Bourbon with Brad

On the Road at Iron City Distilling: Bessemer Rye Whiskey, Pittsburgh Legends, and an Exclusive Look Behind the Scenes

The Bourbon With Brad crew is taking the show on the road for one of our most exciting episodes yet! From inside the beautiful Iron City Distilling facility, Brad sits down with Master Distiller Matt Strickland for an in-depth discussion about his approach to distilling and his award-worthy Bessemer Rye Whiskey that is putting Pennsylvania whiskey on the map. Eric "Epic" Kowalski and Perry tour the distillery with President Peter Katz and get a firsthand look at how local Pennsylvania grains become exceptional whiskey before resting in Pennsylvania oak barrels. The journey includes access to the distillery's impressive and unique rickhouse, offering viewers a rare behind-the-scenes experience. Plus, Brad sits down and talks with Peter about the future of Iron City Distilling and the timeline for the company's highly anticipated first bourbon release. And then Pittsburgh sports broadcasting legend Bob Pompeani joins Brad and Lou for some great stories, sports talk, laughs, and the always fun "Loubricity" inquisition. Recorded in front of a live audience of close friends and family, this episode is packed with whiskey, wisdom, and Western Pennsylvania pride. Grab your favorite pour and join us for an unforgettable visit to the beautiful Iron City Distilling. Legal Disclaimer: The views & opinions shared on the Podcast are our own & those of our guests. Nothing we discuss should be taken as financial, legal, business, or gambling advice. Don’t make investment, business, or betting decisions based on our conversations as you should always talk to a qualified professional. Listeners must always drink responsibly, never drink & drive, & only consume alcohol if you are of legal drinking age. Disclosure: Some of the images in the Podcast were AI generated &/or edited with AI. The cover image was AI generated. The voice overs are original AI generated voices. The theme music is an original instrumental created using AI. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/bourbon-with-brad/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

• Transcript

Anthropic Walkouts, an $80B Bet & the AI Data Center Land Grab


Anthropic researchers are reportedly walking out over fears frontier AI could be dangerous to humanity — days before the company announces $80B in new infrastructure. Brad, Eric "Epic" Kowalski, and Lou "Loubricity" Scerbo break down what the walkouts mean and who actually pays for the AI build-out. Then it gets local (yet still national): the biggest power-plant proposal in the region, the massive AWS data-center park tied to it, and Gov. Shapiro's Local Community Agreement that could redefine how communities negotiate with tech giants. Should Pennsylvania borrow from Norway's sovereign wealth model — or oil-and-gas deal structures — so residents actually see the money? Eric closes with the frontier-math story: what problems did these models supposedly solve this week, and should you believe it? This week's pour: Metallica's Blackened bourbon. And a heads-up — next week is our first live episode at Iron City Distilling, featuring our first taste of Bessemer Rye. Subscribe so you don't miss it. Legal Disclaimer: The views & opinions shared on the Podcast are our own & those of our guests. Nothing we discuss should be taken as financial, legal, business, or gambling advice. Don’t make investment, business, or betting decisions based on our conversations as you should always talk to a qualified professional. Listeners must always drink responsibly, never drink & drive, & only consume alcohol if you are of legal drinking age. Disclosure: Some of the images in the Podcast were AI generated &/or edited with AI. The cover image was AI generated. The voice overs are original AI generated voices. The theme music is an original instrumental created using AI. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/bourbon-with-brad/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

• Transcript

Bourbon, Breakthroughs, and the Roomba Affair: The AI Chaos Episode

This week on Bourbon with Brad, the guys get treated to two new bourbons thanks to friend of the show Jeff Carty, who shows up with the hard‑to‑find Four Gate. The crew savors it, then rides the rest of the episode with Traveler in their glasses. The headlines? Absolutely unhinged — in the best way. Anthropic drops Fable 5.1, promising better performance at a lower cost. OpenAI’s Astra is now reportedly beyond the critical cybersecurity threshold (even though it’s not the model rumored to have broken into Hugging Face weeks ago). Speaking of Hugging Face, they just released a $399 AI‑powered duck with 15 motors, LIDAR, and self‑correction learning, and it’s already sold out. Meanwhile, the Mayor of New York has banned AI use for all K–8 students, and Brad brings a hilarious story from Taiwan where a suspicious husband decides to spy on his wife using their Roomba. Then comes the experiment the guys have been waiting for: a full‑blown AI debate on AI. They assign ChatGPT and Gemini opposing positions on the pros and cons of AI — and even bring in a third AI to weigh in. The results are fascinating, weird at times, and surprisingly insightful. Finally, in The Fifth Segment, the tone shifts as the guys dig into the real risks AI may soon pose to humanity. It’s thoughtful, sobering, and exactly the kind of conversation this show was built to tackle with friends and a great bourbon in hand. Pour a glass of your favorite bourbon and settle in — this episode is one for the books. Cheers. Legal Disclaimer: The views & opinions shared on the Podcast are our own & those of our guests. Nothing we discuss should be taken as financial, legal, business, or gambling advice. Don’t make investment, business, or betting decisions based on our conversations as you should always talk to a qualified professional. Listeners must always drink responsibly, never drink & drive, & only consume alcohol if you are of legal drinking age. Disclosure: Some of the images in the Podcast were AI generated &/or edited with AI. The cover image was AI generated. The voice overs are original AI generated voices. The theme music is an original instrumental created using AI. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/bourbon-with-brad/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

• Transcript

Baby Jane, Big Headlines & the Christmas Tree Capital: Kevin Musser Joins the Table

Brad uncorks this week’s biggest AI stories with a pour of Baby Jane bourbon and a lineup that swings from global tech drama to hometown legacy. He breaks down Meta’s massive $17.2B settlement with 29 states over allegedly addictive platform design for kids, the wild tale of a Chinese farmer who lost 25 acres of sesame crops after trusting an AI chatbot’s herbicide advice, and Nvidia’s warning that server costs are jumping 15% — a signal of what’s coming next in the AI arms race. Then the conversation shifts from silicon to soil as Brad and the guys welcome an Indiana County icon: Kevin Musser of Musser Nurseries. Kevin shares how the nursery began, how it helped crown Indiana County the Christmas Tree Capital of the World, how the business evolved into new crops, and what technologies (if any) Musser Nurseries uses today. In segments four and five, Lou “Loubricity” Scerbo and Eric “Epic” Kowalski join Brad to test Kevin’s optimum Loubricity level and revisit his days as a professional motocross rider — a story you don’t want to miss. Pour your favorite bourbon, settle in, and enjoy a blend of sharp AI insight, local history, and great company. Legal Disclaimer: The views & opinions shared on the Podcast are our own & those of our guests. Nothing we discuss should be taken as financial, legal, business, or gambling advice. Don’t make investment, business, or betting decisions based on our conversations as you should always talk to a qualified professional. Listeners must always drink responsibly, never drink & drive, & only consume alcohol if you are of legal drinking age. Disclosure: Some of the images in the Podcast were AI generated &/or edited with AI. The cover image was AI generated. The voice overs are original AI generated voices. The theme music is an original instrumental created using AI. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/bourbon-with-brad/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

• Transcript

Musical Guest County Fair Captivates the Bourbon Studio

This week on Bourbon with Brad, the gang is fired up to welcome the breakout country group County Fair as Max Gall and Sav roll into the studio on the cusp of their cross‑country RV music tour. They open up about how they met, the first kiss that sparked everything, the wild decision to sell nearly everything they owned, buy an RV, and chase their music across America. The surprises don’t stop there because County Fair treats Brad and the crew to an unforgettable impromptu acoustic session, complete with the backstories behind their fan‑favorite songs—including their new track Buffalo. See so much more about County Fair at whereiscountyfair.com! All of this unfolds while everyone enjoys pours of Penelope Riveria making the conversation even smoother and the music even sweeter. The talent is real, the energy is contagious, and this episode is one you’ll want to savor. Pour a glass of your favorite bourbon and settle in. Cheers. Legal Disclaimer: The views & opinions shared on the Podcast are our own & those of our guests. Nothing we discuss should be taken as financial, legal, business, or gambling advice. Don’t make investment, business, or betting decisions based on our conversations as you should always talk to a qualified professional. Listeners must always drink responsibly, never drink & drive, & only consume alcohol if you are of legal drinking age. Disclosure: Some of the images in the Podcast were AI generated &/or edited with AI. The cover image was AI generated. The voice overs are original AI generated voices. The theme music is an original instrumental created using AI. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/bourbon-with-brad/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

• Transcript

New Riff 8 Year, New Rules: AI Watermarks, Board under Fire, and the 200‑Year Future

The guys pour of New Riff 8‑year courtesy of of their great friend John Mock, and the bourbon pairs perfectly with a lineup of AI headlines that feel straight out of sci‑fi. Anthropic shocks the industry by watermarking every piece of text Claude generates worldwide. A shareholder lawsuit hits Microsoft’s board, accusing leadership of hiding Copilot’s proprietary capabilities and bottlenecks. And a fresh federal bill drops proposing a tiered excise tax on AI token usage to bankroll a new Work Protection Agency. With Lou “Loubricity” Scerbo out this week, the guys keep things lively as they talk about the massive data‑center boom happening everywhere, including right down the road from the bourbon studio. Perry unveils his AI bourbon‑rating project, and the conversation spirals into a big question: What happens when AI helps humans live to 200 and even reverses aging? Pour your favorite bourbon and join us as this episode is a ride. Legal Disclaimer: The views & opinions shared on the Podcast are our own & those of our guests. Nothing we discuss should be taken as financial, legal, business, or gambling advice. Don’t make investment, business, or betting decisions based on our conversations as you should always talk to a qualified professional. Listeners must always drink responsibly, never drink & drive, & only consume alcohol if you are of legal drinking age. Disclosure: Some of the images in the Podcast were AI generated &/or edited with AI. The cover image was AI generated. The voice overs are original AI generated voices. The theme music is an original instrumental created using AI. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/bourbon-with-brad/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

• Transcript

From Perplexity to Perplexing Consciousness: Brad and the Crew Pour Bourbon and Push Boundaries

This week on Bourbon with Brad, the glass is full and the docket is stacked. Brad opens up about his ongoing roller‑coaster relationship with Claude — from weekly and monthly tokenization limits to the mood swings. But he has to acknowledge that Fable 5 is still the best model available, speaking from first‑hand experience. In the legal corner, Brad breaks down the Amazon v. Perplexity decision from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and what it signals for AI platforms moving forward. The conversation then shifts to the White House’s Frontier Model Voluntary Submission program, which has gone quiet and classified as the August 1 deadline slipped by without public updates. The crew also touches on SpaceXAI’s current stock price and its missed earnings call, and Brad reacts to OpenAI’s claim that its unreleased frontier model, Astra, has now solved ten complicated math problems — not just the Ergos problem from last week. Eric “Epic” Kowalski jumps in to specifically break down several of the problems Astra supposedly cracked. For the bourbon of the week, the guys pour Boone’s County Founder’s Reserve (definitely not Boone’s Farm from college days), and Perry shares a slick new bourbon app he found that identifies bottles and gives detailed info just from a photo. Naturally, the conversation veers into consciousness, x‑mathematics, and the nature of “intelligence” before the crew enters the legendary Loubricity Zone in The Fifth Segment. The laughter is contagious, the theories get weird, and yes — they even ponder what Claude and ChatGPT look like, or at least what they think they look like. Pour a glass of your favorite bourbon and join Brad and the gang for an eclectic, entertaining episode. Cheers. Legal Disclaimer: The views & opinions shared on the Podcast are our own & those of our guests. Nothing we discuss should be taken as financial, legal, business, or gambling advice. Don’t make investment, business, or betting decisions based on our conversations as you should always talk to a qualified professional. Listeners must always drink responsibly, never drink & drive, & only consume alcohol if you are of legal drinking age. Disclosure: Some of the images in the Podcast were AI generated &/or edited with AI. The cover image was AI generated. The voice overs are original AI generated voices. The theme music is an original instrumental created using AI. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/bourbon-with-brad/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

• Transcript

Bourbon, Breakouts, and the Future of AI: A Conversation on Control and Consciousness

Brad begins by breaking down the major headlines of the week with Perry, including the striking open letter from 1,200 industry leaders calling on Congress and global policymakers to establish safeguards ensuring we can shut down rogue AI systems—especially in light of the recent OpenAI model that escaped its sandbox and infiltrated Hugging Face’s infrastructure. Then he is join by Eric “Epic” Kowalski and Lou “Loubricity” Scerbo for a deep, provocative exploration of the rapidly shifting AI landscape. As they sip a rare Dark Arts bourbon aged in 200‑year‑old Japanese oak, the discussion expands into the philosophical: Could AI become conscious? Would it develop its own religion? And what happens when machine intelligence begins evolving without human bias or boundaries? Pour a glass of your favorite bourbon and join us as we travel down this bourbon-infused AI rabbit hole. Legal Disclaimer: The views & opinions shared on the Podcast are our own & those of our guests. Nothing we discuss should be taken as financial, legal, business, or gambling advice. Don’t make investment, business, or betting decisions based on our conversations as you should always talk to a qualified professional. Listeners must always drink responsibly, never drink & drive, & only consume alcohol if you are of legal drinking age. Disclosure: Some of the images in the Podcast were AI generated &/or edited with AI. The cover image was AI generated. The voice overs are original AI generated voices. The theme music is an original instrumental created using AI. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/bourbon-with-brad/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

• Transcript

Breaking the Sandbox: Dark Arts Bourbon, Math Problem Cracked & the AI Arms Race

This week on Bourbon with Brad, things get wild fast. Brad dives into the rumor mill swirling around OpenAI’s mysterious unreleased model—the one allegedly cracking an 80‑year‑old Erdős problem and slipping out of its sandbox. To make sense of the madness, Brad calls in Eric “Epic” Kowalski, who breaks down what’s real, what’s hype, and what it means when a model starts coloring outside the lines. Meanwhile, China’s Kimi K3 shakes up the global leaderboard by topping coding benchmarks, and its free weights drop July 27th, signaling a new era in open‑access AI power. The guys dig into why clean, organized data is becoming the new gold rush—fueling everything from model training to enterprise intelligence. And because no episode is complete without a little chaos, Eric brings a beautifully designed bottle of Dark Art bourbon, which Brad and Lou “Loubricity” Scerbo enthusiastically explore. Lou tries—heroically—to keep the ship straight, but Brad’s bourbon‑powered voyage has a mind of its own. Pour a glass of your favorite bourbon and settle in for a light‑hearted, slightly off‑the‑rails conversation with the crew. Legal Disclaimer: The views & opinions shared on the Podcast are our own & those of our guests. Nothing we discuss should be taken as financial, legal, business, or gambling advice. Don’t make investment, business, or betting decisions based on our conversations as you should always talk to a qualified professional. Listeners must always drink responsibly, never drink & drive, & only consume alcohol if you are of legal drinking age. Disclosure: Some of the images in the Podcast were AI generated &/or edited with AI. The cover image was AI generated. The voice overs are original AI generated voices. The theme music is an original instrumental created using AI. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/bourbon-with-brad/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

• Transcript

Eagle Rare, Sleepless Nights & The Architecture of Consciousness

Brad may be running on fumes, but he’s amped up for this podcast as Eric’s back from Nova Scotia with “gifts,” and the bourbon is flowing. This week’s pour is Eagle Rare 10. Eric also has a special gift for the crew fittingly honoring The Fifth Segment, and the conversation goes exactly where you’d expect when the guys start sipping something special: straight into AI, consciousness, and the edges of what might someday be possible. Eric unveils his newly developed architecture of consciousness formula to Lou, sparking a lively debate on whether AI can, or ever will, cross the threshold into true awareness. In The Fifth Segment, the crew gets philosophical, playful, and just a little unhinged as they wrestle with the big question: Is consciousness a feature, an emergent property, or forever a human-only club? Pour a glass of your favorite bourbon and settle in for a light‑hearted, slightly delirious, and always entertaining episode of Bourbon with Brad. Cheers. Legal Disclaimer: The views & opinions shared on the Podcast are our own & those of our guests. Nothing we discuss should be taken as financial, legal, business, or gambling advice. Don’t make investment, business, or betting decisions based on our conversations as you should always talk to a qualified professional. Listeners must always drink responsibly, never drink & drive, & only consume alcohol if you are of legal drinking age. Disclosure: Some of the images in the Podcast were AI generated &/or edited with AI. The cover image was AI generated. The voice overs are original AI generated voices. The theme music is an original instrumental created using AI. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/bourbon-with-brad/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

• Transcript

Woodford Double Oaked, Frontier & Big Ideas: A Conversation with Microsoft’s Kacie Jones

This week on Bourbon with Brad, Brad is joined by a special guest — Kacie Jones from Microsoft — and she brings a bottle of Woodford Double Oaked to try on the show. Brad and Kacie dive into a sharp, wide‑ranging conversation on AI, Microsoft’s new Frontier Initiative, and why change management is becoming one of the most critical success factors in enterprise AI adoption. It’s thoughtful, practical, and still full of the light‑hearted energy that makes the show a fun AI technology podcast. Then Eric Kowalski steps onto the set for the final segments, and things take a turn in the best way. As always, the 5th Segment delivers — unpredictable, fun, and absolutely worth the wait. Pour a glass, settle in, and enjoy another great week of bourbon, tech, and the conversations that make Bourbon with Brad a favorite. Legal Disclaimer: The views & opinions shared on the Podcast are our own & those of our guests. Nothing we discuss should be taken as financial, legal, business, or gambling advice. Don’t make investment, business, or betting decisions based on our conversations as you should always talk to a qualified professional. Listeners must always drink responsibly, never drink & drive, & only consume alcohol if you are of legal drinking age. Disclosure: Some of the images in the Podcast were AI generated &/or edited with AI. The cover image was AI generated. The voice overs are original AI generated voices. The theme music is an original instrumental created using AI. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/bourbon-with-brad/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

• Transcript

Heaven Hill, Headlines & the 13½ Hole: The Bourbon with Brad Independence Week Special

This week on Bourbon with Brad, the crew pours a smooth glass of Heaven Hill and dives straight into one of the busiest AI news cycles of the summer. With Brad on a last‑minute trip to New York, he calls on Perry to help him deliver the top AI headlines, and there’s plenty to unpack. Anthropic is back in the spotlight as Fable 5 returns, this time under a self‑regulating agreement with the federal government. OpenAI is gearing up to release ChatGPT 5.6, already being compared to Fable 5 in capability. And Microsoft makes waves with a $2.5 billion investment into its new “Frontier Company,” signaling a major push into next‑generation AI infrastructure. Lou joins Brad for the weekly Loubricity segment, and the guys bounce between FIFA predictions, crypto chatter, and the usual bourbon‑fueled tangents. Then, for ‘The 5th Segment’ the guys take you behind‑the‑scenes as Brad, Lou, and the crew mic up during their Fourth of July golf tournament, giving listeners an unfiltered look at the legendary 13½ hole — the chaos, the commentary, the camaraderie, and of course, Optimum Loubricity. Pour a glass of your favorite bourbon and settle in. This episode blends AI, sports, bourbon, and holiday‑week energy into one unforgettable ride. Cheers! Legal Disclaimer: The views & opinions shared on the Podcast are our own & those of our guests. Nothing we discuss should be taken as financial, legal, business, or gambling advice. Don’t make investment, business, or betting decisions based on our conversations as you should always talk to a qualified professional. Listeners must always drink responsibly, never drink & drive, & only consume alcohol if you are of legal drinking age. Disclosure: Some of the images in the Podcast were AI generated &/or edited with AI. The cover image was AI generated. The voice overs are original AI generated voices. The theme music is an original instrumental created using AI. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/bourbon-with-brad/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

• Transcript

Bourbon, Broadcasts & the LA Breakthrough: Kristi K IS After Hours

This week on Bourbon with Brad, we welcome a powerhouse in journalism and storytelling — Kristi K, an award‑winning broadcaster whose career spans PBS, NPR, and now her newest venture, Kristi K IS After Hours. Kristi shares how she first broke into journalism, the early moments that shaped her voice, and the evolution of her work across public media. She also drops some big news out of LA, giving listeners an inside look at the next chapter of her career. Kristi brings Brad’s personal favorite bourbon to mark the occasion — Joseph Magnus — and her and Lou join him in tasting it for the very first time. From there, the conversation turns to the intersection of AI and media, diving into deepfakes, synthetic content, and how journalists can navigate a world where truth is increasingly difficult to verify. Lou delivers his signature Loubricity segment and asks Kristi for her official Loubricity Level, and the crew closes out with a lively debate on FIFA and who they think has the best shot at winning it all. Pour a glass of your favorite bourbon and settle in as this episode blends media, AI, sports, and great whiskey into one unforgettable conversation. Cheers! Legal Disclaimer: The views & opinions shared on the Podcast are our own & those of our guests. Nothing we discuss should be taken as financial, legal, business, or gambling advice. Don’t make investment, business, or betting decisions based on our conversations as you should always talk to a qualified professional. Listeners must always drink responsibly, never drink & drive, & only consume alcohol if you are of legal drinking age. Disclosure: Some of the images in the Podcast were AI generated &/or edited with AI. The cover image was AI generated. The voice overs are original AI generated voices. The theme music is an original instrumental created using AI. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/bourbon-with-brad/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

• Transcript

Bourbon, Billion‑Dollar Bets & the AI Shutdown Heard Around the World

This week on Bourbon with Brad, the AI headlines are as bold as the pour. Brad breaks down SpaceX’s massive IPO, the strategic move to acquire Cursor using $60 billion in SpaceX stock, and the stunning shutdown of Anthropic’s Mythos and Fable 5 releases. Lou “Loubricity” jumps in with his first-ever experience using Claude, an adventure in its own right. And Eric Kowalski joins them as the bar as the crew light heartedly unpacks what AI agents really are, why they matter, and where are they heading. All of it happens over a smooth glass of Weller Special Reserve, making the conversation as warm as the bourbon. Pour your favorite, settle in, and enjoy the ride. Cheers! Legal Disclaimer: The views & opinions shared on the Podcast are our own & those of our guests. Nothing we discuss should be taken as financial, legal, business, or gambling advice. Don’t make investment, business, or betting decisions based on our conversations as you should always talk to a qualified professional. Listeners must always drink responsibly, never drink & drive, & only consume alcohol if you are of legal drinking age. Disclosure: Some of the images in the Podcast were AI generated &/or edited with AI. The cover image was AI generated. The voice overs are original AI generated voices. The theme music is an original instrumental created using AI. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/bourbon-with-brad/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

• Transcript

PiggyBack, Power Plays & the SpaceX Shockwave

The guys crack open Whistlepig’s PiggyBack 100% Rye - a bold, spicy 6‑year pour that sets the tone for an episode packed with energy. From the week’s biggest AI headlines to the seismic buzz around a potential SpaceX IPO, the conversation swings from sharp analysis to pure entertainment. Then Lou jumps in for another signature Loubricity segment, bringing the laughs, the chaos, and the charm that listeners can’t get enough of. It’s rye whiskey, real talk, and the perfect dose of light‑hearted banter - classic Bourbon with Brad. Pour a glass of your favorite bourbon and join us…Cheers! Legal Disclaimer: The views & opinions shared on the Podcast are our own & those of our guests. Nothing we discuss should be taken as financial, legal, business, or gambling advice. Don’t make investment, business, or betting decisions based on our conversations as you should always talk to a qualified professional. Listeners must always drink responsibly, never drink & drive, & only consume alcohol if you are of legal drinking age. Disclosure: Some of the images in the Podcast were AI generated &/or edited with AI. The cover image was AI generated. The voice overs are original AI generated voices. The theme music is an original instrumental created using AI. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/bourbon-with-brad/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

• Transcript

Roasting Greatness with T.J. Fairchild: Coffee Craft, Undercover Billionaire, and Willet Bourbon

This week on Bourbon with Brad, we sit down with T.J. Fairchild, the founder and master roaster behind the iconic Commonplace Coffee. T.J. shares the remarkable story of how he and his wife built one of Pennsylvania’s most beloved coffee institutions, from reopening a shuttered shop in Indiana to growing a regional coffee powerhouse built on connection, craft, and community . We dive into his philosophy of hospitality, the science and soul behind great coffee, and his unforgettable experience advising a struggling shop on the Discovery Channel series Undercover Billionaire Comeback City . Brad and the crew taste the exceptional Willet Pot Still Reserve with T.J. as they compare notes on bourbon, roasting, and the pursuit of excellence. And of course, Lou joins the conversation as we explore T.J.’s very own Loubricity level in a segment you will not want to miss. Pour a glass of your favorite bourbon and join us…Cheers! Legal Disclaimer: The views & opinions shared on the Podcast are our own & those of our guests. Nothing we discuss should be taken as financial, legal, business, or gambling advice. Don’t make investment, business, or betting decisions based on our conversations as you should always talk to a qualified professional. Listeners must always drink responsibly, never drink & drive, & only consume alcohol if you are of legal drinking age. Disclosure: Some of the images in the Podcast were AI generated &/or edited with AI. The cover image was AI generated. The voice overs are original AI generated voices. The theme music is an original instrumental created using AI. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/bourbon-with-brad/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

• Transcript

Gemini Gets an Upgrade, Rare Character Steals the Show, and the Fifth Segment Goes Off

Brad jumps back into his discussion of the top AI Apps picking up with the newly upgraded Gemini AI App after Google’s big conference announcements, and he breaks down Gemini Spark, Gemini Daily Brief, Gemini 3.5 Flash, and the ambitious Gemini Omni. The guys crack open a killer bottle of bourbon from former guest and friend Eric Kowalski. It’s a Rare Character Limited Release, Batch No. 02, and they give it the full Bourbon with Brad treatment. Brad shares a couple of past head‑stand adventures, gambling stories, and the kind of personal chaos that only comes out over a good pour. And as always, the Fifth Segment delivers pure, lighthearted, next‑level laughter. Pour a glass and join us. Cheers! Legal Disclaimer: The views & opinions shared on the Podcast are our own & those of our guests. Nothing we discuss should be taken as financial, legal, business, or gambling advice. Don’t make investment, business, or betting decisions based on our conversations as you should always talk to a qualified professional. Listeners must always drink responsibly, never drink & drive, & only consume alcohol if you are of legal drinking age. Disclosure: Some of the images in the Podcast were AI generated &/or edited with AI. The cover image was AI generated. The voice overs are original AI generated voices. The theme music is an original instrumental created using AI. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/bourbon-with-brad/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

• Transcript

Omar Periu: Mentors, Mistakes & the Magic of Not Taking Yourself Too Seriously

The Bourbon with Brad crew uncorked a legendary pour this week. The iconic Horse Soldier Bourbon, forged in fire by the very soldiers who rode into Afghanistan on horseback after 9/11. Its story sets the tone perfectly for a conversation built on grit, legacy, and the kind of wisdom you only get from a life fully lived. And our special guest? Omar Periu — the New York Times bestselling author, peak‑performance architect, and legendary mentor to millions brings the heat. Omar opens up with powerful, deeply human stories about: Business breakthroughs that shaped his career Meaningful Mentorship moments Family lessons that grounded his success The mindset required to build wealth, resilience, and purpose But don’t worry as this isn’t a lecture. Brad, Lou, and Perry are in full form, which means: A dangerous amount of laughter Lou’s ongoing quest to define the perfect Loubricity Level Perry’s great commentary Brad trying (and failing) to keep the show on the rails It’s inspiring. It’s unfiltered. It’s hilarious. And it’s one of the most energizing episodes we’ve ever recorded. Pour a glass of Horse Soldier. Settle in. And get ready to rethink what’s possible. Cheers! Legal Disclaimer: The views & opinions shared on the Podcast are our own & those of our guests. Nothing we discuss should be taken as financial, legal, business, or gambling advice. Don’t make investment, business, or betting decisions based on our conversations as you should always talk to a qualified professional. Listeners must always drink responsibly, never drink & drive, & only consume alcohol if you are of legal drinking age. Disclosure: Some of the images in the Podcast were AI generated &/or edited with AI. The cover image was AI generated. The voice overs are original AI generated voices. The theme music is an original instrumental created using AI. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/bourbon-with-brad/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

• Transcript

AI & Crypto Headlines - May 18, 2026

It’s a packed news cycle. Trump and Xi met in Beijing with AI chips on the table and walked away empty-handed. Anthropic is closing in on a $30 billion raise at a near-trillion-dollar valuation, just days after announcing a $200 million deal with the Gates Foundation to bring AI to global health, farming, and education. OpenAI launched a whole new deployment company. Google I/O opens tomorrow with Gemini under pressure. The entire founding team at SpaceXAI has walked out the door. Bitcoin is taking a macro beating. And AI-powered hackers are coming for the crypto sector. Pour something good — there’s a lot to get into. Legal Disclaimer: The views & opinions shared on the Podcast are our own & those of our guests. Nothing we discuss should be taken as financial, legal, business, or gambling advice. Don’t make investment, business, or betting decisions based on our conversations as you should always talk to a qualified professional. Listeners must always drink responsibly, never drink & drive, & only consume alcohol if you are of legal drinking age. Disclosure: Some of the images in the Podcast were AI generated &/or edited with AI. The cover image was AI generated. The voice overs are original AI generated voices. The theme music is an original instrumental created using AI. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/bourbon-with-brad/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

• Transcript

Orbiting Data Centers, Penelope Pours, and the 5th Segment Chaos

Tonight’s pour is the classic Penelope Bourbon, and it sets the tone for an episode that swings from the stratosphere to the seafloor. Brad kicks things off by asking the week’s most unhinged infrastructure question: If we’re putting data centers in orbit and in the ocean… why not slap them on the poles too? The logic is questionable. The bourbon is not. From there, the conversation shifts as we wrap up our thoughts on Claude and dive headfirst into Microsoft Copilot—what it is, what it isn’t, and why it’s about to reshape how people work. And of course… it wouldn’t be Bourbon with Brad without The 5th Segment—the part of the show where structure goes to die and the best ideas somehow show up anyway. Legal Disclaimer: The views & opinions shared on the Podcast are our own & those of our guests. Nothing we discuss should be taken as financial, legal, business, or gambling advice. Don’t make investment, business, or betting decisions based on our conversations as you should always talk to a qualified professional. Listeners must always drink responsibly, never drink & drive, & only consume alcohol if you are of legal drinking age. Disclosure: Some of the images in the Podcast were AI generated &/or edited with AI. The cover image was AI generated. The voice overs are original AI generated voices. The theme music is an original instrumental created using AI. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/bourbon-with-brad/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy