On episode 234, we talk with Bryan Thomas, head brewer at Ivanhoe Ale Works in Denison, Texas. Bryan shares his experience as a cancer survivor, how he discovered his passion for brewing later in life, and how he helped renovate an early 20th-century theater into the space that Ivanhoe Ale Works is today. On the music front, we discuss the punk band Fire Sale, Laurence Guy, Carrtoons, and Lionel Richie. Enjoy!

On episode 231, our friend Jeff introduced us to the music and artistry of Boston-based artist Daniel Laurent aka DL. For episode 233, Jeff joins us in a conversation with DL. In addition to DL's music and filmwork, it's a fun discussion on regional hip-hop history and regional foods between Boston, Dallas, and Houston scenes. On the brew front, we discuss beverages from Down East Cider, Time & Material Beer, and Celestial Beerworks.

Co-owners Sean Steeg and David Welsch of Juniata Brewing Company join us episode 232 on Modern Brews + Beats Podcast. We connected with their brewery at Barrel & Flow Festival as they're done past collaborations with Our Culture Brewing and Off The Wall Brewing. For this episode, we discussed Juniata's origin story and the Barrel & Flow collaboration beer they did with The Pennsoulvanians - a Central, PA-based, a seven-piece band. In addition to beers from Juniata, we discuss offerings from Oak Cliff Brewing Company and Rockwell Beer Company.

Coffee is back on the docket for episode 231. Jeff returns to discuss a recent article by Perfect Daily Grind on the similarity between the growth and challenges of craft beer and specialty coffee. He learned about it from the creators of Roastguide, which is a new app like Untappd where users can rate their favorite coffees.

In addition to our coffee talk, we discussed recent beverages from Coffee Del Rey, New Province Brewing Company, and ODD Muse Brewing Company. Since Tony and Jeff are the fathers on the cast, we also get into #dadlife as their kids return to school. On the music tip, check out the playlist Jeff made featuring Daniel Laurent AKA DL.

For episode 230, brewer Tommy Miller of Rollertown Beerworks is back on the podcast to talk about the brewery's expansion in Frisco, Texas, (slated to open in October 2025) and share his thoughts about the IPA beer style. In fact, he was brewing at Rollertown while talking with us.

Given Miller's background in the Dallas brewing scene (Deep Ellum, Noble Rey Brewing), we discuss the IBU wars of the early 2000s and 10s, the slow acceptance of New England / Hazy IPA in Texas, and his ideas on the future of IPA. On the beats front this week, we talk about Barry Can't Swim, Black Milk, and Hashi Senjoo. Collin Zreet brings history and pairing ideas for English Bitter-style beers in the Tasting Notes segment.

Are you an IPA lover or hater? Let us know. Also, thanks for leaving a review for the show at Apple, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy audio podcasts.

Modern Brews + Beats Podcast began August 11, 2019. On episode 229, we celebrate our anniversary and interview Stefan King of HopLore Brewing in Leesburg, IN. We've partnered with HopLore to make a collaboration beer for the 5th annual Barrel & Flow Festival in Pittsburgh, PA. Learn more about the beer and Stefan's experience in the restaurant industry before going into brewing. For this episode's Tasting Notes section, Collin Zreet discusses pairings for Irish Red Ale beers. As we celebrate six years of the pod, we are very grateful for your support for this show with reviews at iTunes and Spotify and especially our Patreon supporters. Thank you!

Joe Krutz of Morrilton, Arkansas's Big Cuppa returns to the show to discuss how he's diversifying his coffee operations. In our Tasting Notes segment, Collin Zreet talks about his favorite pairings with Irish Stout-style beers. Speaking of beers, we're discussing New Belgium, New Glarus, Big Beach Brewing, and our upcoming collaboration with HopLore Brewing for Barrel & Flow.

We're excited to welcome back Jon Renthrope, CEO of Cajun Fire Brewing Company in New Orleans, LA. In addition to his work with Cajun Fire, he is now the President of the Board of Directors for the National Black Brewers Association (NB2A). We discuss NB2A, Crafted for Action, exporting Cajun Fire product in Asia, and the latest developments for the East New Orleans Cultural Hub.

For this episode's Tasting Notes segment, Advanced Cicerone Collin Zreet brings pairing suggestions for English Porter-style beers. Be sure to grab your tickets for Collin's upcoming craft beer and chocolate pairing at Central Market Fort Worth on July 8.

Additional discussion points include:

Get ready for Crafted for Action 2026

Our Culture Brewing X Creature Comforts collaboration

Congrats to Vine Street Brewing winning a Gold ADDY award for marketing and design

Soulshine Kolsch from Bentonville Brewing

Do the Hop Thing from Narrow Gauge x Brothas & Craft Beer

DJ Sun - Loveletter

Misha - Flying

Hiroshi Suzuki - Cat

Our September 2024 conversation with Jon Renthrope