Average Joe and Friends Podcast

Episode 41 - Rocky Reef Brewing Co

Most people go up to the Northwoods to relax and fish.  Well I did that, but I figured, Why not squeeze a podcast in.  Last year when I went up to Arbor Vitae, WI to visit my unlce Jeff, We stumbled upon this little gem of a brewery in Woodruff, WI just a couple miles south of my Uncle's place.  Little did we know it had ties to my hometown of Joliet.  So this year, before going up I tried to find a connection via social media, and like everything else in this world, it involved Brandon Wright of Werk Force.  Brando connected us via text, and Tyler and his wife Christie agreed to do an episode during my visit.  So glad they did.  Their story is a great one, and they are amazing and generous people.  If you find yourself anywhere near the northwoods of wisconsin, make it a point to stop into Rocky Reef and meet their black lab Rocky, and drink a Musky Bite IPA.
Rocky Reef Social Media:
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Episode 40 - Pollyanna Brewing Company

Glad to finally visit Pollyanna Lemont.  It has been on my list, and Vince hooked it up.  I was treated to some fine beers, a great taproom, and just some solid dudes to talk to.  Brian, head brewer/cofounder, Paul (Cofounder), and Vince (Asst. Brewer), did exactly what I love about this podcast.  They talked, they had a conversation with me.  I could have talked all night with them.  I love their perspecitve on the business side of things specifically, and the geniune honesty.  And any day talking about Fun Size is a good day.  Get out there for some Barrel Aged Fun Size this weekend.  
Pollyanna Social Media:
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Instagram
Twitter

Episode 39 - Une Année & Hubbard's Cave

IL Craft Beer Week 2018 Rolls on, as I intrude on Jerry and Dave Nelson, brothers and cohorts at Une Annee and Hubbard's Cave Brewery.  These guys have quite the story to tell, from humble beginnings making european inspired beers in a dark space in Chicago(On Hubbard St of Course).  To a current space with brand new front windows, thanks to a late 90's chevy blazer, in the Northern suburb of Niles, IL.  With them continually crushing every style they venture into, see the Fresh Series (NEIPAs), Coffee and Cakes (Pastry Stout), La Grande Monde (BA Wild Ales), and Le Seu series (Stainless Wild Ales).  They have big things coming and shared a lot of good stuff on the podcast.  True artists and craftsmen.  Their beer is a must buy.
Une Annee & Hubbard's Cave Social Media:
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Instagram
Twitter

Episode 38 - Hailstorm Brewing Co.

So happy to get the chance to sit down with Brandon, Steve and Josh from Hailstorm Brewing.  It is my go to brewery.  They have next level beer along with music and dope food trucks.  But I have been going there for years, and never really knew why Hailstorm came to be.  It was really cool getting to hear where all 3 of them came from, and their backgrounds, eventually leading them to this killer place.  They are coming straight off some insane collabs, big bottle releases, Craft Brewers conference, and their 4th Year Anniversary party.  We talked about the Vlad and Cloud series and took a deep dive into some ancillary brewing equipment chatter.
Hailstorm Social Media:
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Facebook
Instagram
Untappd

Episode 37 - Skeleton Key Brewery & Incubator

These guys, am I right!?  Way too much fun sitting with John, Emily, and Paul.  I had only heard of their greatness, but to spend a few hours with them really opened my eyes to a brewery that has been sitting under my nose for some time.  Just the most geniunely cool people you could ask for.  And that Coconut Golden Ale is insane.  The Single Hop Citra IPA was the freshest most beautiful version of a real IPA I have had in years.  The conversations spanned Fantasy Football, HBO, Dunk Tanks, Hot Chicken, Pink Boots, and a miriad of other great topics.  Get some!
Social Media Info:
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Twitter

Episode 36 - Fred Huebner of ESPN1000

What a cool experience for me.  I have been a long time sportstalk radio fan and specifically of ESPN 1000.  I knew through listening to Fred all these years he had a love for craft beer.  So I reached out to him to record an episode of the podcast and low and behold he said yes.  Really enjoyed my time with Freddy, we just talked beer and then we sprinkled in a little sports talk here and there, but it was an honor to have his voice on my mics.  Enjoy this, it was pretty cool.
Fred's Social Media:
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ESPN1000
Chicago Fire Weekly Podcast

Episode 35 - Lagunitas Chicago Mary Bauer

It's a big one!  Lagunitas in Chicago.  I gotta say, Mary Bauer may be the most engaging person I have had on this podcast.  She was the perfect guest.  I enjoyed my time with Mary so much, I wish I would have kept her longer.  The time we spent was full of geniune stories about legit people.  Such a great perspective on a huge brand.  They are so true to who they are.
Lagunitas Social Media:
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Instagram
Twitter

Episode 34 - Church Street Brewing

CHET BRETT.  That is all you need to know.  I got to sit down with the Mayor of Beer and head brewer TJ over at Church Street last week, along with owner Lisa Gregor.  As entertaining of a chat as I have had on the podcast.  Chet was just engaging as all hell, and TJ was breaking down some deep state brewing knowledge, which was fascinating.  And in depth look at "Contract brewing".  The whole crew there works so well together from Austin, to Andrew, to Saraa.  It is definitely worth a stop in when you find yourself in the northwest burbs.  Cool spot making some classic brews.  
Church Street Social Media:
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Instagram
Twitter

Episode 33 - Soundgrowler Brewing

I took a trip to Tinley Park to visit Soundgrowler Brewing's Cofounders and Head brewer.  It is a really nice taproom, and Larry, Head Brewer, is cranking out some pretty bad ass brews while listening to Doom Metal.  They schooled me on the music genre and gave me some insight on how this young brewery for started and where it's going.  Did I mention TACOS?  They have some dope ass tacos.  Even if you do not like beer, you should go for that food.  They were all great guys and we had a good time talking about Soundgrowler and the beer industry in general.  Check them out.  And go get your face rocked off by some DOOM METAL.
Soundgrowler Social Media:
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Twitter

Episode 32 - Lo Rez Brewing

On a mildly warm "Spring Day", that just so happen to be 420, I sat down with two super chill and super awesome dudes in the city of Chicago.  Co-Founders Kevin Lilly and David Dahl treated me to some great conversation and great beer.  They stick to what they know and what they love, and make no mistake about it, they make and love some good shit.  In a world of IPAs and Stouts, they manage to do their own thing with Rye Saisons, Sours, Triples, and a bunch of Belgium inspired beers, while still keeping a solid IPA on draft, and offering a nice Big Barrel aged stout.  They were super cool and I loved hearing about their Tech background, and you will too.  Enjoy!
 
Lo Rez Social Media: 
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Instagram
Twitter