I'M NOT A BARISTA: Voices of the Coffee World (I'M NOT A BARISTA)
Explore every episode of I'M NOT A BARISTA: Voices of the Coffee World
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
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| 07 Nov 2024 | S3E16: Meet Charity Cheung - A Champion's Tale: Charity Cheung on Coffee, Competition, and Community | 00:44:54 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Charity Cheung, 1st France Brewer’s Cup’22&’24, to explore her fascinating journey from public policy to the heart of the coffee industry. Charity shares how an unexpected start led her to pursue a new passion in specialty coffee, and what it was like to transition from academia to entrepreneurship in France. We dive into her competition experiences, the importance of community in coffee, and why supporting coffee farmers matters now more than ever. Charity’s story is a reminder of the powerful connections coffee creates—and the impact we can all make by valuing the people behind each cup. Whether you’re a coffee pro, a barista, or just a curious coffee drinker, you won’t want to miss this inspiring conversation with Charity Cheung!
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| 28 Aug 2024 | S3E14: From Barista to Barista Trainer: Andrew Jay's Journey of Growth and Resilience. | 00:34:36 | |
In this episode of the I’M NOT A BARISTA podcast, we catch up with Andrew Jay, a passionate coffee professional, who shares his inspiring journey from being a barista to becoming a regional coffee trainer. Andrew opens up about the challenges he’s faced, including imposter syndrome, the impact of the pandemic on his business dreams, and the fine line between his professional and personal love for coffee. We discuss the importance of every coffee story, no matter where you are in your journey—don’t let your current stage blind where you want to be. Join us as we explore Andrew’s story of growth, resilience, and the pursuit of new opportunities in the ever-evolving coffee industry. Plus, hear about his exciting plans for the future and how he’s balancing his love for coffee with a potential career as a writer. Don’t miss this honest and heartfelt conversation that reminds us all why every coffee story matters. Make sure to follow Andrew on Instagram here. | |||
| 15 Sep 2023 | S3E11: Melissa's "Everybody's busy" Coffee Revolution: Where Passion Meets Reservation | 00:47:09 | |
Today, we have the pleasure of introducing you to an exceptional coffee entrepreneur, Melissa Stinson. The brilliance behind the successful 'Everybody's Busy' coffee studio in Chicago, Melissa embodies the spirit of innovation and fervor in the coffee industry. But what truly sets her apart is her unique concept: a reservation-style business model, weaving exclusivity and personalization into every coffee experience. While the world often measures success in revenue and numbers, Melissa’s journey teaches us that it’s so much more than that. For many in the coffee world, it’s the pure, unbridled passion for the craft that holds more weight than financial returns. Every pour, every brew, every sip she offers at 'Everybody's Busy' is a testament to that undying love for coffee. So, if you ever find yourself wandering the streets of Chicago, take a moment to reserve a spot at 'Everybody's Busy.' Dive into a coffee encounter like never before and let Melissa's story inspire you to find success on your own terms. Enjoy the episode! If you prefer reading, read Melissa's coffee story here -- At "I'M NOT A BARISTA," our essence lies in echoing the voices of coffee aficionados who often remain unheard. We champion the tales, trials, and triumphs of every individual in the coffee community. Every story matters, and yours could be the next one we share. Don't be a silent brewer; let the world hear your story. Want to share your coffee chronicle? DM us on Instagram. | |||
| 23 May 2024 | S3E13: The Voice Behind the @harooncfffee: Haroon from UAE | 01:07:58 | |
Welcome back to another exciting episode of the 'I'M NOT A BARISTA' podcast! Today, we've got something truly special for you. If you're an Instagram coffee enthusiast, chances are you've come across the incredible videos by Haroon from the UAE. His account, @harooncfffee, is packed with amazing coffee content, but there's always been one mystery—Haroon has never shown his face or voice online. Well, that's about to change! Today, we're thrilled to finally bring you an exclusive conversation with the man behind the mesmerizing coffee videos. You might have a picture in your mind of what he sounds like, and trust me, he's either going to match that image perfectly or surprise you entirely with his slightly colorful language and strong accent. This episode is all about unveiling the mystery and getting to know the real Haroon. If you're curious to learn more about his story, you can read all about it here https://notabarista.org/haroon-zafar/ So, grab your favorite cup of coffee, sit back, and let's dive into this fascinating chat. Haroon, welcome to the show! #iamnotabarista #coffee #coffeepodcast #haroonzafar #coffeeblogger #harooncfffee #coffeestory | |||
| 13 Sep 2024 | From Medical Engineering to Greek Barista Champion: Nikos's Journey of Passion and Purpose | 00:32:29 | |
In this episode of the I'M NOT A BARISTA podcast, we sit down with Nikos Antzaras, a two-time Greek Barista Champion whose love for coffee transformed his life and career. Starting as a medical engineering student working as a barista to cover expenses, Nikos found his true calling in the world of coffee—a decision that led to both family tensions and remarkable personal growth. "I really fell in love with coffee," Nikos recalls. Despite his parents' concerns—"What are you doing? Are you crazy? You studied... what coffee things are these?"—he pursued his passion relentlessly. Nikos shares valuable insights from his extensive experience in coffee competitions, emphasizing that "you never lose; you always win something." His journey took a profound turn during a trip to Colombia, where he helped save a coffee farmer's livelihood by challenging an incorrect defect evaluation. At his own establishment, Roast Warehouse in Athens, Nikos continues to inspire both customers and employees. "I always tell my employees, 'It doesn't matter where you work. If you love this job, you have to always give your 100 percent.'" With an open roastery concept, he invites everyone to witness the art and science behind every cup. Join us as we explore Nikos's inspiring story—a testament to passion, perseverance, and the impact one individual can have on an entire community. Whether you're a coffee professional or an enthusiast, this episode offers valuable lessons and motivation for your own journey in the world of coffee. | |||
| 15 Feb 2022 | #20. Meet Levent Oncu, Aeronautical engineer, Coffee blogger, and Turkish coffee community pioneer | 00:35:07 | |
In this episode, we talked to the owner of Teyyaredenkahve (Aircraft Coffee) Levent Oncu.
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| 06 Mar 2022 | #21. Meet Aslam, Director of Coffee for The Community Coffee, and Sarah Lee, Secondary School Teacher and Coffee Blogger from Singapore 🇸🇬 | 00:33:45 | |
Today is the first time we are joined by two individuals that crossed paths and became friends through coffee. Aslam is the Director of Coffee for The Community Coffee, he is also the founder of the Singapore Roaster Forum. He is a curious yet humble individual, always open to new ideas and concepts in coffee, in which he shares these ideas with those that he has taken under his wing. Professionally, Sarah is a full-time History and English educator at a local secondary school. After hours, she enjoys travelling and is always on the hunt for a good cup of coffee. Sarah shares an Instagram account (@coffeetripsaroundtheworld) with her friend Audrey, it is an outlet for two coffee lovers to share their café finds and to tell their coffee tales during their travels. In this episode, we discuss barista-customer interactions in a coffee shop to dig deeper into what consumers actually want from a specialty coffee experience, and how businesses can bridge the communication barrier to deliver better service to their customers. We also get a glimpse into the Singaporean coffee community, and how coffee roasters operate in one of the smallest countries in the world with an extremely saturated market. The Community Coffee Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 10 Mar 2022 | #22. Meet baristas Irina and Olga from Russia, spread love, not hate. | 00:42:10 | |
“Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world” To celebrate International Women's day, this week, we are looking back on some inspiring female baristas from all over the world by sharing their different stories! Including their journey to where they are now but also the adversities, they faced as women In the coffee industry. In this episode, we have two guests Irina and Olga, ex-baristas from Russia sharing their coffee journey, and current life as regular Russian people. We believe humanity runs on coffee, so spread love, not hate. Read more stories of female baristas here https://notabarista.org/she-is-a-barista-happy-international-womens-day/ -- Meanwhile, we are offering a 30% discount💃on our Brewing Guide, it is a perfect gift for a coffee-loving woman in your life. Shop to support now, all profit goes to supporting baristas in need. You can order on Amazon US or on our website directly Support the show Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 15 Mar 2022 | #23. Meet Namisha and Raghunath, the coffee couple behind ārāmse | 00:38:39 | |
Watch a lot of coffee videos on YouTube? If yes, you may have heard ārāmse. In this episode, we invited Namisha and Raghunath, the couple behind ārāmse. Though they had very different careers prior to this, their foray into starting a YouTube channel for a shared passion, music, led them to discover they had complementary skills and really enjoyed working together. After 13 years in financial markets, Namisha decided to leave the fast-paced life for one with more balance and purpose. Coffee has been an excellent medium for Namisha to connect the disparate dots in her life — finance, markets, coffee drinking and interest in the grassroots. Raghunath, having spent over a decade in design, found coffee to be the perfect way to combine all that he is passionate about — photography, design, product and of course, coffee. ārāmse's mission is to make coffee more inclusive, and to showcase Indian coffee for its unique attributes. They want to challenge popular assumptions and preconceptions about what qualifies as specialty coffee, which brewers are popularized, how we think of naming drinks, all with the ultimate goal of having producing countries like India and others, be more central to the dialogue around the next wave of coffee. -- https://aramse.coffee/ https://instagram.com/aramsecoffee https://www.youtube.com/aramse https://twitter.com/zencoffeemom https://www.patreon.com/aramse Learn how to make Kaapi coffee with Raghunath Traditional South Indian Filter Kaapi (Coffee) Guide Support the show Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 22 Mar 2022 | S2E1. Meet Chandra Melo, ex-barista, marketer at Era of We | 00:30:19 | |
For Season 2 of the I’M NOT A BARISTA Podcast, we wanted to bring a new and vibrant tone. Come along with us as we interview some unique people in the coffee community in a fun and upbeat way. Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 07 Apr 2022 | S2E2. How Pack Katisomsakul built a growing coffee business during the pandemic | 00:43:39 | |
Covid-19 has impacted so many people around the world and for some, has changed our lives completely. Many feel overwhelmed by it, but many could see the opportunities to thrive. In this episode, we talked to Pack Katisomsakul from Thailand, an entrepreneur with about ten years of experience in startups, and the founder of 50 Milk Street. Without any coffee know-how, how could Pack start his coffee business during the pandemic time and build a growing coffee business just in two years, how he did it? Listen to this podcast and find out Pack's secret.
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| 16 Apr 2022 | S2E3. Meet Justin Piercy, the coffee guy behind DaddyGotCoffee | 01:01:53 | |
In this episode, we talked to Justin Piercy, the creator behind the Instagram account DaddyGotCoffee. DaddyGotCoffee Youtube Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 01 May 2022 | S2E4: Meet Morgan Eckroth, your friendly internet barista | 00:58:47 | |
In our latest episode, we had a chance to talk to Morgan Eckroth, the friendly internet barista, the newest 2022 US Barista Champion known by over 7 million combined followers as @morgandrinkscoffee on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 24 May 2022 | S2E5: Meet The Bhopal Brewing Club | 00:41:35 | |
How did a sailor, photographer and strategy consultant team up to make a positive impact in the Indian coffee community? Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 06 Jun 2022 | S2E6: Meet I'M NOT A BARISTA volunteers Vasileia Fanarioti and Maximillian Wee | 01:14:13 | |
In this episode, we're joined by two of our very own volunteer content writers - Vasileia and Maximillian. If you've been following us for awhile, you must've read one or more of their articles. On the podcast, we talk about coffee culture in both Greece and Singapore. Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 30 Jun 2022 | Audio story #1 - Fausto Russo | 00:02:58 | |
As you know, I’M NOT A BARISTA was designed to help baristas in need and make a social impact. Well, if it’s a social impact we’re after then we needed an additional way of sharing the voices of those in the coffee community. Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 04 Jul 2022 | Audio story #2 - Mariam Erin Pinza | 00:02:22 | |
This bucket hat-wearing, art-loving, UAE Brewers Cup champion, Mariam Erin Pinza (@mariam.erin), has brought huge recognition to herself through her outstanding performance in recent coffee competitions. We had a chat with her recently, she enlightened us about the coffee community in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), how trends play a significant impact on the coffee scene and her tips for anyone who wishes to compete in coffee competitions. Listen to this short audio coffee story, and get to know Mariam. Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 07 Jul 2022 | Audio story #3 - Michalina Sujewicz | 00:04:37 | |
Meet Michalina (Instagram: @coffee_that_gives_a_puck)! After fifteen years in the hospitality industry, what can Michalina not do? From barista to teacher to Youtuber to yoga fanatic, she has done more than what many might do in their lifetime. After up and leaving her entire life in Poland to spend eight years in New Zealand (during the lockdown!!!), Michalina has gained great insight into who she is and what she wants out of her career and life. She believes that: you will find your way and you will follow the path that you want.” But she also believes in taking a break and focusing on yourself, which is why she stepped away from the hospitality industry. Subscribe to Michalina’s Youtube channel “Coffee that gives a puck” and get ready to go on the most educational and entertaining journey into the coffee world than you ever imagined! What are your thoughts on the hospitality industry? Where do you think it can improve—as either an employee or a consumer? Let us know ! Support the showRead more coffee stories on | |||
| 12 Jul 2022 | Audio story #4 - Lars Aaen Thøgersen | 00:03:58 | |
Lars Aaen Thøgersen is the Chief Innovation and Circular Transformation Officer at Löfbergs, and Head of Communication at Peter Larsen Kaffe. Lars’ primary mission in the coffee industry is to determine what is needed to innovate businesses in a way that gives back value to coffee farmers in a sustainable way.
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| 19 Jul 2022 | Audio story #5 - Pack Sompetch Katisomsakul | 00:01:57 | |
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| 04 Aug 2022 | Audio story #6 - Vivito Yeptho | 00:02:03 | |
Throughout Vivito’s coffee journey, he feels extremely blessed to have had the opportunity to learn and build relationships with many educated and accomplished people from all over the world. Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 08 Aug 2022 | Audio story #7 - Andrew Jay | 00:03:33 | |
Andrew Jay’s coffee story is a unique one because…well…he couldn’t steam milk to save his life. The world of coffee baffled Andrew. Nothing ever fully clicked until he had his first sip of a V60. Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 15 Aug 2022 | Audio story #8: Juan Angel Welchez | 00:03:57 | |
Meet Agricultural Engineer, Juan Angel Welchez. Juan grew up with coffee running in his veins; Juan Angel Welchez is a third-generation Honduran coffee farmer. Juan originally got into the coffee industry after his grandfather—a fellow coffee farmer—passed away. He said, “I wanted to be a coffee farmer to keep my grandpa’s legacy alive.” Read the full article here Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 20 Aug 2022 | Audio story #9: Jodie Williams | 00:03:03 | |
Meet Jodie Williams (@jodiealicia), one of Britain’s top talents in the coffee and track industry. Jodie has been a predominant voice in the coffee industry for 6 years, and it all started with a cup of iced latte. She is a 2-time Great Britain Olympic athlete, with her most recent competition in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, where she participated in the 400m final. This has been a long time coming, since recovering from a hamstring injury in 2012. She is a longtime advocate for the rights of women in coffee farming communities, especially how they are affected by low wages and a lack of opportunities for leadership and management. She believes she is #morethanjustanathlete as she has developed multiple passions and interests outside of sports, including coffee and her YouTube channel. “If you're passionate about something, learn everything you can about it and find a community that is equally as passionate! This will bring you unparalleled joy and a deep sense of acceptance in a space that truly aligns with who you are.” How do you think women in coffee farming communities can be supported? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Read the full story here Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 23 Aug 2022 | Audio story #10: Ömer Faruk Şahin | 00:01:36 | |
Meet Ömer Faruk Şahin (@Baristanomi), a man who fell in love with coffee after his first sip of Turkish coffee. At the age of 25, Ömer made the decision to quit his job and pursue his dream of becoming a barista. Currently, he is hoping to go abroad in the near future in order to educate himself about the coffee industry on a global scale. Although Ömer has big dreams, he is very content with simply making bonds with people around a cup of coffee. Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 29 Aug 2022 | Coffee story #11, Rodolfo Barranco | 00:01:15 | |
Aeropress Regional Competition Finalist of 2021, Rodolfo Barranco, always dreamed of being the one behind the bar preparing coffee. Rodolfo @robadgal, now 23 years old, hails from Mexico City and has been working with coffee for six years. Next on his agenda is reaching the final in the National Latte Art Competition. Rodolfo landed his first job at only 18 years old at Fractal Café where their specialty is a flat white. Fractal Café owns a bright red, old-school VW truck where they serve coffee, milkshakes, and waffles at music festivals around the city. He says working at music festivals was extremely demanding. “The work of a barista is always undervalued.” From Fractal Café, he moved his barista talents to Cardinal Casa de Café @casacardinal where his love for Mexican coffee originated. At Cardinal. he was surrounded by people who motivated him and supported his dreams – who shared the same goal as he did. He managed to make it to the finals of the 2021 Aeropress Regional Competition, going above and beyond the expectations he set for himself. It was also at Cardinal where Rodolfo experienced his first really good cup of coffee – yellow-honey processed coffee and, “I swear it tasted like pineapple.” In his 23 years, he admits to going through many challenges and changes which ultimately led him to where he is now. Unfortunately, Rodolfo was forced to leave Cardinal because he didn’t have enough capital for supplies to practice for the National Art Latte Competition. “It was a difficult decision because it was a job that taught me the value of work and the love for what I did.” Qūentin Café is where he is currently practicing his latte art skills. __ To read more about the challenges Rodolfo faced throughout his career which has led him to where he is now – practicing for the National Latte Art Competition – click the link below Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 07 Sep 2022 | Coffee story #12, Michael Tan | 00:01:29 | |
Meet Michael Tan, a father, a coffee lover, and a wholesale coffee manager with 14 years of experience under his belt. Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 16 Sep 2022 | Meet Emma Niro | 00:00:20 | |
Hello, everyone! My name is Emma Niro and I’m a content writing intern from New Jersey in the United States. I’ve been with I’M NOT A BARISTA since June of 2022, and I am thrilled to be working on such a big-scale project (101 Coffee Stories) in the hopes of spreading coffee people’s voices from around the world and bringing awareness to the everyday coffee consumer. Support the showRead more coffee stories on | |||
| 20 Sep 2022 | S2E7: Meet Lars Aaen Thøgersen, coffee specialist in business innovation and sustainability | 00:48:14 | |
Lars Aaen Thøgersen is the Chief Innovation and Circular Transformation Officer at Löfbergs, and Head of Communication at Peter Larsen Kaffe. Lars’ primary mission in the coffee industry is to determine what is needed to innovate businesses in a way that gives back value to coffee farmers in a sustainable way. Read Lars's coffee story https://notabarista.org/lars-aaen-thogersen/ MOMENTEM dual-burr manual coffee grinder https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/momentem-dual-burr-coffee-grinder-for-coffeeholic/x/23239695#/ Coffee Wristbands https://coffeewristbands.com/ Meet us at Mice and The Barista League competition https://notabarista.org/a-piping-hot-cup-of-female-empowerment-goes-overseas/ Support the show Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 30 Sep 2022 | Coffee Story #13: André Eiermann | 00:01:18 | |
The first time André Eiermann had his first cup of coffee was during the interview for a Junior Coffee Trader position. Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 06 Oct 2022 | 101 Coffee Stories: Juan Angel Welchez | 00:06:50 | |
Coffee runs in Juan Angel Welchez’s veins. If anyone was destined to go into the coffee industry, it was him. To him, coffee is more than a drink; it is a connection, a bond. This love of coffee began with Juan’s grandfather, making him a third-generation Honduran coffee farmer. Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 06 Oct 2022 | 101 Coffee Stories: Paola Campana | 00:05:42 | |
Paola Campana’s story is one of tradition, values, family, and passion. Slipping into the world of coffee by following in her parents’ footsteps, her story takes place along the Napolitan coast of Italy. A dreamy backdrop, we invite you to imagine the sounds of waves crashing and busy piazzas in summer as we share her story with you. Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 05 Jan 2023 | Coffee Story #14: Petros Malousis | 00:01:28 | |
Hello guys, I'M NOT A BARISTA is back. 2023's first audio story is from Petros.
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| 11 Jan 2023 | S3E1: Meet Elysia Tan, Singapore Brewers Cup Champion 2019 & 2022 | 00:41:10 | |
In the first episode of season 3 of the I'M NOT A BARISTA podcast, we talked to Elysia Tan, a coffee entrepreneur, and professional barista with multiple titles. She is the Singapore Brewers Cup Champion 2019 and 2022, and the World Brewers Cup 2022 2nd Runner up, and the co-founder of Homeground Coffee Roasters in Singapore. Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 25 Jan 2023 | S3E2: NOT JUST A BARISTA - Meet the 2023 UAE Barista Champion Mariam Erin Pinza | 00:46:20 | |
Who is the most popular barista in 2023 so far? No doubt, it is Mariam Erin Pinza, the 2023 UAE Barista Champion, who is also the @coffeewristbands angel in UAE, and the talented artist that you should start investing :) In this episode, Mariam shared her experience preparing for a barista championship, and her recent competition performance proves that her method works. Listen to this episode, and get to know the Mariam behind the competition, get to know her art, her past, and why she always wears a bucket hat.
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| 24 Mar 2023 | S3E3: Meet James Harper, the man behind Filter Stories | 00:48:18 | |
In this episode, we had James Harper with us. James is an Italian Australian with a British twang, James fell in love with coffee as a teenager in Italy. Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 26 Apr 2023 | S3E4: Meet Serafim Zoukas from Greece, psychologist and passioante coffee enthusiast | 00:45:36 | |
In our latest episode, we interviewed Serafim Zoukas. He is a full-time psychologist, a father of a seven-year-old, and an independent Brewers Cup competitor who is passionate about homebrewing. We were impressed by Serafim's dedication to his craft and his willingness to compete with coffee professionals. He serves as an excellent example to his daughter and to all of us. Serafim's love for coffee goes beyond just drinking it. He has honed his brewing skills and competed in the Brewers Cup. Despite being a full-time psychologist, Serafim has found the time to pursue his passion for brewing and has even achieved success in the competition circuit. He is an inspiration to anyone who has a passion outside of their day job. During our interview, Serafim advised anyone looking to pursue their passions to "do what you love, and enjoy the process." This message reminds us to prioritize joy and fulfillment in our pursuits. Overall, we were honored to have Serafim on our show and are grateful for the insight he provided on pursuing one's passions and stepping outside of one's comfort zone.
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| 16 May 2023 | S3E5: Meet Oleksii Fedorovskyi, Ukraine Brewers Cup champ 2016 and 2020, let's talk about coffee in difficult times. | 00:45:37 | |
We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Oleksii Fedorovskyi, the Ukraine Brewers Cup champion in 2016 and 2020. Even during times of war, Oleksii never wavered in his love for coffee. He and all of the 2023 Ukraine Brewers Cup competitors proudly hold the title of coffee enthusiast. In this episode, we had the privilege of interviewing Oleksii about the current coffee scene in Kiev and his latest activities. We also delved into the topic of infused coffee and Oleksii generously shared his tips for identifying infused coffee at home based on his vast experience. Have you had the pleasure of trying infused coffee? Are you a fan? Tune in to this episode to learn more about Oleksii and the world of infused coffee. Support the showRead more coffee stories on | |||
| 06 Jun 2023 | S3E6: Meet Darren Meachem, the first Water Sommelier in Australia | 00:41:08 | |
“Coffee paired with the right glass of water will dramatically change your experience…” For more information about Darren and his work as a water sommelier, be sure to check out his Instagram. And if you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and subscribe to our podcast to stay up-to-date on all our latest content.
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| 28 Jun 2023 | S3E7: Finding Zen in Coffee Brewing: A Conversation with Nadia Park on Mindfulness, Culture, and Connections in the World of Coffee | 00:49:55 | |
Ever pondered on the therapeutic benefits of brewing coffee? Introducing Nadia Park (@nadiaxcoffee), a proud Korean American, rooted in California, who stumbled upon the tranquility imbued in the act of drip coffee preparation. This newfound ritual has since infused joy into her daily life. Join Nadia as she talks about her coffee journey. It moved on from just coffee to chats about deep topics. Her content has attracted many coffee lovers. Nadia believes coffee has its own language which can lead to engaging discussions and fresh insights. Click on the link in our bio to listen to Nadia's story. Follow her today and be a part of her unique coffee journey. You can find us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and Google podcasts.
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| 11 Jul 2023 | S3E8: Steaming Controversies: Unmasking the Coffee Industry with Jo Lopez | 00:50:14 | |
Our guest is none other than Jo Lopez (@link_is_not_the_princess), the head of coffee at a coffee company in London, who spills the beans on the recent drama brewing in the coffee industry. A rising storm in a coffee cup, the controversial Paragon chilling tool, is the hot topic; with big players attempting to freeze out smaller competitors like Squeaky Coffee with legal threats. Jo, however, isn't one to shy away from controversy and gives us the skinny on this contentious tool, just like 50percentarabica, leading us to a humorous discussion on memes that have sprung up as a form of protest against corporate bullying. Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 16 Aug 2023 | S3E9: TIMEMORE's Brewing Future: Insights from the Co-founder and Design Director | 00:30:11 | |
Get ready to meet Fish Yu, the co-founder and design director of TIMEMORE, the go-to coffee brand that has been stirring the coffee industry. Today, he takes us behind-the-scenes into the birth of TIMEMORE, a brand born from the shared passion for coffee and design between two friends who dared to dream beyond the mobile phone industry. As Fish unfolds his journey, you'll gain an insight into the challenges of steering a startup, the evolution of his role, and the driving force behind TIMEMORE's acclaimed design philosophy. Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 06 Mar 2021 | #01 Welcome to I'M NOT A BARISTA Podcast | 00:06:07 | |
How much do you know about the barista who makes your cup of coffee? My name is Micky and I’m not a barista. I am, however, excited to introduce the I’M NOT A BARISTA podcast that will shine a spotlight on the role of baristas worldwide who work tirelessly to brew the delicious coffee that powers people every day. I’M NOT A BARISTA is a not-for-profit organization that celebrates the coffee community. Everything we do is to empower baristas who are incredibly passionate about what they do. They connect us to the complex value chain behind every cup of coffee and they deserve a platform where their work, skills, and knowledge are recognized. This podcast is an extension of the coffee stories we’ve been sharing since we launched in 2019. Every week, we’ll release a new episode that features inspiring stories, career advice, brewing tips, and more from some of the incredible people who are passionate about good coffee and want to share what they know with listeners like you. Learn more about I'M NOT A BARISTA and our projects, please visit our website www.notabarista.org Support the showRead more coffee stories on | |||
| 07 Mar 2021 | #02. Meet Andrea Ley 🇲🇽, the happy owner of the blue coffee truck | 00:26:23 | |
Andrea is a truly inspiring woman and today we’d like to share her story with you, so you can be inspired too. Originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, Andrea moved to Texas in 2010 and used to work as a software engineer for an IT department. In her own words: “Coffee was always my best part of the day at my old job. It was like my best friend for the eight years I worked as a software engineer”.
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| 07 Mar 2021 | #03. Meet Anna Shuayre 🇲🇽, the founder of Meet The Local | 00:33:08 | |
Anna Shuayre is a volunteer at I'M NOT A BARISTA. She helps us write coffee stories and inspire others in the coffee community. Support the showRead more coffee stories on | |||
| 09 Mar 2021 | #04. Meet Dominic Symons🇨🇭, founder and designer of NanoFoamer | 00:34:36 | |
Dominic has been the founder of a design consultancy and tech venture. Now, he’s on to his third company Subliminal. His first Kickstarter campaign Nanofoamer exceeded its funding goal in just four hours. The Kickstarter campaign was 3682% funded, receiving over a third of a million dollars in funding from 5,823 backers. Early on in his career, he had the opportunity to design an espresso machine for a client. He began to research the intricacies of espresso and understand what it takes to make a really good shot. On finding out more about espresso: “Once you start going down that path, you know there’s no way back.” With a knack of being in the right place at the right time, he had the vision to scale his last venture across 42 countries. That company was eventually acquired, with Dominic leaving to take on a new challenge. Dominic started to think of ways to improve the experience of drinking coffee at home. Noticing there were already tons of home brewing products on the market, he looked for a niche where there would be demand for something new. He launched The NanoFoamer on Kickstarter - a tool that creates microfoam as well as a steam wand. The campaign reached its funding goal in four hours and went on to raise more than a third of a million dollars. His design philosophy has always been to provide value. ”What makes a product really great is when you are able to focus on an area and discover a gap you can fill.” Interested to find out what goes on behind the scenes to bring a product to life? Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 19 Mar 2021 | #05. Meet Binny Varghese 🇮🇳 Barista on Bike | 00:24:50 | |
Some people are coffee lovers, coffee connoisseurs, or coffee nerds; Binny Varghese is a coffee warrior. He’s known as “the barista on a bike” throughout India because in 2017, he convinced his then boss to let him tour the country on his motorcycle in order to visit every café on their network. The 110-day journey took him 21,000 kilometers through India and Nepal and changed his life in more ways than one. Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 25 Mar 2021 | #6. Meet Tim Rogg 🇬🇧, from filmmaker to coffee entrepreneur | 00:24:55 | |
How do you turn a big concept like specialty coffee into content that’s educational, digestible, and entertaining at the same time? Tim Rogg, co-founder and the ‘brawn’ behind The Right Roast, has spent the last decade doing just that. Along with his wife Aiko, who makes up the ‘brain’ behind the brand, the creative duo have devoted their effort into building an ecosystem that unites roasters and consumers alike in an online marketplace that’s designed to grow into something so much more. You can read Tim's coffee story https://notabarista.org/tim-rogg/ Make sure you follow us on Instagram @iamnotabarista to connect with the global coffee community, let's empower people behind the cup together. Support the showRead more coffee stories on | |||
| 12 Apr 2021 | #7. Meet Jane Lash (Janina Łaszkiewicz )🇧🇾 Coffee Roaster, Competition Judge, Sensory Trainer and more | 01:15:49 | |
The Brewing Guide is alive on Kickstarter, check the link below and support this community project, thank you very much. Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 15 Apr 2021 | #8. Meet Piotr Skoczylas 🇵🇱🇬🇧, barista on bike and founder of Stol Coffee | 00:34:26 | |
Good relationships brew great coffee: Piotr Skoczylas shares about bringing coffee to people during a pandemic Piotr Skoczylas recounts the first time stepping into a specialty coffee shop as an intimidating experience for many people. We do not understand much of what we see on the menu, yet we feel that we should. Sometimes, not knowing more, we simply go along with the barista’s recommendation. Otherwise, we would lean back on something on the menu that we recognise, because that’s a safe bet and we know what we are getting for our money. Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 28 Apr 2021 | #9. Meet Wendelien van Bunnik 🇳🇱 2019 World Aeropress Champion and 2019 Dutch Barista Champion | 00:36:34 | |
Snobby baristas make Wendelien van Bunnik nervous. That might be because she’s just about as welcoming, enthusiastic, and encouraging as they come. Despite winning one world and two Dutch national championships in a single year, Wendelien continues to expand her coffee journey with an unwavering appetite to learn more. Not even COVID-19 can stop her from sharing her passion with her like-minded followers on social media. Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 17 Jun 2021 | #10. Meet Sierra Yeo 🇸🇬 the diversity champion leading change for a more equitable coffee scene | 00:55:31 | |
Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 10 Aug 2021 | #12. Meet Micky, and let's talk about the I'M NOT A BARISTA | 00:25:34 | |
This week's episode is our first recorded by our marketing intern, and now new co-host, Nicole Hilton. Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 03 Aug 2021 | #11. Meet our Marketing Intern Nicole Hilton 🇮🇹 | 00:24:26 | |
"Some of you may have read my name before in an Instagram DM, or may have heard my voice during one of the live sessions we organise with baristas and people from the coffee industry at I’M NOT A BARISTA. So let me tell you a bit more about myself."
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| 16 Aug 2021 | #13. Meet Ashley Rodriguez, the boss barista 🇺🇸 | 00:32:20 | |
This episode is about Ashley Rodriguez, a long time #barista turned freelance writer and podcast host of Boss Barista. In this episode, we talked about her barista experience, how she started the Boss Barista podcast; Ashley also shared her tips on how to become a coffee writer, how to balance your work life, and much more. Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 13 Sep 2021 | #14. Meet Betty Wee, graphic designer, barista, and roaster | 00:23:55 | |
Brewing with grit and beauty: Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 26 Oct 2021 | #15, Meet Ken Braz and August 63, the mobile coffee roastery in Berlin | 00:32:11 | |
We shared Ken's coffee story a few months ago and now wish to share his latest project August 63, a mobile coffee roastery in Berlin Ken is working hard on his coffee dream - build a mobile coffee roastery in Berlin, and you will find him at farmers markets, street food markets, corporate events, festivals or cultural events soon. Ken aims to raise 12,000 euros to kick start his dreams, and his project is still alive here. With your support, Ken can launch his project and share his passion for sustainable and transparently sourced coffee with thousands of coffee lovers in Germany. Ken’s passion and commitment for change drive him forward to make change where it needs to be done and help others be more aware of where they buy their coffee. Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 03 Dec 2021 | #16. Meet Jared Dennison Barista, Trainer & Lab Assistant at Wonderstate Coffee 🇺🇸 | 00:22:58 | |
Meet Jared Dennison, Barista, Trainer & Lab Assistant at Wonderstate Coffee in Viroqua, Wisconsin. Jared is also a full-time dad with a three years old son. After 11 years in the coffee industry, what has he learned, what motivates him, and what tips he has for the baristas? We asked Jared what coffee means to him, he answers: “Coffee is constant change and reinvention, it's my punk rock. Something ubiquitous and wholly unique. It's a platform for me to communicate something to those I serve. With coffee, I can take this mutual language of taste and share experiences and passion in a way that words or even images can't communicate. Coffee is so much more to me than just a morning routine or "hot brown" it's literal passion in a cup.” Jared is also one of the recipe contributors of the Brewing Guide project, check out his go-to Aeropress recipe here https://notabarista.org/product/jared-dennison/ Follow Jared on Instagram @depeche__mocha Support the showRead more coffee stories on | |||
| 04 Dec 2021 | #17: Meet Robert McKeon Aloe, the author of Engineering Better Espresso: Data Driven Coffee | 00:23:30 | |
Robert McKeon Aloe, author of the latest coffee book on Kickstarter "Engineering Better Espresso: Data Driven Coffee ". Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 05 Dec 2021 | #18. Meet Tigger Chaturabul, content writer, designer, marketer, and I'M NOT A BARISTA volunteer | 00:39:43 | |
In this episode, Micky talks to Tigger Chaturabul, one of the I'M NOT A BARISTA volunteers. Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 14 Dec 2021 | #19. Meet Geoffrey Michelmore, Techncial Director at AREMDE | 00:29:39 | |
Are you a barista? Do you work with espresso machines? Read more coffee stories on | |||
| 12 Sep 2023 | S3E10: Jeremy Zhang: Crafting China's Coffee Culture One Bean at a Time | 00:47:07 | |
In this illuminating episode, we have the honor of hosting Jeremy Zhang, a titan in the realm of specialty coffee in China. As the founder of M2M, one of China's largest specialty coffee roasteries, Jeremy's influence stretches far beyond the bustling streets of Nanjing, where his journey began. His pioneering spirit has carved out a space in coffee competitions, setting a benchmark for many to follow. But who is Jeremy Zhang beyond the entrepreneur? Dive in to understand the fabric of the Chinese coffee industry, the dynamics of evolving tastes and preferences, and the fascinating interplay between tradition and modernity. Jeremy speaks candidly about breaking stereotypes, integrating different aspects of the coffee supply chain, and fostering young talent like the Beijing-born world champion barista Jiangning Du he once recruited, and the infused coffee. Discover how his passion led him from an employer to a mentor, shaping not just beans but lives. As China's coffee scene remains an enigma to many international coffee lovers, let Jeremy be your guide to unveil its depths. Join us on this caffeinated journey, and you might just see coffee, and China, through a new lens. -- Cover photo from M2M-木 on Red book #coffee #m2m #coffeeinchina #roastery #jeremyzhang #barista #nanjing #nanjingcoffee #notabarista | |||
| 03 Feb 2024 | S3E12: A Cup of Savina Giachgia: Stories from the Coffee World" | 00:20:56 | |
Hello and a very warm welcome to all our listeners out there! You're tuning into the 'I'M NOT A BARISTA' podcast, and today marks the beginning of our exhilarating 2024 journey together. As we sip our first cups of coffee in this new year, we're thrilled to bring you stories that brew inspiration, stir passion, and pour out the essence of what it truly means to be part of the global coffee community. Before we dive into today’s episode, I want to extend a heartfelt Happy New Year to each and every one of you. We’ve been away for a bit, focusing all our energy on the MOMENTEM grinder project. Your patience and encouragement have been our steady guide, and now, we're back, more ready than ever to share the incredible voices from the coffee world with you. In our comeback episode, we're bringing you a conversation that's been brewing since last year. Our guest is none other than Savina Giachgia from Greece, a name that resonates with dedication, skill, and an unwavering love for coffee. From facing unexpected challenges at the World Brewers Cup to embarking on a journey of self-discovery and professional growth, Savina’s story is a testament to the power of community, passion, and hard work in the coffee industry. Despite our brief hiatus, we believe that some conversations are timeless, and Savina's insights, experiences, and heartfelt advice are as relevant and inspiring as ever. Whether you're a budding barista, a seasoned coffee professional, or simply someone who appreciates a good cup of coffee, this episode is brewed just for you. So, let's not wait any longer. Please join me in giving a warm, caffeinated welcome to Savina Giachgia. Savina, welcome to 'I'M NOT A BARISTA. Follow us on Instagram | |||
| 06 Feb 2025 | Unmasking Vulnerability: Damien O'Brien on Mental Health and the Coffee Foundation | 00:44:04 | |
In this powerful episode, Damien O'Brien from Coffee Foundation opens up about his personal journey through loss, mental health challenges, and the harsh realities of the coffee industry. Damien shares how his painful experiences—including the loss of his mother and brother—led him to create a safe space for coffee professionals and farmers alike. He talks about the importance of vulnerability, the need for genuine human connection, and the ongoing challenges the industry faces. Join us for an honest conversation filled with insight, resilience, and a call to support those who give life to every cup of coffee. Follow Coffee Foundation on Isntagram Read Damien's story here | |||