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 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/

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 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 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 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/

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 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/

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

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 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/

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 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/