The Taproom Podcast

Host Mike sits down with Kreis Holland of Tactical Brewing (Baldwin Park/Orlando) to explore the brewery’s origin, growth and community-focused approach. They discuss brewing techniques—from fooder-aged lagers and New Zealand Pilsners to West Coast IPAs and popular watermelon sours—plus creative experiments (oyster-black lager, pandan and ube) and the brewery’s expansion into a 12,000 sq ft facility. Key topics include balancing creativity and consistency, the business side of beer (distribution and regional challenges), festival touring, the local Orlando craft scene, launching a spirits program, and practical advice for aspiring podcasters and brewers. Expect beer stories, brewing tips, and wide-ranging conversation about craft culture and community.

Mike welcomes brewer and Tipsy Entertainment co-founder Daniel Guido for Taproom Podcast episode 191. They discuss Daniel’s dual role as a brewer and event promoter, Tipsy’s rapid growth, and how karaoke, trivia and creative events have helped build strong brewery partnerships from Big Bear to Long Beach. The conversation covers community-focused work — back-to-school and Christmas drives supporting foster and local kids — plus behind-the-scenes brewing life, job hunting in the industry, beer styles and trends (stouts, black IPAs, cask ales, seltzers), situational beer picks, and ideas for bringing breweries and people together. Listeners can expect stories, practical tips for event and brewery collaboration, local beer recommendations, and where to find Tipsy Entertainment on social media. Tune in for a mix of beer talk, community impact, and entertaining nightlife ideas.

Episode 190 of the Taproom Podcast features returning guest Cody Sherwood (Less Hate More Lager), now at Central Standard Brewing. Mike and Cody cover the closure of Wichita Brewing, Cody’s move to Kansas City, becoming a new dad, and his advocacy for mental health in the brewing community. The conversation also dives into beer culture and trends — the rise and pitfalls of hazy IPAs, the case for lagers, sensory challenges, and industry pretension — plus fun segments like “Three Beers and a Story,” festival talk (JBF, CBC), upcoming shows, and community-focused events. Expect honest, unfiltered brewers’ talk and practical perspectives on brewing, sales, and staying authentic.

Episode 189 brings a lively Brewers' Roundtable with Bridget Gonzalez (Burning Bridge), Tyler Sadler (Shadowgrove) and Yvette DeLuna (Boomtown/Feathered Serpent). Mike hosts a 1hr 40min conversation packed with tasting notes, brewing projects, and the realities of balancing family and brewery life. Topics covered include recent Portland/Seattle beer runs, festival plans (GABF, Oktoberfest), scholarship opportunities (MJF/Master Brewers Academy, Pink Boots), and trends like the return of lagers, hazy IPAs and fruited sours. Brewers discuss beers they’re proud of — a jasmine rice kölsch, New Zealand pilsner, Munich dunkel, bottle-conditioned saison with osmanthus — plus tips for competitions and collabs. Key moments: candid talk about returning to brewing after parental leave, the value of community support for women and non-binary brewers, a playful “pour it or dump it” game, and plenty of behind-the-scenes banter from the taproom. Expect upbeat, chaotic energy, practical insights, and recommendations to support local breweries.

Host Mike sits down with Ray Ricky Rivera of Mexican Monk Brewhouse in Paramount to discuss the taproom’s origin, the meaning behind the Mexican Monk brand, and the partnership with a local horchateria. They cover operational details like contract brewing vs. retail licensing, tap rotation, food partnerships, and lessons learned from high‑volume events such as World Cup watch parties. Ray also shares his brewery menu philosophy (gateway beers, Belgian wit, lagers, West Coast vs. hazy IPAs), community programming (comedy, plant bingo, chess, Binho nights), and how the space supports families and local creatives. He talks about his past as a musician and the recent East LA Sabor Factory reunion, plus ongoing goals for Norwalk Brewhouse and future hospitality projects. Expect practical small‑business advice, behind‑the‑scenes stories of launching a taproom, tasting highlights (Paramount Pils, West Bless, La Blanca), and why persistence and community connections matter in craft beer. Follow Mexican Monk on Instagram @MexMonk for events and hours.