Old Fashioned Dads

Justin Wiens & Trevor Bemis

The podcast where bourbon meets fatherhood, and nobody’s judging you for sipping a perfect Old Fashioned while the kids are finally asleep. Join two dads who believe the best way to survive bedtime chaos, school projects, and that one kid who only eats beige food is with a rocks glass in hand. Every episode, we shake (okay, stir) our way through classic cocktails with a laser focus on the king of them all: the Old Fashioned. We geek out over rye vs. bourbon, debate the perfect amount of orange twist drama, hunt down obscure bitters like they’re Pokémon cards, and craft versions that’ll make your grandfather nod in approval from the great lounge chair in the sky. But this isn’t just a booze show; it’s dad life, unfiltered. The art of hiding in the garage “to take a call,” why minivans are secretly awesome, and how to explain to a five-year-old why Daddy’s “special juice” isn’t for sharing. Expect ridiculous dad jokes, cocktail recipes you can actually make with whatever’s left in the liquor cabinet, and the occasional story that starts with “So the pediatrician walked in while I was muddling cherries…” Whether you’re a rye purist, a new dad who just discovered simple syrup, or just here for the chaos, grab your favorite glass, a big rock of ice, and pull up a chair. Old Fashioned Dads: Strong drinks. Stronger dads. Zero apologies.

  1. Oct 14

    Episode 2 - Drink Your Juice

    Croatia was supposed to be a dream trip. Instead, Trevor and Justin come back with a brutally honest travel story about what happens when the hype meets the reality , crowded national parks, chaotic road trips, surprising museum finds, and a few cocktails that were much better in theory than in practice. They kick off with a return to Canadian soil, a stack of whiskey and bourbon samples, and a fall cocktail called the Forbidden Sour before opening up the real conversation: what they loved, what disappointed them, and what they would do differently next time. From a tequila brand whiskey that tastes like dessert to a Wayne Gretzky ginger beer cask that keeps creeping up on you, the drink tasting is almost a story of its own. Then the trip stories take over. You’ll hear about navigating Croatia as a group, learning when to show up early, how to survive crowded landmarks, and why the best experiences often come from wandering off the main road. Trevor and Justin break down a castle stop with medieval gear and motorcycles in the same building, a tiny farm shop with incredible cheese and yogurt, and the kind of travel moments you only get when someone is willing to say yes to the detours. They also get into the deeper stuff , the emotional weight of a war museum, the importance of understanding history beyond the headlines, and the difference between seeing a place and actually experiencing it. Along the way, you’ll get their take on Dubrovnik, the islands, the Koka highway, travel with mixed personalities, and why some places are one-and-done while others pull you back immediately. Trevor brings the steady, reflective perspective of the planner who wants to understand the place. Justin brings the loose, curious energy of the traveler who wants to chase the next great stop, the next great drink, and the next great story. Together, they make a case for saying yes more often, planning a little better, and never underestimating the power of good company, good food, and dippy bread. Perfect for anyone who loves travel stories with honesty, cocktails with opinions, and the kind of conversation that makes you want to book a trip before the episode is over.

  2. Aug 30

    Season 2 - Episode 1 - The Croatian One

    Season Two Starts in Croatia, and the Old Fashioned Dads Are Testing the Limits of Vacation, Bourbon, and “Holiday Time” Dubrovnik sets the stage for a hilariously specific mission: find the best old fashioned in Croatia, survive the heat, and figure out whether a fortress city full of tourists, Game of Thrones history, and endless drinks is actually worth the hype. Justin, Trevor, and their first guest, Scott, turn a vacation recap into a full-on travel, cocktail, and culture experiment. They break down why old fashioned's across Croatia keep missing the mark, from bourbon availability to too much ice, the wrong sweeteners, and the occasional peat bomb that changes everything. Justin even jumps behind the bar in Zagreb to make his own version, while Trevor and Scott compare notes on espresso martinis, liqueurs, grappa, and a dangerously over built Game of Thrones cocktail that tastes better than it sounds. You’ll hear about: Why Dubrovnik is stunning, exhausting, and packed with touristsThe difference between a “good enough” cocktail and one worth chasingHow local drinks, liqueurs, and bourbon culture shift from country to countryGame of Thrones filming locations, the Iron Throne, and the hidden Star Wars connectionWhy the best food on the trip might be a simple sandwich, potato, or stuffed pepper Justin and Trevor also get honest about what travel really feels like when every day is scheduled, every walk is uphill, and even a vacation becomes work if you try to see everything. They talk through what they’d do differently if they came back, why slowing down might be the smarter move, and how the best moments often happen outside the obvious tourist spots. This one is perfect if you love travel stories, cocktail debates, and two guys who can turn a scorching Croatian holiday into a surprisingly useful guide for how to actually enjoy a place. If you’ve ever over planned a trip, over-ordered a drink, or wondered whether the hype around Dubrovnik is real, this episode is for you.

  3. May 14

    Episode 12 - Well that was a hot take, and a weird mic?

    Most people underestimate the complexity behind Alberta's push for independence—and the hidden economic and political stakes that could reshape Canada forever. Justin Wiens and Trevor dive into the nuances of Alberta’s sovereignty movement, exploring whether it's truly about oil, resources, or a deeper fight for political power. From the intricacies of provincial populations and voting power to the real costs of immigration and national division, they reveal the surprising truths you're not hearing in the headlines.You’ll discover how Alberta’s oil influence, population dynamics in Quebec, and the energy sector's role could tip the scales toward independence—or keep the country united. They break down the myths about economic self-sufficiency, the risks of breaking apart, and what a new Canada might look like if the West truly secedes. Plus, they explore the ripple effects on corporations, military security, and indigenous voices, raising the question—what’s really at stake for all Canadians?This episode is a must-listen for anyone following Western sovereignty, Canadian unity, or the future of North American politics. Whether you're a concerned citizen, a political junkie, or just curious about what might come next, you'll get fresh insights into the power plays and policies shaping our country’s destiny.Justin Wiens, host of [Podcast Name], is a strategic thinker and political commentator known for breaking down complex issues with clarity and candor. Trevor, a fellow analyst and former politician, offers a uniquely balanced perspective on Canada’s divisive debates and the true costs of independence.Perfect for those interested in Canadian politics, energy policy, or regional independence movements,

About

The podcast where bourbon meets fatherhood, and nobody’s judging you for sipping a perfect Old Fashioned while the kids are finally asleep. Join two dads who believe the best way to survive bedtime chaos, school projects, and that one kid who only eats beige food is with a rocks glass in hand. Every episode, we shake (okay, stir) our way through classic cocktails with a laser focus on the king of them all: the Old Fashioned. We geek out over rye vs. bourbon, debate the perfect amount of orange twist drama, hunt down obscure bitters like they’re Pokémon cards, and craft versions that’ll make your grandfather nod in approval from the great lounge chair in the sky. But this isn’t just a booze show; it’s dad life, unfiltered. The art of hiding in the garage “to take a call,” why minivans are secretly awesome, and how to explain to a five-year-old why Daddy’s “special juice” isn’t for sharing. Expect ridiculous dad jokes, cocktail recipes you can actually make with whatever’s left in the liquor cabinet, and the occasional story that starts with “So the pediatrician walked in while I was muddling cherries…” Whether you’re a rye purist, a new dad who just discovered simple syrup, or just here for the chaos, grab your favorite glass, a big rock of ice, and pull up a chair. Old Fashioned Dads: Strong drinks. Stronger dads. Zero apologies.