In this heartfelt episode, we talk with Ali Nicholson, a woman who lived through 17 years of domestic abuse—physical, emotional, and financial. After finally escaping that trauma, she found herself completely lost, asking painful questions: Who am I? What do I do now? How do I start over?

Ali shares how she found her way back to herself, eventually discovering answers that brought her healing and purpose. Now a certified Nutrition, Life, and Health Coach, she dedicates her life to holding space for survivors and helping them create their best life through a holistic approach that blends mind, body, and spirit.

She’s also the author of Breathe Through the F^ck, a powerful and raw account of her journey through pain, healing, and growth—a guide for others navigating their own dark seasons.

Beyond her coaching and writing, Ali brings a grounded, real-life perspective. Having worked in breweries, she knows her way around a good craft beer, which we happily enjoyed together during our conversation. She’s now excited to begin her homestead journey, embracing sustainability and intentional living as the next chapter of her life unfolds.

This episode is an inspiring reminder that healing is possible, and starting over can be the most powerful act of all.

www.alimossbreathes.com

@alien.moss.brews

In this episode, we sit down with Jeremy Bower from Givr Packaging to explore the powerful yet often overlooked role of packaging in environmental sustainability. What seems like a simple box or carton can actually be a key player in the fight against climate change.

Jeremy shares Givr’s mission to go beyond recyclable materials—creating plastic-free, net-positive packaging that contributes to global reforestation efforts. With only 5% of the world’s population, the U.S. consumes over 30% of the world’s paper, making innovative solutions like Givr’s not just smart, but necessary.

We dive into how Givr partners with tree-planting organizations, the importance of circular design, and how businesses can shift toward more responsible packaging practices. If you’ve ever tossed a package in the recycling bin without thinking twice, this episode will change the way you look at it.

https://www.givrpack.com/

@givrpack

Roman and Frank from Brews & Banter hit the road for a cool trip to Buffalo, where they sat down with Matt Kahn, co-founder of Big Ditch Brewing Company — a standout in New York’s craft beer scene and a symbol of Buffalo’s comeback spirit.

Matt shares how Big Ditch grew from humble garage brews to a city-wide staple, paying homage to the Erie Canal’s legacy and Buffalo’s hardworking roots. He breaks down their brewing setup across three locations, their partnership with Iskalo Development, and how community and creativity drive everything they do.

Naturally, great beer was involved — and we sipped our way through some Big Ditch favorites while swapping stories and soaking in the vibe.

🍻 It’s a must-listen for beer lovers, Buffalo fans, and anyone chasing big dreams — one pint at a time.

👉 Explore more at bigditchbrewing.com

In this feel-good episode, we reconnect with some of our earliest podcast guests — longtime friends joining us remotely from Kentucky! 🍻 Through the magic of few cold beers, we catch up on everything new in their lives since we last recorded together.

This episode is all about friendship, fun, and staying connected no matter the distance. Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or just tuning in, it’s a laid-back, laughter-filled ride you won’t want to miss. 🎧 Grab a drink and join us for stories, smiles, and a reminder that the best conversations don’t always need a script.

Join us this week as we sit down with Christopher Griffin, the passionate owner and chef behind The Brazen Cafe in Syracuse — a vibrant café and catering service located at 725 Irving Ave inside Crouse Hospital’s medical complex. With over two decades as a trained chef and culinary educator under his belt, Chris blends bold flavors with big-hearted hospitality.

In this episode, we dive deep into Christopher’s inspiring military career, his transition into the culinary world, and the mission behind launching Brazen Cafe. Of course, no conversation is complete without a cold brew in hand 🍻 — and as always, we sampled some great beer while sharing laughs, stories, and insights on flavor, service, and community.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation filled with camaraderie, creativity, and community. Whether you’re a food-lover, a supporter of veterans, or just in it for the good brews, Chris’s story has something for everyone.

Check out Brazen Cafe’s menu and catering offerings at their website or contact Chris directly at griffinchef1@gmail.com. And if you're local to Syracuse, swing by 725 Irving Ave for a memorable meal—and tell them you heard about it on the Brews & Banter Podcast!

Join us at Angry Smokehouse in Baldwinsville for a flavorful sit-down with Jeff Rogers, the creative force behind Angry Garlic, Angry Smokehouse, and now Angry Waters. Jeff shares his journey from launching the garlic-centric Angry Garlic to traveling across the South and Midwest to master barbecue before opening Angry Smokehouse. We chat about the challenges of running two popular restaurants, his commitment to local ingredients, and his newest venture—Angry Waters, a floating food boat serving delicious eats to fellow boaters on local lakes and rivers. It's a story of passion, flavor, and bold entrepreneurial spirit.

In this flavorful episode, we’re joined by Jessica and Vince from Smokey Bones Restaurant—bringing not just stories, but wings, cigars, and handcrafted Old Fashioneds right into our studio! Jessica mixed up her signature JJ Special Old Fashion, making podcast history with our first-ever in-studio cocktail session. Vince, General Manager of the local Smokey Bones, shares behind-the-scenes tales and what it takes to lead a restaurant with heart. Jessica, a 12-year veteran behind the bar and now head of catering, dishes out wild, hilarious, and heartfelt stories from her years of service and events. From great drinks to unforgettable moments, this episode is packed with laughs, flavor, and the kind of hospitality that makes Smokey Bones feel like home. catering.smokeybones.com @smokeybonesbar smokeybones.com

In this episode, we crack open a cold one with Dennis Sick—a long-time Baldwinsville resident, local entrepreneur, and community visionary. Dennis has called B’ville home since 1983 and has made it his mission to invest in both its business landscape and natural beauty. We dive into Dennis’s journey through real estate and business, including his ventures like Mohegan Manor Restaurant & Lounge, the Comedy Vault, and Island Escape. He shares the rich history of our town, the stories behind his entrepreneurial drive, and his commitment to community projects—like planting hundreds of trees that now shade our village streets. From displaying historic Baldwinsville photos at his restaurant to dreaming up inclusive housing and a much-needed daycare, Dennis’s passion for his hometown shines through. Grab a drink and join us for a heartfelt, inspiring, and often humorous chat about the past, present, and future of Baldwinsville with someone who’s helped shape it.