Kali-Kat's Tap Talks Podcast
by Kathleen G. Churchwell
Kali‑Kat’s Tap Talks goes behind the scenes of real lives, the stories people never tell on stage, on camera or in their highlight reels. Actors, entrepreneurs, brewers, winemakers, professors, attorneys, ESPN broadcasters, TEDx speakers, founders and survivors come here to share the truth they’ve carried for years. Some stories aren’t meant to be polished. They’re meant to be felt. Kali‑Kat’s Tap Talks is a raw, unfiltered storytelling podcast where real people open up about the moments that broke them, shaped them and rebuilt them. Host Kali sits down with guests from every walk of life actors, business owners, brewers, winemakers, startup founders, professors, attorneys, athletes, creators and survivors of trauma to reveal the truth behind their journeys. These conversations go deeper than success stories. They explore: Childhood wounds and the abuse no one saw Weight loss, identity shifts and rebuilding sel
Episodes
-
Seven Weeks Held Hostage: Dave Muller & His Daughter Share Their Survival Story
Send us Fan Mail A family sailing adventure. A child’s fifth birthday. Seven weeks held hostage. In 1990, Dave Muller, his wife Sandy, and their two young children set sail for Mozambique’s Bazaruto Islands. When their yacht ran aground, a dream voyage became a terrifying ordeal: the family was...
-
From Studio 54 to the Boardroom: Don Kurz Shares the Life Lessons Behind Do the Hustle
Send us Fan Mail Entrepreneur, former championship lacrosse player, Studio 54 dancer, and business leader Don Kurz reveals the unexpected lessons that shaped his success in life, leadership, and business. What do Studio 54, championship lacrosse, Wall Street, entrepreneurship, and the boardroom...
-
“How Matt Swinney Built Austin Fashion Week — The Grit, Grind & Truth Behind Texas Fashion”
Send us Fan Mail Before Austin Fashion Week became a Texas fashion powerhouse, Matt Swinney was just a kid from Austin with no fashion background, no industry connections, and no roadmap. He didn’t grow up around couture or runways — he built his way into fashion through grit, reinvention, and a...
-
He Lost EVERYTHING for Love Then the Cult Changed Him | ESPN Broadcaster’s Shocking True Story
Send us Fan Mail What happens when love doesn’t just blind you… but changes you? In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, we sit down with former ESPN sports broadcaster Peter Young, whose life took a dramatic and heartbreaking turn that no one saw coming. From the...
-
The Call That Changed Everything: Jenn’s Journey to Creating Kidney Contenders
Send us Fan Mail Jenn’s story begins with a single phone call the kind that changes everything. When she learned her mother was in kidney failure, she was suddenly thrown into a medical world she didn’t understand. Overnight, she had to learn new terminology, navigate complex systems and...
-
From Reality TV to Real Resilience: Jennifer Gaydos Hartman on Trauma, Healing & Tomorrow Is Not Promised
Send us Fan Mail What if everything changed in a single moment and the life you thought you knew was gone forever? In this deeply moving episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, we sit down with Jennifer Gaydos Hartman actress, mental health advocate and author of the upcoming memoir Tomorrow Is Not…
more -
“He Was Bullied and Overweight. Then Wrote the Book ‘The Treehouse Avengers’ That Changed Everything”
Send us Fan Mail Kali Kat Tap Talks show sits down with Canadian author John Leister to uncover the story behind his book The Treehouse Avengers. What begins as a conversation about writing quickly turns into a moving discussion about bullying, addiction, faith, resilience and the life-changing...
-
Reclaiming Voice After Silence: Andrea Leeb on Hidden Trauma, Truth Telling and the Children No One Talks About
Send us Fan Mail In this raw and deeply human episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, Kat sits down with Andrea Leeb National Bestselling Author of Such a Pretty Picture: A Memoir, survivor advocate, former attorney, registered nurse and a powerful voice for those who were silenced long before they ever…
more -
“From Philly to Pura Vida: Richard Blank’s Vision Quest, Pinball Empire & the INXS Rock Story You Won’t Believe”
Send us Fan Mail What happens when a 27‑year‑old dreamer from Philadelphia walks away from expectations, guilt, and the “safe path” to chase a vision that won’t leave him alone? On this episode of Kali‑Kat’s Tap Talks, we sit down with Richard Blank, a CEO whose life story feels like a blend of...
-
How to Heal After Heartbreak | Dr. Corey Seemiller’s Soulmate Strategy (Raw Story)
Send us Fan Mail What does healing after heartbreak really look like behind the scenes? In this powerful episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, we go beyond the surface with Dr. Corey Seemiller as she shares her deeply personal journey through heartbreak, emotional healing, self-awareness, and ultimately...
-
“She Built an Okanagan Winery From Raw Land | Maddison Violet’s Untold Story”
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Kali‑Kat’s Tap Talks, Maddison Violet shares the raw, unfiltered story of how she built one of the Okanagan’s most innovative new wineries Ve Oh Lay Acres completely from the ground up. From navigating land, licensing, and startup chaos to mastering mead, fruit...
-
A woman’s journey from 1940s doorstep deliveries to global wine mastery
Send us Fan Mail What do you get when you mix 13 siblings, no fridge, a borrowed disguise, and the determination to become a sommelier? You get Kathy Healy — and a story so bold it could only be told on Kali Kat Tap Talks. In this unforgettable episode, Kathy takes you from her 1940s...
-
Election Day & Empty Plates: SNAP, COVID Lessons and Culture Collide
Send us Fan Mail "Welcome to Kali Kat Tap Talks, where policy meets people. I'm your host Kali, and today we're diving into a powerful intersection of politics, poverty, and public health. It's Election Day and while ballots are cast, millions of Americans face empty plates. What can we learn…
more -
“Baseball, Beer, and Becoming: How One Norristown Girl Became a Wine Icon”
Send us Fan Mail From Ice Box to Sommelier: A Norristown Legacy 🍞🍺⚾️🍷 Born in 1946 in Norristown, she was one of 13 children in a world where Schmitz beer came in glass bottles to the back door, bread was delivered to the front, and milk to the back. There was no fridge—just an ice box. Women...
-
The Untold Story of Savor City: How Denise Is Feeding a Movement One Sip, One Step, One Soul at a Time
Send us Fan Mail From a single pot of gumbo to a city-wide revolution, Denise didn’t just start a food brand—she sparked a movement. In this episode, we uncork the rich, flavorful story behind Savor City, the soulful culinary and cultural experience that’s transforming her Florida community. A...
-
“Walking in Mandela’s Footsteps, Toasting Diana’s Bravery | Kathy Healy Unfiltered”
Send us Fan Mail In this short but powerful episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, Kathy Healy shares who she’d invite for a drink—and why it matters now more than ever. Her choices: Nelson Mandela, the architect of forgiveness and justice, and Princess Diana, the fearless humanitarian who walked through...
-
From College Mansion Parties to Celebrity Nightlife: Connor Treacy’s OffSunset Empire
Send us Fan Mail He was the guy in college who threw mansion parties so big they drew thousands—and even caught the attention of stars. What started as massive house parties grew into underground events and eventually OffSunset, one of Hollywood’s most exclusive nightlife spots. From hosting...
-
Gary Monterosso: From Michael Jackson to Beer History and Radio Fame
Send us Fan Mail When it comes to beer history, Gary Monterosso is a name you can’t forget. His love for the craft has taken him on an extraordinary journey—one that started with learning and hanging out with the legendary Michael Jackson (the Beer Hunter), then led to appearances on the History...
-
“Behind the Bar with Chris Schneider: Why Dirty Draft Lines Are Pouring Money Down the Drain”
Send us Fan Mail Bar & Restaurant Owners, Listen Up! In this exciting episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, I sat down with Chris Schneider – The Bar Business Coach – to uncover the hidden costs that are draining profits right out of your taps. Chris shares why so many bars, breweries, and restaurants…
more -
Behind the Pour with Agent Cru – The Wine Spies
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, I sit down with the one and only Agent Cru, the energetic mastermind behind The Wine Spies – the only wine spies in the world who unlock specialty wine deals for 24 hours at a time. With fans across the globe, Agent Cru has built a loyal...
-
Episode Title: Behind the Scenes with Jeff, CEO of NEFT — He Built a Brand. He Kept His Word.
Send us Fan Mail From working since the age of 9, Jeff made a vow: No one should have to live the way he did. And he meant it. In this powerful episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, Jeff—CEO of NEFT Vodka—shares how he turned hardship into hustle, and a promise into a premium brand. His journey is raw,...
-
“Dave Katz: From Russia, Through War, to the American Vodka Dream”
Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, we sit down with Dave Katz, the visionary founder of Zyr Vodka, to uncover a story of resilience, reinvention, and rising through adversity. What began in Russia as a premium vodka brand was suddenly upended by the outbreak of war....
-
“Modelo & Budweiser Sales Crash: Is It Tariffs, N/A Beers, or Immigration Backlash?”
Send us Fan Mail Modelo is falling. Budweiser is slipping. But what’s really behind Big Beer’s big decline? In this powerful episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, we go beyond the headlines and crack open the deeper story—one that includes tariffs, late entries into the non-alcoholic beer market, and a...
-
12K Subscribers & Counting – A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Guests and Fans 🍻
Send us Fan Mail Kali Kat Tap Talks is raising a glass (or coffee mug!) to YOU! 🎉 We've hit over 12,000 YouTube subscribers and passed 25+ downloads on Buzzsprout, and it’s all thanks to our amazing guests, listeners, and behind-the-scenes supporters. In this special episode, we celebrate every...
-
Behind the Build - The Journey of Frank Robles
Send us Fan Mail What does it take to go from renting your brain for millions to shaping the future of tech, satellites, and startups? In this powerhouse 51-minute episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, we go Behind the Build with Frank Robles—serial entrepreneur, business strategist, and a true…
more -
From Wildfires to Wine: Dennis McCarter’s Bold Leap from Insurance to Award-Winning Vintner
Send us Fan Mail What happens when life forces you to pivot? 🌿🔥 In this episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, we sit down with Dennis McCarter, the founder and winemaker behind McCarter Cellars, whose journey from insurance salesman to celebrated vintner is nothing short of inspiring. After the...
-
"You think you've hit rock bottom? Kelvin Abrams went through it—and built his empire from it."
Send us Fan Mail In this raw, real, and unfiltered episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, we go behind the scenes with serial entrepreneur Kelvin G. Abrams, the powerhouse behind K-9 and Coffee, a hidden gem of a coffee shop with a speakeasy twist—featuring fine whiskey and Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey…
more -
Climb. Sip. Repeat: How Ryan Built Touchstone Brewing into Sacramento’s Adventure
Send us Fan Mail From an idea that started as a joke between friends… to a full-blown brewery built for climbers and community—this story is wild 🔥🍺 In this episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, I sat down with Ryan, owner and brewer of Touchstone Brewing Company in Sacramento. What began as “hey, we...
-
🎆 Sip Smart This Holiday: Fresh Beer Hacks, Cooler Picks & Seltzer Must-Haves! 🍻
Send us Fan Mail Whether you're hosting a 4th of July BBQ, tailgate, beach bash, or backyard hangout, this episode has everything you need to buy the right beer, stock your cooler like a pro, and keep your crew safe and hydrated. Learn how to spot fresh beer vs. old beer, which beer styles…
more -
UReviving a Beer Legacy: Shayne of New Magnolia on Brewing Franz’s Historic Recipe in Modern Houstonntitled Episode
Send us Fan Mail In this rich and revealing episode, we sit down with Shayne, co-founder of New Magnolia Brewing Company, to trace his path from Jester King Brewery to launching a new chapter in Houston’s historic brewing tradition. Shayne shares how he’s revived a pre-Prohibition beer recipe,...
-
Inside 10 Torr: How Thomas Lee Is Brewing the Future of Craft Beer in Reno, Nevada
Send us Fan Mail What does it take to create some of the cleanest, most innovative craft beers in the country—at 4,500 feet above sea level? 🍺 In this exclusive episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, we sit down with Thomas Lee, Head Brewer at 10 Torr Distilling and Brewing in Reno, Nevada, to go behind...
-
Distributor to Copper Mug Owner | Top Beer Bar in El Sobrante | Business Tips
Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, we sit down with a former top beer distributor who now owns one of the hottest spots in El Sobrante, California—Copper Mug. Known for its over 20 beers on tap, craft beer to-go, and a fusion of Mississippi Soul, Indian, and American...
-
“Overnight Shutdown: RNDC Pulls Plug on CA Spirits Distribution”
Send us Fan Mail Imagine waking up and your entire spirits distribution network is gone. That’s what just happened in California. In this urgent episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, we expose the overnight withdrawal of RNDC (Republic National Distributing Company) from the California market — a move...
-
Brewing Change: Troy on Crafting Community, Beer Distribution & Brewing 120 Beers in One Day
Send us Fan Mail What happens when a brewery becomes the heartbeat of its community? In this powerful, informative episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, host Kathleen sits down with Troy Burch, a craft beer visionary and community leader who proves that great beer goes far beyond the pour. Troy shares…
more -
“DRC Energy: The Veteran-Owned Blue Collar Fuel Built for Hard Work, Purpose, and Power”
Send us Fan Mail Welcome to a powerful new episode of Kali Kat Talk’s Tap where we go behind the can with the founders of DRC Energy—a veteran-owned, family-run energy drink brand created for the blue collar workforce, by the very people who understand that grind. From veterans to electricians,...
-
"Beyond the Pour: A Memorial Day Salute to Those Who Served & Sacrificed"
Send us Fan Mail This Memorial Day, Kali Kat Tap Talks goes beyond the pour to honor the heroes behind every glass we raise—those who served, sacrificed, and stood for our freedom. This exclusive episode uncovers the stories behind the bar, behind the brewery, and behind the battlefield…
more -
Going Viral with MC Raider: From Raider Nation to Laughing Legends
Send us Fan Mail What happens when a die-hard Raiders fan with a sharp wit and a fearless voice picks up a mic? He goes viral—and never looks back. In this high-energy episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, we sit down with the one and only MC Raider, whose journey from passionate fan to internet…
more -
The Garage-Born Brand Changing the Craft Beer Game | Kali Kat Tap Talks
Send us Fan Mail In this unforgettable episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, host Kathleen sits down with Mike Norris, the courageous co-founder of Designated Drinks, to share the powerful story behind one of the most inspiring brands in craft beer today. This isn’t just about brewing—it’s about…
more -
Beyond the Pour: The Comeback Blueprint of Staying Afloat
Send us Fan Mail What happens when the taps run dry and the odds are stacked against you? In this powerful episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, we go beyond the pour to uncover the real stories behind breweries, taprooms, and founders who refused to give up. From near closures to inspiring rebounds, we...
-
“Brewed with Purpose: The Liquid Intrusion Story”
Send us Fan Mail Get ready to crack open one of the most powerful and inspiring episodes yet on Kali Kat Tap Talks! We're going behind the brews with Drew and Jasmine, the dynamic duo behind Liquid Intrusion Brewing Company — a bold, Black-owned brewery shaking up the craft beer scene with…
more -
“Pints, Perseverance & the Pub Lady: Judy Ashworth’s Untold Beer Legacy”
Send us Fan Mail he lost everything in a fire… but what rose from the ashes was a movement. In this jaw-dropping and deeply inspiring episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, we bring you the unfiltered story of Judy Ashworth—a trailblazer who didn’t just pour beer… she poured her soul into an industry…
more -
"Before Craft Beer Was Cool: The Judy Ashworth Story"
Send us Fan Mail Before craft beer taprooms were everywhere... there was Judy Ashworth. 🍻✨ Get ready for a legendary story that changed beer history forever! In this exciting Kali Kat Tap Talks trailer, we give you a first glimpse into the inspiring journey of Judy, the fearless beer pioneer who...
-
"Roots Run Deep: The Oakland Roots Journey
Send us Fan Mail In this special behind-the-scenes episode of Kali Kat Talks Tap, we sit down with Edreece , Co-Founder and Chief Purpose Officer of Oakland Roots SC, to uncover the inspiring story of how this community-driven soccer club is redefining what it means to blend sports, culture, and...
-
“Easter Pairings & Flavorful Pour-ceptions: From Brunch to Backyard Brews”
Send us Fan Mail Hop into this Easter-inspired episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks as we break down the best beer and wine pairings to elevate your holiday dinner—from honey-glazed ham to veggie-filled spring spreads. Whether you’re team pilsner or pinot, we’ve got the perfect sips for your feast.…
more -
Episode 5 Tariffs, Cans, and Comebacks Is Beer Going Back to Growlers
Send us Fan Mail In this energetic and eye-opening episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, we’re cracking open one of the most pressing issues in the beer world: aluminum tariffs. What do rising aluminum costs mean for your favorite breweries, taprooms, and local bars? Will your go-to canned IPA now come…
more -
"From London to L.A. - Nigel's Bold Journey to Crafting Absolution Brewery's Success
Send us Fan Mail In this captivating episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, I sat down with Nigel, the visionary owner of Absolution Brewery, whose journey began across the Atlantic in London and led him to the heart of Southern California’s booming craft beer scene. We dive into: • Nigel’s incredible...
-
Episode 3: The Fork in the Keg – How Distribution Can Make or Break Your Brewery
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Kali Kat Tap Talks, we dive deep into the make-or-break factor most new breweries overlook—distribution. From passionate start-ups to once-thriving breweries that fizzled out, we explore how delivery mishaps, poor partnerships, and overlooked logistics have led...
-
"The Rise, Fall & Rebirth of Anchor Brewing—San Francisco’s Brewing Legend"
Send us Fan Mail Join us on Kali Kat’s Tap Talks as we dive into the fascinating history of Anchor Brewing, one of America’s most iconic craft breweries. From its humble beginnings in 1896 to becoming a pioneer of the craft beer movement, we’ll explore how Anchor Brewing rose to legendary status,...
-
"Pouring the World: Traveling Through Beer with Kali Kat"
Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the very first episode of Kali Kat’s Tap Talks! Before we dive into the stories of breweries and small businesses, I want to take you on a journey—one that’s been years in the making. Kali Kat Beer Adventures isn’t just about beer; it’s about the places, the people…
more
About this show
Kali‑Kat’s Tap Talks goes behind the scenes of real lives, the stories people never tell on stage, on camera or in their highlight reels. Actors, entrepreneurs, brewers, winemakers, professors, attorneys, ESPN broadcasters, TEDx speakers, founders and survivors come here to share the truth they’ve carried for years.
Some stories aren’t meant to be polished. They’re meant to be felt.
Kali‑Kat’s Tap Talks is a raw, unfiltered storytelling podcast where real people open up about the moments that broke them, shaped them and rebuilt them. Host Kali sits down with guests from every walk of life actors, business owners, brewers, winemakers, startup founders, professors, attorneys, athletes, creators and survivors of trauma to reveal the truth behind their journeys.
These conversations go deeper than success stories. They explore:
Childhood wounds and the abuse no one saw
Weight loss, identity shifts and rebuilding sel
Hosted by
Kathleen G. Churchwell