Send us a text

This week on Here's What We Know, Gary shares a pint (and some amazing stories) with Dan Gordon of Gordon Biersch Brewery! From a teen trip to Germany that changed his life to crafting beers for big names like Sammy Hagar, Ryan Reynolds, and Trader Joe’s, Dan’s journey is equal parts inspiring and entertaining.

Plus, they dig into the heart of brewing, why music and beer are surprisingly connected, and how to do Oktoberfest the right way.

Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast or just love a good story about pursuing your passion and inspiration, this episode is for you! Give it a listen, and maybe crack open a cold one while you do!

In This Episode:

• How a 15-year-old’s trip to Germany sparked a lifelong career
• The science behind consistent, quality beer making
• What it’s like brewing for Trader Joe’s, Kirkland, Betty Buzz, and beyond
• How Dan’s music background shapes teamwork and creativity in business
• Tips for Oktoberfest (and what to eat with your beer!)

This episode is sponsored by:

Sterling Oak Cabinetry (Bring your dream cabinet to life!)

Bio:

Dan Gordon is the co-founder of Gordon Biersch and one of America’s top brewing engineers. A San Jose native, Dan earned his brewing degree from the prestigious Technical University of Munich in Weihenstephan—becoming the first American in over 40 years to do so. Before that, he studied resource economics at UC Berkeley and gained hands-on experience at Anheuser-Busch and Spaten Brewery.

In 1988, Dan partnered with Dean Biersch to launch their first brewery restaurant in Palo Alto, helping to pioneer the brewpub concept in California. Today, he still oversees operations in San Jose, ensuring every beer follows traditional German purity laws using premium ingredients.

Beyond beer, Dan is also an accomplished jazz trombonist, performing across the Bay Area and recording with artists like Michael Davis and Curtis Campbell. Whether he’s brewing lagers or laying down brass lines, Dan brings heart, discipline, and creativity to everything he does.

Website: https://gordonbiersch.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-gordon-6429916/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gordonbierschbrewingco/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gordonbierschbrewco/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gordonbierschbrewco

Connect with Gary:

• Gary's Website
• Follow Gary on Instagram
• Gary's Tiktok
• Gary's Facebook
• Watch the episodes on YouTube
• Advertise on the Podcast

Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

Send us a text

This week on Here's What We Know, we're welcoming back our very first three-time guest, Sam LaCrosse! From Olympic athletes to comedians, we've had some incredible conversations—but Sam always brings fresh, thought-provoking insights.

If you're looking for an honest, down-to-earth conversation about life, business, relationships, and staying true to your values—this episode is for you.

In This Episode:

• The power of consistency in content creation and how it’s helped Sam (and can help you too!) stay ahead.
• His bold leap from corporate life to building the Value Economics Academy—and scaling it with heart.
• A candid chat on modern dating dynamics and the rise of the “passport bros” movement.
• Why Sam believes therapy culture sometimes replaces valuable family conversations, and how self-reliance plays a role.
• Insightful tips for entrepreneurs on building businesses that stay true to personal values.
• A heartfelt look at how parenting is often misunderstood in today’s society as a “burden” instead of a source of fulfillment.

This episode is sponsored by:

Bison Junk Removal (Effortless solution to your junk removal needs!)

Bio:

According to Sam, Sam LaCrosse is a nobody. He hasn’t done anything amazing. He is not extraordinary or impressive. He doesn’t even have a Wikipedia entry. He’s just an ordinary guy from Cleveland, Ohio, who now lives an ordinary life in Austin, Texas. But if you want to check him out, he’s the author of “Value Economics: The Study of Identity, writes blogs on dontreadthisblog.com, and hosts Don’t Listen to This Podcast. Sam is the CEO and founder of Don’t Do This, LLC, which makes no money. He is also a board member of Thrive Living Corporation and an ambassador for RallyCap Sports.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realsamlax/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realsamlax/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@realsamlax

Connect with Gary:

• Gary's Website
• Follow Gary on Instagram
• Gary's Tiktok
• Gary's Facebook
• Watch the episodes on YouTube
• Advertise on the Podcast

Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

Send us a text

This week on Here's What We Know, we’re rolling with the laughs—and some heartfelt moments—with the hilarious and down-to-earth Felipe Esparza! Felipe joins us ahead of his sold-out show at the San Jose Civic (May 10!), and we dive into everything from his early days at the San Jose Improv to what it’s like raising a stepson who's enthusiastically trying to embrace his Mexican roots (despite being very white).

Whether you’ve been a Felipe fan for years or you’re just getting to know him, this episode is full of laughs, real talk, and the kind of heart that sticks with you. Listen now!

In This Episode:

• How Felipe transforms personal pain into laugh-out-loud comedy
• Hilarious dating stories featuring “smart women with low standards”
• Lessons from comedy greats like Richard Pryor
• A peek into his hit podcast, What’s Up Fool? and History for Fools
• Behind-the-scenes look at the art of stand-up, comedic timing, and joke crafting

This episode is sponsored by:

Reed Animal Hospital (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)

Mike Counsil Plumbing & Rooter (Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!)

Bio:

Felipe Esparza is a comedian and actor best known for his multiple stand-up specials, winning Last Comic Standing and his recurring roles on “The Eric Andre Show,” “Superstore,” and “Gentefied.” He’s also the host of a popular podcast called “What’s Up Fool?” that has been running for 10 years.

Website: https://felipesworld.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/felipeesparza

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/felipeesparzacomedian

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@felipeesparzacomic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FelipeEsparzaFanPage/

Connect with Gary:

• Gary's Website
• Follow Gary on Instagram
• Gary's Tiktok
• Gary's Facebook
• Watch the episodes on YouTube
• Advertise on the Podcast

Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!