I'M NOT A BARISTA

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 Isntagramhttps://www.instagram.com/coffee.foundation/Read Damien's story herehttps://notabarista.org/damien-obrien_coffee-foundation/

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! Follow Charity on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/charitycheung_/?hl=en Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/iamnotabarista/?hl=en Read Charity's story here https://notabarista.org/charity-cheung/ Support I'M NOT A BARISTA here https://notabarista.org/charity-cheung/

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.www.notabarista.org

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.

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 herehttps://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

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 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/iamnotabarista/Follow Savina https://www.instagram.com/savina.giachgia/

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 herehttps://notabarista.org/melissa-stinson/--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.

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 bookRead more coffee stories at www.notabarista.org#coffee #m2m #coffeeinchina #roastery #jeremyzhang #barista #nanjing #nanjingcoffee #notabarista

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.We also dive into the intriguing challenge of maneuvering a Chinese brand in the global market. Fish's candid discussions about their commitment to authenticity, the power of design, and the uphill battle to break stereotypes will leave you inspired. You'll also get an insider's look into the creation of their innovative Sculptor grinders and the ingenious knocker design that has been a hit. And for the fans wanting more, Fish reveals what's brewing in TIMEMORE's future. So, buckle up, coffee enthusiasts, for a fascinating journey into the world of coffee.Support the showRead more coffee stories on https://notabarista.org/Order Coffee Wristbands and support I'M NOT A BARISTA's charity workhttps://notabarista.org/product/notabarista-coffee-wristbands-2023/

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.Trust us, the drama doesn't stop there. We rip back the curtain on the power dynamics at play in the industry, revealing how well-established companies are making bold moves to protect their market share. The dark side of innovation, we discuss the pattern of big companies trying to patent everything, and the ripple effects this has on small companies. Buckle up as we navigate the murky waters of influencer culture in the coffee industry, questioning the authenticity of reviews amidst sponsored content, and how this can leave consumers with a bitter taste.So, whether you're a casual coffee drinker or a seasoned industry player, this episode promises a full-bodied blend of controversy, drama, industry insights, and personal experiences. Join us as we roast these hot topics!Follow Jo on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/link_is_not_the_princessSupport the showRead more coffee stories on https://notabarista.org/Order Coffee Wristbands and support I'M NOT A BARISTA's charity workhttps://notabarista.org/product/notabarista-coffee-wristbands-2023/

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. Follow Nadia Park on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nadiaxcoffee/#coffee #coffeemeditation #meditation #nadiapark #KoreanAmerican #pourover #handrip #speciatlycoffee #notabarista #coffeetime #coffeepodcast #coffeeloverSupport the showRead more coffee stories on https://notabarista.org/Order Coffee Wristbands and support I'M NOT A BARISTA's charity workhttps://notabarista.org/product/notabarista-coffee-wristbands-2023/

“Coffee paired with the right glass of water will dramatically change your experience…”From tasting his first Ethiopian – washed coffee to placing second in 2019's Australian Northern regional World Aeropress Championship, Darren Meachem's journey through coffee goes deep.If you're a coffee aficionado or simply curious about the fascinating world of water, this episode is not to be missed. Tune in now and discover the art of water tasting with Darren Meachem.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.#water #coffeewater #watersommelier #sommelier #australia #aeropress #barista #specialtycoffee Support the showRead more coffee stories on https://notabarista.org/Order Coffee Wristbands and support I'M NOT A BARISTA's charity workhttps://notabarista.org/product/notabarista-coffee-wristbands-2023/

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 https://notabarista.org/Order Coffee Wristbands and support I'M NOT A BARISTA's charity workhttps://notabarista.org/product/notabarista-coffee-wristbands-2023/

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.Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/serafimzoukas/Support the showRead more coffee stories on https://notabarista.org/Order Coffee Wristbands and support I'M NOT A BARISTA's charity workhttps://notabarista.org/product/notabarista-coffee-wristbands-2023/

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. He's worked across the coffee world but kept running against the same problem: nobody knew what was really happening. So he went off to uncover the reality and discovered uncomfortable, hidden truths. Armed with these stories and a background in storytelling, James started Filter Stories to help coffee drinkers understand how their morning cup of coffee impacts tens of millions of people.If you like coffee just like us, make sure the subscribe to James's podcast Filter Stories Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/filterstoriespodcast/Websitehttps://filterstories.org/Support the showRead more coffee stories on https://notabarista.org/Order Coffee Wristbands and support I'M NOT A BARISTA's charity workhttps://notabarista.org/product/notabarista-coffee-wristbands-2023/

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.If you like reading, you can read Mariam's coffee story with the link belowhttps://notabarista.org/mariam-erin-pinza/Follow Mariam on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mariam.erin/Get to know IMNAB's charity program COFFEE WRISTBANDS https://notabarista.org/coffee-wristbands-charity-program/Coffee Wristbands is an international fundraising program that brings coffee people together to give back to the coffee community. Every wristband purchased enacts a positive impact on the lives of those in the local coffee community.Support the showRead more coffee stories on https://notabarista.org/Order Coffee Wristbands and support I'M NOT A BARISTA's charity workhttps://notabarista.org/product/notabarista-coffee-wristbands-2023/

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. After eight years in the coffee world, Elysia still finds her passion in coffee; what inspires her daily, and what is she like in real life? Listen to this episode and get to know the real Elysia. If you travel to Singapore this year, Elysia has a list of great coffee shops you must visit. If you like our podcast, subscribe and leave us a review. We interview coffee people from all over the world to empower people behind the cup. Follow Elysia on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/elysiaholmes/Visit our website for more coffee stories https://notabarista.org/Support the showRead more coffee stories on https://notabarista.org/Order Coffee Wristbands and support I'M NOT A BARISTA's charity workhttps://notabarista.org/product/notabarista-coffee-wristbands-2023/

Hello guys, I'M NOT A BARISTA is back. 2023's first audio story is from Petros. Last year, we interviewed Petros Malousis, the operational manager of Coffee Lab and he shared with us his spectacular journey from a barista to where he is now. We hope his story can give baristas some tips about their own careers.Stepping into the coffee industry at 17 years old, Petros Malousis embarked on his coffee journey with a humble beginning. He spent years working as a barista trainer. Whenever he recalls his apprentice experience, the passion for the coffee always takes up most of his words. He barely complained about the dullness of repetitive training and the low wages in his early career. When people ask him why he choose this path, he just answers in the most honest way:My passion for coffee is the easiest answer, when I travel I meet the people behind the coffee. I realised that I couldn't see myself anywhere else.Read the full article herehttps://notabarista.org/petros-malousis/Follow us on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/iamnotabarista/Support the show

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 the full article herehttps://notabarista.org/paola-campana/Article by Virginia & ZoéSupport our 101 Coffee Stories project on Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/iamnotabarista/101-coffee-stories-dedicated-to-the-people-behind-the-cupSupport the show

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.This is Juan's coffee story, written by Emma NiroRead the article herehttps://notabarista.org/juan-angel-welchez/Support our 101 Coffee Stories project on Kickstarterhttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/iamnotabarista/101-coffee-stories-dedicated-to-the-people-behind-the-cupSupport the show

The first time André Eiermann had his first cup of coffee was during the interview for a Junior Coffee Trader position. After the interview, André was convinced that coffee was his destiny. On the hunt for an adventure, he was especially interested in traveling to the various origins of coffee. Among the many successes he had during his 15 years working with coffee, he won the Swiss Barista Championship and became the first barista to roast coffee live on stage during his World Barista Championship performance. Now André has moved to Melbourne where he is the General Manager at Victoria Arduino—a company that specializes in quality espresso machines. Read the full coffee story herehttps://notabarista.org/andre-eiermann/Support the show

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 storyhttps://notabarista.org/lars-aaen-thogersen/MOMENTEM dual-burr manual coffee grinderhttps://www.indiegogo.com/projects/momentem-dual-burr-coffee-grinder-for-coffeeholic/x/23239695#/Coffee Wristbandshttps://coffeewristbands.com/Meet us at Mice and The Barista League competitionhttps://notabarista.org/a-piping-hot-cup-of-female-empowerment-goes-overseas/Support the show

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 show

Meet Michael Tan, a father, a coffee lover, and a wholesale coffee manager with 14 years of experience under his belt. Born and bred in Malaysia, he has climbed up and down and up again on the ladder of the coffee business and still hasn't let anything stop him. There's no place he'd rather be.Read Michael's full coffee story herehttps://notabarista.org/michael-tan/Article by Oluwatobifunmi OlaniranSupport the show

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 belowhttps://notabarista.org/rodolfo-barranco/Support the show

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. Story by Emma NiroRead the full article here https://notabarista.org/omer-faruk-sahin/Support the show

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 herehttps://notabarista.org/jodie-williams/Support the show

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 herehttps://notabarista.org/juan-angel-welchez/Article by Emma NiroRead more coffee stories herehttps://notabarista.org/coffee-stories/Support the show

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.Do you also think you'll never know everything about coffee? Were you in a similar predicament to Andrew when the pandemic hit? Let us know.Story by Emma NiroRead the full story herehttps://notabarista.org/andrew-jay/Follow us on Instagram for more coffee stories https://www.instagram.com/iamnotabarista/Support the show

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. We are positively inspired by his resilience, diligence, and commitment to not only his work but also his family. We'll leave you with one last piece of advice he offered: “Those who work hard; win the race.” Read the full story herehttps://notabarista.org/vivito-yeptho/Support the show

I'M NOT A BARISTA is happy to bring back Pack Sompetch Katisomsakul, the owner of the coffee business 50 Milk Street. We were fortunate enough to sit down with Pack after his success with the Coffee Wristbands Charity Program.Read the full article herehttps://notabarista.org/pack-katisomsakul-50-milk-street-raised-750-through-coffee-wristbands-and-bought-coffee-trees-to-help-farmers-in-thailand/Coffee Wristbands Charity Programhttps://notabarista.org/coffee-wristbands-charity-program/Order Wristbands herehttps://notabarista.org/product/coffee-wristbands/Support the show

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 the full coffee story herehttps://notabarista.org/lars-aaen-thogersen/Story by Nathierah FredericksSupport the show

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: “If you have a certain passion and you want to evolve…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 show

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.You can also read the full article on our website herehttps://notabarista.org/coffee-stories/ Support the show

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. We want to ensure that their voices are heard in many ways and we want to take this opportunity to introduce our new way of sharing stories - audio stories. Behind the scenes: This Monday, we had a meeting with our content writing interns brainstorming the new way of empowering coffee people, and we came up with the idea of audio stories. It is different from our regular podcast and coffee articles, it is a new, easier way to share the stories with you. The audio stories are shorter, often less than 5 minutes long and they're read by our content writers who wrote the stories. You will hear the voices of our content writers from Africa, The United States, and more. Just like a short bedtime story, are you ready? Turn up the volume, get your favourite earphones, and listen to our very first audio story from Fausto Russo, story written and read by our new content writer Emma Niro.Do you often listen to audiobooks? What do you think about our the new audio stories?Support the show

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.As ex-baristas, they still enjoy brewing coffee daily. Vasileia is currently working as a freelance content writer, her works include articles written for Barista Magazine (@baristamagazine), Perfect Daily Grind (@perfectdailygrind), and Coffee t&i (@coffeeteaimag). Max recently graduated and is working on a coffee project called the Singapore Coffee Collective (@coffeeinsg).If you are travelling to Greece or Singapore in the near future, make sure to drop them a DM @the.wandering.bean or @messymerlion to get insider info on the best coffee spots in town!Support the show

How did a sailor, photographer and strategy consultant team up to make a positive impact in the Indian coffee community?Recently we had a special interview with the three founders of Bhopal Brewing Club, Navneet Tiwari, Arun Thomas and Neeraj Pathak. In this episode, these three gentlemen shared how they created a local coffee club to help new coffee drinkers learn about coffee. You can read their story on our website herehttps://notabarista.org/bhopal-brewing-club/If you like our podcast, make sure to subscribe and share our podcast with your friends. Thank you for your support. Support the show

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. The barista competition represents an elevated version of what baristas do in their day-to-day work. “Competitions allow for a lot of innovation and attention to aspects of coffee that are up-and-coming, and by showing these exciting and expensive things on the stage, it opens them up to a wider audience. In the years following, we generally start to see more adoption of these things, so in that way, the barista stage is important because it's the most high level of what we do,” Morgan says. --Check out I'M NOT A BARISTA's next big project - MOMENTEM dual-burr coffee manual grinder. Thanks to the Two-Step Grinding System, MOMENTEM grinders faster and produce more uniform particles.  It is a call-to-action for the manual grinding industry to realize the potential of coffee engineering innovation. We can achieve so much more than modest improvements in burr technology and share these incredible innovations with coffee lovers everywhere. Coming soon on Indiegogo.https://momentemgrinder.com/Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest project updates.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2NHGJJLLSNWUG)

In this episode, we talked to Justin Piercy, the creator behind the Instagram account DaddyGotCoffee. Justin wants people to identify his Instagram page as somewhere you can be supported on your coffee journey, he wants to be a cheerleader in your life and to help you go through all the ups and downs through his funny coffee reel videos. We talked about content creation, branding, and the importance of consistency if you want to run a growing social media. Justin isn't a barista, according to Justin, in real life, he is a real geek who is very quiet and introverted, but he is also a learner who enjoys reading and researching. Recently, Justin launched his new YouTube channel that aims to help coffee people produce solid coffee every time by simplifying complicated coffee theories because that is what he feels passionate about. Listen to this episode and get to know the Justin, the person behind DaddyGotCoffeeDaddyGotCoffee Youtubehttps://www.youtube.com/c/DaddyGotCoffeeDaddyGotCoffee Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/daddygotcoffee/--*SponsorA big shout out to  Lilydrip for sponsoring this episode, Lilydrip is a magical small brewing gadget that works with all cone shape brewers, including Hario V60, Origami and Flower dripper. Lilydrip is a diamond shape add-on that can help you instantly increase extraction surface by 100% and ground height by 50%. It magically fixes problems such as coffee clustering as well as making your brews stable, easy, and fun. Follow Lilydrip on Instagram and purchase lilydrip now on Amazon.  If you want more awesome episodes like this, please support us, you can purchase our merch here https://notabarista.org/product/, or make a small donation to help us continue doing what we love, thank you so much!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2NHGJJLLSNWUG)

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.If you want to read Pack's story, read the full article herehttps://notabarista.org/pack-katisomsakul/If you like our podcast, make sure to subscribe and support us. Humanity runs on coffee. https://notabarista.org/Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2NHGJJLLSNWUG)

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.In the first episode of season 2, we have Chandra Melo with us, she is a gorgeous coffee girl from Brazil, an ex-barista who is currently working as a marketer at a big international coffee company. Chandra believes that baristas can reach much more in their careers because herself is a great example. Are you a barista feeling stuck in your career? listen to this episode and see what Chandra is sharing with you. Follow Chandra on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/arroba.moon/Era of We  project https://www.instagram.com/eraofwe/Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2NHGJJLLSNWUG)

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/aramsecoffeehttps://www.youtube.com/aramsehttps://twitter.com/zencoffeemomhttps://www.patreon.com/aramseLearn how to make Kaapi coffee with RaghunathTraditional South Indian Filter Kaapi (Coffee) GuideSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2NHGJJLLSNWUG)

“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 herehttps://notabarista.org/she-is-a-barista-happy-international-womens-day/--Meanwhile, we are offering a 30% discount

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 Coffeehttps://thecommunitycoffee.com/Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2NHGJJLLSNWUG)

In this episode, we talked to the owner of Teyyaredenkahve (Aircraft Coffee) Levent Oncu. Levent is NOT A BARISTA. As an aeronautical engineer, Levent joined the third wave of coffee in 2010, and today he is one of the most influential coffee people in Turkey. Coffee is a big part of Levent's life, as a full-time engineer, a husband, and a father of a 5-years,  he always can find time to review coffee tools,  make Instagram live talk (with 83 episodes till today)  and help Turkish coffee lovers brew better coffee. When the high inflation hits Turkey badly, Levent and his friend Ismail collaborate with Turkish coffee roasters and distributors to organize group purchases to help the local coffee community in difficult times. Listen to this episode and get to Levent and his community in Turkey. Don't forget to follow him on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teyyaredenkahve/https://kahveler.nethttps://www.youtube.com/c/KahveMasasiSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2NHGJJLLSNWUG)

Are you a barista? Do you work with espresso machines?Today, we have Geoffrey Michelmore on our podcast, and we talked about his engineering career, his favourite coffee, and AREMDE espresso machines. Geoff also shared his tips. At I'M NOT A BARISTA,  we want to connect people behind the cup, especially between baristas and coffee consumers, this is where we found AREMDE and us have so much in common.Every problem is also a window of opportunity. You just have to open it up. And that's what AREMDE did. They literally designed a hole in the wall. Created less machine and more experience. So the connection between the customer and the coffee master – as we like to call true baristas – is optimized to the max.Support the show (https://pico.link/imnotabarista)

 In this episode, Micky talks to Tigger Chaturabul, one of the I'M NOT A BARISTA volunteers. Tigger is also working on the I'MNAB's crowdfunding project - the world's first coffee hand grinder with two burrs, which will be launching in Spring 2022. Tigger was born in California, moved to Hong Kong for her master's degree in creative media, and is now living in the Netherlands. As a branding consultant and copywriter, what is her life like and what is the latest I'MNAB project she is working on? Listen now to get to know Tigger and I'M NOT A BARISTA's next crowdfunding project.Support the show

Robert McKeon Aloe,  author of the latest coffee book on Kickstarter "Engineering Better Espresso: Data Driven Coffee ". Robert is also a Senior Video Engineering Incubation Manager at the biggest fruit company Apple. For the last 3 years, he has published more than 200 coffee articles on his blog https://rmckeon.medium.com "People think you have to upgrade coffee equipment for better espresso. Better equipment will improve your espresso, but it isn't the only thing. There are plenty of cheaper ways and methods to improve espresso that can be done incrementally. I wrote a book about improving espresso by incrementally improving each variable of the process using data science with the aim to help every espresso drinker regardless of their home or professional setup."Robert's new book reached its funding goal in just 7 hours, if you are an espresso lover, make sure you check out this coffee book on Kickstarter nowhttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/espressofun/engineering-better-espresso-data-driven-coffee/Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2NHGJJLLSNWUG)

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 herehttps://notabarista.org/product/jared-dennison/Follow Jared on Instagram @depeche__mocha Support the show (https://pico.link/imnotabarista)

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. Support Ken here https://www.startnext.com/en/august63Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2NHGJJLLSNWUG)

Brewing with grit and beauty: Betty Wee's journey from graphic design to building her own coffee brand.You can support Betty's roasting business by ordering her coffee on our crowdfunding page, click the link below and purchase her coffee (Beautiful Stain) as an add-on.  With each bag of coffee sold on Indiegogo, Betty will donate $2 to I'M NOT A BARISTA, and we will use the money to help baristas in need, make sure to check our #TIPABARISTA campaign and see how we empower baristas. Support Betty on Indiegogo nowhttps://igg.me/at/iamnotabarista/x#/Read Betty's coffee storyhttps://notabarista.org/betty-wee/#TIPABARISTA charity campaignhttps://notabarista.org/notabarista-foundation/Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2NHGJJLLSNWUG)