Send us a Text Message!

Ever wonder what happens when science, celebrities, and craft beer collide? Welcome to Invertase Brew Company in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, where every pint comes with an extraordinary tale!

Our conversation with owner Steve Zolnay reveals how a Father's Day homebrew kit led to a family-owned brewery founded by a biochemist, and a mechanical engineer. The scientific precision behind their brewing process creates remarkably balanced and approachable beers that have earned a devoted following.

What truly makes this episode special are events that take place at Invertase and Steve's incredible stories. Like the time he traded 50 pounds of goat manure for backstage passes to an ELO concert, the repeat customer that arrives by freight train, and a ghostly friend that visits from time to time.

The brewery's connections to musical royalty are astounding - from Bruce Springsteen's saxophone player, to and insurance agent who has big names like Springsteen in her "portfolio." These aren't just celebrity name-drops; they're genuine human connections formed through Steve's natural curiosity and warmth.

Between Stellar Sips of their stellar Belgian Triple and Hazy New England IPA, we explore how Invertase hosts comedy nights, professional wrestling, and became a hub for unforgettable experiences.

Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast, music lover, or simply appreciate great storytelling, this episode captures the magic that happens when passion, science, and community flow together. Ready to discover a brewery where the stories are as remarkable as the beer? Pour yourself something delicious and join us.

If you are in Phillipsburg New Jersey, please visit our friends from Invertase Brewing Company!

Support the show

Visit www.mattandfriendsdtu.com for links listen, support the podcast, and more!

Check out our sponsor, Poppin's Travel Company, for all of your travel needs! Their highly qualified agents are ready to book your next big adventure or dream vacation.

Visit our merch store

We'd love to hear from you on social media! Like and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and X.



Cheers, and thanks for listening!

Send us a Text Message!

Andy, Josh, and Rob join Matt for a riotous episode, as we play a trivia game that tests our ability to identify fabricated names among genuine, albeit ridiculous, real-world counterparts. Get ready for the inappropriateness!

The game comes with high stakes – each incorrect answer means spinning our shot spinner to determine our fate. With tequila, bourbon, vodka, and the infamous Malört lurking among the options, strategic gameplay becomes crucial as points dwindle and shot glasses empty.

From athletes with unfortunate names like "Fair Hooker" and "Harry Colon" to craft beers including "Nutsack Brown Ale" and "Sexual Chocolate Imperial Stout," we explore the bizarre reality that truth is often stranger than fiction. The As Seen on TV product round reveals equally absurd genuine items – including a golf club with a hidden feature.

Rob's dramatic reaction to Malört alone is worth the price of admission, as he desperately reaches for anything to cleanse his palate after declaring it "worse than the tuna taco" from Drinkables!

Subscribe now to catch our upcoming episodes featuring Harry Potter trivia, and a stout tasting with guest "The Fish." Share your favorite moments with us on social media @MattAndFriendsDTU!

Support the show

Visit www.mattandfriendsdtu.com for links listen, support the podcast, and more!

Check out our sponsor, Poppin's Travel Company, for all of your travel needs! Their highly qualified agents are ready to book your next big adventure or dream vacation.

We'd love to hear from you on social media! Like and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and X.

Visit our merch store

Cheers, and thanks for listening!

Send us a Text Message!

Andy, Josh, and Siobhan join Matt to take a sip of nostalgia with Monica and David Kowalski, the creative duo behind Lebowski's Kool-Luah coffee liqueur and Lebowski's Tap Room in Colorado Springs. Monica shares how she's been crafting this remarkable coffee liqueur since she was just eight years old, using her late father's recipe from the 1970s that has now become an award-winning spirit taking the cocktail world by storm.

As we sample White Russians and espresso martinis made with Lebowski's Cool Lua, Monica and David reveal the incredible versatility of their spirit through creative concoctions like a limoncello White Russian that tastes like German chocolate cake. Their passion for crafting unique, high-quality experiences extends to their tap room, where they showcase local producers and have developed over 50 different White Russian variations.

Rapidly expanding distribution throughout the country, Lebowski's Kool-Luah represents the perfect blend of family tradition, craftsmanship, and innovation. Are you ready to abide a truly exceptional coffee liqueur?

Support the show

Visit www.mattandfriendsdtu.com for links listen, support the podcast, and more!

Check out our sponsor, Poppin's Travel Company, for all of your travel needs! Their highly qualified agents are ready to book your next big adventure or dream vacation.

We'd love to hear from you on social media! Like and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and X.

Visit our merch store

Cheers, and thanks for listening!

Send us a Text Message!

This episode is about celebrating the joy that video gaming brings to our lives. Andy, Chris, Josh, and Rob join Matt for video game trivia! We are all avid gaming enthusiasts which makes for a raucous episode filled with insight, laughter, and a delicious drink to match the mood. Chris assembled a truly "Game Genie" level of trivia quests which fosters engaging conversations about favorite single-player and multiplayer games, offering something for everyone. Our drink of the day, Matt's Gerudo Vally margarita, sets the relaxed vibe as our hosts dive into nostalgic memories and hilarious anecdotes about their gaming journeys.

The tension mounts as we kick off an exhilarating trivia battle, where Chris set the difficulty level to "Expert" and challenges us with questions and categories ranging from classic titles to next-gen wonders. With a sprinkling of laughter and friendly roasts, we foster an atmosphere of competition that’s both playful and spirited.

We conclude by delving deep into classic video game soundtracks, showcasing how music enhances our gaming experiences and evokes cherished memories. Sip, laugh, and play along!

Subscribe for more delightful episodes, and let us continue to raise a toast to our shared passion for gaming. Cheers!

Special thank to Jeff Steitzer, the Halo multiplayer announcer, for the very special sound drops featured in this episode!

Support the show

Visit www.mattandfriendsdtu.com for links listen, support the podcast, and more!

Check out our sponsor, Poppin's Travel Company, for all of your travel needs! Their highly qualified agents are ready to book your next big adventure or dream vacation.

We'd love to hear from you on social media! Like and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and X.

Visit our merch store

Cheers, and thanks for listening!

Send us a Text Message!

Andy, Chris, Josh, and Rob join Matt for our inaugural "Bar Chat" episode as we welcome special guest: Jeff Steitzer! Jeff's unforgettable booming announcements set the tone for multiplayer combat throughout the Halo video game series. Jeff candidly shares his journey from the vibrant stages of the theater scene to the recording booth, all while being initially unaware of the seismic impact his voice would have on gamers worldwide.

Listen as we chat about the blend of gaming and theater work in Jeff's career, and how conventions have become a cherished avenue for him to connect with fans. Whether you're a gamer who reveres his voice or want to learn more about his journey, this episode promises a delightful mix of nostalgia, industry insights, and personal anecdotes that underscore Jeff’s fascinating career.

In honor of our interview with Jeff, we’ve whipped up the perfect concoction for a toast to him — the "Sticky Grenade," inspired by Halo:

Ingredients:

• 1/8oz Grenadine
• 1/2oz Blue Curacao
• 1/4 Silver Tequila
• 1/4 Lemon Juice

Instructions:

1. Pour just a few drops of grenadine into the bottom of a shot glass.
2. Add the blue curacao carefully over the grenadine.
3. Layer the silver tequila on top. Use the back of a spoon, ensuring it sits above the curacao.
4. Top with a light splash of lemon juice.

The result is a vibrant colored shot with a sweet start and a strong finish!

Support the show

Visit www.mattandfriendsdtu.com for links listen, support the podcast, and more!

Check out our sponsor, Poppin's Travel Company, for all of your travel needs! Their highly qualified agents are ready to book your next big adventure or dream vacation.

We'd love to hear from you on social media! Like and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and X.

Visit our merch store

Cheers, and thanks for listening!

Send us a Text Message!

Ready for a hilarious culinary escapade? Join us on "Matt and Friends: Drink the Universe" as we embark on a spirited journey through the world of budget-friendly dollar store snacks paired with margaritas. Andy, Josh, and Rob join Matt for a flavor-packed adventure filled with laughter, and candid critiques. We’re pairing 3 snacks with Teremana tequila margaritas.

We tackle an array of Mexican-style snacks, turning an ordinary taste test into a comical critique of unexpected flavor combinations. Some good, some not good at all. We share our raw reactions.

In true "Matt and Friends" fashion, the episode takes a whimsical turn into DIY culinary creations, blending childhood nostalgia with adult innovation. Featuring Jack Link's Steak Bites, tiny chicken tacos, guacamole-flavored chips, salsa verde, Mexican style rice, and even corn nuts for a Mexican-style street corn flair. Top it off with watermelon rings for a margarita garnish, and you have the perfect recipe for discount snack greatness!

Support the show

Visit www.mattandfriendsdtu.com for links listen, support the podcast, and more!

Check out our sponsor, Poppin's Travel Company, for all of your travel needs! Their highly qualified agents are ready to book your next big adventure or dream vacation.

We'd love to hear from you on social media! Like and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and X.

Visit our merch store

Cheers, and thanks for listening!

Send us a Text Message!

Unearth the captivating stories behind one of the world's favorite cocktails, the margarita, and dive into its rich, flavorful history. Discover how the delicious pairing of tequila and lime captured hearts and palates worldwide as the margarita rose to iconic status alongside tequila's growing popularity in the United States.

But what about that distinctive glass? Could a mishap at a Los Angeles restaurant have given birth to the classic margarita glass, or is Marie Antoinette's bosom? Finally, fast forward to 1971, when Mariano Martinez drew inspiration by a humble soft-serve ice cream dispenser to create a frozen classic. As we toast to the margarita's legacy, be ready with your ingredients for our special recipe reveal at the end—perfect for sipping along and celebrating this beloved cocktail's storied past.

Support the show

Visit www.mattandfriendsdtu.com for links listen, support the podcast, and more!

Check out our sponsor, Poppin's Travel Company, for all of your travel needs! Their highly qualified agents are ready to book your next big adventure or dream vacation.

We'd love to hear from you on social media! Like and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and X.

Visit our merch store

Cheers, and thanks for listening!

Send us a Text Message!

Reflecting on an incredible journey through 2024, I am thrilled to share a heartfelt tribute to the amazing team behind Matt and Friends Drink the Universe.

As we toast to a new year filled with possibilities, we are eager to embark on exciting new adventures in 2025. If you know of a brewery, distillery, or winery worth exploring, we'd love to connect. E-mail us at mattandfriendsdtu@gmail.com

Cheers to a safe, healthy, and prosperous New Year, and a huge thank you to our listeners!

Support the show

Visit www.mattandfriendsdtu.com for links listen, support the podcast, and more!

Check out our sponsor, Poppin's Travel Company, for all of your travel needs! Their highly qualified agents are ready to book your next big adventure or dream vacation.

We'd love to hear from you on social media! Like and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and X.

Visit our merch store

Cheers, and thanks for listening!