The Taproom Podcast

Episode 147 - w/ Mitch McDuff and A Max Salazar of Synth Beer Co.

Host Mike sits down at Synth Beer Co. in Costa Mesa with founders/brewers Mitch McDuff and A. Max Salazar to talk about opening their September launch, the origin of the name “Synth,” and the first core beer, Laser Lager. They share the early planning, brewery build-out stories (including a beloved prototype brew house), and what it’s like to run a small, hands-on brewing program.Topics include their brewing focus (drinkable West Coast IPAs, Latin American‑style lagers and pilsners, and cocktail‑quality seltzers), favorite hops and recipes, long brew days, community and neighborhood collaborations, and memorable festival moments like GABF. Guests also trade personal stories — music and video-game nostalgia (NHL HITS), nicknames, and the homemade techniques behind standout seltzers.Listeners can expect insider tips for new breweries, tasting notes on synth’s lineup, plans for collabs, and a warm, conversational portrait of two friends turning a long‑dreamed vision into a living taproom experience.

Episode 146 - Stoutsgiving w/ @wildrileysupply Jake Riley: Six Stouts, One Taproom Thanksgiving

Mike welcomes his brother Jizzy Jake Riley for a special Thanksgiving Thursday Stoutsgiving episode recorded in the taproom. They taste and rate six dark beers — including Bottle Logic’s Jam the Radar (raspberry imperial stout), Chapman Brewing’s nitro oatmeal stout, Pizza Port’s Bacon & Eggs imperial coffee porter, Aerolodge’s Voyager barrel-aged imperial stout, Great Notion’s Barbarian peanut-butter cheesecake pastry stout, and Frogtown’s Prince George bourbon-barrel vanilla porter — offering tasting notes, ABV info and personal ratings.
The conversation ranges from favorite Thanksgiving foods and side-dish poll results to nostalgic holiday memories and traditions. Mike and Jizzy debate stout styles (barrel-aged vs. pastry vs. coffee), nitro vs. non-nitro, seasonal stouts vs. year-round pours, and play Stoutsgiving trivia and games with listeners.
Key takeaways: Jam the Radar and Great Notion’s Barbarian stand out as top pours, Chapman’s nitro serves as a palate cleanser, and the hosts even blend all six beers into a surprise “stout gumbo.” The episode closes with gratitude, industry reflections, a preview of an upcoming reunion episode (150), and a reminder to support local breweries and follow @Wildrileysupply on Instagram.

Episode 145 - w/ Daniel Cady, Grant Shulkin and Jacob Sherman Taproom Beer Co.

Episode 145 sits down with Daniel Cady, Grant Shulkin and Jacob Sherman of Taproom Beer Co. in North Park, San Diego. The conversation traces their personal journeys from homebrewing and front‑of‑house jobs into professional roles, explores the brewery’s passion for wet‑hop/fresh‑hop beers (including their GABF bronze), and highlights signature pours like Jagged Hedge, Church of Chill and Modern Love.Topics include brewing and sales paths, festival success (Yakima/Fresh Hop accolades), recipe and label stories, collaborations and distribution, plus why Taproom’s lineup and neighborhood vibe are worth a visit. Expect tasting notes, behind‑the‑scenes anecdotes, and quick hits about beer culture, community and upcoming Taproom events.

Episode 144 - w/ Paul Deras of Mike Hess Brewing

In this episode, I’m hanging with Paul Deras of Mike Hess Brewing down in North Park—and not only did we tour their killer facility, I even dry hopped a batch for the first time. 🤘
 
We’re talking:
✨ Tasting through a crisp West Coast Pils + a new hazy drop
🤣 A chaotic “Four-Pack” segment (yes… including a brutal FMK question)
🏴 Reflections on Rogue Ales closing and why supporting local breweries matters more than ever
 
If you haven’t hit Mike Hess Brewing yet, this is your sign. Grab a pint and Find Your Beer.
 
Mike also shares podcast updates, upcoming guests and events, and shout-outs to collaborators and local brewers.

Episode 143 - w/ Adrianne Hodap of Alter Society Brewing

In this episode of the Taproom, Guess who’s back behind the brewhouse? 👀Adrianne Hodap — now head brewer at @altersocietybrewing in Long Beach! We talk reclaiming her role, brewing 🔥 beers like Pine Avenue IPA & Fresh Mason, and finding that balance between creativity & classics.
We also dive into the LB beer scene, community collabs, and what it means to get back to your brewing roots.

Episode 142 - w/ Andy and Chris Bergsma of Mars Brewing

🚀 Episode 142 is out of this world! Mike sits down with Andy and Chris Bergsma of @marsbrewing in Rancho Cucamonga 🌌🍺
From humble homebrewing beginnings to launching their family-run brewery, the Bergsmas share stories of building their taproom, crafting fan-favorite beers, and connecting with their local community.
They dive into beer highlights like My Favorite Märzen, Marty Light, Pathfinder, and Dead Gym, plus chat about GABF adventures, local brewery culture, and their love for hockey and music.
A down-to-earth convo with a family that’s truly shooting for the stars in craft beer. 

Episode 141 - w/ GoodGary_GG Turtle Takes Over the Taproom

Episode 141 of the Taproom Podcast: host Mike sits down with the handler of GoodGary (aka GG), the viral turtle who visits breweries across LA and beyond. They chat about how the Instagram character started, favorite local and out-of-town breweries, and why supporting craft beer matters.The conversation covers social media, festival memories, beer trends, rapid-fire favorites, and the personal stories behind brewery visits — a light, fun look at beer culture, community, and one very adventurous turtle.

Episode 140 - w/ Dez Madrid of Buds, Booze & Brews Podcast

Episode 140: Beers, Buds & Behind the Mic 🍻
Mike sits down with Dez Madrid from Buds, Booze, and Brews for a laid-back taproom chat filled with laughs, stories, and honest talk about the grind (and joy) of podcasting. They crack open some hazy IPAs and West Coast pilsners while diving into favorite breweries, podcasting as therapy, local hangout spots, and the chaos of keeping a schedule.
 
It’s real talk, brewery love, and a reminder for anyone thinking about starting a show: just hit record. 🎙️