Conversation On Tap

Welcome back to Conversation on Tap! In this episode, Joel and Jose were joined by Gloria Soto, a Santa Maria councilwoman, to discuss how the city is responding to the Coronavirus. Because of social distancing, this was our fourth episode to be recorded via Skype, so please bear with us as the sound quality wasn't especially at its finest.  As we started the episode, Joel said that he was out of beer, while Jose drank the last of the delicious Negra Modelo in his refrigerator.  For their FRED Talks, Jose talked about why Easter is celebrated on Sundays, and Joel shared a link (IHME) and his frustration that the media isn't comparing the predictions for Coronavirus and the actual numbers. In the main segment, Joel, Jose, and Gloria talked about her work on the City Council to confront the challenge of the Coronavirus in our community. Gloria was born and raised in Santa Maria to parents who immigrated to the United States in 1988. Now, after a year into her first term, she has been leading the fight to k

Welcome back to Conversation on Tap! In this episode, Joel and Jose were joined by Mike Lewis, the managing editor and co-founder of Where Peter Is, to discuss Pope Francis and his reactionary critics. Because of social distancing, this was our second episode to be recorded via Skype, so please bear with us as the sound quality wasn't especially at its finest. We will improve the sound, hopefully, as we do more episodes using Skype. As we started the episode, Joel grabbed himself a brew called The Dog Ate My Homework, while Jose drank a delicious Negra Modelo. For their FRED Talks, Jose talked about why God isn't punishing us with the Coronavirus, and Joel talked about the Semmelweis Effect. In the main segment, Joel, Jose, and Mike talked about the impetus for creating Where Peter Is, an online Catholic media outlet. Much of the conversation focused on Pope Francis' vision of the Church-- and how right-wing reactionaries have tried to thwart that vision through the use of Catholic media that has become

Welcome back to Conversation on Tap! In this episode, Joel and Jose were joined by Jose Segura, the President of the Santa Maria Elementary Education Association, to discuss the impact the Coronavirus is having on California teachers. Due to the fact that this is a rapidly evolving pandemic, it should be noted that California schools are now closed for the remainder of the academic year. Because of social distancing, this was our second episode to be recorded via Skype, so please bear with us as the sound quality wasn't especially at its finest. We will improve the sound, hopefully, as we do more episodes using Skype. As we started the episode, Joel grabbed himself an 805, Jose finished off the Coronas, and Jose Segura poured himself a chocolate stout. For their FRED Talks, Jose talked about the need to use this shelter-in-place time to work on your interior life, Jose Segura talked about the luxurious quality of sweat pants, and Joel sought clarity about discerning God's will in prayer. In the main segm

Welcome back to Conversation on Tap! In this episode, Joel and Jose were joined by Luke Laurie to discuss the Coronavirus pandemic. This was recorded almost a week beforehand, so the information, while accurate at the time, doesn't capture the worsening situation we face today. Because of social distancing, this was also our first episode to be recorded via Skype, so please bear with us as the sound quality wasn't especially at its finest. We will improve the sound, hopefully, as we do more episodes using Skype. As they started the episode, Joel and Jose poured themselves some Coronas, both as a bit of gallows humor and a show of solidarity with the Corona company. For their FRED Talks, Joel sat this one out, but Jose talked about the global population of Catholics, a topic on his mind as they prepared to discuss a global virus. In the main segment, Joel, Luke, and Jose talked about the Coronavirus. They talked about the origin of the Coronavirus, as well as why it is also called Covid-19. They also talk

Welcome back to Conversation on Tap! In this episode, Joel and Jose were joined by Jesse, Jose's brother, to discuss the death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and the other victims of the tragic helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.  As they started the episode, Joel and Jose poured a delicious pint of Howling Gourds: Pumpkin Ale, while Jesse poured himself a cold soda. For their FRED Talks, Joel talked about the exciting sport known as frisbee golf-- also known as frolf-- and Jose talked about the potential introduction of married priests in the Amazon (**update: Pope Francis punted on the issue for further discussion). This latter topic was of particular interest to Joel, who's father was a married Lutheran pastor.  In the main segment, Joel, Jesse, and Jose talked about the death of Kobe Bryant. It was a shocking and unexpected death and one that tore at the hearts of people all across the country and the world. Jesse and Joel are huge basketball fans, so they dived into the details of Kobe's career

 Welcome back to Conversation on Tap! Unfortunately, we have had some technical difficulties that have set our Podcast back a bit, but we have been purchasing some new audio recording equipment and are ready to get back into the Podcasting game!  In the meantime, we have been granted permission to share the episode of the Dad's Podcast Project that featured Joel and I as guests. We were awe-struck by how professional Ramon's Podcast was, which is what inspired us to step-up the quality of our show. Also, I want to acknowledge that this is our two year anniversary as a Podcast! Woot woot! Here's to 2020 being our breakout year! Please go check out The Dad's Podcast Project both in audio and visual form. We hope to see you guys very soon! Cheers!

Welcome back to another episode of Conversation on Tap! In this episode, Joel and Jose had a potpourri conversation-- we talked about several random topics! As they started the episode, Joel and Jose poured a delicious pint of Frothbite IPA by Alvarado Street Brewery. The can's label was hilarious and the beer was tasty. We highly recommend it. For their FRED Talks, Jose talked about Pope Francis's 83rd birthday, while Joel talked about "cute aggression." In the main segment, Jose and Joel talked about the impeachment of Trump, which seemed to really set Jose off. That segued into a discussion about which 2020 candidate was the most viable in running against Trump. From there, Joel brought up the attempts by some Christians to create a duality between the material and the spiritual, which lead into a discussion about Christmas. Jose then took some time to discuss his frustrations at work, but Joel talked him off the ledge. As they wrapped up, they talked about Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and offered f

Welcome back to another episode of Conversation on Tap! In this episode, Jose interviewed Ramon Campoamor from the Dad's Podcast Project, who joined Jose to discuss the joys-- and struggles-- of parenthood. Unfortunately, Joel was dealing with a family issue and could not be present for the interview, but he was able to record the beginning and end of the episode. Let's please keep Joel and his family in our prayers for good health! As they started the episode, Joel and Jose poured a delicious glass of SoCal Kooks by Humble Sea Brewing Company. For their FRED Talks, Jose talked about the Vatican's Devil's Advocate, while Joel quizzed Jose about some mind blowing facts presented by Life Hacker. As Jose began the interview with Ramon, they talked about the health of Ramon's daughter, who recently had to have an MRI. They also discussed the state of society whereby both parents have to work and have an income, even though many families would prefer to have one of the parents stay home to raise their children.

Welcome back to another episode of Conversation on Tap. We were especially honored to be joined by Chris Lambert from the Your Own Backyard Podcast, who joined us to discuss the disappearance of Kristin Smart in May 1996. But first we pour ourselves a tasty pint of Devil's Gulch Hazy IPA. For our FRED Talks, Jose talks about how Vatican City has the world's largest crime rate, while Joel waxes poetic about how people are rather pessimistic about the state of the world. As Joel and Jose interview Chris Lambert, they first ask him some questions about how he got into the subject of Kristin Smart and how he quit his job in order to complete his Podcast project (support Chris at this GoFundMe). The conversation turned to focus on the life of Kristin Smart and what we know transpired on that fateful Memorial Day weekend in 1996. They also discussed the evidence that clearly ties Paul Flores to her disappearance, as well as his parents as likely accomplices in the cover-up. They also discussed the incompetence of

In this episode of Conversation on Tap, I sit down with myself over an Easy Jack IPA to discuss the supposed conversion of Kanye West. Caution: I am not particularly kind to Kanye, Kim, or Trump-- or Joel Osteen. It's a brief 20 minute soliloquy, but I pack in quite a bit of theology, politics, and music, so brace yourself. This is a bonus episode, so stay tuned for episode 37, which will be an interview with Chris Lambert, the creator and host of the Your Own Backyard Podcast. So, stay tuned! Cheers!

Welcome to another episode of Conversation on Tap! In this week's episode, Joel and Jose chat about cults. But before they dive into the main topic, they gush about Figueroa Mountain's Danish Red Lager. It's got a rich flavor and is quite a sight to see in a cold pint glass. For their FRED Talks, Joel talks about the educational principle of contingency, while Jose bemoans the lack of knowledge among American Catholics of the Eucharist. In the main part of the show, Joel and Jose discuss infamous cults like Jonestown and Heaven's Gate, while also noting some similarities between Trump and cult leaders like Charles Manson. As they close out the show, Joel talks about the great Netflix show entitled Mindhunter, while Jose encouraged listeners to check out his friends' Podcast My Brother's Wife and Me and Him. We hope that you will join us next week for another episode of Conversation on Tap! And please be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Cheers!

Welcome back to another episode of Conversation on Tap! This week, Joel and Jose sit down for an interview with one of their beloved colleagues: Linda Diepenbrock. She's a passionate Brit who is retiring and looking to travel the world. But before they began their interview, Jose and Joel shared a shot of Fireball in honor of Linda. Jose also mentioned that the combination of Fireball and Angry Orchard Cider makes the delicious drink Angry Balls-- try it out! For their FRED Talk, Joel talked about the trend in education encouraged by the work of Carol Dweck called Growth Mindset, while Jose talked about the awkward intersection of politics and faith over the abortion issue. In their interview with Linda, they discuss how she changed the culture of the school, mainly in the direction of collaboration. But Linda was also hugely influential in pushing for better strategies for teaching writing and a new approach to getting students to read. They wrapped up by talking about her passion for traveling and what s

Welcome back to another episode of Conversation on Tap! We have been on hiatus due to our crazy work schedule and the fact that I now have to wrangle a baby. But we are back with some episodes that have been sitting on my computer waiting impatiently to be edited.  In this episode, Jose is joined by his brother Jesse and their uncle Ernie-- and Jose holds his daughter throughout the episode. There was so much more to discuss about the woes of driving, so the three of them share some driving horror stories. But before they started their conversation, Jose shared that he and his Uncle Ernie were drinking the delicious Luponic Distortion, while Jesse drank some classic Coca Cola.   For their FRED Talk, Jesse talked about how customers and employees should all get along, and Jose talked about the first book to be printed using the printing press: the bible.  As the conversation was underway, Jose, Jesse, and Uncle Ernie all shared stories of being trapped, wrecking cars, getting tickets, and the future of truc

Welcome back to another episode of Conversation on Tap! It's been a busy time for Joel and Jose due to the end of the school year, but they are looking forward to getting in some great interviews over their summer vacation. In this episode, Jose and Joel discussed driving and all the annoyances they encounter on the road. But before they buckle up for this discussion, they pour themselves a delicious margarita with Hawaiian red salt on the rim. For their FRED Talks, Jose talked about how Christians are no longer bound by the tithing law of the Jewish temple, while Joel talked about the Dunning-Kruger Effect. In their discussion about driving, they talked about road rage, tailgating, using the roundabouts properly, the autobahn, car accidents, and more. Their discussion was also interrupted occasionally by classic comedy bits that only emphasized their points. As they wrapped up, Joel talked about Game of Thrones and Jose talked about how he and his wife are obsessed with 20/20 on Hulu. Thank you so much for

Welcome back to another episode of Conversation on Tap! In this week's episode, Joel and Jose take listener questions. But first they drink some delicious Hemp Ale from the Humboldt Brewing Company. It was a delicious beer and didn't at all make us want to jam to reggae music. As they drank their ale, the two began their FRED Talks: Jose talked about the actual significance of the numbers 666 in the Book of Revelation, while Joel talked about the extinction event that wiped dinosaurs from the face of the earth. Joel was surprised to yet again have listener questions! But we got quite a few questions and could only answer a handful: our first question asked us to stroll down memory lane and remember our first time drinking; the second question asked Jose to talk about the Catholic perspective on the LGBT;  the third question had to do with the significance of Captain Marvel; the fourth question sought our input on Israel; and the final question asked us if we thought social media had affected millennials abi

Welcome to another episode of Conversation on Tap! This week, I am joined by my little brother Jesse to discuss the Marvel Cinematic Universe leading up to Avengers: Endgame. Before we begin, Jose pours himself some Ruthless Sierra Nevada, while Jesse pops open some grape soda. As they drink, Jose uses his FRED Talk to discuss the origin of Easter and debunk the idiotic idea that it is Pagan in origin. Jesse, conversely, talks about fights in hockey. In the main segment of the show, Jose and Jesse discuss the beginnings of the MCU, built upon Robert Downey Jr's Iron Man and the genius of Kevin Feige. Afterward, they spend the bulk of their time going through the Marvel timeline, taking a few brief moments per film to discuss its significance. They also take time to talk about their favorite-- and least favorite-- Marvel films. Before they wrap up, Jose and Jesse also share their predictions about Endgame. In the final segment of the show, Jose and Jesse talk several minutes to unpack the latest Star Wars t

Welcome back to another episode of Conversation on Tap! This week, Joel and Jose politely discuss religion. While the two of them do not agree on the issue of religion, they nonetheless model how two people can civilily discuss a touchy topic. Before they dive into the topic, Joel and Jose pour themselves some delicious Guinness stout. The drink was delicious and smooth! For his FRED Talk, Joel discussed the Spring Equinox, which transitioned nearly to Jose’s topic of establishing the date of Easter every year. As they talked religion, Joel and Jose each shared their background with faith: Joel was raised by a Lutheran Pastor and Jose is a cradle Catholic. They also went back and forth over the logic or reason of faith, which Joel believed was lacking. They also discussed how different religions have different concepts of God, and Jose explained the Catholic Church's position on salvation for people outside the Church. They also discussed the differences between the various Christian denominations. In the

Welcome to another episode of Conversation on Tap! This week, Jose and Joel were joined by their good friend Jose. The three of them shared opinions they hold that are either unpopular or deeply controversial. But before they started the main segment of the show they poured themselves a few pints of Santa Maria Brewing Company's B410. As you could probably deduce from the episode, we did not expect the beer to hit us so hard, so quickly! It was dangerously delicious! In their FRED Talks, Joel talked about the impact of the moon and sun on the tides, (co-host) talked about why Catholics have a crucifix and not a plain cross, and Jose (guest) talked about the need for people to vaccinate their children. As they moved into the main segment of the show, Joel talked about how he actually believes we as a society should talk more about race; Jose (guest) talked about how the beloved Dr. Seuss was actually pretty racist; and Jose (co-host) talked about the issue of abortion-- though it became a multifaceted conve

Welcome to another episode of Conversation on Tap! This episode was recorded after the November 2018 Congressional election, but Jose was unable to edit the Podcast in the weeks and months after his baby was born. So, this episode is late, but the content is definitely still relevant!  In this week's episode, Joel and Jose's great friend Scott joined them to discuss the historic Congressional election of 2018. But, first, Scott poured a round of delicious Yuengling, a treat that few people on the West Coast have enjoyed.  For their FRED Talks, Jose talked about how some Christians or pseudo-Christian denominations mistakenly believe the name of God is Jehovah (spoiler: God's name is Yahweh), while Joel talked about the art of using a credit card to rack up points to travel the world.  In the main segment of the show, Scott, Joel, and Jose all talked about the history making results of the 2018 election. While the three of them had hoped for a larger blue wave, they were nonetheless encouraged that the Demo

Welcome back to another episode of Conversation on Tap! This week, Joel and Jose sit down with the Santa Maria Running Man: Tim Espinoza. They also enjoy some delicious holiday brews, such as Half-Moon Bay's Pumpkin Harvest and the Lump of Coal stout-- both of which were purchased from BevMo! Before they begin the interview, Jose and Joel engage in their FRED Talks. Jose talks about the dualism in some Christian denominations that pit the body against the soul, while Joel tells everyone his secret recipe for toffee! Over the last few years, locals in Santa Maria have watched the Santa Maria Running Man traverse Broadway on foot in a style of running that has been described as "parkour." His style of running has attracted quite a number of followers on Instagram, too. But Joel and Jose sit down with the man-- Tim-- to hear his success story of overcoming drugs and becoming an inspiration to so many people. In the outro, Joel gushes about a movie called Free Solo, while Jose raves about the third season of