East Van Beer Wife
A podcast celebrating women in beer; always with your host Keshia! Keshia is a beer wife (and mom) living in East Vancouver, BC. She was the previous Brewhouse Manager of Monkey 9 Brewing in Richmond, BC where her partner was also the Head Brewer. Every other Friday we will spend some time getting to know all the amazing women in craft beer!
“Beer is a tool to bring people together” (Jesse from North American Craft Maltsters Guild)
On this episode, I spent an afternoon in December virtually chatting with Jesse Bussard! Besides being my first international guest Jesse is also an incredible badass. Jesse is the Executive Director of the North American Craft Maltsters Guild. Additionally, she is Co-Founder of Fermentana, a Montana-based events promotions company focused on using fermented craft beverages to create positive change in communities through unique and educational experiences. She started the first Craft Beer week for Bozeman, Montana, was the president of her local homebrewers club for 4 years, and was the chapter leader for Pink Boots Montana for 2 years. Oh...
“Seethe on the outside” (Andi from Tool Shed Brewing Co.)
On this episode, I spent an afternoon in December virtually chatting with Andi Kowalski from Tool Shed Brewing Co! From the corporate world in banking to the brewing world at Fernie Brewing Company then Tool Shed Brewing Co. - Andi did a complete career change almost 6 years ago. With Andi being the operations manager for Tool Shed, we had a lot to talk about in regards to being a woman behind the scenes keeping the lights on and beer flowing in a male-dominated industry. We discussed life before Covid-19 and how breweries are adapting during this new pandemic...
“Being different is provocative” (Christina from XhAle Brew Co.)
On this episode, I spent the afternoon of the winter solstice virtually chatting with Christina Owczarek from XhAle Brew Co. Christina decided to turn the garbage year 2020 was into something good and start a contract brewing company! Christina has put out 2 beers since October 2020 and both are meant to turn heads and start a conversation - “Impeachable”; a beautifully hopped peach wheat ale with Trump’s ugly face plastered on the side of the can and “See Ya Next Tuesday”; an Aussie Style C-olsch - no further context required. Christina and I discussed not only her passion for the craft...
“I am not collateral damage” (Fadwa and an honest conversation about racism in beer)
On this episode, I welcome the very brave and amazing Fadwa Bouziane! Originally from Quebec, Fadwa moved to BC to attend Emily Carr University. While studying to complete her Masters of Fine Arts, Fadwa moved up to Squamish to live and play and eventually work for Backcountry Brewing. While with Backcountry, Fadwa was met with racism both from fellow staff and customers. When she decided to disclose the acts of racism to the owners and management nothing was done and Fadwa was forced to quit.Â
While we do discuss her experience at Backcountry, this e...
“Strong, powerful, badass women out there” (Amanda from Central City/BC Beer Awards)
On this episode, I had a virtual nightcap right before Christmas with Amanda Barry-Butchart from Central City Brewers & Distillers AND from BC Beer Awards! We covered a lot of topics in quite a short period of time and I enjoyed every second of it. We spoke about Amanda’s early days getting into craft beer, some of the OG greats in the brewing community, and how women should be building each other up instead of tearing each other down. I found out more about Red Racer’s dealcoholized beer as well as all the answers to my burning BC B...
“Good, nerdy beer conversations” (Tanya from Coast Mountain Brewing)
On this episode, I spent an afternoon in November chatting virtually with Tanya Crocker from Coast Mountain Brewing! From Vet Nurse to Production Manager, Tanya did a complete 180 in her career and I am so glad she did because she is an amazing asset to the brewing community. Tanya and I talk all things beer on the Sea-to-Sky including Whistler during COVID-19, what beers are a must-have on the mountain, and Coast Mountains’ POW Pilsner which raises money for Protect Our Winters.Â
Follow Tanya on Instagram @tcrocklife and Coast Mountain Brewing @coastmountainbeer. Also, shout out to @the...
“Equality is diversity” (Molly from Red Truck Beer Company)
On this episode, I spent the afternoon chatting with Molly Graham from Red Truck Beer Company! Besides talking about how much Molly loves the craft beer industry we discussed working with what you got in an industry made by men for men, and finding allies in the community. We also talk about drunk farm animals so really this episode has something for everyone.
Follow Molly on Instagram @Mollybrews and find Red Truck online at RedTruckBeer.com
(Disclaimer: Molly and I sat down together inside the brewhouse of Red Truck at the start of...
“Have the backs of marginalized people” (Meghan from Strange Fellows Brewing/Diversity in Brewing)
On this episode, I spent the afternoon virtually chatting with Meghan Fulton from Strange Fellows Brewing and Diversity in Brewing! This whole episode really focuses on the importance of creating diversity and inclusion within the brewing community. We discussed the amazing work Diversity in Brewing is doing to celebrate and support BIPOC people and LGBTQ2S+ people in their brewing endeavors as well as how spaces can become safer for marginalized people (on top of a multitude of other things).Â
Follow Meghan on Instagram @Blackvogue as well as Strange Fellows Brewing @strangefellowsbrewing and Diversity in brewing @D...
"There is no gender in beer" (Natalia from Container Brewing)
On this episode, I spent the afternoon chatting with Natalia Andrzejczak from Container Brewing! We discussed her thoughts on being a woman in beer and brewing and how the industry can create more equality as well as her Certified Cicerone certification and passion and desire to use it for judging.Â
Follow Container Brewing on Instagram @ContainerBrewing as well as Brewdog @Brewdogoffical and @brewdoglothianroad
"The next one you put in my hand” (Natasha from Establishment Brewing)
On this episode, I spent the afternoon virtually chatting with Natasha Peiskar from Establishment Brewing! We discussed her journey into craft beer; starting in Vancouver, BC, and continuing in Calgary, Alberta, her Advanced Cicerone certification, and how she is supporting and mentoring other women in craft beer.Â
Follow Natasha on Instagram @hoparella and Establishment Brewing @estbrew
