Fort Collins Fellas

#74 - Verboten Brewing, Owner Angie Grenz

Episode 74 – Brewing Boldly with Angie Grenz of Verboten Brewing Fort Collins Fellas Podcast with Patrick & Chris In this second installment of a two-part spotlight on women-owned breweries in Northern Colorado, the fellas sit down with Angie Grenz, owner of Verboten Brewing. Originally rooted in Loveland, Verboten recently expanded into Fort Collins, taking over the former Black Bottle Brewery location—a major move for the already beloved craft brewery. Angie shares the story behind Verboten’s founding, how she and her team built a loyal following, and what inspired them to grow into the Fort Collins market. The conversation also dives into the challenges and triumphs of running a brewery, the evolving craft beer scene, and what sets Verboten apart in a town full of incredible beer. Whether you’re a hop head, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just love supporting local businesses, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Cheers to good beer and great conversations!

#73 - Stodgy Brewing Company, Natalie Yoder

Episode 73 – Brewing Community with Natalie Yoder of Stodgy Brewing In this episode of the Fort Collins Fellas podcast, Patrick and Chris sit down with Natalie Yoder, co-owner of Stodgy Brewing, one of Fort Collins’ standout breweries. Opening its doors in September 2020 in the former Forney Industries space on Laporte Avenue, Stodgy quickly became a local favorite—thanks to its commitment to using locally grown ingredients, a welcoming atmosphere, and one of the best patios in town. Natalie shares the story behind launching a brewery in the midst of a pandemic, how her passion for craft beer led her to co-found Stodgy, and what it’s been like to be part of the growing movement of women in the brewing industry. The conversation also touches on Natalie’s deep ties to the local community and her efforts to support other small businesses in Fort Collins. Whether you're a beer lover, a small business supporter, or just want to hear from someone making a real impact in Fort Collins, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

#72 - Jesse Eastman, Fort Collins Nursery

Episode 72 – Growing Roots with Jesse Eastman of Fort Collins Nursery In this episode of the Fort Collins Fellas podcast, Patrick and Chris welcome Jesse Eastman, President of Fort Collins Nursery, a beloved local institution with deep roots in the community. Originally founded in the early 1930s as Kinghorn Nursery, Fort Collins Nursery has been helping gardeners grow and thrive for generations—and Jesse is carrying that legacy forward with passion and expertise. The conversation takes listeners on a journey through the nursery’s rich history before diving into Jesse’s wealth of gardening wisdom. From seasonal planning tips to common mistakes to avoid, Jesse shares actionable advice for green thumbs of all levels. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, you'll walk away inspired and ready to get your hands in the soil. If you love gardening, Fort Collins history, or hearing from local leaders making a difference, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

#71 - Tellus Outdoors, Joe & Melissa Basta Co-Founders

Episode 71 – Championing Sustainability with Tellus Outdoors In this episode of the Fort Collins Fellas podcast, Patrick and Chris sit down with Joe and Melissa Basta, the inspiring husband-and-wife team behind Tellus Outdoors, a Fort Collins-based outdoor apparel company with a bold mission: to lead the industry in sustainability. Founded in 2022, Tellus is setting a new standard by using at least 75% recycled materials in all their products and donating 100% of their net profits to environmental initiatives that fight climate change. Joe and Melissa share the personal motivations that led them to start Tellus and open up about the challenges—and rewards—of building a purpose-driven company from the ground up. The conversation covers everything from sourcing sustainable materials to supporting the local economy and creating real impact in their community and beyond. If you're passionate about the outdoors, sustainability, or simply love hearing about local entrepreneurs doing big things, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

#70 - R.T. Custer Co-Founder, Vortic Watches

Episode 70 – The Timeless Grit of Vortic Watches with R.T. Custer In this inspiring episode of the Fort Collins Fellas podcast, hosts Patrick and Chris sit down with R.T. Custer, Co-Founder of Vortic Watches—a local Fort Collins company turning heads in the global watch community. From breathing new life into vintage American timepieces to landing on the wrists of Hollywood celebrities, Vortic’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. R.T. shares the behind-the-scenes story of building a business in Fort Collins, navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, and how the company battled—and won—a major legal challenge that nearly shut it down. It's a powerful conversation about perseverance, innovation, and what it really takes to turn a bold idea into a nationally recognized brand. Whether you're a watch enthusiast, a budding entrepreneur, or just love a great underdog story, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.