The Taproom Podcast

Episode 136 - w/ Steven Torres of Gladi8or Brews and Billiards

Mike sits down with Steven Torres, brewer and co-founder of Gladiator Brews & Billiards in downtown Covina, to trace his path from a 15-year mail carrier to professional brewer. They discuss early mentors, brewery build-outs, recipe development, and the balance between classic lagers and hop-forward beers.Steven shares stories about brewing challenges and successes, his core lineup (including a popular Mexican-style Munich Helles), community connections in Covina, and advice for aspiring brewers. The episode also covers local brewery culture, memorable brew days, and upcoming plans for taproom events and collaborations.

Episode 135 - w/ Ann Obenchain VP of Marketing at the Brewers Association

Mike sits down with Ann Obenchain, VP of Marketing at the Brewers Association, to talk all things Great American Beer Festival, From the World Beer Cup, to beer trends (NA beers, sours & cans) and the can’t-miss events like Meet the Brewer, Paired, Heavy Metal Taproom, and more.
Hear Anne’s craft beer journey + why GABF is the ultimate beer lover’s paradise 
#CraftBeer #GABF #WorldBeerCup #BeerFestival #DrinkLocal #BeerTrends #TaproomPodcast #BeerLovers #BrewLife #Cheers

Episode 134 - w/ Richie Tevlin and Evan Blum of @brewedatpodcast

Host Mike sits down with Evan Blum & Richie Tevlin of @BrewDatPodcast + Space Cadet Brewing 🚀🍻From craft-beer journeys to Gen-Z marketing, small-batch brewing, Philly taproom culture, and the art of collectible cans/merch — this convo is stacked.
We also get into fav Philly breweries & cheesesteaks 🥪🍺, beer trends (lagers, IPAs, low-ABV), and the real talk of launching a beer biz.
 
🎙️ Don’t miss it — tune in now + catch what’s next from BrewDat & Space Cadet!
 
#CraftBeer #BeerPodcast #PhillyBeer #DrinkLocal #FindYourBeer

Episode 133 - w/ Daniel Guido @ugly_brewer and @Tipzy_Entertainment

This week I sit down with Daniel Guido—better known as Ugly Brewer—for a deep dive into the world of craft beer. From his journey out of the canning line and into brewing, to building Tipzy Entertainment w/ his girlfriend Lorena, we cover brew days, challenges, and the passion that keeps the craft scene alive.
If you love beer, community, and a good story over a pint, this one’s for you.

Episode 132 - w/ Taz Viloria from @comics_brews

Mike sits down with Taz Viloria—aka Comics & Brews—for a loose, laughter-filled conversation that moves from the barstool to the comic shop. You’ll taste the moment with him: a crisp Kolsch, a Westie so fragrant it stops the room, and the heady thrill of debuting a can art collab at a hometown brewery.
Follow Taz as he traces the messy, joyful path of making a show—merch sketches, card‑show booths, Bulba Hops stickers—and the dream of a live‑work taproom now shifting from Utah to Wisconsin. Between podcasting hacks and goofy fan confessions, the episode lands in the small victories: a favorite glass, a sold‑out launch, and the rumble of college‑football‑barbecue plans.
It’s a road trip through nerd culture and craft beer—full of personality, tall tales, and the kind of detail that makes you want to follow the journey (and maybe grab a snorlax pint glass along the way).

Episode 131 - w/ Raul Solorio of Solorio Brewing

Join me on an inspiring journey from home brewing to the grand opening of Solorio Brewing. In this episode, I sit down with Raul Solorio, who shares his passion for craft beer and the pivotal moments that led him and his wife, Jennifer, to turn their backyard hobby into a thriving brewery. Discover how a chance visit to a local brewery sparked a dream, and how dedication, community support, and a love for brewing transformed that dream into reality. From experimenting with extract kits to mastering all-grain brewing, and finally, to opening the doors of Solorio Brewing, this is a story of passion, perseverance, and the power of community. Tune in to hear how Raul and Jennifer's shared vision and hard work have created a beloved local brewery that continues to bring people together over a shared love of craft beer.

Episode 130 - w/ Dan and Leo of Steady Brewing

Join Mike in episode 130 of the Taproom Podcast for a thrilling conversation with Dan and Leo of Steady Brewing. Nestled in Long Beach, Steady Brewing is not just a brewery; it's a vibrant community hub where craft beer meets courageous entrepreneurship.
In this episode, discover the inspiring tales of risk-taking and camaraderie, as Dan and Leo share their journey from backyard brewing to the vibrant taps of their new establishment. Experience the thrill and challenges of opening a brewery, the passion behind each brew, and how a team of spirited individuals, including their families, came together to create something extraordinary.
As the trio sips on a west coast delight, they delve into stories of sleepless nights, hometown support, and the dream-turned-reality of bringing bold flavors and new adventures to life. This episode offers a heartfelt dive into the challenges and triumphs of Steady Brewing, echoing the essence of community, ingenuity, and the relentless pursuit of passion.

Episode 129 - w/ Paul Trevino of San Fernando Brewing

Welcome to an unmissable episode of The Taproom Podcast, where host Mike sits down with Paul Trevino, also known as @Brewfighter818, from San Fernando Brewing. It's not just about the craft beer this time; the conversation quickly dives into a delectable world of culinary experiences, turning a simple beer podcast into a mouth-watering narrative.
Join us as we explore Paul’s transition from a culinary background to brewing, highlighting how his passion for food influences his approach to creating craft beer. Discover the stories behind San Fernando Brewing's community-driven initiatives and events, along with some unforgettable brewing tales (and a few misadventures) along the way.
Whether you're a beer aficionado or a culinary enthusiast, this episode promises a flavorful blend of both worlds, celebrating the art of brewing and the joys of cooking. Don't miss out on this exciting narrative that calls out to support local breweries and savor every sip and bite!