
262 episodes

The Grit City Podcast GCP Media
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- Society & Culture
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4.8 • 24 Ratings
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The Grit City Podcast is a weekly podcast, hosted from Tacoma, WA. - Affectionately called "Grit City" by people who know and love it.
Every Monday we release an episode highlighting business owners, entrepreneurs, authors, artists, and unique characters we know or happen to run into. Most often these are people that we feel personify the blue collar, hard work ethic people associate with “Grit”. Sometimes it's a drug-fueled weirdo that we just met, drunk at a comedy club the night before. No matter what or who we are recording we want you to feel like you're hanging out with friends and taking part in a community of unique and interesting people.
The Grit City Podcast was launched during the summer of 2014 and had over 120 episodes between 2014 and 2017. The founders and original hosts are technology workers who met on the job and bonded over a common interest in the Seattle/Tacoma area. After a short hiatus at the end of 2017, The Grit City Podcast rebooted in 2018 with more friends and family involved. GCP's goal is to become the "Must Listen To" podcast around the Pacific Northwest, with a fan base of people around the world. People who identify with "Grit" and understand that The Reputation is Real.
We would love to hear how you found us. Get in touch here (/contact/) or: info@gritcitypodcast.com
Looking for a way to support the show?
Stop by the Store (/store) and pick up some Merch or Check out our Patreon page (https://www.patreon.com/GritCityPodcast): https://www.patreon.com/GritCityPodcast
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GCP: Harts Services
Tim from Harts Services rejoins the group to catch up from when they last visited on episode 93. Harts Services has been open in the PNW area since 2013; they have dedicated themselves to the mission of providing high-value plumbing services in Tacoma, Seattle, and surrounding areas. They believe every customer deserves respect and a positive experience and aim to provide professional, top-quality, value-added solutions customers can rely on at competitive rates. Harts Services also opened our much-anticipated academy and apprentice program in 2022 to help connect them with highly motivated individuals looking to enter the field.
00:17 – Justin kicks off this episode suggesting they all need professional help, welcomes Tim back from Harts Services, and commends him on his fantastic mustache. Scott and Jeff talk about their recent visit on Discord, going down GCP memory lane, Justin talks about his past needs for a plumber in his rental and current house, and Tim talks about Tacoma Public Service's excellent service.
10:51 – Tim talks about what got him into the plumbing profession, his love of Washington, and starting Harts from the ground up. He talks about the fulfillment in doing the job, Jeff poses the first coaster question, and Tim gives his insight on if people need an expansion tank on a tankless hot water heater in Tacoma. Justin talks about the Harts coverage area, Tim talks about the benefit of preventative management, and his theory of working from the outside in.
22:31 – Tim gives his perspective on flushable wipes, speaks to their impact on certain sewers, and the strangest things he's seen flushed down the system. Dereck talks about listening to the original GCP episode Hart Services was on that sparked him to contact them for plumbing issues, Tim talks about the benefits of offering finance options for customers, and speaks to his thoughts on the bidet.
35:02 – Tim talks about services they offer customers for prevention, Justin talks about re-piping his house, and Tim shares that they've just added an electrical division of the business. He talks about other areas they plan to expand to, Justin suggests they put together a band, and Tim talks about his band and what it's been up to.
Thanks, Tim, for checking back in with GCP on what Harts has been up to since the last conversation.
Special Guest: Harts Services.
Sponsored By:
The Union Club: The Union Club is a coworking space contributing to Tacoma's growing artistic and entrepreneurial communities. It combines a maker studio, event hall, and office coworking space, in a 15,000 square foot historic building in downtown Tacoma, Washington.
Die Cut Stickers: Use the code GRITCITY15 at checkout and get 15% off your entire order!
· Insanely custom stickers crafted to survive the PNW and beyond! Promo Code: GRITCITY15Cosmic Bottles: Tap into the universe of craft beer!
CRAFT BEER FOR YOU!
Tired of the same old grocery store beer selection? Looking for a beer selection that caters to your taste?
At Cosmic Bottles the choice is always yours.
Every day: 11am - 10pm
27116 167th Place SE
Suite 108
Covington, WA 98042Support The Grit City Podcast
Links:
Licensed Plumbers in Tacoma and Seattle, WA | Harts Services | hartsservices.comHarts Academy Apprentice Program | Harts Services | hartsservices.com — Harts Services is opening our much-anticipated Academy and apprentice program in 2022, and we are looking for highly motivated individuals like you.Those Daaamn Animals | Tacoma WA | FacebookSHINDIG.STUDIO | Recording | TacomaThe Grit City Podcast: Plumbing Problems with Harts Services -
GCP: McCallum & Sons Whisky & Iron Horse Farm
Maxine and Glen McCallum, owners of McCallum & Sons Whisky Co and Iron Horse Farm, sit down with the GCP guys to talk about their boutique whiskey shop and horse farm in Tacoma. McCallum & Sons Whisky Co. is a boutique bottle shop located in downtown Tacoma. They pride themselves on offering one of the most incredible selections of spirits in the area and providing customers with the most rewarding and satisfying shopping experiences in the industry. The Iron Horse Farm is a premier horse boarding and training facility located on the outskirts of Tacoma. Easily accessible to the South Sound region, their farm is committed to offering an atmosphere of excellence in care and training.
00:04 – Justin kicks off this episode talking about the inadequate sewers in Tacoma, expresses his appreciation for people to be able to own a whiskey shop and horse farm in Tacoma, and Glen talks about how he and Maxine ended up in Tacoma. Maxine talks about the welcoming people in Tacoma, Glen shares where the whiskey shop is located, what made him want to get into the business, and the Washington state's restrictions on selling alcohol.
16:12 – Glen explains why a bottle of whiskey would cost $60,000, how whiskey is a delicate balance between art and science, and Maxine talks about how they have something at every price point in the shop. She talks about the wonderful whiskey community in the area, Glen talks about the master classes they offer, and the key differences between American and International whiskey.
31:17 – Glen talks about the number of people investing in whiskey, the depreciation impact of opening the bottle, and the different ways people share exquisite whiskey. Maxine talks about what made them want to create The Iron Horse Farm, finding the property for the farm, and the type of English riding she competes in.
47:50 – Maxine talks about the complexity of the farm being close to where fireworks go off, Jeff talks about drone displays possibly replacing fireworks, and Maxine expresses how careful she is about choosing what she allows on the farm. She explains how a horse can regulate their heartbeat to a person, how intuitive horses are, and how the community of riders she is a part of is a supporting and loving environment.
Many thanks, Maxine and Glen, for stopping by to talk about both businesses; looking forward to catching up with you again soon!
Special Guests: McCallum & Sons Whisky Co. and The Iron Horse Farm.
Sponsored By:
Die Cut Stickers: Use the code GRITCITY15 at checkout and get 15% off your entire order!
· Insanely custom stickers crafted to survive the PNW and beyond! Promo Code: GRITCITY15Cosmic Bottles: Tap into the universe of craft beer!
CRAFT BEER FOR YOU!
Tired of the same old grocery store beer selection? Looking for a beer selection that caters to your taste?
At Cosmic Bottles the choice is always yours.
Every day: 11am - 10pm
27116 167th Place SE
Suite 108
Covington, WA 98042Support The Grit City Podcast
Links:
McCallum & Sons Whisky Co.McCallum & Sons Whisky Co. (@mccallumandsonswhisky) • Instagram photos and videos — A boutique whisky retail storeThe Iron Horse Farm | Tacoma WA | Facebook — The Iron Horse Farm is a premier horse boarding and training facilityTHE IRON HORSE FARMThe Iron Horse Farm (@theironhorsefarm) • Instagram — Premier Hunter/Jumper Boarding and Training Facility in Tacoma, WA -
GCP: Jason Alexander
Jason Alexander, the Devils Reef and Gilman House owner, sits down with the GCP guys to catch up since the last time he visited the podcast. Devil’s Reef is a bar located in Tacoma, Washington with a playfully spooky atmosphere. It has become a favorite spot for a night out in the city that many have come to adore. The bar is also known for their award-winning cocktails that others have traveled the seas to get a taste of. Gilman House is the sequel to the tiki oasis that focuses on vegan and vegetarian foods with proteins à la carte and is also known for it's amazing cocktails.
00:00 – The episode kicks off talking about the almost apocalypse, Jason talks about a recent visit to Cannon Beach and the crazy weather there, and Justin shares what bars Jason owns. Jason explains how he lets guests choose how they would describe Devils Reef, how 99% of the alcohol there is rum, and that the Gilman House is primarily a gin bar. He talks about the newest bar that has moved into the area, Justin talks about what they love about the Union Club, and Jason describes how the building the bar is in was originally the News Print building.
13:04 – Justin talks about what led Brogan to open the bottle shop, shares his appreciation for having a tiki bar in the area, and Jason talks about where the idea of having the bar came from. He talks about coming up with the design of the infinity skull, going to tiki cons in San Diego, Arizona, and the local one in Portland. He talks about his love of dark horror, how he fitted that into the tiki design, and the different types of people that visit the locations.
23:10 – Scott expresses his appreciation for Jason letting DC253 meet at Devils Reef, Jason talks about the different types of special events and guests he has, and doing the bartender exchange program. He shares that there are 60 original drinks on their menu, the different types of food he offers at the Gilman House, Justin talks about the first time he visited the Gilman House, and doing the Gin 101 there.
35:55 – Jason speaks about how each of the bars came together, being fortunate to find their spots, and Justin talks about the different businesses around the bars. Jason talks about his appreciation for Disney’s version of escapism, Jeff talks about the great times he had regularly exploring Disney World, and Jason drops some advice to people interested in starting a bar. He shares how much it cost to kick off Devils Reef, expresses the importance for people to be in love with running a business before running one, and what guests can expect when visiting each place.
Thanks, Jason, for returning to GCP and catching up!
Special Guest: Jason Alexander.
Sponsored By:
The Union Club: The Union Club is a coworking space contributing to Tacoma's growing artistic and entrepreneurial communities. It combines a maker studio, event hall, and office coworking space, in a 15,000 square foot historic building in downtown Tacoma, Washington.
Cosmic Bottles: Tap into the universe of craft beer!
CRAFT BEER FOR YOU!
Tired of the same old grocery store beer selection? Looking for a beer selection that caters to your taste?
At Cosmic Bottles the choice is always yours.
Every day: 11am - 10pm
27116 167th Place SE
Suite 108
Covington, WA 98042Support The Grit City Podcast
Links:
Devil's Reef (@devils_reef) • Instagram photos and videos — Nautical themed exotic drink and rum bar open Thursday 5-11, Friday and Saturday from 5pm to MidnightDevil's Reef Kraken Fez – Fez-o-ramaGilman House (@gilmanhousetacoma) • Instagram photos and videos — Neighborhood craft cocktail bar focusing on vegan and vegetarian foods with proteins à la carteTiki Bar: Devil's Reef | mytiki.life — Devil's Reef is a fully-themed tiki bar in the Triangle/St. Helens neighborhood of Tacoma, from the owners of the nearby but now-closed Tacoma Cabana, Jason Alexander and Robyn Murphy.Tiki KonThe Shadow over Innsmouth - Wikipedia -
GCP: Hangout - Three Questions?
The GCP guys hang out on this episode and talk podcasts, Union Club, movies, and the new game 3 Questions?.
00:00 – The show starts talking about weird shows before metal concerts, the amount of cash Jeff would take to have it stapled on him, and Justin talks about the pizza they enjoyed at Puget Sound Pizza. He shares how listeners can tune in live while recording, Jeff talks about why he carries a pocket of animal crackers, and Justin explains how listeners can support the podcast. He talks about past guests they’ve had on, the crazy weather that’s been going on in the PNW, and invites listeners to join them on March 10th for Mario Day.
13:47 -Derek talks about going on the Dudes with Brews on a Porch podcast to talk with a close friend about the GCP, Scott expresses how Grit City is a state of mind, and Justin talks about finding the east coast version of the Grit City. Derek talks about doing indoor golf with his wife at Tower Lanes, he talks about it being open 24 hours in the past, and the other put-put golf places in the area he’s visited. They make plans for a Tacoma Olympics, the new Discord channel Derek made, and gives his review of the new horror sci-fi movie M3gan.
27:12 – The guys discuss their reviews of the movie The Goonies, movies in the 80’s that were products of their time, and Scott recommends the rewatch of Popeye with Robin Williams. Justin runs a test of their newest game 3 questions, each of the guys share their dream vacation, and Justin explains why he would love to go to New Zealand and what he would do there if there was no limit on money.
39:52 – Derek expresses the most important thing for a workplace to have, Scott and Justin share what’s essential for them, and Jeff reflects on getting spoiled at a place he recently worked out. Scott talks about the guacamole contest at one of his jobs, Jeff describes the worst movie he’s ever watched, and Derek talks about renting bulk movies from Hollywood Video back in the day. Justin talks about the movies that were so bad they were good, if he prefers casual or professional dress, and encourages listeners to give feedback on the new game.
Sponsored By:
The Union Club: The Union Club is a coworking space contributing to Tacoma's growing artistic and entrepreneurial communities. It combines a maker studio, event hall, and office coworking space, in a 15,000 square foot historic building in downtown Tacoma, Washington.
Cosmic Bottles: Tap into the universe of craft beer!
CRAFT BEER FOR YOU!
Tired of the same old grocery store beer selection? Looking for a beer selection that caters to your taste?
At Cosmic Bottles the choice is always yours.
Every day: 11am - 10pm
27116 167th Place SE
Suite 108
Covington, WA 98042Support The Grit City Podcast
Links:
Dudes with Brews on a PorchAmazon.com : frosted animal crackersPopeye (1980) - IMDbThe Goonies (1985) - IMDbThe Greasy Strangler (2016) - IMDbIchi the Killer (2001) - IMDbWolfcop (2014) - IMDb -
GCP - Casey McLain
Local comedian Casey McLain sits down with the guys on this episode to talk comedy, podcasting, and The Pacific Northwest. Casey is a PNW comedian and podcaster. Follow him on his socials for information on his upcoming performances!
01:19 – Justin kicks off the show by sharing how listeners can tune into live recordings of the show, introduces Casey, and Casey talks about the demographics of his pet t-shirt sales. Justin talks about having stream accounts both of his cats, how he follows other Justin Robinsons on Twitter, and Casey shares how the Covid Pandemic impacted him when it started. He talks about how he was able to share comedy during the pandemic and the difficulty it is now to get back into theaters post Covid.
17:38 – Justin reflects on his and Scott's trip to Spokane, Casey talks about getting booked on the GCP comedy shows back in the day, and one of the worst gigs he did at O'Malleys in Tacoma. He talks about getting paid in drinks, shares a story about an experience at the Lusty Lady back in the day, and Scott talks about the recent tech layoffs. Casey talks about how common it is to get bumped in comedy, Justin shares his love of being interactive with comedians behind the stage, and Casey talks about recording the show at Summit City in Indiana.
35:50 – Justin expresses how he loves comedy even if he disagrees with what they may be saying, Casey shares the wisdom of Joe Rogan, and Justin talksa about how upset people were at GCP for interviewing Flat Earther Mark Sargent. He shares the aspect he loves about podcasting, Casey talks about the evolution of his sports podcast, and they discuss what it's like to be around multiple comics. Casey talks about the sports teams he likes to follow, growing up in the area, and how Tacoma has changed over the years.
51:30 – Casey shares his love of the diversity in Tacoma, Justin talks about the areas in Tacoma he's lived, and the different types of fantastic food in the area. He explains what line dancing is, Casey reflects on the Big Whiskey Saloon in Tacoma back in the day, and gives recommendations for people visiting Tacoma to try. Justin talks about his love of The Parkway Tavern, Casey talks about his favorite place in Tacoma for breakfast, and talks about his special coming out soon.
Thanks, Casey, for stopping in to say hi and talk about what's going on in the comedy world!
Special Guest: Casey McLain.
Sponsored By:
The Union Club: The Union Club is a coworking space contributing to Tacoma's growing artistic and entrepreneurial communities. It combines a maker studio, event hall, and office coworking space, in a 15,000 square foot historic building in downtown Tacoma, Washington.
Cosmic Bottles: Tap into the universe of craft beer!
CRAFT BEER FOR YOU!
Tired of the same old grocery store beer selection? Looking for a beer selection that caters to your taste?
At Cosmic Bottles the choice is always yours.
Every day: 11am - 10pm
27116 167th Place SE
Suite 108
Covington, WA 98042Support The Grit City Podcast
Links:
Casey McLain | Facebook — Watch Baby Wait EP: Comedy Special?Poor Sports: Sports and Comedy Podcast - YouTube —
Poor Sports: Sports and Comedy PodcastRoad Hacks Golf - YouTube — Road Hacks GolfCasey McLain - YouTube — Casey McLain formally releases his first material, a story about having a child, fatherhood, trying to get pregnant, and how parenthood impacts your life, positively and negativelyCasey McLain (@thecaseymclain) | TikTokCasey McLain (@thecaseymclain) • Instagram photos and videos — Stand up comic. Nobody Likes Casey McLain wherever you get podcasts. Host/aspiring YouTube golfer @roadhacksgolf.Casey McLain (@TheCaseyMcLain) / Twitter — Stand up comic. Nobody Likes Casey McLain Podcast. Baby Wait EP on YouTube. Jokes are not opinions.Fierce County Cider (@FierceCider) / Twitter -
GCP: Sunday Sermon
On this Sunday Sermon, they discuss Souper Bowl Party, Scott attending the hockey game, the movie Old, and future live recordings.
00:00 – Jeff kicks off the episode by talking about the most recent documentary he and his wife watched, they announce GCP offering Sunday Sermons, and Justin talks about his recent Souper Bowl party and who they had there. Justin gives an honorable mention to the soup Scott took to the event, Derek shares the soup he and his wife brought, and Justin talks about the type of soup Rusty and Autumn took. Jeff talks about what one of the soups was his favorite, Justin talks about his computer dying, and gives props to his friend that helped him fix it.
17:57 – They discuss if there is potential for the humanoid in Scott Topics article to be real, what people would do if they found them, and Scott talks about the uncontacted tribes in South Africa. Justin talks about what’s cool about The Climate Pledge Arena, the great food, and the incredible Just Walk Out store there. He shares an interesting piece of science behind Curling, makes plans for Erik to teach them how to play the official sport of Washington, pickleball, and runs through things recently posted on the shout-out channel (links in show notes :D ).
35:30 – Derek gives his review of the banana desert at the Texas de Brazil restaurant in Tacoma, Jeff shares his take on the movie Old by M. Night Shyamalan, and the three things he got out of it. He does a deep dive into what the movie is about, the ethics behind the movie, and ponders on if people younger than 50 got the same mortality vibe from the film as he did.
55:11 – Justin talks about who they will be interviewing next Sunday at The Union Club, the presidential bathtub there, and they ponder the possibility of TubTalk for the show. He talks about President Taft’s love for baths, shares how many presidents came to Tacoma in the past, and Jeff talks about seeing a president when working for a startup company in Pasco, Washington. Scott talks about his experience seeing a presidential candidate in Nevada and Justin wraps up this Sunday's Sermon giving listeners info on where they can find GCP online.
Sponsored By:
Die Cut Stickers: Use the code GRITCITY15 at checkout and get 15% off your entire order!
· Insanely custom stickers crafted to survive the PNW and beyond! Promo Code: GRITCITY15The Union Club: The Union Club is a coworking space contributing to Tacoma's growing artistic and entrepreneurial communities. It combines a maker studio, event hall, and office coworking space, in a 15,000 square foot historic building in downtown Tacoma, Washington.
Cosmic Bottles: Tap into the universe of craft beer!
CRAFT BEER FOR YOU!
Tired of the same old grocery store beer selection? Looking for a beer selection that caters to your taste?
At Cosmic Bottles the choice is always yours.
Every day: 11am - 10pm
27116 167th Place SE
Suite 108
Covington, WA 98042Support The Grit City Podcast
Links:
A Humanlike “Living Fossil” Could Still Be Alive in Indonesia, This Anthropologist Says - The Debrief — 50,000 years ago, during the heart of the Pleistocene era, a small variety of humans once thrived on the modern island of Flores, IndonesiaTACOMA RUN CLUB on Instagram: “New year, new mission! As we head into our 5th year of Tacoma Run Club, I really wanted to add a giveback to the community. ”Tacoma Curling Club — We start the ice conversion at 7:15pm* and plan to start throwing by 8:00pm.TAC O' TACOMA 🌮 on InstagramWelcome To Texas de Brazil! — A Brazilian Steakhouse Like No OtherDudes with Brews on a PorchOld (film) - Wikipedia — Old is a 2021 American horror thriller film written, directed, and produced by M. Night Shyamalan.
Customer Reviews
Hilarious!
If you want to laugh while you learn about this area, this is the podcast for you.
Gritty in the best way
A former porn star turned psychic, steampunk bartender, small business tycoon, and an internet conspiracy theorist come together to interview people in and around Tacoma who make it what it is.
Puttin it down for the Town
Y’all crack me up. I love the show.