Don't Drink Beer Podcast: Why You Should Listen Soberly

The 'Don't Drink Beer' podcast is hosted by Alex Kidd, alongside comedy writers and performers Stephen Loh and Michael Gabriel. The podcast explores the craft beer world, as well as movies, music, video games, and pop culture. The hosts discuss a range of topics, from how to stay excited about beer and avoiding flex culture to new fatherhood and plate stacking. The podcast also features beer reviews, ranking treatments, and news about breweries and the beer industry.

The Malty Boyz™ try European NA beers

In this episode of the Don't Drink Beer podcast, The Malty Boyz™ are getting up close and personal with four European non-alcoholic beers. The boys put Le Chouffe, Peroni, Stella Artois, and Bitburger through their paces in a Power Ranking treatment taste test.

The Malty Boyz™ are made up of Alex Kidd, Stephen Loh, and Michael Gabriel, who together bring you their thoughts on the world of non-alcoholic beer, as well as movies, music, video games, and pop culture. In this episode, the boys are taking on Europe, and the question is: can the continent known for its beer halls and beer gardens cut the alcohol but keep the flavour?

The four European NA beers are put to the test, and the boys decide on a winner, but not before some lively discussion and, no doubt, a few tangents about their lives as self-described 'basement dwellers'. In the Beer News segment, the boys also discuss the closure of breweries, including Cascade Brewing and Lagunitas.

So, who comes out on top in the battle of the European NA beers? You'll have to listen to the episode to find out, but rest assured, The Malty Boyz™ know their stuff when it comes to non-alcoholic beverages, and they're not afraid to tell it like it is.

Join The Malty Boyz™ as they navigate the world of European NA beers, bringing their unique brand of humour and insight to the table, one beer at a time.

Alex Kidd discusses new fatherhood

Alex Kidd, the founder of the popular entertainment and satire brand Don't Drink Beer, has had quite the journey to new fatherhood. Kidd, a professional comedian and lawyer, started Don't Drink Beer as a way to expose some of the more insane things that happen in the beer world, from the trading circuit to the valuations placed on certain bottles.

Kidd's journey to fatherhood has been marked by both joy and hardship. He and his wife, Normandy, struggled with fertility issues and underwent rounds of in vitro fertilization (IVF) retrievals and shots. In 2021, their efforts were rewarded with the birth of their son, Soren. However, just as they were celebrating the arrival of their new baby, Kidd received a devastating diagnosis of Stage 4 colon cancer at the age of 39.

Despite the challenges, Kidd remained dedicated to his work and family. He continued to produce content for Don't Drink Beer and co-host the Malt Couture podcast, all while undergoing treatment for cancer. He even used his platform to encourage people to get regular cancer screenings and be proactive about their health.

Now, with a new daughter, Paloma, born in September 2023, Kidd is navigating the joys and challenges of being a father of two while also facing health issues. He has expressed his desire to provide a stable and secure environment for his children, a reflection of his upbringing in Fresno, California.

Kidd's journey to new fatherhood has been filled with both happiness and adversity. He has approached it with his signature humor and resilience, using his platform to raise awareness and funds for important causes, such as the family of Breonna Taylor, while also navigating the uncertainties of his health.

Beer and movie pairings

Shaun of the Dead and Fuller's London Pride

The zombie comedy classic "Shaun of the Dead" features a high beer count, with the two lead characters, Shaun and Ed, consuming most of their beer at their local pub, The Winchester. A classic English pale ale like Fuller's London Pride would be a fitting choice to sip on while watching this hilarious and scary movie.

The Nightmare Before Christmas and Great Lakes Brewing Co.'s Christmas Ale

For a festive movie night, pair the Halloween and Christmas classic "The Nightmare Before Christmas" with a Christmas ale like Great Lakes Brewing Co.'s Christmas Ale. Alternatively, you could go for a pumpkin ale to match the Halloween theme.

The Evil Dead and Homebrew

Sam Raimi's low-budget cult classic "The Evil Dead" is a perfect match for a night of homebrews. The amateurish nature of the film pairs well with the rewarding experience of drinking your own homemade brews, even if they have minor flaws.

Teen Wolf and Sweet Fang Milk Stout

For a trip back to the 80s, pair the 1985 movie "Teen Wolf" starring Michael J. Fox with a milk stout like Sweet Fang Milk Stout. This pairing will have you howling with nostalgia and enjoying the smooth, creamy flavours of a milk stout.

The Batman and Other Half Gotham Gold Lager

The dark and gritty world of "The Batman" calls for a beer that reflects the character of the titular superhero. Other Half's Gotham Gold Lager is a perfect match, offering a refreshing and crisp drinking experience while you watch Robert Pattinson's take on the Dark Knight.

Beer and improv shows

The "Don't Drink Beer" podcast is hosted by Alex Kidd, a blogger and podcaster, and his co-hosts Stephen Loh and Michael Gabriel, who are comedy writers and performers. The podcast explores the world of craft beer, discussing and reviewing different types of beer, breweries, and trends. They also delve into other topics such as movies, music, video games, and pop culture.

In one episode, Alex Kidd returned to the podcast to discuss a variety of topics, including an improv-free pandemic, new fatherhood, list-making, and plate stacking. Alex, known as the Soothsayer of Stout and the Lukr of Litigation, also shared his thoughts on how to stay excited about beer and offered suggestions for pairing pop-improv shows and movies with specific beers.

While there are no explicit mentions of "beer and improv shows" in the context of the "Don't Drink Beer" podcast, the combination of beer and improv could be an interesting concept to explore further. Here are some ideas and suggestions for creating engaging and interactive beer and improv shows:

• Interactive Tasting Sessions: Create a fun and interactive show where the audience can participate in beer tastings. Set up a stage with a bar or tasting table and invite a group of people to be tasters. Blindfold the tasters and have them sample different beers while describing their taste sensations and trying to guess the beer. The audience can also participate by guessing along and voting for their favorite beers.
• Improv Games with a Beer Twist: Incorporate beer-themed improv games into the show. For example, have a "Beer-prov" game where improvisers create scenes or stories based on beer-related suggestions from the audience. You can also include drinking games, beer-themed charades, or a "Beer-off" competition where improvisers pitch their beer-related inventions or business ideas.
• Beer-Themed Sketch Comedy: Write and perform sketch comedy scenes or plays that revolve around beer. Create funny characters who work in a brewery, bar, or beer-related business and explore the hilarious situations they encounter. Include audience interaction by inviting them to suggest scene locations, character relationships, or even participate as extras in the sketches.
• Beer Expert Interviews: Invite beer experts, brewmasters, or craft beer enthusiasts to join the improv show. Conduct fun and informal interviews while enjoying a few beers. Have the guests share their knowledge, stories, and recommendations in a relaxed and humorous setting. This can include beer-tasting segments, with the guests and improvisers providing comedic commentary.
• Improv Shows at Breweries: Collaborate with local breweries or craft beer bars to host improv shows at their venues. Create a unique and intimate setting where the audience can enjoy a beer while watching the show. Incorporate the brewery's story, beer-making process, or unique beer styles into the improv scenes for a personalized touch.
• Beer-Themed Audience Participation: Encourage audience participation by incorporating beer-themed suggestions or props. For example, have audience members bring their favorite craft beers, and use those beers as inspiration for scenes or games. You can also include beer-related costumes, props, or set pieces to enhance the comedy and create a truly immersive beer and improv experience.

By combining the creativity and spontaneity of improv with the enjoyment and camaraderie of beer, you can develop a unique and engaging show format that entertains and involves the audience. These suggestions can be tailored to your specific needs and can help create a successful and memorable "Beer and Improv" show experience.

The best beers of 2018

The DontDrinkBeer website and Malt Couture podcast are known for their irreverent and satirical take on the beer world. However, in 2018, founder Alex Kidd shared his more serious thoughts on the best beers of the year.

Kidd, a professional comedian and lawyer, is known for his elaborate beer reviews, and his picks for 2018 certainly showcase his unique perspective. While the full list is not available, it is clear that Kidd has a soft spot for craft beers and the culture that surrounds them.

One of the beers that stood out to Kidd in 2018 was the Taneum Creek Brewing Wild Goose Chase, a 3% ABV saison. He describes the beer as a "direct, focused" offering with incredible carbonation and retention, transporting drinkers back to a time when people desired higher carbonation levels in their beers. The low ABV and refreshing flavor make it a perfect choice for deep pulls on a hot day.

Another notable mention from Kidd's 2018 list is the Wren House Steps of Knowledge, a modern stout with restrained spice, structured cacao nibs, and snickerdoodle undertones. This beer marks a departure from the overly spiced and caked-up stouts of the mid-2010s, showcasing a more refined and balanced approach.

Kidd also showed appreciation for the Second City Meadery, particularly their berry-focused meads. He describes the experience as "bulking in a Lost Cause way without the intense pastry additives," indicating a preference for a more subtle and nuanced flavor profile.

While the full list of Kidd's best beers of 2018 is not available, these selections showcase his discerning palate and unique perspective on the beer world. Through his satirical website, serious reviews, and the Malt Couture podcast, Kidd and his co-hosts, Stephen Loh and Michael Gabriel, continue to entertain and engage beer enthusiasts worldwide.

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