Ballots & Brews

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If we’re gonna talk politics, we might as well have a pint or two. Ballots + Brews features local Topeka, KAN brewers followed by discussion on all things government and politics at all levels. Featuring interviews with elected officials, Ballots & Brews help break down all those political things you’ve always wondered about and we try and have fun along the way. Think of it like the “Daily Show” meets CSPAN meets “Schoolhouse Rock?” Ballots & Brews host Angel Romero, show airs on KSEF-DB Topeka 785Live.com

Angel Romero


    • May 23, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 2m AVG DURATION
    • 45 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Ballots & Brews

    S2 E27: Sit down with the Mayor

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2022 48:34


    Interview with Mayor Padilla plus our final Take Action moment of the session. Cheers!

    S2 E26: Interview with Salut Wine and Cocktail Lounge and Lalo Munoz

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2022 65:17


    Plus Salut Cocktail Lounge

    S2 E25: Interview with Hannah Naeger and Tap That Topeka

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2022 64:34


    Learn about the upcoming Tap That Topeka beer event in Downtown Topeka plus we speak with Hannah Naeger All that and more on this week's episode of Ballots + Brews with your host Angel Romero

    S2 E24: Wes Thulin and Tim Carpenter

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2022 72:47


    Summer beer releases, beer trends and beer events - all while we chat with our friend Wes from Strathman Distribuuting. Then a look inside Kansas Reflector with journalist Tim Carpenter. That and more on this week's Ballots + Brews with host Angel Romero.

    S2 E23: Willcott Brewing and Topeka Interim City Manager Bill Cochran

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2022 75:22


    Interview with Willcott Brewing (Jackson County's Oldest and Largest (and only ;)) brewery, as well as a sit down with Topeka Interim City Manager Bill Cochran.

    S2 E22: Jacqueline Lightcap - League of Women Voters

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2022 53:25


    Interview with Jacque Lightcap, League of Women Voters

    S2 E21: The Pennant and Sherman Smith, Editor of the Kansas Reflector

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2022 74:56


    Interview with Seth from The Pennant and then Sherman Smith from Kansas Reflector

    S2 E20: Adam VanDonge and Deputy Mayor Spencer Duncan

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2022 61:30


    Interview with Spencer Duncan and Adam from The White Linen

    S2 E19: Celtic Fox and Representative Annie Kuether

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2022 53:53


    We speak wioth Representative Annie Kuether about her many years of service, local bills and equity across the board. But first, we talk beer, food and remodel of Celtic Fox with Katie. Plus what's been happening in local and state government. Grab a pint, it's been one wild week. All that and more with host Angel Romero on this week's Ballots + Brews, presented by seveneightfive magazine and KSEF digital radio. GET SOCIAL https://twitter.com/ballotsbrews (TWITTER) https://www.facebook.com/BallotsBrewsTopeka (FACEBOOK) https://785live.com/show-support/ (Support this Podcast)

    S2 E18 - Beer Trivia w/ Kerrice and Kansas Action for Children's John Wilson

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2022 73:22


    Play along as we quiz Kerrice Mapes- Publisher/Editor of 785 Magazine on beer trivia! Then listen for our Beer Flight as we recap all the craziness of the last week in state and local government! Our special guest this week is "recovering legislator" John Wilson, President of Kansas Action for Children. We talk all things early ed, and how the legislature can give all kids a successful start! PLUS we talk about our NEW time! That's right- we're moving! Catch our shows now on 785live.com MONDAYS at 8 pm, with a re-airing Tuesday morning at 8 am, starting Monday Feb 28th! Don't forget to follow us on social media, and leave a review if you like what you hear!

    S2 E17: @TopekaBeer and Senator Kristen O'shea

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2022 51:20


    It's a hot mess in the KS Legislature, let's be real. To help is all go down better, we talk beer and new releases with Wes from Strathman Sales / @TopekaBeer and then our interview with Senator Kristen O'Shea.

    S2 E16: Specks Tavern and Representative Jesse Borjon

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2022 75:57


    Try the 3lb burger at Speck's Tavern Interview with Representative Jesse Borjon Plus all the local and state politically happenings, recapped. That and more on this week's Ballots + Brews with host Angel Romero https://twitter.com/ballotsbrews (TWITTER) https://www.facebook.com/BallotsBrewsTopeka (FACEBOOK)

    S2 E15: Kelly Rippel, Kansans for Hemp + Ryan Cavanaugh, Brew Bank

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2022 70:17


    Here's the tap menu for the show! We're excited to start off talking with our friend Ryan from https://www.facebook.com/brewbanktopeka/?__cft__[0]=AZVq-mR1tok_lgCdWDTgrL3yDqXUlt1qg5jkaC-Gns9_aKBaG3JnNMyhXZ1PqwzBoKeYRU60XFFi3I3Sh4yPDd-JVrBUcSvKjQzfi00lwx_i9lugFMD33uLRHHmiDsLda4jXrzsEUPG8VAECn3xAKDJr&__tn__=kK-R (Brew Bank)! Then we've got LOTS of ground to cover both locally and at the statehouse- from big dollars getting spent on city infrastructure to the absolute hot mess that was this week's redistricting nonsense. And of course we get to talk with https://www.facebook.com/kelly.a.rippel?__cft__[0]=AZVq-mR1tok_lgCdWDTgrL3yDqXUlt1qg5jkaC-Gns9_aKBaG3JnNMyhXZ1PqwzBoKeYRU60XFFi3I3Sh4yPDd-JVrBUcSvKjQzfi00lwx_i9lugFMD33uLRHHmiDsLda4jXrzsEUPG8VAECn3xAKDJr&__tn__=-]K-R (Kelly Austin Rippel) from Kansans for Hemp about the push for medical cannabis and more in Kansas! TWITTER FACEBOOK Support this podcast

    S2 E14: Rep Fred Patton & Ryan's Pub

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2022 52:00


    We talked with Ryan's Pub, a local watering hole in Brookwood Shopping Center keeping tradition alive. Then a chat with Rep Fred Patton That and more on this week's Ballots + Brews with host Angel Romero FOLLOW US TWITTER FACEBOOK Support this podcast

    S2 E13- Kerrice Mapes and Senator Brenda Dietrich

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2022 67:20


    Interview with Brenda Dietrich and Kerrice Mapes from seveneightfive magazine shares her 2022 beergoals. CHEERS! Support this podcast

    S2 E12 - Verns & Derik Flerlage, Shawnee County Health Department

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2021 70:20


    Interview with Morgan Lynn from Vern's Retail Liquor and an update on the status of COVID-19 in our community, and how we can stay safe during the holidays, with Derik Flerlage from the Shawnee County Health Department. Support this podcast

    S2 E11 - Brett Kell and Happy Basset

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2021 54:04


    Upcoming events at Happy Basset and Barrel House plus interview with city councilman Brett Kell BALLOTS & BREWS https://twitter.com/ballotsbrews (TWITTER) https://www.facebook.com/BallotsBrewsTopeka (FACEBOOK) Support this podcast

    S2 E10 - Interview with Spencer Duncan and Kerrice Mapes

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2021 61:21


    Holiday events by seveneightfive magazine and interview with Spencer Duncan, city councilman district 8 FOLLOW BALLOTS + BREWS ON SOCIAL MEDIA https://twitter.com/ballotsbrews (TWITTER) https://www.facebook.com/BallotsBrewsTopeka (FACEBOOK) Support this podcast

    S2 E9 - Interview with Crooked Post Winery & Sarah Sanders

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2021 44:38


    Write-in ballot "how-to" from Sarah Sanders and how and when to crush Kansas grapes and enjoy amazing wine - it's all happening at Crooked Post Winery. Here what's coming up from co-owner Lori Henderson. It's all tonight on Ballots & Brews with host Angel Romero. Cheers! https://twitter.com/ballotsbrews (TWITTER) https://www.facebook.com/BallotsBrewsTopeka (FACEBOOK) Support this podcast

    S2 E8 - Interview with Mayor-Elect Mike Padilla

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2021 39:59


    Interview with newly elected mayor of Topeka Mike Padilla Support this podcast

    S2 E7 - Meet the Candidates

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2021 72:50


    Interview with Wes Thulin from Strathman Sales plus a one-on-one interview with candidates Regina Platt, Ariane Davis and Neil Dobler. All here on Ballots & Brews. https://twitter.com/ballotsbrews (TWITTER) https://www.facebook.com/BallotsBrewsTopeka (FACEBOOK) Support this podcast

    S2 E6 - District 5 and Johnny's Tavern

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2021 50:12


    Interview with candidates for District 5 plus we check in with Johnny's Tavern https://twitter.com/ballotsbrews (TWITTER) https://www.facebook.com/BallotsBrewsTopeka (FACEBOOK) Support this podcast

    S2 E5 - Meet the Candidates - District 1 & District 9

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2021 71:56


    Meet the Candidates running for District 1 and District 9 plus we chat with Arial Coffman from Fedeli's Steak and Pasta located at The Weather Room in Cyrus Hotel. All that and more on this week's Ballots and Brews with your host Angel Romero. LET'S GET SOCIAL https://twitter.com/ballotsbrews (TWITTER) https://www.facebook.com/BallotsBrewsTopeka (FACEBOOK) Support this podcast

    S2 E4 Candidate Forum - Part Two

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2021 65:41


    Part Two - Questions from the audience Support this podcast

    S2 E4 - Candidate Forum - Part One

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2021 47:40


    Hear from 11 candidates in the upcoming election BONUS - play the drinking game while you listen https://twitter.com/ballotsbrews (TWITTER) https://www.facebook.com/BallotsBrewsTopeka (FACEBOOK) *This is a two-part podcast Support this podcast

    S2 E3 - Norsemen Brewing

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2021 70:40


    Learn more about Norsemen Brewery's "Spookeasy" Halloween-themed pop-up bar! Plus a recap from this week's Mayoral and City Council Candidate Forum! FOLLOW THE SHOWhttps://twitter.com/ballotsbrews (TWITTER) https://www.facebook.com/BallotsBrewsTopeka (FACEBOOK) Support this podcast

    S2 E2 - Leo Cangiani

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2021 75:36


    Interview with the Pennant (audio issues - sorry - you can skip to timestamp 12:30 min if needed) but summary of what is happening there plus interview with mayoral candidate Leo Cangiani FOLLOW US ON https://twitter.com/ballotsbrews (TWITTER) https://www.facebook.com/BallotsBrewsTopeka (FACEBOOK) Support this podcast

    S2 E1 - Happy Basset + Mike Padilla

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2021 70:18


    Season Two of Ballots + Brews, and just in time to talk about local elections. Join host Angel Romero every Thursday at 8p as he talks all things beer and politics. This week Angel visits with Happy Basset Brewing plus has an in-depth conversation with Topeka mayoral candidate Mike Padilla. https://twitter.com/ballotsbrews (TWITTER) https://www.facebook.com/BallotsBrewsTopeka (FACEBOOK) Support this podcast

    #29 - Mayor De La Isla

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2021 37:37


    Season 1 Finale we interview Mayor Michele De La Isla (and also figure out that we are related by two cousins removed). Hear how Topeka's Mayor got her start, her experience as Mayor and hopes for the future. It's all right here on Ballots + Brews, KSEF Digital Radio, 785Live.com Support this podcast

    #28 - Shawnee County Health Officer Dr. Erin Locke

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2021 40:18


    Our special interview with Shawnee County Health Officer Dr. Erin Locke covering all kinds of ground from vaccines to masks to a "return to normalcy", and her hometown of WaKeeney, KS! Support this podcast

    #27- Tony Emerson // Joanna from Burger Stand

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2021 76:27


    Interview with Tony Emerson and reprise of interview with Joanna from Burger Stand Support this podcast

    #26 - Jacqueline Lightcap // Nic from Brass Rail Tavern

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2021 75:47


    Lots of school board talk and how to take action. Black Lives Matter Visit with Nic from "the oldest tavern" in Topeka and staple of Oakland Community. Preview of their annual Derby Party on May 1. #GetRailed Support this podcast

    #25 - Christina Valdivia-Alcalá // Tap That Topeka

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2021 68:31


    Christina Valdivia-Alcalá gets real with her role on city council and what it takes to be a good leader plus we get the first draw on the 2021 Tap That Topeka, the largest beer fest in the Midwest. You won't want to miss it, and be sure to grab a pretzel necklace (life changing). SHOW NOTES: Link to purchase Tap That Topeka Tickets: https://tickets.topekapartnership.com/e/tap-that-topeka/tickets (https://tickets.topekapartnership.com/e/tap-that-topeka/tickets) Shawnee County Health Department Vaccine Info: http://www.snco.us/hd/COVID19_Vaccination.asp (http://www.snco.us/hd/COVID19_Vaccination.asp) Kansas Vaccine Info: https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/ (https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/) Support this podcast

    #24 – Derik Flerlage

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2021 58:03


    We've got an EXTRA SPECIAL edition of Ballots & Brews coming to you for tonight's new episode!  We sit down and crack open a beer with Derik Flerlage, Infectious Disease Division Manager with the Shawnee County Health Department to talk all things COVID-19!  Why do I still need a mask after I get vaccinated? What percent do we need to reach for "herd immunity" in our county? What can we expect in the months ahead? And more!  There is also a robust discussion about the awesomeness of Rossville, and a couple other side-notes. HOST: Angel Romero https://www.facebook.com/BallotsBrewsTopeka (FACEBOOK PAGE) https://785live.com/ (LISTEN LIVE) every Thursday at 8p and Friday at 8a on KSEF digital radio Topeka Support this podcast

    #23 – Neil Dobler // @TopekaBeer

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2021 68:36


    Featuring interviews with Wes Thulin, Strathman Sales @TopekaBeer and City Councilman Neil Dobler. Plus, grab that beer as we take you through the past week of local, state and national politics. It's a doozie (again), so get your drinking game face on. Cheers! Ballots & Brews airs Thursday at 8pm on KSEF digital radio Topeka. Learn more at 785Live.com  Host: Angel Romero Support this podcast

    #22 – Brent Trout // The Burger Stand

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2021 59:40


    Get a beer, or five...because this week has been a doozie.   We start with a great interview with Joanna Baker from Burger Stand and talk about the opening at their new location in Brookwood Shopping Center. Next is our round up (and thoughts on why you should still be wearing a mask). City Manager Brent Trout visit the show and shares with us what exactly a city manager does, what his team has been up to and then has a bit of fun as we school him on some local trivia. Finally, as always, is your Take Action moment. Nestled in today's Podcast (before Take Action moment) is a 60-second spot created for seveneightfive magazine / KSEF digital radio by local artist Seuss Mace.  Sit back, crack a cold one or pour yourself a pint of local goodness and get ready for another jam-packed episode of Ballots & Brews with your host Angel Romero. CHEERS! Support this podcast

    #21 – Aaron Mays // The Pennant

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2021 76:06


    It was another busy week in local politics. Join Ballots & Brews host Angel Romero for a recap, a look at The Pennant's new pop-up bar plus interview with Shawnee County Commissioner Aaron Mays and the who, when, where, how of COVID vaccine shots in Shawnee County.  It's all on this week's episode of Ballots + Brews, KSEF digital radio Topeka.  Learn more at 785Live.com  Follow Ballots & Brews on Facebook to stay-up-to-date CHEERS! Support this podcast

    #20 – Mike Lesser // Norseman Brewing Co.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2021 74:20


    An interview with City Councilman Mike Lesser and Adam from Norseman Brewing Co.  A throw-back to Top City Thursdays, where and what the City Plan looks like and what happened this week in local politics.  All with your host Angel Romero Cheers! Ballots & Brews airs Thursdays at 8p and Fridays at 8a on KSEF digital radio Topeka. Learn more and listen live at 785Live.com  KSEF-DB is part of the seveneightfive magazine family Support this podcast

    #19 - Lalo Munoz // Happy Basset Brewing

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2021 61:52


    featuring Happy Basset Barrel House and interview with Lalo Munoz ORG. AIR DATE: 02.25.21 on KSEF-DB Listen live, learn more about the show, past episodes, etc all at https://785live.com/ (785Live.com ) https://785live.com/ (seveneightfive.com) #BallotsBrews Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/BallotsBrewsTopeka (Facebook) for updates and links we mention in our shows BALLOTS & BREWS Thursdays at 8pm + Fridays at 8am Support this podcast

    #18 - Vicki Schmidt // White Linen

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2021 59:59


    Ballots & Brews takes a siesta from beer and talks cocktails with Chef Adam VanDonge, owner and chef of https://www.thewhitelinen.com/ (The White Linen. ) Next, we discuss JEDO (drink if this acronym is new to you) and the similes of college and the KS legislative session. Finally, (and most exciting)https://insurance.kansas.gov/about-us/ ( Kansas Insurance Commissioner) Vicki Schmidt joins us for a convo all insurance style. ORG. AIR DATE: 02.25.21 on KSEF-DB Listen live, learn more about the show, past episodes, etc all at https://785live.com/ (785Live.com ) https://785live.com/ (seveneightfive.com) #BallotsBrews Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/BallotsBrewsTopeka (Facebook) for updates and links we mention in our shows BALLOTS & BREWS Thursdays at 8pm + Fridays at 8am https://785live.com/shows/ballots-brews/ (Host: Angel Romero) Support this podcast

    #17 - Mike Padilla // The Burger Stand

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2021 69:42


    Interview with Topeka Deputy Major Mike Padilla, who visits Ballots & Brews on his birthday. Round Up discussion on sports gambling in Topeka plus exciting news about The BurgerStand moving from College Hill to Brookwood Shopping Center and Happy Basset's 785 Pale Ale.  Ballots & Brews airs every Thursday at 8p on KSEF-DB. Listen and learn more at 785Live.com  Host: Angel Romero Support this podcast

    #16 - Karen Hiller // Celtic Fox

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2021 67:05


    Interview with Katie from Celtic Fox located in downtown Topeka plus interview with councilwoman Karen Hiller who debuts a new city-wide project which includes Mosiac conversations with area organizations, leaders and neighborhoods. Plus a look at her favorites in District 1.  Host: Angel Romero Ballots & Brews airs on KSEF-DB every Thursday at 8pm. Listen live at 785Live.com  brought to you by seveneightfive magazine Support this podcast

    #3 - Chief of Police // Brew Bank

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2020 56:41


    Episode 3 featuring Brew Bank and Chief of Police Support this podcast

    #2 - Hannah Neager // Norseman Brewery

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 64:05


    Interview with Norseman Brewing, Hannah Neager Topeka City Council plus weekly round-up and take action steps. Hear it live Thursday nights at 8p and Friday morning at 8a on 785Live.com CHEERS! Support this podcast

    #1 - Scott Schwab // Happy Basset Brewing

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2020 46:24


    Political and pint aficionado, Angel Romero, checks in with Happy Basset Brewing (Topeka, KAN) and interviews Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab plus obscure Kansas law trivia. The interviews end with a political music piece: My Shot by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Anthony Ramos, Daveed Diggs, Okieriete Onaodowan, Leslie Odom, Jr., Original Broadway Cast of Hamilton Support this podcast

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