Moynagh's Tavern Barback's Podcast

Ben Roesch started out brewing beer at home which led to a couple of brewery gigs and founding the legendary Wormtown Brewery in Worcester, Mass. That brewery became a huge success with it's signature "Be Hoppy" IPA. He left all that behind to start the smaller, family owned Murder Hill Brewery. He talks to the boys about what it takes to make a great beer, where the name comes from and what he loves the most about it.

Ben Roesch started out brewing beer at home which led to a couple of brewery gigs and eventually founding the Wormtown Brewery in Worcester, Mass. The brewery became a huge succuess and it's one of the many things that makes the city great. He eventually left Wormtown behind to start Murder Hill Brewery, a much smaller, family owned operation in Whitinsville, Mass. Ben gives the boys a clinic on what it takes to make a great beer, where the name comes from, and what he loves the most about it.

It's no surprise that the boys at Moynagh's know their way around a beer. But when it comes to making the magic elixir they leave it up to the experts like Ben Roesch. Ben started brewing at home which led to a couple of brewery jobs and eventually founding Wormtown Brewery in Worcester, Mass. The brewery's beers came to be identified as one of the many great things that the city is known for. He eventually left Wormtown to start Murder Hill Brewery in Whitinsville, Mass. A much smaller operation and that's the way he likes it. He gives the boys a clinic on what it takes to brew a great beer, where the name comes from and what he loves about brewing.

This episode tackles some tough questions: Is it ok to watch porn at a drive in with a car full of guys? How can you tell when a shark does cocaine? How is Zach still alive? How long does your hearing last after you are decapitated? Don't worry. The guys have answers.

Nate Vault has a dream of playing professional Hockey. But there are about 30 million other guys with the same dream. Like all the others he has to put in the work, pay his dues and literally slug it out the get to his goal. Nate is in his last season as a Junior Worcester Railer and lives with 30 other teammates in a house that probably smells like ass and hockey pads. He sits with the boys to talk about battling for position, his plan B and what music gets the girls to shake their asses. Also, Large professes his love of the Winter Olympics, Zack compares himself to n Olympian, John maps out his plan for the Porno Olympics, and Mike thinks getting Q to talk into the mic should be an Olympic event. Message us on our Instagram and Facebook pages For Moynagh's Mail.

Ron Waddell is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Legendary Legacies. Legendary Legacies (LL) was founded by Ron due to the need he identified in his hometown of Worcester, MA based on years of service in the community. LL offers young men ages 17-24 the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to become productive citizens and maximize their God given potential by providing positive male adult role models through programming efforts. Ron talks to the guys about his difficult early life and the path that brought him to Worcester to help people. Zack also has a heartwarming father/daughter version of "Zack Get's Fucked Up" and another edition of "Q The Movie"

This is episode 69 because Q paid for the naming rights. If you would like to choose the episode number or name contact us at we'll make sure that money gets to The Special Olympics Of Massachusetts. Our guests today are on a mission to make sure everyone in the world knows who Worcester native Robert Goddard is. He is the Father Of Modern Rocketry and launched the first liquid fueled rocket from Auburn, Mass. Phil Nidree and Charles Slatkin are spearheading this effort for the Goddard Centennial in March. They school the boys on the man himself, his successes and failures and what they have planned for the upcoming anniversary.

Happy New Year! The first episode of 2026 features radio legend Frank Foley. With decades of experience Frank regales the boys with stories from the dangerous days of radio, his foray into stand-up comedy, and fact checks some incidents we've heard only as rumors. You can currently hear Frank Foley with his partner Jen Carter on the WXLO morning show out of Worcester, Mass.

It's a special Holiday episode with the Festivus tradition of the airing of the grievances! Plus there's New Year's resolutions, the first instalment of "Q's Movie Reviews", and the boys figure out how to gamble and make money off of "Zach Gets Fucked Up" It's a feel good holiday special like Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer...if he was turned into venison jerky. Happy Holidays and talk to you again in 2026!

After a chaotic Keno segment and Zack telling us another 9 stories about his accident prone life, Masslive writer Nick O'Malley talks about being the food and travel writer. He's trying to eat it all so you don't have to. He talks about his annual ranking of all the Oreo flavors, his near death experiences at The Big E and where to get the best pizza in Worcester.

Paul Giorgio has been a Diplomat for the United States, worked for the Clinton and Obama administrations, traveled the world and met Prime Ministers, Dictators and Sultans. But the boy from Grafton Hill decided to bring it back home to Worcester and help the city improve during it's renaissance. He's a alumni of North High School, Assumption College and Clark University. He is also the president of Pagio Inc and a great supporter of Worcester businesses. The boys hit him up for a few presidential stories and he delivers!

Veteran attorney Mike Hussey has been litigating cases for years. He was, at one time, head of the Public Defender's Office. The boys grill him on pleading the 5th, DUI 101 and what court movie is the best.

Worcester has been invaded by Zombies over the past year and there is no end in sight! It's Halloween appropriate episode with Worcester's own Brian O'Donnell, Assistant Location Manager for the show about what the job entails and the best way to sneak into the catering line. He also talks about the other shows and locations he's worked on as well as his involvement with the comedy group WOOtenanny.

The boys get into the world of film this week with Worcester native, actor, filmmaker, writer, Tommy Jay Dwyer. Tommy grew up in Webster Square and is leading an effort to make Worcester more of a film industry hub. He talks to the crew about his background, films he's been in and his current projects. One of which is called "Burning Down The House", a documentary about the poor conditions in some of the Commonwealth's firehouses.

This weeks episode is a real eye opener. Our special guest is Dan "Jukebox Dan" Flynn. He's the guy that comes into the Tavern and collects the jukebox money. Before his current job Dan was a Corrections Officer in one of the toughest prisons in Massachusetts. He gives the boys the real deal about what happens inside the gates and the toll it takes on the CO's and other employees. He's had to deal with gangsters of all shapes and sizes as well as some high profile residents like Aaron Hernandez, Charles Jaynes(Jeffrey Curley’s killer) and members of the Winter Hill Gang. According to Dan most prison guards, on average, live to be 57. He's got some crazy stories.

Colleen McKay has been a Pro Bass Angler for over 25 years. She competes all over North America and has blazed a trail for women in a male dominated sport. In this episode, the Assumption College grad explains to a bunch of guys who thought fishing was just throwing in a line a cracking open a beer, some of the complexities of the competitive bass fishing and what she tells people who don't consider it a sport.

If you've ever listened to Joe Cocker's hits, "Up Where We Belong", "You Can Leave Your Hat On" or Robert Palmer's, "Bad Case Of Loving You" the man playing guitar is Worcester's own Cliff Goodwin. After playing around Central Mass in local bands in the 60's and 70's his band, American Standard Band, landed a gig as the backing band for Rock N Roll Hall Of Famer, Joe Cocker. Cliff was Joe's Music Director for 10 years and toured the world writing and performing Grammy and Oscar winning music. He regales the boys with stories from the road as well as people he's met along the way. Despite all that he never stopped calling Worcester his home. He even treats the folks at Moynagh's to a little music. This one was really fun.

This week's guests are Chris Besaw and Dan Jordan who are involved in running The Worcester Palladium, Off The Rails, Dan's Rockin' Cafe and the new Pedal To The Metal Tattoo Shop which are all located on the northern end of Main Street in Worcester, Mass. That part of town used to be the entertainment section of the city but has become quiet in recent years. The boys talk about how to bring it back, stories from years of bands at The Palladium including one militant vegan and a illegal simulated sex act. They also touch on food challenges at Off The Rails and the new menu coming to Dan's Rockin Cafe. There is also mention of Cologuard tests and ass tattoos.

Mike kicks off the episode with some fond and profane memories of his friend and former co-worker, legendary Boston Bruins tough guy, Lyndon Byers, who passed away on July 4th. Their firs guest, John Guertin, has been working and running his family owned business Guertin Graphics but also is the percussionist and road manager for platinum recording artist Orleans("Still The One" #5 on the charts in 1976). He regales the boys on the history of his Worcester business and tales from the road with the band. Their second guest is the broadcast voice of The Worcester Railers Hockey Club, Tim Foley. He talks about the upcoming season, his beginnings in broadcasting and leads the guys through some complex vocal warm ups.

The two special guests on this episode both worked hard to realize their dreams. Tom Daley is at retired Worcester Cop who has been coaching the Jesse Burkett Little League in Worcester for 30 years. He helped bring the team to the Little League World Series in 2002. The second guess is the owner of Joe's Albums, Joe Demers. He had a successful corporate job and gave it all up to follow his dream and open a record store in Worcester. 15 years later it's still one of the best record stores in the country. The boys also touch on a brewing pissing match with highway signage between Connecticut and it's bordering states, the NBA draft and paying college athletes and an update on Keno Kennaway's recovery.

After a week off we return with a special and important message from John "Keno" Kennaway. We usually don't get serious about anything on this podcast and this is no exception. What started as a plea for self-care turns into comparing penises and elephant trunks. But we're glad glad John is back with us. Our special guest is Worcester native, comedian, and Worcester Hot Dog Safari organizer Shaun Connelly! Shaun will be actually competing in the Top Dog Hot Dog Eating Contest June 21st at Ralph's Rock Diner in Worcester. He tells us about his training and the other events happening that day. There are also a couple of drop-in guests. One of them might be connected. You make the call.

Their guest cancelled at the last minute so the boys go off on tangents: Zach tells the gruesome tale of why his head looks like the state of Indiana. There's an argument about what the 7 hills of Worcester are. Thankfully our random guest, Steve(from Independent Fence Company of Worcester, no job is too big or too small. Give them a call for a free estimate at, 774-242-3299) sets them straight. There is a brief discussion about Q not liking movies and then a question if there's singing in the movie "Brian's Song". It's a fucking mess.

It's the podcast that's more Worcester than being closed on Tuesdays. Yes! Episode 11! According to Zack we've entered the double digits!(he also said 10 is not a double digit. But who's coming here for the math?) While we were arguing about integers, a kind patron bought us a round of drinks which gives you access to the guest mic(even if you don't buy us drinks it's still accessible) Manoj Kumar is a Cybersecurity Consultant for Global Solutions Group, INC. He joined us to talk about the fascinating and terrifying world of cyber terrorism. We also chat with Moynagh's bartender Amy who would really like a pizza oven for the bar! Then we have a surprise visit from The Voice Of The Worcester Railers, Tim Foley and Rails Captain, Anthony Repaci who informs us he's back for next season and who he's routing for to win the Stanley Cup. Also we have t-shirts available! You'll definitely want one after hearing our sales pitch.

There's no special guests this week which leaves the boys to their own devices: pizza, time travel, fighting kittens, Deloreans full of cocaine and the scourge of the Central Mass Sam-Squatch. Have ten tek-9's and eight shots of fireball to catch up.

Worcester's Rugby Club has been playing since 1979. How did we not know this? The special guest this week is President of the Men's Rugby League, Nick Ducey.(Moynagh's Tavern is one of their sponsors) Nick schools the boys about the game, traditions and where and when to watch the games. He also talks about worst injury and quite possibly the worst nickname for a player. There's also the usual lottery talk, Moynagh's Mail, and a lengthy discussion about how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness. Because it matters!

The boys get into wicked dark subject matter with New England Legends Podcast Host Jeff Belanger. Ghost stories from Central Mass, hooded figures at Spider Gates in Leicester, visions in the catacombs of Paris, and the hidden tunnels under Worcester. The biggest shock of this episode though, is the fact that Moynagh's Tavern has a parking lot! We all want to believe...that we're going to hit Keno this time around.

The Boys welcome Worcester's own, Jose Antonio Rivera. His boxing achievements include Massachusetts State Champion twice, the USBA Regional Champion, the IBO World Champion, and the NABA Champion. In 2003 he won the WBA Welterweight Championship of the World. He's now making his second run at being Worcester City Councilor for District 5. He talks about how he got into boxing, working on "The Fighter" with Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale, who hit him the hardest and what he plans to focus on if elected to the City Council. Large is especially well prepared for this episode and we're all proud of that heavy breathing bastard.

The Boys give the Tavern a congratulatory pat on the back for helping to raise over $46K for the Special Olympics and guest Dr. Charles Steinberg of the Worcester Red Sox talks about Worcester's baseball history and tells tales of duck boat parades and writing songs.

We're not to sure if this is episode 5 or 6. There may have been some drinking affecting our memories. The Boys talk Super Bowl commercials, the hidden messages in the tavern's paintings and special guest, Worcester Railers COO, Mike Myers talks about the team's upcoming rebranding, his artistic background which led to painting some great goalie masks and that time he painted an Islanders logo on Mike Hsu's chest. (yes, there are pictures! We'll post them on our Facebook page)

The big question is: "Where am I supposed to hang my purse?" the boys answer that Moynagh's Mail question and then are treated to some great stories of the Worcester music scene from Worcester music legend Walter Crocket. He talks about the early days in the 60's and 70's as well as that time Jimi Hendrix drove him into the street with his guitar.

The boys discuss the strategy of diagonal keno numbers, black magic in public schools and Pornhub being banned in Florida. Worcester City Councilor and Wrestling fanatic Jenny Pacillo talks about making the city streets safer and and the latest WWE gossip. This show takes an X rated turn at the beginning but the boys bring it back from the big hairy abyss to kick off 2025. WARNING: This episode is more NSFW than the last two.(don't blame Jenny. She wasn't even there.) This podcast is recorded during business hours at the oldest Tavern in Worcester, Mass during business hours.

In this episode someone from Moynagh's Mail is literally butt hurt about the seat cushions on the stools. John's(Kaptain Keno) sure thing Keno advice. And special guest former Worcester city councilor Tony Economou gives his insights into the #1 issue in the city right now. There's also some ball busting about the way John pours a Guinness and Large's breathy presentation.

The Boys start their first episode like it was their 10th with Fireball shots and Moynagh's Mail where an eye rinse station and an elusive g-spot dominate the conversation. This episode's Lottery Talk involves a round of Keno and the new Diamond Deluxe scratch ticket. Then, Q's cousin KC visits from Arizona with stories of venomous reptiles, attack dogs and what he loves the most about Q. This episode's Vegan Break is rudely interrupted when producer Mike asks the chef of Not Your Mama's Vegan Cafe a legal question. There's also a smattering of Worcester history sprinkled in with more cocktails.