18. Drinking Socially with the Hosts of the Official Untappd Podcast

Brady welcomes Ryan Salsman (@taptraveler) as the new co-host of Brew Chat by sitting down with Jon Dispenza and Harrison Hickock, hosts of Drinking Socially – The Official Untappd Podcast (@untappd, @drinkingsocially).

They each share their craft beer journey, different beginnings with the same end. Harrison began as a brewer for Thimble Island (@thimbleislandbrewing) and Neshaminy Creek (@neshaminycreekbrewingco) before his wife

discovered an Untappd job posting. Jon, a Buffalo native, decided 35 years of "coldness and darkness" was enough that he deserved 35 years of sun and beaches in Wilmington, NC. He discovered the Untappd application after early days in Buffalo tasting "beers with flavor." He jumped at the opportunity to work for Untappd the same time as Harrison.

The Drinking Socially podcast is a passion project in addition to their daily sales and marketing duties. Their goal is to introduce "more beer to more people" by making beer more approachable. The new season includes a feature called Beer 101 which focuses on education, the science of brewing, and Harrison's colorful brewhouse anecdotes.

Untappd is evolving with the recent changes in the craft beer industry. There is less time spent on the roof deck overlocking the Cape Fear River and daily shifts in service to their brewing partners. A short list of changes include: Gregslist – a comprehensive database of COVID details for all partners, QR code tap lists, and an unrestricted "Untappd at Home" location. They've also seen drastic changes in their social media strategy, spinning up Untappd TV on Facebook and hosting virtual festivals. They have been so successful that they may remain permanent.

Things end with discussions on Minnesota Craft Beer, Ryan and Brady's selection for the first beer in their personal "Mount Beermore," and what trends they are sick of. Ryan throws Harrison a head scratching "Would you Rather" before Brady asks which beer style they most resemble. You'll even get a bold prediction on the next big beer style. Spoiler Alert: it doesn't exist...yet!

Guests:
Jon Dispenza (@untappdjon)
Harrison Hickock (@nomorebananaleaves)

Hosts:
Brady Lindquist (@bradysbrews)
Ryan Salsman (@taptraveler)

Beers:
Outer Range and Resident Culture - Out to Pasture, Table Beer (@outerrangebrewingco, @residentculture)
Burial - Hawkbill, American IPA (@burialbeer)
Indeed - Cerveza De Horchata, Herb and Spice Beer (@indeedbrewing)
Lupulin - 8 Count, American IPA (@lupulin_brewing)

Links:
https://untappd.simplecast.com/
https://untappd.com