NEOZAZ

In this episode of Matt Likes Beer, the Philadelphia Months series rolls on with a look at Phandemic Brew Tailgate Lager—a beer inspired by one of the most unique fan movements to come out of the pandemic. Matt dives into the story of the “Phandemic Krew,” a passionate group of Philadelphia baseball fans who gathered outside the stadium during the empty-seat days of 2020, bringing energy, noise, and spirit back to the game when it was needed most. It's a perfect backdrop for a beer built around the ballpark experience. From there, the episode shifts into a personal and nostalgic reflection on pandemic-era beer culture—supporting local breweries, the explosion of homebrewing, and the makeshift traditions that helped keep community alive during a strange and isolated time. Of course, no episode would be complete without a full BJCP-style review. Matt breaks down the Tailgate Lager as an American Light Lager, exploring its appearance, aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel—while also comparing it to macro classics and discussing where craft versions elevate the style. It's part beer review, part storytelling, and part time capsule of a truly bizarre era—all wrapped up in one easy-drinking episode. Grab a beer and listen in.

In the episode, Dave and long time NEOZAZ friend Ted Dastick Jr discuss their experiences of seeing Megadeth live!

In this episode, Dave discusses The Last Video Store, Bone Tomahawk, Videodrome, Men, and Sick.

We're only 10 episodes away from our 100th so we should "ahem" FANG it!

Dave and Eric tackle the "trilogy" of Addams Family movies, including the dumb Made for TV one with Tim Curry: The Addams Family (1991) Addams Family Values (1993) Addams Family Reunion (1998)

It's quite an episode this time, as we feature a hero AND a villain - the boo-hiss Captain Black, and possibly the best of the Angels, Symphony.

In this episode, Dave and Chris walk down memory lane talking about seeing "Bruce Willis and the Accelerators" live.

In this episode of Matt Likes Beer, the Philadelphia Months series rolls on with a West Coast IPA that leans heavily into pop culture. Matt cracks open “You're an IPA, Harry” from Second Sin Brewing—a beer packed with wizard-themed branding, even if the host himself isn't exactly a student of the Harry Potter universe. What follows is a classic Matt-style journey: part beer review, part self-aware ramble, and part unexpected deep dive into theme park memories and media coverage days. From reminiscing about covering events at Universal Orlando Resort to accidentally gaming a Harry Potter trivia challenge, this episode proves that even a non-fan can find themselves surrounded by magic. On the beer side, Matt evaluates this American/West Coast IPA through a BJCP lens, breaking down appearance, aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel. Expect notes of lemon candy, pine resin, and a firm bitterness, along with thoughtful critique on balance, stylistic accuracy, and a slightly distracting mineral edge. It's a beer that smells fantastic, drinks a bit lighter than expected, and sparks a conversation about what makes a classic IPA shine in a world full of hazy and experimental variants. Final score: 38/50 — a very good beer with a standout aroma and a few quirks worth discussing. Whether you're here for the beer education, the storytelling, or just to hear someone admit they barely know anything about Harry Potter, this episode has a little something for everyone. Cheers!

It's a new round of Box Office Bozo and this time Chris must pick the top grossing films featuring Corey Feldman and Corey Haim.

In this switcharoo episode, we discuss the 1981 ensemble comedy, "The Cannonball Run!"

In this episode, Dave discusses Late Night with the Devil, Clown. Bug, Daddy's Head, and Faces of Death.

Pinder and Egrorian - two odd, old fellas… talk about them!

In this episode of Matt Likes Beer, the Philadelphia beer tour continues as Matt cracks open Peace Valley Pale Ale from Free Will Brewing. Sent along by Dave from NeoZaz as part of the ongoing “Philadelphia Month” series, this American Pale Ale sparks both a deep BJCP-style evaluation and a few personal memories along the way. Matt revisits his one and only trip to the brewery—part of a Philadelphia hockey weekend with friends—before diving into a full judging breakdown of the beer. Expect detailed notes on aroma, flavor, appearance, and mouthfeel, including bright fresh orange character, floral hop notes, bready malt, and a firm bitterness that pushes the pale ale toward IPA territory. Along the way, Matt also reflects on the role of pale ales as a brewer's benchmark style, shares stories about fundraiser beers and collaborative brewing projects, and explains why a great pale ale can tell you everything you need to know about a brewery. The verdict? A standout beer scoring 46/50—Outstanding on the BJCP scale and tying for the highest score Matt has given this year. Grab a pint and join the tasting.

Murderous little old ladies, paranoid authors and English greasers. What a time.

In this episode, Chris, Tim, and Luke discuss The Bride, Ready or Not 2, and Project Hail Mary.

What a pity, we started off so well last week too.

In this brand new series from NEOZAZ and the mind of Dave - Ya Gotta See Them Live! A podcast about the power of live music told on band at a time. In this episode, Dave features "The Kinks."

This time we're looking at Fanatic or, as it was known in the States - Die, Die My Darling.

In this tax season special, Dave and Chris crunch the numbers and list their top 5 favorite celebrity tax evaders!

April kicks off “Philadelphia Months” on Matt Likes Beer, and we're starting with a collaboration that hits close to home: Jonesy Hockey Lager from Conshohocken Brewing Company — created with Flyers legend Keith Jones and benefiting Flyers Charities. But this episode isn't just about beer. Matt takes a deep dive into one of the most unforgettable moments in Flyers history: the epic five-overtime playoff battle against the Penguins on May 4–5, 2000. A game so long you could fall asleep, wake up… and they'd still be playing. A game where exhaustion had a face — and it was Keith Jones. Along the way: A heartfelt detour into the pronunciation of “Conshohocken” A Hawaiian-food vs. Pennsylvania-town-name debate A breakdown of hockey overtime rules (regular season vs. playoffs) A BJCP-style evaluation of Jonesy Hockey Lager — judged as an American Lager… though it may have other ideas A discussion on style expectations vs. enjoyment A quick tour of other hockey-branded beers Matt has encountered across the NHL The verdict? A well-made beer with a bit of an identity crisis — and a whole lot of Flyers heart behind it. If you love hockey nostalgia, charity beers, deep style analysis, or just a good sports story about the longest game you've (maybe) never watched in full — this one's for you. Grab a beer, lace up your skates, and let's get into it.

With the release of "The Super Mario Galaxy", Chris and Luke list their top 5 favorite Mario video games!

In this episode Dave, and special guest Quint, discuss Ghosts of Mars, Army of Darkness, Pitch Black, The Menu, and The Girl With All the Gifts.

HFTV returns to kick off their final season with the first episode of TFTC's final season!

Its time for us to vote on the, what we thought, main villain of Thunderbirds - the Hood. This verdict may change over subsequent visits to the show.

In this round of "Box Office Bozo", Chris must guess the top grossing films from the of "Parks and Rec."

In this episode of Matt Likes Beer, Matt cracks open a German import with a lot more baggage than expected: Bismarkbrau Das Pilsner. What starts as a straightforward first-time tasting of a German Pils quickly turns into a full BJCP-style judging breakdown—appearance, aroma, flavor, mouthfeel, and overall impression—complete with scores and some surprising critiques. Matt dives deep into what makes a German Pils tick, from grainy, bready malt character to assertive bitterness, and explains why this particular beer lands at a lower score than expected. Along the way, he explores how transit, storage, and age can dramatically affect imported beers long before they hit an American shelf. Then things take a turn. Sparked by a bold “brewed according to the 1516 Purity Law” claim on the label, Matt launches into a candid (and occasionally fiery) discussion about the Reinheitsgebot—why it exists, what it actually says, and why modern brewers and beer drinkers may be clinging to it for reasons that have very little to do with making better beer. If you've ever been in an uncomfortable argument about “authentic” German brewing methods, this segment will feel painfully familiar. The episode wraps with an announcement of an upcoming multi-episode special featuring beers sent from Philadelphia, plus a peek behind the curtain at Matt's recording schedule and what listeners can expect over the next couple of months. Honest judging, brewing philosophy, imported beer realities, and a little brewing-community therapy—this one has it all.

In this edition of The Best of Fives, Dave, Chris, and Luke list their top 5 favorite 2nd Tier Action Movie Stars.

In this episode, Dave discusses Undertone, The Vagrant, Scare Me, and Wound Fawn.

We're back on board the Romulus again, but going right to the end this time as we follow android Andy.

We're somewhere or other to look at the sequel to She, a film that's a pale shadow of the original. At least, that's what we conclude.

In this episode of Matt Likes Beer, Matt cracks open Ember, a Red IPA from Brewery Bhavana in Raleigh, North Carolina—and takes listeners on a winding, honest, and surprisingly visual journey. What starts as a simple beer review quickly expands into a deep dive on Brewery Bhavana itself, a uniquely ambitious space that blends brewery, taproom, Chinese restaurant, dim sum house, bookstore, and flower shop all under one roof. Matt explores his initial skepticism, his evolving impressions after digging through photos and the brewery's website, and whether a place like this would actually be his kind of brewery. From there, it's time to judge the beer. Matt evaluates Ember as a BJCP 21B Specialty IPA (Red IPA), breaking down: Appearance, aroma, flavor, mouthfeel, and overall impression Hop-forward balance with supporting caramel and malt character Where Ember shines—and where Matt wishes it pushed just a bit further The result? A strong 41-point score, making Ember one of the higher-rated beers of the year so far. The episode wraps up with a broader discussion of Specialty IPAs, including Red, Black, Brown, Rye, White, Belgian, and Brut IPAs, why the category can be both fun and frustrating to judge, and how easily these styles can go wrong—or absolutely nail the balance. No bad one-star reviews this time, but plenty of thoughtful beer talk, judging insight, and classic Matt-style tangents along the way. Grab a beer, settle in, and enjoy Episode 27 of Matt Likes Beer.

In this episode, Khrysti, Matt, Chris and Dave discuss 1990's "Joe Versus the Volcano."

Episode 26 of Matt Likes Beer features Electric Mainline, a West Coast IPA from Grimm Artisan Ales, a Brooklyn-based brewery Matt knows primarily through retail purchases rather than firsthand taproom experience. With limited personal history to draw from, the episode leans heavily into technical judging, exploration, and education, making it one of the most analytically driven installments of the season. Matt opens by exploring Grimm's extensive and stylistically diverse beer catalog, noting the brewery's wide-ranging output across IPAs, lagers, stouts, sours, and mixed fermentation beers. While researching Grimm live during the recording, Matt discusses the brewery's dual-level taproom layout, contrasting its polished upstairs space with a more industrial downstairs brewery setting—an aesthetic that strongly appeals to his personal tastes. Before judging begins, Matt reads the brewery's own description of Electric Mainline, which declares the beer a West Coast IPA featuring Luminosa hops, supported by Mosaic, Citra, Columbus, and Simcoe. With the style clearly defined, Matt evaluates the beer strictly as BJCP Category 21A: American IPA. Appearance is a standout, with the beer pouring a brilliant, unmistakable yellow, a large, persistent white head, and excellent lacing. While visually striking, Matt notes an interesting guideline quirk: BJCP color descriptors list medium gold to light amber, making pure yellow technically outside the expected range—an example of how modern IPAs sometimes outpace written standards. Aroma earns a full 12/12 score, delivering expressive notes of orange zest, mandarin citrus, lemon brightness, subtle pine, and a faint grainy malt backbone. Matt explicitly follows advice from a fellow judge—“don't fear the 50”—choosing not to deduct points where the beer fully delivers stylistically. Flavor presents a more mixed picture. While citrus character remains vibrant and layered, bitterness is strongest on the tongue rather than in the finish or aftertaste, falling short of the firm, lingering bitterness expected in a classic West Coast IPA. Malt presence is detectable but subdued, leading Matt to score flavor at 14/20. Mouthfeel is spot-on, with a medium body, high carbonation, and smooth texture earning a perfect score. Overall impression balances enjoyment with technical critique, resulting in a final score of 39 out of 50, placing Electric Mainline solidly in the “Excellent” range—even with noted flavor shortcomings. With no one-star reviews available, the episode transitions into a long-form educational soapbox prompted by a conversation with a non-judge friend: Why do Double and Triple IPAs often taste sweeter than regular IPAs? Matt breaks down the concept using brewing fundamentals, explaining fermentable versus non-fermentable sugars, increased body, alcohol's impact on sweetness perception, and why higher-ABV IPAs inevitably drift away from the crisp bitterness drinkers expect. The episode concludes with a preview of upcoming IPA-focused discussions and reinforces one of the show's core missions: helping everyday beer drinkers understand why beer tastes the way it does, not just whether it's “good” or “bad.”

After a long break away, we're back. It could've been a more memorable tale to mark it - no hero other than our regulars, and no real villains, just a couple of daft blokes.

In this episode Chris, Luke, and Tim review Wuthering Heights, Scream 7, Send Help, and more!

In this special episode Dave shares his list for 9 star, nearly perfect, horror movies.

Episode 25 of Matt Likes Beer tackles one of the most polarizing modern beer styles of the past decade: the Cold IPA. The featured beer comes from Wayfinder Beer in Portland, Oregon, the brewery that not only created the recipe concept but also coined the term “Cold IPA” in 2018. For Matt—who actively seeks out the style—this makes Wayfinder the definitive benchmark. Matt opens by reflecting on the intense backlash Cold IPA received when it first appeared, noting that the hostility rivaled—and even surpassed—the early resistance to Hazy IPA. He contrasts that early reaction with the sudden, almost overnight acceptance the style enjoys today, raising questions about how and why beer communities choose what to embrace or reject. Drawing directly from Wayfinder's own published definition of the style, Matt explains what sets Cold IPA apart: heavy use of rice adjuncts, lager yeast, a very dry finish, and an emphasis on clean fermentation that allows American hops to shine with clarity and precision. He also points out that Wayfinder has effectively written their own style guideline—complete with vital statistics—despite the BJCP not yet adopting Cold IPA as a standalone category. Because no official BJCP style exists, the beer is evaluated as a 34B Mixed-Style Beer, declared as American IPA + American Lager, which Matt agrees is the best available option—even if it doesn't fully capture what Cold IPA truly is. Using this framework, he conducts a full judging breakdown, noting a medium-yellow appearance with persistent foam, expressive citrus-forward aroma, light herbal and dank hop character, subtle grain notes, and a distinct but restrained lager yeast presence. Flavor-wise, the beer delivers orange zest, grapefruit rind, floral and herbal hop notes, light toasted grain, and a crisp, slightly dry finish. However, Matt finds the bitterness lower than expected for the style—particularly from the brewery that defined it. Mouthfeel is light-bodied and highly carbonated with surprising softness beneath the fizz, contributing to excellent drinkability. The final score lands at 35 out of 50, placing it squarely in the “Very Good” range. With no online reviews to read—of any rating—the episode pivots into an extended and impassioned soapbox segment. Matt unpacks the early hatred directed at Cold IPA, arguing that much of the criticism was aimed at the name and concept, not the beer itself. He connects that reaction to a broader problem within craft beer and homebrewing: resistance to innovation, gatekeeping, and a reflexive hostility toward anything new or unfamiliar.

In this episode of Indiana Jones in Character, Dave and Chris explore the many libraries featured in the Indian Jones Saga.

You read that right, Box Office Bozo is back with another challenge for Chris! Can Chris name to top grossing movies of Kevin Bacon? If he can, he's a Box Office Boss! If he fails, he's a Box Office Bozo. Listen along and see where he lands.

In this edition of The Best of Fives, Chris and Dave pay honor the works of the recently passed actor, Robert Duvall.

Episode 24 of Matt Likes Beer shines a spotlight on a rice-forward American-style lager from Table Brewing, continuing the show's run of style-driven, BJCP-informed beer evaluations. Picked up through Tavour, the beer prompts Matt to dig into one of the most frequently misunderstood brewing ingredients in modern beer: rice. Matt opens by addressing his own preconceived notions about dark beers and adjunct lagers, acknowledging that rice is often unfairly associated with mass-market American lagers. From there, the episode pivots into an educational breakdown of how rice is actually used in brewing, including the distinction between standard brewer's rice and more aromatic varieties like jasmine rice, which can contribute subtle floral and grain character rather than just fermentable sugar. Judged using BJCP guidelines, the beer presents with excellent clarity, a pale golden color, and a clean, well-formed head. Aromatically, it remains restrained—appropriate for the style—while offering delicate grain notes and a soft, rounded malt profile. Flavor-wise, the beer is crisp and highly drinkable, with rice contributing dryness and smoothness rather than overt sweetness or hop bitterness. Mouthfeel is light to medium-light, clean, and refreshing, aligning well with the intended style. While the beer performs well technically, Matt notes that the subtlety of the style inherently limits how high it can score in competition settings. The final BJCP score lands in the Very Good range, reinforcing a recurring theme of the podcast: some beers are meant to be enjoyed, not chased for points. The episode expands into a broader discussion about style bias, particularly how adjunct lagers are often dismissed before being properly evaluated. Matt argues that when brewed with intention and quality ingredients, rice lagers can be elegant, nuanced, and extremely difficult to execute well—making them worthy of respect both on the judging table and in everyday drinking.

HFTV gives their final thoughts and ranking on the penultimate season of TFTC.