Catching the Spirit, Wrangling Intent

Gullywasher at Stockyards Brewing leads to a conversation about creative intent.

Wrangling creative intent: How does preparation not get in the way of inspiration, instinct, and improvisation? 

Talented and versatile musician Marco Pascolini observed how he and I have been working as creatives for quite some time. We only had a few minutes to chat between sips of beer. This afternoon Marco sat in and played steel guitar with the band Gullywasher at Stockyards Brewing’s Sunday Service. We spoke about the nature of producing and performing creative work so it feels fresh and inspired.

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Bob Fitzpatrick Shares Brewery History About Goetz Brewing and a Murder in St. Joseph

Pete Dulin and Bob Fitzpatrick at River Bluff Brewing in St Joseph. Goetz Brewing Country Club Beer sign hangs behind us.

St. Joseph brewery historian Bob Fitzpatrick and I met in May of 2024 to chat about Goetz Brewing, brewery history, and a murder. While savoring beers at River Bluff Brewing, Bob shared a wealth of knowledge about the city’s brewery history. His notes, newspaper clippings, and insight guided me as I shaped the focus of several chapters in Barons, Brewers, and Bootleggers: A Social History of Beer in Missouri (University of Missouri Press, Fall 2025).

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