Beer and Bullsh*t

Ben Johnson
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  • COMEDY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Join award-winning beer writer Ben Johnson (”The Globe and Mail” ”The Growler” ”Toronto Life”) and his occasional co-host Chris Pellarin as we dive into the stories behind the beer in your glass. Crack open cold ones with brewmasters, industry pros, and some of Canada’s funniest personalities to talk brewery insights, beer industry deep dives, and unfiltered conversations that go way beyond the pint.

  1. #114 - That seems like too many dead chickens

    FEB 20

    #114 - That seems like too many dead chickens

    Ben welcomes back Graeme Kobayashi, owner of Counterpoint Brewing, along with Front of The House Manager, Kayla Jager (aka instagram's KaylaLikesBeer), to talk about their new location, hot dog rollers, ice machines, social media, beer cocktails, and keeping your chickens safe from mink; plus Ben flip flops on Beertown and confesses to having Olympic fever.

    1h 11m
  2. #113 - We know you still suck

    JAN 9

    #113 - We know you still suck

    Ben chats with Brittany Ribalkin about her craft beer journey from studying genetics, to graduating Niagara College’s Brewing Program, to brewing beer at Muskoka Brewery, and becoming the head brewer at Bellwoods Brewery. Plus Shane’s great hair, transparent job postings, the Pink Boots Society and the fate of that long-forgotten third Bellwoods location.

    1h 14m
  3. #112 - A baker, a doctor, and a brewer

    12/26/2025

    #112 - A baker, a doctor, and a brewer

    Ben welcomes Stephen Rich to the show to talk about his broad experience in beer from contract brewers, to big beer, and helping build a modest lil' brewery in Blythe. We also talk about his gigs consulting, applying finance guy skills to beer, and the punk rock myth of craft beer.

    1h 19m
  4. #111 - Hellfire and brimstone

    12/19/2025

    #111 - Hellfire and brimstone

    This week, two old beer-scented ink-slingers chop it up as Jordan St. John returns and joins Ben to reflect on his days as a nationally-syndicated beer columnist, editor of the beer magazine The Growler, and beer instructor at George Brown. They dig into just how incestuous big beer in Canada is, BJCP certification for the dreaded Ontario Pale Ale,  and why no one cares about anything any more. Plus: Jordan mentions upstart Bickford Brewing so many times it seems like he might be on the payroll.

    1h 38m
  5. #110 - Double Saison

    12/12/2025

    #110 - Double Saison

    Ben welcomes back Shehan Da Silva of Lost Craft Brewery to talk about the evolution of his brewery from a contract operation to one with two tap rooms, RTDs, spirits, and more. They dive into the LCBO system, fostering a sense of community around your business, and trying to ignore Reddit.

    1h 19m
  6. #109 - My car smells like ass

    12/05/2025

    #109 - My car smells like ass

    Ben chats with Steve Hukari, co-founder of the Southern Ontario Beer Boys, about his work turning a beer-enthusiast social media presence into a charitable enterprise that has raised $100K. Plus "desert island beers," the logistics of returning thousands of empties, softball, learning to love IPAs, Jurassic Park, and Dave Coulier.

    1h 25m
  7. #108 - Blow your brains out

    11/28/2025

    #108 - Blow your brains out

    Ben welcomes back  Matt Tweedy of Tooth and Nail Brewery to talk about  Ottawa's beer scene, why chasing hype is a fool’s game, and the stubborn joy of making classic styles well. They dig into Ontario’s latest distribution shake-ups, what it means for small breweries trying to stay afloat, and why Matt would rather perfect a pilsner than cram another gimmick into a fermenter.

    1h 11m
  8. #107 - Your butt's broken

    11/25/2025

    #107 - Your butt's broken

    Ben welcomes Mare Keefe back to the show to talk about her extensive involvement in female-centred brewing initiatives, Ales for ALS, and the sad fate of The Granite as Toronto desperately searches for somewhere to put some condos. Plus, sour beer, open fermentation, and Oasis.

    1h 7m
See All (115)

About

Join award-winning beer writer Ben Johnson (”The Globe and Mail” ”The Growler” ”Toronto Life”) and his occasional co-host Chris Pellarin as we dive into the stories behind the beer in your glass. Crack open cold ones with brewmasters, industry pros, and some of Canada’s funniest personalities to talk brewery insights, beer industry deep dives, and unfiltered conversations that go way beyond the pint.

Information

  • Creator
    Ben Johnson
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    115
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 by Ben Johnson
  • Show Website
    Beer and Bullsh*t

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