Welcome back to Cheers with Nat – the podcast dedicated to cheering on women in drinks.

We're about to kick off a four-episode mini-series from my recent visit to NYC!

Today's guest is Courtney Iseman, freelance drinks writer and media consultant.

Courtney shares how her childhood love of Broadway turned into a degree in journalism and screenwriting and, later, a career as a writer. We also learn how she went from writing about fashion to craft beer, and the surprising parallels between the two.

You'll hear about how she spots trends and makes connections, the many hobbies that keep her grounded outside of work, and lots more.

What stuck with me from this conversation:

On a dream piece of work: "The first time I wrote a story for Full Pour… I opened the contributors page, and to see my name next to some of these writers that I absolutely worship…that is, I think, the biggest deal. To see your writing in the company of writers that you've admired for so long. It is a pinch me moment."

On a focus of her writing: "My whole thing with my writing – whenever I can – is I really like to bring in other subcultures and other things that speak to people and help break down the rigid 'bearded white dude' thing in beer."

On how she helps businesses as a consultant: "Everyone has a story. You're not getting out there because maybe you haven't identified it. Here's how you do that. Here's how you pitch yourself… so it's just kind of giving them a toolkit."

On freelancing: "It's not for everyone and it absolutely has its challenges and its downsides. Absolutely. But it is the only life for me. And I do ultimately love it."

On what piques her interest: "Whether it was in theatre, music or fashion, I'm obsessed with creative people."

On how she stays grounded outside of work: "I want to be consuming art every day"

Links & things:

What we're drinking:

Yoju White Peach

Courtney's work:

Journalism (She's pretty prolific! See all her work here)
Copy & consulting
Newsletter & podcast (right here on Substack!)
Instagram

Highlights from our last call round:

Podcast recc: Threedom
TV (& podcast!) recc: Hacks (watch in the US & the UK) & Hacks podcast
Producer spotlight: Bayab Gin
Another awesome woman in drinks we should know about: Stephanie Grant