced by: . Watch Aug 10 | Barrel & Flow 2023 |
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Drinking Partners #261 - Sydney Davis | Artist Talk Mental Health
06/27/2023
Drinking Partners #261 - Sydney Davis | Artist Talk Mental Health
What does the name “Drinking Partners Podcast” tell you? It’s probably some guys who appreciate a stiff drink (and maybe T-Pain), chopping it up with guests. Now take “Artist Talk Mental Health”: this week’s guest, Sydney Davis began to host gatherings especially for Black artists and creatives after recognizing so many of her artist friends struggling with their mental health. “It’s giving an opportunity for artists to get up on a platform and be like, not only is this my art, but this is the story behind it,” she tells Ed and Day. ATMH prides itself on creating a safe space to allow vulnerability while fostering community, solidarity, and connecting artists with mental health resources. Davis is also the creator of Niplids: a line of nipple-printed hats, from which 20% of the proceeds go toward The Young Women’s Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation. Right on! Guest: Sydney Davis of and . Location: , Pittsburgh. Produced by: . Watch #EdandDay in The Burgh Season 2 | verylocal.com/ed-and-day-in-the-burgh-how-to-watch/ Aug 12 | Barrel & Flow 2023 | barrelandflow.com
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Drinking Partners #260 - Russell General Contracting
05/18/2023
Drinking Partners #260 - Russell General Contracting
“I’m tired of tearing shit down,” says Montae Russell. “Let me build something up.” This kind of constructive, uplifting mindset is often heard on the Drinking Partners podcast, but never quite so literally. Montae is one-half of the husband and wife duo behind Russell General Contracting (5:50). He’s lead carpenter; Alexis works as consultant. Together, they have helped to preserve Pittsburgh, and the nation’s, cultural heritage, working on both the National Negro Opera House and the August Wilson House. Not only are Alexis and Tae savvy small business owners, but they’re parents, too. (They even have some chickens.) Their personal journey is intertwined with their entrepreneurial path, and they share their one-of-a-kind tale over drinks with Day and Ed. Guests: Montae and Alexis Russell of . Location: , Pittsburgh. Production: . Watch #EdandDay in The Burgh Season 2 | verylocal.com/ed-and-day-in-the-burgh-how-to-watch/ Aug 12 | Barrel & Flow 2023 | barrelandflow.com
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Drinking Partners #259 - Altered Genius | Dashawn Boring
04/20/2023
Drinking Partners #259 - Altered Genius | Dashawn Boring
“You got a can with your face on it,” says Ed Bailey, to this week’s Drinking Partners guest, DaShawn Boring. It’s Boring’s first time on a can. The beer is from Altered Genius, where he brews. His face is next to Day’s face. And their faces are next to Daelyn’s face. It’s a “3 Day Weekend”–a highly drinkable, dark kolsch-style altered ale, perfect for MLK Day, or any other righteous occasion. Ed, Day and DaShawn talk about the beer collab, the perils of dating a vegan, and the Brighton Hot Dog Shoppe. This one’s for the Beaver Countians. Guest: DeShawn Boring, brewer at Altered Genius Brewing Co. Location: , Pittsburgh. Production: . #EdandDay in The Burgh Season 2 | verylocal.com/ed-and-day-in-the-burgh-how-to-watch/ Thursdays in Pittsburgh | Ed & Day in The 'Burgh Season 2 Watch Party | barrelandflow.com/events Aug 12 | Barrel & Flow 2023 | barrelandflow.com
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Drinking Partners #258 - TLC Libations
03/30/2023
Drinking Partners #258 - TLC Libations
The Drinking Partners are kind of a big deal now. Buses in their hometown have Ed and Day’s faces on the side of them. But has the fame gotten to their oversized, 6-foot tall heads? Hardly. They’re still men of the people–certainly not the types to turn down booze out of a mason jar. Which is good, because that’s how Erika Turner [4:50], co-founder and CEO of , has prepared some in-studio cocktails for this week’s episode. Turner is the daughter half of the mother-daughter ownership team behind Western PA’s first Black-owned woman distillery. The interview swings from bartending for picky martini drinkers, to making sangria for First Friday art crawls, to moving cocktails by the kegful, with ingredients like tequila, pomegranate, and cranberry thyme honey syrup. It’s a classic conversation with the Drinking Partners, proving the pair remain, as Ed puts it, “upstanding citizens who like to uplift our community and drink while we're doing it.” All that has changed is that they’ll accept shots of Glenvlivet in lieu of Hennessy. Buy them some at the next Ed and Day in the Burgh watch party, and maybe, just maybe, Day will share his recipe for crunk juice with you. Guest: Erika Turner, co-founder and CEO of . Location: Studio, Sharpsburg, PA. Production: . #EdandDay in The Burgh Season 2 | verylocal.com/ed-and-day-in-the-burgh-how-to-watch/ Thursdays in Pittsburgh | Ed & Day in The 'Burgh Season 2 Watch Party | barrelandflow.com/events Aug 12 | Barrel & Flow 2023 | barrelandflow.com
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Drinking Partners #257 - Corey Ochai | 1028 Studios
03/15/2023
Drinking Partners #257 - Corey Ochai | 1028 Studios
“I feel like the best art in the world creates conversation,” says artist Corey Ochai [4:17], founder and CEO of 1028 Studios, and there’s no pair better to chop it with than the Drinking Partners. Ochai, who listeners might recognize as the creative director of America's best Black arts and craft beer festival, Barrel & Flow, reveals to Day and Ed why he briefly lost his joy for painting: “I was trying to create something that people would like, instead of creating from something that was inside me.” The comment prompts a conversation about what inspires real, meaningful artistry, no matter the form. Alongside a Black beer history month six-pack from Chicago’s Bitter Pops, these creative professionals go on to discuss everything from Basquiat, to summers at the Braddock Beach, to why you shouldn’t schedule a podcast recording on your anniversary. Guest: Corey Ochai Location: Studio, Sharpsburg, PA. Production: . #EdandDay in The Burgh | verylocal.com/ed-and-day-in-the-burgh-how-to-watch/ March 16 | Ed & Day in The 'Burgh Season 2 Premiere Watch Party | barrelandflow.com/events Aug 12 | Barrel & Flow 2023 | barrelandflow.com
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Drinking Partners #256 - Roux Orleans
02/23/2023
Drinking Partners #256 - Roux Orleans
Just when he thought he was out, they pulled him back in. “I don’t do Cajun style or Creole style,” – it’s authentic New Orleans taste in the North. Mike Barnes, aka Big Easy, tells the Drinking Partners that after 20 years working in kitchens down South, he thought his days as a chef were over. Then word of his home cooking got out among friends. A few years and $10 pans of jambalaya later, he’s got his own spice collection and catering company, Roux Orleans, where he’s making catfish, crawfish, and gumbo so good that all you can say is “fam.” Laissez les bon temps roulez. And remember: if you see the Drinking Partners out in public, tell them you love them, buy them shots of Hennessy, but please, don’t touch them. Guest: owner Mike Barnes. Location: Studio, Sharpsburg, PA. Production: .
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Drinking Partners #255 - Noire Expedition Gin.
02/03/2023
Drinking Partners #255 - Noire Expedition Gin.
If there’s anything the Drinking Partners do, it’s drink, and celebrate Black excellence. It’s a package deal. And this episode has plenty of both. From Sharpsburg’s swanky 1028 Podcast studio, Day and Ed welcome Kenyan Hicks, owner and distiller of Pittsburgh’s Noire Expedition distillery. Theirs is a 90-proof, floral, American gin, with notes of lavender, citrus and juniper. The three take theirs neat, while they discuss the finer points of gin, the craft beverage industry’s pay-it-forward mentality, and a long-lost uncle named Lumpkin. It’s a journey and an episode so Black - it’s Blackity-black Black.
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Drinking Partners #254 - Barrel and Flow 2022
01/18/2023
Drinking Partners #254 - Barrel and Flow 2022
Before a studio audience at The Stacks at 3 Crossings, in Pittsburgh’s historic Strip District, the Drinking Partners are live from Barrel & Flow, the country’s premiere Black arts and craft beer festival. Before the 75 breweries and a crowd of thousands arrive, Ed and Day sit down with two New England brewers who are redefining how beer is made and who it is for. The first guest is Alisa Bowens-Mercado [7:00], CEO and brewmaster of Connecticut’s Rhythm Brewing Co. She discusses how contract brewing is “a beautiful thing,” and how hard it can be to find Black folks and “beer-flavored beer” in New England. Then, the group is joined by Sam Adams Boston head brewer, Megan Parisi [34:57]. She and Bowens-Mercado discuss representation in the craft beer industry, how the unlikely relationship between their discrepant breweries emerged, and their recent, Pink Boots-benefitting sparkling lager collab. It’s a perspective on the industry that’s not always told, and there’s no better place for this vital discussion. Recording: 8-30-22. Production: . Guests: Alisa Bowens-Mercado of .; Megan Parisi of .
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Drinking Partners #253 - Live from Pittsburgh Mixed Culture!
01/04/2023
Drinking Partners #253 - Live from Pittsburgh Mixed Culture!
Tucked inside a big ol’ barn at picturesque Freedom Farms in Valencia, Butler County, The Drinking Partners welcome listeners to Pittsburgh Mixed Culture, Cinderlands Beer Co. and Trace Brewing’s inaugural celebration of all things saison and sour-centric. The show kicks off with Christian Gregory(9:29), representing Belgium’s Brouwerij 3 Fonteinen. He talks about blending authentic lambics - “the drink of the people'' - and how the beloved brewery outside of Brussels maintains a consistent standard in their spontaneously-fermented beers year after year. Then, they take their taste buds on a “trip along the Oregon Trail” (29:45) with Matt Van Wyk, one of the co-founders of Eugene, Oregon’s Alesong Brewing & Blending, who discusses what it takes for a brewery to stand out in a competitive, top-tier craft beer market. Finally,looking fresh with his ankles out, the “famous-famous” Michael Kaiser, founder of Good Beer Hunting. He talks about taking the site from a personal blog to an acclaimed global media venture, with contributors working across multiple continents. He finishes with praise for The Drinking Partners and recognizes the similarities between the growth of his project and theirs, telling Ed and Day “You guys put Pittsburgh on the map for beer in a big, big way.” Produced by . Recorded at festival 7-30-22 Presented by and . Thanks to guests representing , , and .
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Drinking Partners #252 - Lauren Hughes | Necromancer Brewing
07/27/2022
Drinking Partners #252 - Lauren Hughes | Necromancer Brewing
The Drinking Partners, having moved up to “boardroom material,” welcome head brewer Lauren Hughes from Necromancer Brewing. She joins to discuss the three B’s: business, beer, and bikes. After a career in music and arts education, Lauren’s focus shifted back to her interest in brewing, which led to a career change. With Necromancer, she explores “dead styles” of beer, finding ways to modernize old and traditional brewing for new drinkers. Did you know that beer was once brewed without hops? Listen in as Lauren explains the ingredients behind the older styles and why it’s so hard to make a good Pilsner. “There’s nothing to hide behind,” she adds. Stay tuned for an important conversation about the culture of beer and what steps Necromancer is taking to lead the industry forward and how to create an inclusive brewery and industry. To wrap up the interview, Ed and Day ask for an explanation on beer naming. This latest episode is an informative roundup of all things brewing, from recipes to culture, and a necessary listen. Learn more about Necromancer:
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Drinking Partners #251 - Pittsburgh Mixed Culture | "Festival Lovers" w/ Aadam Soorma and Paul Schneider
07/13/2022
Drinking Partners #251 - Pittsburgh Mixed Culture | "Festival Lovers" w/ Aadam Soorma and Paul Schneider
Tune in for the latest Drinking Partners podcast as Ed and Day chat with Cinderlands head brewer Paul Schneider and Trace Brewing’s Head of Marketing Aadam Soorma about their newest collaboration: Pittsburgh Mixed Culture (). This saison-centric festival will feature breweries from across the country and Belgium by, “bringing dozens of world-class brewers together … to demonstrate our love for the Belgian brewing traditions that inspire us, make a clear connection between local agriculture and beer, showcase fermentation-driven beer, and highlight the complementary roles of brewer and nature in making mixed-fermentation beer.” The July 30th event will take place at Freedom Farms in Valencia, PA. Spontaneous comments from Ed and Day pair well with Paul’s detailed explanation of the spontaneous process of mixed culture brewing in Day’s favorite type of conversation: edutainment. This rare to Pittsburgh style gets to shine with its own festival, although Ed’s suggestion that an essay praising saison be a requirement was not accepted. The conversation around mixed culture craft brewing is ripe with knowledge and will turn the average beer fan into an aficionado, but don’t worry if you get confused, as Ed admits. Listen in until the closing minutes to hear Drinking Partners advice on how to conquer a beer festival and make plans to check out Pittsburgh Mixed Culture Fest on July 30 at Freedom Farms.
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Drinking Partners #250 - NASH.V.ILL
06/23/2022
Drinking Partners #250 - NASH.V.ILL
From a new location – Emerald City in Pittsburgh, Pa – the Drinking Partners podcast returns with a double dose of dynamic duos. Ed and Day welcome Jacquea Mae and Byron Nash of NASH.V.ILL in this energetic and exciting interview. Self-described super-fan Day and an inquisitive Ed listen in as Byron recounts his first introduction to Jacquea: “The spirit took over” and she joined in, from the audience, during his last song. The impromptu duet was so impressive that they teamed up to form NASH.V.ILL. There is never a dull moment as Ed and Day drop jokes in between questions and stories, proving that the Drinking Partners comedic magic has not faded. Jacquea’s advises on how important making mistakes are to better one’s skills, and Byron explains how their on-stage improvisation that often results in unexpected and thrilling performances. Byron’s advice, midway through, is a must listen: “If you are brave enough to suck in front of people, you fix it way faster.” It wouldn’t be a true Drinking Partners episode without Ed breaking into song - stay tuned throughout to hear his renditions. The closing minutes of this newest Drinking Partners focuses on industry-specific advice and guidance from Jacquea and Byron, including a discussion on collaborative projects and sharing ideas. Intermixed with the sage wisdom are saucy interludes from Ed, rounding out a lively and mighty interview.
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Quarentimes - Update!
05/26/2022
Quarentimes - Update!
Just popping in with an update. New episodes are on the way. We'll be back recording on location around the city at some of our favorite spots with some of our favorite people.
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Quarentimes #22 - Mike Hitt
12/23/2021
Quarentimes #22 - Mike Hitt
After seven years podcasting from the Work Hard Studio, the Drinking Partners record their last interview in the basement they’ve come to love, and much to Ed and Day’s sadness, the couch won’t be moving to their new space with Epicast Network. For this final interview, they welcome Mike Hitt from MCM Studios, or as he describes himself, “the most known unknown person.” In this high energy episode, Mike explains his rise in the Pittsburgh music industry after a car accident changed the trajectory of his path. As both a musician and music producer, he shares multi-angled insight into the industry, including how 90% of his work happens behind the scenes and that passion is the necessary push when people aren’t watching. This “throw himself into the fire” approach began when he was 14 and starting out as a deejay and continues now as he releases his hit, “Think and Grow Rich.” Listen in as Mike speaks on how to run a successful studio; tip one: he shows up no matter what. Keep tuned in as he offers further tips, which Ed and Day have fun with, which takes the conversation into new, wild directions. How to get better? Expand your experiences, Mike suggests. To hear Ed and Day wrap up the last Work Hard-based podcast and reminisce on their time, stay tuned until the final moments. Find out more about Mike Hitt:
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Quarentimes #21 - Dontae and Ashley Comans
12/15/2021
Quarentimes #21 - Dontae and Ashley Comans
The Drinking Partners relaunch with this newest episode and welcome a political powerhouse duo – Wilkinsburg Mayor-elect Dontae Comans and Ashley Comans, a candidate for PA House District 24. Listen in as the Comans describe their entries into politics, from Ms. Comans motivated by Barak Obama’s speeches to Mr. Comans learning how to run for political office after years spent in community services and activities. A positive and intentional focus on how young people view a community is a central concept in the discussion on how to improve an area and its schools. In the spirit of the Drinking Partners, a detailed conversation around the benefits that breweries and bars add to a community is explored, with Wilkinsburg engaged in these changes with their new leadership. An essential question that is examined throughout the interview is: How to get a community to believe in itself? Mayor-elect Comans offers parting advice on how to remain optimistic as advocates for change: keep your work life separate from your home life. Candidate Comans adds her own advice as she suggests spending time with loved ones and finding joy outside of the political spectrum. Find Mayor-elect Donte Comans around Wilkinsburg (and say hello!) and learn more about Candidate Comans: . Catch Ed and Day Thursday, Dec.16 at Cinderlands Foederhouse in their newest live comedy series, or, as Ed begs, “Give me a reason to get out of the house.”
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Quarentimes #20 Live from Two Frays | Mike Onofray & Marcus Wyatt
09/02/2021
Quarentimes #20 Live from Two Frays | Mike Onofray & Marcus Wyatt
The Drinking Partners release this live podcast recorded outside of the Two Fray’s Brewery in Pittsburgh, PA. A collection of tastings makes this episode lively as Ed and Day interview Mike Onofray, one-half of the husband and wife-owned brewery. In the early minutes, Mike explains how they managed to open Two Frays during the pandemic and how a canning line was a significant reason for why they were able to quickly adapt. Importantly, Two Frays ownership speaks on how they want to be community partner and are working hard to creating a safe and welcoming environment for people of color, while also having “super crushable beer.” What happens when two engineers open a brewery? Listen in as Mike explains the science behind brewing. Visit Two Frays and learn more about their newly opened brewery: In the second half of the live podcast, the Drinking Partners welcome Marcus Wyatt, who gets immediate props from Ed for his sneaker choice. After an embarrassing moment ordering a Heineken, Marcus caught the craft beer buzz, which led to his start in home brewing. His goal: to use his passion for craft beer to bring different communities together and to be a Black presence in the production side of the industry to encourage vertical integration for the Black community. One day soon you might be sipping on a beer he brews in a brewery he owns. Follow Marcus’s journey on social media: @windybridgesbrewing
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Quarentimes #19 - Aaron Hosé | 2Hands20Fingers
08/25/2021
Quarentimes #19 - Aaron Hosé | 2Hands20Fingers
Aaron Hosé, an award-winning documentary filmmaker and co-founder (his wife is his other half) of 2Hands20Fingers, joins the Drinking Partners for their latest release. Listeners might recognize his work as he has followed and filmed Ed and Day over the course of the last several years. In the coming weeks, his documentary, “One Pint at a Time,” will be released. The film features the rise of Fresh Fest, the transition to Fresh Fest Digi Fest, and now Barrel & Flow Fest. One Pint at a Time is best described as, “four years in the making, this eye-opening film details the highs and lows of the Black experience in American craft beer as told through the eyes of Black brewers, brand owners and influencers across the country.” Aaron explains how the film came to be, how he switched careers from computer engineering to filmmaking, and how the stories expanded and adapted during the course of filming. Asked why he made the film, Aaron answers, “No one looked like us,” when his wife and he visited breweries. A spectacular podcast with equal parts education and entertainment. Visit for information on release dates, view a trailer, and learn more about the African roots of beer and brewing.
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Quarentimes #18 - Jervonne Singletary | Goodblend
08/18/2021
Quarentimes #18 - Jervonne Singletary | Goodblend
The Drinking Partners welcome Jervonne Singletary, Community Relations Manager of goodblend PA for this latest release. As Pennsylvania’s newest medical cannabis provider, goodblend promises, “We're here to make sure you're good.” Their approach is one centered on community engagement and initiatives and extends far beyond their high quality products to include job opportunities, expungement services, and other community-based initiatives. Listen in as all aspects of the medical cannabis industry are examined, including how minority communities have been adversely affected and what changes can be expected as legalization efforts expand. Ed and Day explore their own histories in typical style, with entertaining asides and immense interest in all that is being discussed! Of particular interest is the “design your own strain” concept, with both Ed and Day excited about the naming prospects. Tune in until the end to hear Jervonne’s thoughts on being a Black woman in the medical cannabis industry and, unsurprisingly, what her favorite potato is. Learn more about goodblend:
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Quarentimes #17 - Wicked Weed Brewing
07/08/2021
Quarentimes #17 - Wicked Weed Brewing
The North Carolina-based Wicked Weed brewing team of Joe Pawelek as brewmaster and Jen Currier as WInemaster and sour specialist, remotely join the Drinking Partners in this newest quarantimes release. The duo, with the company since its early years, share highly specialized information about brewing as they explain the fermentation processes they prefer and how their experimentation helped the company grown and expand. The Funkatorium, described as, “the East Coast’s first sour beer dedicated taproom,” is located in Asheville and, along with their other locations, has become a beer tourist destination. Ed and Day interrupt the shop talk to ask about exploding cans, the Asheville scene, and the difference between German sour beer and Belgian sour beer. Listen in as Day attempts to pronounce them both, and fails. Ed enjoys the Dr. Dank, while Day sips the Pernicious, as Joe and Jen breakdown the recipes and brewing steps used to maximize the natural ingredients. This latest Drinking Partners release promises to be a delicious treat for listeners who enjoy the “nerdy” aspects of brewing. Find out more about Wicked Weed Brewing:
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Quarentimes #16 - Steve And Bennys Chicken Shack
06/30/2021
Quarentimes #16 - Steve And Bennys Chicken Shack
One half of the Steve and Benny’s Chicken Shack restaurant team joins the Drinking Partners for their latest quarantimes release. Listen in as Benny talks about the connection between food and art, highlighting the creativity aspect of cooking. His early passion for food brought him to New Orleans, where he developed a love for the Southern style and culture. Under some distinguished tutelage, Benny flourished and decided that he wanted his food to “feel like it’s giving you a hug.” This statement has Ed ogling the food from Steve and Benny’s in a whole new way. The first step in turning this love into a business was establishing a food truck. After several years, he partnered with Steve, which reinvigorated his love for cooking. The two were able to combine their passion for cooking with a strong business acumen. Benny shares some exclusive news with Ed and Day as he announces their newest venture: Monaca Brewing Company, a brewery that they will open next-door to their restaurant. Keep up to date with their developments and newest menu offerings: .
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Quarentimes #15 - Inner Groove Brewing
06/16/2021
Quarentimes #15 - Inner Groove Brewing
Four friends turned a longtime love of homebrewing into their own brewery, with some amusing steps in between. What started as a joke shifted into suppling fresh beer to their neighborhood and ended with a vinyl-infused brewery: Inner Groove Brewing. Co-owners Kelly Melle and Jennifer Walzer join the Drinking Partners and share the success story of their two-year old brewery in this insider look into the workings of the industry. Of particular interest to Ed and Day is the graphic art that spins a tale across their cans. They soon learn that the cans contain a hidden, music-inspired message. Listen in as Ed and Day try to put the clues together (and fail) for what they’re drinking. Both women talk about the transitions necessary to survive during the pandemic and how they keep any business difficulties in perspective. Hear about how their large taproom and two outdoor spaces and dedicated local support helped keep the young brewery afloat over the last 18 months. This newest Drinking Partners release offers an informative and detailed look into how breweries have been affected and can survive trying times. Learn more:
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Quarentimes #14 - Ren Navarro
06/09/2021
Quarentimes #14 - Ren Navarro
Ren Navarro of beer-diversity.com joins the Drinking Partners virtually from Canada and offers insight into the Canadian beer scene, most of which surprises Ed, who did not “see Canada having grass.” After an opening discussion that listeners will find amusing, the trio discusses more serious concerns, from coping with the pandemic to diverse ownership in business and beer. What does diversity mean in 2021? That question becomes the central focus of the interview as they explore its impact on the craft beer industry. Ren’s advice for breweries: Do your homework. She shares important additional tips as well: make a space welcoming and educate drinkers on the similarities between craft beer and macro beer, so craft beer can be accessible to all. Except babies, who Day does not want at breweries. Enjoy this fun, yet significant conversation and find more about Ren Navarro:
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Quarentimes #13 - Black Women for a Better Education
05/18/2021
Quarentimes #13 - Black Women for a Better Education
A full slate of voices is featured in the latest Drinking Partners interview as founding members of Black Women for Better Education share their idea on how to transform the Pittsburgh Public School system. One of the group’s main priorities is to educate voters, residents, parents, and students on how to improve the PPS education experience by supporting five candidates running for school board positions. A common bond shared by the the candidates is to change the status quo and connect the board with the community to ensure responsible representation. Listen in as student enrichment, relationship building, social issues and engagement, and quality of education are examined and explored by this panel of dedicated experts. Find out more about the candidates:
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Quarentimes #12 - Sam Black
05/13/2021
Quarentimes #12 - Sam Black
Sam Black, founder of SYLA PGH, joins the Drinking Partners to discuss a behind the scenes approach to supporting artists by helping them gain access to funding and resources. By analyzing novel approaches and outside the box options, Ms. Black assists artists by lowering barriers and encouraging new ways of marketing and promotion with a logistical model. Listen in as she speaks on how to communicate and connect with a diverse cast of characters and how she uses that skill to help others, in what she explains as a “holistic look at the economic factors that keep Black Pittsburgh neighborhoods below the poverty line.” This inclusive, multi-scope advancement cannot be achieved without artist input, Ms. Black summarizes. The issue of underpaying and devaluing artists, one that the Drinking Partners have long attempted to dissuade, anchors the interview and is explored from many angles. In the closing segment, the group lets loose, and the discussion centers on talking to plants and waffle fries, in a tangent that listeners should expect and enjoy. Find more about Sam Black, SYLA PGH, and Greenwood Week:
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Quarentimes #11 - Dusan Kwiatkowski | Live Oak Brewing
04/29/2021
Quarentimes #11 - Dusan Kwiatkowski | Live Oak Brewing
Dusan Kwiatkowski, head brewer for Austin-based Live Oak Brewing, joins the Drinking Partners virtually for this newest release. From the opening minutes, the conversation is beer-centric, with a heavy emphasis on the European-styled beer offerings Live Oak brews. Day sips on the 4.9% Big Bark, an amber lager, while Ed enjoys a Biergarten Pils - a German-Style pilsner with German Huell-Melon hops. Live Oak Brewing has been around since 1997, or, as Ed suggests, 102 beer years, and Dusan explains how the brewery has remained successful even as the industry has changed. “We just keep making the beers that have been made for thousands of years.” Listen in as Dusan examines brewing trends and which ones they have followed and which ones they leave to other breweries. After a start with Live Oak washing kegs, Mr. Kwiatkowski moved into brewing as the brewery itself grew. “Where do you go as a brewer after making lights-out shit?” is what Day wants to know. Enjoy the full interview that has Ed and Day testing their craft beer knowledge with an expert in the industry. Learn more about Live Oak Brewing:
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Quarentimes #10 - Jay White
04/14/2021
Quarentimes #10 - Jay White
Pittsburgh-based filmmaker Jay “Ruff Bone” White (Jay White Digital Media) joins the Drinking Partners in their latest Quarantimes release. After childhood inspiration from his grandfather stoked his interests in filmmaking, Jay began exploring ways to document his neighborhood and beyond. From there, he began exploring ways to make documentaries for several Pittsburgh neighborhoods that are underrepresented in media. Listen in as he describes how he allows these new narratives to be filmed and shared. Video and documentary production transitioned into a feature film – Everyday Hustle. Midway through, the group discusses the importance of investing in yourself and your own talents, with Ed and Day taking some time to be serious, introspective, personal, and encouraging. What does it take to be self-made? That’s the question that is explored and examined with Jay White. Find out more about his latest project, a wrestling-centric comedy:
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Quarentimes #9 - Chalonda White | Afro.Beer.Chick
03/23/2021
Quarentimes #9 - Chalonda White | Afro.Beer.Chick
Chalonda White, host of This Chick Talks Beer podcast and curator of Afro.Beer.Chick, joins Ed and Day to talk about her start in the beer industry, one that has become instrumental for connecting Black drinkers. As an expert in beer and bourbon, she talks both with Ed and Day and also shares her extensive knowledge of the Chicago brewing scene – one that includes 160+ breweries. Listen in as she offers a hilarious take on how she keeps her “liver poppin’” before turning serious and discusses the lack of urban breweries. Midway through, the conversation gets personal, and wildly entertaining, as the trio discusses the mix of the personal and professional. Ms. White explains how her other project, The Neat Pour, a podcast she hosts with her husband, has been affected by the pandemic and how bourbon helps keep things smoothed over. Ed and Day sip a Black is Beautiful collab from Modern Methods, one that was brewed by Hannah Ferguson, Ohio’s only female Black brewer, and features cocoa nibs and strawberry. Day places the collab in his top three, and Ms. White lists her own favorites and places Second Shift out of St. Louis as her favorite. The closing segment explores the different beer crazes as Afro.Beer.Chick begs for a, “a good, clean, old-fashioned IPA.” A fantastic listen from start to finish. Find more about Chalonda White across social media: @afro.beer.chick
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Quarentimes #8 - Marcus Cox
03/16/2021
Quarentimes #8 - Marcus Cox
The Drinking Partners bring comedy back on tap as they welcome comic Marcus Cox and reminisce on their early days as performers. It doesn’t take long for the jokes and jabs to start and the laughter to spread as Ed and Day banter back and forth and Marcus joins in, which listeners will recognize as a true return to form for the Drinking Partners. The trio gets momentarily serious as they discuss comedy as a profession during pandemic times and the difficulties that have accompanied closed stages and venues. And then the conversation transitions into oversized belt buckles, earrings, and other aughts-centric style, as Ed remarks, “These kids don’t know.” This latest Drinking Partners release is more than just entertainment, as it fully explores several angles of careers in comedy, from financial security to self-preservation and promotion, with Marcus explaining how his own business ventures - MC Auto Detailing - has helped support him throughout the last year. Another classic Drinking Partners listen, filled with philosophy on comedy and beyond, and one that offers enough laughs to last until the next release. Yet also offers some hate for crinkle cut fries. Find Marcus on Facebook as Marcus Cox and on IG: @marcuscomedy86
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