60. The Untold Truth About “Direct Trade” Coffee with Juan Diaz of KWC
we sit down with Juan Diaz — Director of Nowhere Coffee based in Medellín, Colombia to unpack his incredible journey into the world of specialty coffee.Juan went from being a nursing student and line cook in Gainesville, Florida, to building a global coffee sourcing network that connects roasters, producers, and baristas across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. We dive into...☕ How a chance encounter at a coffee cupping changed his life🌎 The evolution of Nowhere Coffee from a Gainesville cafe to a worldwide sourcing powerhouse💡 Why his “no-bullshit” approach to coffee sourcing sets him apart🤝 The real meaning of direct trade, transparency, and working with “quality people”🏍️ His passion for motorcycles, travel, and how that ties into his coffee journey🏆 Lessons from competing on the national barista stage in both the U.S. and ColombiaIf you’re a coffee professional, aspiring entrepreneur, or just curious about what it takes to change the game in specialty coffee, this conversation is packed with insight, honesty, and inspiration.👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Guess The Drip!💌 Join a Global Audience with BUY THE DRIP WEEKLYGet our personal coffee insights, brewing tips, and behind-the-scenes content delivered straight to your inbox every week...https://buythedrip.beehiiv.com/subscribe
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59. The Barista Champion Who’s Challenging Caffeine Itself with Pete Licata
Today on Buy The Drip, we sit down with Pete Licata, 2013 World Barista Champion, consultant, and now co-founder of Caffeine Control Coffee.Pete’s story is one of reinvention. We explore how winning the World Barista Championship catapulted him into the global coffee spotlight, reshaping his career and opening doors into consulting, entrepreneurship, and now innovation. His latest project, Caffeine Control Coffee, tackles a challenge almost every coffee drinker faces: how to enjoy coffee without overdoing caffeine.In this episode, Pete shares how his personal experiences with caffeine inspired the launch of a brand blending decaf and regular coffee for a more balanced daily brew. Beyond the product, it’s a conversation about how competition, curiosity, and hard lessons can fuel entirely new ways of thinking about coffee.
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58. Behind the Scenes of the World’s Rarest Coffee with Cole Torode of Forward Coffee
What does it really take to bring the world’s best coffee from farm to cup?In this episode, Cole Torode shares his experience living and working in Panama for six months... cupping over 2,000 coffees, navigating government red tape, and seeing firsthand the struggles and triumphs of coffee producers.From the challenges of sourcing rare geishas, to why the global market still undervalues specialty coffee, Cole pulls back the curtain on an industry that most of us only experience at the cafe.
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57. The Brutal Truth About Running a Coffee Business with Luke Waite
In this episode, we sit down with Luke Waite a coffee consultant who’s been through it all. From brewing in a back-alley café chasing Michelin-star standards, to running operations at top roasters, to helping cafés and roasteries figure out the brutal truth of profitabilityLuke shares the stories, struggles, and strategies behind building a coffee business that lasts. Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Guess The Drip!💌 Join a Global Audience with BUY THE DRIP WEEKLYGet our personal coffee insights, brewing tips, and behind-the-scenes content delivered straight to your inbox every week...https://buythedrip.beehiiv.com/subscribe☕ ROSSO COFFEE ROASTERS, since 2007Anyone can be a specialty coffee drinker, and that means you. We roasted for the last two World Barista Champions and would love to roast a coffee for you too – try our world-class coffees: www.rossocoffeeroasters.com🎓 COACHING & CONSULTINGElevate your coffee game or business with personalized coaching and consulting: www.buythedrip.coffee
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56. Your Friendly internet barista with 8.7 Million Followers… and the U.S. Barista Champion Title - Morgan Eckroth!
Morgan Eckroth coffee journey started at sixteen with a simple mocha in Corvallis, Oregon and has taken them all the way to becoming the 2022 U.S. Barista Champion and placing second in the World Barista Championship. With 8.7 million followers across social media, Morgan has built a global community through what they calls “digital hospitality” creating moments of connection both online and behind the bar.In this episode of Buy the Drip, we talk about..☕ How Morgan went from barista to world-class competitor📱 Building a massive social media presence around coffee🏆 The intense preparation for U.S. and World Barista Championships💡 The meaning of hospitality in both physical and digital spaces📖 The upcoming coffee book and signature beverage creationsWhether you’re a barista, a coffee lover, content creator or a fan of inspiring career stories, this conversation is full of insight, humour, and behind-the-scenes moments from one of coffee’s most recognized voices.
Hosted by brothers Dave (Founder of Rosso Coffee Roasters) and Cole (2x Canadian Barista Champion, 3rd in the World), Buy the Drip takes you into the heart of the coffee world. From the latest industry news to inspiring stories and expert insights, each episode serves a rich blend of knowledge and passion. With experience training the last two World Barista Champions, Dave and Cole are your go-to experts for both the craft and business of coffee.
Whether you’re a coffee lover, barista, entrepreneur, or dreamer, this podcast offers something special for you.
New Zealand