IT’S JUST COFFEE!
It’s Just Coffee! is a podcast for coffee lovers, exploring the journey to find the perfect cup. Hosts Ben Bicknell and Rohan Cooke talk to world-class coffee makers, roasters, athletes, comedians, and celebrities about their coffee experiences. The show dives into the biggest debates in the coffee community, such as which country has the best coffee, whether milk should be mixed with black coffee, and if Starbucks is actually coffee. Ultimately, it reminds listeners that at the end of the day, it's just coffee.
Episodes
The Hidden Levers Every Cafe Owner Should Know | COFFEE BREAK!
Why does one cafe boom while another goes bust?
We asked some of the top cafe operators (Hugh Kelly, Beta Coffee, Onyx Coffee Lab, and Carlos Escobar) to reveal the hidden levers that quietly make or break a business. Join us as we unpack some of the biggest silent killers of cafes, and share the practical strategies you can use to avoid them.
Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop
Is It Even Specialty Coffee Anymore? | ROHAN COOKE & BEN BICKNELL!
What actually makes coffee “specialty”?
Is it an 80+ cup score? A traceable farm? The flavour, the barista, the ethics, the hospitality, or is it all just vibes?
In this episode, Rohan and Ben open one enormous can of worms and ask whether “specialty coffee” still means what we think it means. They trace the term from its original definition through the coffee-price crisis, fair trade, direct tr
Your Cafe Has More to Sell | COFFEE BREAK!
How can cafes generate additional revenue beyond selling coffee? We discuss leveraging existing assets like knowledge and physical space to offer products, educational workshops and events. Plus we outline the importance of curating retail that feels authentic and relevant to your business. Expand on what a cafe can be in meaningful and practical ways. Tune in!
Coffee Break is your weekly inside
Ultrasonic Espresso - A New Way to Brew Coffee | FRANCISCO TRUJILLO!
Can you make espresso with room-temperature water and sound waves?
Dr Francisco Trujillo and his team at UNSW have developed an entirely new brewing process that uses ultrasound to produce espresso-strength coffee in under three minutes, while using around one-quarter of the energy of a traditional espresso machine.
In this episode, Francisco takes us inside the science of ultrasonic coffee.
Flat vs Conical Burrs - Which Grinder Is Right for You? | COFFEE BREAK!
Your grinder could be making a bigger difference to your coffee than you think.
This week we are getting granular. Literally. We’re breaking down coffee grinder burrs, what they actually do and why choosing between flat and conical can completely change what ends up in your cup.
Why do conical burrs create more body? Are flat burrs always better for filter coffee? What are fines and boulders? Do
How Onyx Built the #1 Coffee Shop in the World | ANDREA ALLEN!
Onyx Coffee Lab was just voted the best coffee shop in the world!
Not in New York, Copenhagen or Melbourne. In Arkansas.
Andrea Allen and her husband Jon opened Onyx in 2012 with a wildly ambitious idea: one day, they would serve the best coffee in the world. At the time, success meant paying the bills, the staff and the rent.
Fourteen years later, Onyx sits at number one on the World’s 100 Bes
The World’s Best Barista Plays Espresso Smash or Pass | COFFEE BREAK!
Does better espresso require more gear, or just better puck prep?
Reigning World Barista Champion Jack Simpson is back. This time, we’re skipping the victory-lap interview and putting the world champ to work.
Jack reveals the most common mistake he sees baristas make, why distribution is king and how he dials in espresso by taste instead of blindly chasing the perfect shot time.
We break down c
Why Patricia Waited 15 Years to Open Café #2 | PATRICIA COFFEE!
For 15 years, Patricia Coffee has done less than almost everyone else and made it mean more.
Standing room only. Black, white or filter. No sprawling menu, no kitchen and no trying to be everything to everyone. Somehow, that tiny Melbourne laneway shop became one of the city’s most iconic cafés.
Now, Bowen Holden and Pip Heath have finally opened Patricia number two.
We unpack the systems behin
Is Melbourne Coffee "Undrinkable"? | COFFEE BREAK!
Melbourne is famous for having some of the best coffee in the world - but is that reputation built on quality or just really good marketing?
A fiery opinion piece has taken aim at Melbourne’s coffee culture, calling Australian coffee bitter, burnt and overpriced while arguing that Italy’s cheaper, simpler espresso culture does it better.
So, is this a fair reality check? or a badly researched ta
Are Cafés Still a Good Business in 2026? | DAN DICK!
Why has Dan Dick stepped back from the cafe industry? After over a decade of operating successful Melbourne venues Nigel and then PaperBoy, Dan has called it quits. Our conversation was had in the midst of handing the reins over to new operators; an equally emotional and practical decision that has catapulted Dan into a new chapter of his career. We discussed the problems facing cafe owners today…
What the World’s Best Brewers Are Doing Differently | COFFEE BREAK!
Fresh from the 2026 World Brewers Cup in Brussels, Ben breaks down the coffees, brewers and techniques used by the competition’s top six finalists.
We look at how World Champion Nas Jaafar, Australia’s Simon Gautherin and the rest of the finalists approached their routines, from the rise of hybrid brewers and fast-flow filter papers to shorter ratios, lower temperatures and coarser grind sizes.
The World’s Best Coffee Roaster Says Ultra-Light Roasts Are a Flex | BENJAMIN BRASSART!
Ultra-light roasting might have pushed coffee forward, but has it now become more about flexing than flavour?
Benjamin Brassart has just been crowned the 2026 World Coffee Roasting Champion, becoming the first Belgian to win the title, on home soil and in his first appearance at the World Championships.
In this episode, Benjamin takes us behind the scenes of one of coffee’s least understood comp
How To Taste Espresso Like A WBC Judge | COFFEE BREAK!
Tasting espresso is one of the most important skills in coffee, but it is also one of the least clearly taught.
In this episode, we break down how espresso is evaluated using the World Barista Championship sensory framework.
Ben Bicknell, World Barista Championship judge and Q Grader Instructor, explains how to assess sweetness, acidity, bitterness, flavour, body, texture, finish and balance, wh
The 2nd Best Brewer in the World Says You’re Extracting Too Much | SIMON GAUTHERIN & CARLOS ESCOBAR!
What does it take to become the second-best brewer in the world?
Fresh from the World Brewers Cup stage in Brussels, Australian Brewers Cup Champion Simon Gautherin joins us alongside coach Carlos Escobar to unpack the routine, strategy and tiny details behind their world runner-up finish.
Simon and Carlos take us inside one of coffee’s most technical competitions: the compulsory round that can
The Crema Debate: Does Your Coffee Taste Better Without It? | COFFEE BREAK!
To crema or not to crema, that is the question. We run a taste-test to reveal the impact crema has on espresso’s taste, and you might be surprised by the results! Plus we explore tools designed to extract a ‘naked espresso’, like the crema separator and Squeaky’s ‘Esplorer Cup’.
00:00 Should We Remove Crema?
01:25 The History of Crema
05:48 Stirring vs Removing Crema
08:31 Coffee Market Repor
World Barista Champion Explains the Perfect Espresso | RAUL RODAS!
This week we're joined by World Barista Champion Raul Rodas for a conversation about what actually makes great coffee! We chat about dialling in espresso, building your palate, why better equipment doesn't always mean better coffee, and the realities of coffee production today. Join us for a practical, thoughtful conversation packed with insights for baristas, coffee professionals, and anyone who
The SCA Just Created a 'Master of Specialty Coffee' | COFFEE BREAK!
Specialty coffee has a new title … Master of Specialty Coffee.
The SCA has just announced a new accreditation for people at the very pointy end of the industry. To even apply, you need every SCA Skills Diploma, a Q Grader certification, years of experience, professional recommendations… and that is only the front door.
So what is it actually trying to do?
Why is coffee chasing its own Masters
Make Filter Coffee Like a Champion | ELYSIA TAN!
With the 2026 World Brewers Cup just around the corner, we wanted to ask: What should we (the non-competitors and regular coffee people) be paying attention to… and how can the competition inform our own coffee and business practices?
Here to help answer these questions is multiple-time Singapore Brewers Cup Champion and two-time World Brewers Cup finalist, Elysia Tan! Along with her extensive c
Taste-testing Viral Drink Recipes with a WBC Judge | COFFEE BREAK!
3 viral coffee recipes, 1 esteemed WBC Judge. Ben Bicknell put his well-honed sensory skills to the test, judging the “fridge cigarette", “Limoncello espresso”, and “espresso bomb”.
How do these drinks stack up against the palette of a guy who judges coffee for a living? Which trends are pointing to a genuine demand in the industry, and which are full of air? Tune in to find out!
Coffee Break i
Coffee Science vs Coffee Myths | CHRIS H. HENDON!
Coffee people love science … but only when it agrees with them.
In this episode, we sit down with Christopher H. Hendon, computational chemist, Associate Professor of Chemistry at the University of Oregon, co-author of Water for Coffee, and one of the most recognisable voices in modern coffee science!
We talk about what makes good science, why the coffee industry is so vulnerable to pseudoscienc
We React to North America’s Specialty Coffee Report | COFFEE BREAK!
For the first time, specialty coffee has overtaken traditional coffee consumption in the U.S. We unpack this year’s Specialty Coffee Report, including the key trends behind the shift, where people are drinking coffee, who's driving growth, and what drinks are gaining the most momentum. Plus! – How can you apply these findings to your place in the industry?!
00:00 – The 2026 Specialty Coffee Repo
Testing James Hoffmann’s Insane Americano Recipe | COFFEE BREAK!
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 A
Café Red Flags We Notice In The First 30 Seconds | COFFEE BREAK!
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
What Great Coffee Education Actually Looks Like | w DYLAN SIEMENS of CAFE IMPORTS
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 extend
What's Happening in Home Espresso Now | COFFEE BREAK!
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 co
How to Build a Strong Company Culture in Coffee | EQUATOR COFFEES!
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
Coffee Is Changing, Whether You Like It or Not | COFFEE BREAK!
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 Woman Who Defined Third-Wave Coffee | TRISH ROTHGEB!
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 fa
The Global Coffee Price is a Lie | Kenneth Barigye, Ugandan Agribusiness Expert
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
Thailand’s Specialty is Flavour! | w Former SCA President Noon Nutrada K
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 diff
What We ACTUALLY Thought About Melbourne’s Most Innovative Cafés | COFFEE BREAK!
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
The Top 5 Most Innovative Cafes in Melbourne | CAFE TOUR!
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 sp
The Power of HR in Coffee | w Eric J. Grimm
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 equ
The Cafe with Intentionally Slow Service | w Gibrán Huerta of LONG PLAY!
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 wei
What Coffee Was Really Like in the 2000s | COFFEE BREAK!
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
Finally, a Young Barista’s Point of View | EMILY MAKES COFFEE!
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 re
Designing Coffee Gear People Actually Use | DOM SYMONS from Subminimal!
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,
Processing Coffee Like Beer?! | Edwin Noreña of CAMPO HERMOSO
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 bringi
Why Young People Aren’t Drinking Specialty Coffee (Next-Gen) | HANY EZZAT!
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,
How To Scale A Business Without Losing Soul | Nolan Hirte of PROUD MARY COFFEE!
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 indust
Neon Milk and Electric Lime - Inside Dak’s Unique Coffee Menu | DAK COFFEE!
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 co
#13 Best Cafe in the World After 6 Months?! | BETA COFFEE w CHRIS MAYBURY!
Chris Maybury’s cafe ranked #13 in the World!
So how did he do it?? Beta Coffee is one of the more experimental coffee shops out there at the moment, pushing the envelope with automation and pre-batched espresso. We spoke to Chris at MICE2026 about Beta Coffee: The role of automation, his recent system challenges, and the importance of mindful and authentic service.
00:00 Intro & guest
00:46
Making Ethical Coffee Buying Easy | COFFEE BREAK!
What does ethical coffee buying look like in practice? This week’s Coffee Break aims to turn the complex concepts into actionable steps:
What questions should you ask importers? How can you use living income reference prices? And what’s the go on marketing ethically sourced coffee without greenwashing?
CHAPTERS !
00:00 Introduction to Ethical Coffee
00:01:56 Meet Colleen Anunu & Her Work
We Keep Getting Ethical Coffee Buying Wrong | with FAIRTRADE’S Colleen Anunu!
Ethical coffee buying, explained.
Fairtrade International veteran Colleen Anunu joins us to explain what ethical coffee buying actually means in the 2020s. *Hint - it’s more than just paying higher prices.
Whether you’re buying green beans or a takeaway flat white, it’s important to understand the complexities of coffee trade. We unpack the unbalanced risk distribution in the supply chain, thr
Expensive vs Cheap Instant Coffee with a World Barista Judge | COFFEE BREAK!
Despite being one of the most widely consumed coffees in the world, instant coffee still carries a bad reputation. And sure, some commercial options can taste like the bottom of an ashtray, but there are genuinely excellent instant coffees out there.
We blind taste-tested seven instant coffees, ranging from low-grade to specialty. Join sensory expert and WBC judge Ben Bicknell as he guides us thr
How Specialty Coffee Is Reinventing Instant Coffee | Hugh Kelly (Ona)
Can instant coffee be just as good, (if not better) than espresso? Hugh Kelly seems to think so!
The three time Australian Barista Champion and longtime Head of Coffee at Ona joined us to discuss the ways instant coffee can be used to uplift the industry as a whole - making coffee more accessible, consistent, and dare I say tasty…!
Plus stay tuned for Hugh’s expert tips on how to make a banging
How to Get Hired (And Not Get Fired) in Coffee | COFFEE BREAK!
Rohan and Ben unpack the slippery hiring process, sharing tips that make staff acquisition simple! Plus we break down the golden rules for getting hired (and not getting fired) as a barista. Also, gym bros’ prayers are answered… Creatine and protein coffee has hit the market. We unpack the trend of adding supplements to coffee, does your business need to jump on it?
Coffee Break is your weekly i
Become a Barista in 2026 | w Melbourne Coffee Academy Founder CHARLES SKADIANG!
Becoming a barista sounds simple enough… but how do you actually get your foot in the door, and once you're in, how can you turn coffee into a sustainable career?
Today we’re joined by Founder of Melbourne Coffee Academy, Charles Skadiang. With over 20 years experience, and a specialised understanding of the role of the barista, Charles tells all; sharing invaluable insight about how to make it
The Internet VS the Top 10 Cafes List | COFFEE BREAK!
There’s some spicy discourse surrounding the viral Top 10 Cafes TikTok! Plus we unpack the controversial 10-year-old beans released by Passenger Coffee, and Dunkin’s 48-ounce bucket of iced coffee that’s currently taking over the internet. Also, what does it entail to join La Marzocco’s recently launched True Artisan Club? All this and more on this week’s Coffee Break!
Coffee Break is your weekl
How to Build a Coffee Business that Lasts | LAILA GHAMBARI!
Learn how to become a coffee entrepreneur from the absolute best!
Laila Ghambari is a US Barista Champion, owner of Guilder Coffee Company, and runs her own coffee consulting business. She joins us to discuss the myriad of ways in which someone can step into coffee business ownership… there’s more options than just opening a cafe! Plus, she shares what it’s really like being a CEO and a mum at t
Do These Things to Brew 10% Better | COFFEE BREAK!
Simple tips from a Brewers Champion that will improve your filter coffee immediately! We also discuss the outcomes of investing in quality coffee rather than equipment, and the significance of consistent water quality in brewing preparation.
Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospi
Mastering Filter Coffee | TOM HUTCHINS of CODE BLACK!
Tom Hutchins is a three time Brewers Cup Champion, and the Head of Coffee Training at Code Black Coffee in Melbourne… So who better to spill the secrets of advanced filter brewing! Tom’s seasoned experience lends a hand to anyone who wants to brew better coffee, from home baristas just getting into filter, to cafe owners wanting to maintain fresh batches.
Plus, stay tuned for Tom’s $1K brewing s
Top 100 Coffee Shops in the World! | COFFEE BREAK
We’re back from World of Coffee Dubai, sharing our biggest takeaways from the craziest coffee event of the year! Plus we break down the 2026 'World's 100 Best Coffee Shop' rankings… the list may surprise you!
00:00 Dubai Coffee Recap
03:59 The $1,000 Coffee
06:03 Luxury Coffee Debate
10:22 Competition Drinks in Cafes
12:13 New Brewer Controversy
14:56 Coffee Market Update
17:23 Top 10 Coff
He Brought Specialty Coffee to DUBAI?! | Ryan Godinho
Ryan Godinho is an Australian entrepreneur behind Dubai’s Stomping Grounds café and Specialty Batch Coffee roastery. He played a critical role in the development of the specialty coffee scene in the UAE, setting origin trends, launching coffee competitions, and training the first generation of specialty baristas.
We spoke to Ryan about the early days of specialty coffee in Dubai (a throwback to
The One Tool That TRANSFORMED Drip Coffee | The BINOCULAR DRIPPER with Mariam Erin
Mariam Erin is the designer of the Binocular Dripper: the dual cone pour over dripper that's completely changing the drip coffee game. Her design is backed by a decade-long career in the coffee industry, most recently at Brewing Gadgets, working as part of the product research and educational content team. Mariam is also a multiple national coffee champion and World Championship competitor, her l
Why the World’s Oldest Coffee Method Still Matters | PIERRE DE CHANTERAC on IBRIK COFFEE
Pierre de Chanterac has been competing since 2019, winning the 2019 and 2021 Brewers Cup, the 2022 World Aeropress Championship, the 2023 Cezve/Ibrik Championship, and the 2025 CiGS.
We sat down with Pierre at World of Coffee Dubai to discuss Ibrik coffee; one of the oldest and most widespread brewing methods in the world. While respecting the traditions, Pierre brings a modern approach to Ibrik
How To Keep Your Business Relevant After 18 Years | KIM THOMPSON AND MATT TOOGOOD!
RAW Coffee is a cafe and roastery based in the UAE, co-owned by New Zealanders Kim Thompson and Matt Toogood.
For the past 18 years they’ve been running their business in Dubai… So how do they do it?? What’s it like setting up a business in a different country? How have they carved out a space for themselves in the bustling coffee scene? Kim and Matt share their biggest takeaways from their jour
What ACTUALLY Happens After Winning a Barista Championship | BENJAMIN PUT!
Benjamin Put is the co-owner of Monogram Coffee and long time barista competitor, recognised for his technical and conceptual innovations on the stage.
We were lucky enough to catch him at World of Coffee Dubai to discuss his extensive experience as both competitor and coach. What actually happens after you win? What innovations changed the game? And how did competition experience help Ben becom
Why “Consistency” Is a Lie in Coffee | FREDERICK BEJO of ARCHERS!
Archers is a Green Coffee Trader, Roastery, and certified SCA and CQI Coffee Academy located in the UAE, co-founded by Brewers Cup Champion Frederick Bejo.
Frederick joins us to discuss the challenges and opportunities in Dubai’s coffee market, drawing on his own experience coming from the Philippines to take up business in the UAE. We also make some calls about the industry in 2026… cold fermen
The Man Who Bought the Most Expensive Coffee in The World | JULITH COFFEE w SERKAN SAĞSÖZ!
Julith is a roastery, brew lounge, concept store and social space located in Dubai, founded by Turkish Barista Champion Serkan Sağsöz.
In 2025, Serkan bought the 20kg lot of Geisha Washed Best of Panama winner ‘Nido 7’ for a record price of over $900,000 AUD. Described as ‘otherworldly’, Nido 7 is available to try at Julith for the low low price of $1500 per shot. We were lucky enough to meet
James Hoffmann Answers Your Questions | COFFEE BREAK!
Join us for a little celebration, we’ve reached 101 episodes! James Hoffmann answers YOUR burning questions about coffee, we deliver our wrap ups, discuss the highs and lows of content creation (especially for young creators), and update you on the cup of excellence - set to take place in 11 countries in 2026!
So grab your brew, let’s have a Coffee Break.
Coffee Break is your weekly inside
JAMES HOFFMANN | Being a Weird Coffee Person!
James Hoffmann is a World Barista Champion, founder of Square Mile Coffee Roasters, author of The World Atlas of Coffee and a beloved voice of the coffee industry. We were blessed to pick his brains on cafe culture, home brewing, the economics of specialty coffee, the future of the industry, the responsibilities that come with his level of influence, and so much more. Plus, you know we hooked you
Joining the mile high club of podcasting | COFFEE BREAK!
We are debriefing after our chat with Reza from Slick Coffee in Oman, exploring the longstanding history of coffee in the Middle East and the rise of specialty culture in Dubai, Saudi, and beyond. We discuss high-end home setups, wild flavour preferences, and Slick’s clever packaging that introduces specialty coffee to new drinkers…plus plenty of coffee gear drama, World of Coffee Dubai plans, and
Introducing Specialty Coffee to New Regions | SLICK COFFEE’S - REZA KOSAR!
Reza Kosar is the co-founder of Slick Coffee in Muscat, Oman. He’s a certified Q grader and instructor, a Cup of Excellence judge, and a self-described ‘full sensory nerd’. In today’s episode, we discuss the unique challenges and opportunities that come with working in specialty coffee in the Middle East. Reza shares his approach to sourcing, roasting, and sharing - touching on the significance of
Career Paths for Baristas | COFFEE BREAK!
We break down the concept of the ‘three-year career crisis’ (discussing career paths for baristas beyond the machine), and explain why a clean workflow might just be your biggest competitive advantage as a cafe owner. We also dive into the low-risk ways to start a café (pop-ups, shared spaces, equity deals), and the real costs of running a business that nobody tells you about, eek!
Coffee Brea
Pouring 14,000 cups of latte art in 7 weeks | CALEB CHA !
How did one man go from never having worked in coffee to winning the World Latte Art Championship only two years later?!
Caleb Cha has had an incredible journey from Seoul, South Korea to Melbourne. His dedication to latte art has earned him global recognition, pushing the limitations of latte art with colour and design. In 2023 he opened his own venue, Tone Coffee Roasters, and now has two locat
How to start the year as a coffee person | COFFEE BREAK!
Coffee pros Ben Bicknell and Rohan Cooke spill the tea on how to have the best start to the year in coffee…From cooking tips, dining experiences, and advice for cafe owners. Plus, a call-out to the roasters, now's the time to reflect on your supplier relationships and align your purchasing choices with your values. There’s a little something for everyone this Coffee Break!
Coffee Break is your we
OUR 2026 INDUSTRY PREDICTIONS | And a look back on the year that was!
What will the coffee industry look like in 2026?
Join us as we speculate on the year ahead, and look back on the one just passed. We predict market trends, (some guesses are more educated than others..), coffee innovations, and supply chain changes. And how did those predictions we made at the start of 2025 turn out?
Was there a wave of cafe closures? Did matcha popularity increase? What’s t
Our Top Moments of 2025 | COFFEE BREAK!
We’re wrapping a big year of coffee. From Jack Simpson’s World Barista Championship win, to Nemo at the Aeropress Championships, big changes in green coffee pricing, signature drink trends, and so much more.
Plus, we share some personal reflections, babies, Dad-life, and Ben’s experience joining the podcast. Also tune in for a very exciting announcement in which we need your help!
Coffee Bre
Your Christmas Coffee Guide | ROHAN COOKE AND BEN BICKNELL!
Whether it’s tips for brewing on the road, at the beach, or with the in-laws, we’ve got you covered. Christmas recipes, a gifting guide, and advice for café owners on surviving the Christmas rush. Join us for a bit of holiday cheer, and who knows, maybe even a visit from the man of the hour.
Hope you all have a safe and happy holiday season!
Find our seasonal recipes here:
Holiday Crema de
Coffee Cupping Is Easier Than You Think | COFFEE BREAK!
We continue to break down the fundamentals of coffee cupping - we just went deep on our 101 ep this week, so what did we think? From how many cups, passes, and rounds are actually involved, to why identifying defects matters just as much as chasing flavour. Along the way, we connect cupping to everyday brewing, unpacking sensory memory, common faults like channeling and over-extraction, and how te
COFFEE CUPPING 101 - A practical guide for baristas, roasters, and home brewers | BEN BICKNELL!
Coffee Cupping 101 - Basics, Benefits & Equipment!We break down the fundamentals of coffee cupping - why it exists, how it’s done, and what you actually need to get started. From setting up a cupping session and understanding ratios, to identifying defects and building sensory skills, this episode walks through the industry’s shared tasting language and why it matters.Guiding us through the proces
Hydra Honey, Thermal Shock & the Rise of Sour Origin Coffee | COFFEE BREAK!
Hydro-honey, thermal shock… unique processing methods are coming out of Colombia right now, and we need to talk about it! We reflect on our chat with Juan, and discuss the broader coffee industry, including Nestle's potential sale of Blue Bottle Coffee, Fair Trade's overhaul of global standards, and a new initiative in Ethiopia called Best of Ethiopia. Plus, coffee grounds make concrete stronger?!
Engineering Flavour at Origin | LOHAS BEANS x JUAN PABLO CAMPOS!
Juan Pablo Campos is the founder of Lohas Beans, a company committed to sourcing Colombia’s finest coffee. He’s built relationships with some of Colombia’s most innovative coffee producers, many of whom are engineering value through unique processing methods. Juan joins us today to talk about Lohas Beans’ journey; discussing fermentation, producer-trader relationships, and the future of Colombian
Flavoured Coffee, Fair Prices & Fresh Champions | COFFEE BREAK!
This Coffee Break is all about unpacking the big ideas from Peter Roberts episode.
We get into why coffee pricing feels so broken, what the Specialty Coffee Transaction Guide is actually fixing, and how transparency could reshape the entire value chain.
Plus: the wild world of flavoured vs infused vs co-fermented coffees (where is the line?), why young drinkers are obsessed with syrups, and Aust
The Future of Coffee Pricing | PETER ROBERTS!
If you’ve ever wondered why your green coffee costs what it does - or how the whole system could work better - this episode will completely change how you see the industry.
Peter Roberts is a Professor at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School and the Academic Director of the Specialty Coffee Transaction Guide (@sctguide) and Grounds for Empowerment.
Focusing on making markets fairer and mo
Free Coffee Ruined a Country’s Coffee Culture | COFFEE BREAK!
Carlos Escobar is back - but this time with us for Coffee Break! We get into Colombia’s free-coffee culture, why it’s holding the industry back, and how roasting at origin is changing everything.
Plus - Who actually drinks the most coffee per capita? Why are competitors waving water? And Carlos sees into the future, calling the shot, Brewers Cup Champ is Simon from Apax Lab!
Coffee Break is yo
Freshness Starts at Harvest | CARLOS ESCOBAR!
Carlos Escobar is the founder of DIFFERENTE Coffee in Colombia, an educator and community builder who has spent his career bridging the gap between producing countries and consuming markets.
Carlos grew up on a Colombian coffee farm that his family lost - a moment that shaped his entire family's relationship with coffee. Years later, after moving to Australia and discovering a completely differ
Heart Health, Daybright & Mazzer’s New Tech | COFFEE BREAK!
We start with Aussie burgers and pineapple-on-pizza, then dive into why Colin Harmon from 3fe is one of the most influential operators in modern coffee, and end up talking about café toilet logs in his first book.
The boys break down Colin’s journey from finance to four-time Irish Barista Champion, the philosophy, and what we know about his new book dropping this December.
We also get into
Should You Even Open a Café in 2026? | COLIN HARMON!
Colin Harmon is a four time Irish Barista Champion, founder of 3fe in Dublin, and author of ‘What I Know About Running Coffee Shops.’ Starting his coffee journey by serving coffee out of nightclub, he entered his very first barista competition… and he won. And he didn’t stop winning.
15 decorated years later, Colin has built cafés, a roastery, and a legendary coffee brand, and has just finished h
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