The HALL Podcast 🎙️ | Sports, Radio, & Whiskey w/ Joe Leary & Steve Watts (Mainland Whiskey)
The HALL Podcast 🎙️ | Sports, Radio, & Whiskey w/ Joe Leary & Steve Watts (Mainland Whiskey)Make sure you watch or listen all the way through to learn how to enter our giveaway for an $80 bottle of Canadian whisky from Mainland Whiskey—proudly made in beautiful British Columbia. Now let’s get into the episode!Today we’re talking sports, radio broadcasting, and whisky & spirits with two awesome guests: Joe Leary (veteran Vancouver broadcaster; host of Just Here for the Beer, RTD & Spirit Show, and The Chat Room at Tyrant Studios) and Steve Watts (Co-Founder/Distiller at Mainland Whiskey, South Surrey). From what makes a great whisky and how to taste it, to behind-the-scenes stories from radio, craft culture in BC, and how small producers actually survive—this one’s got laughs, lessons, and a couple of delicious pours.What you’ll learnHow whisky is actually made (cuts, hearts, barrels, mash bills)Bourbon vs. Canadian whisky: the rules, myths, and “angel’s share”Why some $10 bottles punch above their weight—and why price ≠ tasteThe rise of craft spirits & RTDs in BC (and the red tape that still bites)A broadcaster’s take on radio, podcasting, and knowing your audienceReal talk on consistency, branding, and surviving as a small producerGiveaway: Win an $80 Bottle of Canadian Whisky 🥃 (Mainland Whiskey)How to enter:Like this videoSubscribe to the channelComment the phrase “Mainland Whiskey”We’ll pick 1 winner from the comments. Must be 19+ and resident of Canada where legal (proof of age required; no purchase necessary). This giveaway is not affiliated with YouTube. See full terms announced in-episode.Chapters00:00 Intro & Giveaway02:05 Meet Joe Leary & Steve Watts06:40 Whisky basics: ingredients, cuts & the “hearts”12:10 Finding “your” whisky (peaty vs. sweet; bourbon vibes)18:22 Liqueurs & gateway pours (pecan-pie vibes)22:48 Water, ice, whiskey stones—does it change flavor?28:05 Bourbon laws vs. Canadian whisky rules36:20 Angel’s share & barrel stories43:10 Craft spirits in BC: wins, walls & workarounds52:00 Branding battles: cease-and-desist & free publicity59:15 RTDs, old fashioneds, and cocktail culture1:07:40 Radio war stories, formats, and knowing your audience1:18:05 Building community: clubs, tastings & farmer’s markets1:26:30 Final pours, shout-outs & how to enter the giveawayTip: If your timestamps differ, just adjust the minutes above to your actual chapter points.Guests & LinksJoe Leary — Broadcaster & Host: Just Here for the Beer, RTD & Spirit Show, The Chat Room at Tyrant StudiosMainland Whiskey (South Surrey) — Tasting lounge Wed–Sun, flights, cocktails, whisky clubAddress: 3425 189 St, Unit 107, Surrey, BC (Campbell Heights; near Brookswood/Langley border)Hours (as discussed): Wed–Sun, 4–9 PMTry: “Kazoo” single-barrel, collab cask projects, and the Dancing Pony praline whisky liqueurResponsible EnjoymentPlease drink responsibly. This content is intended for audiences 19+ in BC / 21+ in some regions. No sale of alcohol takes place on this channel.