In the Taproom with Jan Chodkowski of Our Mutual Friend Brewing | Craft Beer Podcast Interview

In the Taproom with Jan Chodkowski of Our Mutual Friend Brewing | Craft Beer Podcast Interview

Author: Craft Beer Republic August 6, 2025 Duration: 50:58

Greg takes the Craft Beer Republic mics to Denver for a craft beer podcast interview with Jan Chodkowski, head brewer and co-owner of Our Mutual Friend Brewing Company (OMF). What starts as a casual morning tasting quickly becomes a deep dive into Jan’s beer journey, from drinking High Life in high school to running one of Colorado’s most respected breweries.

Over a lineup of OMF’s best beers — Keller Pils, Sunny Kölsch, Stingray Jesus West Coast IPA, Neon Nail Hazy IPA, and Little Character English Brown — Greg and Jan dig into how the brewery grew from a one-barrel setup into an award-winning neighborhood spot. They talk about brewing the beers they actually want to drink, Colorado-grown malt and hops, collaborations, Denver’s evolving craft beer scene, and why OMF avoids chasing trends.

There’s plenty of brewer-level nerd talk (floor malting, hop selection, water chemistry), but always in the spirit of keeping craft beer fun and approachable. They also get into OMF’s community work, from nonprofit partnerships to Pride merch that benefits local LGBTQ+ groups.

Because no Craft Beer Republic episode is complete without some fun, Greg closes the interview with rapid-fire questions about guilty pleasure beers, dream beer trips, and hangover cures. It’s the kind of beer podcast conversation that feels like hanging at the bar with a friend who just happens to make incredible beer.

Our Mutual Friend Brewing: OMFBeer.com


Craft Beer Republic: CraftBeerRepublic.com



There's a certain magic that happens when a great beer meets a good story, and that's the space where you'll find Craft Beer Republic. More than just a tasting notes rundown, this weekly conversation feels like pulling up a stool in a friendly taproom. Each episode, released every Wednesday, dives into the vibrant world of craft brewing with a genuine curiosity for what makes a pour memorable. You'll get a thoughtful breakdown of the latest releases and essential industry news, but the heart of the podcast lies in the conversations. The hosts regularly sit down with the brewers, innovators, and passionate characters who are shaping the landscape, uncovering the personal journeys and creative science behind your favorite labels. It’s for anyone who appreciates the craft, whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or just beginning to explore beyond the familiar. Tune in for a blend of analysis, humor, and community that celebrates not only the beverage in your glass but the culture and connection it fosters. This is a podcast built on the idea that every beer has a narrative waiting to be shared, making each listen a new discovery.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Craft Beer Republic
Podcast Episodes
Drunk Principals Gone Wild [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:41
Welcome in, thirsty friends! Greg is back from his travels, Flex is deep into his late-night Instagram scroll addiction, and Brian is here proving once again that he might actually be related to Greg (which is both alarm…
Frozen Junk & Legal Drunks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:42
Welcome to another frosty fresh episode of Craft Beer Republic! Greg is back from his globe-trotting adventures, Flex is still the Director of the Health Ministry (whatever that means), and we welcome the smartest beer d…
Good Boy, Here's a Beer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:17
Welcome in, craft beer lovers! This week, Greg and Flex are back with an episode that hits harder than a triple IPA after a long workday. We’ve got questionable road trips, big hearts (with a “t”), and some hilarious rev…
Everybody Gets a Pliny [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:22
Welcome to Craft Beer Republic, we are excited to drink today! This week, Greg and Flex are keeping it intimate with candles, Kenny G, and Pliny the Elder. Whether it’s Greg battling California wildfires and weird strang…
Dry January? Never Heard of Her [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:57
Welcome in, beer lovers! This episode is anything but dry—because Dry January isn't welcome here! Greg, Flex, and Erica dive headfirst into hilarious conversations about wild animal encounters, disastrous brewery closure…
Beer Desperation in Abu Dhabi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:22
Welcome to the first episode of 2025! Greg, Flex, and Erica are here to fight the good fight against Dry January, bringing you a hotline to save beers—and lives. Erica shares wild stories from her epic Egypt and Abu Dhab…
New Year, New Beers, Same Shenanigans [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:16
Welcome to the New Year chaos! Greg, Flex, and Mel are here to kick off 2025 with plenty of laughs, questionable resolutions, and beers that make us glad our tongues can’t talk back. Flex reminds everyone why Wisconsin i…
Beer, Boxed Wine, and Bad Christmas Movies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:25
Merry chaos, beer nerds! Greg, Flex, and Mel are back for a Christmas episode filled with hilarious rants, beer-fueled nostalgia, and just enough holiday cheer to keep the Grinches entertained. From cantaloupe debates to…
Dropping Logs and Drinking Beers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:08
Welcome to the holiday chaos! Greg and Flex are back with plenty of laughs, holiday traditions, and beers that’ll make you question your life choices. Flex shares how his kids are basically his beer sommeliers, picking o…
Kentucky Mule on the Loose [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:36
Welcome to Craft Beer Republic, where the beers are flowing and the stories are questionable! Greg’s kicking off the show from a two-week road trip with his priorities firmly set on beer and podcast gear (who needs clean…