Best Hopped LA Sound Podcasts (2025)

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Esco: Mastering the Art of Cultural Sounds – Insights from a Bilingual Hip-Hop Journey 26:59

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19d ago26:59

26:59

Join us in this episode of La Raza BIPOC Access Podcast as we delve into the life and music of Esco, a dynamic Latin hip-hop artist blending his Cuban-Salvadorian heritage into his music. Listen as Esco shares his approach to bilingual songwriting, cultural fusion, and how he connects with a diverse audience through his unique sound. This episode o…

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#192: Dynamic Duo of Music and Business — The Imaginaries 1:13:02

1h ago1:13:02

1:13:02

The Imaginaries | Dynamic Duo of Music and Business From Norman, Oklahoma to Muscle Shoals and Hollywood, The Imaginaries — the husband-and-wife duo of Maggie McClure & Shane Henry — are carving a bold path as artists, entrepreneurs, and relentless creators. Whether they’re touring the country in their Honda Pilot packed with gear, releasing music …

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#191: From LA Studios to Seoul Charts: Carly Lyman’s Global Music Journey 1:14:14

9d ago1:14:14

1:14:14

🎙️ The Career Musician Podcast — Featuring Carly Lyman From the mountains of Colorado to the heart of Los Angeles’ music scene, Carly Lyman has carved a dynamic path as a songwriter, producer, performer, and creative visionary. As VP of Music for Devin Powers / Powers Music Group, Carly has been at the helm of projects spanning K-Pop chart-toppers,…

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River Rockz: Empowering Indigenous Youth Through Art, Hip-Hop & Healing 1:09:49

7d ago1:09:49

1:09:49

In this powerful episode of the La Raza BIPOC ACCESS Artist Development Podcast, we sit down with Krystal Riverz, founder of River Rockz, and Immortal K (Kendall Jacobs), a young Indigenous artist and filmmaker. Together, they share how the grassroots organization based in Six Nations of the Grand River is fusing Hip-Hop culture and Indigenous trad…

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Muhannad on Poetry as Resistance, Healing, and Storytelling | La Raza BIPOC ACCESS Podcast 58:37

12d ago58:37

58:37

In this episode of the La Raza BIPOC ACCESS Artist Development Podcast, spoken word poet and truth-seeker Muhannad opens up about his creative journey and how poetry has become his sanctuary for healing, truth-telling, and exploring identity. A student of history — human, Indigenous, colonized and migratory — Muhannad uses words as a tool for resis…

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#190: Composer & Sync-Licensing Powerhouse – Devin Powers on Making Music Work 1:11:40

15d ago1:11:40

1:11:40

Introduction & Background Casual, authentic conversation with insights into the music industry. Focus on TV and film scoring, specifically unscripted reality TV and production music. Personal stories illustrate industry evolution and building a career. Industry Insights & Knowledge Importance of building client relationships ("clients, clients, cli…

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Tracy J on Poetry, Pour-et Tea & Building Community Through Creative Expression 36:50

10d ago36:50

36:50

In this episode of the La Raza BIPOC ACCESS Artist Development Podcast, we sit down with Tracy J — poet, entrepreneur, and founder of Outpour, a monthly open mic series uplifting poets, artists, and musicians across Durham Region and the GTA. She also shares the story behind Pour-et, her poetry-inspired herbal tea brand, and how both ventures refle…

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The Art of Growth: Lessons in Music and Life from Yungstar Millz 24:09

10d ago24:09

24:09

In this episode of the La Raza BIPOC Access Podcast, join us as we explore Yungstar Millz's evolution from a spoken word poet to a trailblazing hip-hop artist. Millz shares his experiences with independent music production, discusses his unique strategies for fan engagement, and offers insights into how he uses digital marketing to reach a global a…

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#189: Invite to Disneyland—That Was the Audition! 46:38

22d ago46:38

46:38

Nomad kicks off TCM’s new Talk 'n Tunes jam-in-the-round format with drummer Joel Meza (new TCM co-host) and bassist Maxx Diaz—two working pros with real-world receipts. We break down Maxx’s “audition” that wasn’t an audition at all (a full day at Disneyland to test chemistry), the mindset shifts that beat imposter syndrome, and why saying yes (fas…

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#188: Never Lose the Gig! New Season w/co-host Joel Meza 24:49

23d ago24:49

24:49

🎟 Grab your ALL Access VIP Pass here: ⁠⁠https://thecareermusician.com/membership/all-access-vip-pass/⁠⁠ Host and creator Nomad welcomes drummer & playback tech Joel Meza as a guest and officially announces him as the new co-host! Together, they dive deep into the realities of touring, the secrets to building a successful music career, and reveal a …

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#187 Band Together for Community Not Competition 23:31

6M ago23:31

23:31

🎙️ EPISODE 187: Real Talk: Banding Together as Career Musicians SUMMARY: Feeling stuck, isolated, or overwhelmed in your musical journey? You're not alone. This episode highlights the power of community, emphasizing how important it is for career musicians to band together, support each other, and rise collectively. Nomad shares real-life insights …

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#186: 4 Rules of Networking 13:20

6M ago13:20

13:20

In this energetic episode, Nomad takes listeners on a ride to a non-music event, demonstrating firsthand the power of his four essential rules for building meaningful relationships and standing out as a musician. Key Takeaways: Rule #1: Get Up, Dress Up, Show Up Nomad emphasizes the importance of physically showing up to events, even when you’re no…

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#185: I Need A Gig 10:20

7M ago10:20

10:20

Tired of chasing gigs? You’re not alone. In this real talk session, NOMAD flips the script and explains why letting go may be the key to making work come to you. Show Notes: Why "work begets work" in the gig economy The trap of hustle culture and how to escape it How creating your own momentum leads to unexpected opportunities Practical advice: bui…

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#184: Ghosted 3 Strikes 11:06

7M ago11:06

11:06

Getting ghosted sucks — especially when it’s a gig you really wanted. Here’s how to deal with the silence, follow up like a pro, and protect your mental space. Show Notes: The emotional sting of being ghosted (we’ve all been there) The “3 strikes” method for professional follow-ups How to close loops, track your contacts, and stay mentally free Cre…

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#183: Insincere Sincerity 9:20

7M ago9:20

9:20

Ever met a musician who pours on the love… but disappears when it matters? In this episode, NOMAD calls out fake support and makes the case for keeping it real. Show Notes: What “insincere sincerity” sounds like in the music world How to spot it, avoid it, and never be that person The difference between honest encouragement and hollow hype Why inte…

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#182: Existential Music Crisis 9:31

7M ago9:31

9:31

Feeling lost in your creative journey? You’re not alone. This honest episode dives into the emotional weight of being a creative and how to push through the fog. Show Notes: What it means to have an existential crisis as an artist Why creativity often comes with emotional and spiritual weight The power of reflection, community, and self-awareness T…

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#181: Music Is Not For Musicians 9:13

7M ago9:13

9:13

You’re not making music for other musicians — you’re making it for people. This episode is a wake-up call to shift your focus and build a real audience. Show Notes: Why musicians aren’t your target audience The problem with making music just to impress your peers How to build a connection with real listeners Serving the song, not your ego Want to g…

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#180: Play The Changes 9:54

7M ago9:54

9:54

“Play through the changes” is great advice… until it isn’t. This episode unpacks the deeper meaning behind the phrase — both musically and in life. Show Notes: Jazz school lessons vs. real-world career moves Chops vs. artistry: where the real connection happens Evolving beyond your training and finding your sound Letting go of comparison and stayin…

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#179: Payday Friday | Gig Work Don't Come Easy 11:38

8M ago11:38

11:38

In this episode, dubbed "Payday Friday," Nomad dives into the realities of making a living as a career musician. Joined by industry professional Michael Elsener from Master Music Licensing, they stress the importance of learning from others in your field to fast-track your success. Nomad hilariously points out the difference between a musician's li…

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#178: Creative Flow State | Optimize Your Home Studio 29:39

8M ago29:39

29:39

In this engaging episode of the Career Musician podcast, host Nomad dives deep into the world of home studios and offers invaluable tips and tricks for musicians looking to maximize their creative flow. From his own experience setting up a home studio in a 10x10 room, Nomad shares practical advice on optimizing both the acoustics and aesthetics of …

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#177: Music Publishing 101 | A Few Things To Know 14:51

8M ago14:51

14:51

In this episode of the Career Musician Podcast, Nomad dives deep into the significance of protecting intellectual property in the music industry. Nomad shares his personal experiences and insights on copyright, trademark, and the intricacies of publishing and licensing music. Through an interesting analogy involving a unique instrument found at Goo…

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#176: Mining the Gigs You Want | A Fresh Perspective 9:07

9M ago9:07

9:07

Mining the Gigs You Want: A Fresh Perspective Welcome to the TCM Podcast, the go-to resource for career musicians looking to enhance their craft, grow professionally, and navigate the ever-evolving music industry. Hosted by Nomad, a seasoned musician and industry expert, the TCM Podcast delivers actionable insights, inspiring stories, and creative …

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#175: What Makes A Pro Musician in 2025? | 3 Things to Know if YOU are a Pro 20:36

9M ago20:36

20:36

In this episode of the Career Musician podcast, host Nomad discusses three crucial factors that distinguish professional musicians from amateurs. Drawing from his 30+ years of experience as a session and touring guitarist, Nomad breaks down the key elements of being a career musician: 1. Dedication - The importance of not waiting for motivation but…

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#174: Grammys For The Win? | Art vs. Sport 38:54

9M ago38:54

38:54

In this episode, Nomad shares his perspective on the 2025 Grammy Awards and award shows in general, recording while commuting to Los Angeles College of Music where he teaches. Key Topics Covered: Nomad's personal perspective on award shows and why he believes art is subjective and difficult to quantify compared to sports Brief history of the Grammy…

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#173: CYO | Master your Money as a Musician by Doing this One Thing 17:25

9M ago17:25

17:25

In this episode, Nomad discusses the concept of CYO (Chief You Officer) from his book "Ethos" and why it's crucial for independent musicians to master self-management. He explains how musicians, as independent contractors, need to wear multiple executive hats and handle everything from operations to finances. Key points covered: - Introduction to t…

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#172: Should You QUIT The Music Industry? 20:16

9M ago20:16

20:16

Should you QUIT the Music Industry? This past Friday was "Quitter's Day", when most people have quit their New Year's Resolutions... Did you? I go over some of the top excuses people give when leaving their dreams behind, and how I rebut and refuse them. If being a Career Musician is your goal, then being strong and resilient has to be in your bloo…

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#171: NAMM President John Mlynczak | Industry, Growth and Networking 49:05

10M ago49:05

49:05

Join us on the TCM Podcast as we dive into the intricacies of the music industry with John Mlynczak, President of NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants). Hosted by Nomad, creator of the Career Musician podcast, and co-hosted by Erin Workman from the Los Angeles College of Music, this episode unpacks the significance of NAMM for music makers…

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#170: Why Time Is Every Musician's Secret Weapon 20:10

10M ago20:10

20:10

Welcome to Episode 170 of The Career Musician Podcast: "Time - Your Most Valuable Resource" In this episode, Nomad explores the significance of time management for musicians and how consistent daily efforts can lead to remarkable achievements. Key Highlights: - Mindset Over Motivation: Discover why discipline is more reliable than motivation and ho…

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The Spirit of Resilience: Reclaiming Indigenous Identity Through Stories of Survival 55:57

1+ y ago55:57

55:57

Waabishkizi Miligan Kwe Robin Rice (Missing Murdered Indigenous Woman Warrior + Spoken Word Educator), shares her heartfelt journey of reclaiming her Indigenous identity against the backdrop of historical trauma. Learn about her spiritual awakening, the role of her clans, and her mission and part of her purpose to pass on the teachings to future ge…

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#169: The Musician's Journey of a Rockstar | Jed Elliott & Chelsea Szabo 1:11:15

1+ y ago1:11:15

1:11:15

The Career Musician featuring co-founders of The Musician's Journey! Get ready for an insightful conversation with special guests Jed Elliott from the rock band The Struts and executive life coach Chelsea Sabo founder of Verbal Courage on Episode 169 of The Career Musician Podcast. Host Nomad leads a discussion on the highs and lows of being a musi…

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Voice of Triumph: Amoya Reé Explores Artistic Growth and Empowerment 48:32

1+ y ago48:32

48:32

Dive into the inspiring world of Amoya Reé on this episode of the La Raza BIPOC Access podcast. Explore how she harnesses the power of spoken word to navigate personal challenges and champion BIPOC empowerment. From her battle with imposter syndrome to her triumphs on national stages, Amoya shares her journey of artistic growth and the impact of he…

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Unveiling the Human Experience: Glowz's Insights on Identity and Resilience 1:07:20

1+ y ago1:07:20

1:07:20

Discover and explore the human experience with Gloria “Glowz” O’Koye, a captivating BIPOC creative, an author, spoken word artist and Voyager. In this illuminating episode of the La Raza BIPOC ACCESS podcast, Glowz shares intimate tales from her life's journey, weaving a narrative of identity, resilience, and empowerment. From her poignant reflecti…

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Building Immigrant Indigenous Friendship 57:03

1+ y ago57:03

57:03

Join us in a heartfelt journey on the LA Raza BIPOC Access podcast as we delve into the power of unity and healing across cultures in our latest episode, Building Immigrant-Indigenous Friendship This special session features the wisdom of Mohawk elder and healer, Sylvia Bero, alongside her Afro-Indigenous granddaughter Karisma Thompson, weaving a r…

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#168: Tito Daniel | Get Your Music Heard on Dash Radio! 37:33

2y ago37:33

37:33

Every Tuesday, Nomad feature a new indie artist on "Radio Ready", his new show only on Dash Radio. This episode explains EXACTLY how to submit your music for a chance to be featured on Radio Ready –The Career Musician's new show only on Dash Radio, powered by Smash Haus! Nomad and Tito Daniel explain the process in detail, which btw is very easy...…

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SPIN El Poeta Introduces LA Raza BIPOC Access Project 34:50

2y ago34:50

34:50

Join us for a dope debut episode featuring a dynamic conversation between @CreativeLogic of BIPOC Access, and Spin El Poeta, the trailblazing mind behind One Mic Educators. Delve into the world of spoken word, unlocking the artistry within and unraveling the possibilities of the LA Raza BIPOC Access artist development project supported by Canada Co…

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The History of LA Beer: A Beer Week Chat with Beer Writer, Tomm Carroll 20:46

2+ y ago20:46

20:46

Join Gary in this LIVE episode of HopTalk, recorded at the recent LA Beer Week kickoff festival, where he chats with renowned beer writer, Tomm Carroll about the beer scene’s evolution in the city over the past two decades. This isn’t your typical beer chat; it’s a detailed exploration of the LA beer community’s journey from its humble beginnings t…

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Crafting Community: A Beer Week Chat with Tom Kelley of El Segundo Brewing 14:26

2+ y ago14:26

14:26

Join Gary in this LIVE episode of HopTalk, recorded at the buzzing LA Beer Week kickoff festival, where he sits down with Tom Kelley of El Segundo Brewing. This isn’t your typical beer chat; it’s a deep dive into the LA beer scene’s journey from a handful of breweries to over a hundred. Tom, who began his craft beer journey as a bartender at Librar…

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#167: Sherilyn | Stop Faking It And Release Music Like A Pro 32:09

2+ y ago32:09

32:09

Sherilyn is a Singer-Songwriter, Producer, Podcast Host, and Music Career Coach. After working in the CCM/Worship scene, she set out as an independently published pop alternative artist and launched her own record label & publishing company, Starboard Stride. After touring as a solo artist through the U.S., Australia, Italy, Switzerland, and Brazil…

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#166: Jody Friedman | Insider Secrets to Placing Your Music in TV and Film Revealed! 37:17

2+ y ago37:17

37:17

Jody Friedman is an award-winning songwriter/producer, music supervisor, music publisher, and music licensing coach. He is the co-founder of Elite Music Coaching, an online platform available for independent musicians interested in learning how to have a thriving career in music by consistently licensing their songs to films, tv shows and ads. His …

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#165: Eric Baines | Come From A Small Town? No Problem! You Can Still Win In The Music Biz! 1:05:33

2+ y ago1:05:33

1:05:33

Eric Baines is a singer, songwriter, and the current bassist for the legendary band Chicago! Eric's music has also been featured on MTV, VH1, NBC, ABCFamily and HBO. He has toured and recorded with country icon, Dwight Yoakam, but he’s taken some crazy turns to get there. After attending Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, he moved back to his …

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#164: Belle Johnson | Are You Doing Everything You Can To Stay Employed As A Musician? 48:30

2+ y ago48:30

48:30

Belle is a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and artist with credits such as Kanye West, Jennifer Lopez, Miley Cyrus, Christina Aguilera, George Duke, Eric Benet, and Idina Menzel. In her off-time, Belle is always hustling to maintain her position in the biz as a Career Musician. Are you doing everything you can to stay employed? Listen as Belle…

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#163: The NAMM Show Pt. 1 | Feat. Chris Lord-Alge and Asadi 18:20

2+ y ago18:20

18:20

If you're not familiar with NAMM, its the biggest convention for music gear manufacturers held in Los Angeles at the top of the year, and also in Nashville in the summer. This event is where musicians and music retailers go to make connections, whole sale distribution deals, and endorsement deals. Also, it's a great reunion for people in the busine…

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#162: Big Swede | How Do You Stand Out And Get Your Music Placed In TV And Film? 38:59

2+ y ago38:59

38:59

Big Swede is a Composer, Producer, Engineer, Sound Designer, Programmer, Multi-Instrumentalist, Remixer, DJ, Drummer, who maintains a prolific recording and production career, doing business as Palm Desert based BIG SWEDE STUDIOS. He makes a variety of styles, from Electronica to Rock, Club/Dance to Hip-Hop, Big Beat to Jazz, Metal to Soundtrack an…

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#161: Michael Walker | Explode Your Music Fanbase And Make A Profit Online 54:33

2+ y ago54:33

54:33

Michael Walker is leading a revolution in today’s music industry. Having personally reached 17 million views on YouTube, working with Grammy Award-winning producers and touring internationally to perform for hundreds of thousands of fans worldwide - Michael is one of those rare mentors who has actually walked the walk of their own methodology. Star…

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#160: Tangelene Bolton | Here's How You Can Earn A Living Writing Music For Film As A Young Musician 29:49

2+ y ago29:49

29:49

Tangelene Bolton is a Filipina-American film, TV, and media composer based in Los Angeles, CA. She first got her start working for A-list composers Hans Zimmer (The Lion King, Gladiator, The Dark Knight, Interstellar), Henry Jackman (X-Men, Captain America), and Bobby Tahouri (Game of Thrones, Iron Man). A Berklee College of Music Film Scoring grad…

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#159: Michelle Sabolchick | Here's How You'll Never Be Strapped For Work Again As A Musician 1:33:50

2+ y ago1:33:50

1:33:50

Michelle is the Founder and Owner of Mixing Music Live, a online program which helps aspiring sound engineers reach their musical goals! For the past 30 years, Michelle has had the wonderful pleasure of helping people enjoy great live performances from their favorite artists all over the world. During that time, she's spent an average of 250 days/y…

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#158: Dylan Berry | How To Avoid Failing As An Indie Songwriter And Win The Music Game 42:27

2+ y ago42:27

42:27

Dylan of SmashHaus is a career music producer, Radio Host, Entertainment investor who has been very active publicly supporting disruptive change to the antiquated music industry in support of the artist community. He is listed in the top 1% "most prolific" media music producers by IMDB and Founder of NoizSociety, a secret society of leaders in the …

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#157: Music's Biggest Names Selling Out 14:03

2+ y ago14:03

14:03

Why are celebrity music artists selling their publishing catalogs at an alarming rate? Take a deep dive with Nomad & Lola, two independent music artists who have also worked in the music biz for over 30 years with some of the biggest stars in the industry. There are several reasons why celebrity music artists are selling their publishing catalogs a…

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#156: What Do Music Awards Really Mean For Artists? 11:01

2+ y ago11:01

11:01

Many people think that winning a music award is the key to success, but is this really true? Others seem to believe that winning a music award is the secret to becoming a superstar. Is that really the case? Listen as Nomad and Lola discuss the 2023 Grammy Awards and the Super Bowl halftime performance by Rihanna. Nomad talks about his perspective a…

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A S’mores-Inspired Live Podcast with Firestone’s Sam Tierney & Radiant’s Andrew Bell 41:21

3y ago41:21

41:21

In this LIVE episode of Hoptalk, Gary chats with Sam Tierney of Firestone Walker and Andrew Bell of Radiant Beer Co. at the release party for their collaboration, Camp Blanket. Camp Blanket is a s’mores-inspired imperial stout brewed with cocoa nibs and Tahitian vanilla beans brewed at Firestone Walker’s Propagator location in Venice, CA. We chat a…