Draught Politics

This week we're at Maplewood Brewery, having survived yesterday's dust storm. We dive into Pope Leo XIV's labor-focused agenda, Trump's sketchy new Qatari 747, and the administration's budget chaos. The DHS is running out of money in July while Republicans argue over how badly to cut Medicaid. Be sure to stick around to hear about the state fair lineup. Seems like we'll have an extra special butter cow this year!

We check out the rebranded Ravinia Brewing, now called Diversey House, a collaboration between Moore's Brewing and Steep Ravine. While enjoying their beers, we discuss Trump's first 100 days, cabinet chaos, and the ongoing Abrego Garcia case. Plus, we dive into the impacts of China tariffs and major retirements in Illinois politics.

This week we're at Spiteful Brewing discussing authoritarian moves by Trump and his allies, from rendition to El Salvador to attacks on universities. We dive into the courts pushing back, while enjoying some crisp IPAs and excellent Hefeweizen. The Pope even makes an appearance, delivering some divine shade to JD Vance.

This week we hit up Hop Butcher to discuss some wild politics over high ABV beers. We chat about travel stories from Hawaii and Australia, dissect the NSA's Signal chat debacle, and dive into Trump's revenge tour against universities and law firms. Good thing these beers are strong - it's been a heavy week!

This week we're at Revolution Brewing discussing Trump's mounting legal challenges and the rise of fascism. We sample their Repo Man rye stout while covering CPAC's Nazi salutes, governors standing up to Trump's threats, and whether the Pope's health crisis matters. Between sips of barrel-aged beers, we ponder resistance strategies and the importance of long-term vision in politics.

This week we're at Off Color's Mouse Trap taproom, trying to make sense of the overwhelming political chaos. We discuss everything from trans rights to FAA regulations while sipping on their delicious Stoutling. We navigate the serious stuff but end on a hopeful note about ways to resist and stay engaged in these challenging times.

We're at Spiteful Brewing on Inauguration Day, watching the transition of power with a mix of dread and dark humor. We discuss Trump's parade of tech billionaires and the horrors that may or may not be coming. At least the freezing temperatures kept the outdoor celebrations to a minimum and the flag poles frozen at half-staff for Jimmy Carter.

This week we're at Is/Was Brewing on Ravenswood, diving into their saison-focused lineup while tackling the heavy start to 2025. We cover Jimmy Carter's passing, Trump's inauguration donors, and disturbing New Year's Day attacks. Though the mood is somber, we find some levity in their excellent beers.

This week we venture to the Hop Leaf in Andersonville, moving away from our usual brewery visits to the best beer bar in Chicago. We even have a special guest! This week we discuss the continuing resolution drama, Elon Musk's growing political influence, and Trump's shadow presidency while enjoying some seriously fancy beers served in proper glassware. Who's in charge here? The Belgian quads are, that's who!

This week we head to Ravinia Brewing before they close to relaunch as Steep Ravine Brewing. The rumors of their demise were a bit exaggerated. In politics news, we talk about Trump's potential cabinet picks, including the alcoholic and abusive Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary. Plus, we cover South Korea's brief martial law adventure and Assad's sudden departure from Syria.

Drowning in post-election vibes at Cultivate by Forbidden Root, we're hashing out the baffling blame game and contemplating the political pendulum swing. Amidst the pints, we dive into grand theories of what happened, and where do we go from here.

This week, we're stewing about the upcoming election at Spiteful Brewing after a failed attempt at Hop Butcher. We dive into how polls are playing tricks, and confirm our love for Spiteful's space and drinks. We're almost there everybody, buckle up!

After looking at the polls in abject terror we figured it'd be good to have a drink. So this week we're at Revolution Brewing to talk about the last days of the election. Trump's increasingly bizarre public appearances? Yup, we've got that. Details about the A and B zones of the CPS board elections? It's all right here!

This week we hit up Old Irving Brewing for some tasty lagers and sours. We chat about the upcoming VP debate, Trump's fascist crime and housing plans, and some frustrating interviews with Harris. Also, we delve into school politics in Chicago. Don't forget: early voting starts this week in Chicago!

We record at O'Shaughnessy's pub, nervously gearing up for debate night. Kamala Harris preps intensely while Trump claims he's not prepping, yet gets coached by Gaetz and Gabbard. Kamala dominates and Trump, well, does Trump. Tune in for chaos, politics, and our liberal takes.

This week we hang out at Spiteful on the perfect Chicago summer day! We talk all about the DNC and our volunteer experiences, including hugging strangers at the airport. Plus, highlights from Tim Walz's killer speech and Harris' roll call vote surprises (like, seriously, who expected Lil Jon?). Oh, and RFK found a roadkill whale...because why not?

This week we hang out at Dovetail, EJ contemplates barrel-rolling Italian plumbers, and Steve enjoys a Festweiss. Join us as we dive into the VP race, the charming Tim Walz, and the perils of actually listening to Trump's speeches. We got all the hot takes and hot dishes you can handle!

This week we're at O'Shaughnessy's for a hot take on the longest nine days in politics ever. Biden's out, Harris is in, and we're thrilled! Fundraising records, rapid endorsements, and VP speculation—oh my! Also, did Steve fail the DNC background check? Get pumped, politic pals!

This week we're navigating Begyle's delicious ales while skirting train noise. Of course there's been some news since our last podcast. To start, there's European elections and Menendez being found guilty. It feels like there's some other stuff to talk about though...

This week, we found ourselves at an unusual spot - Almost Home Tavern and Grill - to catch the debate. We discuss SCOTUS' busy term, stumbling on lazy judges, Clarence Thomas taking millions, and the perennial Trump saga. Then the debate started. Truly it is the year of the fuck.

This week, we braved the beautiful weather to record at Dovetail, despite some tech hiccups. We discussed the big news: Trump's 34-count felony conviction. We also chatted about misinformation, disinformation, and everything in between. Cheers!

We crash-land at Spiteful Brewing for episode 113! Last episode we forgot to talk about our beer at Ravinia because we were so focused on tacos. Oops! Today, we're diving into the complicated mess of Trump trials, Rudy's surprise birthday guest, and even a high-speed political heist in Taiwan—yes, really. Plus, some intriguing Supreme Court updates, including Alito's upside-down flag. But wait, there's more: tons of beers sampled and loved at Spiteful. Cheers to justice, dogs, and delicious drinks!

This week at Ravinia, we're swapping political rants for taco rants because it's Taco Tuesday, baby! We've got our eyes on the Trump trial circus, marveling at the legal shenanigans. Also, we're plotting to pay for silence in beer since it's apparently legal - handy, right? Stick around for a masterclass in political absurdity and taco appreciation.

We dive into Draught Politics at Demo Brewing Company, nano-brewing our way through recent chaos from political figures to AI targeting systems. It's been a bit, so grab a brew and let's catch up!

We're at Begyle, on St. Paddy's, and diving deep into Chicago's all-out green chaos and the Steeler's quarterback room. Don't worry though, we've got what you need to prep you for the primary this Tuesday. Grab a pint, and listen in!

Wow, another sunny day in Chicago has us soaking up rays (and possibly a sunburn) at Half Acre, where the beer is as delightful as ever. Too bad our spirits aren't as light after diving into the latest Supreme Court shenanigans, state politics, and the ongoing tragedy in Gaza. Good thing we've got local Chicago matters and the 'Bring Chicago Home' initiative to keep our hope (and blood alcohol level) up. Cheers?

We're at Illuminated Brewworks, diving into everything from Russians buying Starlink in Ukraine to local Chicago politics. Also, is Tucker Carlson secretly trying to get a grocery gig with his awe at Russian shopping carts?

We're trading political punches over beers at Hop Butcher, talking about Nikki Haley's bold move against Trump, the 2024 election rollercoaster, and Arizona's wild Senate race. Plus, some serious legal drama for Trump and a brief on the Israeli situation. Strap in; it's a bumpy ride!

Today's hilariously chilling episode comes from Double Clutch Brewing in Evanston, the furthest we've braved for beer. We dove into the frothy currents of political and legal chaos, joked about Trump's mounting legal fees and his unusual courtroom confession, while sipping fantastic beers and cozying up to the best pretzels around. Next up, we brace for a record-cold Iowa caucus where Trump's inevitability could be his Achilles' heel. Stay warm and tuned!

We're sipping the good stuff at Revolution Brewery on Kedzie while diving into juicy political topics. The 14th Amendment's impact on Trump's ballot woes gets dissected, and Illinois' new laws, including minimum wage hikes and banning book bans, spark our debate. Plus, we touch on CPS changes and migrant challenges without losing our humor over a hint of Aaron Rodgers' unvaccinated stance. No Epstein list scoop yet, though!

This episode at Off Color's Mousetrap is a festive one where we revel in former Alderman Ed Burke's conviction, sip unique brews, and end the year both somberly and humorously, contemplating the existential dread of 2024. Season's Greetings!

On this episode recorded at Begyle Brewing, we talked about a range of topics from saying goodbye to controversial political figures like Henry Kissinger George Santos' cameo antics. As always, we ended on Chicago politics, talking about the city's challenge with accommodating migrants sent from border states and the canceled plan for a tent city on contaminated land. Cheers to another deep-dive discussion all served up with a side of quality Begyle brews.

This week we stopped by Metropolitan Brewery despite some location mix-ups. We discussed their bankruptcy woes and sipped beers like their Crankshaft Kölsch. Politics-wise, we dove into the chaos of Trump's legal entanglements and upcoming trials, Congress' fumbles, and a bit on international tensions. Also, a nod to Hunter Biden slapping lawsuits on his detractors and local Chicago politics, from budgets to the fate of the Skokie Swift. Stay tuned for local brewery love and political banter, topped with a Lions vs. Packers Thanksgiving game chat!

In episode 101 at Ravinia Brewing, we made it past our centennial mark and dove into some legal brew-haha between Ravinia Brewing and Ravinia Festival. We also chewed on Congress taking petty swipes at Pete Buttigieg and the ongoing saga of Trump's legal battles. Plus, a fun detour into Chicago's political theatre, with a progressive push for housing funding and an alderman's physical scuffle over a vote. Our beer picks? Pumpkin alt and more!

In this episode, we celebrated the 100th episode of "Draught Politics" at the District Brew Yards. We had a lively chat with special guest Carl Rutherford from Twisted Hippo who gave a deep-dive on the state of the beer politic world and its struggles, including the stalled direct-to-consumer laws and overall impact of the pandemic on lesser-known breweries. Our chats ranged from serious global events to the importance of supporting local breweries and creating sustainable growth within the sector.

This week we grasp desperately at the last days of summer, enjoying some beers on the lovely deck at Metropolitan brewing. Of course we'll talk about the latest news of the fraudster in chief and discuss the looming government shutdown.

This week we grasp desperately at the last days of summer, enjoying some beers on the lovely deck at Metropolitan brewing. Of course we'll talk about the latest news of the fraudster in chief and discuss the looming government shutdown.

This week we're at one of our favorites, Half Acre, to enjoy some beers and cover the latest in the Trump indictments. Hint: it isn't going well for Trump if the law matters.

This week we're at one of our favorites, Half Acre, to enjoy some beers and cover the latest in the Trump indictments. Hint: it isn't going well for Trump if the law matters.

This week we head back to Eris to have some delicious ciders, delivered automatically through the power of technology. We talk all about the indictments of course. No, not those indictments, the other ones. NO, THE OTHER ONES! Tune in, won't you?

This week we head back to Eris to have some delicious ciders, delivered automatically through the power of technology. We talk all about the indictments of course. No, not those indictments, the other ones. NO, THE OTHER ONES! Tune in, won't you?

This week we risk the apocalypse by going outside the borders of Chicago to visit Temperance brewing located in Evanston. Of course we've got lots of indictment related news to talk about, but if you tune in this week, you can find out what the cutest animal on the planet is!

This week we risk the apocalypse by going outside the borders of Chicago to visit Temperance brewing located in Evanston. Of course we've got lots of indictment related news to talk about, but if you tune in this week, you can find out what the cutest animal on the planet is!

This week is a big week for Draught Politics where we bring in our Will Hurd correspondent, Carol, to talk with us about all things Will Hurd! That plus we have plenty of our new segment, Judgef**kery!

This week is a big week for Draught Politics where we bring in our Will Hurd correspondent, Carol, to talk with us about all things Will Hurd! That plus we have plenty of our new segment, Judgef**kery!

Naturally the indictments came out AFTER we recored this episode, but we were able to get together and ensure that we talked about them. We'll start with a regular full episode, recorded at Maplewood brewery, and then at the end we have some bonus content dedicated to the indictments. Enjoy!

Naturally the indictments came out AFTER we recored this episode, but we were able to get together and ensure that we talked about them. We'll start with a regular full episode, recorded at Maplewood brewery, and then at the end we have some bonus content dedicated to the indictments. Enjoy!

This week we're back at Old Irving Brewing for some beers, some politics, and of course, their delicious soft pretzels. It's been a while so we spend some time catching up on the latest goings on with Nobel Prize winner, George Santos, and of course that sexual assaulter, Trump.

This week we're back at Old Irving Brewing for some beers, some politics, and of course, their delicious soft pretzels. It's been a while so we spend some time catching up on the latest goings on with Nobel Prize winner, George Santos, and of course that sexual assaulter, Trump.