Happy Hour Playbook

DBE Network

5.0 (3)
Leisure
Updated Weekly

Work. Life. Sports. Music. Bets. Drinks. Happy Hour Playbook is unfiltered conversation for people who grind all day and unwind hard. We talk wins, losses, good music, workplace chaos, and everything in between — always honest, sometimes reckless, and best enjoyed with a drink. No gurus. No fake motivation. Just real talk after hours.

Sep 30

CFB Chaos, October Baseball & Robot Brawls

Welcome to Episode 30 of The Happy Hour Playbook! This week, we are serving up a loaded rundown of gridiron upsets, diamond predictions, and pop culture madness. We kick things off with the Happy Hour Pour, tasting the Shortbarrel Toasted Small Batch Bourbon. Will this 94-proof Kentucky straight finished in Kelvin barrels earn First Ballot legendary status, or is it destined to be a Draft Bust? Here is what’s on tap for this episode: CFB Chaos: We break down a wild Week 4 of college football, including Florida completely dismantling No. 4 Ole Miss, Wisconsin silencing Happy Valley, and a look ahead to a heavyweight Week 5 slate featuring several ranked vs. ranked matchups.NFL & Fantasy Football: Unpacking the fallout from NFL Week 3—including the Jaguars' rout, the Bills staying undefeated, and a 56-yard walk-off thriller in Rio—plus a preview of Week 4 and a pulse check on our Fantasy rosters.October Baseball: The 2026 MLB Wild Card matchups are officially set. We are bringing you our full series predictions, highlighted by the historic Yankees-Red Sox clash in the Bronx.Pop Culture Check: We discuss the brand-new Avengers: Endgame Encore theatrical re-release and how its new post-credit scenes set up Doomsday. Plus, our reactions to the viral MMA cage match where influencer Frankie LaPenna squared off against a 6-foot remote-controlled humanoid robot. Connect with the Playbook: Instagram: @HappyHourPlaybookTikTok: @HappyHourPlaybookFacebook: Happy Hour PlaybookYouTube: Happy Hour PlaybookListen on: Spotify and Apple Podcasts Keep it real and keep it rolling.
Sep 24

Texas Heat & Broken Records

We kick off Episode 29 of The Happy Hour Playbook with a pour of Garrison Brothers Small Batch Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey, breaking down its bold, heat-aged profile to see where it lands on our definitive rating scale. From the glass to the gridiron, we dive into a chaotic Week 3 of NCAA Football, highlighting massive upsets, Texas taking over the AP No. 1 spot, and Ole Miss surviving a late LSU rally in our Game of the Week. Moving to the NFL, Week 2 brought overtime drama, crucial fourth-quarter comebacks, and major franchise milestones. We break down Ja'Marr Chase's record-breaking afternoon for the Bengals and Dak Prescott officially surpassing Tony Romo for the most passing touchdowns in Cowboys history. With October baseball looming, we map out the MLB playoff picture, tight Wild Card races, and the new math behind crucial tiebreakers before wrapping up with the essential Fantasy Football takeaways you need from Week 2. Episode Breakdown * The Pour: Tasting notes and official rating for Garrison Brothers Small Batch. * College Football: Week 3 upsets, Ole Miss vs. LSU breakdown, and the Top 10 reshuffle. * NFL Week 2: Overtime thrillers, Cincinnati's defensive masterclass, and Dallas pulling away from Washington. * MLB Playoffs: Division clinchers, first-round byes, and the race for the final Wild Card spots. * Fantasy Football: Week 2 recap and roster implications. Enjoying the show? Make sure to follow, subscribe, and share the playbook with a friend! Connect with the Playbook * Instagram: @Happy Hour Playbook * YouTube: Happy Hour Playbook * TikTok: Happy Hour Playbook * Facebook: Happy Hour Playbook Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Keep it real and keep it rolling.
Sep 16

Texas Upsets & Football's Return

Welcome back to the Happy Hour Playbook! Grab a glass and pull up a chair as Chris and Wes return for a massive week of sports, upsets, and bourbon. Here is what is on tap for this week's playbook: * The Happy Hour Pour: We are tasting and rating Jefferson’s Reserve Bourbon. Will this smooth, $50-$65 mid-range pour earn a flawless "First Ballot" rating, or will it fall to the "Practice Squad"? * NCAA Football Week 2: Breaking down a chaotic week of college ball, highlighted by Texas pulling off a historic, 20-point fourth-quarter comeback to stun No. 1 Ohio State. Plus, Oklahoma State snaps Oregon's 21-game win streak. * NFL Week 1 Results: Football is officially back. We dive into the heartbreak, the overreactions, and the final scores from an action-packed opening weekend, including the Bears dropping 59 points and the Cowboys falling to the Giants. * MLB Chase to the Playoffs: With October right around the corner, we check the latest standings to see who is locked in and who is sweating it out on the Wild Card bubble. * FIBA Women's World Cup: Celebrating Team USA's dominant, undefeated gold medal run in Berlin after a 97-79 championship victory over France. * Fantasy Football Week 1: Checking the scoreboards and the Tuesday waiver wire. Did the Defending Champ start the season strong, or is it already panic time? Pour ‘em up, keep it real, and let's get it rolling! Connect with the Playbook: * Instagram: @Happy Hour Playbook * TikTok: Happy Hour Playbook * YouTube: Happy Hour Playbook * Facebook: Happy Hour Playbook * Listen on: Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Sep 7

1-Second Miracles & NFL Returns

Kick back and pour up! In Episode 27, we’re tasting a wheated classic while breaking down an absolutely wild weekend of college football and looking ahead to the highly anticipated return of the NFL. On this week's playbook: * The Happy Hour Pour: We review Weller Special Reserve. At an entry-level $30 and 90 proof, does this sweet, vanilla-heavy bourbon earn a "First Ballot" rating, or is it destined for the "Practice Squad"?  * NCAA Football: A massive weekend of shockers and blowouts. We discuss Tulsa’s definitive upset over Oklahoma State, Michigan's unbelievable 1-second Hail Mary survival against Western Michigan, and a roundup of top-tier games including LSU's dominant win over Clemson.  * NFL Week 1 Preview: Pro football is officially back. We break down the prime-time slate, featuring the Patriots-Seahawks Super Bowl LX rematch, the historic 49ers-Rams showdown in Melbourne, Australia, and our predictions for Sunday's heaviest hitters.  Enjoying the show? Make sure to follow, subscribe, and share the playbook with a friend! Connect with the Playbook: * Instagram: @HappyHourPlaybook  * YouTube: Happy Hour Playbook  * TikTok: Happy Hour Playbook  * Facebook: Happy Hour Playbook  Don't forget to listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Tune in next week as we crack open a new bottle and dive into some new topics. Keep it real and keep it rolling.
Aug 31

Dark Rye & Division Titles

EPISODE 26: Dark Rye & Division Titles Welcome to Episode 26 of the Happy Hour Playbook! Wes and I have a packed show today blending spirits, history-making sports moments, healthcare controversies, and high-stakes football predictions. Grab your glass, pull up a chair, and let’s get into it! The Happy Hour Pour We are kicking things off by uncorking Basil Hayden Dark Rye. This 80-proof pour is a unique blend of Kentucky straight rye whiskey, Canadian rye whisky, and California port wine (blended with actual port wine, not just finished in port casks). It’s heavily wine-forward with dominant notes of dark cherries, plum, and strawberry jam, with very minimal rye burn. We break down the profile and slot this $40 bottle into our official tier list to see where it lands: Bonus: The Rise and Fall of UNC Health’s Shift-Bidding System Stepping out of the OR for a minute, we dive into the highly controversial reverse-auction shift-bidding model that UNC Health introduced—and quickly canceled—in August 2026. Originally defended as a strategy to control outside agency costs, the software operated on a "lowest bidder wins" structure for premium-pay shifts. We discuss the immediate backlash from nursing advocates and why a system that forces coworkers to underbid each other and treats clinical teamwork as a financial "race to the bottom" was doomed to fail. Making History We take a trip down memory lane to look at the 70-year legacy of the Babe Ruth League before celebrating a massive milestone for Indigenous athletes on the national stage. * The Girls' 14U Championship Run: The newly assembled, all-Indigenous Na7ive Na7ions girls softball team made history in Florence, Alabama, battling extreme heat to finish 9-1 and capture the World Series title. We look at their dominant performance and the brilliant dugout nutrition strategy that kept them healthy on the field. * The Boys' 16U Debut: We also highlight the Na7ive Na7ions boys baseball team's historic trip to Branson, Missouri. Handpicked from roughly 200 players based on both physical talent and intangibles, these athletes represented their tribal communities on a massive stage, ensuring elite talent from smaller communities gets the collegiate and MLB scouting exposure it deserves. NFL Season Predictions Football is finally back. We are putting our reputations on the line and locking in our official 2026 AFC and NFC division winners. We break down the heavy favorites—like the Bills and Rams—and analyze the tightest projected races in the AFC West and NFC North. Plus, we map out the road to the playoffs by projecting the full 2nd through 4th place standings for every division. PGA Tour Championship We wrap up with a Sunday check-in on the Tour Championship in Atlanta. Viktor Hovland is holding the 54-hole lead at 15-under par, but with Ryan Gerard sitting one stroke back and heavy hitters like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy lurking close behind, it is going to be a wild finish. College Football Return A quick look at this week’s impressions from the gridiron, including UNC’s defensive grit in a wet Ireland game, Virginia’s incredibly efficient rushing attack against NC State, and Jayden Maiava living up to the hype for #14 USC. Plus, we look ahead to the limited but crucial Week 1 marquee matchups. Enjoying the show? Make sure to follow, subscribe, and share the playbook with a friend! Connect with the Playbook: * Instagram: @HappyHourPlaybook * YouTube: Happy Hour Playbook * TikTok: Happy Hour Playbook * Facebook: Happy Hour Playbook Don't forget to listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Next Week: We're cracking open a new bottle and diving into some new topics. Don't miss it. "Keep it real and keep it rolling."
Aug 24

A Surgical Nightmare & Wyndham’s Dream Weekend

EPISODE 25: A Surgical Nightmare & Wyndham’s Dream Weekend This week, Chris and Wes are serving up a massive board, balancing the heavy reality of a real-world medical crisis with the thrill of high-stakes sports. Grab your glass, pull up a chair, and let’s get into it. The Happy Hour Pour We kick things off in-state with Still Austin’s Straight Rye Whiskey ("The Artist"). This 99.6-proof, 100% Texas rye boasts a complex, herbal profile with notes of spearmint, dill, and buttercream icing. Will this unique pour earn a "First Ballot" legend status, or is it destined to be a "Draft Bust"? A Surgical Nightmare in Nashville Chris leans on his operating room background to break down a catastrophic medication error at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital. We explore how such a devastating breakdown happens and the safeguards designed to prevent it. * The Incident: Four outpatient surgery patients were mistakenly given spinal injections of potassium instead of standard anesthesia. * The Impact: The toxic reaction caused cardiac arrest, leaving at least two patients—including 72-year-old Glenda Dorton—permanently paralyzed. * The Investigation: Early reports point to a pharmacy mix-up, and state authorities are actively investigating. NFL Shake-Ups & Preseason Injuries The NFL landscape is shifting rapidly as Week 1 approaches. * Blockbuster Trades: Myles Garrett is heading to the Rams, A.J. Brown joins the Patriots, and Stefon Diggs signs with the Commanders. * Star Injuries: Preseason ailments threaten the openers for heavy hitters like Patrick Mahomes (knee), Micah Parsons (PUP list), and Malik Nabers. 2026 BMW Championship Wyndham Clark is dominating at Bellerive Country Club, pushing to shake up the FedExCup standings before East Lake. If Clark holds his commanding five-stroke lead to secure the win and 750 FedExCup points, he is projected to vault into 3rd place overall behind Scottie Scheffler and Matt Fitzpatrick. Enjoying the show? Make sure to follow, subscribe, and share the playbook with a friend! * Listen on: Spotify & Apple Podcasts * Follow us: @HappyHourPlaybook on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook. Keep it real and keep it rolling.
Aug 17

Baby Blue, Preseason Debuts & The Memphis Heat

Football is officially back! In Episode 24, Chris and Wes pour a trailblazing Texas whisky to break in a brand-new rating system before tackling a jam-packed weekend of sports. From NFL Preseason Week 1 overreactions and backup battles to the scorching playoff heat in Memphis, pour yourself a dram, settle in, and let's get into the playbook. The Happy Hour Pour We are breaking in our new five-tier rating system with Balcones Baby Blue, the first legal Texas whisky released since Prohibition. Crafted from 100% roasted Hopi blue corn and bottled at 92 proof, this pour brings vibrant, oily qualities to the table without heavy wood tannins. Nose: Roasted corn, buttered popcorn, candy corn, brown sugar, and light baking spices with undertones of tropical fruit. Palate: Oily and viscous with sweet corn, toasted grain, vanilla, and caramel. Finish: Medium length with lingering sweet corn, pepper, and warm oak spice. The Official Playbook Rating System: 🐐 First Ballot: The absolute best; flawless 🏆 Playoff Worthy: Great, but maybe missing that one elite piece ❌ First Round Exit: Average; perfectly fine but nothing special 🚫 Practice Squad: Below average; needs serious improvement 🗑️ Draft Bust: Total letdown; avoid at all costs NFL Preseason Week 1 Recap The gridiron action has returned. We break down all the notable player stats, surprise performances, and roster battles from the first week of the preseason. PGA FedEx St. Jude Championship We head down to the 100-degree heat of Memphis for a massive playoff opener at TPC Southwind. The Pace Setter: Scottie Scheffler sits at -13, seizing control in Round 2 with a blistering, course-record-tying 61. He is looking to break a streak of five runner-up finishes this season. The Chasers: Sam Burns (-11) fired a spectacular bogey-free 62 to surge into the final pairing alongside his close friend Scheffler. Sungjae Im (-11) remains firmly in the mix. 📱 Connect with the Playbook Enjoying the show? Make sure to follow, subscribe, and share the playbook with a friend! Next week, we're cracking open a new bottle and diving into some new topics. Don't miss it. Instagram: @Happy Hour Playbook YouTube: Happy Hour Playbook TikTok: Happy Hour Playbook Facebook: Happy Hour Playbook Listen On: Spotify and Apple Podcasts "Keep it real and keep it rolling."
Aug 10

The Dodger Heist, Million-Dollar Bounties, & Pendleton Pours

Episode 23: The Dodger Heist, Million-Dollar Bounties, & Pendleton Pours Welcome back to the Happy Hour Playbook! This week, we are officially rolling out our brand-new 5-Tier Rating System and putting it to the test with a pour of the 10-year-old Pendleton 1910 Bourbon. Grab a glass because we need a stiff drink to process a wild week in sports and pop culture. We are breaking down the Los Angeles Dodgers' masterclass in exploiting financial loopholes to land Tarik Skubal, the return of NFL football, and the absolute chaos erupting in the trading card hobby over the Cooper Flagg 1-of-1 patch. Plus, we hit the summer box office and welcome Wes back from the Alaskan wilderness. Let’s pour 'em up and get into it! The Happy Hour Pour: We debut our new 5-Tier Rating System (From First Ballot to Draft Bust) and review the smooth, 90-proof Pendleton 1910 Bourbon. MLB Trade Deadline & The Dodger Heist: How LA secured Tigers ace Tarik Skubal without gutting their farm system. We dive deep into the bankruptcy carve-outs and deferral loopholes fueling their empire, track the rest of the league's desperation moves, and discuss the looming threat of a 2027 MLB lockout. NFL HOF Game & Blockbuster Extensions: Football is back! We recap the Carolina Panthers' thrilling walk-off win against the Cardinals and break down the massive, market-resetting summer extensions for stars like Darnell Wright, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Jalen Carter. Topps Chrome NBA & The Great Bounty Wars: The 2025-26 Topps Chrome Update is here, and the hunt for the Cooper Flagg Debut Patch Auto has broken the internet. We debate the million-dollar cash bounties versus the Dallas Mavericks' unprecedented "1 of 1 for 32" season ticket and VIP package. The Summer Box Office: Wes gives his solo review of Christopher Nolan’s sprawling IMAX epic The Odyssey, before the guys team up to discuss Destin Daniel Cretton’s take on Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Wes’s Alaskan Adventure: Glaciers, wildlife, and cruise ship cuisine. Wes recaps his Royal Caribbean getaway and compares his freezing excursions to surviving Disney World in the summer. Connect with the Playbook:Enjoying the show? Make sure to follow, subscribe, and share the playbook with a friend! Instagram: @HappyHourPlaybook YouTube: Happy Hour Playbook TikTok: Happy Hour Playbook Facebook: Happy Hour Playbook Available everywhere you get your podcasts, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts. "Keep it real and keep it rolling." Episode Breakdown:

5

out of 5

3 Ratings

Work. Life. Sports. Music. Bets. Drinks. Happy Hour Playbook is unfiltered conversation for people who grind all day and unwind hard. We talk wins, losses, good music, workplace chaos, and everything in between — always honest, sometimes reckless, and best enjoyed with a drink. No gurus. No fake motivation. Just real talk after hours.

Creator

DBE Network
Years Active

2026
Episodes

30
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© DBE Network
Show Website

Happy Hour Playbook