Listen to Nordeast Podcast at nordeast.podbean.com.
I’m a movie nerd, especially when it comes to series such as “Harry Potter,” “The Lord of the Rings” and “Star Wars.” However, I can’t always coerce the loved ones in my life to commit to watching 25 hours’ worth of movies for the umpteenth time. And when I do, I can’t always get them to discuss how Anakin Skywalker’s father is indeed Emperor Palpatine who manipulated the midi-chlorians in Shmi to create Anakin; or that Ewoks are not only adorable and furry, but also vicious, strong mammaloid bipeds that deserve your respect; and is Jar Jar Binks in fact a Sith Lord? These are all important topics a “Star Wars” nerd like I must discuss, or at least, listen to others discuss so I can agree or disagree loudly to myself alone in my car.
This is where the Nordeast Podcast comes in. Podcasts have become increasingly popular over the last few years and there are a number of Twin Cities podcasts that focus on various subjects. The Nordeast Podcast focuses on local craft beer, Minnesota sports and pop culture.
I remember feeling somewhat distraught after watching the series finale of “Game of Thrones” (if you know, you know) and in need of someone to talk to in order to move on with my life. So I tuned in to the Nordeast Podcast to hear James (Jim) Dreischmeier, Eric Burtness, and Ryan Barder discuss their thoughts and feelings on the controversial ending. Afterwards, I felt better and ready to take on my next viewing challenge.
The Nordeast Podcast is produced by three friends (two of whom live in Northeast Minneapolis) who get together weekly to drink local beer and talk about their interests. “Making a podcast gave us a good excuse to get together and talk about TV, movies and local sports,” said the podcasters in an email interview with the Northeaster.
“After over 400 episodes, we are a lot better friends,” they said. “It has been fun to see how our relationships have changed for the better over time and I’m sure our listeners have noticed how natural things have become whether we are laughing or arguing.”
Burtness always had a passion for podcasts and talked about them with his friends often before they decided to make one of their own. “We had no idea what we were doing or how to record at all, but you learn a lot over the years,” they said.
For the first few episodes they went by “The Hair of the Dog Podcast,” and got together every Saturday morning to drink and talk about their favorite topics. “It became apparent this wasn’t going to be sustainable after the significant others noticed every Saturday afternoon was shot,” joked the podcasters. So they changed their name, decided to focus on local beer and move to Sunday nights. “We love Northeast Minneapolis and wanted to showcase the place we call home, our favorite part of the Twin Cities.”
Listeners can expect to hear a conversation on various topics. “We always joke that our listeners are just hanging out with us, they just don’t get to speak,” said the podcasters. They talk about local craft beers, review TV shows and movies, and break down local and national sports. “Each week we do two shows, a ‘Screencast’ and a ‘Sportscast’ so fans can listen based on their interests.”
The podcast also discusses social issues on their show from time to time. “When serious issues arise, we feel like it is our duty to stick up for people and ideas,” said Nordeast Podcast. They talked about wanting their podcast to be an escape for people whether they are driving to work, cleaning the house or working out. “It really comes down to us talking about the things we are passionate about.”
Some of the podcasters’ (and my) favorite shows have been when they discuss TV and movie series such as “Game of Thrones,” “Harry Potter,” “Marvel” and “Star Wars.” They also love discussing and celebrating some of their favorite sports moments such as the famous Minnesota Vikings’ “Minneapolis Miracle.”
They also discussed the enjoyment of interacting with their listeners. “We did a live show at Bauhaus [Brew Labs] with a friend of the podcast, Mark Parrish of NHL fame, and were very flattered by the number of people who showed up to support us,” they said. Every year they do their “Nordie Awards,” their picks for best shows, movies, sports, beer and food. “They are a lot of fun and have been quite popular with our listeners.”
“When we aren’t in a global pandemic we love to have guests on the show,” said the podcasters. Favorite guests have been comedian, sports and political commentator, actor, and TV host, Craig Kilborn; author, critic, podcaster, screenwriter, and TV producer, Andy Greenwald; and Minneapolis rapper Nur-D. “We always try to showcase our city and the talented people who live here.”
Since the pandemic, the podcasters have had to record most of their episodes apart from one another. “We have had to use new technologies to podcast remotely, but we have felt that it is more important than ever to give our listeners the best content possible and be consistent in getting it to them,” they said. “People can listen wherever they get their podcasts from, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and many more.”
“We have people abroad or around the country who tell us it is a great way to keep up with what’s happening at home.” They use Instagram to connect with their listeners. “Our listeners are hilarious and their interaction makes our podcast better and easier to produce, to be honest,” said the podcasters. “Hopefully they feel like they are part of our conversations.”
“We are very proud to be members of Northeast Minneapolis, but in general we are proud of living in the Twin Cities.” They said the podcast has brought them closer to their community. “We have met and connected with so many amazing and talented people from all over the Twin Cities and have done our best to highlight their beer, food, art, music or platforms,” they said. “Getting to know the people who live here and seeing first-hand how talented they are, has been a lot of fun and hopefully those chances will keep coming our way.”
If you’re craving a great local craft beer and need to discuss the latest in Minnesota sports, or like me, in need of some friends to binge and dissect your latest TV or movie series with, you can listen to the Nordeast Podcast at nordeast.podbean.com. You can also interact with them on Instagram where Dreischmeier keeps the memes flowing, @nordeastpodcast.