I'M NOT A BARISTA: Voices of the Coffee World

In this episode of the I'M NOT A BARISTA podcast, we sit down with Georgius Audrey Teja — or Odi, as most people know him — to chat about his incredible journey from behind the bar to the world stage. Odi's story is one of quiet perseverance. From serving iced lattes to confused customers in the early days of Indonesia's specialty scene, to winning the World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship 2025, he's never lost touch with his purpose: making people happy through coffee. We talk about his first time competing, the power of staying consistent, and how mentorship and community helped shape his path.  Whether you're a barista, a competitor, or just love a good origin story — this one will warm your heart. 🎙️ Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms. 🔗 Read Odi's story on www.notabarist a.org here [https://notabarista.org/odi-georgius-audrey-teja/]  If you enjoy our podcast, please leave us a review and share it with a friend — your support keeps us brewing!

Welcome back to I'M NOT A BARISTA, where we give a voice to coffee people! We're thrilled to return with our latest episode, featuring Danny Toro (they/them), the 2024 US AeroPress Champion. From brewing at 80°C to win in Portugal, Danny shares their inspiring journey—from a biology student in Texas to a Brooklyn coffee consultant.  Hear how their global roots (Netherlands, Korea, US) and mentors like Chelsea Walker shaped their love for community, plus insights from Brooklyn's vibrant coffee scene and their work with Brewing Guides. Tune in for Danny's tips on brewing and connecting—coffee that unites us all!  As a coffee trainer, Danny is open to coaching aspiring baristas—looking for guidance? Give them a shout out via DM! Read Danny's story here https://notabarista.org/danny-toro/ Follow Danny on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/weekndbrew/

I'M NOT A BARISTA is back!  In this fiery episode, we chat with Nicholas Ginter, founder of Degenerates Drinking Coffee, Q Arabica Grader, and U.S. Army veteran, who unpacks the SCA's controversial takeover of the Q-grading system from CQI. From calling out the SCA's "money-hungry" motives to sharing his journey from Afghanistan to coffee content creation, Nicholas offers bold insights on industry greed, and what's next for coffee pros. Tune in for a raw, unfiltered look at the fight for fair coffee standards!  and Join the conversation on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/DMbsm0jPJha/?img_index=1

In this powerful episode, Damien O'Brien [https://www.instagram.com/coffee.foundation/] from Coffee Foundation [https://www.coffeefoundation.com/] opens up about his personal journey through loss, mental health challenges, and the harsh realities of the coffee industry. Damien shares how his painful experiences—including the loss of his mother and brother—led him to create a safe space for coffee professionals and farmers alike.  He talks about the importance of vulnerability, the need for genuine human connection, and the ongoing challenges the industry faces. Join us for an honest conversation filled with insight, resilience, and a call to support those who give life to every cup of coffee. Follow Coffee Foundation on Isntagram https://www.instagram.com/coffee.foundation/ Read Damien's story here https://notabarista.org/damien-obrien_coffee-foundation/

In this episode, we sit down with Charity Cheung, [https://www.instagram.com/charitycheung_/?hl=en] 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 catch up with Andrew Jay [https://notabarista.org/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 [https://www.instagram.com/brewkjay/].

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 [https://www.instagram.com/har00nzcoffee/], is packed with amazing coffee content, but there's always been one mystery—Haroon has never shown his face or voice online. Well, that's about to change! Today, we're thrilled to finally bring you an exclusive conversation with the man behind the mesmerizing coffee videos. You might have a picture in your mind of what he sounds like, and trust me, he's either going to match that image perfectly or surprise you entirely with his slightly colorful language and strong accent. This episode is all about unveiling the mystery and getting to know the real Haroon. If you're curious to learn more about his story, you can read all about it here https://notabarista.org/haroon-zafar/ So, grab your favorite cup of coffee, sit back, and let's dive into this fascinating chat. Haroon, welcome to the show! #iamnotabarista #coffee #coffeepodcast #haroonzafar #coffeeblogger #harooncfffee #coffeestory

Today, we have the pleasure of introducing you to an exceptional coffee entrepreneur, Melissa Stinson [https://www.instagram.com/everybodysbusy/]. 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 [https://www.everybodysbusy.com/].' Dive into a coffee encounter like never before and let Melissa's story inspire you to find success on your own terms. Enjoy the episode! If you prefer reading, read Melissa's coffee story here https://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 [https://www.instagram.com/iamnotabarista/].

In this illuminating episode, we have the honor of hosting Jeremy Zhang [https://www.instagram.com/jeremyzhang4180/], 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 [http://xhslink.com/uAgkuu] on Red book Read more coffee stories at www.notabarista.org [https://notabarista.org/coffeestories/] #coffee #m2m #coffeeinchina #roastery #jeremyzhang #barista #nanjing #nanjingcoffee #notabarista

Get ready to meet Fish Yu [https://notabarista.org/yue-yu-founder-timemore/], 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 [https://www.timemore.com/]'s future. So, buckle up, coffee enthusiasts, for a fascinating journey into the world of coffee. Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2NHGJJLLSNWUG] Read more coffee stories on https://notabarista.org/ Order Coffee Wristbands and support I'M NOT A BARISTA's charity work https://notabarista.org/product/notabarista-coffee-wristbands-2023/

Our guest is none other than Jo Lopez [https://www.instagram.com/link_is_not_the_princess] (@link_is_not_the_princess [https://www.instagram.com/#]), 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 [https://www.instagram.com/p/Cug1U-lMjuZ/] chilling tool, is the hot topic; with big players attempting to freeze out smaller competitors like Squeaky Coffee [https://www.instagram.com/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 [https://www.instagram.com/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_princess Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2NHGJJLLSNWUG] Read more coffee stories on https://notabarista.org/ Order Coffee Wristbands and support I'M NOT A BARISTA's charity work https://notabarista.org/product/notabarista-coffee-wristbands-2023/

Ever pondered on the therapeutic benefits of brewing coffee? Introducing Nadia Park (@nadiaxcoffee [https://www.instagram.com/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 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nadiaxcoffee/ #coffee #coffeemeditation #meditation #nadiapark #KoreanAmerican #pourover #handrip #speciatlycoffee #notabarista #coffeetime #coffeepodcast #coffeelover Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2NHGJJLLSNWUG] Read more coffee stories on https://notabarista.org/ Order Coffee Wristbands and support I'M NOT A BARISTA's charity work https://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 [https://www.instagram.com/darren_meachem/]. 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 show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2NHGJJLLSNWUG] Read more coffee stories on https://notabarista.org/ Order Coffee Wristbands and support I'M NOT A BARISTA's charity work https://notabarista.org/product/notabarista-coffee-wristbands-2023/

We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Oleksii Fedorovskyi [https://www.instagram.com/oleksiifedorovskyi/], 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 show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2NHGJJLLSNWUG] Read more coffee stories on https://notabarista.org/ Order Coffee Wristbands and support I'M NOT A BARISTA's charity work https://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 show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2NHGJJLLSNWUG] Read more coffee stories on https://notabarista.org/ Order Coffee Wristbands and support I'M NOT A BARISTA's charity work https://notabarista.org/product/notabarista-coffee-wristbands-2023/

In this episode, we had James Harper [https://www.instagram.com/filterstoriespodcast/] 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  [https://filterstories.org] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filterstoriespodcast/ Website https://filterstories.org/ Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2NHGJJLLSNWUG] Read more coffee stories on https://notabarista.org/ Order Coffee Wristbands and support I'M NOT A BARISTA's charity work https://notabarista.org/product/notabarista-coffee-wristbands-2023/

Who is the most popular barista in 2023 so far? No doubt, it is Mariam Erin Pinza [https://www.instagram.com/mariam.erin/], 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 below https://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 show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2NHGJJLLSNWUG] Read more coffee stories on https://notabarista.org/ Order Coffee Wristbands and support I'M NOT A BARISTA's charity work https://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 [https://homegroundcoffeeroasters.com] 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/ [https://www.instagram.com/elysiaholmes/?next=%2F] Visit our website for more coffee stories https://notabarista.org/ Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2NHGJJLLSNWUG] Read more coffee stories on https://notabarista.org/ Order Coffee Wristbands and support I'M NOT A BARISTA's charity work https://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 [https://www.instagram.com/petros_mls/?hl=en-gb], the operational manager of Coffee Lab [https://www.coffeelabuk.com/] 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 here https://notabarista.org/petros-malousis/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/iamnotabarista/ Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2NHGJJLLSNWUG] Read more coffee stories on https://notabarista.org/ Order Coffee Wristbands and support I'M NOT A BARISTA's charity work https://notabarista.org/product/notabarista-coffee-wristbands-2023/

Hello and a very warm welcome to all our listeners out there! You're tuning into the 'I'M NOT A BARISTA' podcast, and today marks the beginning of our exhilarating 2024 journey together. As we sip our first cups of coffee in this new year, we're thrilled to bring you stories that brew inspiration, stir passion, and pour out the essence of what it truly means to be part of the global coffee community. Before we dive into today's episode, I want to extend a heartfelt Happy New Year to each and every one of you. We've been away for a bit, focusing all our energy on the MOMENTEM grinder project. Your patience and encouragement have been our steady guide, and now, we're back, more ready than ever to share the incredible voices from the coffee world with you. In our comeback episode, we're bringing you a conversation that's been brewing since last year. Our guest is none other than Savina Giachgia from Greece, a name that resonates with dedication, skill, and an unwavering love for coffee. From facing unexpected challenges at the World Brewers Cup to embarking on a journey of self-discovery and professional growth, Savina's story is a testament to the power of community, passion, and hard work in the coffee industry. Despite our brief hiatus, we believe that some conversations are timeless, and Savina's insights, experiences, and heartfelt advice are as relevant and inspiring as ever. Whether you're a budding barista, a seasoned coffee professional, or simply someone who appreciates a good cup of coffee, this episode is brewed just for you. So, let's not wait any longer. Please join me in giving a warm, caffeinated welcome to Savina Giachgia. Savina, welcome to 'I'M NOT A BARISTA. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/iamnotabarista/ Follow Savina https://www.instagram.com/savina.giachgia/