Head Retention
40 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 28 ratingsA radio host and a cicerone walk into a bar. Sometimes they talk about beer. Other times, they talk about what happens after they’ve had a few. Head Retention is a podcast about how beer makes great conversations even greater. Listen in and belly up.
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Episodes
The Art Of The Beer Label w/Rockets Are Red's Jeffrey Everett
April 12, 2024 17:00 - 1 hour - 46.5 MBAre beer labels more important than the beer itself? Maybe? For many, the beer label is the introduction to the beer or even the brewery. So nailing the label is vital. Designer Jeffrey Everett of Rockets Are Red joins Roche and Lashelle to give insight on how much thought should go into making labels for beer, what the beer label design process entails, the difference between "art" and "branding," and so much more. Jeff also shares stories from his career as a designer who has worked ...
Head Retention Is Back!
March 13, 2024 15:00 - 22 minutes - 15.2 MBTitle says it all. After a yearlong hiatus, Head Retention is back! But before we can move forward with our craft beer journeys, let's take an episode to look back at what Lashelle and Roche have been up to...in their lives as well as their craft beer journey. Then, they preview what's to come with the podcast and discuss the triumphant return of a beer style. Make sure your craft beer loving friends are listening and subscribing to Head Retention wherever you get podcasts. Email us! headr...
Flights In The Taproom
March 13, 2023 20:00 - 52 minutes - 36.2 MBIt's an episode (literal) years in the making! Roche and Lashelle welcome Charlie and Chris (the originator of the Crispy Boi lifestyle!) from Fairwinds Brewery in Lorton, VA. Fairwinds has been busy winning ALL the craft beer awards and join the show to discuss awards (national and regional)and what they mean to breweries. Also, is Kolsch the official beer of Virginia craft brewing? Charlie and Chris (and Lashelle) make the case. Finally, interesting conversation on the important role the ...
Beer Trends for 2023
January 17, 2023 22:00 - 1 hour - 53.7 MBWelcome to 2023 and a new year of Head Retention! Roche and Lashelle kick off the year with a look at some beer trends to watch in 2023. Phil Runco spoke with over a dozen breweries to find out what the brewers are keeping an eye on this year. He joins the show to discuss the results including what styles are on the way up, what styles are on the way down, the enduring power of the IPA, and the inevitable contraction of the business. To read Phil's full article click here. Make sure your...
Holiday Beer Tastings 2023!
December 29, 2022 22:00 - 1 hour - 52.6 MBIt's a Head Retention tradition! Lashelle, Roche, and Jon of Solace Brewing do their annual tasting of holiday specific beers from breweries across the country. Make sure your craft beer loving friends are listening and subscribing to Head Retention wherever you get podcasts. Email us! [email protected]
Lisbon Beer Review
October 26, 2022 20:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MBThis summer, Roche and Lashelle travelled to Lisbon, Portugal...though not together. On this episode of Head Retention, they compare notes on places in Lisbon where you can find traditional American craft beer, the best way to drink like a local, the importance of befriending your bartender, and, most importantly, getting over yourself and enjoying beer in whatever setting you find yourself. Make sure your craft beer loving friends are listening and subscribing to Head Retention wherever y...
Lisbon Beer Review
October 26, 2022 20:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MBThis summer, Roche and Lashelle travelled to Lisbon, Portugal...though not together. On this episode of Head Retention, they compare notes on places in Lisbon where you can find traditional American craft beer, the best way to drink like a local, the importance of befriending your bartender, and, most importantly, getting over yourself and enjoying beer in whatever setting you find yourself. Make sure your craft beer loving friends are listening and subscribing to Head Retention on the iHe...
Brewing Off The Land with Waredaca Brewing's Keith Kohr
May 20, 2022 21:00 - 1 hour - 43.2 MBThere is a lot of talk in the craft beer industry about using locally sourced ingredients. Waredaca Brewing does that in ways that a lot breweries do, growing fruits, herbs, vegetables, etc to use in their beers. But they also realized their well water was especially suited for a particular style of beer, lagers. Keith Kohr, head brewer at Waredaca, invited Roche and Lashelle to the farm brewery's taproom to discuss the importance of brewing what the land gives you. The gang also sample...
The Devils Backbone-AB InBev Relationship: Explored
March 22, 2022 21:00 - 55 minutes - 38 MBIt was a controversial subject a few years ago but the stigma of "selling out" to a macro brewery has mostly subsided. Head Retention spoke with Devils Backbone COO, Hayes Humphreys just after their acquisition by AB InBev in 2016 and he's back to give Roche and Lashelle an update on what life is like for a craft brewery that has been bought by one of the big boys. Hayes discusses the (mostly) positives that have come from being part of the Anheuser-Busch umbrella including the better (and...
Holiday Beers (2021 Edition)
December 22, 2021 17:00 - 1 hour - 51.7 MBLashelle, Roche, and our friend Jon of Solace Brewing Company are back for another edition of holiday beer tastings on Head Retention. After a recap of the different styles associated with the holidays, the gang taste an assortments of holiday beer styles from Mid-Atlantic breweries including Hardywood, Flying Dog, and Troegs. It's also fun to have taproom talk while enjoying your beer so they also discuss unusual style names (Cold IPA?, Imperial Pilsner?, Christmas Hard Seltzer?), Chri...
Kids In Breweries w/Cedar Run Brewery
November 19, 2021 23:00 - 1 hour - 49.4 MBHead Retention tackles a subject so controversial, we had to do a second episode about it. Kids in breweries, yay or nay? On the one hand, the family atmosphere is a hallmark of your local taproom. Families coming to the brewery, the adults enjoying quality beer while the kids play board games (for urban taprooms) or run off some energy (for farm breweries). It's part of the brewery experience, right? Maybe not. More and more, breweries are limiting the amount of time children are allow...
All About Yeast with Jasper's Yeast
September 01, 2021 23:00 - 47 minutes - 32.9 MBWe all know that yeast is vital to the brewing process. But do we know why or even, how vital? Lashelle and Roche find out with the minds behind Jasper's Yeast, a yeast growing lab based in Dulles, VA. Jasper Akerboom and Travis Tedrow explain, in terms we all can understand, the differences and what to look for in yeast, as well as the yeast growing process. Then, Jasper and Travis discuss their love of beer, if yeast growing has changed their beer drinking habits, and why brewers are loath...
Women In The Craft Beer Industry Speak Out
July 19, 2021 20:00 - 1 hour - 41.3 MBIn May, a social media post went viral and confirmed what most in the industry already knew, craft beer has a MAJOR sexual harassment/assault problem. It's an issue that plagues society so it being an issue in craft beer shouldn't come as a surprise but for many, it did. It's forced every brewery to examine it's policies regarding females in the taproom, and workplace in general. And just like the BLM movement last year spurred Roche to confront his place in a changing society, Lashelle has ...
Bark Social's Luke Silverman Re-imagines Bars And Dog Parks
May 20, 2021 16:00 - 50 minutes - 34.8 MBBark Social is the first DMV "Dog Bar" and owner Luke Silverman joins Roche and Lashelle to break down what that means. From Bark Bouncers, to Bark Rangers, to who gets to become a member (HINT: it ain't the humans), Bark Social is aiming to change the way you think about your beer drinking and dog park experience. Luke also discusses the importance of having an extensive local beer menu, the Montgomery County, MD brewery scene, and some of the ways Bark Social is trying to expand your beer ...
Lactose And Beer
March 30, 2021 19:00 - 1 hour - 44.6 MBLashelle and Roche tackle the "controversial" subject of lactose and beer on this edition of Head Retention. They are joined by Jake Endres of Crooked Run Brewing. Crooked Run has been moving away from the use of lactose in their beers and Jake explains the reasoning behind the move, the proper place for lactose in brewing, and the need to be clear to the consumers when lactose is present in a beer. The trio then samples a few CR beers and discuss the expanding seltzer space in the industry....
It's Just Beer...with Ocelot Brewing Company
March 04, 2021 23:00 - 1 hour - 41.9 MBOcelot Brewing Company in Loudoun County, VA is all about the beer...and even that phrase is a bit complicated. Ocelot doesn't believe in a bunch of marketing and/or promotional gimmicks. They aren't interested in growing into a regional brewer. They really aren't all that into signage in their own town. What they ARE interested in is the power of music, beer, and fellowship to relieve the stresses of our lives. Adrien Widman, the owner of Ocelot, joins Lashelle and Roche to explain the phil...
Non-Alcoholic Beer? Yeah? Yeah!
January 22, 2021 20:00 - 59 minutes - 40.9 MBLashelle wanted to talk about non-alcoholic beer. Crazy, right? Fortunately, so did Roche so they got their friend Jason from Three Notch'd Brewing Company to join the show and discuss the need for NAs, why the space is growing, the challenges of brewing an NA, and, most importantly, are they any good ones (short answer: you have to sample a few before deciding). Then they discuss a few NA options and sample the Three Notch'd non-alcoholic IPA. Be sure to subscribe to Head Retention so you...
Non-Alcoholic Beer? Yeah? Yeah!
January 22, 2021 20:00 - 59 minutes - 40.9 MBLashelle wanted to talk about non-alcoholic beer. Crazy, right? Fortunately, so did Roche so they got their friend Jason from Three Notch'd Brewing Company to join the show and discuss the need for NAs, why the space is growing, the challenges of brewing an NA, and, most importantly, are they any good ones (short answer: you have to sample a few before deciding). Then they discuss a few NA options and sample the Three Notch'd non-alcoholic IPA. Be sure to subscribe to Head Retention so you...
Holiday Beers (2020 Pandemic Edition)
December 19, 2020 17:00 - 1 hour - 50.3 MBThe arrival of December brings the holiday season and beer. Lashelle and Roche welcome Jon of Solace Brewing Company to discuss what makes ingredients are typical to holiday beer, what makes a holiday beer (HINT: Branding plays a key role), and some of the more well known holiday beers. Then, the trio embark on an epic nine beer tasting and Roche ascends to his rightful place as "beer expert" of the podcast. Click here to learn more about Solace Brewing and HAPPY HOLIDAYS from the Head Ret...
Beer & Fitness: Low Cal Edition
November 20, 2020 00:00 - 1 hour - 41.4 MBBeer drinking has increased since COVID-19 and so has the beer drinker's waistline. Pandemic pounds is real and so is the struggle. Do we have to sacrifice our beer because we are less active? The answer is no...if you know where to look. Thankfully, low cal beers have become fashionable the last few years in the craft beer world. Bailey O'Leary, endurance athlete and owner of True Respite Brewing Company, joins Roche and Lashelle to discuss quality low cal beer options, whether the space ...
Walking The Walk With Arizona Wilderness
October 09, 2020 20:00 - 1 hour - 51.1 MBHow true to your brand can you be? Is it possible to go "all in" on local ingredients? Can you welcome newcomers without alienating your regulars? Can you be tourist friendly as well as a local hangout? Is winning "Best New Brewery In The World" a bad thing?? Can you open a second location and strive for a completely different vibe than your first while maintaining your brand? We discuss all this and more in a fantastic episode of Head Retention featuring the owners of Arizona Wilderne...
Is Farm Brew Live The Future Of Destination Breweries?
September 21, 2020 20:00 - 47 minutes - 32.4 MBYes, there is a brewery on the campus of Farm Brew Live (2 Silos Brewery) that churns out delicious beer. But there's so much more to FBL than "just" brewing beer. Forrest joins Lashelle and Roche to discuss the vision behind Farm Brew Live, future expansion, and how there really is "something for everyone" when you visit. Make sure your craft beer loving friends are listening and subscribing to Head Retention wherever you get podcasts. Email us! [email protected]
Is Farm Brew Live The Future Of Destination Breweries?
September 21, 2020 20:00 - 47 minutes - 32.4 MBYes, there is a brewery on the campus of Farm Brew Live (2 Silos Brewery) that churns out delicious beer. But there's so much more to FBL than "just" brewing beer. Forrest joins Lashelle and Roche to discuss the vision behind Farm Brew Live, future expansion, and how there really is "something for everyone" when you visit. Make sure your craft beer loving friends are listening and subscribing to Head Retention on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get podcasts.
Celebrating Oktoberfest The Right Way
September 04, 2020 02:00 - 57 minutes - 39.6 MBIt's Oktoberfest season! Do yourself a favor and don't rush to Pumpkins. Instead, enjoy some of the traditional Oktoberfest styles of beer this month. Lashelle and Roche welcome Bill Haase of Black Hoof Brewery to discuss the history of Oktoberfest, the marzen and festbier styles, and how to celebrate Oktoberfest outside of Munich (HINT: bring good vibes!). Then, Bill delves into the science of brewing and why he focuses on German beers. Congrats to Black Hoof for taking "Best In Show" for ...
Does Social Justice Matter In The Craft Beer World?
August 14, 2020 15:00 - 1 hour - 48.2 MBA number of difficult questions are being asked in the United States and the craft beer community is not immune. Is the community doing enough to welcome people of color into taprooms? What about employment opportunities, especially in breweries that opened in "gentrified" neighborhoods? Does the community even have an obligation to consider these questions? These are some of the topics Lashelle and Roche discuss with Kevin Blodger of Union Craft Brewing in Baltimore. The conversation focuse...
Aslin Beer Company Is Ready For Takeoff
July 30, 2020 21:00 - 1 hour - 43.3 MBMaking the leap from "white whale beer" to mass production is a challenge most breweries struggle with. Aslin Beer Company has made it look easy. Eric and Shane of Aslin join Lashelle and Roche to discuss how the early days in Herndon, VA evolved to a taproom in Alexandria, VA and distribution to 10+ states without sacrificing quality or innovation in the process. Make sure your craft beer loving friends are listening and subscribing to Head Retention wherever you get podcasts. Email us!...
True Respite Disrupts The Beer Delivery Model
July 17, 2020 21:00 - 49 minutes - 34 MBWhen the pandemic came, True Respite was ready. Sort of. The owners had been marinating on the idea of a beer delivery service pre-covid but when the lockdown came, it became a no brainer. Thus, biermi.com was born. Brendan of True Respite joins Roche and Lashelle to discuss the impact the site has had on breweries and consumers across the country since it's launch and how it could be a game changer in how we get our local craft beer. Make sure your craft beer loving friends are listening ...
Hi Wire Brewing Walks The Tightrope During A Pandemic
July 02, 2020 15:00 - 1 hour - 47.1 MBMost beer related activities and businesses either shut down or entered a holding pattern during the COVID-19 pandemic (this podcast included). Hi Wire Brewing decided to do something different. They actually EXPANDED their distribution in the middle of the pandemic. Chris Frosaker is one of the owners of Hi Wire and he joins Lashelle and Roche to explain the thought process behind their expansion into Virginia. He also tells of the history of Hi Wire Brewing and the uniqueness of Ashville, ...
Running A Brewery During Covid-19
May 05, 2020 19:00 - 1 hour - 45.7 MBChris Burns of Old Ox Brewery joins Roche and Lashelle to talk about the monumental challenges facing breweries of all sizes during the Covid-19 pandemic. How will this affect the taproom experience? What laws will come off (or stay on) the books when life gets back to normal? What can breweries do during the pandemic to spur sales? Being nimble is the key and Chris has tips that all small business owners can use on this important episode of Head Retention. www.oldoxbrewery.com Make sure...
Covid-19 Catch Up
April 28, 2020 19:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MBLike everything else in the world, Head Retention has grounded to a halt due to Covid-19. Before, the podcast gets back up and running full time, Roche and Lashelle catch up with each other and you on what's changed in the craft beer world now...and in the future. Go to www.biermi.com to find out what breweries deliver in your area and how your brewery can get listed. Make sure your craft beer loving friends are listening and subscribing to Head Retention wherever you get podcasts. Email...
Cannabis (CBD) In Your Beer??
February 11, 2020 23:00 - 1 hour - 49.9 MBCannabis sounds like it would be awesome to have in your beer...in theory. But what about in reality? Would a beer brewed with cannabis be good or just a marketing stunt? What style of beer would cannabis augment? And how close are we to having it legally brewed into beer? This episode of Head Retention does a deep dive into the question of Cannabis (or CBD) and beer. Roche and Lashelle are joined by Blane of Sinistral Brewing to discuss the moral, financial, and practical reasons behind can...
Legendary Country Music Radio DJ Michael J Tries IPAs
January 29, 2020 23:00 - 41 minutes - 28.4 MBLashelle prides herself on finding the perfect beer for everyone. Even non craft beer lovers! Her skills are put to the test on this episode of Head Retention as she tries to find an IPA that legendary country music radio personality, Michael J, will enjoy. Michael is a Coors Light man from way back and HATES the test of an IPA. Or so he thinks. After Roche and Lashelle set the scene (11:27), the stage is set for the Michael J IPA taste challenge! Make sure your craft beer loving friends ar...
Is Still Fun To White Whale Hunt?
January 13, 2020 08:00 - 48 minutes - 33.5 MBSearching for “whales” was something the craft beer culture was built on. But with beer much easier to get, does it still make sense to hunt? Is it “worth” it? Roche and Jon from Solace Brewing share some hunting stories before Roche laments the loss of the hunt. Then, Lashelle shares her white whale with the group to….unique results. Make sure your craft beer loving friends are listening and subscribing to Head Retention wherever you get podcasts. Email us! [email protected]
Is Still Fun To White Whale Hunt?
January 13, 2020 08:00 - 48 minutes - 33.5 MBSearching for “whales” was something the craft beer culture was built on. But with beer much easier to get, does it still make sense to hunt? Is it “worth” it? Roche and Jon from Solace Brewing share some hunting stories before Roche laments the loss of the hunt. Then, Lashelle shares her white whale with the group to….unique results. Make sure your craft beer loving friends are listening and subscribing to Head Retention on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get podcasts.
What Does The Ballast Point Deal Mean For The Craft Brewing Industry?
December 30, 2019 08:00 - 1 hour - 44.1 MBWhen the news broke that Constellation was selling Ballast Point to a small brewery just outside of Chicago, the ramifications reverberated throughout the industry. Roche, Lashelle, and Jon of Solace Brewing Co. discuss all the angles of this deal and what it means for the craft beer industry moving forward. Make sure your craft beer loving friends are listening and subscribing to Head Retention wherever you get podcasts. Email us! [email protected]
Do Festivals Still Matter?
December 04, 2019 23:00 - 1 hour - 48.6 MBWith the industry getting more local and more saturated, Roche and Lashelle wonder what the future of craft beer festivals (local and national) holds. Chris of Fairwinds Brewery and Dave of Ocelot Brewing Co join them to weigh the pros and cons for both brewers and consumers. Also, do winning medals have value and what exactly is a "crispy boy"? It's all in this episode of Head Retention. Make sure your craft beer loving friends are listening and subscribing to Head Retention wherever you ...
Sell The Team! The Story Behind The Beer That Went Viral
November 22, 2019 22:00 - 1 hour - 43.8 MBHarper's Ferry Brewing drew national attention for their anti-ownership beer, Sell The Team, and now Jessie and Ryan join Roche and Lashelle on this episode of Head Retention to tell the story behind the viral sensation. Then, the guys discuss Harper's Ferry Brewing, its amazing backdrop, and how they keep the momentum of Sell The Team going. Make sure your craft beer loving friends are listening and subscribing to Head Retention wherever you get podcasts. Email us! headretentionbeer@gmail...
State Of Head Retention
November 15, 2019 21:00 - 11 minutes - 7.82 MB"When are you posting new episodes of the show?" Roche has been getting that question for months and now he has the answer. Hear about the past, present, and future of Head Retention in the latest episode. Make sure your craft beer loving friends are listening and subscribing to Head Retention wherever you get podcasts. Email us! [email protected]
Our (Beer) Origin Stories
December 21, 2018 00:00 - 37 minutes - 17.4 MBRoche’s college experience was brought to you by Yuengling. Ben’s craft beer snobbery began at his snobby university in northern Indiana. And Kristin loves a nice, warm garage beer. Hear how your hosts got from there to here in the world of craft beer. Make sure your craft beer loving friends are listening and subscribing to Head Retention wherever you get podcasts. Email us! [email protected]
White Whale Hunting-Thanksgiving Edition
December 21, 2018 00:00 - 34 minutes - 15.6 MBRoche explains how his summers are all about the barrel-aged stouts. Ben drops some major humble brags about his cellar that’s “so full right now.” And Kristin wonders if any event is ever that important to tap into your rare beers. Make sure your craft beer loving friends are listening and subscribing to Head Retention wherever you get podcasts. Email us! [email protected]