Best Lew Bryson Podcasts (2024)

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Season 2, Episode 41: Let's Talk To The Pizza Boy 1:08:17

13d ago1:08:17

1:08:17

THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN! I asked you who you wanted me to interview, and you said "Give us The Pizza Boy, Al Kominski!" Well, I cannot defy or deny the people, so I went down to Al's of Hampden in Enola on the West Shore and got the interview...and then hung around and visited some more breweries: Ever Grain, Mellow Mink, Sworn, Hemauer, and Liquid …

1
88 - The Class of 2024 41:29

26d ago41:29

41:29

In this episode I continue the tradition of talking with some of my graduating seniors. This year I welcome Griffin Redmon, Sofia Dressler, Elise Cygan, and Emily Shetler onto the Front Porch. We discuss their time in high school, their accomplishments, their fears, and what they are most proud of. We close our discussion with our usual 10 quick qu…

1
Season 2, Episode 40: Maibock Should Be Your Bock 1:02:38

27d ago1:02:38

1:02:38

Have you ever had a Maibock? My old buddy Chip "The Beer Guy" Hanuscik lured me up to Northeast PA with Maibock. He talked FOUR brewers into making one, and dangled that in front of me. I took the bait like a brown trout rising to a Green Drake, and I'll tell you all about it. PLUS: NEPA Pizza! The incredible Sabatini's! Tom Brennan! And a real lif…

1
Season 2, Episode 39: Hot Peppers! 50:44

1M ago50:44

50:44

Got some hot stuff for you! Friends warned us that food would be bland in central PA...but not all of it! I talked to two pepper product people; Beth Cowher, who makes her Backyard Flavors sandwich peppers in Aaronsburg, and Janet Robinson, who's been making her Piper's Peck products on the hill outside of Bellefonte since 1998. We talk Scoville un…

1
Season 2, Episode 38: The Forecast Calls For Hazy (IPA) 1:01:18

2M ago1:01:18

1:01:18

Do you like hazy IPAs? Do you hate hazy IPAs? I dug into this cloudy phenomenon with the help of New Trail Brewing partner and Director of Brewing Operations Mike LaRosa. It seemed to be a subject he had been waiting for someone to ask him about, and we went at it. We also talked about New Trail's amazing growth, their excellent big beers, the Cris…

1
87 - Tara Mondock 42:43

2M ago42:43

42:43

In this episode I welcome Tara Mondock up on the front porch. We discuss her childhood in Florida, her sojourn to college in western North Carolina, and her work with the Extension Office at the Pennsylvania State University. We then turn our discussion to her experience as an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star and their main charity: t…

1
Season 2, Episode 37: Echoes of The Whiskey Rebellion 49:13

2M ago49:13

49:13

I drank rye whiskey in the spiritual home of American rye whiskey, the Monongahela Valley, in the cradle of the Whiskey Rebellion, Washington, PA. I tell you about how the rebellion happened, and how it ended, and how rye whiskey came to southwestern PA. Rye whiskey historian Sam Komlenic joined me for a talk on rye whiskey at Liberty Pole Spirits,…

1
Season 2, Episode 36: The Foodies of State College 40:50

3M ago40:50

40:50

I interview Hector Cruz, the Floridian at the heart of the Foodies of State College Facebook group, 20,000 people who want to find the best places to eat in the greater State College area (pretty loosely defined, ask 'em anything). We talked about why he started it, how he runs it, and why everyone loves to fight about pizza and cheesesteaks. The F…

1
86 - Bill Donner 47:42

3M ago47:42

47:42

In this episode I welcome Dr. William Donner onto the front porch. Bill is currently the Freyberger Professor of Pennsylvania German Studies at Kutztown University and is also the chair of the Anthropology and Sociology Department. We discuss his time living on a small Polynesian island in the pacific to his work studying and researching the Pennsy…

1
April Schedule Change 4:21

3M ago4:21

4:21

Find out why we won't have an episode this Thursday. It's a postponement, not a cancellation, so fear not! Plus: merch news, and a note about a friend's podcast you should REALLY listen to. See you on April 11th! Tell your friends about Seen Through A Glass!! This episode uses these sounds under the following license: Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 htt…

1
Season 2 Episode 35: Have Beer, Will Travel 37:16

3M ago37:16

37:16

Grab your phone, your cooler, and your best bud, it's time to go beer hunting! I've been searching for good beers for 43 years. But I really got serious about it when a chance remark by a work friend sent me almost an hour away to the Front Street Pub, in Santa Cruz, the first brewpub I ever visited. It was magical, and I've been on a quest to have…

1
Season 2 Episode 34: Mansfield, A Stop Worth Making 57:00

4M ago57:00

57:00

Mansfield is at the intersection of two great Pennsylvania highways, Routes 15 and 6. People pass through it every day...but I decided to stop. I got an interview with Jarrod York of Yorkholo Brewing, stopped at three coffee shops, got two lunches, checked out a butcher, and did a little shopping. It's definitely worth stopping. Jarrod told me at o…

1
85 - Lew Bryson 43:32

4M ago43:32

43:32

In this episode I welcome Lew Bryson up on to the front porch. We discuss his journey from rural Lancaster county to his love of food and drink including his various publications about beer and whiskey. We close our discussion talking about his current podcast, Seen Through A Glass, and discuss the value and importance of eating and drinking locall…

1
Season 2, Episode 33: The Friday Fish Fry 36:06

4M ago36:06

36:06

It's fish fry time, and that means Fish Fry Friday! I love fish fries! The crisp crust of fried haddock, the tender flake of baked cod, and the banquet of side dishes -- french fries, mac & cheese, cole slaw, stewed tomatoes! -- and a sweet delight at the end. It's even better when it's a community meal, served by volunteers and enjoyed at long tab…

1
Season 2, Episode 32: The Meat Lab 53:54

5M ago53:54

53:54

We Are! Meat Lab! Centre County folks know that Penn State drives central Pennsylvania, but some of us also know that Penn State's Butcher Block is the outlet for the school's Meat Lab, where students learn animal husbandry, butchering, meat processing (we'll talk about that difference), and even how to wrap a fresh piece of meat. I talked to Dr. J…

1
84 - Richard Mammana 46:11

5M ago46:11

46:11

In this episode I welcome Richard Mammana on to the front porch. We discuss his multi-ethnic childhood growing up in Easton, PA. We also discuss his acamdemic journey of studying greek, latin, and church history. We close our conversation with a discussion about his current work of documenting colonial-era Pennsylvania Dutch tombstones and what wal…

1
Season 2, Episode 31: Let's Talk Beer 53:37

5M ago53:37

53:37

Mass beer hysteria! I wanted to get more beer content in the podcast, so I invited The Beer Thrillers! Ben Kline, Amy Wolfe, and Josh Doncevic write The Beer Thrillers blog, which is...mostly about beer in Central PA, but they do book reviews (and not just beer books), beer trips well outside the area, and...well, a lot of stuff. We got together at…

1
Season 2, Episode 30: Soup Season 52:00

6M ago52:00

52:00

It's soup! Get a fresh hot bowl of podcast, because it's Soup Season! I've got an interview with mysterious soup cook Jillian Leigh at Otto's Pub and Brewery in State College, spilling the beans about how she makes those amazing soups, the difference between soup and stew, and tips for you to make better soup! I'll tell you about the mad variety of…

1
83 - Welcome 2024 20:05

6M ago20:05

20:05

In this episode we welcome 2024 in by taking a short journey through my trusty Baer's Agricultural Almanac. We take a look at long range forecasts for the year, major anniversaries happening, and some humorous stories as well. Get your own Baer's Almanac! Get your Front Porch Swag! Support the Show.By Doug Madenford

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Season 2, Episode 29: The Turning Of The Year 38:39

6M ago38:39

38:39

For our last episode of 2023, I have an interview with Anne Quinn Corr, long-time food writer for the Centre Daily Times, and author of Seasons of Central Pennsylvania, a beloved cookbook. And of course, you know me: I had to try cooking some of the recipes. (I forgot to thank the members of the "Foodies of State College" Facebook group for their h…

1
Season 2 - Episode 28: The Smack Dab Center of The Holidays! 1:28:30

7M ago1:28:30

1:28:30

It's another extra-special, double-sized, chockful of drinks HOLIDAY EPISODE!! I've got three interviews for you: Dr. Jonathan Campbell of Penn State's Meat Lab talks about your holiday ham; co-founder of The Hummingbird Room, Claudia "Miss Ruby" Sarnow, talks about growing farm to table networks to create their exceptional Christmas menu; and I ta…

1
82 - Katy Bodenhorn Barnes 48:01

7M ago48:01

48:01

In this episode I welcome Katy Bodenhorn Barnes up onto the front porch. We discuss her childhood in north Texas and her journey to college at BYU. We talk a lot about her current role as the Director of Genealogical Services at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. We close our conversation with some deep questions about the power of genealogy a…

1
The Secret Between Seasons Interlude 4:23

7M ago4:23

4:23

Shhhh.... This short secret episode is for regular listeners only: I won't be announcing it on social media. It announces our first Seen Through A Glass contest. Listen for details, and you can win the very first pieces of Seen Through A Glass merch! Er...feel free to tell your friends about the secret. You know...your good friends. We'll be back w…

1
Episode 27: Hanover: Six Breweries and a Whole Lot of Snacks 43:45

7M ago43:45

43:45

Reminder: we'll be off until December 16th, when the show returns for a second season, starting with the Holiday show. Hanover may have thought it was a frontier town, a market town, a transportation hub. But the peckish German-Americans who populated it in the late 1800s and early 1900s knew better. Their ovens and kettles, and a vague hunger betw…

1
Episode 26: Thanksgiving! 45:03

8M ago45:03

45:03

Happy Thanksgiving! Our first Thanksgiving episode features interviews with two turkey farmers, Nancy Kaltenbach of Polecat Hollow Farm and Mark Sharer of Willow Creek Family Farm. They'll tell you how to get a farm-fresh turkey in Centre County...but you'll have to move fast, Turkey Day is coming! I've got drink suggestions for the big day: cider,…

1
81 - Brian Aynardi 54:53

8M ago54:53

54:53

In this episode I welcome Brian Aynardi, a dear friend and distant cousin, up on the front porch. We talk about his childhood in Wyomissing, PA, and his journey to Penn State to pursue degrees in Turf Management. We spend the rest of our conversation talking about his addiction to alcohol and his successful road to recovery. Learn more about Alcoho…

1
Episode 25-plus: MORE Rye Whiskey, MORE Colorado...& a Little Virginia 55:02

8M ago55:02

55:02

That's right: another episode in only a week! We promised, and Seen Through A Glass delivered! This is the second half of my interview with Todd Leopold, a tasting and visit to Laws Whiskey House, lots of great food from Colorado, Kansas City barbecue, and Eastern Shore seafood (and yeah, beer, cider, and wine, too). And once again..."The next epis…

1
Episode 25: Colorado Rye Whiskey 1:00:49

8M ago1:00:49

1:00:49

That's right: I said Colorado rye whiskey! One of the most exciting developments in American whiskey making was the recent rediscovery of a forgotten part of our past: the three chamber still. It's completely unlike any other type of still, and it was used by most American rye distillers as recently as 110 years ago. Then it disappeared. But it's b…

1
Got a Minute? What Seen Through A Glass is about. 1:10

9M ago1:10

1:10

If you're new to Seen Through A Glass (or to podcasts), listen to this. In only a minute, you'll learn what Seen Through A Glass is about, and why you should listen to it. It's pleasant, painless, and short! (And if you're already a listener, this is really easy to share to a friend!) This episode uses these sounds under the following license: Crea…

1
Episode 24: Coffee! 43:42

9M ago43:42

43:42

That's good coffee! Get a hot steaming cup of podcast! I've got an interview with legendary small coffee roaster Bill Clarke from The Cheese Shoppe in State College (who tells us how to get a better cup of coffee at home), my memories of a visit to a Mexican coffee plantation, and my first experience with a Pumpkin Spice Latte. I got Goosed! I went…

1
80 - Gretchen Swank 45:18

9M ago45:18

45:18

In this episode I welcome Gretchen Swank up on the front porch. We discuss her childhood in the mountains of central PA, her time as a criminal investigator for the Pennsylvania State Police and her recent journey into the world of Urglaawe and Braucherei. Learn more about Urglaawe! Read Gretchen's essay that we discuss! Get your Front Porch Merch!…

1
Episode 23: Goot Essa in Nittany Valley 36:28

9M ago36:28

36:28

I love the ridges and valleys of Central Pennsylvania! This episode is all about one of those valleys: Nittany Valley, which runs northeast from Bellefonte up toward Lock Haven. It's a long groove, filled brim to brim with farms, little towns like Zion, and Hublersburg, and Mingoville, It's also home to Blonde Bistro Brew Works, the Hublersburg Inn…

1
Episode 22: Fun In Philly 50:42

10M ago50:42

50:42

Philadelphia was where I used to go play when we lived in Bucks County. My son lives there now, so we went to visit! I got interviews with Ken Correll of Human Robot Brewing; and Tom Kehoe of Yards Brewing; talking about some of my favorite beers. We visited several restaurants, including the singular Monk's Cafe, and dropped in at another taproom,…

1
79 - Nancy Rodabaugh 52:42

10M ago52:42

52:42

In this episode I welcome Nancy Rodabaugh on to the front porch. Nancy recently completed the 500+ mile Camino de Santiago pilgrimage through France and Spain. We talk about her preparation, her journey, and what the experience taught her. Learn more about the Camino de Santiago! Get your Front Porch Merch! Support the Show.…

1
Episode 21: Buon Appetito! Your Local Italian Deli 33:37

10M ago33:37

33:37

Buon Giorno! I scored an interview with Fasta Ravioli's Bob Ricketts, and decided to roll with that, and delivered the best of central Pennsylvania's great Italian delis. From Johnstown to DuBois to Harrisburg and Altoona, we've got some excellent food out there waiting for you. I'll tempt you with a run-down, then tell you the cheats I use to make…

1
Episode 20: Medium Twist, in a Cone: All About Soft-Serve. 35:07

11M ago35:07

35:07

A Sweet Treat To Beat The Heat! This episode is all about Soft-Serve Ice Cream, that delicious, simple, magical stuff that you can find at independent family-owned stands all across central Pennsylvania. We got a great interview with Penn State's wizard of ice cream, Dr. Bob Roberts, the man who runs the famous Penn State Ice Cream Short Course. He…

1
78 - Hiram Smith (Replay) 1:05:23

11M ago1:05:23

1:05:23

In this episode I welcome Hiram Smith up on the front porch. Hiram is a professor of Spanish and Linguistics at Bucknell University here in central PA. We discuss his youth as an "Army Brat" and the various places that he lived growing up. We also discuss African-American-English and its history within the American story as well as an honest and en…

1
Episode 19: Carlisle: Come For The History, Stay For The Pub Crawl 43:23

11M ago43:23

43:23

Carlisle was once a military outpost on the frontier of the British Empire, founded in 1751 and home to the Carlisle Barracks, now the second-oldest continually active military post in the US (suck it, England!). But that's not why we're here! I walked all over the center of Carlisle, visiting 4 breweries, a cider bar, a distillery pub, a cocktail …

1
Episode 18: On The Road: Drinks & Snacks In Ashe County 48:45

12M ago48:45

48:45

We took the portable podcast gear on the road to the western mountains of North Carolina. Cathy and I are in Ashe County for two weeks, and I went a bit nuts with interviews: two brewers, a cheesemaker, a mad sausage maker, and one of our favorite cider makers. It's a gorgeous place, and full of outdoor fun: hiking, tubing, kayaking, and biking. Th…

1
77 - Pete Ruggieri (Replay) 53:55

12M ago53:55

53:55

On this episode, Pete Ruggieri joins me on the front porch. We talk about his time as a 911 dispatcher in Chester County, PA and then we discuss his various charity work. Pete is the brains behind the annual Santa Stumble held in Lancaster each that has raised thousands of dollars to benefit the Lancaster mounted patrol and K-9 units. We close our …

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Episode 17: Have You Been To Philipsburg and Clearfield? 43:23

12M ago43:23

43:23

This episode takes us deep into the woods, from Black Moshannon State Park to Chinklacamoose on the Susquehanna: welcome to Philipsburg and Clearfield! We'll visit two wineries and interview the brewer at The Dead Canary in Philipsburg! Drink along the Western Branch at Dented Keg Brewing, and see the Toasted Monkey; visit the nationally famous Den…

1
Episode 16: What IS Whiskey, Anyway? 36:00

1y ago36:00

36:00

How about a snort, a shot, a tipple, a wee dram? How's about a whiskey?! It's just me this time, because I looked around to find someone to interview about whiskey, and then remembered I've written two books about it! I'll tell you how whiskey is made, clear up some common misconceptions about whiskey, and of course, I'll taste a few whiskeys. Then…

1
76 - Michael Werner 49:27

1y ago49:27

49:27

In this episode I welcome my dear friend, Michael Werner, up on the front porch. Michael is a publisher in the Palatinate region of Germany, who runs the PA Dutch language newspaper: Hiwwe wie Driwwe. Over the years his love of the PA Dutch language and culture and his work with it has helped build a strong transatlantic bridge between our two coun…

1
Episode 15: Beautiful, Historic, Delicious Bellefonte! 41:19

1y ago41:19

41:19

Welcome to the Home of Governors: Bellefonte. Once the most important town in central Pennsylvania, Bellefonte still has a lot to offer, and we won't get to more than half of it! Burgers! Cider! Pizza! Fancy Italian pastries and coffees! Cocktails! And an interview with the folks at Big Spring Spirits. We had fun, and we're going back for more; may…

1
75 - The Class of 2023 30:14

1y ago30:14

30:14

In this episode I welcome seven of my current seniors up on the front porch to discuss their thoughts on their upcoming high school graduation. We discuss their fears, accomplishments and future plans. Shout out to Rebecca Muthler, Chris Corbin, Madeline Jones, Jack Hanna, Peter Monoski, Kelsey Burrows, and Aaron Eldred for their words. Get your Fr…

1
Episode 14: The State of State College Brewing 49:07

1y ago49:07

49:07

There are six breweries and a satellite taproom in State College, Bellefonte, and Boalsburg: Otto's Pub, Boal City Brewing, Antifragile, Axemann, Happy Valley, Robin Hood, and the Voodoo taproom. We'll talk about all of them, as well as some of the craft brewing history of the area, and what's coming, including, I think, a small scoop about a new o…

1
74 - Feli from Germany 53:50

1y ago53:50

53:50

In this episode I welcome German YouTuber, Feli from Germany, on to the front porch. We discuss her childhood in Munich, her various trips back and forth between the US and Germany, and the growth and success of her YouTube channel. She truly is a cultural ambassador between our two countries with a unique perspective and ability to teach the value…

1
Episode 13: Pennsylvania Cider and Covered Bridges 59:02

1y ago59:02

59:02

How do ya like these apples! We're going to York and Adams Counties, the heart of Pennsylvania apple country, to learn about Pennsylvania apple cider! I visited two cideries, and got two interviews, and tasted three ciders. I'll also tell you about my hobby: visiting every one of Pennsylvania's 212 covered bridges. Then it's a sample of what the ne…

1
73 - David Adam 46:23

1y ago46:23

46:23

In this episode I welcome longtime friend and proud PA Dutchman, David Adam, on to the front porch. We discuss his bi-lingual childhood, how he met his wife of 62 years, and his love of teaching PA Dutch. Get your Front Porch Merch! Support the Show.By Doug Madenford

1
Episode 12: The Mallo Cup, The Curve, and Hotel Pizza: Hello, Altoona! 41:30

1y ago41:30

41:30

We're visiting the Railroad City: Altoona! Beer! Altoona Hotel Pizza! More Texas Hots! Sheetz! Mallo Cups! More beer! Sausages! And another OG Beer Bar interview at the fabulous Knickerbocker Tavern. It's a fun tour of Altoona, plus opening night at Boal City Brewing. My special thanks to my daughter, Nora, for the inspiration of our opening sound …

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Lew Bryson Podcasts

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