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Unlock the secrets of homebrewing with Big Rob from Make Beer Easy! In this episode, Joe and Nick dive deep into the world of DIY beer making, where Big Rob shares his incredible journey from novice to expert brewer. Discover how he transformed his initial struggles with brewing into a thriving passion, turning a simple can of goo into a sophisticated all-grain brewing process. As Joe recounts his own brewing mishaps, including a glycol chiller meltdown, Big Rob provides valuable insights on overcoming common homebrewing challenges. You'll discover how to troubleshoot your brewing equipment, the importance of community support, and the power of learning from others in the craft beer space. We break down key topics such as: The evolution of Big Rob's brewing journey over two decades How he transitioned from extract kits to all-grain brewing The benefits of engaging with online brewing communities for inspiration and troubleshooting The real costs of home brewing and how to save money while crafting your favorite beers Why making beer at home can be both a rewarding hobby and a practical solution to high prices This episode isn’t just for seasoned brewers; it’s a must-listen for anyone curious about the art of brewing. By tuning in, you’ll gain the confidence to tackle your brewing challenges and connect with a community that shares your passion. Join us for an engaging conversation that will inspire you to grab your brewing equipment and start crafting your own beer! Perfect for beginners and seasoned brewers alike, this episode is essential listening for anyone looking to elevate their homebrew game.

Unlock the secrets of international home brewing with Carl from Tiny Dinosaur Brewing! In this captivating episode, we explore how Carl turned a chance discovery of tiny dinosaur toys into a unique brewery name and a thriving craft beer venture. If you're a brewing enthusiast or simply curious about the craft beer scene, this conversation promises insights that will inspire your own brewing journey. Join hosts Nick and Joe as they dive deep into Carl's brewing story, touching on the transformative moment he first tasted craft beer and how it ignited his passion for home brewing. Carl shares his journey from amateur brewer to the founder of Tiny Dinosaur Brewing, revealing the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way. You'll discover: The creative origin of Tiny Dinosaur Brewing and what those little toys mean to Carl. How a life-changing beer led him down the rabbit hole of craft brewing. The current state of craft beer in the UK and how it compares to the US craft beer scene. Insights on brewing your own beer, including tips for beginners and must-try styles. The evolving trends in IPAs and how UK breweries are catching up with American styles. This episode is not just about brewing; it's about community, passion, and the joy of creating something unique. Whether you're dreaming of starting your own brewery or just want to appreciate the craft beer revolution, this conversation is essential listening. So grab your favorite brew, settle in, and get ready for a delightful chat that will leave you inspired and eager to experiment in your own brewing adventures!

Home brewing gets a lot more fun when you stop treating it like a hobby and start treating it like a craft. Nick Sharkey of Sharkey Rd Brewing shares how a disastrous first attempt nearly turned him off brewing, why kegging felt intimidating at first, and how he built a resourceful setup for brewing through Australia’s heat.From a burned-in propane-burner mishap in Calgary to an electric three-vessel system in Victoria, Nick talks through the lessons that come from making mistakes, fixing them, and brewing again. Along the way, he and Joe discuss home-brew equipment, fermentation, kegging, and how to get more out of each batch.In this episode, you’ll hear about:Why a New England IPA can be a challenging first brewUsing a simple fridge as a fermentation chamberThe transition from bottling to keggingHow preheating a mash tun can affect brewing efficiencyNick’s love of New Zealand hops and experimenting with new varietiesWhy brewing a clean lager can be a satisfying test of your processNick also shares what’s on tap, the story behind the Sharky Rd Brewing name, and what keeps him coming back to the hobby: creating recipes, learning from every brew, and enjoying something he made himself. Plus, Joe and Nick weigh in on unusual beer ingredients and the welcoming home-brewing community. Whether you’re just getting started or refining your setup, this conversation is full of practical lessons, good stories, and encouragement to keep brewing.

The beer world is changing, and behind every brewery or supplier closure are people and communities who care deeply about beer. In this episode, we sit down with Josh from Trose Brewing to talk about how a simple homebrew kit sparked his journey, the lessons behind brewing better beer, and why encouragement matters for keeping the hobby alive. From brewing experiments and wild fermentation stories to the importance of sharing knowledge, this conversation is a toast to the people who make homebrewing special. 🍻Listen to the full episode and show some love to your local homebrewers!

Beer nerds, homebrewers, and anyone who loves a good side quest in a glass—this one’s for you. Nick and Joe sit down with Demetri from Dim Brewing for a loose, funny, and surprisingly useful conversation about how a college curiosity turned into a full-blown brewing obsession.Demetri shares how a visit to Fieldwork opened up a whole new world of beer, how a professor connected him with a brewing mentor and starter equipment, and why his first five-gallon pale ale got him hooked. From there, the conversation explores the practical upgrades that make homebrewing easier—from temperature control and kegerators to better bottling and fermentation setups.You’ll also hear why finding a mentor can help new brewers, how BJCP training can sharpen your palate, and why sanitation and avoiding oxidation matter so much. Plus: Kolsch, favorite hops, underrated dark lagers, pickle beer, saffron in a blonde ale, and the joy of sharing a brew with friends.It’s a conversation about brewing as both art and science—and about the community, creativity, and good company that make the hobby special.