Brewsing Banter

This week on Brewsing Banter, the Legendary Brew Crew pulls up with a fresh pour and an even fresher debate that might divide the culture…Does Drake actually have a classic album?Yeah… we went there.But first—St. Paddy’s vibes are in full effect 🍀 as we crack open an Irish oatmeal stout and get into the real story behind Saint Patrick’s Day… not just the green beer version everybody celebrates.From there, it’s pure Brewsing Banter:Craft beer picks + Black-owned brewery loveThe truth about corned beef, Reubens, and food traditionsWhat actually makes a hip-hop album “classic” in today’s eraThen we switch gears and recap a legendary R&B concert featuring New Edition, Boyz II Men, and Toni Braxton—who still sounds elite, who surprised us, and what aging in music really looks like.Plus:Can artists perform forever?Why R&B groups don’t hit the same anymoreAnd one of the wildest segments in podcasting: “Can You Name That White Woman?”If you’re into craft beer, hip-hop debates, R&B nostalgia, and unfiltered barbershop talk—you’re in the right place.Press play, grab a drink, and join the Brew Crew.The Taproom is Open!Patreon members get bonus segments, extra takes, and polls to push the conversation forward. Join the Brew Crew → www,patreon.com/brewsingbanter

In this episode of the Legendary Brew Crew taps in with Atlanta marketing strategist and culture architect Craig Stroud, the visionary behind Ale Max—a movement blending craft beer, sneaker culture, and community into one unforgettable experience.What started as a single beer collaboration has evolved into a multi-city cultural event celebrating limited-release beers, sneaker collectors, and brewery collaborations,Craig joins the crew to break down how Ale Max connects breweries across the country, why sneakerheads and craft beer lovers share the same collector mindset, and how the brand is expanding into the running community with post-run brewery events.Of course, the crew kicks things off with What We Drinking, featuring:🍺 Automatic - IPA from Creature Comforts🍺 Rhythm & Beauty - Black Lager from Soul Mega 🍺 Keep Honking - Rice Lager from Human Robot BreweryThe conversation dives into:• The similarities between sneaker drops and beer releases• Why craft beer culture and sneaker culture overlap• Building community through brewery collaborations and beer events • Expanding craft beer audiences through culture and storytelling • The future of Ale Max and nationwide brewery partnershipsIf you’re passionate about craft beer, sneaker culture, brewery collaborations, and the stories behind the culture, this episode is for you.Grab a cold one, pull up a chair, and join the banter.

This week the Legendary Brew Crew are back in the virtual taproom breaking down culture, hip-hop, and headlines, all while sampling standout craft beers.We kick things off reflecting on the 100th year of Black History Month and highlights from the NAACP Image Awards, then get into the Hollywood convo around the Screen Actors Guild Awards and who shows up for which rooms.Hip-hop takes center stage as we debate a potential 50 Cent vs T.I. Verzuz battle — catalog vs impact, South vs New York, and whether anybody really “loses” a Verzuz. We also touch on the Harris family lyrical responses, producer battles, and what makes a great music showdown in today’s streaming era.As always, expect unfiltered commentary, sharp humor, and real conversations at the intersection of craft beer, hip-hop culture, entertainment news, and current events.Grab a drink. Pull up a chair. The brew is the fuel.What We Drinking:Philly’s First Anniversary Ale (4.8%) – Victory Brewing Company.Reifen Hopf Sechs (3.9%) - Human Robot

This week in the virtual taproom, the Legendary Brew Crew link up with Darius and Travis of Gypsum Love Brewing — two friends shaking up the Delaware beer scene with science, soul, and straight-up grit. In this episode we tap into what really matters, the two entrepreneurs went from dollar beer nights and Heinekens in hand to building a brewery from scratch.Darius breaks down how a STEM brain, failed first batches, and a ChatGPT-assisted brew system turned into a serious operation. Travis keeps it real about banking by day, beer dreams by night, and being the “let’s go” energy when things could’ve stalled. We get the origin story behind the name Gypsum Love, the personal book that inspired it, and how gypsum (yes, the mineral) became part of the brand DNA.And listen, when they talk about their Black IPA “Say It Loud” selling out in 30 minutes? That’s not hype. That’s movement.We talk flagship beers, hazy vs. West Coast debates, hip-hop influence in branding, opening in Newport, Delaware, and what it really takes to build something meaningful in craft beer as Black founders.This episode is about ownership. About perseverance. About turning experiments into excellence.Grab a drink. Pull up a chair.What We Drinking On?Resurrection - Dubbel (7% ABV) - The Brewer’s ArtDouble IPA (8%) - Threat Beer CompanyBake Club - Coconut Custard Pie Pastry Stout (12% ABV) - Dewey Beer CompanyOld Friends - Dubai-Style Chocolate Stout - (12.9% ABV) First State Brewing

This week, the Legendary Brew Crew taps in with Maalik Stark, head brewer at Zero Day Brewing and certified stout lover, for a wide-ranging conversation that starts with what’s in the glass and spirals exactly where you expect. From black lagers that drink like stouts and hazy IPAs brewed with fancy mangoes we couldn’t identify, to the reality of learning on the brew deck the hard way, Malik breaks down his path from homebrewing experiments to running a ten-barrel system in central PA. We get into favorite styles, gateway beers, brewing mistakes you only make once, why cleaning is the real job, and what nobody tells you about being a head brewer until you’re already in it. Add in tequila-barrel goses, rye whiskey dreams, Harrisburg beer culture, and the eternal question of drinking stouts in the summer, and you’ve got a classic Brewsing Banter episode that’s equal parts beer education and barstool chaos. Did we mention that Maalik is also a stand up comedian?What Were Drinking:When Did We Get A Dog? - Hefeweizen (ABV4.5%) - Zero Day BrewingRhythm & Beauty - Black Lager (ABV 6%) - Soul MegaCitrus Cult - IPA - New England / Hazy (ABV 8%) - Dewey Beer Company collab with DSSLVR. Brewed with the brand-new experimental hop CH2

Seven years in, and we’re still here, still loud, and still arguing about nonsense like it’s a sport. The Legendary Brew Crew celebrates Year 7 snowed in, with drinks in hand, questionable takes on dry January, non alcoholic Guinness, real beer opinions, and the eternal debate nobody can solve: can men drink martinis out of martini glasses? From polar vortex madness and liquor store sales spikes, to brunch culture conspiracies, masculinity myths, and why Brewsing Brunch might be the next movement, this episode is pure, unfiltered Banter. We show love to Black owned breweries, roast the weather, spiral into TV talk, and remind you exactly why Brewsing Banter has survived seven years without changing who we are. Pull up, pour something, and run it back with us, because Year 7 isn’t a victory lap, it’s a statement.What We Drinking:Guinness - Non-Alcoholic Draught

This week the Legendary Brew Crew pull up a chair with Shahin Khojastehzad, founder of Handshake Persian Digestif, for a wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond what’s in the glass. From growing up Iranian in Maine to cutting his teeth in the beer world, Shahin breaks down how flavor, culture, and identity collide in his work, and why bitters and digestifs exist in nearly every culture on the planet, even if we don’t always call them that.We talk Persian blue salt lagers, ethical sourcing, high ABV beers, non alcoholic options, and why some flavors are meant to support the whole experience rather than steal the spotlight. Shahin shares how Handshake came to life as a literal and figurative meeting point between Iran, Maine, and the many communities that shaped him along the way.It’s a conversation about beer, yes, but also immigration, representation, foodways, travel, and building something meaningful without cutting corners. Grab a drink, settle in, and tap in for an episode that reminds you why culture matters just as much as what’s in your glass.What We Drinking:Persian Lager (ABV 4.9%) - Back Home BeerBroken Heels Hazy IPA (NA) - New Trail Brewing

This week the Legendary Brew Crew kicks it the only way we know how, cracking drinks (or not 👀), talking culture, and letting the conversation go wherever it wants to go.We start with what’s in (and not in) our glasses, including a spotlight on Black-owned breweries like Liquid Intrusion and Soul Mega, plus a real conversation around non-alcoholic beer, Dry January, and the sober-curious movement. Is NA beer the future—or just a phase? We debate it.From there, things take a sharp left into TV and pop culture. We unpack the return of Malcolm in the Middle, discuss whether reboots actually work, and revisit classics like A Different World—including who aged gracefully and who might need to log off Google Images.The conversation heats up with a candid (and hilarious) breakdown of Tyler Perry’s empire—from Madea’s eternal presence to the hustle behind the brand. Love it or hate it, we give credit where it’s due.We wrap things up with what we’re watching right now, including early reactions to His & Hers, binge-watching Stranger Things, and why some shows just hit harder when you don’t wait eight years between seasons.As always, it’s unfiltered, opinionated, and full of laughs—beer talk, culture talk, and everything in between. Pull up a chair and tap in. What We’re Drinking:Bero - Noon Wheat – Tom Holland’s non-alcoholic wheat beer (Dry January–friendly)

The Legendary Brew Crew is BACK for the New Year, and things go exactly how you’d expect—off the rails in the best way possible.Rob kicks off 2026 embracing Dry January with a non-alcoholic hazy IPA, sparking a hilarious and surprisingly thoughtful debate about sober-curious culture, social drinking, and whether you really need alcohol to enjoy beer culture. From NA brews to brewery survival tips, the crew breaks down how to still support local breweries during the toughest months of the year—merch, gift cards, stouts you can cellar, and just showing up.The conversation takes a sharp (and funny) left turn into language, censorship, and modern euphemisms, touching on how social media filters shape the way we talk—and joke—online.Then Rob drops the big update: a Vegas vow renewal to celebrate 15 years of marriage, complete with rain on New Year’s Eve (the first time in decades), Bellagio fireworks, and reflections on time, family, and watching your kids grow up faster than expected. As always, the crew spirals into classic Brewsing Banter chaos—LCR tournament ideas, Vegas beer trips, movie talk (from Wicked to Marty Supreme), Stranger Things nostalgia, and the kind of unfiltered laughs you can only get when friends catch up after a long break.It’s the perfect New Year reset: real talk, wild jokes, beer culture insight, and pure Brew Crew energy.Grab a drink (or a tea), pull up a chair, and kick off 2026 with us.What We Drinking?Sam Adams (NA) - Just the Haze

This episode to close out the year took place back in September as we went live on Instagram and YouTube and cracked open something special with the team behind Hennessy Creek, the first Black-owned farm brewery in Maryland. We chat with Drs. Tracy & Vaughn Wallace and head brewer Leon Harris to talk legacy, land, and the leap of faith it takes to turn a dream into a brewery rooted in community. From the grind of building a farm brewery, to honoring family history, to creating a space where culture, craft beer, and connection can coexist. We get real about the wins, the setbacks, and the purpose behind the pour. If you love stories about passion, ownership, and changing the landscape of craft beer, this episode is one you don’t want to miss. Grab a glass and tap in.

On this episode the Legendary Brew Crew links up with the homie Harrison Albert, Creative Director of Dewey Beer Co. (USA Today’s #1 Brewpub in America), for a full-pour conversation that’s equal parts beer geekery, art school chaos, and straight-up hilarity.Harrison takes us inside the world of Dewey and gives insight on how he went from art school to becoming apart of the creative brain trust behind Dewey’s iconic labels, merch, and events.We also talk beer programs, the beer that first hooked him into craft, and even get a sneak peek at the upcoming Dewey & Friends Beer Festival, taking place in Dewey Beach, DE on January 31, 2026.And of course, in true Brewsing Banter fashion, things go off the rails: birthday antics, dogs crashing the interview, debates about sweet potatoes vs. grapes (??), and whether Rob is legally allowed to get tattooed during a beer fest.It’s craft beer, culture, comedy, and community, all in one pour.Crack a can, pull up a chair, and enjoy the banter.What We Drinking On:Bake Club - Coconut Custard Pie - Stout - Imperial (12% ABV) - Dewey Beer Co.Sunset Eclipse - Stout (6% ABV)- Dewey Beer Co.Dewey & Friends BeerGet Tickets Here

This week, the Legendary Brew Crew pull up to the 320 Market Cafe in Media, PA to chop it up with Dante, the founder of Ahmad’s Body Shop (ABS), and his right-hand man/childhood friend, Brandon (affectionately known as "The Bully" or the "No Man"). Spoiler: They aren’t fixing transmissionsDante breaks down the powerful mission behind the brand—honoring his late cousin Ahmad by creating a space for Black men to navigate grief and find fellowship. We get into the necessity of having a "Bully" in your corner , why "regular" people are actually the most exceptional , and the hidden history behind the addresses on every ABS tee.In a rare moment for the pod, Dante turns the mic on the hosts, interviewing them about their growth over 300 plus episodes.What We’re Drinking:2SP Brewing's Blow the Whistle – A local favorite with a refreshing kick.Urban Artifact's Kwen Fruited Sour – A delightful blend of tart and sweet flavors.Messorem's Nocturne et Sordide – A smooth, aromatic Hazy IPA perfect for any occasion.Sgraffito's Convivium - a refreshing Italian Pilsner

What up Brewsers! This week, Delaware State Rep and comedian Madinah Wilson-Anton joins The Legendary Brew Crew at Autumn Arch Beer Project for a hilarious, insightful convo on politics, community, identity, and why comedy keeps her grounded. From root beer at a brewery to school funding, HOA chaos, and Brew Crew jokes flying nonstop, this episode delivers heart, humor, and classic BB energy. Grab a drink and tap in.What We Drinking Today:Duchenne Smile - Mango Golden Sour - 6.5% - Autumn Arch Beer ProjectWest of Ordinary - California Common - 5.3% - Autumn Arch Beer Project

This week the Legendary Brew Crew pulls up t0 The Mecca, and it’s a whole vibe. We chop it up with Sizzle Perry, founder of Crafted Culture and Mecca Beverage House, about building Central Ohio’s first Black-owned brewery collective where collaboration is the culture and the vibe is the fuel.From hard lemonade infused with fruit wine to 21% Braggots on tap, Sizzle breaks down how he turned shared space into shared success, creating a home for Black brewers to grow, brew, and thrive together. We talk community, inclusion over acceptance, and why “the only is a lonely.”Expect laughs, lessons, and a few live bar moments straight from inside The Mecca, boosters, lamb chops, and all. It’s authenticity on tap and good energy in every pour.What We’re Drinking:Hoochie Daddy Shorts - Hard Lemonade (10.2%) by Crafted CultureConvivium - Pilser (5%) from Sgraffito BeerFour Paths of Light - American Pale Ale (5.5%) by Elder Pine Brewing & Blending

What happens when a classically trained music teacher trades sheet music for stainless steel? In this episode the Legendary Brew Crew, chop it up with Shalanda Jackson, a New Jersey native turned New Orleans brewer, about her wild career pivot from teaching to tank cleaning and how it led to her creating space for culture and color in craft beer.We talk about: The hustle of brewing at Urban South, one of Louisiana’s biggest breweriesHow her music background helps her find rhythm in recipe developmentThe realities of brewing in New Orleans heat (spoiler: swamp ass is real)Building Hues and Brews and bringing Black creativity into the beer sceneHer trip to Yakima Chief Hops with the Michael James Jackson FoundationGrab a glass, pull up a chair, and let’s toast to passion, pivots, and purpose.What We’re Drinking:Czech Pilsner - Urban South Tropic Wanderer - Tropical Wheat Ale collab from Mack Brewing x Grist HouseQueen’s Gold Lager - Bluejay Brewing x The Exbeerience

What up Brewsers! This week the Legendary Brew Crew chops it up with Sweet Mama herself, Jen Heasley, the force behind Sweet Mama’s Mambo Sauce. From running track at Penn State to running a catering business, Jen walks us through her journey from teaching in the classroom to teaching taste buds everywhere. She breaks down the story behind her signature sauces (yes, eight flavors and counting), the hustle of getting them onto store shelves, and why catering remains the true heart of her business. Along the way, we dive into the grind of entrepreneurship, the importance of community support, and what it really takes to build a brand from scratch.This episode is equal parts laughs, food talk, and entrepreneurial gems. Pull up a chair, crack a brew, and get a taste of that kiss of deliciousness.We sip on Big Oyster’s crisp Atlantico Mexican Lager and their collab with Beer Babes Family, Babes Brew a decadent Raspberry Peach Cheesecake Sour, pairing them up with Jen’s spread of mambo wings, Creole shrimp and grits, fried whiting, and more.

What up, Brewsers! The Legendary Brew Crew is back and we’re tapping in with none other than Greg Engert, Partner & Beer Director of the Neighborhood Restaurant Group and the force behind Snallygaster, D.C.’s monster of a beer festival.We crack open some brews and chop it up about Greg’s journey from studying English lit to curating world-class beer programs, the wild origins of Snallygaster, and how a small Oktoberfest parking lot party turned into one of the nation’s most epic beer fests. Greg shares stories about rare pours, the art of balancing hype beers with classics, and why bringing community together over a pint means more than just drinking.Of course, we get into what we’re drinking, swap some food pairing stories (yes, even mustard on watermelon), and talk about the culture, music, and madness that make festivals like this unforgettable.Grab a brew, pull up a chair, and ride with us — this one’s packed with history, hops, and plenty of banter. Don't forget your tickets to this year's festival.What We Drinking:Hefeweizen (5.4%) - Weihenstephaner - Fruity, lightly spicy, smooth wheat beer. Brewed by the world’s oldest continuously operating brewery (since 1040).Salt-N-Lime (5.3%) - Blonde Ale with Salt & Lime - A Collab Shoehorn Brewery × Exbeerience, heavy lime peel flavor, tart with a salty edgeYoungling (5.0%) - American Amber Lager - Big Oyster Brewery, Smooth, toasty malt character, amber color

What up, Brewsers! In this episode, the Legendary Brew Crew sits down with Kevin Irvin, co-founder of Draught Season, Director of Strategy for Crafting for Action, and the first Black president of the Georgia Craft Brewers Guild. We chop it up about his journey in beer, the fight for self-distribution in Georgia, and why building “proof of concept” matters for breweries trying to thrive in today’s shifting craft landscape.From sipping on collab brews like Stone Fruit Peach Kush Kölsch to breaking down how guilds advocate for local breweries, Kevin keeps it real about the challenges, opportunities, and the power of community in beer. We also dive into the history-making moment of his presidency, what it means for Black beer culture, and how he plans to use his platform to elevate Georgia beer on the national stage.So crack a brew, pull up a chair, and join us for a conversation that’s equal parts history, hustle, and hops.What We DrinkingStone Fruit Peach Kush Kölsch (5.5% ABV)A crisp Barrel & Flow Fest collab brew from Draught Season, Crafted for Action and Velum Fermentation with peach, dank terps, and clean Kölsch vibes.Stout Kween from Oak Park Brewing (10% ABV)Brewed with sweet orange peel, vanilla, and cocoa nibs. Big, boozy, roasted, with a little burnt bitterness on the finish.

What up Brewsers! On this episode the Legendary Brew Crew crack open some dope collabs and chop it up with Marcus Wyatt, the history-making founder of Windy Bridges Brew, the very first Black-owned brewery in Pittsburgh. From sipping Heinekens at the cookout to turning his garage into a brewhouse, Marcus takes us through his wild journey into craft beer.We get into his first brews, his serendipitous link-up with Day Bracey, founder of Barrel and Flow, and how community, family, and culture shaped his vision. Marcus drops gems about breaking barriers in beer, building a brand from the ground up, and why his mission is simple: make beer that tastes like beer.What We’re DrinkingSoursop City – a Barrel & Flow collab from Windy Bridges Brew and Alter Genius, a light 4.5% soursop Kölsch built for hot festival days.You Deserve a Long Weekend – a Barrel & Flow collab from Nicole Young Tech and Allegheny City Brewing, a 3.8% ale with grape notes and with Nelson Sauvin hops.Airport Hugs – an ESB from Modern Brewery (St. Louis). Easy at 4.9% ABV, clean and smooth.

What up, Brewsers! The Legendary Brew Crew is back in the building, and this week we’ve got our guy Elliot Johnson, CEO of Soul Mega, pulling up for his second round on the mic. We crack open some fresh pours and swap stories fresh off Barrel & Flow Fest, a weekend that felt like a family reunion for the Black craft beer scene. From collab brews to skating rink vibes, we break down the festival’s growth, the people, and the love in the air.Elliot takes us behind the scenes of pouring at Barrel & Flow, building Soul Mega’s footprint in the DMV and beyond, and why Mega Fest 2025 is leveling all the way up with DJs, block party energy, and a whole lot more than beer. We’re talking brand building, community connections, and how a festival can be for everybody.Whether you’re a craft beer vet or just here for the party, this episode is full of laughs, gems, and a reminder that beer is only part of the story, we’re here for the culture.What We’re Drinking 🍺Remix – Belgian wit with lemongrass and lime, a collab from Black Viking & New France, sipped fresh from the Barrel & Flow haul.Key Lime Pie-fect – A tart, refreshing key lime–inspired sour ale from Shoehorn Brewing in Belleville, IL.Rhine Ghost Boat – Light, crisp Kölsch, with subtle pear notes and soft bready malt from Autumn Arch Beer Project.Water – Because sometimes you’ve got to pace yourself after a big festival weekend.