Loungin' with Locals

Had another opportunity to do an in person episode with a colleague and jumped on it! This time, I sit down with Mickael and learn about all the things going on in the capital of Madagascar! This was a great episode and I really loved hearing about all the places Mickael likes to go with his friends and family. 

Man, it's been waaaaaay too long. Between COVID and life, it's been a year and a half since my last episode. Finally back at it, in a BIG way, with my first in person interview! Super excited about this one to learn about Mbabane and Mr. Swaziland himself, Bonnie Makhanya. We talk about all the cool stuff in and around Mbabane and how you really need to come visit this beautiful country! 

After a few weeks off, I get back to talking to my old lacrosse teammates, cause that's what I do! Todd (@nomajolly) and I played at Oregon together and he has since moved to the town right next door to where I grew up; Sonoma, California. Todd gives us a great breakdown of all the food, wine, and a bit a history of the area. Really enjoyed this one, I hope y'all do too! 

Had a great time catching up with my old friend Haley and talking all about her hometown of Mobile, Alabama. We talk about gulf seafood, history, greasy burgers, and sunsets! Hope y'all enjoy this one as much as I did, and if you ever find yourself in the Gulf Coast, you gotta look Haley (@alabamahaley) up!

Really had a great time with this one. Not only did I get to catch up with a good friend but also got another international episode into the library! Chris Miller is an old Oregon buddy who has served as a Kyiv based journalist for the last 10 years or so. We get into some history of Kyiv, as well as cover great places to eat and drink! You can ask Chris any other questions you might have on twitter @ChristopherJM

And we're back! After a few weeks off, we have a great new episode AND NEW ICON ART! Stoked about all of this, but mostly about the chance to sit down with my amazing friend Rachel Duffy and talk about her new home and community in Fort Worth. We had a chance to catch up and talk about the cool little neighborhoods and coffee shops she hits up but didn't forget the breweries and dive bars too. Hope y'all enjoy and as always, thanks for the listen!

Another week, another awesome episode getting to chat with an old college lacrosse teammate. Today Paul Swanson and I catch up and chat about his nook of LA, Redondo Beach and the surrounding areas. Always fun to catch up with old teammates and this one is no exception! Thanks for coming on Paul and hope everyone enjoys!

Had a great time talking to an old teammate and buddy from my days at University of Oregon days. Thanks Ben for coming on and letting us know about all the cool places you like to eat, drink and get outside in the Rose City! Looking forward to the day I can get up there and hangout again. 

Chris is a great friend, and even better Chef in the DC area. Today we had a chance to talk about all the different places he likes to eat and drink, but mostly eat in DC and Northern Virginia. It's always a pleasure to talk to Chris and I hope y'all enjoy this one as much as I did! Go check out his new restaurant called Bammy's on the waterfront by the Navy Yard!

Today is a special episode for a few reasons. 1 - I've made it to 30 episodes, which is damn cool in itself. 2 - I get to talk about my home town. And 3 - I get to talk to with one of the most genuine, kind humans I know, my friend, Noele Rochon. We had a lot of fun talking about all the outdoor and food options in Napa, but as Noele notes, she's not much of a wine person, so that will be another episode. Hope y'all enjoy!

So today I changed it up and interviewed myself... was a bit of a ramble, but I had a good time talking about all the places I like to mostly eat and drink here in San Antonio. Hope y'all enjoy it, I had fun doing it, but next week we'll be back to our normal schedule of interviews of actual people, I don't think I wanna hear myself talk that much ever again! 

Today James (@jamesdaviswatkins) and I chat about the South Bay coastal cities of Los Angeles County. Had an awesome time hearing about all the places he likes to eat, drink, hit the beach and do a little hiking! Thanks for coming on James, had a blast... Can't wait to get back out to California and check some of them out! 

Had so much talking to my old friend Lindsey Gerdes about all the great spots in Denver. Linds and I met in Austin years ago, and have stayed friends ever since. She has now moved back to the great state of Colorado and gives us some insight into all the wonderful places to eat, drink, and have fun in the Mile High City! Hope y'all enjoy this one as much as I did! Thanks Linds!

Had a great time sitting down with my old lacrosse buddy Kyle Tolzman  (@kyletolzman) and talking about all the stuff going on in the wonderful Portland suburb of Hillsboro, OR. We talk about pizza joints, breweries, and some of the cool outdoor stuff to do out there. You can check out Kyle on instagram and hear more about him through his business and entrepreneur podcast Against All Average! Thanks for coming on Kyle and looking forward to the day I can get back up to the PNW. 

Hella fun time getting the chance to talk to an old lacrosse buddy, Andrew Vincent, about all the cool things going on in Seattle. Hear about all the great restaurants, bars, and neighborhoods that Seattle has to offer. Thanks for coming on Andrew and looking forward to the next time I can get up to the Great PNW and hangout!

Had a great time talking to my buddy Jason about all the cool shit that he does in SF, specifically in the North Beach neighborhood. We get into bars, restaurants, museums, and even talk about good late night shenanigans. I hope y'all enjoy this episode as much as I did! Thanks for coming on Jason and I look forward to the next time we can run around SF together. 

Today I sat down with my good buddy Julian Coffman and talked about all the cool outdoor shit to do in Park City and the surrounding areas. Known for incredible skiing, there are also a lot of fun summer activities to do as well. Appreciate Julian coming on and breaking down some of the stuff he does in Park City and I can't wait to get back out there again to visit! You can find about more about him at julian@juliancoffman.com

Had an awesome time today talking to my friend Ashley about all the cool shit she and her boyfriend Rob do in Jersey City and Manhattan. Was a joy to catch up with this wonderful soul and I hope I can get up that way to visit the two of them very soon! 

Had a chance to circle back on Dallas, Texas and talk to my buddy Scott about the incredible food scene and all the great places to eat in Dallas! Thanks for coming on Scott and looking forward to my next chance to get up to Dallas and eat all over the city! You can find out more about Scott @scottyfrieds on the gram. 

Had a great time talking with my buddy Mike Brand about all the happening spots in Buffalo, NY. Go over all the great outdoor activities, drinking spots, and of course where to get the best wings! Thanks for coming on Mike and he recommends checking out @buffalony on Instagram for more info about the great city. 

Had a wonderful time talking to my friend Michelle Rodriguez about all the cool stuff in Traverse City, Michigan today. Michelle (@amor_comida) is an incredible chef who loves the outdoors. We talk about great breweries, restaurants, and places to explore in Northern Michigan! 

This was a fun one! Got to chat with my buddy Will (@cornfedduck) about all the stuff going on in OKC. Will has some interesting thoughts on the city, but has grown to love his new home. We talk about some good breweries in town, the best steak, and much more! Thanks for coming on Will and I hope y'all enjoy!

Today's episode is a special one for me. I spent 4 years living in Eugene, OR for college at the University of Oregon and it will always hold a very important place in my heart. Had a ton of fun catching up with my buddy Kenny Weigandt (@kweigandt) and talking about all the changes and classics in the Eugene/Springfield area. Oregon is one of the most beautiful places in the country and Eugene really embodies it. 

Today was a fun one. Got a chance to talk to a friend from grad school and learn all about Richmond, VA. Cara (@_caranewman) talks to us about some great places to grab a beer, get something to eat, and see the perfect Richmond sunset from a rooftop. Thanks to Cara for coming on and I can't wait to get back out to VA and visit!Neighborhoods:Museum District - Trendy area full of art, culture, and restaurantsScott's Addition - Fun area with bars and good for going outShockoe Bottom - Historic district with cobblestone streetsThe Fan - District full of bars and restaurantsBars/Clubs/Breweries:The Veil Brewing CoStarr Hill - Brewery with cool rooftopTang & Biscuit - Bar with shuffleboard and gamesSlingshot Social Game Club - Games and beersThe Circuit Arcade BarJasper - Cocktails with speakeasy feelHofGarden - Great rooftop3 Monkeys - Dive barF.W. Sullivan's - BarRestaurants/Coffee Shops:Stella's - Elevated Greek foodAdarra - Spanish foodLunch or Supper - Biscuits and gravyCan Can Brasserie - French restaurant that feels like ParisSugar & Twine - Coffee shopKitchen 64 - Brunch with pitchers of mimosasLongoven - Modern American foodNorth End Juice CoPizza & Beer of RichmondMuseum/Arts/Concerts:The National - Cool venue to see showsBroadway Richmond - Smaller venue but cool showsHollywood Cemetery - Old, beautiful, full of historyVirginia Museum of Fine ArtsActivities:James River - River that runs through town, kayaking, trails, and walksUpper Shirley - VineyardMaymont Park - Japanese gardens

This one was great. Had a chance to talk to an old college buddy, Alan Rawls, and hear about all the cool stuff to do around Burlington, VT. Learned about some solid dive bars, the best places to go on a date, and of course, some good places to go hiking and see the scenery! Thanks for coming on Alan, and definitely want to make a trip out there in the fall to see the colors!Neighborhoods:Monkton - Suburb of BurlingtonOld North End - Blue collar, art and punk crowdBars/Clubs/Breweries:Hill Farmstead - BreweryLost Nation BreweryFrost Beer WorksTrapp Family Lodge - Austrian inspired lodge and breweryFiddlehead Brewing CoMagic Hat Brewing CoOtter Creek BreweryOlde Northender - Dive bar in townRestaurants/Coffee Shops:Misery Loves Co - Best date night spotAmerican Flatbread - Wood fired pizzaFolinos - PizzaPizza VeritaHen of the Wood - Very nice restaurant in town A Single Pebble - Chinese foodShelburne Market - Great deli sandwichesFarmhouse Tap & Grill - BurgersCity Market - SandwichesVillage Tavern - Labatt Blue on tapMuseum/Arts/Concerts:Flynn Center - Performing arts theater in townActivities:University of Vermont - College campus with activities and architecture Lake Champlain - Hiking, outdoors, lakeMad River Valley - Place to see the leaves change colorsNew Haven River - Fishing, hiking, colors

Today I sit down with the other Bell brother, Nathaniel (@nate_bell08) and talk about what's going on in Atlanta. Nathaniel gives some good tips and ideas on where to drink, eat, and get an afternoon jog/hike in. Had a great time talking to Nathaniel and definitely wanna get out there to check out a show sometime soon!Neighborhoods:Midtown - Hip bar and arts hubThe Battery - New Braves stadium and entertainment districtFive Points - Hipster neighborhood with cool barsEdgewood - Wild barsBars/Clubs/Breweries:New Realm - BrewerySweetwater - BreweryMJQ Concourse - Lounge/club in MidtownPunch Bowl Social - Games and fun activitiesHudson Grille - Sports barRestaurants/Coffee Shops:Bartaco - Mexican foodYardhouse - Chain American foodThe Vortex - Best burger in AtlantaEight Sushi - Good ramenO-Ku - SushiFox Brothers BBQ - Famous BBQ, long waitHeirloom Market BBQ - BBQ with Asian twistCafe Intermezzo - Dessert and martinisFlying Biscuit - BrunchMarlow's Tavern - BrunchTenth and Piedmont - Best chicken and wafflesMary Mac's - Southern comfort foodPonce City Market - Revitalized Sears Factory with restaurants, shopping, and food hallsMuseum/Arts/Concerts:High Museum of ArtRavine - EDM showsBuckhead Theater - Shows and eventsTabernacle - Old church turned music venueWorld of Coca-Cola - Factory tours and museumActivities:BeltLine - Trails and revitalization projects throughout the cityPiedmont Park - Park in the middle of the city with lake, outdoor areas, and volleyballBotanical Gardens Georgia Aquarium Chattahoochee River Hiking Trails

Today I talk with my buddy Jake (@jake_bell89) about all the fun places to check out in Dallas, Texas. We go over some of his favorite bars, running trails, pizza joints. Was great to catch up with Jake and hear about all of his favorite spots and I can't wait to visit Dallas again!Neighborhoods:Trinity Groves - Up and coming, on outskirts of UptownUptown - Good bars and restaurant sceneDeep Ellum - Lively entertainment districtThe Strip on Cedar Springs - Gay bars and clubsBars/Clubs/Breweries:Round-Up Saloon - Late night spotTrinity Cider - Craft ciderPublic School 214 - Tap houseRestaurants/Coffee Shops:Chicken Scratch - Fried chickenAscension - CoffeeMeddlesome Moth - Deconstructed platesAi - SushiCane Rosso - PizzaPie Tap PizzaSocial House Uptown - BrunchMuseum/Arts/Concerts:Angelika Theater - Indie filmsAlamo Draft House - Movies with full food service in seatsStereo Live - ConcertsPerot Museum of Natural ScienceDallas Museum of ArtActivities:Katy Trail - Trail that runs through entire cityTrinity Skyline Trail 

In this episode, I had a chance to sit down with my friend Meghan Keysboe (@_keysboe) and talk about all the happenings in Brooklyn. Had a blast learning about her neighborhood and truly how many options there are there! Looking forward to my next trip out there and checking out some of Meghan's favorite spots! Neighborhoods:Williamsburg - One stop off the L train into BrooklynBars/Clubs/Breweries:Iona - Good music and outdoor spaceMaison Premier - Oysters and absinthe bar The Narrows - Cocktail bar in BushwickThe Four Horsemen - Incredible wine listGrimm Ales - BreweryKings County Brewers Collective - BeersRestaurants/Coffee Shops:Sunday in Brooklyn - Brunch spotPartners Coffee Devocion - Coffee direct from Colombia Oslo - Coffee shop run by Norwegian coupleRoberta's - PizzaMomo Sushi ShackLucali - Famous pizza, expect a long lineMotorino - PizzaChavela's - Mexican foodUgly Baby - Thai foodMuseum/Arts/Concerts:Syndicated - Shows old movies and serves foodWilliamsburg Bathhouse - Sauna and SpaBaby's Alright - Live musicBrooklyn MuseumNitehawk Cinema - Film collection rivaled by only Smithsonian Smalls - Jazz **In West VillageActivities:East River State Park - Great views of Manhattan skylineBrooklyn Botanic GardenDomino Park - Reclining chairs and views of Manhattan

After attending the University of Oregon, the state has always been a second home to me.  After college I lived in Portland for a bit and have spent a significant amount of time up there visiting college friends. Today I had the opportunity to talk to one of those dear friends, Jordan Williamson (theguy3232), who I met freshman year at UO. We catch up and talk about all the new breweries, bars, and restaurants Jordan is going to these days.Neighborhoods:NW 23rd - Young, trendy, great shopping and restaurantsPearl - Chic, trendy and down by the waterfront Bars/Clubs/Breweries:Xport Bar and Lounge - Rooftop barTwo Wrongs - Good music, cocktail barLow Brow Lounge - Dive barJoe's Cellar - PoolhallHenry's Tavern - Bar foodThirsty Lion - Younger, fun place to drinkDixie - Country barBreakside Brewery - Good IPAsCascade BrewingHop Valley Brewing10Barrel - Brewery with good rooftop barRiver Pig Saloon - Good sports barRestaurants/Coffee Shops:Portland City Grill - Best views in the cityDeparture - High-end hotelBamboo SushiBoxer Ramen - Hella good ramenJake's Famous Crawfish - SeafoodThe Roxy - 24 hour dinerAlbina Press CoffeehouseHeroes CafeMothers Bistro - CreoleScreen Door - Awesome breakfastPine State Biscuits - Good brunchBlue Star DonutsVoodoo DonutsMuseum/Arts/Concerts:Waterfront Blues FestOregon Brew FestRose GardenBella Vida Vineyard - Great viewsDomaine Serene - Sparkling wineErath - Awesome Pinot NoirActivities:Portland TimbersPortland TrailblazersMultnomah Falls - Great hiking

Today I had a chance to talk with yet another friend from my travels. Maja and I met in Vietnam back in 2017 and have stayed in touch since. Maja lives outside Ljubjana, Slovenia and we cover all the cool activities in the city and get into much more! You can find out more about her @majcolin7 on Instagram!

Today we sit down with my buddy Neil Tembulkar, whom I met while traveling in Vietnam. Neil currently works and lives in Boston, MA and we get into all the awesome places to eat and drink in the area! I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did! You can find out more about Neil on Instagram @neilgoesplacesNeighborhoods:Allston - Neil's neighborhoodFenway - Home of the Red SoxDavis Square - Younger, college kids and live musicNewbury Street - High-end shopping and eatingNorth End - Little ItalyCopley Square - Cool architectureBeacon Hill - Super historic and lots of old buildingsBars/Clubs/Breweries:Harpoon - Brewery on the harbor Trillium Brewing CoAeronaut Brewing - Games and live musicSam Adams - Iconic Boston breweryNight Shift BrewingLamplighter Brewing - In CambridgeLucky's Lounge - Dive barBull and Finch Pub - Cheers bar in Beacon HillRestaurants/Coffee Shops:Anna's Taqueria - Mexican foodEbi SushiUmai - RamenBarking Crab - Seafood on the wharfMamma Maria - High end ItalianMike's Pastry - Home of the cannoli Top of the Hub - Fine dining with views of the entire cityHeaven's Delight - Coffee and CheesecakeMuseum/Arts/Concerts:Boston Children's MuseumMuseum of ScienceThe Wilbur - Comedy showsCambridge LibraryEncore Boston - Casino and hotelActivities:Celtics, Bruins, Red Sox, Patriots gameCastle Island - Trails and forts overlooking the AtlanticChristopher Columbus Park - In North End, on the water, and ice skating in winter

This episode dives into the sleepy mountain town of Bend, OR with my good friend Chris Nelson. We talk about all the great breweries and local eateries in the Central Oregon town, as well as touch on some of the awesome outdoor activities available. Had a fun one talking with Chris (@christophersnelson) on this one and really makes me wanna get out there and visit in the summer!Bars/Clubs/Breweries:GoodLife Brewing - Awesome beers, Chris works hereDeschutes Brewing - Some of my personal favorite beers everBoneyard Brewing Boss Rambler - Fun hazy beers (College friends of Chris and Brauck)Sunriver Brewing CoSwig Rig - Mobile bar for parties and weddingsVelvet - Craft cocktailsCascade West "C-Dubs" - Local dive barM & J Tavern - Tequila bar with over 100 selectionsRestaurants/Coffee Shops:Jackson's Corner - Pizza and brunchSpork - Global fareWild Rose - Norhtern ThaiDandy's Drive-In - Skate up burger jointAriana - Steak and seafoodZydeco - Steaks and local fishBackporch Coffee - Imported directly and roasted locallyThump CoffeePalate A Coffee BarSpoken Moto - Old bike shop with food cartsPrimal Cuts - Sandwich shop and butcherMuseum/Arts/Concerts:The Capitol - Live music/barLes Schwab Amphitheater - Fun outdoor concert venueDomino Room - Live musicVolcanic Theater - Smaller, local bandsBend Elks - Minor league baseballFirst Friday Art - Outdoor local art show in summerActivities:Phil's Trail - 100's of miles of trailsDeschutes River - Fishing and raftingMt. Hood / Sisters / Mt. Bachelor - All incredible hiking and snow sports

Today we chat with the one and only Ben Cannon. Ben and I went to University of Oregon together and have been close friends ever since. Ben currently lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota and today we talk all about the hot spots to check out around the Twin Cities. Much of the conversation actually preps you for the more outdoor summer month spots, but we plan do a follow up episode for some more winter activities in the future. Ben doesn't really social media, so leave any comments or notes on the @LounginwithLocalz instagram page and we'll make sure he gets them! Neighborhoods:Uptown - Adult Chuck-e-Cheese Lyndale - Fun, indie neighborhood with lots of bars Hennepin - Global cuisine and lively nightlife Bars/Clubs/Breweries:Herkimer - Good hearty food and brew pubWilliams - Peanut bar and gamesThe Pourhouse - DancingCowboy Slim's - Great place to get rowdyCowboy Jack's - Near Twins stadium - good beers508 - Sports bar and dancingHammer & Sickle - Russian vodka barLynhall - BreweryThe Loop - Dancing and foodSneaky Pete's - Fun dive barRestaurants/Coffee Shops:Red Cow - BrunchThe Freemont - Bottomless mimosasLagos Tacos - TacosButcher & the Boar - Steaks - date nightMatt's Bar and 5-8 Club - home of the Jucy LucyAmore Uptown - Italian Common Roots - Coffee shopMuseum/Arts/Concerts:Twins GameMinneapolis Sculpture GardenThe American Swedish InstituteMinnehaha Regional Park - Falls and hikesActivities:Lake Calhoun - Lake to run around

Well we just hit 250 downloads and we are keeping it going with my friend April Koda who talks about all that's going on in Charlotte, NC. We talk about all the breweries, restaurants, the Panthers, and of course we had to make sure to hit on some BBQ joints! April gives and incredible endorsement for Charlotte as a city and I can't wait to visit! You can find out more about April @missharuyo on Instagram!Neighborhoods:Southend - Hip trendy area with lots of bars and restaurantsUptown -  Home of the PanthersNoDa - Hipsters and artPlaza Midwood - Young families Bars/Clubs/Breweries:QC Pour House - Brewery and cocktailsLost and Found - Day party and dancingPins Mechanical - Bowling, arcades, and 90's themeSlate - Sports bar and billiards Zeppelin - Cocktail barAlexander Michael's - TavernSunstead - BrewerySycamore - Brewery Hoppin' - Self pour beer spotMerchant and Trade - Rooftop viewsRestaurants/Coffee Shops:5 Church - Great date night in the Ivey's HotelSophia's Lounge - High end dinner in Ivey's tooMidwood Smokehouse - Carolina BBQSweet Lou's - BBQCoco and the Director - Coffee Not Just Coffee - Coffee and cafeAll American Pub - Pub food and game day experienceFahrenheit - Good city views Museum/Arts/Concerts:Fillmore Charlotte - ConcertsUnderground at Fillmore - ConcertsActivities:National Whitewater Center - Whitewater and outdoor activitiesCrowder Mountain State Park - HikingCharlotte Agenda - Get an updated calendar of current events

Happy Valentine's Day! Today we got a chance to talk to another good friend from my time in Ethiopia, Kashmira Kale. She currently lives in Washington, D.C. with her husband and young baby. We talk about all the cool trendy bars and restaurants for when parents get a night out on the town and also touch on some fun free activities in the city. You can find out more about Kash on Instagram @kashmira.kale. Bars/Clubs:Cloak & DaggerCapo Deli - Backroom is the speakeasy El Centro - Salsa dancingCafe Saint Ex - Late night shenanigans Dodge CityJack Rose Whiskey - Over 2500 whiskeysHigh Society - Cool rooftop spaceW Hotel - Great view of the White HouseRestaurants/Coffee Shops:Garden DistrictBrixton - British style pubEl Rey - Tacos, Tequila, and QuesoAmerican Ice Co. - Small bar and restaurant serving whiskey and local meatsKramer's - Cafe and book store **Great BrunchChiko - Fast casual Chinese and Korean foodToki Underground - RamenSpoken English - Japanese restaurant in the LINE hotelPineapple & Pearls - High end dining, think special occasionTiger Fork - High end Hong Kong kitchenTryst - Coffee shopMaketto - Coffee shopCommonwealth Joe - Multiple location coffee shopNorthside Social - Coffee and cafe in NoVATabard Inn - Old hotel and dining spotBen's Chili Bowl - Classic DC dining spotJumbo Slice Pizza - Name speaks for itselfAmsterdam Falafel Eastern Market - Cool indoor marketBaked and Wired - Cupcakes!Museum/Arts/Concerts:National Gallery of Art - Sculpture Garden for Jazz in the GardenNational Mall - Monuments and museums in the heart of the citySmithsonian - THE museums to seeNational Building Museum 930 Club - Iconic concert venueWarner Theater Kennedy Center - Millennium stage for free shows!Activities:Earth Treks - Rock Climbing gym East Potomac Golf Course - Driving range in the river!Meridian Hil

Today I spoke with my friend Kourtney Rusow, who currently lives in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We met while I was living in Addis 3 years ago, but much has changed since that time. We talk about all the events going on, what bars are currently poppin', and all the new restaurants she's currently checking out. 

Today I chat with a good friend, Chris Allen, who I met while living abroad in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Chris is currently in the US Navy and is stationed in Southern California. We chat about the trendy bars, breweries and restaurants in and around Ventura, California. 

On this episode, we sit down with one of my favorite people in the world. Emily is a RN who has recently relocated to Chicago. She is young, bubbly, and outgoing as hell. She talks about all the great places to go for Happy Hour and to meet new people. You can find her on Instagram @emilyanne133 

Welcome to the first ever episode of Loungin with Locals, the podcast that gives you an insight into where locals are going to eat and drink in their home cities. Today we talk with one of my best friends, Ryan O'Toole, as he gives us the lowdown on what is currently trending in Orlando and Tampa. 

Quick intro on what I plan to do with Loungin' with Locals.