In an extraordinary live event from Boom Concepts in Pittsburgh, the Drinking Partners are joined by Brian Burley – author of the newly released YNGBLKPGH, a book featuring black professionals from the community – and Thomas Agnew, owner and co-founder of Boom Concepts and Jenisis Magazine. The event celebrated the conclusion of a gallery showing with a brunch provided by Sweet Little Eats and Wine & Words Pittsburgh before the Drinking Partners chatted with Mr. Burley and Mr. Agnew. What follows is a comprehensive conversation centered on community and success, and how interwoven the two must be, which is an integral element in YNGBLKPGH. A question and answer session is highlighted toward the latter half, with an active and engaged examination ensuing. In the closing minutes, an impassioned discussion allows listeners to laugh and consider, from the importance of networking and supporting new concepts and ventures to the salmon shade of Day’s pants. To learn more about YNGBLKPGH and Brian Burley, visit www.yngblkpgh.com and Boom Concepts at www.boomconcepts.com.
One of Pittsburgh’s up and coming rappers, PK Delay, and Jacob Finch, freelance creator and manager, join Ed for a music-centric conversation in the latest Drinking Partners release. In the opening minutes, an introspective discussion centers around the evolving approach of rap artists, with a focus on how new, young rappers are redefining the game and making their own rules. From forming a closer connection to their fans to developing their own images, PK Delay explains how he and other young rappers are exploring new roads and paving their own ways to success. A deeply held belief in bringing a positive aspect to his music and to his fans motivates PK and drives the interview, which is highlighted by an in-depth back and forth between Ed and PK that examines every aspect of the Pittsburgh rap scene. To hear more from PK Delay, visit https://soundcloud.com/pk-delay.
With the studio to himself, Ed reflects on his headlining experience at the Pittsburgh Improv before welcoming North Country Brewing owner Bob McCafferty and marketing head JD Longo. Open since 2005, North Country serves as a veteran voice for listeners, home brewers, and entrepreneurs. With a focus on farm to table and beer-inclusive dining, Mr. McCafferty explains the business model in detail, which makes for an interesting and enlightening podcast. Of course, Ed pops in with amusing asides and funny anecdotes as the men talk shop; and his Make-a-Wish analysis is both hilarious and very Drinking Partners-like, as is his description of his first pedicure. Sipping on the Stinky Hippie, a Pale Ale with 5.5% ABV, the men jump back and forth between personal admissions and professional brewing, with a relaxed and enjoyable vibe. Also of note is the Stationhouse 33 Firehouse Red, a malty ale brewed for the Slippery Rock Fire Department; a percentage of sales is donated back to the department. For information about North Country Brewing Company, visit http://www.northcountrybrewpub.com/. To see the Drinking Partners live at Bricolage on Saturday, June 17 at 8:00 PM, buy tickets at www.purplepass.com/byob.
Small batch masters Ryan Slicker and Tom Jenkins of the newly opened Fury Brewing stop by the studio and join the Drinking Partners for a lesson in beer making, which was broadcasted live on Facebook. The men sip on the caramel flavored Nuts of Fury brown ale to open the podcast as Ryan and Tom speak on what goes into opening a brewery. With beers created for “taste, smoothness, and quality,” Fury Brewing enjoys brewing a variety of offerings and plans to continue to expand. Listeners will enjoy learning how much goes into all sides of brewing, from crafting beer to developing a business model. To close the podcast, the men sample Sid’s 1K IPA, a centennial hop based beer named in honor of Sydney Crosby’s 1000th point. To learn more about Fury Brewing, visit furybrewingcompany.com. To catch the Drinking Partners live at Bricolage Theater (downtown Pittsburgh), buy tickets now: www.purplepass/byob.
In the latest Drinking Partners release, a theme emerges early as Day and guest host Daniel Dongilli explore the idea of learning from one’s mistakes with Tom Klingensmith, owner of Klingensmith Metal, which specializes in custom steel projects. From there, the men discuss a variety of topics – commutes, craft beer, and country living. But the trio also takes some time to analyze the podcast industry and chat about their favorites. A relaxed and refreshing listen that spans across ideas with ease and interest. To learn more about Klingensmith Metal visit Tom’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/klingensmithmetal/
From the opening segment, the latest Drinking Partners release is high on energy and action, with non-stop chatter and festivity as guest Walter Aguirre, owner of LA Taco food truck – which aims to introduce Latin American food into local communities – visits the studio. With moonshine and Hennessy in hand, Mr. Aguirre, who is also a digital marketer, shares tales and insight as he describes his experiences as a California transplant to suburban Pittsburgh. Ed provides the voice of abstinence while Day, Daniel (guest host from Grownup Human Comic People), and Walter sip boldly in true Drinking Partners fashion. The conversation swings like an out of control pendulum, from an analysis of Kanye West and the Kardashian curse to the neuroscience-based effects of watching World Star videos; each topic is scrutinized with a mix of hilarity and testosterone. In the waning moments of the podcast, the men contemplate on the universal subjects of life, work, and family, with a seriousness and sharpness that will make listeners pause. As Ed suggests, “You can live a lavish lifestyle, or you can have lavish relationships.” Of course, the discussion ends on a fantastically fun note as trap music gets analyzed, with Daniel offering an epic takedown. The latest podcast is a wild, weaving ride. Find where LA Taco truck will be next at lataco412.com
With Daniel Dongilli of Human Grownup Comic People as a guest host, the Drinking Partners get back to their roots and welcome Brixton Brewing’s head brewer Zack Ruskin. One of his offering, the Belgium & Hobbs ¬– a 14% quad barley wine that takes a year to ferment ¬– has Dan “attending to every sip” and feeling “infused with love” and Day dubbing it the “broken marriage brew,” for its warming nature. In the early half of the podcast, the men discuss the combination of art and science, two seemingly unconnected aspects of successful brewing before the high alcohol content of the beer kicks in and causes conversational havoc and plenty of laughs. The second offering from Brixton Brewing is the Matthew, an English Mild with a distinctive biscuit flavor that pairs well with everything. Halfway through, Ed trades places with Day and wastes no time cracking jokes and attempting to name a future beer for Brixton. In the latter minutes, the free flowing talk shifts from dating apps to airplanes to the authenticity of micro brewing. Sip on Zack’s creations at Hollywood Gardens in Rochester, PA and find more information on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hollywoodgardens
Comedian Gab Bonesso has listeners laughing within her first few moments as the latest Drinking Partners guest as she narrates her personal history in a wildly amusing manner. Dropping by the studio to promote her comedy album release, “Everyone’s Dead,” Ms. Bonesso’s enthusiastic energy and spunky passion inspires rapid-fire conversations and unrestrained admissions that are both hilarious and expository. Midway through, the interview deepens in both intensity and importance, as Gab describes how personal tragedy influences and affects her comedy. Part-confessional and part-performance, the segment is one of the most unforgettable moments in the history of the Drinking Partners. The trio’s chemistry builds as the podcast progresses, and jokes and quips are amplified by the group’s natural ease with each other. A fascinating listen with moments of intimacy and moments of mania. To download “Everyone’s Dead,” the first comedy release from Misra Records, visit https://gabbonesso.bandcamp.com. For information about Gab Bonesso’s live shows, visit http://gabbonesso.com.
Fellow Epicast podcaster Scot MacTaggart takes a seat for the first time on the studio’s couch to be interviewed by the Drinking Partners in this latest offering. In a reversal of sorts, the Pitchwerks host answers questions instead of asking them as he explains the concept behind his podcast: one that focuses on sales, marketing, and entrepreneurship and focuses on promoting what has worked for his guests and what might work for his listeners. Midway through, Mr. MacTaggart turns the tables on Ed and Day and quizzes them which makes for an interesting analysis. Stay tuned for the Pitchwerks founder’s thoughts on the three most important tips on how to succeed. A great listen for those seeking guidance on how to propel their business or craft further. For more from Pitchwerks, tune in to the Epicast Network (www.epicastnetwork.com) or visit www.pitchwerks.com.
Shane Lohman of Steel City Beer – Pittsburgh’s only craft beer wholesaler – joins the Drinking Partners in the latest podcast and greets listeners with one of the “top ten what ups to the people,” according to Day. With an objective dedicated to connecting craft beer breweries with the community, Steel City Beer fills a much-needed niche in Western Pennsylvania, and Mr. Lohman describes the thoughts behind his business model in the opening half of the podcast. Which leads to the Drinking Partners developing a business plan of their own: a collapsible glass to be used at the bar. Midway through, the men lose their filter in a not safe for women segment, but shift back to a beer-centered conversation soon after. Learn more about Steel City Beer Wholesalers and the craft beer they offer at http://www.steelcitybeerwholesalers.com.
Top radio host and comedian Randy Baumann opens the show with an inspiring (and entertaining) tale of how he went from accountant to comedian to radio personality in the early minutes of the latest Drinking Partners podcast. From there, the trio discusses making the transition to full-time artist and performers and the risks and rewards that come along with such a move. As a long-time host of one of Pittsburgh’s most popular morning shows on WDVE, Mr. Baumann is the perfect guest – informative, amusing, and open, which leads to in-depth analyses on topics ranging from local entertainers to national comedy sensation Dave Chappelle. In the second half of the podcast, the conversation centers on the changing dynamics of how audiences engage and consume media and entertainment, often in binges and longer formats. One of the Drinking Partners best podcasts to date and a “safe for work” listen that features stories and comedy that everyone will enjoy. Tune in to The Morning Show with Randy Baumann on WDVE - 102.5 FM.
Live from the Hollow Oak Land Trust Brewhaha, the Drinking Partners podcast from their first venue with chandeliers and with a full crowd listening and are joined by Executive Director Sean Brady, who explains how Hollow Oak seeks to connect and promote green space in the Pittsburgh Airport corridor, and who teaches Ed and Day about a “rogue hoe,” which quickly becomes their favorite tool and inspires one of the best Drinking Partners bits to date. In an event that features local breweries paired with Fellowship Foods artisanal fare, the Brewhaha is a yearly fundraiser for the land trust. In the second half of the podcast, brewers Zach of Brixton Brewing and Matt from Insurrection AleWorks sit with the Drinking Partners and speak on their early attempts at brewing. Toward the end of the podcast, Ed and Day attempt to woo the brewers into crafting a beer in their honors, with Ed’s as a “super swaggy” vanilla stout that is “super smooth with a lot of flavor.” Or perhaps a Rogue Hoe beer, that is a “boys’ night out drink.” A fun and quick listen that is certain to brighten your day. Learn more about the Hollow Oak Land Trust at http://www.hollowoak.org.
Rate and review the Drinking Partners Podcast, and you could be the next target of Ed and Day’s roasting, much like AndyQWERTY, whose review inspired a hilarious critique during the opening minutes of this week’s episode. Once the laughter settles, the Drinking Partners introduce Cindy Nixon-Fernandez, an actress, producer, and radio host of La Rumba Pittsburgh – the only local Latin hits station. The early parts of the interview center around the slow growth of Latino culture in Pittsburgh, with a fun and entertaining discussion of the “international aisle” in local grocery stores. Midway through, the trio talks about Blood on the Leaves, a recent release that Ms. Nixon-Fernandez starred in, and the impact of examining social issues through film and media, a prominent topic during this engaging and thought-provoking analysis. Tune in Thursdays from 7-9 PM at 88.3 FM to listen to La Rumba Pittsburgh or visit www.CindyFernandezNixon.com to find more information about Ms. Nixon-Fernandez.
In this week’s release, Ed returns and brings his fiery zest with him, making fast work of Day before welcoming guests Natalie Bencivenga and Kim Lyons. As hosts of Epicast’s newest podcast, The Broadcast, Ms. Lyons and Ms. Bencivenga smoothly banter with the Drinking Partners and personify the very message of their own podcast: to give women a voice in media and promote female-centered projects. But there is also talk of vasectomies and “in-house” sex, Ed’s hospital beard and tips on personal grooming, and a few other NSFW topics. Midway through, the intimacy and revealing nature of the interview expands into an important analysis of the difference between the male and female gaze and how to reshape those differences. As only the Drinking Partners can, the seemingly heavy discussion is riddled with amusing anecdotes, hilarious asides, and blush-worthy admissions. A must listen for those seeking an inside look into the minds of the opposite sex. For more information or to listen to The Broadcast, visit www.broadcast-podcast.com.
Comedian Terry Jones sits in for Ed, who makes a guest appearance in this rowdy episode that features Burning Bridges Festival founder John Dick Winters. Stopping by the studio to promote the upcoming comedy festival (March 31-April 1), John does not shy away from roasting Day and forcing Terry to play referee. The interview swings from tart and acerbic to informative and positive, and back again as the comics cannot contain their quick wit and playful mockery. There is never a dull moment during this episode’s 90-minute run, which spotlights the comedian lifestyle intimately and realistically. Be prepared to laugh repeatedly during this relentlessly amusing installment. For more information and to purchase tickets for the Burning Bridges Festival, please visit https://burningbridgesfestival.com.
With the addition of a sober Drinking Partner in comedian Terry Jones, this episode might seem to follow a straighter path, but the laughs roll from the opening minutes. Joined by Jason Sauer, owner of Most Wanted Fine Art, a Pittsburgh gallery that features local, national, and international artists, ones that often do not have the exposure or opportunity to showcase their art. Each month, at their studio and performance space in Garfield, Most Wanted Fine Art promotes a new artist, which allows it to unite art with community service. Midway through, the men discuss demolition derbies and the folksy designs that color the cars, which, for Mr. Sauer, represents a uniquely American art form. Day listens on as Terry and Jason hold a lengthy and detailed discussion centering on cars, from style to size to their cultural influences. For more information about Most Wanted Fine Art, visit: http://mostwantedfineart.com. For an hour of laughs, check out Limbo Negro, a comedy album by Terry Jones: https://tjonespoc.bandcamp.com/album/limbo-negro (also available on Amazon, iTunes, and Tidal).
After one of the strangest and most laughable transitions in Drinking Partners history, Day Bracey and guest host Jared Evans welcome Adam Shuck, creator of Eat That, Read This, a humorous, lunchtime e-newsletter filled with local news and gossip, and editor of The Glassblock, a Pittsburgh-based web magazine focused on culture, craft, and writing. With so much artistic talent in the studio, the conversation quickly centers on the nontraditional workday of entertainers and writers before shifting to a sharp and nuanced analysis of the mood and development of Pittsburgh. The trio briefly discusses journalism and the role of media in today’s political and social climates, while also having some fun talking about tax evasion, which none advise attempting. This Drinking Partners episode provides an informative listen to most things Pittsburgh. Find more from Adam Shuck at www.theglassblock.com and sign up for his newsletter at www.eatthatreadthis.com.
Day Bracey and fellow Epicast podcaster Jared Evans of Grownup Human Comic People join forces for an unfiltered, amusing, and, at times, not safe for work chat before welcoming Andy Kwiatkowski and Gary Olden of Hitchhiker Brewing Company. Stopping by the studio to talk about their new expansion – after acquiring the Fort Pitt Brewery in Sharpsburg – owner Olden and head brewer Kwiatkowski also share several of their newer offerings, including a kettle sour that Day promotes as a key to a strong relationship: “Women love sours because they are fruity, but you also don’t feel like a bitch when you’re drinking it.” Jokes blend with education as the men from Hitchhiker explain what goes into their own crafts while teasing pretentious beer drinkers. This Drinking Partners installment provides an extensive analysis and special insight into what decisions precede the production of a particular beer. A must listen for engaged, but unpretentious, beer drinkers.
Guest host T-Robe, one of Pittsburgh’s top comedians, joins Day Bracey in the studio as a guest host while fellow Drinking Partner Ed Bailey recovers. Joining the duo is Emmai Alaquiva, hot off an appearance on the Jimmy Fallon Show, and, according to T-Robe, “one of the best dressed cats I know.” However, Mr. Alaquiva was not always so well groomed and shares how he evolved into a creative professional after once being homeless and examines the struggles in between. Resourceful and focused, Mr. Alaquiva is an Emmy-award winning businessman, producer, and director who now dedicates his time to helping others prosper creatively. T-Robe, taking over for Ed, pauses the serious conversation to criticize Day’s corduroy pants, lightening the mood with impromptu humor. A thorough and significant discussion follows about the importance of financial knowledge and responsibility before diverging into an entertaining story involving Maya Angelou. Toward the latter half of the podcast, Mr. Alaquiva offers sage advice for artists and creators on how to engage and encourage change politically and socially. The final minutes get fun and loud as the three men compare, argue, and defend their choices for top rappers in the game. Find more about Mr. Alaquiva at his website www.emmaialaquiva.com, or his studio at www.yamomzhouse.com.
Hyped up and loose lipped, the Drinking Partners welcome Jake Voelker, co-owner at Voodoo Brewery in Homestead, into the studio for this dashing and revealing interview. In the opening half, the trio discusses the success that Voodoo Brewery has enjoyed as an employee-owned company, one in which each worker in invested and devoted. At the midway point, Ed and Day take a pause from their merry musings to sample blonde ale Venti, a newly released, canned beer with limited availability. Beer aficionados will enjoy Mr. Voelker explaining the process behind canning and the details that go into creating their artisan-crafted lines. A comprehensive conversation continues as the men examine the effects of small, local business on a recovering community. The podcast plays like a tribute to craft beer, with Ed and Day entertainingly reflecting on their own love affairs with good beer while Jake Voelker schools them on what happens behind the brewing scenes. Be sure to check out Voodoo’s newest offering: a pinball arcade at its Homestead location.
In the studio that has been outfitted much like a buffet, with a vast spread of Pennsylvania food and liquor, the founding women of Farm to Table introduce the Drinking partners to a locally-sourced feast. Erin Hart and Mary Hagan enthusiastically explain how Farm to Table helps connect consumers with local farms and explain how healthy eating starts with understanding the origins of food sources. Intermixed with advice and information are wild stories from Ed and Day, including the revelation that Ed pees sitting down and hopes to inspire a trending hashtag: #isitwithbailey. With sharp discourse and impassioned words from Ed, the podcast is fast and familiar, just as you would expect from a Drinking Partners-hosted event. Farm to Table’s next event, Growing Roots for Healthy Communities, will be held on March 24-25 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center; to buy tickets, visit https://farmtotablepa.com.
The Drinking Partners warmly (despite their hangovers) welcome Pittsburgh’s best jazz musician Phat Man Dee and Rusted Root member and multi-talented solo artist Liz Berlin to the studio to discuss Social Justice Disco, the creative collaboration formed by both women to combat injustice and intolerance. With the goal of “singing against fascism,” the women hope to promote music as a form of protest while educating and encouraging others to do the same, both through their current Social Justice Disco project and through their personal music-based initiatives. The conversation ranges widely, from sacred femininity to giving voice to marginalized communities. Profound and moving, the podcast offers up a female perspective that is both timely and necessary as the women of Social Justice Disco engage and entertain while fighting for equal rights and against hate. After a deeply engrossing political and philosophical discussion, Social Justice Disco performs live, closing the podcast with a performance that is well worth the wait.
Wearing their Christmas worst and sitting fireside, the Drinking Partners podcast live from Rock Bottom Pittsburgh with head brewer Meg Evans and top comic and dirty Santa impersonator Tim Ross. The opening minutes showcase the darker, beer-loving side of Santa Claus as the comedians banter, ridicule and tease, often with outrageously entertaining results. After a customary Drinking Partners conversational detour, Ed and Day introduce their next guests, fellow podcaster Ya Jagoff and Penn Brewery manager and brewer Nick Rosich. After some high-spirited audience interactions, the Drinking Partners make room at the table for Shu Brew owner Zach Shumaker and Spoonwood Brewing’s James Evans. Frenzied, loud, and delightfully untamed, this episode is a wild and jolly listen.
Swigging on Straub Helles, a Game of Thrones-esque, warm-bodied, robust lager designed for the upcoming winter, the Drinking Partners welcome Aaron Watson, host of the Going Deep podcast, which thoroughly explores the passions and fears of wide-ranging guests. From the opening minutes, the men reflect and consider, examining what drives individual journeys. Moments of wit and laughter playfully interrupt the contemplative nature of the interview, which allows Ed and Day the space to be both introspective and self-deprecating. And the time to expose and criticize Santa Claus as a poor businessman and promote panda bears, who, according to Day, are “the Rick Sebak of animals … lovable and adorable.” Ed disagrees and a typical Drinking Partners tangent ensues, full of sarcastic quips and far-fetched tales. A full interview that swings from farcical to profound and is a charming listen. Listen to Going Deep with Aaron Watson on his website www.goingdeepwithaaron.com and catch the Drinking Partners live January 28, 2017 at Comtra Theatre (Cranberry, PA) for a stand-up showcase.