The Capital of Craft Podcast

Gene Fielden, manager of Bottlecraft North Park, joins Erik and Jeff to talk about how curated beer retail experiences are adapting to the evolving tastes of craft beer drinkers. From his background in archiving to managing one of San Diego’s top bottle shops, Gene shares his journey into beer, how Bottlecraft balances on- and off-premise sales, the comeback of lagers, and what breweries should kn...

Request a sample or get support at https://cytiva.link/70gnb. Want to reach Craig directly? You can email him at  craig.nelson@cytiva.com.⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ ⏷ In this Capital of Craft podcast episode, we sit down with Craig Nelson, Lab Filtration and Genomics Sales Specialist at Cytiva. Craig shares...

In this episode of the Capital of Craft podcast, we sit down with Rob Vetere, COO of Bay City Brewing, to talk about the brewery’s relaunch after COVID-19 and how his background in hospitality has helped shape Bay City’s future. Rob shares insights on running dual tasting rooms in Point Loma and East Village, navigating the three-headed beast of hospitality, distribution, and manufacturing, and wh...

Season 3 continues with Cody Gagnon, owner and head brewer of Michi Brew Co., one of the freshest faces in San Diego’s ever-evolving beer scene. In this episode, Cody shares the whirlwind journey of opening Michi Brew Co. in just a few months, the learning curve of taking over an existing space, and how his background in hospitality shaped the guest experience at his tropical-themed tasting room i...

In the Season 3 kickoff of the Capital of Craft podcast, we sit down with Jorge Torres—local beer writer, Brewers Guild Education Committee member, and associate producer of this very show. Jorge shares his story of growing up in Escondido, serving in the Navy, and returning home with a passion for craft beer and community connection. From volunteering at Stone Brewing to helping organize educatio...

In this episode of the Capital of Craft Podcast, we sit down with Dan Denham, General Manager of the San Diego County Water Authority, to discuss the essential role water plays in the craft brewing industry. From the origins of San Diego’s water supply to the challenges breweries face when balancing water chemistry, we explore the vital connection between water management and beer quality. Dan sha...

Unlock the keys to financial sustainability in craft beer with Matthew Holden, brewery consultant and former co-owner of Rip Current Brewing. In this episode of the Capital of Craft Podcast, we explore the financial strategies every brewery needs to survive and thrive in today’s competitive market. From understanding costs to long-term planning, Holden shares insights on how breweries can avoid co...

In this episode of the Capital Craft Podcast, we welcome Esthela Davila, the 2025 San Diego Brewers Guild President, to discuss her journey in the craft beer industry and the future of San Diego’s brewing community. Esthela shares how she got started in beer—from volunteering at festivals to leading a brewery and founding advocacy groups like Pink Boots Society and a Beer Club for Women. She opens...

How can breweries and taprooms create more welcoming spaces for families and individuals with autism? In this episode of Capital of Craft, we sit down with Shahriar Afshar, Executive Director of the Autism Society San Diego, to discuss the challenges autism families face when trying to enjoy public spaces—and how breweries can take small, meaningful steps toward inclusivity. Shahriar shares insigh...

In this episode of Capital of Craft Podcast, hosts Erik Fowler and Jeff Fox sit down with Neva Parker, Director of Operations at White Labs, to explore her 20-year journey in craft beer—from her unexpected start in yeast science to becoming a leader in our industry. Neva shares personal stories and insights about what’s kept her passionate through decades of change, the importance of people over p...

In this episode of Capital of Craft Podcast, hosts Erik Fowler and Jeff Fox welcome Jeff Lozano, Brand Ambassador for Ballast Point Brewing Company, to discuss the evolution of San Diego’s craft beer scene and the importance of building a strong community and culture within the industry. Jeff shares his inspiring journey from nursing school to becoming a key figure in craft beer, starting as a jan...

Hosts Erik Fowler and Jeff Fox sit down with Mack Sant from CraftMaster Stainless to delve into the critical topic of brewery preventative maintenance. With a unique background as a former brewer turned equipment specialist, Mack shares invaluable insights into keeping brewery operations running smoothly and efficiently. From the importance of proactive maintenance to the impact of cleanliness on...

Join us on this episode of The Capital of Craft Podcast as we talk with historian and Brewchive curator Judith Downie. Judith shares the story behind the Brewchive at Cal State San Marcos, an archive dedicated to documenting San Diego’s vibrant beer history. From the early days of brewing to the city’s modern craft beer scene, Judith explains how the Brewchive preserves the stories, styles, and pe...

In this episode of the Capital of Craft, we sit down with Dan Imdieke, President and Co-Owner of the Cicerone Certification Program, to discuss how beer education can transform the craft beer industry. Dan shares insights from his 20-year journey in the beer world—from working at major chains like Yard House and Molson Coors to leading the charge at Cicerone, the gold standard in beer certificatio...

Jill Olesh, the dynamic Director of Sales at Pizza Port Brewing, joins us on this Capital of Craft Podcast episode to explore the deep currents that shape San Diego's beer culture and the broader craft beer community. From Jill's ascent within the San Diego Brewers Guild to her strategic maneuvers in the marketplace, we peel back the layers of collaboration, community, and competition that define...

The renowned “Beer Attorney” Candace Moon joins us once again on the Capital of Craft Podcast! This time, she’s here to talk about brewery regulatory compliance in California. This episode of the Capital Craft Podcast offers an in-depth look at navigating the legal landscape of the brewing industry. Candace breaks down regulatory compliance, clarifies the role of the California Craft Beer Associat...

Join us on the Capital Craft Podcast for an insightful episode with Winslow Sawyer from Pure Project, where sustainable brewing takes center stage. Pure Project is not just crafting exceptional beers but also pioneering sustainability in the craft beer industry. Learn about their unique use of Kernza, a perennial grain that represents a significant advancement in sustainable agricultural practices...

Join us on this episode of the Capital Craft Podcast as we explore the inspiring journey of Vista’s newest craft brewery － Roadies Brewing. In this episode, we sit down with founders Sean and Diane Hilz, who share their transition from being the lifeblood of their daughter’s color guard troupe to spearheading a community-centric brewery. Nestled in the heart of Vista, California—a city renowned f...

Kick-off Season 2 of the Capital of Craft Podcast with a captivating episode featuring Jordan Hoffart, co-founder of Black Plague Brewing.  As we delve into the world of craft beer, Jordan shares invaluable insights on consumer expectations, the evolution of branding, and how to align beer offerings to meet the tastes of your target audience while expanding distribution networks and fostering stra...

As many breweries face closures and the craft beer scene in San Diego becomes increasingly challenging, this episode of the Capital Craft Podcast offers a beacon of guidance. Hosts Eric Fowler and Jeff Fox are joined by Derek Smith, a brewery consultant from Small Batch Standard, who brings critical financial insights to the table. Derek delves into how breweries can navigate the tricky waters of...

This episode underlines Pink Boots Society's ongoing efforts to empower, educate, and create a more inclusive and supportive environment within the craft beverage industry. Join us on the latest episode of the Capital of Craft Podcast, where we sit down with Romi Rossel and Lia Garcia, co-leads of the Pink Boots Society's San Diego chapter. These trailblazers share their experiences and th...

Join us on this enlightening episode of the Capital Craft Podcast, where we sit down with Dustin Hauck, Principal at Hauck Architecture. Dustin brings his extensive experience in designing spaces specifically for the craft brewery industry, focusing on the integration of kitchens into brewery environments. Whether you're planning a new brewery or looking to enhance an existing venue, this disc...

Dive into the world of sustainable packaging with Chad Fields and Jason "JJ" Jackson from Atlantic Packaging and A New Earth Project on the Capital Craft Podcast. Explore how the brewing industry is embracing eco-friendly solutions to reduce environmental impact. This insightful episode discusses the strides being made in sustainable packaging, driven by both innovative industry leaders...

Join us on the Capital of Craft Podcast as we delve into the intricate world of hops with Steve Burchill, Southwest Region Sales Manager at Hollingbery & Son Hops and a craft beer industry veteran. This episode offers a comprehensive look at the evolving economic factors influencing hop usage and strategies for maintaining financial sustainability in brewing. Topics discussed in the podcast: ●...

Join the Capital of Craft Podcast as we delve into the intricate world of brewery trademarks and legal hurdles with Candace Moon, from the Craft Beer Attorney. With years of specialized experience in the craft beverage industry, Candace offers a wealth of knowledge on how breweries can navigate the complex terrain of legal issues to protect their brands and streamline their operations. Topics Disc...