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
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
Turning Unripe Coffee Into Gold - Coffee Prices, Fermentation & Social Media | COFFEE BREAK!
In today’s Coffee Break We discuss the rising coffee prices in the US, with a particular upswing in the value of cold brew. We also explore the potential of anaerobic fermentation to improve unripe coffee cherries, and mull over the impact of short-form content in the coffee industry; how do we continue to have deep conversations online when content is becoming more and more bit-sized?
Plus, O
How to Use Social Media in the Coffee Industry | PIZZASHOP MEDIA × SENSORY AGENDA!
Ever wondered if social media plays a role in the success of a coffee business? Does every cafe need an online presence? How do you connect with audiences as a small business? Rohan Cooke, (host and social media expert) answers all of this and more, diving into the nuances of social media in the coffee industry, and speaking from his personal experience as the face of Golden Brown Coffee.
If you
Scoring the World’s Best Baristas - Inside the Milan Championship | COFFEE BREAK!
The team is back together! Fresh off the plane from Milan adventures, the team reflects on a huge week at the World Barista Championship and what it really takes to keep learning, innovating, and competing at the highest level.
From anaerobic fermentation turning unripe cherries into gold, to Maxwell Colonna-Dashwood’s water filtration system that’s changing how we think about quality at home.
Learning in Your Coffee Journey | MAXWELL COLONNA-DASHWOOD!
Maxwell Colonna-Dashwood has authored multiple books on coffee, as well as many academic papers. He’s the founder of Colonna Coffee in the UK, and works across a number of coffee development and research projects.
In today’s episode we focus on the evolving landscape of learning and innovation in coffee. We ask the big questions: When should coffee businesses chase new trends, and when is it bes
Can Coffee Ever Be Truly Sustainable? | COFFEE BREAK!
Sustainability Isn’t a Badge ... It’s a Verb!
This week on Coffee Break, Ben and Producer Liam unpack their chat with Ninna from Reground and Dion from Single O, diving deep into what real sustainability looks like in the coffee industry.From composting your grinds to having tougher conversations with suppliers, how do you move beyond certifications and start taking action ? ... being “green” i
Single O × Reground - Give a Puck - Turning Coffee Waste Into Change | DION COHEN & NINNA LARSEN!
What happens when coffee’s biggest waste problem becomes its biggest opportunity?
Across cafés, roasteries, and homes, millions of coffee pucks hit landfill every day - but two Australian pioneers are proving that sustainability doesn’t have to be boring, expensive, or impossible through collaboration.
In this episode, Ben sits down with Dion Cohen (Single O) and Ninna Larsen (Reground) to u
Australia’s New World Champion JACK SIMPSON | COFFEE BREAK! at HOST Milan
This week Ben stands in Milan with the newly crowned 2025 World Barista Champion Jack Simpson from Axil Coffee Roasters.
After eight years of training the final three almost coming to a breaking point - Jack reflects on the people, emotions, and responsibility that shaped his world-title win. From early mornings at Axil to visiting producers like Jonathan Gascara in Colombia, Jack shares how on
Our First HOST Milan - Here’s What It Was Really Like | IT’S JUST COFFEE!
Rohan and Ben hit Milan for HOST! one of the biggest hospitality expos in the world to take you inside the halls where coffee meets the global stage.
From live-ranking espresso machines to next-gen grinders and limited-edition tech drops, the guys unpack the biggest moments, ideas, and innovations shaping the future of coffee.
Ben also shares what it was like judging the World Brewers Cup,
$628 Cups of Coffee and the Future of Australian Farming | COFFEE BREAK!
From the farms of Panama to the labs shaping the next generation of coffee - this week’s Coffee Break dives into the science that could decide coffee’s future.
The boys explore how researchers are fighting climate change with new coffee varieties, the wild economics of luxury Geishas fetching $628 a cup, and why Australia might be the next frontier for sustainable coffee farming.
There’s tal
The Future of Coffee Depends on Science - World Coffee Research | HANNA NEUSCHWANDER!
As climate change, disease, and shifting generations reshape coffee production, Hanna Neuschwander from World Coffee Research (WCR) joins us to unpack how genetics, collaboration, and innovation are securing the future of coffee.
From varietal trials across 18 countries to the race for climate-resilient plants, Hanna explains how research is helping farmers adapt - and why the next era of coffe
DeLonghi’s ‘Computer’ Trick, Real-Time Extraction & the Future of Brewing | COFFEE BREAK!
In today’s Coffee Break: We stress the importance of precision when grinding and extracting, DeLonghi have curiously reclassified their coffee machine in order to avoid tariffs, and a new product from South Korea has been released, offering real-time extraction analysis for professional and home brewing, but is it any good?
Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Every
How Barista Competitions Shaped the Coffee You Drink Today | With APAX Lab’s SIMON GAUTHERIN!
How far has the coffee industry come in the last couple of decades? A lot has changed since the 2000s; a quarter century in and the specialty coffee is almost unrecognisable. Simon Gautherin from the innovative mineral brand APAX Lab joins us to discuss some of the biggest innovations of the 21st century in coffee competition, and how the past might help predict the future of coffee…
If you're ne
After Morgan Drinks Coffee - Signature Bevs & Starbucks 3D Print | COFFEE BREAK!
We dive into the Flair Wizard - a tool that lets you steam milk without an espresso machine (yep, you read that right). Plus, off the back of our chat with Morgan Eckroth, we unpack how they’ve turned social media into a strategic powerhouse. And of course, a few big industry updates: from new research on coffee species diversity to Starbucks’ 3D-printed store in Texas.
Coffee Break is your we
Are Signature Drinks Saving or Ruining Coffee? | MORGAN DRINKS COFFEE!
Morgan Eckroth, best known on the internet as @morgandrinkscoffee, is a popular content creator and US Barista Champion. They graced our studio today to give us the low down on signature drinks; Why are signature drinks everywhere? How do you design one that will hit? And what impact do signature drinks have on the industry as a whole?
A huge thank you to Morgan for joining the show! Make sure t
$30,000 Coffee to Cockroach Milk … | COFFEE BREAK!
What does it really take to judge a coffee competition?
This week we unpack our chat with Hendri Kurniawan, the world coffee events rep who literally judges the judges. From calibration and comment checks to the huge personal costs of volunteering, we dive into what makes judging fair, objective, and supportive for competitors.
We also riff on the risks of brewing $250 cups and $30,000/kg coff
Inside the Judge’s Mind - How Coffee Competitions Really Work | HENDRI KURNIAWAN!
Ever wondered what really goes on behind the judge’s table at the World Barista Championship?
In this episode of It’s Just Coffee!, hosts Rohan Cooke and Ben Bicknell sit down with Hendri Kurniawan - Jakarta Coffee Week founder, trainer of judges, and World Coffee Championship judge - to unpack the fascinating (and sometimes controversial) world of competition judging.
From the evolution of bar
Barista Competitions - Trophy or Community? | COFFEE BREAK!
What happens when a World Barista Champion admits his biggest lessons came from failure?
In this Coffee Break, Rohan and Ben break down their chat with Dale Harris - from crashing and burning on stage to finding community backstage, and why competitions can shape careers far beyond trophies.
This week’s coffee NEWS headlines :
Costa Coffee - Coca-Cola is set to sell the UK’s largest coffee cha
How to Win the World Barista Championship | World Champ DALE HARRIS!
Dale Harris was the World Barista Champion of 2017. He joins us today to share his journey to the top… How did he get to competing on the world stage??
This episode is for anyone curious about the behind the scenes of some of the most competitive coffee competitions in the world. Whether you’ve competed before, would like to one day, or simply want to know more about the WBC, this episode is for
Minimal Intervention Roasting Doesn’t Exist | COFFEE BREAK!
So … what does it actually take to become a great coffee roaster?
This week on Coffee Break, Rohan and Ben unpack their chat with roasting legend Anne Cooper (Equilibrium Master Roasters) - and it gets fiery.
From why the industry desperately needs clearer roasting standards, to the myth of “espresso vs filter roasts”, to whether “minimal intervention roasting” is just a fairytale, nothing is off
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