Episodes
-
It is Dry July this month on Chat on Tap, we're putting the drinks aside for a cause that's become one of Australia's great fundraising success stories.
Adam Spencer is one of Australia's best known broadcasters, mathematicians, authors and comedians. But for nearly two decades, he's also been one of the driving forces behind Dry July.
What started with one text message has now helped raise more than $100 million for people affected by cancer.
Adam joins us to tell the story of how Dry July almost never happened, and why taking just one month off alcohol has become much bigger than simply giving up a drink.
In this episode:
• 📱 The text message that accidentally created Dry July
• 💰 How a $3,000 fundraising goal became a $100 million movement
• 🍺 What a month without alcohol teaches you about your relationship with drinking
• 🧠 Why rituals can be harder to break than the alcohol itself
• 🤖 Adam's thoughts on AI, education and the future of learning
• 🔢 Mind-blowing maths facts that'll completely change your perspective
• 🦢 A passionate detour into the Sydney Swans and why the club is so specialAlong the way we discuss the famous "Golden Ticket", why Dry July has stood the test of time, and how a simple idea from three mates has gone on to support cancer patients and their families right around Australia.
Whether you're taking part in Dry July yourself, curious about your own drinking habits, or just enjoy a great conversation, this is one you won't want to miss.
Pubs. Pints. People.
🍺 Support Our Dry July Team
This year I'm taking on Dry July alongside The Frothy Moe Co, raising money for Australians affected by cancer.
If you'd like to support the cause, you can donate here:
https://www.dryjuly.com/teams/frothy-moe-co
Every dollar helps fund practical services that make life a little easier for cancer patients and their families—from transport and accommodation to better hospital facilities and wellbeing programs.
🍺 About Adam Spencer
Adam Spencer is an Australian broadcaster, comedian, author and one of the country's best-known communicators of mathematics and science. After spending years on Triple J and ABC Radio, Adam now speaks around the world on technology, artificial intelligence, space, mathematics and innovation.
He's also been an ambassador and passionate advocate for Dry July since its earliest days, helping grow the campaign into one of Australia's most successful annual fundraisers.
Follow Adam Spencer
🌐 Website: https://adamspencer.com.au
📰 Nerd News (Substack): https://adambspencer.substack.com
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adamspencerofficial
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamspencerofficial
🐦 X: https://x.com/adambspencerSupport the show
Episode produced by: WHEN Studios
Follow: @WHEN.Studios,Insta: @chatontap
Tiktok: @chat.on.tap
YouTube: @ontapchat
Got a Story?
Wanna help us Tap In to a great venue, deal, beer?
Interested in sponsorship?
email us!
Email: [email protected]
Host: David A. Lennon – @davidalennon
Website: chatontap.com -
Last week, Tim Allan from The Local explained why country pubs matter.
This week, he tells the stories that prove it.
In Part 2 of our conversation, Tim takes us across Australia through some of the most memorable pubs, characters and moments he's encountered while documenting regional pub culture.
We visit Birdsville, Betoota and Marble Bar, meet legendary locals, and hear stories that range from heartwarming to completely unbelievable.
In this episode:
• Tiny outback towns that explode to thousands of visitors for race weekends
• Pubs brought back to life after decades sitting empty
• Legendary regulars with their own seats at the bar
• A red-bellied black snake hiding in a pool table
• One unforgettable royal souvenir story involving Queen Elizabeth II
• The characters that make Australian pubs unlike anywhere else in the worldThere are tales involving race meetings, outback pubs, a snake in a pool table, and perhaps the strangest royal souvenir ever collected.
If you've ever planned a road trip around a pub stop, this one's for you.
Pubs. Pints. People.
🍺 About Tim & The Local
Tim Allan is the founder of The Local, a storytelling platform dedicated to documenting Australia's country pubs, the publicans who run them, and the communities that keep them alive. What started as a passion project has grown into one of Australia's leading pub-focused media platforms, with millions of views across social media.
Follow The Local
🌐 Website: https://the-local.com.au
📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/downatthelocal
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/downatthelocal
🎥 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@downatthelocal (or search "The Local")
✉️ Email: [email protected]Support the show
Episode produced by: WHEN Studios
Follow: @WHEN.Studios,Insta: @chatontap
Tiktok: @chat.on.tap
YouTube: @ontapchat
Got a Story?
Wanna help us Tap In to a great venue, deal, beer?
Interested in sponsorship?
email us!
Email: [email protected]
Host: David A. Lennon – @davidalennon
Website: chatontap.com -
Missing episodes?
-
Can a country pub save a town?
This week on Chat On Tap, I sit down with Tim Allan, founder of The Local, a platform dedicated to telling the stories of Australia's pubs, the publicans who run them, and the communities that keep them alive.
We chat about why country pubs are so much more than somewhere to grab a beer, the challenges they're facing, and the incredible characters Tim has met while travelling Australia documenting these iconic venues.
Whether you're passionate about pubs, regional Australia, great storytelling or simply love discovering unique places, this episode is for you.
🍺 In this episode:
Why country pubs matter to local communities How The Local was created Travelling Australia in search of great pubs Preserving Australian pub culture Creating content around authentic stories The future of country hospitality🍺 About Tim & The Local
Tim Allan is the founder of The Local, a storytelling platform dedicated to documenting Australia's country pubs, the publicans who run them, and the communities that keep them alive. What started as a passion project has grown into one of Australia's leading pub-focused media platforms, with millions of views across social media.
Follow The Local
🌐 Website: https://the-local.com.au
📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/downatthelocal
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/downatthelocal
🎥 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@downatthelocal (or search "The Local")
✉️ Email: [email protected]Support the show
Episode produced by: WHEN Studios
Follow: @WHEN.Studios,Insta: @chatontap
Tiktok: @chat.on.tap
YouTube: @ontapchat
Got a Story?
Wanna help us Tap In to a great venue, deal, beer?
Interested in sponsorship?
email us!
Email: [email protected]
Host: David A. Lennon – @davidalennon
Website: chatontap.com -
After promising it way back in Episode 10, we're finally pulling up a stool at Snitch's Bar.
Long-time mate and returning guest Michael Snitch joins me for a conversation fuelled by some of the strangest spirits in his collection, including Italian amaro, Brazilian aphrodisiac liqueur, Greek kumquat liqueur and Chinese baijiu.
We also talk about the evolution of Chat On Tap, why the show is changing direction ever so slightly. The vision has always been capturing the chat over a drink, and so we get into how that is going to look, while still maintaining some industry and beer chat and news.
There's also some big personal news! (I mean, the title probably already gave it away). Snitch reflects on becoming a father, balancing life, friendships and hobbies, and what it's really like when everything changes.
This is a relaxed conversation between mates over a drink and a glimpse into where Chat On Tap is heading next.
In this episode:
The future of Chat On Tap Why we're introducing CHAT and TAP episodes Fatherhood and family life Snitch's Bar and home entertaining Weird spirits from around the world Sydney small bar culture Podcasts, content creation and community Balancing hobbies and growing upGrab a drink and join us.
Support the show
Episode produced by: WHEN Studios
Follow: @WHEN.Studios,Insta: @chatontap
Tiktok: @chat.on.tap
YouTube: @ontapchat
Got a Story?
Wanna help us Tap In to a great venue, deal, beer?
Interested in sponsorship?
email us!
Email: [email protected]
Host: David A. Lennon – @davidalennon
Website: chatontap.com -
In this TAP Classic (aka one from the archive), David Lennon catches up with legendary brewer Dr. Charles "Chuck" Hahn and his son Scott Hahn at their new brewery, Chuck & Sons, in St Peters, Sydney.
Chuck's impact on Australian beer is difficult to overstate. From Hahn Super Dry and James Squire to Kosciuszko Pale ale and countless innovations that helped shape modern brewing in Australia, his fingerprints are all over the industry.
At 79 years old, Chuck has done what most people only talk about - come out of retirement to build something new.
Together, Chuck and Scott share stories from decades in brewing, lessons learned from building iconic beer brands, the realities of running a family brewery, and why great beer has always been about bringing people together.
Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast, home brewer, hospitality professional or simply love hearing the stories behind Australian success, this conversation remains one of the most important we've had on the show.
**SIDE NOTE TO LONG TIME LISTENERS - We need to chat around 25 mins in!
🍺 IN THIS CHAT
• Chuck's journey from chemistry student to brewing pioneer
• The origins of Hahn Brewery and James Squire
• Building beer brands that changed Australian drinking culture
• Why Chuck returned from retirement
• Launching Chuck & Sons with his family
• The role community plays in great beer
• Advice for the next generation of brewers
• What's next for Chuck & SonsFEATURED GUESTS
Dr. Charles "Chuck" Hahn
Founder, Chuck & Sons BrewingScott Hahn
Business Director, Chuck & Sons Brewing📍 Chuck & Sons Brewing
St Peters, Sydney NSWFollow Chuck & Sons:
Instagram: @chuckandsonsbrewing🎧 Enjoying Chat on Tap?
Follow the show for weekly conversations with brewers, venue owners, industry leaders and the personalities shaping Australian beer culture.
#ChatOnTap #ChuckHahn #CraftBeer #AustralianBeer #JamesSquire #Hahn #ChuckAndSons #BeerPodcast
Support the show
Episode produced by: WHEN Studios
Follow: @WHEN.Studios,Insta: @chatontap
Tiktok: @chat.on.tap
YouTube: @ontapchat
Got a Story?
Wanna help us Tap In to a great venue, deal, beer?
Interested in sponsorship?
email us!
Email: [email protected]
Host: David A. Lennon – @davidalennon
Website: chatontap.com -
Craft beer is often about the beer.
This episode isn't.
On Wildflower's final day in Marrickville, Chat On Tap headed down to one of Australia's most beloved breweries to find out what happens when a venue becomes something more than a place to grab a drink.
As hundreds of people packed the brewery and spilled out into the street, Dave handed the microphone to the people who knew Wildflower best - the locals, regulars, beer lovers, industry veterans and friends who helped turn this warehouse into a community.
From first dates and Friday afternoon beers to wild fermentation, Belgian influences and friendships formed over countless pints, this episode captures the stories that made Wildflower special.
Because while breweries make beer, it's the people who create the culture.
In this episode:
🍺 The story of Wildflower's final day in Marrickville
🍺 Why this brewery became a pilgrimage site for beer lovers
🍺 The role Wildflower played in Sydney's craft beer scene
🍺 How a niche brewery built such a loyal community
🍺 Stories from locals, regulars and industry insiders
🍺 The unique world of mixed-fermentation and wild ales
🍺 What Wildflower's move means for Marrickville and the Inner West Ale Trail
🍺 Why the best breweries are often about more than what's in the glass
This isn't a farewell to Wildflower.
It's a snapshot of the community that grew around it.
And judging by the turnout, that community isn't going anywhere.
Guests Featured
🍺 Jason Trewin - Inner West Ale Trail
🍺 Coral - @HaveABeerWithCoco
🍺 Darren –-Former brewery venue operator
🍺 Scott – Long-time Wildflower regular
Links
🍺 Wildflower Brewing & Blending
📸 @wildflowerbeer
🌐 wildflowerbeer.com
🍺 Inner West Ale Trail
📸 @innerwestaletrail
🌐 innerwestaletrail.com.au
Support the show
Episode produced by: WHEN Studios
Follow: @WHEN.Studios,Insta: @chatontap
Tiktok: @chat.on.tap
YouTube: @ontapchat
Got a Story?
Wanna help us Tap In to a great venue, deal, beer?
Interested in sponsorship?
email us!
Email: [email protected]
Host: David A. Lennon – @davidalennon
Website: chatontap.com -
Craft beer doesn’t just need better beer anymore - it needs better storytelling.
This week on Chat on Tap, David sits down with Stephanie Grant from She Loves Craft, a brewery social media strategist helping breweries actually connect with modern drinkers.
If you're wearing all the hats in the brewery, there's no marketing person to fall back on and fear hitting post because it might flop, this ones for you. From brewery identity and community building to Instagram strategy, regulars, content creation and why viral videos never equals customers, this episode is packed with practical advice for breweries, venues and creators alike.
Stephanie shares:
Why brewery social media often misses the mark How breweries can “show their vibe” Why simple phone-shot content works The importance of knowing your audience Why likes and views are overrated How breweries can attract more than just beer nerdsStephanie doesn’t overcomplicate things. Her advice is practical, honest and refreshingly human.
If you run a brewery, venue, bottle shop or hospitality business — or just love the culture around pubs and craft beer — this one’s worth a listen.
Links
🍺 Stephanie / She Loves Craft
📸 Instagram - @shelovescraft
🌐 Website - https://www.shelovescraft.com/Support the show
Episode produced by: WHEN Studios
Follow: @WHEN.Studios,Insta: @chatontap
Tiktok: @chat.on.tap
YouTube: @ontapchat
Got a Story?
Wanna help us Tap In to a great venue, deal, beer?
Interested in sponsorship?
email us!
Email: [email protected]
Host: David A. Lennon – @davidalennon
Website: chatontap.com -
Part two of the Hop Harvest Fest crawl sees Boyd Robson back on the Inner West Ale Trail, tackling the final five breweries of Sydney’s freshest beer festival. With higher ABVs, bigger crowds, and a few curveballs (including a sold-out festival beer), this episode dives deeper into the culture, community, and chaos of chasing fresh hop beers across Sydney.
From tiny taprooms punching above their weight to 8.4% double IPAs that test the legs, this is the full Sunday session experience—complete with locals, brewers, and a well-earned final beer at Young Henrys.
Fresh Hop Chaos (and Big ABVs):
Kicking off with a 7% IPA before ramping up to Bracket’s 8.4% double IPA, this is not your average Sunday session. Inside Kicks Brewing:
A deep dive into West Coast pilsners, small batch brewing advantages, and how a 70 person venue handled overwhelming festival demand. Local Perspective – Ryan (Beers & Bobs):
What it’s like living in the Inner West beer bubble, Scottish beer culture comparisons, and why proximity can make you take great beer for granted. Craft vs Independent Beer Debate:
A key mindset shift in why “independent beer” might resonate more than “craft beer” for Aussie drinkers. Festival Reality Check:
Sold-out beers, missing XPA kegs at Grifter, and how popularity exceeded expectations within days. Final Stop:
Wrapping at Young Henrys with Jason from the Inner West Ale Trail—discussing turnout, community vibes, and what made this year a roaring success.Breweries
Kicks Brewing
https://www.kicksbrewing.com.au/Bracket Brewing
https://www.bracketbrewing.com/The Grifter Brewing Co.
https://thegrifter.com.au/Young Henrys
https://younghenrys.com/Future Brewing
https://futurebrewing.com.au/Mixtape Brewing
https://www.mixtapebrewing.com.au/This is the episode that captures what makes Sydney’s beer scene tick -community, experimentation, and a bit of organised chaos. It’s equal parts pub crawl, cultural deep dive, and love letter to independent beer.
Support the show
Episode produced by: WHEN Studios
Follow: @WHEN.Studios,Insta: @chatontap
Tiktok: @chat.on.tap
YouTube: @ontapchat
Got a Story?
Wanna help us Tap In to a great venue, deal, beer?
Interested in sponsorship?
email us!
Email: [email protected]
Host: David A. Lennon – @davidalennon
Website: chatontap.com -
What is Hop Harvest Fest, and what happens when you try to take on all 9 breweries in two days?
This episode drops you right into the chaos of the Hop Harvest Fest on the Inner West Ale Trail, chasing some of the freshest beer you’ll ever drink.
Fresh hops picked in Victoria, driven straight to Sydney, and brewed within hours. The result? Limited, once time beers across nine breweries in Marrickville and beyond.
This is Part 1 of the crawl. Four breweries down, five to go.
Along the way, David is joined by Cecilia Hollins and Beers with Boydo, plus brewers and locals, as the plan quickly shifts from “structured tasting” to “just keep moving.”
🍻 In this episode:
What makes fresh hop beers so unique (and why timing is everything) The road trip to Victoria to collect hops A hazy IPA heavy start Why pilsners don’t always taste like you expect during fresh hop season The reality of beer tasting (and why even experts get it wrong) Is Coopers Pale Ale a craft beer?🍺 Breweries featured (Part 1):
Batch Brewing Co Philter Brewing Sauce Brewing Co Mixtape BrewingIf you love craft beer, pub culture, or just discovering the best of Sydney’s Inner West, this is what it actually feels like to do the Hop Harvest Fest - not polished, not perfect, just real.
Part 2 coming next… if we make it.
👉 Explore the trail:
https://innerwestaletrail.com.au/🍻 Breweries (Hop Harvest Fest Participants)
Mixtape Brewing
https://www.mixtapebrewing.com.au/Young Henrys
https://younghenrys.com/Batch Brewing Co
https://batchbrewingco.com.au/The Grifter Brewing Co
https://thegrifter.com.au/Future Brewing
https://futurebrewing.com.au/Bracket Brewing
https://www.bracketbrewing.com/Kicks Brewing
https://www.kicksbrewing.com.au/Sauce Brewing Co
https://sauce.beer/Philter Brewing
https://philterbrewing.com/Support the show
Episode produced by: WHEN Studios
Follow: @WHEN.Studios,Insta: @chatontap
Tiktok: @chat.on.tap
YouTube: @ontapchat
Got a Story?
Wanna help us Tap In to a great venue, deal, beer?
Interested in sponsorship?
email us!
Email: [email protected]
Host: David A. Lennon – @davidalennon
Website: chatontap.com -
What is Hop Harvest Fest, and why are Sydney brewers and beer lovers treating it like Christmas?
Recorded at Mixtape Brewing in Marrickville, David sits down with Jason Treuen from the Inner West Ale Trail to break down one of the most unique beer events in Australia, a celebration of fresh hop beers brewed within hours of harvest.
From brewery passports and cult t-shirts to the logistics of getting hops from Victoria to Sydney in a single day, this is your ultimate guide to Hop Harvest Fest.
What Hop Harvest Fest actually is and why fresh hops matter How brewers transport and use hops within hours of harvest The “passport challenge”: visit 9 breweries to earn the iconic free t-shirt Why fresh hop beers taste different (and why they’re rare) Route tips, strategy, and how to tackle all 9 breweries The story behind the Inner West Ale Trail and its growth Why breweries today are about more than just beer (food, community, culture)If you love craft beer, pub culture, or just discovering the best of Sydney’s Inner West, this episode gives you everything you need to experience Hop Harvest Fest properly — not just as a pub crawl, but as a celebration of brewing, community, and ridiculously fresh beer.
👉 Explore the trail:
https://innerwestaletrail.com.au/🍻 Breweries (Hop Harvest Fest Participants)
Mixtape Brewing
https://www.mixtapebrewing.com.au/
Young Henrys
https://younghenrys.com/
Batch Brewing Co
https://batchbrewingco.com.au/
The Grifter Brewing Co
https://thegrifter.com.au/
Future Brewing
https://futurebrewing.com.au/
Bracket Brewing
https://www.bracketbrewing.com/
Kicks Brewing
https://www.kicksbrewing.com.au/
Sauce Brewing Co
https://sauce.beer/
Philter Brewing
https://philterbrewing.com/Support the show
Episode produced by: WHEN Studios
Follow: @WHEN.Studios,Insta: @chatontap
Tiktok: @chat.on.tap
YouTube: @ontapchat
Got a Story?
Wanna help us Tap In to a great venue, deal, beer?
Interested in sponsorship?
email us!
Email: [email protected]
Host: David A. Lennon – @davidalennon
Website: chatontap.com -
Looking for your next great beer? In this bonus episode of Tapped In, Bev shares five must-try craft beers that are easy to find, full of character, and perfect whether you're just getting into craft or deep in the game. From creamy stouts to hazy IPAs and even a wild sour bonus pick this is your cheat sheet for what to drink next.
Why Batch Elsie Milk Stout stands out as an all-time favourite (nitro, creamy, chocolatey) A discussion on how West Coast IPAs are evolving and why Akasha’s Corbin D still hits old-school Why Seeker Mystic is one of the most drinkable hazies in Australia right now The divisive but fun world of peanut butter beers (and why temperature matters) The underrated brilliance of a well-made lager with Chuck & Son’s Bonus: A gateway into modern smoothie sours with One Drop🍺 Beers & Breweries: Here’s your full hit list 👇
Batch Brewing Co. – Elsie Milk Stout
Instagram: @batchbrewingco Akasha Brewing Company – Corbin D IPA
Instagram: @akashabrewing Seeker Brewing – Mystic Hazy IPA
Instagram: @seekerbrewing Bad Shepherd Brewing Co. – Peanut Butter Porter
Instagram: @badshepherdbrewingco Chuck & Son’s Brewing Co. – Old World Lager
Instagram: @chuckandsonsbrewing One Drop Brewing Co. – We Jammin’ (Smoothie Sour)
Instagram: @onedropbrewingcoSupport the show
Episode produced by: WHEN Studios
Follow: @WHEN.Studios,Insta: @chatontap
Tiktok: @chat.on.tap
YouTube: @ontapchat
Got a Story?
Wanna help us Tap In to a great venue, deal, beer?
Interested in sponsorship?
email us!
Email: [email protected]
Host: David A. Lennon – @davidalennon
Website: chatontap.com -
Beers, Brotherhood & Building Community with Bevan Giffin
In this episode of Chat on Tap, host David A. Lennon sits down with beer reviewer and community builder Bevan Giffin at the Pyrmont Point Hotel for a deep dive into craft beer, content creation, and the power of connection.
From tasting notes to mental health, this episode explores how a shared love of beer can turn into something much bigger — a genuine support network.
How Bevan became “the beer guy” — from travel to tasting panels Why local breweries are the best way to understand a place The power of consistency: 365 days of beer content Inside the craft beer community — why it’s different (and better) than most industries The rise of “Frothy Moco” — blending beer culture with mental health support Why pubs still matter as a space for real conversations.Who owns your 'Australian' beer? Article referenced: https://craftypint.com/who-owns-your-beer Why buying Indie matters.🍺 Beers & Venues
BentSpoke Crankshaft IPA (what we were sipping) Seeker Brewing X Garage Project (best collab for Bev) Pyrmont Point Hotel (where we sat)Check out Bevans work on instagram @bevan_giffin
Support the show
Episode produced by: WHEN Studios
Follow: @WHEN.Studios,Insta: @chatontap
Tiktok: @chat.on.tap
YouTube: @ontapchat
Got a Story?
Wanna help us Tap In to a great venue, deal, beer?
Interested in sponsorship?
email us!
Email: [email protected]
Host: David A. Lennon – @davidalennon
Website: chatontap.com -
What if you could find the perfect sunny spot for a beer anywhere in the world?
This week on Chat on Tap, David sits down with Richard Hatcher - the creator of Sunny, a web app designed to help you track down pubs with beer gardens, outdoor seating, and even plan your next pub crawl.
From a throwaway idea in London to building a working app using ChatGPT (with zero dev background), this is a story about creativity, curiosity, and just giving something a crack.
You can check the web app here - https://sunnypubs.app/
Recorded over a couple of cold ones at the Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre in Marrickville.
15 Years -> 3 days
Richard first had the idea for Sunny while living in London and chasing rare moments of sunshine and a cold beer. It stuck in the back of his mind for over a decade before he finally acted on it. Building an App Without Being a Developer
With no coding background, Richard used ChatGPT to bring the idea to life, learning how to prompt properly, iterate, and think like a builder. From Concept to Reality
While spread out over time, the actual build only took around 3 days of focused work, showing how accessible building something has become. What Sunny Actually Does
A global map-based app that helps you find pubs with outdoor seating, beer gardens, and even auto-generates pub crawls based on your location. Creative Projects vs Business Pressure
Richard shares why he’s intentionally kept Sunny as a passion project (for now), focusing on building something he personally enjoys rather than rushing monetisation.Tapped In (Recommendations):
Queens Wharf Hotel (Newcastle) — waterfront pub with unbeatable views MONA (Hobart) — outdoor lawn beers overlooking the river Bowling clubs transforming greens into beer gardens — a win for communitiesBeers:
American Amber Ale (Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre) Patio Pale (Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre)Support the show
Episode produced by: WHEN Studios
Follow: @WHEN.Studios,Insta: @chatontap
Tiktok: @chat.on.tap
YouTube: @ontapchat
Got a Story?
Wanna help us Tap In to a great venue, deal, beer?
Interested in sponsorship?
email us!
Email: [email protected]
Host: David A. Lennon – @davidalennon
Website: chatontap.com -
In this Chat on Tap Bonus Pour, we chat to Beau Curtis who is the founder and head brewer of The Social Brewers in Mortdale, Sydney, for a guided tasting of the core lineup.
From crisp lagers to hop loaded limited releases, this episode is a walkthrough of what’s pouring at one of the St George region’s most exciting breweries.
The philosophy behind a great “gateway beer” lager and why simple done well is powerful Breaking down a Pacific Ale built for Aussie conditions - Galaxy hops, sessionable and refreshing Inside the Forest Road IPA - an “Anglo-American” hybrid balancing malt richness with US hops The story behind Death Valley Double IPA (8.2%) - a limited birthday release with experimental hops How small-batch brewing allows for creativity, risk-taking, and one-off beers that don’t last longCheck out The Social Brewers
https://thesocialbrewers.com.au/
Follow them on Instagram @thesocialbrewers
Are you loving the bonus beer content? Let us know what you'd like to hear about next on email - [email protected]
Or follow @chatontap on instagram
Or are you a YouTuber? @ontapchat
Support the show
Episode produced by: WHEN Studios
Follow: @WHEN.Studios,Insta: @chatontap
Tiktok: @chat.on.tap
YouTube: @ontapchat
Got a Story?
Wanna help us Tap In to a great venue, deal, beer?
Interested in sponsorship?
email us!
Email: [email protected]
Host: David A. Lennon – @davidalennon
Website: chatontap.com -
What happens when a corporate marketer decides to open a brewery in a part of Sydney with no craft beer scene? And what does it really take to keep it alive?
In this episode of Chat on Tap, Dave heads to Social Brewing in the St George area to sit down with founder and head brewer Beau Curtis. What starts as a conversation about beer quickly turns into a deeper chat about risk, resilience, and building something from scratch.
The jump from corporate marketing into running a breweryWhy opening in a “craft beer wasteland” was both a risk and an opportunityThe reality of running a brewery - long hours, low margins, and constant pressureHow a cardiac arrest reshaped Beau’s perspective on time and taking chancesMarginal gains and why consistency beats luck in businessBuilding a strong local community and loyal taproom cultureChapters are auto generated
00:00 Intro – Social Brewing, St George
01:10 Meeting Beau & early beer chat
03:20 The St George craft beer scene
05:10 Building a local brewery community
06:10 From corporate marketing to brewing
08:05 Starting the brewery journey
09:30 The reality: “You’ll never work harder for less money”
10:20 “If not now, then when?” mindset
12:50 The daily grind of running a brewery
14:00 Learning to brew & refining recipes
15:00 Marginal gains & consistency
16:30 Staying in the game
17:45 The tough days in business
19:00 The acid cloud disaster
22:20 The moments that make it worth it🍺 Tapped In — St George Edition
A look into the St George craft beer scene and surrounding breweries:
Sunday Road Brewing (Kirrawee)Shark Island Brewing (Cronulla)Hairyman Brewery (Cronulla)Club Rivers (rotating craft taps)Support the show
Episode produced by: WHEN Studios
Follow: @WHEN.Studios,Insta: @chatontap
Tiktok: @chat.on.tap
YouTube: @ontapchat
Got a Story?
Wanna help us Tap In to a great venue, deal, beer?
Interested in sponsorship?
email us!
Email: [email protected]
Host: David A. Lennon – @davidalennon
Website: chatontap.com -
In this Chat on Tap bonus episode, David sits down with Kirk from 2 Halfs Brewing & Distilling to dive into one of Belgium’s most iconic beer styles — the Tripel.
Fresh off the previous episode with Matt the Craft Beer MC, this chat explores how Tripel Day came about, what makes the style so unique, and why it’s often called the “king of beers.”
Despite sitting around 8% ABV, Tripels are known for being dangerously drinkable — and Kirk explains how yeast, malt and brewing technique create that balance of strength and elegance.
Kirk also explains the philosophy behind his brewery-distillery hybrid and how a small operation in Alexandria is producing everything from Belgian-style ales to house spirits and fruit seltzers.
What Belgian Tripel actually is — and why it drinks smoother than its high ABV suggestsHow Tripel Day started and the role Matt the Craft Beer MC played in itThe flavour profile of a classic Tripel: yeast-driven character, fruit notes and deceptively strong alcoholWhy Belgium’s beer culture — from glassware to serving temperature — is still the gold standardInside 2 Halfs Brewing & Distilling and how the brewery + distillery operate side by sideIf you’ve ever wondered what a Belgian Tripel actually tastes like — or why brewers revere the style — this short bonus episode is a quick crash course from someone who’s been brewing them for decades.
It’s also a glimpse into one of Sydney’s most interesting small producers.
Support the show
Episode produced by: WHEN Studios
Follow: @WHEN.Studios,Insta: @chatontap
Tiktok: @chat.on.tap
YouTube: @ontapchat
Got a Story?
Wanna help us Tap In to a great venue, deal, beer?
Interested in sponsorship?
email us!
Email: [email protected]
Host: David A. Lennon – @davidalennon
Website: chatontap.com -
What happens when a Newcastle beer fan becomes the Australian ambassador for International Tripel Day? And what exactly IS a Belgian Tripel? Don't worry, David didn't know either until today.
In this episode of Chat on Tap, Dave sits down with Matt Chester “Craft Beer MC” at Two Halfs Brewing in Alexandria to talk Belgian Tripels, the global craft beer community, and how an Instagram beer page turned into friendships around the world.
Why the style is usually 8–9% ABVThe history of Tripels and their roots in Belgian brewingThe rise of Craft Beer MC – Matt’s journey from macro lagers to running a global beer Instagram community with thousands of followers.International Tripel Day explained – what a Belgian Tripel is, why it’s such a legendary beer style, and how Matt became Australia’s ambassador.Beer trades & Beerstagram culture – swapping beers across countries to try rare brews you’d never find locally.Global craft beer friendships – connecting with beer lovers across the US, Canada, the UK, and beyond.00:00 Intro – International Tripel Day at Two Halfs Brewing
01:05 Meet Matt – Craft Beer MC origin story
02:10 First craft beer experiences in the US
03:15 The global craft beer Instagram community
05:30 Beer trades explained
08:30 Meeting through Instagram
10:10 Rare beers and international trades
12:10 Becoming the Australian Tripel Day ambassador
15:10 What exactly is a Belgian Tripel?
16:40 First time drinking a Tripel
18:00 Tapped In – Newcastle beer venues
21:00 Pub pick – The Clarendon Hotel
22:20 Matt’s day job outside beer
23:40 The Craft Beer MC birthday T-shirt story
24:40 OutroTapped In – Newcastle Edition
Shout BrewingMethod BrewingGrainfed BrewingThe Clarendon Hotel (pub pick)
Matt’s top venues to visit if you’re heading to Newcastle:Venues & Breweries Mentioned
Two Halfs Brewing – Alexandria, NSW
Shout Brewing – Newcastle
Method Brewing – Newcastle
Grainfed Brewing – Newcastle
The Clarendon Hotel – Newcastle
Slow Lane Brewing – Botany, NSWInternational breweries referenced:
Tree House Brewing
Trillium Brewing
The Alchemist BrewingThis episode is a perfect snapshot of what craft beer culture is really about — community, sharing great beers, and meeting people you’d never otherwise cross paths with.
From Belgian Tripels to beer trades and Beerstagram friendships, this chat shows how one simple beer page can open doors around the world.
Recorded at Two Halfs Brewing, Alexandria NSW
Support the show
Episode produced by: WHEN Studios
Follow: @WHEN.Studios,Insta: @chatontap
Tiktok: @chat.on.tap
YouTube: @ontapchat
Got a Story?
Wanna help us Tap In to a great venue, deal, beer?
Interested in sponsorship?
email us!
Email: [email protected]
Host: David A. Lennon – @davidalennon
Website: chatontap.com -
Chat On Tap is back for 2026, and it makes perfect sense to kick off the year with co-host Cecilia Hollins and a cracking NZ Red IPA in hand. Host David A. Lennon dives straight into the big beer conversations shaping Australia right now, from the fallout of GABS to Australia’s soaring beer prices and the eternal craft vs macro debate.
Recorded at the unofficial “Mazza Hotel” in Marrickville, this episode features some beer news, "You've Got Ale" listener questions, Pub Quiz (once again testing the US education system), and the teachings of tall poppy syndrome. And hey craft beer lovers, what are your thoughts on Budweiser?
1️⃣ Mountain Culture’s Four-Peat & Tall Poppy Syndrome
Mountain Culture Beer Co wins GABS’ Hottest 100 for the fourth year in a row with Status Quo, sparking debate about dominance, independent breweries, and whether Aussies love cutting down success. And what's up with GABS going forward?
2️⃣ Australia’s Beer Prices Are Among the Highest in the World
With Australia ranking in the top 5 most expensive beer countries for 2026, David and Cece unpack excise tax freezes, shrinkflation in pub pours, and why a six-pack in the U.S. feels criminally cheap by comparison.
3️⃣ You've Got Ale - Send in your questions and comments to [email protected], or DM on the instagram page @chatontap.
Should you stock your fridge with your favourite beer when overseas? Listener Luke has taken great offence to his mother-in-laws Budweiser habit
4️⃣ Brewery Food: Keep It Simple
Food trucks > fancy degustation. The verdict? Crispy chicken wings, burgers, and rotating food trucks win at breweries. Overcomplicate it and you risk missing the point — beer and community first.
👤 Guest – Cecilia “Cece” Hollins
Cecilia Hollins is a regular Chat On Tap co-host and a American-Turned-Proud-Aussie. She brings a unique cross cultural lens to pub culture and craft beer. Passionate about community, approachable beer styles, and making craft more accessible, Cece offers sharp takes on everything from GABS politics to fruit-forward pilsners. She’s also not afraid to defend Budweiser - when necessary.
Chapters are Auto Generated
00:00 Welcome Back to Chat on Tap
02:54 Holiday Beers
05:34 GABS
08:58 You've Got Ale
11:42 Brewery Food Menus and Recommendations
14:54 Family-Friendly Breweries and Experiences
17:44 Traveling and Beer Recommendations
20:32 Pub Quiz
33:26 Wrap-Up and Future Topics🍺 Venues & Beers Mentioned
Venues
Thirstville Bottle Shop – Marrickville, NSWHawke's Brewing Co – Marrickville, NSWBreweries & Beers
Mountain Culture Beer Co – Status QuoThe Grifter Brewing Co – Serpent’s Kiss (Watermelon Pilsner)Balter Brewing CompanySingle FinColonial Brewing CoBudweiserSupport the show
Episode produced by: WHEN Studios
Follow: @WHEN.Studios,Insta: @chatontap
Tiktok: @chat.on.tap
YouTube: @ontapchat
Got a Story?
Wanna help us Tap In to a great venue, deal, beer?
Interested in sponsorship?
email us!
Email: [email protected]
Host: David A. Lennon – @davidalennon
Website: chatontap.com -
Surprise! One last episode for 2025, and it's a Christmas Special! We are joined by fan favourites Cecilia Hollins and Matt Baseley for a festive natter about what makes an Aussie Christmas what it is.
When does Christmas actually start?
From Thanksgiving traditions in the US to the first Test match signalling Aussie summer.The summer of cricket
Learning cricket as an adult, Test vs T20 vs ODI, favourite formats, and why Boxing Day is sacred.Christmas drinking decoded (Tapped in)
All-day beers, family beers, breakfast beers, and what to bring when you don’t know anything about beer.Wine & whisky for hosting
Easy crowd-pleasers, BBQ wines, and which bottles should be hidden from guests.Festive pub culture & traditions
Christmas Day at pubs, catered Christmas lunches, cold vs hot Christmas, and why New Year’s rarely lives up to the hype.and Double Pub Quizzes to see out the year.
Grab a drink and your favourite holiday sittin' spot and whack your headphones in for a Chat on Tap Chrissy special.
Thank you once again for all your love, listening and support in the past few months! I am so excited to bring the podcast back in 2026 and have you there along for the ride!
Stay safe and CHEERS
David
Support the show
Episode produced by: WHEN Studios
Follow: @WHEN.Studios,Insta: @chatontap
Tiktok: @chat.on.tap
YouTube: @ontapchat
Got a Story?
Wanna help us Tap In to a great venue, deal, beer?
Interested in sponsorship?
email us!
Email: [email protected]
Host: David A. Lennon – @davidalennon
Website: chatontap.com -
This episode is pure energy! Our guest is a man who embodies joyful beer enthusiasm: Boyd Robson, the creator behind the YouTube channel Beers with Boydo.
An infectious travel-vlogger-meets-pub-crawler, Boydo is exuberant, wholesome, hilarious and insightful. He joins us at Batch Brewing Co. in Marrickville ahead of an Inner West Ale Trail pub crawl, an area Boydo is not yet familiar with. David challenged himself to see if he could find the best Beers to have with Boydo
How the Beers with Boydo channel started.Creating content in public: awkward stares, tips for overcoming fear, hilarious pub encounters, and the infamous drunk lady on the Paddington rooftop.Best beer moments: drinking on top of Mount Kosciuszko, travel episodes in Bali, Wellington & New Caledonia, and the joys of the unexpected.Do garbo's really get xmas beers?Tapped in, Boydo’s top recommendations: the best Sydney spots for German & Czech lagerPub Quiz00:00
Introduction to the Pub Crawl Experience06:01
How Beers with Boydo started11:40
Navigating the Beer Scene: Insights and Experiences17:51
The Art of Filming in Public Spaces23:47
Tapped in - European Lagers in Sydney29:47
The Pub Quiz ChallengeVenues Mentioned
Batch Brewing Co — @batchbrewingcompanyTommy’s Beer Café (Glebe) — @tommys_beer_cafeUna’s (Darlinghurst) — @unasrestaurantConcordia Club (Tempe/Marrickville) — @concordiaclubmarrickvilleWildflower Brewing & Blending — @wildflowerbeerBeach Road Hotel (Bondi) — @beachroadbondiHero of Waterloo — @theheroofwaterlooPJ O’Brien’s Sydney — @pjobrienssydCriterion Hotel Sydney — @criterionhotelsydneyBeers
Batch West Coast IPAAnaya Amber Ale (Batch Brewing)Carlton DraughtPilsner UrquellBudvarČernovar Dark LagerCzech Cut (Pilsner+Dark)Rothaus PilsBalter XPAMt Kosciuszko Pale AleGreat Northern Super CrispGuinness6. Credits / Sponsors
Venue: Batch Brewing Co — @batchbrewingGuest: Boyd Robson — @beerswithboydo (YouTube + Instagram)Host: David A. Lennon — @davidalennon / @chatontapPodcast: Chat on TapProduction: WHEN StudiosSupport the show: Follow, share with a mate, and leave a rating.Support the show
Episode produced by: WHEN Studios
Follow: @WHEN.Studios,Insta: @chatontap
Tiktok: @chat.on.tap
YouTube: @ontapchat
Got a Story?
Wanna help us Tap In to a great venue, deal, beer?
Interested in sponsorship?
email us!
Email: [email protected]
Host: David A. Lennon – @davidalennon
Website: chatontap.com - Show more
