Episodes

Send us a text What happens when life forces you to pivot? 🌿🔥 In this episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, we sit down with Dennis McCarter, the founder and winemaker behind McCarter Cellars, whose journey from insurance salesman to celebrated vintner is nothing short of inspiring. After the devastating wildfires in Santa Rosa shook his life and career, Dennis made a courageous decision: to follow his long-time passion for wine. With no formal training but a relentless drive to create something mea...

Send us a text In this raw, real, and unfiltered episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, we go behind the scenes with serial entrepreneur Kelvin G. Abrams, the powerhouse behind K-9 and Coffee, a hidden gem of a coffee shop with a speakeasy twist—featuring fine whiskey and Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey at its core. 🔥 From surviving multiple foreclosures to launching not one—but three successful businesses, Kelvin opens up about the journey nobody sees. 💼 Learn how he transformed loss into legacy afte...

Send us a text From an idea that started as a joke between friends… to a full-blown brewery built for climbers and community—this story is wild 🔥🍺 In this episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, I sat down with Ryan, owner and brewer of Touchstone Brewing Company in Sacramento. What began as “hey, we should do something with this space” turned into a hyper-local brewery experience unlike any other. 🧗‍♂️ Here’s what makes it special: No big distribution. No beer on store shelves. Just real people, real...

Send us a text Whether you're hosting a 4th of July BBQ, tailgate, beach bash, or backyard hangout, this episode has everything you need to buy the right beer, stock your cooler like a pro, and keep your crew safe and hydrated. Learn how to spot fresh beer vs. old beer, which beer styles survive heat, top-rated hard seltzers to bring, and why now is the perfect time to support your local brewery with a growler, crowler, or mix pack. We also cover important tips for staying safe with Uber, Lyf...

Send us a text In this rich and revealing episode, we sit down with Shayne, co-founder of New Magnolia Brewing Company, to trace his path from Jester King Brewery to launching a new chapter in Houston’s historic brewing tradition. Shayne shares how he’s revived a pre-Prohibition beer recipe, passed down from the grandson of legendary brewer Franz, one of the original minds behind the Magnolia Brewing Co. With a commitment to replicating early 1900s water purity, Shayne’s brewing philosophy ble...

Send us a text What does it take to create some of the cleanest, most innovative craft beers in the country—at 4,500 feet above sea level? 🍺 In this exclusive episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, we sit down with Thomas Lee, Head Brewer at 10 Torr Distilling and Brewing in Reno, Nevada, to go behind the scenes of one of the most unique breweries in the West. From vacuum-distilled spirits to small-batch, precisely brewed beers, 10 Torr is revolutionizing Reno’s craft beer scene with technique, scien...

Send us a text In this powerful episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, we sit down with a former top beer distributor who now owns one of the hottest spots in El Sobrante, California—Copper Mug. Known for its over 20 beers on tap, craft beer to-go, and a fusion of Mississippi Soul, Indian, and American cuisine, this unique bar and restaurant is setting new standards. He shares his journey from distributor to business owner, diving into the challenges of opening a small business, the red tape you hav...

Send us a text Imagine waking up and your entire spirits distribution network is gone. That’s what just happened in California. In this urgent episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, we expose the overnight withdrawal of RNDC (Republic National Distributing Company) from the California market — a move that left distillers, bars, restaurants, retailers, and small businesses stranded with no notice and no backup plan. 🎙️ This episode unpacks: The impact on California’s spirits industry, from boutique di...

Send us a text What happens when a brewery becomes the heartbeat of its community? In this powerful, informative episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, host Kathleen sits down with Troy Burch, a craft beer visionary and community leader who proves that great beer goes far beyond the pour. Troy shares how his brewery: Brewed over 120 beers in a single day with help from home brewers and neighbors 🍺Built a legacy of giving back through scholarships, outreach to the unhoused, and cultural preservationCr...

Send us a text Welcome to a powerful new episode of Kali Kat Talk’s Tap where we go behind the can with the founders of DRC Energy—a veteran-owned, family-run energy drink brand created for the blue collar workforce, by the very people who understand that grind. From veterans to electricians, construction workers to truckers, this episode is a salute to the people who keep the world moving. DRC Energy stands for more than a clean caffeine boost—it’s about respect, resilience, and real stories...

Send us a text This Memorial Day, Kali Kat Tap Talks goes beyond the pour to honor the heroes behind every glass we raise—those who served, sacrificed, and stood for our freedom. This exclusive episode uncovers the stories behind the bar, behind the brewery, and behind the battlefield, reminding us that freedom isn’t free—and neither is the cost carried by the families of those who gave everything. 🎖️ I pour this one for my brother Sam, who is no longer with us but whose journey will never be...

Send us a text What happens when a die-hard Raiders fan with a sharp wit and a fearless voice picks up a mic? He goes viral—and never looks back. In this high-energy episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, we sit down with the one and only MC Raider, whose journey from passionate fan to internet sensation and comedian will leave you inspired and laughing out loud. 💬 He opens up about: How a viral video launched his comedy careerWhat being a Raider fan really meansStaying authentic in a world full of n...

Send us a text In this unforgettable episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, host Kathleen sits down with Mike Norris, the courageous co-founder of Designated Drinks, to share the powerful story behind one of the most inspiring brands in craft beer today. This isn’t just about brewing—it’s about rebirth. Mike opens up about his personal battle with alcoholism and how hitting rock bottom became the spark that saved his life—and his family. In choosing a new path, he didn’t just give up drinking—he...

Send us a text What happens when the taps run dry and the odds are stacked against you? In this powerful episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, we go beyond the pour to uncover the real stories behind breweries, taprooms, and founders who refused to give up. From near closures to inspiring rebounds, we share the comeback journeys of local heroes who turned rock-bottom moments into revival blueprints. You'll hear from podcast favorites like Judy Ashworth, who rebuilt her legacy after her pub burned do...

Send us a text Get ready to crack open one of the most powerful and inspiring episodes yet on Kali Kat Tap Talks! We're going behind the brews with Drew and Jasmine, the dynamic duo behind Liquid Intrusion Brewing Company — a bold, Black-owned brewery shaking up the craft beer scene with flavor, fire, and fearless leadership. In this exclusive sit-down, Drew and Jasmine peel back the curtain on their entrepreneurial grind — from home brewing experiments in the kitchen to breaking barriers in ...

Send us a text he lost everything in a fire… but what rose from the ashes was a movement. In this jaw-dropping and deeply inspiring episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, we bring you the unfiltered story of Judy Ashworth—a trailblazer who didn’t just pour beer… she poured her soul into an industry that desperately needed a champion. She fought for small brewers before it was cool, transformed Lyons Brewery Depot into a craft beer mecca, and brought fresh keg beer to the forefront with legendary events...

Send us a text Before craft beer taprooms were everywhere... there was Judy Ashworth. 🍻✨ Get ready for a legendary story that changed beer history forever! In this exciting Kali Kat Tap Talks trailer, we give you a first glimpse into the inspiring journey of Judy, the fearless beer pioneer who said goodbye to Budweiser and hello to craft beer, long before it was cool. 🎯 🔥 From hosting the first Christmas in July beer festivals, Meet the Brewer nights, and creating beer cocktails before the tre...

Send us a text In this special behind-the-scenes episode of Kali Kat Talks Tap, we sit down with Edreece , Co-Founder and Chief Purpose Officer of Oakland Roots SC, to uncover the inspiring story of how this community-driven soccer club is redefining what it means to blend sports, culture, and purpose. 🌱⚽ Edreece shares how the club was born from Oakland's rich diversity, grassroots passion, and the belief that sports can be a force for good. We dive into their humble beginnings, the powerful ...

Send us a text Hop into this Easter-inspired episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks as we break down the best beer and wine pairings to elevate your holiday dinner—from honey-glazed ham to veggie-filled spring spreads. Whether you’re team pilsner or pinot, we’ve got the perfect sips for your feast. Plus, we reveal our upcoming guest lineup including exclusive behind-the-scenes talks with the legendary Oakland Roots SC, the CEO of Taj Mahal Brewery, and inspiring local brewers and small business owners y...

Send us a text In this energetic and eye-opening episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, we’re cracking open one of the most pressing issues in the beer world: aluminum tariffs. What do rising aluminum costs mean for your favorite breweries, taprooms, and local bars? Will your go-to canned IPA now come in a growler? Is glass about to make a bold comeback? We’re talking global impact, how to support local businesses, and what options beer lovers and beverage brands have as packaging prices rise. Plus, ou...

Send us a text In this captivating episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, I sat down with Nigel, the visionary owner of Absolution Brewery, whose journey began across the Atlantic in London and led him to the heart of Southern California’s booming craft beer scene. We dive into: • Nigel’s incredible journey from London to Los Angeles, and how his passion for brewing brought a bold vision to life. • The inspiration behind Absolution Brewery and how he carved out his niche in a fiercely competitive mar...

Send us a text In this episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, we dive deep into the make-or-break factor most new breweries overlook—distribution. From passionate start-ups to once-thriving breweries that fizzled out, we explore how delivery mishaps, poor partnerships, and overlooked logistics have led to the downfall of some beloved beer brands. You’ll hear real-world examples of breweries that struggled due to mismanaged distribution and learn just how many breweries closed last year compared to thos...

Send us a text Join us on Kali Kat’s Tap Talks as we dive into the fascinating history of Anchor Brewing, one of America’s most iconic craft breweries. From its humble beginnings in 1896 to becoming a pioneer of the craft beer movement, we’ll explore how Anchor Brewing rose to legendary status, faced unexpected challenges, and ultimately closed its doors in 2023—leaving the beer world in shock. But is this truly the end of Anchor, or could there be a new chapter on the horizon? We’ll break down...

Send us a text Welcome to the very first episode of Kali Kat’s Tap Talks! Before we dive into the stories of breweries and small businesses, I want to take you on a journey—one that’s been years in the making. Kali Kat Beer Adventures isn’t just about beer; it’s about the places, the people, and the experiences that come with every sip. In this episode, I’ll take you behind the scenes of my beer adventures, from hidden taprooms to iconic breweries, capturing the essence of travel without ever l...