Ken Konarzewski Jr. joins Chuck and Brenda for a relaxed, post-Turkey Day conversation that starts with comfort food and quickly turns to two things Ken knows well: Michigan craft beer and bowling.
Ken looks back on launching the Better On Draft Podcast in 2015 out of Podcast Detroit in Ferndale, on how the show grew into hundreds of episodes, and on what it was like to be part of the early days of podcasting in the Michigan beer scene. He also shares thoughtful advice for new podcasters.
The conversation then shifts to bowling, where Ken talks about growing up in a bowling family, becoming a certified coach, and working with high school bowlers in Saline. He explains how modern bowling has evolved, why it’s often misunderstood, and what he emphasizes most with his players: staying present, having fun, and not getting in your own head.
Along the way, Ken shares NA beer recommendations, his candid take on beer flights, and the story behind his passion project, the Michigan Brewery Map app, a free resource that helps people find breweries, cideries, meaderies, wineries, distilleries, and festivals across the state.
The episode wraps with Ken’s perfect Michigan day, which includes bowling, Detroit-style pizza, karaoke, and a beer to finish it all off.
Links and mentions
Better On Draft
Michigan Brewery Map App
United States Bowling Congress (USBC)
Ken’s Coaching Page
Places mentioned
Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth
Revel and Roll Ann Arbor
Station 300 Saline
Produce Station Ann Arbor
Merchant’s Fine Wine Dearborn
Full Measure Brewery
Kuhnhenn Brewing
Dragonmead Brewery
Rochester Mills Beer Co.
Mothfire Brewing Co.
Scoreboard Bar and Grill Allen Park
Loui’s Pizza Hazel Park
On the Rocks Bar Madison Heights
