IT’S JUST COFFEE!

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 process is our main man, Ben Bicknell - World Barista Championship judge, Q Grader, and co-host.This one’s for baristas, roasters, café owners, and curious home brewers who want a clearer way to taste, compare...

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?! All this and more on your Coffee Break. 

Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and...

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 coffee. If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day - It's Just Coffee! Explore Lohas Beans here: https...

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 Australia’s brand new Barista, Latte Art, and Brewers Cup Champions.

Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on-the-fly barista tips, honest and un...

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 more transparent - especially for coffee producers - after more than a decade studying entrepreneurship, social enterprise, and how organisations behave over time. He helped launch two of the most...

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 your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stor...

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 different café culture, he returned home with a mission - keep more value at origin, reshape the idea of “freshness,” and make producers the centre of the story.

In this...

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 some NEWS, with a new study from the University of Adelaide suggesting that one coffee a day might actually protect your hea...

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 his 2nd book, “What I Know About Growing a Coffee Business.” releasing in a few weeks.

In this episode we talk about what it really takes to run...

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, Oli from Condesa CoLab jumps in with a quick coffee market forecast, giving us the inside scoop on what’s happening at origin and beyond.

<...

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're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of t...

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.

Ben and Rohan unpack the difference between innovation and refinement, the hidden realities of judging and coaching competitors, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with bein...

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 best to double down on nailing the basics? Maxwell also breaks down the myths (and marketing) around “specialty” coffee versus commercial, greenwashing, and what real sustainability in the industry looks like.

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” isn’t just a box to tick, it’s a mindset.

Market update from Condesa Co.Lab on Colombia’s bumper harvest, this weeks news has a surprisi...

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 unpack how their “Give a Puck” campaign is set to divert 85 million coffee pucks from landfill in Sydney alone - and why this could reshape how the entire co...

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 one moment on stage can ripple all the way back to origin.

They unpack what it takes to compete at the highest level, the power of...

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, where 53 competitors from 53 countries went head to head for the world title.

We talk why specialty coffee still feels...

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 talk of young farmers, genetics, and even the idea that music might help your plants grow.

Coffee Break is you...

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 coffee depends on what we do today.

... If you care about the future of coffee, this one’s essential listening.

Follow us for more honest, curious co...

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. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets.

Want more coffee content? 

IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm...

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 new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day...

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 weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Expect on-the-fly barista tips, brutally honest café takes (eek), hospitality stories, and those little gate-kept secrets you won’t...

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 to check out their socials linked below. 

If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, bu...

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 coffees, new approaches like pre-batched espresso, and why customer trust is everything when it comes to high-end brews. Plus - market insights from Oli, the latest on regenerative...

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 barista competitions to the myths around expensive coffees, Hendri and Ben share what it takes to be a fair, consistent, and credible judge. They dive into:

The core skills every...

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 chain, just seven years after its £3.9B buyout. Asking price: £2B. Starbucks - New CEO shifts focus back to human connection while leaning on drive-throughs for growth. Coffee Market - Brazil’s dry weat...

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 you. 

If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will a...

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 the table. We also dive into: - UC Davis’ new research on universal roast colour standards - Dark roast redemption - yes, good dark roasts do exist - Why coffee bag labels might be alienating y...

Coffee roasting… an art or a science? Master roastress & coffee consultant

Anne Cooper joins us in the studio to share her extensive coffee roasting knowledge. We address roasting myths and misconceptions, the endless pursuit of perfection, and the Three Golden Rules of coffee roasting. We also discuss the impact of automation and new technologies like the Typhoon Roaster. 

If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day - It's Just Coffee!

Explore Ann...

It’s a Sensory Analysis Masterclass!

Want to know exactly what happens in your mouth when you taste coffee? We interviewed co-host, Q-Grader, and sensory expert Ben Bicknell to get the low down on sensory analysis; Where do tasting notes come from? … And how does aroma impact flavour? 

We discuss practical exercises to help you better identify taste intensities, and explain concepts such as the triangulation test. 

If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the...

So you’re a roaster wondering: seasonal blends, omni roasts, or naturals - where do you stand? Well … start by listening to this Coffee Break!

In this episode, the crew unpack their recent chat with Klaus Thomsen of Coffee Collective, diving into some of the big roasting debates:

Should roasters only serve seasonal blends, or is consistency king?

Are omni roasts just lazy - or a practical solution for espresso + filter?

Why do people still die on the “washed vs. natural” hill?

And could infused coffees actually have a place in...

What makes a roastery truly stand out - is it the coffee itself, the transparency behind it, or the trust customers place in the brand? For many, navigating the roasting world feels like chasing moving targets.

Today we’re joined by Klaus Thomsen, World Barista Champion (2006) and co-founder of Coffee Collective. From humble beginnings in a garage, Klaus and his team now run 8 shops, a bakery, and supply over 420 wholesale partners worldwide.

In this episode, Klaus shares how roasters can build lasting trust through direct trade, diverse coffee menus, and genuine transparency. You’ll lear...

On today’s show: A Geisha coffee smashes records, we explore why freezing your beans might be worth it, and debate workflow innovations like the EK grinder and WDT. Plus, we discuss the surprising impact of La Cimbali and Eversys on DeLonghi’s profits. Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets. Want more coffee content? IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

Picture this: you’re a café owner, or dreaming of opening one, and it’s time to choose the coffee you’ll serve. But where do you even start?

With endless choice, and a fickle market, designing a coffee menu can be daunting. That’s why we’ve got Jack Simpson in the studio! A three-time Australian Barista Champion and sales rep for the renowned Axil Coffee, you could say he knows a thing or two about selecting coffee.

Join us as we unpack the process of designing a coffee menu. Learn how to create a balanced...

On today’s show: Philz Coffee has been sold for a record price… will other chains follow suit? Plus! We discuss the coffee raves popping up over the city, and explore coffee sourcing at different scales. 

Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets.

Want more coffee content? 

IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

So you’re green coffee sourcing, where do you begin?? Well… start by listening to this episode!

Today we’re joined by Katie Cargulio, an expert in green coffee sourcing. She’s a U.S Barista Champion, sensory expert, and leader at one of the most respected roasters in the U.S, Counter Culture Coffee.

We’ll explore the myriad of ways one can choose to source coffee, weighing up the choices that can often make coffee sourcing difficult to navigate.

So if you’re a green buyer, or simply are curious...

Today we break down Tuesday’s episode with Chris Maybury: Should we be jumping on the automation train? And what automated coffee machines are worth your buck? 

Plus, Street Smart Hospitality is raising funds for homelessness through their annual coffee-led campaign, CafeSmart. More details about the CafeSmart event available soon. In the meantime, check out https://www.instagram.com/streetsmarthospo/ to learn more. 

Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets.

Wa...

We’re joined by Chris Maybury, the mastermind behind the fully automated cafe - Beta Coffee. 

Chris discusses his vision for his Sydney based cafe, including his groundbreaking pre-batched espresso and automated milk steaming. Despite all this automation, Chris is an advocate for building connections between customer and barista, arguing that automation may just be the key to better hospitality. So, can pre-batched espresso really stand up to fresh espresso - and if it can, what does that mean for the future of the coffee industry..?

All this is and more on today’s ep! Big t...

We’re answering your questions! What would we be doing if we weren't working in coffee…are we wasting single origin beans on home machines…and should you get your cafe staff sensory trained?? Plus! We discuss the most overrated trends in coffee right now, and share our thoughts on some of La Marzocco’s luxury brand collaborations. 

Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets.

Want more coffee content? 

IT'S JUST...

Today we are joined by La Marzocco’s Head of Marketing, Anita (Jets) Langlands! 

With over 20 years experience in the industry, Jets has a unique and in depth understanding of marketing in the coffee world. She’s been tasked with carrying on the legacy of La Marzocco, while also carving out the future of the brand - piece of cake!  We discuss everything from luxury brand collaborations to marketing for the next gen. Plus! We break down La Marzocco’s most recent ‘Future of Coffee’ report, tackling topics such as late night coffee trends, the quality loop, and the pred...

On today’s Coffee Break: a recent study has found that dairy milk pairs best with coffee, so what does this mean for alt milks? And Trump's new tariffs on Brazilian goods are set to alter the US coffee market dynamics, how will this impact the rest of the world? Plus! We digest Tuesday’s heavy chat about Q grading, summing up all you need to know.   

Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets...

Let’s dive into the coffee Q grading system! Ben Bicknell, our chief coffee grader, breaks down the complicated guidelines - allowing everyone (yes even those coffee novices) to get a better understanding of how Q grading actually works. Join us for an informative episode and come away with some killer knowledge that will blow your coffee friends out of the water!

If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day - It's Just Coffee!

We’re discussing home-brewed coffee vs cafe coffee; What do hospo venues have to do in order to compete with the rising army of home baristas? Plus, we talk coffee freshness, Japanese coffee culture, and supermarket beans. Also, what should you look for when hiring cafe staff in this ever-changing coffee landscape? And finally, is the debate over whether Australia or New Zealand invented the Flat White over?

Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept co...

Today we’re joined by none other than Coffee Supreme CEO, Andrew Low! We’re asking the big questions… Like how did Coffee Supreme grow from a small New Zealand coffee brand to a multinational company with locations across NZ, Australia, and Japan? We discuss Andew’s 

‘people-first’ approach, how to lead like a CEO, and what his experience has taught him about expanding a business overseas. This is one of our best conversations yet, you don’t want to miss it!

Massive thank you to Andrew for joining the show. 

If you're new here (welcom...

Time for a Coffee Break!

We reflect on our chat with Samurai Shin and his unique journey from snowboarder to latte artist. Plus, it’s time to unpack the results from the 2025 World Coffee Championships in Geneva… this year was one for the books. And finally: What coffee tool won the People’s Choice award for its ability to steam multiple milks? Tune in to find out!

Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept c...

Today we’re joined by latte art champion Shinsaku Fukayama, also known as Samurai Shin!

We discuss his journey from Japan to Melbourne, moving to Australia with limited English and even more limited coffee knowledge. Shin tells his story, working his way up in the Melbournian ranks, only to return to Japan nearly a decade later to begin his very own coffee business. So what does it take to build a career in coffee… and where is the coffee better: Tokyo or Fitzroy!?

Tune in for all this and more! Big thanks to Shin for join...

How much did David Lynch’s coffee machine sell for?! We discuss the record-breaking auction, explore an exclusive cacao tea ceremony, and reflect on our chat with Nick Terzulli about the Espresso Series 1 — what could Fellow be up to next? All that and more in this week’s Coffee Break!

Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets.

Cacao Meets Japan: A Modern Tea Ceremony with Cacao. Get tickets: https...

Fellow have just dropped their first ever espresso machine and we need to talk about it! 

We’re joined by Nick Terzulli, the VP of Research and Development at Fellow, who shares the creation journey of the Espresso Series 1. We dive into specialty coffee at home, the evolution of coffee accessories, and the importance of challenging industry norms in order to innovate. 

Massive thank you to Nick for a fantastic conversation!

If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remi...

What’s happening in the coffee industry at the moment? Well it turns out, a lot. We discuss the Australian Barista Championship, with Jack Simpson taking home the title for the third year in a row. Nestle Gold has also experienced a 10% market growth, so what does that say about the mood of the industry right now? And Melbourne is gearing up for The Coffee Weekend Festival. We’ll be joined by Kantaro Okada to tell us all about this incredible event.

Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly...

Southeast Asia has long been overlooked in the specialty coffee world — but that’s changing fast. In this episode, we sit down with Amelia Hicks and Yosir Le Cerf, co-founders of Old Quarter Coffee, to unpack how a trip to Hanoi led to a radically transparent, values-first approach to sourcing coffee directly from Southeast Asia.

From challenging stereotypes about Vietnamese robusta to building an in-house importing, roasting, and café model — this conversation dives deep into what it takes to create long-term ethical partnerships, redefine origin reputations, and inspire a more inclusive future for specialty coffee.

Whether...

In today’s Coffee Break: We share our takeaways from Tuesday’s conversation with Dan Dick and explore his shift from a high traffic cafe to a local suburban spot. Plus… we discuss liquid decaf coffee concentrate, and debate the pricing of alternative milks. 

Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets.

Want more coffee content? 

IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

In this episode, Dan Dick joins us to talk about his latest hospitality venture, Paperboy. We dive into the challenges of opening and running a café, and what it takes to create a venue that genuinely responds to the needs of its local community. Dan shares how Paperboy differs from his other café, Nigel, and breaks down his evolving approach to hospitality. We also discuss how using social media to share the behind-the-scenes has shaped both the brand and the business.

If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on th...

Ben Bicknell joins his first Coffee Break and things heat up fast! He drops a hot take that makes us reconsider how we talk about coffee, Liam shares hospo stories, and we let you in on the future of the podcast (lots of exciting stuff to come!). 

Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets.

Want more coffee content? 

IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_sh...

The moment is finally here - *que drum roll* - we’re so excited to welcome our new co-host, Ben Bicknell, to the IT'S JUST COFFEE FAMILY! This episode is all about Ben: who he is, where he’s been, and how he ended up joining us behind the mic. With over 20 years in the coffee world, he’s got a ton of stories, insight, and passion to share. Tune in to hear about his journey through the industry and what’s next for the podcast now that Ben’s on board. We’re stoked - and we think you will be...

Coffee Break Description

In today’s Coffee Break: Liam is on a journey to become a World AeroPress champion, we share some tips on blooming espresso, and why is it important to pre-batch coffee for events? Plus, Katie got an iced-coffee at a morning rave at Melbourne’s club revs… and it went viral?!

Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets.

Want more coffee content? 

IT'S JUST COFFEE...

From vibrating tampers to fashion-collab espresso machines, we’re diving into the most exciting (and bizarre) coffee gadgets of 2025.

This week, Rohan, Liam, and KP break down 25 tools, toys, and machines that are either changing the game or wasting your bench space. We get hands-on with gear from Breville, La Marzocco, Fellow, Mahlkönig, Subminimal, and more - exploring how these devices stack up for home users, café pros, and competition baristas alike.

We’ll also unpack trend forecasts, upcoming product drops, and debate whether automation is helping or hurtin...

On today’s Coffee Break: We’re exploring innovative coffee trends found in Asia, detailing a five-star experience at KFC, and diving into the diverse coffee culture of Bangkok. Plus, you best believe we have some thoughts on RTD after our conversation with Connor Nestor. Tune in to find out!

Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets.

Want more coffee content? 

IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_sourc...

 New Ground is bringing specialty to convenience coffee.

We’re joined by Connor Nestor, founder of New Ground, to discuss fifth wave coffee, and how New Ground isn’t just riding the wave, they’re absolutely ripping it. From unique brewing systems to supplement infused brews, they’re changing things up from your classic canned servo coffee. We’ll get to the core of New Ground, including their greatest challenges, best collaborations, and vision for the future of specialty convenience coffee. 

If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conve...

In today’s Coffee Break: we discuss Starbucks’ perception in Australia, particularly amongst coffee enthusiasts. Plus, we’re breaking down the cultural differences between Australian and American coffee preferences, and revealing the fascinating story behind the Starbucks name and logo.  

Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets.

Want more coffee content? 

IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

Today we’re diving into Starbucks’ resurgence in Australia!

Arriving on Australian shores at the turn of the millennium, Starbucks rolled out fast across the continent, but by 2008 was forced to close two-thirds of its stores. Fast forward to 2025, and Starbucks is back with a bang.

To help us understand the comeback is Starbucks’ marketing and communications manager, Nick Casey! Join us as we discuss the Starbucks growth strategy: including menu development, the importance of consistency, the impact of social media and their adaptation to consumer preferences.

If you're new here (welcome), our show d...

On today’s Coffee Break: We brew up Kiril's secret AeroPress technique, draw parallels between artisan chocolate and specialty coffee, and discover how sustainable pioneers are transforming cacao byproducts into tea and cola. Plus stick around for some exciting personal updates!

Explore Mörk here: https://www.morkchocolate.com.au/

Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets.

Want more coffee content? 

IT'S...

If you’ve had a delicious hot chocolate in Melbourne, chances are it was made with Mörk. Today we’re joined by the husband-and-wife team behind the specialty chocolate business; uncovering the secrets behind their sweet success. 

Kiril and Josefin share the origins of Mörk, the importance of cacao traceability, and the very real cacao crisis unfolding right now (with cacao 4x the price of coffee!). Plus we explore the wilder side of the chocolate industry—from viral Dubai chocolate to the rise of some questionable chocolate alternatives.

If you're new here (welcome), our show...

We have some thoughts following Tuesday’s episode with Nathan Toleman, including the disputed origins of the smashed avo…and how he managed 24 individual venues without franchising! Plus, get all your coffee market updates including recent price increases and Fellow’s espresso machine debut. 

Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets.

Want more coffee content? 

IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

Opening 24 venues over the past 20 years, Nathan Toleman is a true legend of the hospitality world. He’s the founder and Creative Director of The Mulberry Group, opening iconic venues such as Top Paddock, Kettle Black, Higher Ground, Liminal and Heide Kitchen. 

Nathan joins us in the studio to share how he became one of Melbourne’s most innovative hospitality entrepreneurs. If you're a cafe/restaurant owner or aspiring to have your own venue one day, this is the episode for you. 

If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee...

We recap our key takeaways from Ollie Brown and Tuesday’s deep dive into the coffee market (tune in if you missed the full episode!). Then, it’s AeroPress training time -Sonam and Liam break down a precise, competition-style recipe using Condesa’s Peru single origin, and things turn out DELICIOUS!

We also chat about the future of the coffee industry, including the rise of automation, the environmental pressures on farmers, and what it actually means to really know your coffee’s origin.

Plus: big news on upcoming guests (one of them is juicy...

Why is the cost of coffee rising so quickly?Today we’re joined by Oliver Brown, Sales and Relations Manager at Condesa Co.Lab, to unpack the complexities and volatility of coffee pricing.We’ll break down the C-price, dive into the dynamics of supply and demand, and explore the environmental challenges impacting coffee production. Plus we’re asking the big question: what does the future of the coffee industry hold? Could we really be paying $10 for a latte by the end of 2025?!If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the in...

Let’s Coffee Break!

On today’s show: We brew up a Danish championship recipe using a filter roast Ethiopian heirloom with notes of blueberry, mandarin, and jasmine. Plus, we discuss the simplicity of AeroPress brewing, share our current home barista setups, and explore the buzz from a Japanese coffee festival. Also…we’re on the quest to find Australia’s busiest cafe!? 

Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate ke...

Today we’re joined by one of Melbourne’s most influential hospitality entrepreneurs, Kantaro Okada!

He’s the man behind cult favorites like 279, Chiaki, Sebastian Kakigori, Le Bajo Milk Bar and Leonie Upstairs. His latest project, the 2025 Coffee Weekend in Melbourne, is set to be a groundbreaking event, featuring 27 of Japan's top coffee roasters. In this episode we attempt to uncover his creative world: a journey through hospitality, design, and cultural exchange.

If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the intern...

In today’s Coffee Break: We reflect on the humility and patience necessary to Ziv’s product design journey, and discuss the future of milk solutions. Plus, we brainstorm our own inventions to improve the coffee industry and continue our search for a new host!

Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets.

Want more coffee content? 

IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linkt...

Ziv Shalev is the man who’s made waves in the coffee industry time and time again.

He’s pushed the boundaries of both hardware and software in the coffee space - from designing his groundbreaking automatic milk steamer in his garage, to facilitating one of the biggest coffee subscription services in Beanz.com. 

Ziv joins us to discuss his commitment to innovation in the industry. For those interested in product design, startup culture or intersection of coffee and technology, this one's for you!

If you're new here...

This week’s Coffee Break we are reflecting on our chat with Andy Cooks and pointing out our most valuable takeaways. Plus, new coffee tools have hit the market: How will Flair’s stovetop milk steaming device and the NCD Pulse for coffee distribution change the way you brew?

Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets.

Want more coffee content?

IT'S...

Welcome to It’s Just Coffee - the podcast that brews up everything from industry gossip to world-class gear tips.

Hosted by Rohan Cooke, each episode dives deep into the culture, craft, and chaos of the coffee world. From chats with World Barista Champions and café owners killing it, to viral chefs and comedy legends, we cover it all.

Hear from the biggest names like Scott Rao, Anthony Douglas, Sasa Sestic, Jen Fricker, and many more. Whether you’re a home barista looking to level up or just here for t...

On today’s show: Andy Hearnden, also known as Andy Cooks, joins us in the studio to discuss his remarkable journey to becoming a leading culinary influencer. Since working at Melbourne's iconic ST. ALi, he’s amassed millions of followers, partnered with BOSS Coffee, released a smash-hit cookbook, and collaborated with personalities like Rita Ora and Taika Waititi— and he’s only just getting started.​..

This fantastic conversation offers valuable insights for anyone trying to make it in the industry—or anyone curious about what it truly takes to succeed in today’s competitive social media l...

Let’s take a Coffee Break!

On today’s show: How did Tim Williams transform Climpson and Sons into a destination café and popular London roaster?…Liam is entering the next World AeroPress Championship… Plus! We compare espresso vs. drip coffee, and explore the subjective nature and historical context of natural coffees. 

Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets.

Want more coffe...

Tim Williams is the founder of Fieldwork Coffee in Melbourne and the director of the World AeroPress Championship (WAC). In today’s episode, we deep-dive the origins of the WAC and explore what makes the competition unique. Tim also shares his entrepreneurial journey, the impact of COVID-19, and his experience working alongside the legendary James Hoffmann. And don’t miss out on a heated discussion: Are home baristas threatening the future of cafes?

If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will alwa...

On today’s show: We’re recapping MICE2025! The event saw over 31,000 attendees walk through the doors - so what made this year double its previous attendance record? Joined by MICE Show Director Lauren Chartres, we reflect on the event’s key features, live performances and interactive exhibitions. Plus what’s on the table for 2026...?

Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets.

Massive thank you Lauren f...

We’re joined by Arthur Karuletwa and Ben Liebmann to discuss tackling poverty through coffee live at MICE2025. 

Arthur is a social entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience using coffee and agriculture to uplift communities. Ben is the founder of Understory and the Executive Producer of Omnivore - the eight-part culinary docuseries.

This was an enlightening discussion surrounding traceability, Rwanda’s coffee industry, and Arthur’s incredible journey.

If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the int...

On today’s Coffee Break: we debate buying the entire set of the Lion King musical, share our thoughts on filtered water, and spill the beans on our current favorite coffee shops in Melbourne.

Plus, MICE is only a few days away! We’ll be there at the ‘It’s Just Coffee Podcast’ Stall - be sure to come say hello. Get 50% OFF your MICE tickets by using code ITSJUSTCOFFEE at checkout!

Details: 20-22 March 2025 - Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, 10am-5pm daily

Get Tickets: h...

Well it’s almost our favourite time of year… Melbourne International Coffee Festival (MICE)!

We’re joined by Lauren Chartres, MICE’s Show Director, to discuss everything you need to know about the upcoming expo. 2025 brings exciting new features, in depth masterclasses and of course lots of amazing coffee to try!

Plan your day and make sure to visit us at the ‘It’s Just Coffee Podcast’ stall (near the Roaster's Playground!). We’ll be doing live shows, giveaways and demos. 

Use code ITSJUSTCOFFEE to receive 50% OF...

Why should you care about coffee grounds?

In today’s show: We discuss using coffee grounds for eco-bricks, biofuel and mushroom cultivation, the importance of companies like Reground, and the environmental impact of the coffee industry. Plus, what should you be doing as a home brewer to support a sustainable future?

Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets.

Want more coffee content? 

I...

Join us as we do the rounds with Beatrice from Reground!

Reground is transforming waste, collecting used coffee grounds and soft plastics from cafes and roasteries, diverting over 2 million kilograms of waste from landfills! In today’s episode, we explore their innovative process: turning coffee grounds into rich compost and fertilizer, while soft plastics are repurposed into oil. Along the way, we visit local cafes, tackling the challenges of recycling and exploring the crucial role consumer education plays in shaping a greener future.

And hold on—big news! The industry is making bold moves, using coff...

Grab a COFFEE and take a BREAK.

On today’s show: dining in UAE causes a minor lapse in Kirk’s vego diet (blame the wagyu double smash patty), we revel at seeing the Burj Khalifa in real life and reflect on the prevalence of expats and economic transition away from oil in Dubai. Plus, what are our thoughts on Pete Licata's ‘Caffeine Control Coffee’ and are we jumping on his 4-Week Caffeine Reduction Plan..?

Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly...

Pete Licata, former World Barista Champion, joins us to talk about ‘Caffeine Control Coffee,’ an Australian roastery launched by Pete and his wife in 2024. The brand focuses on managing caffeine intake for improved sleep and overall wellbeing (we were served some hard truths!).

We discuss various decaffeination methods as well as a greater need for caffeine education. Pete shares his experience in the industry, from his first competition back in 2005, to moving to Melbourne in 2019 for a R&D role at Nomad Coffee Group. 

Plus, what are our thoughts on lo...

It’s the final episode of our Dubai Special! We’re reflecting on the incredible experience that was ‘World of Coffee Dubai’ — the first time we’ve taken the podcast internationally, and what an absolute privilege it’s been. We’re a bit blurry-eyed in the hotel lobby (literally), but feeling full of love and gratitude.

World of Coffee Dubai is a world-class event, and we made sure to soak in everything it had to offer. In this episode, we look back at our favorite stalls, the amazing caliber of guests, our efforts smuggling milk, tasting a $1300 coffee, a trip t...

Dave Crosby and Cole Torode are the dynamic duo behind ‘Buy The Drip,’ the podcast exploring the craft and business of coffee. We caught up with them in Dubai to talk about their careers in competition and coaching. Dave and Cole also share the journey behind ‘Forward Coffee’ and ‘Russell Coffee Roasters’, and we dig into a fun question: What do Canadians really think of the Australian coffee scene? Of course, we had to connect over our shared experience of hosting coffee podcasts — turns out, we’re a lot more alike than we thought!

If you're new he...

Ben is a renowned Canadian barista, with Six Canadian Barista Championship titles and multiple World Barista Championship finals under his belt.

We caught up with Ben at World of Coffee Dubai to discuss his approach to competition - Why is it crucial to have a deep understanding of coffee production? Ben also opens up about the sacrifices required for a career in coffee and the ongoing challenge of a work-life balance. As a family man, origin trips are few and far between - so you’ve gotta make the most of your travels!

...

Welcome back to our ‘World of Coffee Dubai Special!’

Today, we’re thrilled to be joined by Majed Altamimi, a prominent figure in Dubai’s coffee scene. As a passionate coffee influencer, Majed uses his platform to showcase and elevate Dubai’s vibrant coffee culture. He’s also dedicated to establishing Dubai as a global coffee hub, drawing in businesses, growers, and coffee enthusiasts from all corners of the world to take part in events like World of Coffee Dubai (including us!).

We dive into why Dubai is quickly becoming a coffee trade hotspo...

The Special keeps on specialing…

We are so excited for this episode, as we’ve finally pinned down the legend Sam Corra!!

Sam is the Director of Coffee at the Australian specialty roastery ‘Ona Coffee’ and General Manager of Nucleus Coffee Tools. In this episode we discuss Ona’s top blends over the years and the emergence of some exciting new origins…(ooooh). We also explore new tech including AI chat bots to improve customer support and the Link Roaster developed by Cafe Logic in New Zealand. 

Any home brewers listen up! Sam gives some go...

Day 3 Baby!

Our ‘World Of Coffee Dubai Special’ is just heating up… Today we welcome the winner of the 2024 Qatar National Brewers Cup, Eduard Inocencio!

Eduard's passion for coffee began in the Philippines, where he first worked as a barista. In 2017, he relocated to Qatar and quickly became a trailblazer of the country's specialty coffee scene. He’s now a production roaster at Honoroast Specialty Coffee and is set to compete in the World Brewers Cup later this year in Jakarta.

In today’s show: We discuss the importance of education...

Hello there fellow travelers!

We’re back with another deep dive from World of Coffee Dubai, and today, we’re welcoming back one of our favorite guests—Simon Gautherin from APAX Lab!

Simon and Kirk explore Dubai’s late-night coffee culture and how it compares to Australia, then get into the real secret behind great coffee—water quality. Simon breaks down the science behind minerals in water, why bad water = bad coffee, and how APAX Lab is changing the game with mineral-enhanced solutions.

It’s always a pleasure having Simon on the show—...

Hello! It’s our World Of Coffee Dubai Special !, double the caffeine, double the podcasts.

Today we welcome Hidenori Izaki! Hidenori is a World Barista Champion, coffee business consultant and founder of Cokuun Coffee Shop. He’s a legend in the coffee world, making history as Japan's first Barista Champion and mentoring others to success, including champion Sasa Sestic. 

In this episode, we discuss his exclusive ‘reservation-only’ coffee shop and explore his vision of elevating coffee to a fine dining experience. Plus, Hidenori shares his objectives as the latest board member for the SCA, and explains...

Fahad is an absolute coffee enthusiast, with expertise in coffee roasting, coffee consulting, certified trainer, and judge for international competitions. He is also part of Saudi Coffee Company, a company that strives to put Saudi Arabia on the global coffee map.

In this conversation, we chat about Saudi Coffee Company’s farming and investment initiatives, Fahad’s passion for sharing Saudi Arabia’s coffee legacy, and we even get his thoughts on Melbourne’s cafe scene. (hint: they should be open past 3pm)

If you're new here (welcome), our show div...

Hello from Dubai!!

Mikael Jasin, the reigning World Barista Champion, took the title at the 2024 competition in South Korea! Now we’re at ‘World of Coffee - Dubai’ asking him some hard hitters; How did it feel to win the Championship…what was his experience as a barista in Melbourne…his thoughts on UAE coffee culture…the top three coffee cities… and how he spends his time when he's not immersed in the coffee world.

Plus!! What's next for the future of the specialty coffee scene? Mikael is the perfect person to ask. Dubbed "Indonesian Coffee’s Agent...

In this episode of It’s Just Coffee!, we sit down with Wilford Lamastus Jr., a renowned Panamanian coffee farmer, to explore the evolving coffee landscape in Dubai and the rich heritage of Panamanian coffee. Wilford shares the fascinating story of his family’s coffee journey, tracing back to his great-grandfather’s migration from Kentucky to Panama, and how their dedication to Geisha coffee has set world record prices.

We also dive into the Best of Panama controversy, discussing the debate over infused coffees, transparency in competitions, and the future of specialty coffee ethics. Plus...

Time for a COFFEE BREAK!

Today we’re taste testing YOUR COFFEE! Thanks to the incredible roasters who sent in their beans and blends. Plus, we’re experimenting with APAX LAB’s mineral concentrates, Kirk explains Tuesday's ‘huggate’, and Rohan shares his journey to coffee and lifelong competitive streak. Also, Kirk details his brief disillusionment with the coffee industry during covid and subsequent return (the lesson here is just keep swimming!). 

Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and...

Yello! We’ve got a treat for you today…

Sasa Sestic, aka ‘The Coffee Man,’ is here – and he’s OBSESSED with coffee!

Sasa is a World Barista Champion and the founder of Ona Coffee, Project Origin, and Nucleus. In this episode, he shares his incredible journey—from a turbulent childhood in former Yugoslavia to playing handball at the Sydney Olympics, roasting coffee from his garage, and winning the 2015 World Barista Championship in Seattle. He’s done it all!

We’ll dive into the ways Sasa has revo...

Let us COFFEE BREAK.

Off the back of our episode with Scott Rao, we have a lot to say about his blunt, no-nonsense approach to coffee. Rohan and Kirk discuss Rao’s ability to read roasting data, as well as the importance of the ‘rate of rise’ curve and the critical ‘flick’ post-crack. 

We also take a moment to get personal. How have certain health struggles impacted our lives and the lives of our families? It’s a reminder to enjoy life's small moments, including that first sip of a good cup of...

Today we welcome Scott Rao to the podcast!! 

Scott is one of the world's most recognised and influential coffee roasters and consultants. He’s had a wild journey: Growing up disliking coffee, opening his first cafe in Massachusetts in 1999 (a story filled with challenges and controversy), and pioneering the cafe scene in NZ and Canada. Now Scott is focused on pushing the coffee industry forward through his writing, consulting work, and development of new roasting technologies. 

In Today’s Show: We discuss the challenges of roasting in small towns, the be...

It’s time for a COFFEE BREAK yooo!

How can AI help to roast coffee beans? What kind of impact will AI have on artisanal experiences? Why is Japan overtaking Melbourne as the global mecca of coffee? These are some of the questions running through our mind after our incredible chat with Matt Perger. 

And…stick around for the most important question of all - Who has better meat pies, Australia or New Zealand??

Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee commu...

Greetings earthlings. 

Today we are joined by Matt Perger, a two time world champion barista, award-winning writer, Founder of Barista Hustle and coffee roaster from Melbourne! 

We’re asking Matt - Is AI friend or foe?! Join us as we deep dive into AI in the coffee industry - from the AI you didn't even know you were using, to its role in optimising logistics, automating coffee shops, and tracking consumer behaviour. 

Matt has always been pushing the boundaries of coffee science. He’s the Bar...