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Boss Barista

Boss Barista

By Boss Barista

Ashley Rodriguez talks to folks about gender, race, sex, and other important issues in coffee. We invite people from all realms of the coffee world to share stories and engage in discussion - we want to hear from you! Contact us at bossbaristapodcast@gmail.com
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YOU had questions and WE answered! [015]

Boss BaristaMay 24, 2017

00:00
01:08:57
Fermentation in Coffee With Lucia Solis

Fermentation in Coffee With Lucia Solis

Breaking down the microbes that help break down coffee with fermentation expert Lucia Solis.


A full transcript of this episode is available at bossbarista.substack.com

Feb 16, 202450:11
Jessica Easto Breaks Down the Tasting Notes of S'mores

Jessica Easto Breaks Down the Tasting Notes of S'mores

The author of "How to Taste Coffee" talks expectations, effervescence, and finding joy and delight in drinking coffee.


A full transcript of this episode is available at bossbarista.substack.com

Jan 12, 202442:01
LaChrista McArthur Did Her High School Capstone Project on Coffee

LaChrista McArthur Did Her High School Capstone Project on Coffee

The Charlotte-based coffee consultant threw herself into the industry at a young age—and now has a wealth of thoughts to share about loyalty, robot baristas, and the best coffee cities in the world.


A full transcript is available at bossbarista.substack.com

Oct 05, 202343:52
Negotiating a Contract with the Madison Sourdough Union

Negotiating a Contract with the Madison Sourdough Union

Workers at Madison Sourdough are striving to ratify their first contract—a process that's proven to be more hampered by management than they anticipated.


A full transcript of this episode is available at bossbarista.substack.com

Aug 24, 202329:27
Mandy Naglich Time Travels with Smell

Mandy Naglich Time Travels with Smell

The author of the new book "How to Taste: A Guide to Discovering Flavor and Savoring Life," talks building up your sensory skills and unlocking more enriching experiences.


A full transcript of this episode is available at bossbarista.substack.com

Aug 22, 202344:45
Context Matters with Junior's Roasted Coffee

Context Matters with Junior's Roasted Coffee

Coffee is in crisis, and one of the big problems is that some farmers aren't paid enough to cover their production costs. A new template from the team at Junior's Roasted Coffee looks to change that.


A full transcript of this episode is available at bossbarista.substack.com

Aug 08, 202346:23
Sunergos Union Workers Fight to Make Their Voices Heard

Sunergos Union Workers Fight to Make Their Voices Heard

The Louisville-based coffee chain won its union vote in January 2023—and is still waiting on leadership to ratify a contract.


A full transcript of this episode is available at bossbarista.substack.com

Jul 25, 202334:54
Claire Bullen is Clearing Away the Thorny Brambles

Claire Bullen is Clearing Away the Thorny Brambles

A long-form conversation on writing with the newsletter's editor.


A full transcript of this episode can be found at bossbarista.substack.com

Jul 11, 202301:06:49
Lucia Bawot Redefines the Protagonist of the Story
Jun 20, 202356:12
Kristen Hawley is Glad Restaurants Aren't Going Away

Kristen Hawley is Glad Restaurants Aren't Going Away

The author of Expedite, a newsletter about restaurant technology, sees both the potential—and flaws—of tech in the food world.


A full transcript of this episode is available at bossbarista.substack.com

Jun 06, 202344:09
Stephanie Alcala Loves Bats And Coffee

Stephanie Alcala Loves Bats And Coffee

Asking coffee trader Stephanie Alcala what does it mean to source responsible coffee and think holistically about sustainability.


A full transcript of this episode is available at bossbarista.substack.com

May 16, 202346:59
For Jackie Nguyen, a Coffee Shop Was Plan C

For Jackie Nguyen, a Coffee Shop Was Plan C

The owner of Cafe Cà Phê, Kansas City's first Vietnamese-owned coffee shop, talks about starting a business in a new city during a pandemic—and the importance of having a specific mission.


A full transcript of this episode is available at bossbarista.substack.com

May 02, 202345:13
Going Beyond Price with Brendan Adams

Going Beyond Price with Brendan Adams

Specialty coffee distinguishes itself by its higher price tag—and stops there. To make meaningful change, Brendan Adams of Semilla argues that cost alone cannot be the finish line.


A full transcript of this episode can be found at bossbarista.substack.com

Apr 18, 202344:24
What Baristas Actually Make with Adam JacksonBey and Valorie Clark
Mar 08, 202338:33
Differentiating Between 'Value' and 'Values' With Ted Fischer

Differentiating Between 'Value' and 'Values' With Ted Fischer

On neoliberalism and translating value in coffee with anthropologist and author of the book 'Making Better Coffee,' Ted Fischer.

A full transcript of this episode can be found at bossbarista.substack.com

Feb 21, 202344:16
Keith Hawkins and the Zoom Call That Never Happened

Keith Hawkins and the Zoom Call That Never Happened

The 20+ year industry pro and founder of Color of Coffee Collective talks about the start-stop pace of progress—and following through on attempts to do better. 

A full transcript of this episode can be found at bossbarista.substack.com

Feb 07, 202340:37
Namisha Parthasarathy on Romanticized Coffee Relics

Namisha Parthasarathy on Romanticized Coffee Relics

The co-founder of Ārāmse on Indian coffee tools, colonial history, and the problem with flavor wheels.

A full transcript of this episode can be found at bossbarista.substack.com

Jan 24, 202342:53
Coffee and Climate Change with Karla Boza

Coffee and Climate Change with Karla Boza

The third-generation farmer comes back to talk climate change and quality as a moving target in coffee. 

A full transcript of this episode can be found at bossbarista.substack.com. 

Jan 11, 202343:50
Eight Essential Coffee Questions with Jim Ngokwey

Eight Essential Coffee Questions with Jim Ngokwey

A managing partner at Mighty Peace Coffee, Jim Ngokwey is creating pathways for Congolese coffee growers and posing difficult questions about the future of the industry.

A full transcript of this episode can be found at bossbarista.substack.com

Nov 15, 202245:42
Baristas Can Do It All With Camila Coddou

Baristas Can Do It All With Camila Coddou

The coffee pro-turned-coach talks about the gentleness of service work.

A full transcript of this episode can be found at bossbarista.substack.com. Listen to past episodes of Camila on the Boss Barista Podcast in 2019 and 2020

Nov 01, 202246:09
Cxffeeblack's Renata Henderson and Bartholomew Jones Make Connections [re-air]
Oct 18, 202257:44
Marie Cheslik Reflects on Making Wine (and Coffee) More Accessible

Marie Cheslik Reflects on Making Wine (and Coffee) More Accessible

Wine and coffee are a lot alike—up to a point. Marie Cleslik of Slik Wines explains more. 

A full transcript of this episode can be found at bossbarista.substack.com. 

Sep 27, 202240:47
Oddly Correct Inverts the Minimum Wage [Reair]

Oddly Correct Inverts the Minimum Wage [Reair]

In this episode from November 2019, we ask, "What if the minimum wage actually reflected the minimum you need to live?" 

A full transcript of this episode can be found at bossbarista.substack.com

Aug 23, 202227:23
Lori Flores Breaks Down Latinx Food and Drink Labor in the United States [172]

Lori Flores Breaks Down Latinx Food and Drink Labor in the United States [172]

An associate professor of history, Dr. Lori Flores digs into the realities of agricultural working conditions—and the invisible labor behind the foods and goods we enjoy. 

A full transcript of this episode is available at bossbarista.substack.com

Aug 09, 202247:50
BONUS: Intelligentsia's Chicago Workers Are Unionizing

BONUS: Intelligentsia's Chicago Workers Are Unionizing

This bonus episode features Ravani Grace, an Intelligentsia barista who's helping to organize one of specialty coffee's most pivotal unions.

A full transcript of this episode is available at bossbarista.substack.com

Aug 02, 202232:57
Niki Tolch Gets #Deep [171]

Niki Tolch Gets #Deep [171]

The creator of the Not Caffeinated Enough platform connects community, curiosity, and coffee. It's all a circle. 

A full transcript of this episode is available at bossbarista.substack.com

Jul 26, 202243:37
David Tortolini Goes Beyond IRL Spaces [170]

David Tortolini Goes Beyond IRL Spaces [170]

Scholar and incoming graduate student at Purdue University David Tortolini talks about the importance of digital connection, and all the ways that communities are built through the internet.

A full transcript of this episode is available at bossbarista.substack.com


Jul 12, 202238:50
Gefen Skolnick Is Making Coffee Fun [169]

Gefen Skolnick Is Making Coffee Fun [169]

The founder of Couplet Coffee eschews traditional ideas to make delicious coffee available to all.

A full transcript of this episode is available at bossbarista.substack.com


Jun 21, 202245:20
Julien Langevin believes there's a place for everyone who wants to be here [168]

Julien Langevin believes there's a place for everyone who wants to be here [168]

Julien Langevin is a production worker for Coffee by Design and the 2022 United States Cup Tasters Champion, going on to represent the United States at the World Cup Tasters Competition in June. 

A full transcript of this episode can be found at bossbarista.substack.com

Jun 07, 202240:20
Valorie Clark Stands Up for Hourly Coffee Workers [167]

Valorie Clark Stands Up for Hourly Coffee Workers [167]

When COVID-19 laid off a substantial number of coffee workers, Valorie Clark helped start a nonprofit called GoFundBean to provide essential services and financial support.

A full transcript of this episode is available at bossbarista.substack.com

May 24, 202242:14
Morgan Eckroth Rebels with Coffee [166]

Morgan Eckroth Rebels with Coffee [166]

The 2022 United States Barista Champion and TikTok star subverts expectations through humor and silliness. 

You can find a full transcript at bossbarista.substack.com

May 10, 202242:49
Bianka Allyon and Sabreen Naimah Are Keeping it Cute [165]

Bianka Allyon and Sabreen Naimah Are Keeping it Cute [165]

The co-founders of Cute Coffee urge you to keep it cute or put it on mute—or you're gonna get slimed.

You can find a full transcript of this episode at bossbarista.substack.com

Apr 26, 202241:31
Jaymie Lao Wants You To Say Something Nice [164]
Apr 12, 202243:19
The Tartine Union Asks for Their Bread and Roses [101]
Mar 29, 202230:53
Carlos de la Torre Wants You to Buy Coffee Roasted in Mexico [163]

Carlos de la Torre Wants You to Buy Coffee Roasted in Mexico [163]

The owner of Café con Jiribilla talks about Mexico's unique coffee scene and why you should discover its roasters.

You can find a full transcript of this episode here

Mar 15, 202244:47
Sonam Parikh Is Getting Comfortable Saying 'I Don't Know.' [162]

Sonam Parikh Is Getting Comfortable Saying 'I Don't Know.' [162]

My guest is Sonam Parikh, one of the co-founders of Mina’s World, a coffee shop in West Philadelphia. Sonam and their partner, Kate, opened Mina’s World 18 days before COVID-19 forced the majority of hospitality businesses to close or completely revamp how they serve food and drinks to customers.

You can find a full transcript of this episode here

Mar 01, 202245:22
Eric Grimm on HR and Setting Workplace Culture [161]

Eric Grimm on HR and Setting Workplace Culture [161]

How Eric Grimm of Glitter Cat Barista and Ghost Town Oats has approached building more accessible spaces through the lens of human resources.

A full transcript of this episode can be found here

Feb 15, 202245:34
Courtney Heald is Sticking Up and Sticking Around [160]

Courtney Heald is Sticking Up and Sticking Around [160]

The lead roaster at Modern Times helps navigate the San Diego roastery's next phase while advocating for herself.

A full transcript of this episode can be found here

Feb 01, 202239:04
Tio Fallen Travels The Road Less Taken [159]

Tio Fallen Travels The Road Less Taken [159]

The co-founder of Three Keys Coffee in Houston talks jazz riffs, trumpet keys, and I ask him some weird questions. 

A full transcript of this episode can be found here.

Jan 18, 202246:33
David Lalonde Falls Down the Rabbit Hole [158]
Jan 04, 202249:52
December Rewind: Rachel Northrop Asks "Who Is The C-Market For?"
Dec 22, 202151:26
December Rewind: Rachel Northrop Breaks Down the C-Market (Part One)
Dec 22, 202148:54
December Rewind: Maggy Nyamumbo on Big Coffee and the Coffee Price Crisis

December Rewind: Maggy Nyamumbo on Big Coffee and the Coffee Price Crisis

Today, we're re-releasing our episode with Maggy Nyamumbo. Maggy is the founder of Kahawa 1893, a social enterprise aimed at connecting farmers directly to consumers in an attempt to get more money back to farmers. There is so much money in coffee — with farmers making less money than it costs to produce coffee, Maggy tells us where all that money goes. 

This episode was originally released in November 2019. Find a full transcript of this episode here

Dec 14, 202101:07:07
December Rewind: Alice Wong Says #SuckItAbleism

December Rewind: Alice Wong Says #SuckItAbleism

In 2018, the internet lit up with debates about plastic straw bans. Disabled activist Alice Wong talks about how these kinds of conversations silence the voices of disabled people. 

This episode was originally released in August 2018. 

Dec 07, 202154:24
Investing in Young Farmers with Frankie and Tim Volkema [157]
Nov 09, 202144:52
Pepe Uechi Isn't Afraid To Pivot [156]

Pepe Uechi Isn't Afraid To Pivot [156]

Today, I’m chatting with Jose Uechi, co-founder of Compadre, a coffee brand based in Peru. Jose—or Pepe, as he goes by—is an industrial designer by trade, and got into coffee because of his friend, Juan Pablo. Juan Pablo invented a solar roaster, a machine that could roast coffee without electricity. Initially, Compadre’s founders worked to get these roasters into the hands of farmers.

A few years later, and Compadre is still working on raising wages for farmers—albeit in a slightly different way. In this episode, we talk about the shifts and pivots that Pepe and his team have made as they got deeper into the economics of coffee-buying and -selling.

The broad goal of Compadre is still the same—to shift value down to farmers—but it does so now by removing barriers that farmers face (like unpredictable weather conditions) and building a brand that connects farmers to consumers.

This episode is brought to you by Urnex

Oct 26, 202147:37
Neichelle Guidry Brings the Light [155]

Neichelle Guidry Brings the Light [155]

Neichelle Guidry is a storyteller. Neichelle is a college administrator and the founder of Black Girl Black Coffee. The brand began as an Instagram account, as a way for Neichelle to document her journey through coffee, and her passion for the subject, during the upheaval of the pandemic. Since then, it’s evolved into a coffee brand that reclaims the Black history of coffee.

We about staying inspired, filling your cup, and giving yourself permission to seek joy in the things you love—that will hopefully leave you feeling uplifted and inspired after listening. 

This episode is brought to you by Urnex.

Oct 12, 202149:20
Sierra Yeo and the Mythical Career Ladder [154]
Sep 28, 202147:21
Exploring Coffee Through Fast Fashion with Rachel Faller [153]

Exploring Coffee Through Fast Fashion with Rachel Faller [153]

Rachel Faller is one of the co-founders of tonlé, a zero-waste clothing company that believes in promoting equal value across the supply chain. Like coffee, most of the clothing we wear goes through hundreds of hands and relies on a system of manufacture and exchange that is a relic of colonialism.

In this episode, Rachel explains some of the parallels between how coffee is bought and sold and how clothes are made. We talk about who gains and who loses in a world that relies on fast fashion: the production of cheap clothing with quick turnaround times for garment factories.

This episode is brought to you by Urnex. 

Sep 14, 202157:00
The Two Lives of Nigel Price [152]

The Two Lives of Nigel Price [152]

Before coffee, Nigel Price of Drip Coffee Makers had a career in finance, working for a firm in Downtown Manhattan. But eventually, he decided he’d had enough—and he turned to cafes as a way to break away from the life he’d built and the trajectory he no longer wanted to be on. Over a decade later, Nigel credits coffee as the beginning of his second life, giving him a chance to create connections and bond with people in a way that his prior life in finance hadn’t.

This episode is brought to you by Urnex

Aug 25, 202146:01