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Drinking Partners

The Drinking Partners Podcast features comics Ed Bailey and Day Bracey swilling microbrews and spirits and engaging in dynamic, entertaining, and informative conversations with entertainers, politicians, and entrepreneurs, ranging from comedian Todd Glass to Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto. Sometimes outrageous and sometimes educational, the Drinking Partners are nothing short of highly addictive…
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Now displaying: 2018
Dec 17, 2018

In the latest Drinking Partners release, Ed and Day welcome returning guest Ali Wyrostek, a beer rep for Rhinegeist, a Cincinnati-based brewery. To start the interview, the group drinks Cheetah Lager, a new offering that is, according to Day, “mad crushable” and discuss the latest beer trends: the surging support for local breweries and hazy IPAs. Ed veers off topic with a rant about Suburus before the trio talks about “shower beers.” The interaction that follows offers a perfect cocktail of the Drinking Partners – irreverent humor mixed with wit and beer. Continue listening to hear why Ed thinks he’ll be single once the episode airs. The latter half relaxes the rules of interviewing, and the conversation explodes into several branches of random and amusing thoughts. An exploration into what the Drinking Partners consider awaits listeners in this fun and festive episode. For more about Rhinegeist, visit www.rhinegeist.com

Dec 10, 2018

By now, listeners will be familiar with the Drinking Partners critiques of Pittsburgh cuisine, but Ed and Day giddily welcome the owners of Walter’s Southern Kitchen into the studio. Partners Joel and Chris are on the receiving end of the Drinking Partner’s energetic praise, as the interview opens with the duo reveling in the Lawrenceville restaurant’s offerings as they taste some of Walter’s favorites. Ed and Day are in a rare state of agreement as they sip and sample, and the conversation swings between the history of Walter’s (including an explanation of the name) and their plans for the future, one that focuses on food, culture, and community. Neither Joel nor Chris are willing to share the secrets of their syrup, yet they do share the extensive processes involved in using their custom-built smoker and explain the differences in angus cows. The end of the episode highlights what makes Walter’s Southern Kitchen unique as Chris delves into how the food is prepared. A must listen for foodies as Ed and Day unite in their gleaming review of Walter’s. Find out more here: www.walterspgh.com.

Dec 5, 2018

The Drinking Partners welcome Black Forge Coffee owners Ashley Corts and Nick Miller, who Ed introduces as, “the og’est of the OGs.” The duo stops by the studio to announce Black Forge’s expansion; after three years in the Allentown neighborhood, the metal-themed coffee shop will open an additional spot in McKees Rocks. The early minutes examine how Black Forge has welcomed art, comedy, and music, and now features live music several days per week. The interview flows with a smooth vibe, as Nick and Ashley speak on how they first met and what led them to ultimately open Black Forge. Hint: they both wanted to stop working for sh**y people. However, the podcast offers an invigorating and encouraging message, from how they crowd-funded for their second location to how they value their employees. And, of course, it gives Nick an, “excuse to get day drunk,” as they sip on a coffee-flavored mead that Black Forge collaborated on with Apis Wine and Meadery. As the hour progresses, the conversation becomes much more Drinking Partners-like, with hilarious results. In the closing minutes, Ed and Day continue a new Drinking Partners tradition and ask for Ashley and Nick to name their favorite potato. Stay tuned to hear their answers (and a NSFW admission from Ed). Find Black Forge Coffee House here: http://www.blackforgecoffee.com.

Nov 19, 2018

The Drinking Partners sit with (insert brewers’ names) of CoStar Brewing Company to discuss humble beginnings, plans for expansion and impact on community. Hear how (insert brewer that lives in Highland Park) deals with celebrity and random visitors at his home.

Nov 6, 2018

The Drinking Partners start their latest podcast with a call for listeners’ favorite moments and an admission that no one can figure out Day’s sound effects. What they do know is how important their guests are: Big Brothers Big Sisters community affairs officer Tom Baker and program associate Devon Taliaferro. With a message of consistency, care, and concern, Tom and Devon share how easy, accessible, and significant it is to become a mentor as they speak on their own experiences with the program. While Day talks about his personal history as a Little Brother, Ed jumps in with jokes, and the interview is a mixture of laughter and learning. Where else but in the Drinking Partners studio can you eat a Hennessy cupcake (courtesy of Devon and her sister) as you discuss the positive impacts of mentoring, for both adults and children? A compelling and motivating episode, filled with ideas on how to volunteer. As Devon asks, “Why are you not mentoring?” To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters Pittsburgh, visit https://www.bbbspgh.org.

Oct 30, 2018

Ed begins the latest Drinking Partners episode with eloquence and four-syllable words. But that doesn’t last long as the men bring on Neil Glausier of Burgh’ers Brewing, a “locally sourced, top to bottom” addition to the popular craft burger restaurant. Mr. Glausier talks on his start as a home brewer, which quickly impresses Ed and Day as they amusingly marvel over his use of very large and complicated terms. As the second episode recorded for the day, the Drinking Partners don’t miss any opportunity to venture off topic in their entertaining and enthusiastic way. Beer lovers and brewers will enjoy Mr. Glauier’s story as he explains how he blended his engineering background with brewing, or, as he calls it, “Hack engineering on the cheap.” With their Pittsburgh-centric beer names and its farm to table approach, Burgh’ers focuses on making beer inclusive and sustainable. The latter half on the episode is recipe-heavy and has the men discussing beer trends and processes, which results in an informative and detailed listen. For more information about Burgh’ers Brewing, visit http://burgherspgh.com.

Oct 22, 2018

Tracy Certo, founder and publisher for Next Pittsburgh, an online magazine with a “Focus on the people, places, and ideas advancing the city and the region,” joins the Drinking Partners for a comprehensive conversation centering on the city and its media outlets. The interview offers a snapshot of Pittsburgh’s news outlets in a hyper-focused manner, as Ms. Certo shares her views on the city’s changing media scene. Midway through, the group delves deeper and examines unconscious biases and intersectionality with an emphasis on current events. The Drinking Partners promise that they are “equal opportunity interrupters,” as they defend themselves in one particularly amusing exchange. This episode pulses with the beats of Pittsburgh in a fun and in-depth manner. To learn more about Next Pittsburgh, visit www.nextpittsburgh.com.

Oct 15, 2018

Meg and James Evans, founders of Pittsburgh’s Brewtal Beer Fest, rejoin the Drinking Partners for a special release episode to celebrate their October 20 music and beer festival. What makes the festival unique are the collaboration beers that all eleven bands have created – which results in fans experiencing a, “Once in a lifetime beer associated with a band they might love.” Heavy music and exclusive brews make Brewtal a must attend event at Mr. Smalls Theater and Funhouse. With two brewers on the episode, the conversation is both informative and rowdy as the group discusses Meg’s award-winning Honey Comb cream ale, and Day deliberates how he will get his face painted for the festival. Marriage, wrestling, and shoes also find their way into the conversation with hilarious results. To purchase tickets for Brewtal Beer Fest, visit https://www.pghbrewtalfest.com.

Oct 8, 2018

Follow These Rivers Festival cofounders James Drake and Jonathan Fisher join the Drinking Partners to promote their one-day music and art festival that aims to bring awareness and funding to waterways conservation and cleanup. Or, as Ed says, “Support this festival so you can drink at home without fear.” Follow These Rivers plans to use the day to “celebrate life, art, and our earth.” From a morning cleanup starting at the Millvale Riverfront Park to an afternoon and evening of music at Wigle Whiskey Barrelhouse, the festival hopes to highlight how easy it is to make simple, proactive changes. Throughout the interview, Mr. Drake and Mr. Fisher discuss the steps they have taken personally and with the festival to eliminate or reduce the reliance on plastic. An emphasis on the musical acts that will appear centers the episode, and, to catch an early listen, find the Follow These Rivers playlist on Spotify. To learn more about the festival and to purchase tickets, visit: https://www.ftrfest.com. The Drinking Partners will be hosting the event, and proceeds will go toward Plastic Ocean Project, Allegheny CleanWays, and Food City.

Oct 2, 2018

Day wore his special political socks and Ed wishes that he would have at least worn a vest as the Drinking Partners welcome Summer Lee – the Democratic nominee for the 34th Pennsylvania State House District – and Sara Innamorato – the Democratic nominee for the 21st Pennsylvania State House District. What follows is an in-depth analysis of the shifting politics of Western Pennsylvania and the nation as a whole. Ms. Lee speaks on her concept of people-centered politics, which she deems “common sense policies,” that focus on education, healthcare, and a fair living wage. Ms. Innamorato shares her approach, which supports progressive policies that promote a “dignified life.” When Ed asks if passion or savvy will garner the most change in Harrisburg, Ms. Innamorato and Ms. Lee answer in unison: “Both.” It is this combination of knowledge and dedication that listeners will hear throughout the interview. Even with such important women as guests, the Drinking Partners add light laughs and their own spins to the heavy banter. To learn more about Summer Lee and Sara Innamorato, visit their respective sites: https://www.summerforpa.com and https://www.saraforpa.com.

Sep 24, 2018

The Drinking Partners start the episode with a request: They’re looking for a new beer collaboration to create “The blackest shit we’ve ever done.” Their requirements are many, but all hilarious. Shortly after, they welcome Knowledge Hudson, fellow Epicast podcaster with his Ten Minutes of Knowledge podcast. What follows is an esoteric and philosophical conversation that explores religion and self-identity and individual and community evolution. But also looks into the necessity of siestas! Listen in as the Drinking Partners and Knowledge examine concepts not usually talked about in the studio. A thoughtful and wise listen. To hear more from Knowledge Hudson, check out his podcast, Ten Minutes with Knowledge.

Sep 19, 2018

Ed starts this special-release episode with an attempt to sing – again. This boisterous interview with Bill Oates of Three Rivers Underground Brewing owes much of its laughs to Mr. Oates, who gifted the Drinking Partners with a large selection of beer. He stops by the studio to discuss Brewing Up a Cure 2018, which has raised over $300,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and is one of Pittsburgh’s longest running beer festivals. Over 75 homebrews will be featured at the event, as well as some of Pittsburgh’s favorite local cider, mead, spirits, and beer. Day grows impatient as he waits for Bill to open the first of four beers that he has brought. He is not disappointed as he tastes a German Dunkel, a dark lager, or, as Ed calls it, “What Jon Snow drank.” That should clue in listeners to what sort of craziness will transpire in this latest release, one that combines detailed conversation centering on brewing and beer with more hilarious tangents than anyone will be able to count. To buy tickets or make a donation to Brewing Up the Cure, please visit: http://brewingupacure.org.

Sep 17, 2018

The Drinking Partners welcome Tamara Whiting, founder of SisterFriend Inc, a non-profit organization, “by women for women dedicated to sustaining feminine health.” Founded in 2015, SisterFriend, Inc has distributed over 10000 menstrual health supplies and works with numerous community initiatives to ensure that their products will reach those who need them most. The interview examines the necessity of SisterFriend and its aim to make “menstrual equity” happen while eliminating the stigma around discussing feminine hygiene health. Ed and Day, and Ms. Whiting herself, pepper the interview with jokes and stories, and the Drinking Partners experience a few epiphanies related women’s health in the latter minutes. To support this important organization, please visit to learn where you can donate: http://www.sisterfriend.org.

Sep 10, 2018

The Drinking Partners buzz with cheery energy and chatter as they welcome The Olga Watkins Band into the studio. Vocalist Olga Watkins, guitarist Jay Weaver, and drummer/percussionist Subha Das open the interview with the band’s backstory. What started as a jazz trio evolved into a funk/soul/r & b/blues band, and the group’s opportunities blossomed as a result. A particularly dynamic conversation develops around the band’s interactions and communication through music and rhythm as they perform which transitions into the similarities between comedy and music. From bad sets to professional influences, the group explores those similarities with depth and authenticity. The history of music in Pittsburgh rounds out the rest of the interview, but stayed tuned until the end to hear the band perform live in the studio. You will not want to miss it! To catch up with and listen to the Olga Watkins Band, check out their website: http://www.olgawatkinsband.com.

Sep 4, 2018

In this celebratory episode live from Fresh Fest Beer Fest, the Drinking Partners welcome Harlem Brewing owner and brewer Celeste Beatty, who Day praises as the “Beyonce of beer,” before asking if she has a lemonade brew. With such a fun and fast start, the energetic and vocal crowd readies for the Drinking Partners experience that delightfully develops and continues as Black Frog Brewery’s Chris Harris joins in. Both Ms. Beatty and Mr. Harris share stories of the innovative, yet difficult journeys involved in opening their breweries, with Ed and Day (unsurprisingly) interrupting with often-hilarious results. Midway through the interview, the panel examines the themes central to Fresh Fest and the connections and collaborations that can come about from sharing different culture’s brewing traditions. The episode concludes with a question and answer segment, one that highlights the knowledge and passion of the live audience. Inquiries range from the history of ancient brewing – Ms. Beatty is currently exploring recipes found on Egyptian papyruses – to community engagement. The interview only ends so that the festival can begin – a fitting transition after all that was discussed.

Aug 27, 2018

An early examination into all things Philly-related makes for an entertaining opening to the latest Drinking Partners release. Jason Cercone, founder of Breaking Brews – a Pittsburgh-focused craft beer blog and website dedicated to highlighting and promoting the libations culture and community – joins Ed and Day as the talk switches to the Steel City and the thriving alcohol industry. Mr. Cercone’s goal, and one that the Drinking Partners enthusiastically support, is the make Pittsburgh a “drinking destination.” In support of that, he has founded Pittsburgh Libations Week, a year-long celebration with its inaugural week set for October 12 – October 20, 2018, an event that will educate and enhance those who sip anything crafted in Pittsburgh. The interview is a dynamic and thorough look into how both Mr. Cercone and the Drinking Partners have been advancing the idea of Pittsburgh as a “boozy” city. For anyone who enjoys any of the city’s craft creations, this is a must listen. For more information about Pittsburgh Libations week, visit https://www.pittsburghlibationsweek.com.

Aug 14, 2018

The Drinking Partners open their latest podcast with a care package from Troeg’s Brewing Company, which included Nimble Giant, a Double IPA. With beers in hands, they welcome Sam Leonard from Pittsburgh Local News and Shannon Harris, a Texas-based beer blogger and award-winning home brewer. The early conversation focuses on Sam’s take on the happenings in and around Pittsburgh and the role of media and free speech. Shannon – known as The Brew Brotha – is highlighted midway through as he offers his thoughts on the beer scene in Texas and Black beer culture across the country. He explains in the latter minutes how he collaborates with breweries across the country, including Dancing Gnome, where he created an “aggressively hopped” styling for Fresh Fest 2018. Listen until the end as the group loosens up and jumps between the beers that Mr. Harris has brought with him and hilarious stories, an unsurprising conclusion for loyal listeners. Hear Sam on the Epicast network with his podcast Pittsburgh Local News, and find Shannon Harris at www.thebrewbrotha.com.

Aug 6, 2018

What could be better for a summer podcast than inviting the women behind Leona’s Ice Cream into the studio for a to-die for pairing of beer and ice cream? The Drinking Partners do just that as Christa Puskarich and Katie Heldstab stop by with a generous selection of their homemade, Pittsburgh-famous ice cream sandwiches and beer from a few of their favorite local breweries. Early on, the ladies’ entrepreneurial spirit inspires Day to confess his dream hustle: Selling specialty air.
Listeners will be unsurprised by Ed’s reaction to his co-host’s plans. The playful banter continues, even as the ladies talk about their start and how their ice cream is lactose-free and locally sourced. As beer lovers themselves, Katie and Christa chat with confidence and ease, and each topic is explored in a fun and fresh way, much like their Leona’s products. In the latter half of the podcast, the tasting begins, starting with a Hitchhiker coffee porter paired with a cinnamon sugar cookie and coffee ice cream sandwich. You can find Leona’s Ice Cream at ten local breweries and try your own pairings; for more information on the many locations their products are offered, visit http://www.leonaspgh.com. Find the Drinking Partners and Leona’s at this weekend’s Fresh Fest at Nova Place at 4 pm.

Jul 23, 2018

Doug Foster, co-owner of Aurochs Brewing Company, visits the Drinking Partners with his gluten-free offerings and a lesson in the ways of ancient brewing that do not rely on barley, rye, and wheat. The mission of Aurochs has been to provide a flavorful, great-tasting beer, and both Ed and Day deem it a success after expressing some early reservations about the gluten-free process. Curious as to what ingredients make up an Aurochs brew? Listen in as Mr. Foster discusses quinoa and millet and other wild oats. There’s even an exercise in how to correctly pronounce quinoa. As the interview progresses and more beer is drank, the Drinking Partners transition from talking about how clean the Aurochs beer is to their views on karaoke. Mr. Foster’s admission of his favorite song to sing surprises Ed and Day and leads Ed to reminisce. A fun listen that highlights a new, yet age-old process of craft beer brewing. Catch Aurochs at Fresh Fest on August 11 at Threadbare Cider House and at http://www.aurochsbrewing.com.

Jul 9, 2018

Hitchhiker Brewing owner Gary Olden and head brewer Andy Kwiatkowski return to the Drinking Partners Podcast following their late 2017 opening of their new Sharpsburg brewery and taproom. Beer lovers will be pleased from the opening moments as the men jump right into shop talk, even divulging what might be the next big trend in brewing: A Brut IPA, a “hoppy champagne” with a low bitterness and minimal sugar. Keep listening to hear a detailed, ingredient-specific explanation of the process to produce the new trend; one that Ed admits he could not understand. From the importance of a water filtration system to enzymatic processes, the early half of the interview is brimming with the science of brewing. A conversation about the dynamics of partnerships, both business and personal, will have listeners laughing and empathizing. Make sure to check out Hitchhiker’s new beer garden and their upcoming beers. For more info, check out their website: http://hitchhiker.beer.

Jul 2, 2018

Dave Cerminara, owner of Apis Mead and Winery in Carnegie, has the Drinking Partners nostalgic and amazed with his peanut butter and jelly-tasting mead as their latest podcast opens. Back for his second visit, Dave stops by to talk about the opening of his new building, a few blocks from his current spot in Carnegie and an upgrade in both space and brewing equipment. Of course, Ed and Day amusingly force Dave off-topic as they describe him as a “good time in a bottle.” (They might be Apis fanboys.) The evolution of Apis since its early days is the heart of the episode, and listeners will enjoy hearing what Dave and his team have planned for their expansion. Spoilers: The new space will have thirty taps and Apis will soon be available in cans! Visit Apis Mead and Winery in their new location (206 Mary Street, Carnegie) for their grand opening event on August 4, 2018. For more info, check out Apis at www.apismead.com.

Jun 25, 2018

With three VR cameras recording the latest Drinking Partners podcast, listeners will be able to experience the mayhem in a whole new way! Sean Smith– CTIO of Pro Digital VR – brings his technology to the studio for this unique experience that combines what the Drinking Partners do best with what Pro Digital VR has mastered. Can’t make it to a live podcast? Just visit https://prodigitalvr.com/drinkingpartners/ to jump into the fun. As Mr. Smith mentions, VR is an “empathy machine” that allows viewers to step into someone else’s world, and the Drinking Partners world is one that offers hours of laughable entertainment. Privacy in the digital age is a talking point throughout as the men discuss the blurred lines that instant accessibility creates and the importance of maintaining digital freedom. And then there is the conversation about space travel and aliens. Listen in to decide for yourself what to make of that one! As Ed says, “Earth is going to get gentrified.” You might need a beer after that one, so check out Fresh Fest, which will take place August 11, 2018 at Threadbare Cider House: “Diversity and different voices in the industry make an industry better,” Day promises.

Jun 11, 2018

Live and loose from Industry Public House, the Drinking Partners showcase themselves in true and fun form in this action-packed and interactive podcast. From the opening seconds, the tone is set as Ed and Day argue about how to even begin the episode. Brian Eaton, cofounder of Gristhouse Brewing, and the Beer Executive Officer of Industry, Colin McCullough – whose work title has the Drinking Partners both jealous and giddy – join the panel. Craft lovers will enjoy the explanation and recipe sharing behind sour beers, but beware the discussion on clowns that follows! Did you know there was such a thing as cookout sandals? To learn more, listen for Ed’s description and, for longtime listeners, hear once more of his hatred of feet. Interested in a “beercation?” Both Brian and Colin share their top picks for breweries to include. The Drinking Partners are at their best live, and this latest release is no different as they toe the PG-13 line with hilarious results. Love festivals, beer, and games? Make sure to visit Craft Carnival, a one of a kind beer festival with activities that will entertain everyone. To learn more, visit www.craftcarnivalpgh.com and use promo code partners2018 for $10 off! Find more about Industry Public House at www.industrypgh.com.

Jun 4, 2018

What’s better than getting beer shipped to you from Troeg’s while sipping on beer from Mindful? Not much, the Drinking Partners decide in their latest podcast release. Happy and well-lubricated, Ed and Day welcome noted Pittsburgh blogger, and, according to Day, the daredevil of journalism, Virginia Montanez. Ms. Montanez shares a unique perspective as she relates her history of being “outed” as a once-anonymous political commentator, which caused her to lose her job with a non-profit, which leads into a conversation about the consequences of free speech. Several, Drinking Partners-esque detours offer laughs as the trio muses about deer as vermin, privacy concerns, and the political happenings in and around Pittsburgh, all within a few breaths. After years of blogging as Pittsburgh’s preeminent and wittiest voice, Ms. Montanez now shares her thoughts on Twitter. To follow her and her latest thoughts, find her @janepitt.

May 29, 2018

As the Drinking Partners enjoy Mindful Brewing’s McCord – a Belgian strong golden ale – they give a rowdy welcome to Paige Mitchell, an entertainment journalist who curates Front Paige Me, a Pittsburgh-centric event blog. The podcast features Ms. Mitchell sharing behind-the-scenes stories from some of her best interviews, much to Ed and Day’s delight. As Ms. Mitchell states, “An event ain’t poppin’ unless Front Paige Me has been there.” Some names are dropped, others are not; but this latest podcast highlights who’s who in Pittsburgh and beyond in a fun, brisk fashion. Stay tuned through the end to hear Ms. Mitchell’s dream interviewees and to find out how the Drinking Partners feel about significant others cheating with celebrities and which ones are acceptable. To read more about Paige Mitchell, visit www.frontpaigeme.com.

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