The 16oz. Canvas - The Art of Craft Beer AJ Keirans

As we start to open to the idea of getting back to normal this year it makes me think of all of my favorite places and Chicago is near the top of the list. It’s a city that makes me smile realizing I have only scratched the surface. And for me Pipeworks is one of the beers that remind me of those adventures.

We catch up with the man who brought Ninja v Unicorn to life to learn what he has been up to stay together during all of this time with his family, the band he is playing in and some of his most recent projects. The man with the beard is a genuine good dude who is appreciative of all he has and the work that he is doing in following that dream.

Jason is good people and I think you will enjoy our catch up and learning what’s next for Ink and Lead Designs. I can’t wait to get back to hanging with friends and beers in 3D!! Sooner than later, that’s for sure.

Be safe.

For this Episode we literally go back to where it all started and the man himself, Dan Blakeslee. Dan is responsible for two of the most iconic labels in craft beer and some of the early inspirations for the podcast and project - The Alchemist's Heady Topper and Focal Banger.

Dan has been an active part of our evolution and growth and it means a lot to us. From Episode 1 to appearing at two of our events. Summer ’17 at Kehler Liddell Gallery in New Haven, CT and Hubbub in Bridgton Maine. Not only is he a great artist and human, he’s a storyteller and musician. He performed at both events and even brings some music to this episode.

He’s one of the good guys and a beautiful soul. Dan recently lost his brother and we want to dedicate this episode to him and his memory. I wish I could have given him a hug and let him know he’s in our hearts.

A great episode that puts it all in perspective to see how far we have come together.

This week’s episode we catch up with the gig poster guru and music fan after my heart, the amazingly talented and trippy artist Matt Leunig. A lot has changed since we last spoke back for Episode 44. Matt now lives in the Atlanta area, previously he was in San Francisco and he is also full immersed in doing the dad thing and crushing it.

Fun fact is that because of Matt we have these create episode album covers. When he created the one for his original episode my mind was blown and thanks in huge part to Zac Brady, they are now a staple of the project. One of the nerdy reasons I wanted to have the early guests back is so that they could get the proper album cover artwork.

We catch up with the machine David Paul Seymour who was part of our first 4 pack going all the way back to Episode 2. David’s labels are a key part of the amazing beer and brewery that is Burial - who’s got some of the Skillet Donut for me?! So good.

From the beginning this episode has resonated with me because of his story and career path from Accountant to Rock Posters and Labels. He did what he loved and through support of family took his shot and here we are today. It is one of the stories about the journey and passion that has resonated with me since day 1. The man loves music and is doing what he loves on the daily with bands and beer. His project Planet of Doom is getting closer to the finish line and I couldn’t be more excited for him and the team. It is a true example of hard work and creating something literally from nothing. I look forward to Planet Doom Fest in the future.

This episodes are a great way to catch up with these individuals who have impacted my life and made me believe in something that wasn’t real and just an idea. The story of DPS is one that I mention a lot when talking with others both on and off the pod and I know it inspires many to go for their passion. Nothing is guaranteed but you also can’t live life full of regrets.

Check this episode and all of Season 16 on YouTube. Like subscribe and share or whatever else is possible. Be safe.

This week’s episode features Daniel Birch and Earl Barrett Holloway. Dan works for Barrier Brewing and Earl with KCBC and they are big supporters of each other which I love. Each of them have their own unique style and are key to the branding of their respective breweries which is awesome.

We have had the opportunity to hang together on a few occasions and were even featured on the other side of the mic from Heritage Radio Network.

This episode is a virtual hang and a lot of fun. We shared the stage and support each other while catching up and checking in on each other’s sanity and how we are all coping with this. The dynamic was as close as we could get to hanging out but was genuine and real and felt normal. Learning about each other’s schedules and projects as well as a little discussion on things we want to do in the future.

Mr. Matthew Ryan Sharp is good people. We connected over hard work and passion a few years back and have stayed in contact and he might even call me his friend. His style and attention to detail amazes me and knowing how focused he is on it all being hand-drawn and aligned with his vision makes them even more impressive. 

I had the pleasure of hanging in Cincy at Rhinegeist with him and @warnick back in 2019 which seems like years ago. We ate (one of the best chicken sandwiches!!), drank and laughed. It was magical. 

A little over a year ago a horrific accident included lightning striking his home and causing it to burn down and lose so much of his work and possessions. Thankfully no one was hurt physically but the rebuilding process is ongoing and something that we talked about in the episode. He’s honest and genuine and a huge supporter of mine. On the surface, you may judge him since he is tattoed from ass to elbow, but please don’t. He’s a kind and genuine soul who loves his family and friends.

Enjoy this episode and get to know what my friend is all about. Don’t forget to like and subscribe on Youtube. That’s what all the kids say so I am working that pitch into our commentary.