I'M NOT A BARISTA: Voices of the Coffee World

In this episode of the I'M NOT A BARISTA podcast, we sit down with Georgius Audrey Teja — or Odi, as most people know him — to chat about his incredible journey from behind the bar to the world stage. Odi's story is one of quiet perseverance. From serving iced lattes to confused customers in the early days of Indonesia's specialty scene, to winning the World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship 2025, he's never lost touch with his purpose: making people happy through coffee. We talk about his first time competing, the power of staying consistent, and how mentorship and community helped shape his path. Whether you're a barista, a competitor, or just love a good origin story — this one will warm your heart. 🎙️ Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms. 🔗 Read Odi's story on www.notabarist a.org here [https://notabarista.org/odi-georgius-audrey-teja/] If you enjoy our podcast, please leave us a review and share it with a friend — your support keeps us brewing!

I'M NOT A BARISTA is back! In this fiery episode, we chat with Nicholas Ginter, founder of Degenerates Drinking Coffee, Q Arabica Grader, and U.S. Army veteran, who unpacks the SCA's controversial takeover of the Q-grading system from CQI. From calling out the SCA's "money-hungry" motives to sharing his journey from Afghanistan to coffee content creation, Nicholas offers bold insights on industry greed, and what's next for coffee pros. Tune in for a raw, unfiltered look at the fight for fair coffee standards! and Join the conversation on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/DMbsm0jPJha/?img_index=1

In this episode, we sit down with Charity Cheung, [https://www.instagram.com/charitycheung_/?hl=en] 1st France Brewer's Cup'22&'24, to explore her fascinating journey from public policy to the heart of the coffee industry. Charity shares how an unexpected start led her to pursue a new passion in specialty coffee, and what it was like to transition from academia to entrepreneurship in France. We dive into her competition experiences, the importance of community in coffee, and why supporting coffee farmers matters now more than ever. Charity's story is a reminder of the powerful connections coffee creates—and the impact we can all make by valuing the people behind each cup. Whether you're a coffee pro, a barista, or just a curious coffee drinker, you won't want to miss this inspiring conversation with Charity Cheung! * Follow Charity on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/charitycheung_/?hl=en * Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/iamnotabarista/?hl=en * Read Charity's story here https://notabarista.org/charity-cheung/ * Support I'M NOT A BARISTA here https://notabarista.org/charity-cheung/

In this episode of the I'M NOT A BARISTA podcast, we catch up with Andrew Jay [https://notabarista.org/andrew-jay/], a passionate coffee professional, who shares his inspiring journey from being a barista to becoming a regional coffee trainer. Andrew opens up about the challenges he's faced, including imposter syndrome, the impact of the pandemic on his business dreams, and the fine line between his professional and personal love for coffee. We discuss the importance of every coffee story, no matter where you are in your journey—don't let your current stage blind where you want to be. Join us as we explore Andrew's story of growth, resilience, and the pursuit of new opportunities in the ever-evolving coffee industry. Plus, hear about his exciting plans for the future and how he's balancing his love for coffee with a potential career as a writer. Don't miss this honest and heartfelt conversation that reminds us all why every coffee story matters. Make sure to follow Andrew on Instagram here [https://www.instagram.com/brewkjay/].

Hello and a very warm welcome to all our listeners out there! You're tuning into the 'I'M NOT A BARISTA' podcast, and today marks the beginning of our exhilarating 2024 journey together. As we sip our first cups of coffee in this new year, we're thrilled to bring you stories that brew inspiration, stir passion, and pour out the essence of what it truly means to be part of the global coffee community. Before we dive into today's episode, I want to extend a heartfelt Happy New Year to each and every one of you. We've been away for a bit, focusing all our energy on the MOMENTEM grinder project. Your patience and encouragement have been our steady guide, and now, we're back, more ready than ever to share the incredible voices from the coffee world with you. In our comeback episode, we're bringing you a conversation that's been brewing since last year. Our guest is none other than Savina Giachgia from Greece, a name that resonates with dedication, skill, and an unwavering love for coffee. From facing unexpected challenges at the World Brewers Cup to embarking on a journey of self-discovery and professional growth, Savina's story is a testament to the power of community, passion, and hard work in the coffee industry. Despite our brief hiatus, we believe that some conversations are timeless, and Savina's insights, experiences, and heartfelt advice are as relevant and inspiring as ever. Whether you're a budding barista, a seasoned coffee professional, or simply someone who appreciates a good cup of coffee, this episode is brewed just for you. So, let's not wait any longer. Please join me in giving a warm, caffeinated welcome to Savina Giachgia. Savina, welcome to 'I'M NOT A BARISTA. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/iamnotabarista/ Follow Savina https://www.instagram.com/savina.giachgia/

In this illuminating episode, we have the honor of hosting Jeremy Zhang [https://www.instagram.com/jeremyzhang4180/], a titan in the realm of specialty coffee in China. As the founder of M2M, one of China's largest specialty coffee roasteries, Jeremy's influence stretches far beyond the bustling streets of Nanjing, where his journey began. His pioneering spirit has carved out a space in coffee competitions, setting a benchmark for many to follow. But who is Jeremy Zhang beyond the entrepreneur? Dive in to understand the fabric of the Chinese coffee industry, the dynamics of evolving tastes and preferences, and the fascinating interplay between tradition and modernity. Jeremy speaks candidly about breaking stereotypes, integrating different aspects of the coffee supply chain, and fostering young talent like the Beijing-born world champion barista Jiangning Du he once recruited, and the infused coffee. Discover how his passion led him from an employer to a mentor, shaping not just beans but lives. As China's coffee scene remains an enigma to many international coffee lovers, let Jeremy be your guide to unveil its depths. Join us on this caffeinated journey, and you might just see coffee, and China, through a new lens. -- Cover photo from M2M-木 [http://xhslink.com/uAgkuu] on Red book Read more coffee stories at www.notabarista.org [https://notabarista.org/coffeestories/] #coffee #m2m #coffeeinchina #roastery #jeremyzhang #barista #nanjing #nanjingcoffee #notabarista

Our guest is none other than Jo Lopez [https://www.instagram.com/link_is_not_the_princess] (@link_is_not_the_princess [https://www.instagram.com/#]), the head of coffee at a coffee company in London, who spills the beans on the recent drama brewing in the coffee industry. A rising storm in a coffee cup, the controversial Paragon [https://www.instagram.com/p/Cug1U-lMjuZ/] chilling tool, is the hot topic; with big players attempting to freeze out smaller competitors like Squeaky Coffee [https://www.instagram.com/Squeaky.Coffee/]with legal threats. Jo, however, isn't one to shy away from controversy and gives us the skinny on this contentious tool, just like 50percentarabica [https://www.instagram.com/50percentarabica/], leading us to a humorous discussion on memes that have sprung up as a form of protest against corporate bullying. Trust us, the drama doesn't stop there. We rip back the curtain on the power dynamics at play in the industry, revealing how well-established companies are making bold moves to protect their market share. The dark side of innovation, we discuss the pattern of big companies trying to patent everything, and the ripple effects this has on small companies. Buckle up as we navigate the murky waters of influencer culture in the coffee industry, questioning the authenticity of reviews amidst sponsored content, and how this can leave consumers with a bitter taste. So, whether you're a casual coffee drinker or a seasoned industry player, this episode promises a full-bodied blend of controversy, drama, industry insights, and personal experiences. Join us as we roast these hot topics! Follow Jo on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/link_is_not_the_princess Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2NHGJJLLSNWUG] Read more coffee stories on https://notabarista.org/ Order Coffee Wristbands and support I'M NOT A BARISTA's charity work https://notabarista.org/product/notabarista-coffee-wristbands-2023/

"Coffee paired with the right glass of water will dramatically change your experience…" From tasting his first Ethiopian – washed coffee to placing second in 2019's Australian Northern regional World Aeropress Championship, Darren Meachem's journey through coffee goes deep. If you're a coffee aficionado or simply curious about the fascinating world of water, this episode is not to be missed. Tune in now and discover the art of water tasting with Darren Meachem. For more information about Darren and his work as a water sommelier, be sure to check out his Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/darren_meachem/]. And if you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and subscribe to our podcast to stay up-to-date on all our latest content. #water #coffeewater #watersommelier #sommelier #australia #aeropress #barista #specialtycoffee Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2NHGJJLLSNWUG] Read more coffee stories on https://notabarista.org/ Order Coffee Wristbands and support I'M NOT A BARISTA's charity work https://notabarista.org/product/notabarista-coffee-wristbands-2023/

In our latest episode, we interviewed Serafim Zoukas. He is a full-time psychologist, a father of a seven-year-old, and an independent Brewers Cup competitor who is passionate about homebrewing. We were impressed by Serafim's dedication to his craft and his willingness to compete with coffee professionals. He serves as an excellent example to his daughter and to all of us. Serafim's love for coffee goes beyond just drinking it. He has honed his brewing skills and competed in the Brewers Cup. Despite being a full-time psychologist, Serafim has found the time to pursue his passion for brewing and has even achieved success in the competition circuit. He is an inspiration to anyone who has a passion outside of their day job. During our interview, Serafim advised anyone looking to pursue their passions to "do what you love, and enjoy the process." This message reminds us to prioritize joy and fulfillment in our pursuits. Overall, we were honored to have Serafim on our show and are grateful for the insight he provided on pursuing one's passions and stepping outside of one's comfort zone. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serafimzoukas/ Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2NHGJJLLSNWUG] Read more coffee stories on https://notabarista.org/ Order Coffee Wristbands and support I'M NOT A BARISTA's charity work https://notabarista.org/product/notabarista-coffee-wristbands-2023/

Who is the most popular barista in 2023 so far? No doubt, it is Mariam Erin Pinza [https://www.instagram.com/mariam.erin/], the 2023 UAE Barista Champion, who is also the @coffeewristbands angel in UAE, and the talented artist that you should start investing :) In this episode, Mariam shared her experience preparing for a barista championship, and her recent competition performance proves that her method works. Listen to this episode, and get to know the Mariam behind the competition, get to know her art, her past, and why she always wears a bucket hat. If you like reading, you can read Mariam's coffee story with the link below https://notabarista.org/mariam-erin-pinza/ Follow Mariam on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mariam.erin/ Get to know IMNAB's charity program COFFEE WRISTBANDS https://notabarista.org/coffee-wristbands-charity-program/ Coffee Wristbands is an international fundraising program that brings coffee people together to give back to the coffee community. Every wristband purchased enacts a positive impact on the lives of those in the local coffee community. Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2NHGJJLLSNWUG] Read more coffee stories on https://notabarista.org/ Order Coffee Wristbands and support I'M NOT A BARISTA's charity work https://notabarista.org/product/notabarista-coffee-wristbands-2023/

Hello guys, I'M NOT A BARISTA is back. 2023's first audio story is from Petros. Last year, we interviewed Petros Malousis [https://www.instagram.com/petros_mls/?hl=en-gb], the operational manager of Coffee Lab [https://www.coffeelabuk.com/] and he shared with us his spectacular journey from a barista to where he is now. We hope his story can give baristas some tips about their own careers. Stepping into the coffee industry at 17 years old, Petros Malousis embarked on his coffee journey with a humble beginning. He spent years working as a barista trainer. Whenever he recalls his apprentice experience, the passion for the coffee always takes up most of his words. He barely complained about the dullness of repetitive training and the low wages in his early career. When people ask him why he choose this path, he just answers in the most honest way: My passion for coffee is the easiest answer, when I travel I meet the people behind the coffee. I realised that I couldn't see myself anywhere else. Read the full article here https://notabarista.org/petros-malousis/ Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/iamnotabarista/ Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2NHGJJLLSNWUG] Read more coffee stories on https://notabarista.org/ Order Coffee Wristbands and support I'M NOT A BARISTA's charity work https://notabarista.org/product/notabarista-coffee-wristbands-2023/

Coffee runs in Juan Angel Welchez's veins. If anyone was destined to go into the coffee industry, it was him. To him, coffee is more than a drink; it is a connection, a bond. This love of coffee began with Juan's grandfather, making him a third-generation Honduran coffee farmer. This is Juan's coffee story, written by Emma Niro Read the article here https://notabarista.org/juan-angel-welchez/ Support our 101 Coffee Stories project on Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/iamnotabarista/101-coffee-stories-dedicated-to-the-people-behind-the-cup Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2NHGJJLLSNWUG] Read more coffee stories on https://notabarista.org/ Order Coffee Wristbands and support I'M NOT A BARISTA's charity work https://notabarista.org/product/notabarista-coffee-wristbands-2023/