The Craft Equation

What’s really happening in craft beer right now? In this episode of The Craft Equation Podcast, we sit down with Bart Watson (President & CEO of the Brewers Association) to break down the realities facing the beer industry—from slowing demand and changing consumer habits to rising costs, distribution challenges, and the future of craft. If you’re a brewer, industry professional, or just someon...

In Part 2 of The Craft Equation, we dive deep into the real science behind hazy IPAs — not just what they look like, but what physically and chemically makes haze form, stay suspended, and remain stable from tank to package. Joined by Chris Baker, Director of Brewing Operations at Mother Earth Brew Co., we break down the technical side of haze formation: protein–polyphenol interactions, wheat and...

Health, Nutrition, and…Beer?! | The Craft Equation Podcast Beer and health aren’t words you usually hear in the same sentence — especially during Dry January, when conversations around alcohol, moderation, and nutrition are everywhere. In this episode of The Craft Equation, we take a science-first look at how beer fits into modern discussions about health, mindful drinking, and balance. We’re join...

Hazy beers have exploded in popularity over the last decade, but what actually makes a beer “hazy”? And why do drinkers associate haze with juiciness, softness, and modern IPA flavor?   In Part 1 of The Science of Haze, Mother Earth Brew Co.’s Director of Brewing Operations, Chris Baker, joins us to explore how haze-forward beers evolved, what defines them, and how consumers interpret what they se...

Ever wonder why your favorite brewery isn’t on every shelf or tap list? Maybe your'e a brewery looking to expand and don't know where to start. Distribution might be the toughest part of craft beer—and we’re breaking it down. In this episode of The Craft Equation, we sit down with Kevin Hopkins, VP here at Mother Earth Brew Co., and Rich Collins, an industry veteran with stints at Stone Brewing, M...

Why do alcohol laws look so different from state to state? And what exactly is a control state? In this episode of The Craft Equation, we sit down with Jeremy Pisca, attorney, government affairs expert, and partner at Risch Pisca Law & Policy, to demystify the world of alcohol control states. From their origins after Prohibition to their impact on breweries, consumers, and legislation today, J...

PFAS—“forever chemicals”—are making headlines in beer, but what’s fact and what’s fear? Host, and Mother Earth Founder, Kamron K., sits down with Chris Baker, Mother Earth's Brewmaster and also a biochemist, to break down what PFAS are, how they show up in beer, and why you don’t need to panic. A clear, science-driven look at one of craft beer’s hottest topics.

What does it really mean to “taste” beer? In this special live-recorded episode of The Craft Equation, we sit down at our Vista Taproom with Daniel Imdieke, Master Cicerone®, to break down the art of beer tasting in a way anyone can understand. This is an absolute masterclass. Daniel pulls back the curtain on how beer professionals evaluate aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel—while showing how simple tec...

What does it really mean to taste beer instead of just drinking it? In this episode of The Craft Equation, recorded live at our Vista Taproom, we sit down with Daniel Imdieke, Master Cicerone®, to break down the essentials of beer tasting for both brewers and casual drinkers alike.  Daniel explains how beer pros evaluate flavor, aroma, and mouthfeel—and shares simple techniques anyone can use to g...

In this episode of The Craft Equation, we sit down with Ben Edmunds, Brewmaster at Breakside Brewery, to talk all things beer collaborations—how they happen, why they matter, and what makes them truly successful. From aligning creative visions to navigating business logistics, Ben shares insider tips on making collab brews that are more than just hype. We’ll cover everything from recipe brainstorm...