Welcome To Connecticut

Fat Orange Cat Brewing Company in East Hampton is unlike any brewery you’ll come across in the state. Mike, a long time homebrewer, and his wife Sheila converted the garage on their property in East Hampton into a tasting room and brewery. The tasting room is, quite literally, a stone’s throw away from their house. Mike and Sheila sit down with Ken to talk about the challenges they faced in turning their property into a legal, functioning, brewery in the state. They also discuss their beers, the beer scene as a whole and their goals for their project. This episode is brought to you by TRIVIAMANIA, happening 8pm the Tuesday before Thanksgiving (November 22nd) at The Blind Rhino in Norwalk CT. This episode is also brought to you by SONO BOWL 2, happening 4pm on Super Bowl Sunday at The Blind Rhino. Buy tickets for SONO BOWL 2 now at SonoBowl.com. The theme song for the Welcome To Connecticut Podcast is “I Know Where You’ve Been” by Forget The Whale (www.facebook.com/forgetthewhale).

James Ellsworth captured the hearts of wrestling fans across the globe this past summer when he wrestler Braun Strowman on WWE Raw. Since that point he’s seen his popularity within the wrestling community skyrocket. He’s made multiple appearances on WWE programming, which included matches against WWE Champion AJ Styles. James sits down with Ken to discuss the rollercoaster ride he’s been on this summer, his 14 year career before WWE and more. This episode is brought to you by General Rental Center (www.GeneralPartyRent.com) and Independent Outdoor (www.IndependentOutdoor.com). The theme song for the Welcome To Connecticut Podcast is “I Know Where You’ve Been” by Forget The Whale (www.facebook.com/forgetthewhale).

Kevin Fitzgerald is a hilarious Connecticut based stand-up comedian. Kevin makes his way to the home office for an off-the-rails conversation with Ken about his career in comedy, how his Father never thought he could do comedy, his career trajectory, his time producing his own shows and more. This episode is brought to you by the RHINOVERSARY, the one year anniversary party for The Blind Rhino in Norwalk CT, happening Sunday October 16th at 1pm. This episode is also brought to you by Independent Outdoor. Visit them online at IndependentOutdoor.com. You can get information about the festival at WelcomeCT.com. The theme song for the Welcome To Connecticut Podcast is “I Know Where You’ve Been” by Forget The Whale (www.facebook.com/forgetthewhale).

Author Leslie Browning’s brand new novel The Castoff Children hits shelves on October 25th, but before that happens she sits down with Ken to discuss how she got into writing, the challenges making a career in this field, the frustrations in dealing with a publisher, while also discussing her inspiration for The Castoff Children. This episode is brought to you by the HAKUNA MATATA ACOUSTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL, happening Sunday October 9th at No Worries Brewing Company in Hamden CT. You can get information about the festival at WelcomeCT.com. The theme song for the Welcome To Connecticut Podcast is “I Know Where You’ve Been” by Forget The Whale (www.facebook.com/forgetthewhale).

In 2013 Erin Brady became Miss Connecticut. Later that year she went on to become Miss USA. She sits down with Ken to discuss her entire experience; from being crowned Miss Connecticut, to winning Miss USA, competing in the Miss Universe competition and transitioning to life after he reign as Miss USA came to a close. This episode is brought to you by CHOWDAFEST, happening Sunday October 2nd at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport. For more information visit Chowdafest.org. This episode is also brought to you by the HAKUNA MATATA ACOUSTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL, happening Sunday October 9th at No Worries Brewing Company in Hamden CT. You can get information about the festival at WelcomeCT.com. The theme song for the Welcome To Connecticut Podcast is “I Know Where You’ve Been” by Forget The Whale (www.facebook.com/forgetthewhale).

Hog River Brewing recently opened up in Hartford CT and is making waves for their inviting space, good beers and more. Ken sits down with Benjamin Braddock from Hog River for a conversation about how he changed careers to get involved in the beer industry, the experiences he had that led to Hog River and the process it took for him to make the brewery a reality. In this episode Ken also discusses THE LOCAL DRINKING SHOW, which will premiere in January 2017 on WTNH News Channel 8. This episode is brought to you by the HAKUNA MATATA ACOUSTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL, happening Sunday October 9th at No Worries Brewing Company in Hamden CT. You can get information about the festival at WelcomeCT.com.   It’s also brought to you by SONO BOWL 2, happening Super Bowl Sunday (February 5th) at The Blind Rhino in Norwalk. To buy tickets or get more information visit SonoBowl.com. The theme song for the Welcome To Connecticut Podcast is “I Know Where You’ve Been” by Forget The Whale (www.facebook.com/forgetthewhale).

You might know Zane Lamprey from his shows Three Sheets, Drinking Made Easy or Chug. Maybe you know him as the creator of Monkey Rum. Perhaps you know him from his successful Kickstarter campaigns for The Drinking Jacket and The Adventure Hoodie. Zane does a lot, and he chats with Ken about all of it. He also discusses his work ethic and the drive that keeps him going.  This episode is brought to you by the HAKUNA MATATA ACOUSTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL, happening Sunday October 9th at No Worries Brewing Company in Hamden CT. You can get information about the festival at WelcomeCT.com.  It’s also brought to you by Two Roads Brewing Company’s Ok2Berfest, happening Saturday and Sunday, September 17th and 18th, at Two Roads Brewery in Stratford CT. For more information visit TwoRoadsBrewing.com. The theme song for the Welcome To Connecticut Podcast is “I Know Where You’ve Been” by Forget The Whale (www.facebook.com/forgetthewhale).

It’s podcaster talking to podcaster in this week’s episode. Domino is the host of The Domino Effect, a popular podcast which is celebrating its one year anniversary this year. Domino and Ken sit down for a candid conversation about the medium of podcasting, the importance of treating podcasting professionally, challenges associated with having a successful show and the growth that comes organically. This episode is brought to you by the HAKUNA MATATA ACOUSTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL, happening Sunday October 9th at No Worries Brewing Company in Hamden CT. You can get information about the festival at WelcomeCT.com.  It’s also brought to you by The Blind Rhino in Norwalk CT (www.TheBlindRhino.com). The theme song for the Welcome To Connecticut Podcast is “I Know Where You’ve Been” by Forget The Whale (www.facebook.com/forgetthewhale).

J.R. Hedrick is a Connecticut based singer/songwriter whose album The Aftermath was released earlier this year on iTunes and Spotify. J.R. makes his way to the home office to chat with Ken about his story growing up, his artistic endeavors, his musical career and the development of his album. This episode is brought to you by the HAKUNA MATATA ACOUSTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL, happening Sunday October 9th at No Worries Brewing Company in Hamden CT. You can get information about the festival at WelcomeCT.com.  It’s also brought to you by The Blind Rhino in Norwalk CT (www.TheBlindRhino.com). The theme song for the Welcome To Connecticut Podcast is “I Know Where You’ve Been” by Forget The Whale (www.facebook.com/forgetthewhale).

Howie Mason is an extremely talented and well respected Connecticut based stand-up comedian. He makes his way to the home office to chat with Ken about the early days of his stand-up comedy career, where his career is at now, the art of playing different types of rooms and more. This episode is brought to you by the HAKUNA MATATA ACOUSTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL, happening Sunday October 9th at No Worries Brewing Company in Hamden CT. You can get information about the festival at WelcomeCT.com. The theme song for the Welcome To Connecticut Podcast is “I Know Where You’ve Been” by Forget The Whale (www.facebook.com/forgetthewhale).

Chef Michael Lucente has been working in kitchens since he was only 15 years old and now he finds himself as the Executive Chef of Barcelona in Stamford. Ken sits down with Chef Michael to talk about his background, his culinary career and how it eventually led him to his role with Barcelona. This episode is brought to you by the HAKUNA MATATA ACOUSTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL, happening Sunday October 9th at No Worries Brewing Company in Hamden CT. You can get information about the festival at WelcomeCT.com. The theme song for the Welcome To Connecticut Podcast is “I Know Where You’ve Been” by Forget The Whale (www.facebook.com/forgetthewhale).

Scott Conant is a Food Network mainstay and a Connecticut native. Maybe you recognize him from his time at the judge’s table on Chopped, perhaps you saw him on Top Chef. You might know him as a spokesperson for Infinity, or as the extremely successful restaurateur who has been behind some of the most successful restaurants across the country. Scott sits down with Ken to discuss all aspects of his career, from his early time in the culinary world to adapting to being a television personality. This episode is brought to you by TUESDAY NIGHT TRIVIA happening every Tuesday this summer at The Blind Rhino in Norwalk. It’s also brought to you by the 9th Annual Blues, Views and BBQ Festival happening September 3rd and 4th in Westport CT (www.BluesViewsBBQ.com). The theme song for the Welcome To Connecticut Podcast is “I Know Where You’ve Been” by Forget The Whale (www.facebook.com/forgetthewhale).

In 2007 Dr. William Petit tragically lost his wife and two daughters in what became known as “The Cheshire Home Invasion”; a vicious and violent attack which gained national attention. Through this tragedy comes positivity, as Dr. Petit has started the Petit Family Foundation; a charitable organization whose sole purpose to to spread goodwill wherever and whenever possible. Dr. Petit sits down with Ken to discuss his recovery from the tragic events of 2007, how he built the Petit Family Foundation and give advice for individuals who may be dealing with depression and tough times themselves. The theme song for the Welcome To Connecticut Podcast is “I Know Where You’ve Been” by Forget The Whale (www.facebook.com/forgetthewhale).

Melissa d’Arabian was the winner of season 5 of Food Network Star and since then she’s become a fixture in the world of culinary television. She’s appeared on Chopped and Guy’s Grocery Games and countless other shows in between. Melissa sits down with Ken to chat about her unique life and career path, motherhood, winning Food Network Star, her current project It’s Tuesday Night Somewhere and more. This episode is brought to you by TUESDAY NIGHT TRIVIA happening every Tuesday this summer atThe Blind Rhino in Norwalk. It’s also brought to you by OTC Disc Golf (www.OTCDiscGolf.com). The theme song for the Welcome To Connecticut Podcast is “I Know Where You’ve Been” by Forget The Whale (www.facebook.com/forgetthewhale)

Hanging Hills Brewing Company is brand new to the Connecticut beer community, recently opening up their brewery doors in Hartford, but they’re not new to the world of beer. Nope, not at all. Ken sits down with Joe and Brian, the two guys behind the Hanging Hills Brewing Company project, and they discuss the life path that eventually brought them and their brewery to Hartford. This episode is brought to you by the CONNECTICUT BLIND BEER AWARDS, happening July 23rd at The Blind Rhino in Norwalk. It’s also brought to you by Independent Outdoor (www.IndependentOutdoor.com). The theme song for the Welcome To Connecticut Podcast is “I Know Where You’ve Been” by Forget The Whale (www.facebook.com/forgetthewhale).

The current reigning Miss Connecticut USA, Tiffany Teixeira, and Ken Tuccio have apparently been friends for close to a decade … even though they never knew it. Ken and Tiffany sit down and chat about her background and upbringing, her experience winning Miss Connecticut USA, competing in the Miss USA pageant and more. This episode is brought to you by the CONNECTICUT BLIND BEER AWARDS, happening July 23rd at The Blind Rhino in Norwalk. It’s also brought to you by FATALITY, a 16 person Mortal Kombat II Tournament happening July 24th at The Blind Rhino in Norwalk. The theme song for the Welcome To Connecticut Podcast is “I Know Where You’ve Been” by Forget The Whale (www.facebook.com/forgetthewhale).

Mickey Gall has the biggest fight in his UFC career at UFC 203 on September 10th, when he takes on CM Punk; the former WWE superstar who will be making his UFC debut. Mickey sits down with Ken to discuss his training for his upcoming fight, his thoughts on CM Punk entering the world of MMA, the risk he’s taking during this fight and more. This episode is brought to you by SUMOSLAM (July 10th at No Worries Brewing in Hamden) and The Blind Rhino in Norwalk CT, who will be the only bar in Norwalk showing UFC 200 on Saturday July 9th. The theme song for the Welcome To Connecticut Podcast is “I Know Where You’ve Been” by Forget The Whale (www.facebook.com/forgetthewhale).

DJ Tommy Two Times is one of the most popular and well respected DJs in the state of Connecticut. He makes his way to the home office to sit down with Ken to have a candid conversation about the art of being a DJ, some misconceptions people have with what he does, as well as the business side of things. This episode is brought to you by SUMOSLAM (July 10th at No Worries Brewing in Hamden) and Independent Outdoor (www.IndependentOutdoor.com). The theme song for the Welcome To Connecticut Podcast is “I Know Where You’ve Been” by Forget The Whale (www.facebook.com/forgetthewhale). audio Block Double-click here to upload or link to a .mp3. Learn more.

Erik Ofgang is a well respected writer for Connecticut Magazine whose pieces about the world of beer and spirits are widely read throughout the state. His first book, Buzzed: Beers, Booze and Coffee Brews, just hit bookshelves everywhere. Erik made his way to the home office to chat with Ken about his career path, writing the book, the New England beer scene and more. This episode is brought to you by SUGO SOCIAL (June 26th at Bar Sugo in Norwalk) and SUMOSLAM (July 10th at No Worries Brewing in Hamden). The theme song for the Welcome To Connecticut Podcast is “I Know Where You’ve Been” by Forget The Whale (www.facebook.com/forgetthewhale).

Eric Bischoff is best known for his accomplishments with WCW (World Championship Wrestling) as well as WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), but this conversation has nothing to do with wrestling. Eric sits down with Ken to chat about beer, specifically his product, Buffalo Bill Cody Beer. They discuss the development of the beer, the challenges Eric faced with the beer and Eric’s passion for beer as a whole. This episode is brought to you by SUGO SOCIAL (June 26th at Bar Sugo in Norwalk) and SUMOSLAM (July 10th at No Worries Brewing in Hamden). The theme song for the Welcome To Connecticut Podcast is “I Know Where You’ve Been” by Forget The Whale (www.facebook.com/forgetthewhale).