IT’S JUST COFFEE!

Episod

• Testing James Hoffmann’s Insane Americano Recipe | COFFEE BREAK! 08.06.2026 24min

  James Hoffmann claims that adding steamed water to your long black creates a better drink… so we put his theory to the test. In today’s Coffee Break we conduct a blind tasting to compare steamed water, boiler water, and water from a kettle. Our very own WBC judge decides–groundbreaking or gimmicky!? CHAPTERS ! 00:00 James Hoffmann’s Steamed Water Americano Theory 01:03 Why Long Blacks and Americanos Are So Inconsistent 02:35 Why Espresso Machine Water Could Be the Problem 03:52 Making the First Steamed Water Long Black 06:34 Blind Taste Test: Boiler Water vs Kettle vs Steamed Water 09:52 First Taste Test Results 10:52 Round Two: Retesting the Theory 12:38 Final Verdict on Steamed Water Coffee 15:12 The Bigger Problem With Long Blacks in Cafes 17:23 Does Crema Make Coffee Taste Worse? 19:14 The Problem With Macchiatos, Long Macs and Magics 21:39 Should Cafe Menus Be Simpler? 23:39 Final Thoughts: Is the Hack Worth It? Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets. James Hoffmann’s Theory: https://youtu.be/0HdzJz_evNw?si=rXDB4i12iRb7Klrg  Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by: Marco Beverage Systems: https://www.instagram.com/marcobeveragesystems/  Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/   Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Café Red Flags We Notice In The First 30 Seconds | COFFEE BREAK! 03.06.2026 25min

  You never get a second chance to make a first impression. That’s why we’re analysing the first 30 seconds of stepping into a cafe: What immediately sets the tone? What are the biggest greenflags… and redflags? We discuss the importance of soundscapes, coffee menus, and staff demeanor, telling you what to look for, and for cafe owners, what mistakes you might be making before the customer has even ordered.  Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets. Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by: Marco Beverage Systems: https://www.instagram.com/marcobeveragesystems/  Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/   Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• What Great Coffee Education Actually Looks Like | w DYLAN SIEMENS of CAFE IMPORTS 01.06.2026 43min

  Hey baristas… how much do you know about your coffee’s journey before it reaches the cafe? Not much? Dylan Siemens is here to change all that.  Dylan Siemens is the Head of Coffee Education at Cafe Imports in Minneapolis. He joins us to share his latest coffee education program, ED+U, designed to bridge the gap between baristas and green coffee knowledge. Siemens also explains the value of extended training to reduce employee turnover, highlights the most effective modes for impactful education, and encourages all cafes and baristas to check out ED+U (fyi - it’s free!).  Learn all about it - tune in!  Huge thank-you to Dylan for joining the show! Find him at–https://www.instagram.com/pouraxial/  Cafe Imports: https://www.instagram.com/cafeimports/  Check out ED+U by Cafe Imports: https://edubycafeimports.thinkific.com/  If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day - It's Just Coffee! Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by: Marco Beverage Systems: https://www.instagram.com/marcobeveragesystems/  Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/   Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• What's Happening in Home Espresso Now | COFFEE BREAK! 27.05.2026 28min

  More people are drinking coffee at home. For cafes, this doesn’t mean a loss of demand, but a shift in what consumers are demanding. Find out how your business can adapt to the needs of the current market; and if you’re a home barista, learn what you can reasonably expect in terms of beans, education, and equipment in the era of home espresso. Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets. Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by: Marco Beverage Systems: https://www.instagram.com/marcobeveragesystems/  Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/   Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• How to Build a Strong Company Culture in Coffee | EQUATOR COFFEES! 25.05.2026 57min

  Equator Coffees has done something quite remarkable in the coffee space. 32 years in, and they remain steadfast in their values: Female-owned, B corp certified and LGBTQ+ focused. Ben sat down with Co-Founder Helen Russell to discuss the practicalities of creating and maintaining a value-led business… including non-negotiable staff benefits, transparency with customers, and Helen’s personal advice, ‘hire for kindness, teach coffee later!’. Helen also addresses the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles and the importance of supporting women-owned cooperatives.  00:00 Welcome & Introducing Helen Russell 01:23 The Story of Equator Coffees03:01 Building a Values-Led Coffee Business 08:59 Why Transparency Matters 15:36 Creating a Strong Company Culture 19:31 Balancing Values & Profitability 23:10 Turning Values Into Action 28:41 COVID, Grocery & Adapting the Business 35:14 Hospitality & Making Customers Feel Cared For 40:43 Women in Coffee Leadership 47:13 Creating an Equitable Workplace 51:03 Advice for Purpose-Driven Businesses 54:14 Hot Take: Coffee Should Cost More 55:23 Final Thoughts & Shout Outs Equator Coffees: https://www.instagram.com/equatorcoffees/  Helen Russell: https://www.instagram.com/equatorhelen/  If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day - It's Just Coffee! Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by: Marco Beverage Systems: https://www.instagram.com/marcobeveragesystems/  Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/  Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Coffee Is Changing, Whether You Like It or Not | COFFEE BREAK! 20.05.2026 39min

  Ben’s back from San Francisco, Bangkok, Dubai, Thailand and chats about what he’s seeing: producing countries keeping the good stuff, new specialty hotspots, and why Australia might not get first pick of great coffee forever. Bottom line, the coffee industry is changing, and quickly. Tune in and get up to date! Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets. Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by: Marco Beverage Systems: https://www.instagram.com/marcobeveragesystems/  Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/   Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• The Woman Who Defined Third-Wave Coffee | TRISH ROTHGEB! 18.05.2026 53min

  You’ve heard the term “Third-Wave Coffee”... but did you know it was coined by our guest today, Trish Rothgeb! She’s the Founder of Wrecking Ball Coffee in San Fran, and has been working in the industry for 4 decades. Together we unpack the pivotal moments of coffee history that have shaped the industry today (for better or for worse). Plus we explore the ways in which late third-wave coffee is failing us, and what we can do about it - with an emphasis on education and connection.  00:00 Introduction & Trish Rothgeb’s Coffee Legacy 01:20 The Origin of “Third Wave Coffee” 03:05 First, Second & Third Wave Explained 09:10 Community and the Evolution of Specialty Coffee 17:30 Building Community at Wrecking Ball Coffee 24:10 Meet People Where They Are 28:00 Roasting as Craft and Flavour Design 35:00 How to Become a Great Coffee Roaster 39:15 Mentorship and Sharing Knowledge 45:45 Hot Take: Why Coffee Quality Can Be Measured 50:50 Shout-Outs and Final Reflections If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day - It's Just Coffee! Find Trish here: https://www.instagram.com/trishrothgeb/  Wrecking Ball Coffee: https://www.instagram.com/wreckingballcoffee?/  Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by: Marco Beverage Systems: https://www.instagram.com/marcobeveragesystems/  Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/   Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• The Global Coffee Price is a Lie | Kenneth Barigye, Ugandan Agribusiness Expert 13.05.2026 52min

  Kenneth Barigye is the Managing Director of Mountain Harvest Coffee, a business focused on supporting smallerholder farms across Uganda.  In this episode he explores why there can’t be a “single” global coffee price due to the differentiating cost of production across markets, and advocates for a reframing of green-buying. He also shares his personal insight into the farming communities of Uganda, noting the 85-year-old farmer who has never tasted coffee, and how macadamias, rabbits, and beehives could just be the solution to save specialty coffee farms. If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day - It's Just Coffee! Find Kenneth here: https://www.instagram.com/kennethbarigye/ Mountain Harvest: https://mountainharvest.com/  00:00 - Intro 01:48 - Uganda’s Coffee Industry Explained 05:08 - The Aging Farmer Problem 07:17 - Why Young People Are Leaving Coffee Farming 09:16 - Supporting Coffee Farmers Better 12:03 - Why Global Coffee Pricing Fails 18:14 - What Great Coffee Buyers Do 24:29 - Building Better Producer Relationships 27:19 - Biggest Green Buyer Mistakes 32:24 - Smarter Coffee Buying & Planning 39:15 - The Future Of Coffee Supply Chains 41:54 - Coffee Market Update 44:09 - Kenneth’s Hot Take On Coffee Pricing 46:30 - Is Specialty Coffee Broken? 50:46 - Industry Shout Outs 52:08 - Final Thoughts & Outro Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by: Marco Beverage Systems: https://www.instagram.com/marcobeveragesystems/  Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/   Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Thailand’s Specialty is Flavour! | w Former SCA President Noon Nutrada K 11.05.2026 45min

  Thailand is redefining specialty coffee through short supply chains, hyper-competitive café culture, inventive signature drinks, and farmers who cup their own coffee. To get the down-low on the emerging scene, Ben sat down with Noon Nutrada K, the former President of SCA Thailand. Together they explore why so much of specialty coffee feels stuck in its ways… and how Thailand is carving out a different path -(think tom yum inspired Geishas and durian “dirty” coffees). Tune in for a taste of the Thai specialty scene!  If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day - It's Just Coffee! Find Noon here: https://www.instagram.com/noonaround/  Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by: Marco Beverage Systems: https://www.instagram.com/marcobeveragesystems/  Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/   Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• What We ACTUALLY Thought About Melbourne’s Most Innovative Cafés | COFFEE BREAK! 06.05.2026 27min

  Let’s recap! What do the 5 most innovative cafes in Melbourne have in common–(and what can you steal for your own cafe!?). From service experiences to bar systems, drink creation and cross-industry inspiration: What makes these businesses not just successful, but industry-leading? Tune in to find out!  00:00 - Intro 02:15 - Café Tour Recap 03:17 - Favourite Drinks 08:40 - Innovation Discussion 14:07 - Bar Design & Workflow 17:31 - Drink Innovation 18:26 - How to Innovate 22:04 - Most Innovative Café 23:19 - Future of Coffee 26:31 - Outro Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets. Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by: Marco Beverage Systems: https://www.instagram.com/marcobeveragesystems/  Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/   Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• The Top 5 Most Innovative Cafes in Melbourne | CAFE TOUR! 04.05.2026 55min

  From −85°C cups to the 15 second latte… We’ve found 5 cafes in Melbourne who are doing coffee differently! Join us as we cafe-hop between Aunty Pegs, Regulars, INBTWN, Axil Coffee, and Project Zero: Taste testing signature drinks, chatting to baristas, and taking a peek behind the bar to find out what makes these venues stand out from the crowd. Tune in to get the scoop on the most innovative spots in Melb!CHAPTERS!00:00 - INTRO00:40 - Project Zero Pre-Batched Espresso03:20 - Fresh vs Pre-Batched Taste Test06:30 - Coffee Controversy Online09:50 - Project Zero Signature Drinks11:00 - Regulars -85°C Frozen Coffee15:50 - Frozen Coffee Taste Test18:30 - Axil World Champion Coffee21:00 - $30 Coffee Explained25:10 - Proud Mary / Aunty Pegs Black Coffee Bar28:00 - Freezing Coffee Explained33:50 - IINBTWN Coffee Cocktails44:00 - Experimental Coffee Drinks52:20 - Best Drinks & Most Innovative55:20 - Final Thoughts If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day - It's Just Coffee! Explore Our Picks: Aunty Pegs: https://www.instagram.com/auntypegsbypmc/  Regulars: https://www.instagram.com/regularsmelb/  Project Zero: https://www.instagram.com/projectzero.coffee/  INBTWN: https://www.instagram.com/inbtwn.melb/  Proud Mary Coffee: https://www.instagram.com/proudmarycoffee/ Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by: Marco Beverage Systems: https://www.instagram.com/marcobeveragesystems/  Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/   Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• The Power of HR in Coffee | w Eric J. Grimm 29.04.2026 1j 2min

  Eric J. Grimm has spent years specialising in Human Resources in the coffee industry. He was kind enough to join us on the podcast and share his extensive knowledge and experience. Eric explains how HR can support both employees and employers: He provides the playbook for difficult workplace conversations, and details the 3 things every business needs in their HR starter pack. Forget beans and equipment, make HR your business's superpower!  00:00 – Intro & Why HR Matters 00:01:40 – Eric’s Story 00:05:00 – Employees vs Owners 00:09:15 – HR Basics 00:13:40 – Compliance & Costs 00:19:00 – Hiring & Turnover 00:30:00 – Difficult Conversations 00:41:50 – Market Update 00:42:25 – Culture & Takeaways Massive thanks to Eric for joining the show! Find him at– The Coffee Human Resource: https://www.humanresource.coffee/  Eric J Grimm: https://www.instagram.com/ericjgrimm/ If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day - It's Just Coffee! Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by: Marco Beverage Systems: https://www.instagram.com/marcobeveragesystems/  Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/   Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• The Cafe with Intentionally Slow Service | w Gibrán Huerta of LONG PLAY! 27.04.2026 38min

  Gibrán Huerta, otherwise known as ‘G’, is the owner of Long Play, a cafe and record bar located in San Diego. We spoke with him about his unique approach to hospitality: He doesn’t serve espresso and there’s no wifi. Just vibes, music, and slow-paced service. G is a pioneer of this new style, encouraging customers to disconnect from the outside world and be present in their cafe experience. We weigh up Long Play against the fast-paced cafes of today, diving into the opportunities and challenges that arise when you decide to go against the grain and do things differently.  00:00 Post-World Coffee Recap 01:00 Japan, Mexico & Hospitality Roots 05:05 Inside Long Play (Cafe + Record Bar) 09:32 Space, Design & No-Signage Philosophy 12:28 Coffee, Tea & “Weird” Menu Choices 16:47 Pricing, Time & The Experience Economy 18:05 The Challenge: Getting People to Slow Down 20:27 Making the Business Sustainable 23:27 Creating Value in Specialty Coffee 29:17 How to Build a Slow Bar 33:56 Hot Take: You Don’t Need Espresso 37:06 Where to Find Long Play Thanks so much to G for joining the show and sharing your incredible insights!  Long Play: https://www.instagram.com/longplay.hifi/  Gibrán Huerta: https://www.instagram.com/narbig/  If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day - It's Just Coffee! Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by: Marco Beverage Systems: https://www.instagram.com/marcobeveragesystems/  Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/   Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• What Coffee Was Really Like in the 2000s | COFFEE BREAK! 22.04.2026 36min

  The Y2K vs 2026 Barista | COFFEE BREAK! Working as a barista in the early 2000s looked different to barista jobs of today. From an influx of specialty coffee, to new equipment, automation, workflow changes and ever increasing expectations for great customer service, the 2026 barista is playing a completely different game. We discuss the evolving coffee industry, and what has changed for baristas since Y2K! Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets. Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by: Marco Beverage Systems: https://www.instagram.com/marcobeveragesystems/  Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/   Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Finally, a Young Barista’s Point of View | EMILY MAKES COFFEE! 20.04.2026 1j 17min

  Being a barista in 2026 means more than dialling in espresso.Dialing in from Canada, we’re joined by seasoned barista first, social media personality second - Emily Makes Coffee. With 40,000 followers, millions of views, and a lot of very honest takes about life behind the bar, Emily has become a refreshing voice in the coffee conversation.  From burnout to opportunity, we explore what the job really demands today - and what needs to change for coffee careers to become truly sustainable in and out of the cafe. FIND her @emily.makes.coffeehttps://emilymakescoffee.ca/ CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 02:48 Being a Barista in 2026 09:16 The Skills Customers Don’t See 13:27 Burnout, Wages & Career Sustainability 18:10 Content Creation, Authenticity & Representation 29:31 New Opportunities for Baristas 38:20 Safety, Boundaries & Difficult Customers 46:14 What Makes a Great Barista 52:38 Great Customers, Bad Habits & Pet Peeves 1:00:12 What Makes a Great Café to Work In 1:02:58 Advice for Young Baristas 1:05:31 Hospo Horror Stories 1:11:13 Hot Takes + Final Shoutout Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by: Marco Beverage Systems: https://www.instagram.com/marcobeveragesystems/  Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/   Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Designing Coffee Gear People Actually Use | DOM SYMONS from Subminimal! 15.04.2026 40min

  What does it actually take to turn a coffee idea into a real product?In this episode, we sit down with Dominic Symons, Founder of Subminimal and designer behind tools like the NanoFoamer and Subscale. We unpack what separates genuinely useful coffee equipment from the endless stream of gadgets hitting the market.From identifying real problems behind the bar to prototyping, manufacturing, patents, and raising over $1.5M through Kickstarter, Dominic shares what most people misunderstand about launching a product, and why simplicity is often the hardest design challenge.We also explore copycat culture, protecting ideas, and why many concepts should never make it past the sketch phase.If you’ve ever wondered how coffee tools actually come to life, this episode is for you.If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day - It's Just Coffee! https://subminimal.com @subminimal Products mentionedNanoFoamerNanoFoamer PROSubscaleFlick WDT Tool CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:24 Meet Dominic Symons (Subminimal) 02:04 Raising $1.5M on Kickstarter 03:01 Is Kickstarter Still Worth It? 04:33 Product Development Reality Check 09:15 Why Milk Frothing Needed Innovation 12:35 From Side Project to Global Product 14:09 What Makes a Great Coffee Tool? 15:41 Copycats, Patents & Protecting Ideas 18:22 Product Ideas That Didn’t Make It 23:25 How to Start Designing a Product 26:36 Finding Manufacturers & Production 28:08 Real Cost of Launching a Product 32:11 Filming the Kickstarter Campaign 34:17 Coffee Market Update 36:16 Brands Pushing Innovation 37:11 Coffee Trends That Might Be Overhyped 39:09 Where to Find Subminimal 40:01 Outro Want more coffee content? IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by: Marco Beverage Systems: https://www.instagram.com/marcobeveragesystems/ Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/ Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Processing Coffee Like Beer?! | Edwin Noreña of CAMPO HERMOSO 13.04.2026 30min

  Edwin Noreña is a fourth-generation farmer and coffee innovator, leading Finca Campo Hermoso in Colombia. The farm is known for its experimental coffees, with Edwin himself developing a co-fermentation technique inspired by the craft beer industry. We caught him at MICE2026 to talk “co-fermented” vs “infused” coffee, as well as hops in coffee processing, and the complications that come with bringing co-ferments into the mainstream.  If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day - It's Just Coffee! Campo Hermoso: https://www.instagram.com/campohermoso_coffeefarms/  CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction & Why Experimental Coffee is Trending 02:30 Campo Hermoso & The R&D Approach to Coffee 05:10 Co-Fermented vs Infused Coffee Explained 06:45 Multi-Stage Fermentation & Using Hops 10:40 Fermentation Science (Yeast, Anaerobic, Lactic) 12:00 Adding Value at Origin 14:00 Extreme Flavours & Market Trends 18:00 Quality vs Co-Fermented Coffee Debate 21:30 Consistency Challenges in Experimental Processing 25:30 Can Big Brands Scale Co-Fermented Coffee? 27:45 Future of Coffee Innovation 29:00 Final Thoughts & Where to Find Edwin’s Coffee Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by: Marco Beverage Systems: https://www.instagram.com/marcobeveragesystems/  Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/   Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Why Young People Aren’t Drinking Specialty Coffee (Next-Gen) | HANY EZZAT! 08.04.2026 26min

  Hany Ezzat is the Founder of Ni Wares–creating science backed cups for coffee competitions and elevated everyday use. He also just won the Next-Gen Talent Award at MICE2026. We caught up with him at the expo to talk about what the win meant to him, as well as his recent (and controversial) use of the xBloom in a filter competition, why he thinks young people aren't as engaged in specialty coffee, and the importance of multisensory design. CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 01:55 Who is Hany Ezzat? 03:40 Starting Ni Wares 06:05 Designing competition cups 08:50 The science of taste perception 11:45 Multisensory coffee experiences 14:20 Using xBloom in competition 17:05 Innovation vs tradition in coffee 19:40 Why young people disengage from specialty 22:10 The future of coffee tools 24:40 Advice for competitors & creators 26:45 Final thoughts If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day - It's Just Coffee! Hany Ezzat: https://www.instagram.com/barista_hany/ Ni Wares: https://ni-wares.com/ Want more coffee content? IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by: Marco Beverage Systems: https://www.instagram.com/marcobeveragesystems/ Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/ Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• How To Scale A Business Without Losing Soul | Nolan Hirte of PROUD MARY COFFEE! 07.04.2026 45min

  If anyone truly lives for coffee, it’s Nolan Hirte. Founder of the wildly successful Proud Mary Coffee, Nolan’s passion for coffee bleeds out into every aspect of his business, making Proud Mary an iconic name across Australia and the U.S.  We spoke to him at MICE26 about Proud Mary’s journey scaling to the U.S, as well as mood-based coffee labelling, barriers for young people entering the industry, and the Honduran producer who won the Cup of Excellence using a recipe from ChatGPT! CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro & Nolan Hirte 02:08 Coffee Journey & Passion 04:09 Creating a Coffee Experience 06:20 Why Storytelling Matters 08:05 Making Specialty Coffee Accessible 10:26 Sponsor: Marco MilkPal 11:07 Expensive Coffee Debate 12:44 Attracting New Coffee Drinkers 15:00 Simplifying Coffee Communication 18:22 Hospitality & Customer Experience 21:31 Building Team Culture 29:36 Future of Coffee & Technology 37:33 New Ideas & Coffee Experiences 41:53 Industry Shoutout & Outro If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day - It's Just Coffee! Nolan Hirte: https://www.instagram.com/nolan.hirte/  Proud Mary Coffee: https://www.instagram.com/proudmarycoffee/  Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by: Marco Beverage Systems: https://www.instagram.com/marcobeveragesystems/  Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/  Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Neon Milk and Electric Lime - Inside Dak’s Unique Coffee Menu | DAK COFFEE! 01.04.2026 36min

  From Canada to Amsterdam; Dak’s Founders Veronique and Louis give us the low-down on starting a business abroad. Operating as a coffee-only retail concept, Dak's physical shop acts more as a tasting space rather than a traditional cafe. They play with in experimental processing methods - think hibiscus cultured wash - and lean in to evocative and flavour driven branding. Tune in for a fantastic conversation with the founders who are doing it differently! 00:00 Intro 01:12 About DAK Coffee 03:48 Coffee Range Explained 06:05 Experimental Coffees 10:56 Choosing Coffees for Customers 14:22 Working With Producers 18:57 Explaining Processing 19:54 Coffee Market Update 21:12 What Is Coffee? 22:20 Testing New Coffees 27:05 Fermentation Basics 31:40 Team Perspective 35:15 Where to Buy DAK 36:00 Outro If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day - It's Just Coffee! Dak Coffee: https://www.dakcoffeeroasters.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dakcoffeeroasters/  Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by: Marco Beverage Systems: https://www.instagram.com/marcobeveragesystems/  Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/   Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices