Prost! Podcast

Scott Eckart sits down to Interview Shane Christ of Acres Away Winery in Ashley, Indiana. They talk in the middle of the 2026 harvest. Shane covers estate-grown grapes, why he sticks with proven varieties, and why he'd rather stay small than chase growth.  Kirk Etheridge (Head Winemaker) joins, and the 3 discuss the Indiana Wine scene as well as their vision for what a midwestern and Indiana...

Scott Eckart visits Mark Eckard at Fat Pig Recording Company in Dunkirk, Indiana, for an unscripted conversation about recording, tone, and community. The episode covers Mark’s path from self-taught amp builder to studio owner, plus the practical side of capturing drums, guitars, and full-band performances in a room designed to make artists feel comfortable.  Scott frames the discussion around one...

Summary: In this episode, Scott Eckart interviews Sarah Fields, Pilgrimage Wine Company's Chief social media marketing strategist.  We talk about her journey, as well as discuss strategies and highlight insights of effective online marketing for small businesses and wineries. We explore the importance of branding, content creation, and community engagement in building a successful brand. Keyw...

Scott Eckart sits down with Joel David Weir for a wide-ranging conversation about songwriting, performance, recording, and why Indiana keeps producing so many strong writers. They also dig into Joel’s new recording plans, his creative services business with Maria, and the role Pilgrimage Wine Company is playing as a home for live original music. Further, Joel shares how he turns songs into stories...

In this episode, Sarah Fields interviews Scott and Emma Eckart, who share the origin story behind Pilgrimage and Treaty Line — from military life and travels through Sicily and California to building a winery and independent record label on a family farm in Indiana. What starts as a discussion about wine quickly becomes a bigger conversation about vision, patience, craftsmanship, local music, and...

In this episode, we sit down with musician and producer Michael W. Johnson I to delve into his innovative approach to blending acoustic and electronic music, his experience with live backing tracks, and his perspective on supporting the local music scene. Whether you're a singer-songwriter, producer, or music enthusiast, there's valuable insight into the creative process and navigating t...

In this interview, Scott Eckart sits down with Brittany Gibson, Executive Director of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, to talk about wine tourism, storytelling, and what it takes to create a winery experience that actually drives sales and loyalty. Brittany shares her personal journey from aspiring lawyer to wine industry leader, along with the lessons she learned in marketing, tourism, and regional co...

Summary Join us as we explore the vibrant music scene in Eastern Indiana, the journey of singer-songwriter Joe Shelton, and the importance of supporting local artists. Discover insights on songwriting, recording, and the passion that drives independent musicians. keywords music scene, songwriting, independent artists, recording, Indiana, live music, podcast, music venues, artist support Key Topics...

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Christian Butzke from Purdue University as we delve into the rich heritage, current challenges, and exciting innovations shaping Indiana's wine industry. Discover how local varieties, climate resilience, and university-driven research are blending tradition with entrepreneurship to craft a vibrant future for Midwest wines. In this episode: The...

In this engaging interview, JC Clements, president of Hoosier Original Music Association (HooMac), shares insights into Indiana's vibrant local music scene, the importance of supporting original artists, and upcoming events like Farmette in South Bend. Discover how community, authenticity, and strategic networking are shaping Indiana's unique musical identity. keywords Indiana music scen...

Summary In this episode of the PROST! podcast, host Scott Eckart interviews John Thull, an expert in cold climate viticulture from the University of Minnesota. They discuss the challenges and techniques of growing grape varieties that can withstand harsh winters, the legacy of Elmer Swenson in developing cold-hardy varieties, and the intricate process of breeding new grape varieties. John shares i...

Summary In this conversation, Jansen Duncan shares his journey as a musician, discussing the challenges of balancing life and music, his quest for an authentic sound, and the evolution of his musical identity. He reflects on his influences, the local music scene, and the importance of humor in songwriting. Scott also looks ahead to future projects and the excitement of performing. Takeaways Balanc...

Summary: In the heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan, lies Right Bank Selections, a wine shop that goes beyond the ordinary. In a recent podcast episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Michael Bryant, the owner, who shared his passion for wine, unique offerings, and the art of pairing wine with food. Join me as we explore his journey in the wine industry and uncover some hidden gems that can eleva...

Summary In this episode of the PROST! Podcast, host Scott Eckart speaks with singer-songwriter Kevin Milner about his journey in music, the challenges of songwriting, and the importance of authenticity in a rapidly changing music landscape. They discuss the impact of the Songwriter Solstice event, Kevin's vocal challenges after surgery, and his influences from artists like Neil Young and Trac...

Summary In this spirited conversation between Kevin Geeting (Head of Winemaking at Country Heritage Winery in Laotta, IN) and Scott Eckart (Winemaker at Pilgrimage Wine Co in Cambridge City, IN), these two Indiana-focused winemakers emphasize the importance of unity among wineries to enhance the quality of wine in the state.  It highlights the need for collaboration and support, drawing comparison...

Summary:  Discover the passion and insights behind cultivating a vibrant local music scene with musician and promoter Kyle Hazard. In this engaging episode between Scott Eckart and Kyle, we explore the challenges, opportunities, and personal stories that define how artists thrive and connect in Eastern Indiana. Key Topics: The power of live local music and its irreplaceable value in building commu...

Summary In this conversation, Mike Schembre and Scott Eckart discuss the significance of customer experience in business. They emphasize that customers are drawn to businesses not just for the products but for the unique experiences and knowledge they can gain. The personal connection with business owners plays a crucial role in fostering loyalty and engagement. Keywords experience, knowledge, cus...

Dive into an inspiring conversation with singer-songwriter Taller Jason (of Two Jason’s and Highwater Troubadours fame) as we explore the vibrant local music scene in Indiana, the artistry behind songwriting, and the power of live performance to create meaningful moments. Whether you're a musician or a music lover, this episode offers insights into the heart of local culture and the value of...

Summary: In this engaging podcast episode, Scott & Emma Eckart & Jan Bugher discuss the fascinating world of wine, focusing on Jan's journey as a certified sommelier and wine educator. They explore the allure of champagne, the importance of terroir in wine production, and the evolving wine culture in Indiana. The conversation highlights the significance of local restaurants in promoti...

Summary In this conversation, Kort McCumber (of Moors & McCumber) discusses the importance of hard work and dedication in his journey as a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He emphasizes focusing on skill development rather than seeking validation from others, ultimately leading to a genuine connection with his audience. Takeaways If I focused on working my ass off, there wasn'...

Summary In this conversation, Cody Kraus shares his insights on the wine culture he experienced in Chile and how it has influenced his approach to winemaking in Indiana. He discusses the demand for dry wines and the evolving preferences of consumers, emphasizing the potential for redefining Indiana's wine identity. Keywords wine, Chile, Indiana, dry wines, wine culture, consumer preferences,...

Summary: In this episode of the Prost! Podcast, we revisit the podcast that got it all started!  First...Rodie Jon (of the Brewsers Podcast out of Arlington, TX) asks Scott to be on his podcast after he saw some of our Instagram Social Media.  Scott had a great time chatting and telling the Pilgrimage story, but once AJ Wetzel suggested we should start our own podcast...it was a done deal.   It ha...

Summary In this conversation, Chris Wolf and Scott Eckart discuss the unique emotional connection that live music creates between musicians and their audience, emphasizing that this human experience is irreplaceable, especially in the age of AI. They reflect on the diminishing value of recorded music, suggesting it has become more of a promotional tool than a primary revenue source. Wolf believes...

Summary In this engaging conversation, Scott Eckart interviews Stephen Casscles, a prominent figure in the world of winemaking and grape research. They delve into the history of grape varieties, particularly focusing on French hybrids and their significance in the American wine industry. The discussion covers the impact of climate change on grape growing, the legacy of Philip Wagner in promoting h...

Summary In this conversation, Scott Eckart and AJ Wetzel discuss the evolving landscape of the music business, emphasizing the diminishing value of recorded music in the face of AI advancements. They highlight the importance of live performances and the emotional connections that artists create with their audiences, which cannot be replicated by technology. Takeaways You're in the AJ Wetzel b...