Straight Up | World of Coffee Recap Ep. 3

Coffee Memo | Travel, SCA, Decaf, Free Trade, Market

Jul 7, 202624 minSummary

In this episode of Coffee Memo, host Rob Stehven shares insights from a recent three-week, globe-spanning work trip that took him through Tokyo, Europe, and various coffee industry hubs. Reflecting on his travels, Stehven discusses the shifting landscape of specialty coffee, noting that once-niche practices like traceability and single-origin focus have become mainstream. He explores the challenges faced by coffee businesses as they scale, identifying a sense of disillusionment among founders balancing the pursuit of quality with the economic pressures of larger production. Beyond industry culture, the episode addresses critical logistical and regulatory concerns. Stehven examines the potential impact of proposed FDA regulations on decaffeination solvents, advising listeners to stay calm while the scientific community debates the findings. He also touches on the importance of the USMCA trade agreement for cross-border coffee logistics and the risks associated with its potential instability. Finally, the discussion moves to the current coffee market, noting that while supply remains a concern, the industry continues to see high demand for incoming shipments. Stehven emphasizes the necessity of navigating these market fluctuations with long-term strategy and a clear understanding of shifting global trends.

Another Cup | Kaitlin from Rebel Dog Coffee Ep. 23

Jun 30, 202655 minSummary

In this episode of Another Cup, host Angela sits down with Caitlin Higgins of Rebel Dog Coffee to explore the multifaceted journey of building a career in the specialty coffee industry. With nearly a decade of experience, Caitlin shares her evolution from a barista to a versatile leader who manages green coffee buying, barista training, marketing, and operational troubleshooting. The conversation highlights the importance of community and mentorship, tracing Rebel Dog’s growth from a local food truck to a multi-location roastery. Caitlin reflects on the challenges and rewards of being a woman in a decision-making role within the coffee sector, emphasizing the necessity of finding mentors who can provide guidance and validation. Both speakers discuss their shared passion for bridging the gap between complex supply chain realities and the average consumer, emphasizing the value of transparency through accessible tools like QR codes. Ultimately, the discussion serves as an encouraging reminder that the specialty coffee world is a small, interconnected community where professional growth is fueled by curiosity, bold networking, and the willingness to reach out to others for guidance.

Straight Up | Communication, Warehouses, Mel from Logistics Ep 4

Jun 23, 202651 minSummary

In this episode of the podcast, hosts Sam, Angela, and Lisa welcome their first staff guest, logistics supervisor Mel Gomes. The conversation begins with a lighthearted trip down memory lane, recalling a chaotic group work trip to Houston that involved a noisy rooftop bar and a leaking ceiling, highlighting Mel’s admirable ability to remain calm under pressure. Following the introductions, the team shifts gears to discuss the challenges of returning to work after time away. Sarah shares an amusingly stressful "first day back" story involving declined credit cards, building access issues, and broken elevators, which leads into a serious discussion about the current logistics disruptions. Mel provides an update on a major warehouse system transition that has caused significant shipping delays, explaining how the team is working diligently to keep customers informed during this complex period. Finally, the hosts dive into the core topic of "over-communication versus good communication." They analyze the balance between providing necessary updates and overwhelming inboxes, ultimately concluding that while brevity is key, proactive communication is essential for maintaining trust during operational crises.

Another Cup | US Women in Coffee at WOC Ep. 22

Jun 9, 202612 minSummary

In this episode of Another Cup, recorded live at the World of Coffee in San Diego, the hosts sit down with Kim Cosgrove to discuss the evolving mission of the US chapter of Women in Coffee. The conversation highlights the recent momentum of the organization, specifically focusing on the signing of memorandums of understanding with international chapters, including those in Canada and Colombia, to foster greater global collaboration. The discussion centers on the importance of building sustainable, long-term relationships within the industry rather than relying on one-off transactions. A key topic is the practical side of membership, with the guests outlining how the organization provides value through networking, educational webinars, and mentorship opportunities. They emphasize that the group operates as a two-way communication channel, inviting members to contribute their own expertise to help shape the community’s direction. Additionally, the episode covers the impact of collaborative programs like Cafe Delas, which support women in Latin America through training, equipment, and direct income. Ultimately, the hosts reiterate that these initiatives are vital investments in the future of the coffee industry, encouraging listeners to engage with the organization to help expand its reach and resources.

Coffee Memo | Rob Talks El Nino Ep. 19

May 26, 202618 minSummary

In this episode of Coffee Memo, the hosts navigate the complexities of weather patterns and their impact on the global coffee industry, specifically focusing on the phenomenon of El Niño. Rather than relying on alarming headlines about potential climate events, the discussion centers on understanding the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) as a probability shifter that widens the range of possible outcomes for coffee-growing regions. The hosts emphasize that weather is one of the most misunderstood and uncontrollable forces in the trade. They explain that because coffee trees require specific conditions at precise developmental stages—such as flowering and fruit setting—the real risk lies in weather volatility during these critical windows. By shifting the perspective from global averages to regional specificity, the episode highlights how El Niño can have varied effects, potentially harming one region while simultaneously benefiting another. Ultimately, the hosts advocate for separating signal from noise, maintaining a resilient supply strategy, and remaining prepared to pivot when necessary. The conversation provides a pragmatic look at how industry professionals can manage uncertainty without falling prey to alarmist, speculative narratives.