In this episode, we sit down with Ben Tallini, owner of Haven Jiu-Jitsu, to explore the journey of building his local school and its incredible impact on the community. Ben shares how Haven Jiu Jitsu has grown, with students competing and winning medals in tournaments, and how their junior program, run by dedicated volunteers, is helping local kids build strong character through the sport.
We also discuss Ben's collaboration with law enforcement to create a mandatory hand-to-hand combat training program for officers, which prepares them for physical altercations and enhances public safety. Grab a beer and join us for an inspiring conversation about discipline, community, and the power of Jiu-Jitsu!
Publish Date: 2/17/2025
This week on Brews & Banter, Roman and Frank welcome Dave Collins, owner and head brewer of Bullfinch Brewing Co., into the studio for the very first time! After visiting Dave at his brewery during his first appearance, it was great to return the favor and have him join us in the Brews & Banter studio, along with his good friend Todd.
Dave shares the story behind his passion for brewing, how Bullfinch Brewing Co. came to life, and the journey of turning a love for craft beer into an award-winning brewery. We also talk about the dedication, creativity, and challenges that come with building a successful brewery in New York's growing craft beer scene.
Of course, Dave didn't show up empty-handed. He brought an incredible lineup of beers for us to sample throughout the episode and generously sponsored the podcast by donating some of Bullfinch Brewing's award-winning beer to stock our kegerator—something we definitely weren't complaining about! 🍻
Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind passionate entrepreneurs, this episode is packed with great conversation, plenty of laughs, and some fantastic brews.
Learn more about Bullfinch Brewing Co.:
🌐 https://bullfinchbrewing.com
📲 Follow Bullfinch Brewing Co. on social media:
Instagram: @bullfinchbrewing
And don't forget to rep the show while you listen:
👉 https://brewsnbanterstore.com 🍻
Publish Date: 7/13/2026
Most people don’t realize how a life filled with music, danger, and love can lead to a compelling new career in writing—and this episode proves it. Debora Masterson’s journey from dancer and musician to author will surprise you and inspire you to live your truth, no matter where life takes you. Debora shares her extraordinary story of how her love affair with a talented, unconventional musician changed her entire life. She describes her early days in musical theater, her time in bands with her brothers, and the fiery love story with Craig Ingram—an adventurous musician whose life inspired her debut novel, Freedom Quest. When Craig passed away, Debora found herself with an abundance of stories, footage, and unpublished music, fueling her transformation from a lifelong music lover into a published author.
Follow Debora’s journey and learn more here: https://www.instagram.com/freedomquestbook
Buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Freedom-Quest-Story-Debora-Masterson-ebook/dp/B0GQ573WV4
Support our podcast by checking out our merch shop: https://brewsnbanter.com/shop/ and grab something to help keep Brews & Banter going strong.
Publish Date: 7/6/2026
This week on Brews & Banter, Roman and Frank welcome Marisa and Jennifer, the hosts of the Crazy Real Bugge & Zogg Podcast, for a fun-filled episode that starts with one of the most unique beers we've ever tasted... pickle beer! 🥒🍺 Let's just say it sparked some interesting reactions and set the tone for a great conversation.
From there, we dive into their journey into the podcasting world, how the Crazy Real Bugge & Zogg Podcast came to life, and the personalities that make their show so entertaining. We swap stories about the highs and lows of podcasting, creating content, and the friendships that grow behind the microphones.
It was an absolute blast hanging out with Marisa and Jennifer, sharing laughs, trying new brews, and talking shop with fellow podcasters. If you enjoy good conversations, great personalities, and a little bit of unexpected beer adventure, this is an episode you won't want to miss!
📲 Follow the Crazy Real Bugge & Zogg Podcast on Instagram:
@crazyrealbuggezogg
And don't forget to rep the show while you listen:
👉 https://brewsnbanterstore.com 🍻
Publish Date: 6/29/2026
This week on Brews & Banter, Roman and Frank welcome Marissa and Jenn, the hosts of the Crazy Real Bugge & Zogg Podcast, for a fun-filled episode that starts with one of the most unique beers we've ever tasted... pickle beer! 🥒🍺 Let's just say it sparked some interesting reactions and set the tone for a great conversation.
From there, we dive into their journey into the podcasting world, how the Crazy Real Bugge & Zogg Podcast came to life, and the personalities that make their show so entertaining. We swap stories about the highs and lows of podcasting, creating content, and the friendships that grow behind the microphones.
It was an absolute blast hanging out with Marissa and Jenn, sharing laughs, trying new brews, and talking shop with fellow podcasters. If you enjoy good conversations, great personalities, and a little bit of unexpected beer adventure, this is an episode you won't want to miss!
📲 Follow the Crazy Real Bugge & Zogg Podcast on Instagram:
@crazyrealbuggezogg
And don't forget to rep the show while you listen:
👉 https://brewsnbanterstore.com 🍻
Publish Date: 6/29/2026
This week on Brews & Banter, Roman and Frank welcome Yvonne Conte to the studio for a heartfelt and unforgettable conversation about her latest book, Beneath Her Smile.
Yvonne is an accomplished author, speaker, comedian, and corporate trainer who has spent years helping people find balance between their professional and personal lives. During our conversation, we dive into the inspiration behind Beneath Her Smile, exploring the real-life experiences and emotional moments that helped shape this powerful story.
One of the most moving moments of the episode came when Roman asked Yvonne about her time working in the construction industry. The question brought back a deeply personal memory that left Yvonne emotional and gave listeners a glimpse into the strength, resilience, and authenticity that shine throughout her book.
We also talk about Yvonne's journey into stand-up comedy, her work with organizations helping employees navigate life's challenges, and the lessons she's learned throughout her remarkable career. It's an inspiring conversation filled with laughter, emotion, and meaningful reflection—all shared over a few beers, Brews & Banter style 🍻.
If you enjoy stories of perseverance, personal growth, and finding strength through adversity, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
Learn more about Yvonne and her work:
🌐 https://yvonne-conte.com
And don't forget to rep the show while you listen:
👉 https://brewsnbanterstore.com 🍻
Publish Date: 6/15/2026
Join us as Sandy Martin shares her compelling journey from mold exposure to recovery, revealing the hidden dangers lurking in our environments. Discover how mold can mimic neurological diseases and learn practical tips for detection and removal. Sandy's story emphasizes the body's natural ability to heal when given the right support.
Highlights:
- Mold's impact on health and how to detect it
- Importance of fasting insulin tests
- Tips for creating a toxin-free environment
- Sandy's book, "Biological Edge," offers deeper insights and can be purchased on Amazon
Connect with Sandy on Instagram at @bioedgelongevity and visit her website at bioedgelongevity.com
Support the Brews & Banter Podcast by purchasing merchandise at brewsnbanterstore.com
Publish Date: 6/8/2026
This week on Brews & Banter, Roman and Frank welcome back Chad Meigs, owner of Drink NY Craft and Third Space Distribution, for another great conversation centered around New York's thriving craft beverage scene.
As someone who works directly with breweries and producers across the state, Chad brings a unique insider perspective on the industry. We talk about the growth of New York craft beer, the challenges and opportunities facing breweries today, and the important role that distribution and marketing play in helping great products find their audience.
Chad also shares more about Drink NY Craft, a platform dedicated to connecting consumers with New York-made craft beverages, and Third Space Distribution, which helps bring local craft products to more retailers and customers throughout the region.
Of course, Chad didn't come empty-handed. He brought some amazing beers to the studio, and we spent the episode doing what Brews & Banter does best — enjoying great brews while having great conversations 🍻.
Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast, brewery owner, or just curious about the industry, Chad always delivers valuable insights and plenty of stories from the front lines of New York's craft beverage community.
Check out Chad's businesses:
🌐 Drink NY Craft: https://drinknycraft.com
🌐 Third Space Distribution: https://thirdspacedistro.com
📲 Follow Chad:
Instagram: @drinknycraft
🍺 Brews & Banter listeners can save 10% on purchases at Drink NY Craft using promo code:
Brews&Banter10
And don't forget to rep the show while you listen:
👉 https://brewsnbanterstore.com
🍻
Publish Date: 6/1/2026
This week on Brews & Banter, Roman and Frank sit down with Stephanie Volles for a conversation full of laughs, resilience, and one absolutely legendary pandemic story.
Stephanie — a bartender, mom, model, and actress — shares how during COVID she came up with the hilarious idea of having people buy oranges, write messages on them, and send an entire pallet of them to then-Governor Cuomo. What started as a funny and creative idea quickly exploded into a national news story, leading to unexpected calls from media outlets across the country.
But the episode also gets real. Stephanie opens up about the struggles of divorce, rebuilding her life, and figuring out how to provide for her child after once relying heavily on her husband. Through it all, she’s continued pushing forward, reinventing herself, and finding strength through difficult moments.
It’s a fun, honest, and inspiring conversation filled with crazy stories, real-life challenges, and of course plenty of drinks 🍻 — exactly the kind of night you’d expect from Brews & Banter.
📲 Follow Stephanie here:
Instagram: @ei_nahpetsquared
And don’t forget to rep the show while you listen:
👉 https://brewsnbanterstore.com
🍻
Publish Date: 5/27/2026
Brews & Banter is a podcast where two friends sit down over a beer (or many) and chat about fun stories, life, current events, products, and all sorts of random bullshit. Each episode is a casual and humorous conversation filled with entertaining banter and hilarious anecdotes. Whether you're a beer enthusiast, a fan of funny stories, or just looking for a good laugh, Brews & Banter has something for everyone. So grab a cold one and join us for a fun-filled podcast experience!
