Average Joe and Friends Podcast

Episode 015 - Jeremy Schmidt, Friend, Taproom Manager at Crafted 1979, Lions Fan - Average Joe and Friends

This man has gone through so much recently. Like a whirlwind, from spending a sunday on the sideline for Bears vs Lions, to tragedy, to the  @detroitlionsnfl  flying him out for the Vikings Vs. Lions Season wrap up and now just back to everyday life. I love this man so much, he is a friend and a Craft Beer Legend. The best of the best, I hope you enjoy the conversation and hug the people around you a little tighter.
Here is an article from Jeff Seidel about the whole situation: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/columnists/jeff-seidel/2025/01/07/detroit-lions-fans-jeremy-schmidt-ben-roth/77490338007/

Episode 014 - Mike Pallen - Small Biz Owner, Craft Beer Dude, Music Man, Father, Foodie, Sneakerhead

Meet Mike Pallen. Sure, he started a super successful brewery in Elk Grove Village 8 years ago or something like that, but he is also just a really cool person. He had a whole life before beer in the music industry locally and across the country. He loves cars, sneakers, awesome food, and he is also a damn fine family man.
 
He also brought some crazy good Oxtail Sandwiches from Dorrie's Kitchen with some Sweet Honey Siracha Wings. As seen on  @super_goode  located in Elk Grove Village. So tasty. Check out @Super_Goode on Instagram and Youtube and he has a Merch store etc... Love what he is doing on the local food scene.

Episode 013 - Jeff Beal - Wine Expert, Bourbon Guy, Craft Beer Lover, Railroad Man, Foodie, Music Man

My friend Jeff Beal is the absolute GOAT. Longtime railroad man turned Wine Expert, Craft Beer lover, and bourbon guy. Sure he may look like Coach Quenneville but the man can spin a yarn as good as anyone. I love talking to the guy with or without microphones running and I think you all are gonna enjoy Jeff as much as I do.

Episode 012 - Edmer Abante, Dad, Musician, Tech Bro, Average Joe and Friends

My friend Edmer "Mer Abante is a bad Mother, for real. We met while I was in college and his musical performances blew me away along with hiw swag and general approach to life. 20+ years later the man has transformed himself into an even badder Motha, still killing the music world, raising 2 amazing kids with 2 different Moms and taking the tech world on with all the swag he approaches music with.  @MERplay 

Episode 011 - Alex Hoffer, Musician, Gamer, Cook, Youtuber

Alex Hoffer kicks so much ass. He is a very talented old friend of mine. A gifted singer, a funny ass dude, cooking hobbyist, and entertaining YouTuber. I love all the places this conversation went. Take the ride with us. Check Alex out at  @nowwerecooking  and  @OlderThanAverageGamer  on Youtube.  And check out his music page to see where you can catch him live.  
Stay tuned to the end of the podcast to hear him play a little song.

Episode 010 - Bobby Cundiff The Hobbyist - Guns, Tequila, Bourbon, Poker Chips, Cigars, Pipes

My friend Bobby is the guy who has all the hobbies you wish you had, and some you didn't even know existed. He is a family man, a great friend, a "southside kid", a collector of things and a whole lot more. We dive into to High Tequila and Bourbon talk, Custom 1911 Handguns, Poker Chips, Cigars, Pipes, and a bunch more. This guy is awesome.
 
Follow him at Instagram: @Bobby_Bourbon5535 to see some cool pics of what he is into

Episode 009 - A Biker Dude Darrin Klapprodt

Darrin has built a massive following in the Chicagoland Burger scene with his "A Biker Dude" smashburgers. Using high quality meat, bun, and seasoning he makes himself, you really cant get a better Smashie than this one. He also has a large youtube following taking a deep dive into some iconic Chicago spots. But there is a lot more to the man behind the Blackstone. What an amazing and interesting guy to have a conversation with.
Check out his channel. https://www.youtube.com/@UCTzt__HD4nXxwqo46Q4dmFQ

Episode 008 - Katie Carrier - Associate Director of the IL Craft Brewers Guild, Czar of FOBAB, Wife, Mom, etc...

My friend Katie Carrier is so badass. She is the Associate Director of the IL Craft Brewers Guild, and the Queen of the Festival of Barrel Aged Beers in Chicago. She is such a key player in Illinois craft beer, but also, a wife, a mom, and a real real good human.
FOBAB tickets are still available for Nov 22nd and 23rd at the Credit1Union Arena.
https://www.universe.com/events/2024-festival-of-wood-barrel-aged-beer-tickets-Z7W984

Episode 007 - Charolette Converse - Queen of Chicago Beer and Legend - Average Joe and Friends Podcast

My friend Char Dawg sits down with me for a little chat about her journey and path through life and the Chicago Craft Beer scene in which she plays a massive role. Being a part of major Chicagoland Breweries like Mikerphone and Solemn Oath, and helping put on massive events in the community like Smells like a Beer Fest and FOBAB, the festival of Barrel Aged Beers.
 
Solemn Oath Brewing
 
Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/STc24gTeQEc

Episode 006 - Jim Farkas - Mortician, Big Cat Love, Death Cheater - Average Joe and Friends

Yo, my friend Jim is wild. Owns and runs funeral home, Check. Almost dies every vacation he goes on, Check. Has a Fish Tank cleaning Business as a side hustle, Check. Owns a Maine Coon Cat, Check. DO yourself a favor and listen. And if you or a love one plans on dying soon, please give him a call. He can even get your cremated without fire.
Farkas Funeral Home: https://www.farkasfuneralhome.com/