Tiny Sidecar: A Coffee Podcast
Cait Rifkin 28 episodes Oct 29, 2026
Tiny Sidecar is a women-focused coffee podcast hosted by Cait Rifkin. Each episode features conversations with people across the coffee industry, including farmers, roasters, and baristas. The show explores their stories, passions, and journeys while celebrating the wider coffee community.
Episodes
Roadtrip: The Level Up Series Part 1
Send us Fan MailWe're taking the Sidecar to Minneapolis!In this special series of Tiny Sidecar, we're hanging out with the incredible coffee humans behind Level Up, an educational experience hosted by Raise the Bar that brings working baristas together for hands-on learning, skill building, mentorship, and a whole lot of coffee nerding out.Throughout the series, we're chatting with
Sidecar Sessions: Erica Escalante, The Cafe Operator
Send us Fan MailErica Escalante knows cafés and she’s not afraid to tell you what actually works or what doesn't.In this episode, Cait sits down with Erica to talk about her years of experience in coffee, what she’s learned from operating cafés, and how that experience led to her newest venture, The Cafe Operator. They get into leadership, building better systems, the realities of running a c
Sidecar Sessions: Keri Roberts, Non-conformity Coffee
Send us Fan MailThis week on Tiny Sidecar, I’m joined by Keri Roberts and truly, this was one of those conversations I had a hard time editing down because I wanted to keep all of it.We chat about all the roads that the first years of building a business takes you on: sourcing, community, learning to roast, building meaningful business relationships and a touch of everything else. It’s thoughtful,
Sidecar Sessions: Kat Melheim, Coffee People Zine
Send us Fan MailKat Melheim is the creator of Coffee People Zine, an independent publication built around the art, stories, and creativity of people working in coffee.In this episode, Kat and Cait talk about where Coffee People came from, building something outside the traditional rules of the coffee industry, and what it takes to keep an independent creative project going. They get into making sp
Sidecar Sessions: Anu Menon, Driftaway Coffee
Send us Fan MailAnu Menon is the co-founder of Driftaway Coffee, a company she started with her husband in 2014. More than a decade later, Driftaway has grown into a company known for thoughtful sourcing, transparency, and finding creative ways to connect people more deeply with the coffee they drink.In this episode, Anu and I talk about what it actually looks like to grow a coffee company over th
Sidecar Sessions: Amaris Gutierrez-Ray, Joe Coffee (pt. 2)
Send us Fan MailIn Part Two with Amaris Gutierrez-Ray, we dig deeper into what it means to lead with intention in the coffee industry.We talk feminist leadership, responsible sourcing, and why treating people well shouldn’t be separate from running a successful business. Amaris shares her perspective on building strong leaders instead of simply managing employees, creating workplaces where people
Sidecar Sessions: Amaris Gutierrez-Ray, Joe Coffee (pt. 1)
Send us Fan MailWhat does it look like to grow your career alongside a company?In this episode, Cait sits down with Amaris Gutierrez-Ray, VP of Coffee at Joe Coffee, to talk about building a long-term career in coffee and what happens as both you and your role evolve along the way.Amaris shares her path through Joe Coffee, what the day-to-day of being a VP of Coffee actually looks like, and how he
Sidecar Sessions: Richelle Taylor, Olympia Coffee
Send us Fan MailWhat does it take to build a meaningful career in coffee? According to Richelle Taylor, it starts with curiosity and a willingness to say yes.In this episode of Tiny Sidecar, I sit down with Richelle Taylor, Director of Operations at Olympia Coffee, U.S. Coffee in Good Spirits Championship runner-up, and founder of the Women in Coffee event based in Seattle. We talk about her journ
Sidecar Sessions: Ivana Chan, Raise the Bar
Send us Fan MailThis week on Tiny Sidecar, I'm joined by Ivana Chan for a conversation about building a career in specialty coffee and how she is hoping to bring others along with her through Raise the Bar. We dive into great leadership, education, and filling in the missing pieces in this fast moving industry.Along the way, we talk about the importance of representation, what it means to lea
Sidecar Sessions: Sunghee Tark, Bean Voyage
Send us Fan MailCoffee gets called sustainable a lot but what does that actually mean? This week, we sit down with Sunghee Tark to talk about the work behind real structural change in coffee. From the story of Bean Voyage to women producers, sustainability, and the systems that shape who thrives (and who gets left behind), this conversation gets honest about what it will actually take to build a m
Talk Mental Health to Me with Lucia Bawot
Send us Fan MailThis week on Tiny Sidecar, we’re having a real conversation about mental health. What it looks like, how it shows up in our industry, and why it matters more than we sometimes admit.I’m joined by Lucia Bawot the founder of SANA, an organization focused on supporting mental health and wellbeing within coffee communities, specifically women producers in Columbia. Together, we talk ab
The Chat Where You Realize You’re a Sidecar
Send us Fan MailThis one started as a simple conversation about Instagram and somehow turned into a full-blown identity spiral... in the best way.You know those chats that begin super chill and suddenly you’re asking, “Wait… who are we actually?” Yeah. That happened today.In this episode, I’m unpacking what it looks like to stop tweaking the grid and start talking about who you really are as a bra
Sidecar Sessions: Talk Family To Me
Send us Fan MailThis episode of Tiny Sidecar is a collection of real stories from women shaping the coffee world. Each one offering a different perspective on this industry and, often, what family means within it.You’ll hear stories in both English and Spanish, just as they unfold across the supply chain. If you’re not fluent in both, grab Google Translate. The app’s live conversation feature can
Detour: A Sidecar Mashup
Send us Fan MailToday we’re hopping into the sidecar to talk about what’s coming in 2026 and to share a couple of conversations from the Women Powered Coffee Summit that stayed with me long after the event ended. Natalie and Nico are two women who made an lasting impact with just a few words, and I’m so excited to pass their voices along. I hope you find this time with them as inspiring as I did.A
Hop In We're Going To Mexico!
Send us Fan MailThis week on Tiny Sidecar, we’re spending the day in transit as we make our way to Mexico. Consider this the opening scene: setting the tone, the mood, and the soundtrack for the Summit before things really get rolling. Please place your tray tables in the upright position, settle in, and let’s get going.Support the showThanks for listening to Tiny Sidecar.If you enjoyed this episo
Talk Carry-Ons To Me
Send us Fan MailSeason Two kicks off with a suitcase, a spark, and those pre-summit jitters we all know too well. In this first episode, we unpack the prep work from Bean Voyage community calls to the buzz of saying yes to something big. So grab your bag and hop in the sidecar… it’s time to hit the road.P.S. interviews start here. Get ready to meet Alex! Support the showThanks for listening to Ti
Your First Sip of Season Two
Send us Fan MailBuckle up, friends! Tiny Sidecar is back for Season 2!This time, we’re kicking things off with stories straight from the source: women producers, importers, and roasters who are shaping the future of coffee. Cait returns from the Women Powered Coffee Summit with fresh inspiration, new connections, and plenty of behind-the-scenes moments to share.Join us for a quick spin through wha
Sidecar Sessions: Katie, Wonderstate Coffee
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Cait catches up with Katie, Director of Operations at Wonderstate Coffee, for an easygoing and honest conversation about what it means to grow in life, in leadership, and in coffee. The two talk about family ties, the winding path that led Katie to her role in operations, and the moments in coffee that still make her light up. Along the way, Cait reflects on time w
Talk Hospitality To Me
Send us Fan MailWhat does excellent hospitality really look like in coffee? Is it the bottomless diner mug, the quick “just get me my latte” efficiency, the curated third-wave experience, or the Gen Z vibe check?In this TSC episode, I’m taking you through hospitality across the generations and showing how expectations have shifted (and overlapped). We’ll count down my top micro-hospitality moments
Detour: Summer Recap + Fall Goals
Send us Fan MailThis week we’re taking a little detour. Instead of stats or guests, I’m pulling over to reflect on the summer we’ve had together and set some intentions for the fall ahead.I’ll share the highs and lows from behind the mic, the projects that kept me busy, and the lessons I’m carrying forward. Then I’ll look ahead, what’s next for Tiny Sidecar, what’s brewing in the coffee world, and
Talk Numbers To Me
Send us Fan MailWomen make up the majority of the labor force in coffee, yet their presence in ownership and leadership still lags far behind. In this episode, we look at the numbers to give us a foundational understanding. From farm labor and land ownership to leadership roles and decision-making power. And ask what they reveal about the state of women in coffee today.It’s not just statistics. It
From Origin, With Love: Green Coffee 101
Send us Fan MailEver wonder how coffee actually gets from origin to your cup? In this episode, I pull back the curtain on the green coffee sourcing process from slurping samples and decoding certifications to the relationships that matter most.Whether you’re a barista, a roaster, a green coffee buying friend, or just a curious drinker, this one’s for you. Because behind every great coffee is a who
Hot Off The Roaster: July Coffee News
Send us Fan MailThis week on Tiny Sidecar, we’re catching you up on all the buzz worthy happenings in the coffee world. From roaster retreats in Michigan to powerful mental health movements and grassroots fundraisers. Cait gives you the scoop on Washed Up Coffee’s cheeky brilliance, SANA’s inspiring work supporting mental health at origin, and what to expect at the upcoming Women Powered Coffee Su
Sidecar Sessions: Kristaleen, Stone Creek Coffee
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I sit down with Kristaleen, a barista and educator at Stone Creek Coffee in Milwaukee. We talk about what it means to grow in the coffee industry, the power of approachable education, and the kind of intentional culture that makes a company like Stone Creek stand out. It’s a laid-back, thoughtful conversation that's sure to make you look at your next cafe drin
Coffee Date: Wisco Coffee Recap
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Tiny Sidecar, we're taking a cozy ride through Wisconsin’s coffee scene. From roastery tours to heartfelt coffee chats with family and friends, I recap my recent trip and the moments that made it special. Tune in for nostalgic sips, surprise lattes (hint: Coca-Cola dreams do come true), and reflections on how connection brews best when shared. This is your i
Talk Sidecar To Me
Send us Fan MailIt’s been a month of Tiny Sidecar, and we’re riding side roads and celebrating milestones... some intentional, some delightfully off-course. In this episode, I’m reflecting on the first few episodes, sharing some behind-the-scenes moments, and chatting through what’s coming next. Plus, a little preview of an upcoming roadtrip to Wisconsin that may or may not include an excessive am
From Origin, With Love: What to Know Before Your First Origin Trip
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I’m sharing the practical tips and personal reflections from my experience traveling to coffee producers. From what to pack to what to expect, how to show up with curiosity, and why these trips can change the way you see coffee forever.Whether you're prepping for your first visit or just want a deeper look at the heart of the supply chain, this one’s for you.T
Talk SCA to Me
Send us Fan MailWhat do latte art battles, green coffee deep dives, and a roaster village all have in common? They're just a few highlights from this year's trip to the SCA Expo in Houston. In this episode, I’m spilling the beans on the best moments from cupping with JNP and Daterra, to geeking out over La Marzocco’s passport challenge, and getting inspired by the World of Coffee Runners
Welcome to Tiny Sidecar
Send us Fan MailTiny Sidecar is here! I’m Cait — a roaster, green buyer, and coffee nerd with a mic. In this mini welcome episode, I’ll share a little about myself, what to expect from this podcast, and where we’re going next. Whether you’re in the café, at origin, or just vibing with your third cup, you’re invited! Glad to have you here!Support the showThanks for listening to Tiny Sidecar.If you
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