Stories From A Bar

For this episode I am hanging out with vocalist Zack Baumgartner from Chicago pop punk band When The Sun Sets! Chatting about how the band came together and their song writing process, as well as, mental health, touring, what it means to hear from the fans, and a little about their upcoming full length album. Enjoy!

In this episode I'm hanging out with Ahmed Elsayed of the San Francisco punk band Goof. We chat a lot about his time living in Egypt during his formative years, how it has shaped his world view, how he got into music, as well as the bands sound. Going in depth on a variety of songs from their first album Kill 'Em All and their new album G2: Gudgment Day. Enjoy!

For this episode I chat with Sean Jain, guitarist in San Jose based punk band Last Ditch Effort. We cover a lot of ground including how he got into music, how the band came together, their latest EP titled Twenty-25, some politics, and reflect on the glory of the Punk-O-Rama compilation CD days. Enjoy!

In this episode I'm joined by Karen Bona from the fantastic mental health centered podcast Pieces to Wellness! We chat a little about our podcasts (of course), but we also talk about some of the anxiety and stress we experience in our lives, how it makes us feel, and what has helped us cope with it. Enjoy!   Beer of the episode: Speckled Pig Brewing - Restitution NEIPA

Hanging with Free Friends and a 2024 wrap up! ...... In the last episode of 2024 I am joined by pop punk band and friends of the podcast Free Friends! Chatting about the highlights from the busy year they had, some mental health, the holidays, what's coming up, and most hated Christmas songs. Be sure to check it out! ...... Beer of the episode: Common Roots Brewing Company Gondola Session IPA  

It's the first out of state episode! For Ep. 69 I traveled to Bennington, VT to visit Village Garage Distillery and hung out with head distiller Ryan Scheswohl and Doug Goble who handles Sales & Marketing. Ryan and Doug share the story of how Village Garage Distillery came to be, the desire to support the community, how the most interesting man in the world Jonathan Goldsmith joined the team, as well as a number of tangents and shameless plugs. Enjoy!

Talking about Flights for Veterans with David Hennel who is one of the people behind the scenes organizing the event! Flights for Veterans is a tasting event to benefit those who served. Taking place Friday November 8th at the Empire State Aerosciences Museum David and I chat about how the event came together, the excitement for it, and all the vendors involved. Proceeds to benefit the Capital Region Veterans Memorial and the Museum. Enjoy!

For ep. 67 I am hanging out at Hank Hudson Brewing Co. and chatting with co-founders/brewers Darren Van Heusen and Chris Crounse. Located at The Fairways of Halfmoon golf course, and open since 2016, we set up shop in the beautiful taproom overlooking the golf course and chat about how the teachers got into brewing, drawing inspiration from English pubs, establishing their brand, the challenges, and of course some of their beers. Enjoy!

For episode 66 I travel to Schuylerville, NY to visit Bound by Fate brewing and hang out with co-founders Pam and Brett. Set up in the tap room we chat about how the idea for the brewery came to be, how Covid caused them to accelerate their plans, introducing people to Laotian food, and of course some of the beers. Enjoy!

For Ep. 65 I travel to Schoharie, NY to chat with Adam and Kyle Wayward Lane Brewing. We talk all about the brewery, moving from Colorado to NY, the farm, and the whirlwind experience it has been in the 3 short years they have been open. Enjoy! ***Disclaimer: There was some technical difficulties with the audio during the first 13 minutes. So apologies for that, but hey, mistakes happen.

For Ep. 64 I'm hanging at Dancing Grain Farm Brewery in Moreau, NY! Joined by founder Rachel McDermott and brewer Chris Dufrain we spend an hour talking about how Dancing Grain came to be, the history of farm land it's on (3 words: "celebrity cow farm"), doing less with more, and of course some of their beers and brewing philosophy. Enjoy!

Talented local musician Sydney Worthley and DJ Fearless from No One You Know join the podcast for Ep. 63 of Stories From A Bar! We spend a good amount of time talking all things Taylor Swift and their upcoming TS themed events at Lost & Found and The Hollow in Albany. Also, hear all about Emo Prom happening at The Hollow as well and hear be the first to hear a little about Sydney's new album right from the source! Beer of the Ep: Druthers Brewing Company - All-In IPA

For Episode 62 Anothony Rossi makes his triumphant return to the podcast! Anthony discusses the founding of Crosstalk Media, LLC and the upcoming inaugural 1Upstate Convention (October 21) which is meant to be a celebration of games and the people that make them. Hear all about what the confirmed guests/panelists, exhibitors, and what you can expect to see. Enjoy! Recorded at: The Albany War Room Tavern located at 42 Eagle St., Albany, NY

For Episode 61 I am hanging out in East Berne, NY at Helderberg Mountain Brewing Company! Joined by co-owner and brewer Mike Wenzel we chat all about the brewery, the beers, some of the funny stories behind the beers, and of course hockey. Enjoy!

For Episode 60 I am joined by co-owner of Speckled Pig Brewing Co. Larry Heid! Located in Ballston Spa, NY the Speckled Pig opened back in 2022 and had quickly grown in popularity. Larry talks all about how the brewery came together, the people behind it, the community, the beers, and of course delicious wood fired pizza. Enjoy!

For Ep. 59 I am joined by owner of the brand new War Room Tavern & Todd's Back Room Cigar Lounge Todd Shapiro! Also, joining Todd is Tony who manages the fantastic establishments. Built into a 1890s era brownstone Todd talks all about the inspiration behind building a "Planet Hollywood of State Politics" and his desire to bring Albany something it hasn't seen before. So pour yourself a drink and hear all about the fascinating political memorabilia decorating the walls, the amazing food, and a place you will definitely want to check out. Cheers!

For Episode 58 I am hanging out at Active Ingredient Brewing in Malta, NY with co-owners/brewers Brian Fox and Nathan Rogers! We try and talk about a number of their awesome beers as well as chatting about how they got into brewing, opening the brewery during the pandemic, and some things to come. Enjoy!

For Episode 57 I get a chance to hang out and chat with Ben DeHan and Lauren White! We talk all about influences and bands we love, his music and sound, stepping away from music for almost a decade, and his journey back. Enjoy!

In Ep 56 I road trip up to Lake George, NY to hang out at Adirondack Pub & Brewery with brewer Bob Shafer! We talk all about how he got into brewing, his time in the Air Force doing Air Medical Evacuation, Lake George, and all about Adirondack Pub & Brewery. All while tasting 5 different beers of course. Enjoy!

For Episode 55 I am hanging out with Jesse Sommer and Rebecca Miller of New Scotland Spirits and Lime Kiln Farm! We talk about how New Scotland Spirits came to be, all the people involved, a lot about the farming side of things, and all the other things that go along with distilling. All while also tasting and learning about some of their flagship products. Pour yourself a drink and enjoy!

For Episode 54 I am hanging out with the guys from Cherie Amour! We have a great time talking about their upcoming tour, some of our favorite/memorable shows we've been to, singing to Equal Vision Records (Albany, NY based), learning to work together as a band, and of course their EP Internal Discussions and new single Sin City. Enjoy! Beer of the episode: Wolf Hollow Brewing American Amber Ale

For Episode 53 I'm hanging out with Matt Fowler! Matt is the guitarist for the indie pop rock band Arrows In Action and for this episode we spend our time talking all about the band, their music, touring, influences and other bands we love, and all kinds of other stuff. Check it out and enjoy! Beer of the episode: Common Roots - Good Fortune IPA

It's a Battle of the Brewers for Episode 52! I get the chance to hang out at Wolf Hollow Brewing Company in Glenville, NY and drink/chat with brewer Kyle Folk, Brian Conley (Mad Jack Brewing), and Terry Aldrich (Backstage Pub). The guys talk about a special collaboration beer they are making for a good cause, how they got into the business, a Battle of the Brewers contest at Backstage Pub, and a whole lot of shit talk. Enjoy and cheers!

It's Episode 51 and I am hanging out with Terry Aldrich! For anyone who doesn't know Terry is the owner of Backstage Pub located at 501 Smith St in Schenectady, NY. Hanging out in the upstairs area known as The Library we chat all about how Terry got into the hospitality field, Backstage Pub, dancing, a new upcoming business venture, and Super Bowl predictions. Grab a drink and enjoy!

It's EPISODE 50! - Hanging out with Concrete Castles/First to Eleven. Talking about how Audra, Matt, and Sam got into playing music, forming First to Eleven and Concrete Castles, and going track by track through their awesome album Wish I Missed U which is out via Velocity/Equal Vision Records. Enjoy!

In Episode 49 I am joined by 3/4 of the Albany, NY based indie rock band E.R.I.E.! TJ, Matt, and Chad hang out and chat all about how the band came together and we talk about the album Don't Wanna Live, Don't Wanna Die track by track. Check it out!

It's a Jukebox Deep Dive on Nelly's album Country Grammar! In peak ridiculousness my friend Aaron (of the podcast Horror With Sir Sturdy & Popcorn And Pints) and I spend over an hour talking all about this classic album! Grab yourself something to drink and enjoy!

It's a Jukebox Deep Dive on New Found Glory's album Sticks and Stones! I am joined by pal Kyle Wolf as we talk all about Sticks and Stones as well share swap some fun music related stories. Also, ignore anything about Jukebox Deep Dive social medias. Those don't exist. Enjoy!

For Episode 48 I am chatting with Alex Magnan of the band Young Culture! We talk all about the bands beginnings in Albany, NY, singing to Equal Vision Records, their self titled full length album, and a little deep dive on their latest EP Godspeed. As well as hittign the road for the upcoming Umbra tour with Grayscale! Enjoy!

It's finally time for Ghost Stories From A Bar II! In this episode I chat with with Mike Diana from the Schenectady County Historical Society. We hang out at Mad Jack Brewing at The Van Dyck, have some beers, and talk about some of the ghost stories Schenectady has known for as well some of the history behind them. Grab a drink and enjoy!

For Episode 46 I am hanging out at The Ruck in Troy, NY with Jake from Northeast Beer Community! We work our way through a few beers which you will hear all about as we chat Northeast Beer Community and how it came to be, the upcoming anniversary party, they beer he has brewed with Chris Schell from The Warbler, and all kinds of other general beer chit chat. Grab a drink and enjoy! *side note: just ignore the part where I say it's "Episode 42"

For Episode 45 I had the pleasure of sitting down with the owners of Common Roots Brewing Company Bert and Christian Weber! We have some beers and talk all about the early days of Common Roots, the fire that burned it all down, the community and rebuilding, and of course their foundation. It's an action packed episode, Enjoy!

On location for Episode 44 at The Warbler Brewery in Delmar, NY! I hang out with Owner/Brewer Chris Schell while we taste and talk about a glorious smattering of his beers as well as the brewery, how he got into brewing, the worst beer he's ever made, and some real nature nerd stuff. Enjoy!

In Episode 43 I am hang out at the new brewery in Guilderland, NY Mixed Breed Brewing! I'm joined by 3 of 5 owners Guy Bucey, Josh Matot, and Matt Mead as we talk about all kinds of things including the brewery and their plans, how they got into beer and brewing, and their grand opening. As a heads up some parts may be a little low sound wise as I admittedly did not have the best setup for 4 people. Don't let that stop you from enjoying this great episode though!

For Episode 42 I day drink and chat (virtually) with owner of The Pony Bar in NYC Dan McLaughlin! We talk about life, how he got into the craft beer scene, NYC, The Pony Bar, and keeping it all going during the pandemic. Grab a drink and enjoy!

In Ep 41 I welcome I welcome Steve Barnes to the show! Steve has been at the Times Union since 1996 and we chat about the evolution of the business, his popular Table Hopping blog, how he got into journalism, and even a little bit about exotic dancers. Check it out!

For Episode 40 I am hanging out (virtually) and doing some day drinking with Tim Walton! We talk about everything Tim is up to with 518 Brews and the other 518 Facebook groups as well as Tim's Kitchen and his business Paladin Media LLC. Grab a drink and enjoy!

For Ep 39 I am hanging out (virtually) with local musician Josh Casano! We have some drinks and chat about life, music, and smoking meat. Enjoy!

In Episode 38 I have some beers and hang out virtually with Jeff Morad the Program Director at WEQX! We drink, laugh, and talk about all kinds of nonsense including EQX, some favorite moments, how he got into radio, beer, and even the last time he saw his own chin that's under that iconic beard of his. Have a beer and enjoy the last episode of 2020!

For Ep 37 I hang out and have a beer with owner of The Ruck in Troy, NY Dave Gardell. Starting as the door man and working his way to owner Dave has been part with The Ruck since it opened in 1998. We chat about The Ruck's evolution, the affects of Covid, and Dave's passion for craft beer and the community. Eat, Drink, and be Merry!

In episode 36 I chat with co-owner of The Hollow Bar & Kitchen Dora Philip! We talk all about Dora's time living in NYC, how The Hollow came to be, live shows, how local Covid impacted businesses in downtown Albany are supporting each other, the Restart and Save Our Stages Acts and how you can help. Check it out!

In Ep 35 I talk with Jack McGarry, Co-owner of The Dead Rabbit Grocery & Grog in lower Manhattan! Topics include coming up through the hospitality industry in Ireland, opening a truly authentic award winning Irish Pub in NYC, being the youngest to ever win International Bartender of the Year, how Covid has affected the business, and his hopes for the future. Enjoy!

In Episode 34 I'm joined by Executive Director of the New York State Brewers Association Paul Leone! We talk all about his professional background in TV Production and Media as well as his role as Executive Director of the Brewers Association. Enjoy!

In Episode 33 I hang out and have some beers with Erik Budrakey! Co-creator and Content Manager of True Brew Magainze. Erik talks about how True Brew Magazine got started, his time in the beer business, how he got into journalism, and the amazing cross country trip that shaped his life. All while we enjoy some delicious beers at Unified Beerworks in Malta, NY. Check it out!

Happy Pride Month! For Episode 32 I chat with Mark McCauslin founder of Colonie Pride! A community led organization for LGBTQ+ citizens and allies in Colonie, NY. Mark shares what his experience was like coming out, forming Colonie Pride, the effort to get the town to formally recognize Pride Month every year, and celebrating pride month in quarantine. Chek it out, enjoy, and spread the word!

For Episode 31 Emmanuel Treski from Speakeasy 518 returns! We talk about the instructional drink making videos Emmanuel has been doing while the Speakeasy has been closed, as well as his recommendations for what you should have on hand to get through this quarantine. Not to mention how we are staying busy at home with video games and dogs of course. Enjoy!

For Episode 30 I welcome back to the show Owner/Brewer at Artisanal Brew Works Kurt Borchardt! We talk about how Artisanal is adjusting to doing business during a pandemic, raising money for out of work hospitality workers with collaborative beers, future beers coming, and a shared desperate need for a haircut. Enjoy!

For Episode 29 I'm joined by the head brewer at Indian Ladder Farms Cidery & Brewery Scott Veltman! Talking everything from how he got into brewing, working at Ommegang and C.H. Evans/The Pump Station, to life on the farm and the best ways to support Indian Ladder these days. As well as what we've been up to when not working of course. Enjoy!

For Ep 28 head brewer of C.H. Evans Brewing at The Albany Pump Station Sam Pagano returns to the podcast! In this quarantine edition of the podcast Sam and I have some drinks while talking about the status of the Pump Station/C.H. Evans. From his new role as beer delivery driver, to the options available to help support the business, as well what we've been doing to keep ourselves entertained at home these days. Some ridiculous, some not. Cheers!

In Episode 27 I get my inner Viking on and head to Helderberg Meadworks in Esperance, NY to drink mead and hang out with owner Peter Voelker! There's talk of Vikings, horns, mead, skulls, and of course our worst fashion choices. Enjoy!

Welcome to Wisconsin! In this episode of The Statesman Series (Ep 26) I am joined by Anthony Rossi, host of the podcast Videogame Crosstalk, to talk all things Wisconsin. By that I mean late night couch humping, a fake kidnapping, clogging toilets, tons, and tons, and tons, and tons, and tons of acid, and of course beer from New Glarus Brewing Co. Enjoy!