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 pe...
Feb 12, 2025•21 min•Ep. 80
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 ...
Feb 11, 2025•26 min•Ep. 79
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 th...
Feb 05, 2025•29 min•Ep. 78
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...
Feb 03, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 77
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 co...
Jan 30, 2025•17 min•Ep. 76
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...
Jan 27, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 75
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 community. Everything from on the...
Jan 22, 2025•18 min•Ep. 74
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 Barista w...
Jan 20, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 73
3,2,1, BREAK. What is the cheapest way to serve elite coffee at home? What do we predict for the future of decaf? How do you make your barista competition routine stand out? We’re serving up hot takes and sharing our cafe brunch favorites. 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. Love our content? Watch Tuesday’s full episode and all othe...
Jan 15, 2025•29 min•Ep. 72
It’s predictions week! What will the coffee industry look like in 2025? Rohan, Kirk and Liam theorise everything from coffee prices, greenbuying, cafe trends, coffee apparatus, and the resurgence of a certain menu item… Plus, the moment you’ve all been waiting for… is Kirk actually Italian? Rohan shares Kirk’s DNA live on the show. To say we’re shocked is an understatement. If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 71
COFFEE BREAK less gooo. On today’s show: Will humans be obsolete in the industry’s future…What do we look for when ordering coffee… And what do climbing coffee prices mean for Melbourne’s cafe scene?? Hope you all are having a wonderful start to the new year. We are so happy to be kicking off 2025 with you! 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...
Jan 08, 2025•23 min•Ep. 70
Good Morning! Today we are talking to the wonderful Fleur Studd! Fleur is one of the most influential women in the coffee scene, founding Market Lane Coffee and Melbourne Coffee Merchants. Her story starts in the U.K, finding a passion for coffee before moving back to Australia in 2008 to start her own roastery. Her keen eye for detail, distinctive style and focussed approach has made Market Lane one of the most recognisable brands in Australia. In this episode, we dive into the decaf sugarcane ...
Jan 06, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 69
Start 2025 with a COFFEE BREAK! Hi guys, welcome to 2025. Don’t know what to do with that coffee machine that you got for Christmas? Maybe you received a new coffee tool… We’re talking about machines and accessories; how to set up, dial in and brew hard! Plus, we have some thoughts on the upcoming MICE. 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 sec...
Jan 01, 2025•30 min•Ep. 68
Hi guys! It’s New Years Eve and we’re wrapping up 2024 in style! On today’s show: Rohan and Kirk are joined by Sonam, Katie and Liam to reflect on the year that was. We’re talking about our favourite drinks, best podcast moments, lessons learned, and craziest guests! Plus, we’re dishing out some bold predictions for 2025 and a bit of trend forecasting for the upcoming year of coffee. We hope you’ve loved having us in your ears this year, we’ve certainly loved talking to you. Can’t wait for what ...
Dec 30, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 67
Let’s COFFEE BREAK! Kirk’s heritage uncovered: we’re doing a DNA test live on air! Plus we’re reflecting on Nolan’s mindful practices like Tai Chi, and the boys approach the canon mid life crisis. Also - what happened to the ‘Cup of Excellence’ and how does brand power impact roasteries? And why not get philosophical… Can money really buy happiness? Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek...
Dec 25, 2024•36 min•Ep. 66
Helloo! Today we are joined by none other than Founder and CEO of Proud Mary Coffee Roasters, Nolan Hirte! Nolan lives for coffee. He's travelled the world sourcing different origins, and describes tasting as a psychedelic experience - something that is not so easily explained with words. In this episode we discuss Nolan’s experience in the industry - everything from working with Heston Blumenthal, to being publicly shamed after a controversial broadsheet article. Plus, we dive into Proud Mary’s...
Dec 23, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 65
It’s COFFEE BREAK time! In today’s show: Rohan tells the story of his biggest coffee machine giveaway, Kirk’s been tasting some unusual icecream flavours, and Liam shares his review of Bangin Sangas’ Nando’s Sandwich (are sandwiches in their twilight era?). Plus, Kirk experiences a curry crisis and we share our thoughts for the Christmas special! Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), ...
Dec 18, 2024•22 min•Ep. 64
Holy Moly - a Barista Champion is in the house! If you haven’t already guessed, today we are joined by the incredible Jack Simpson, the 2023 & 2024 Australian Barista Champion. Jack shares his story: an ex-carpenter from Mount Beauty, he first made coffee working at the town’s local bakery. Now he’s a back-to-back Australian champion, and secured second place in the 2024 World Barista Championship—missing the winning title by just one point! We pick his brains on everything from home brewing...
Dec 16, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 63
Make a COFFEE and take a BREAK! From scantily clad selfies in the work bathroom, to NFT investing and a deli funded by crypto, we touch on it all! Plus, we’re cooking up a live podcast event, and chatting cafe popups and Liam’s latest gig. Massive thanks to the listeners, especially as we edge closer to the end of the year. We’ve loved having your support as we get this poddy off the ground - there’s more in the works for next year! Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee commun...
Dec 11, 2024•25 min•Ep. 62
Good morning! On today’s show: We surprise Kirk with a familiar face from his past…it’s Lambie! @lambieartist is a pop artist, barista, ex-competitor and recently published cookbook author - it’s safe to say she knows a fair wack about coffee and the cafe scene. Kirk and Lambie reflect on old times, working together at St. ALi during a pivotal moment in Melbourne's coffee industry. Plus, we dive into coffee influencing, hospo art and Lambie’s self-titled McF*cked era. She’s got some terrific (an...
Dec 09, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 61
Let’s have a COFFEE BREAK! In today’s episode, we’re geeking out after our epic chat with Bangin Sangas! Plus, we dive into the tricky world of ethical food reviews – how does an online critic balance honesty and fairness? And, of course, don’t miss the moment you’ve all been waiting for; Dan Dick claps back after the prank call (he’s coming in hot!). Finally, we dream big – how would the boys go about opening a sandwich shop in Melbourne? Tune in for all this and more! Coffee Break is your week...
Dec 04, 2024•17 min•Ep. 60
We’ve got the Chief Sandwich Officer joining us today, Ross James Howse of Bangin Sangas! No doubt you’ve seen him all over your feed; he's the ex-baker from Luton who’s got a lot to say about Melbourne’s food scene. Ross has gained a loyal following on social media with his playful sandwich tasting videos and authentic food and coffee reviews. On today's show we’re discussing Ross’s ascension to sandwich connoisseur. From the highs - like getting his sandwich on the menu at Nandos - to the lows...
Dec 02, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 59
We’re COFFEE BREAKing. In today’s show: coffee liqueurs, homemade coffee vodka and filtration systems for large brews. Plus, Kirk has an issue with cold drip coffee, and Rohan asks the question; could co-fermenting be the workaround for poor-quality coffee? We’re also exploring Rohan’s coffee adventures in the Dandenong Ranges and his take on country coffee. Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe rev...
Nov 27, 2024•25 min•Ep. 58
Tim Varney joins Rohan and Kirk for cocktails and conversation. Tim's coffee journey began in the 90s, spanning roles in quality control and roasteries, and even organising the first AeroPress Championship. Today, he leads ‘Stella’, a specialty coffee roastery, and has recently ventured into the world of booze with his coffee liqueur ‘Grada’. In today's episode: we’re reflecting on how the industry has evolved in the last couple decades, Rohan and Kirk embrace their sweeter side (don’t get used ...
Nov 25, 2024•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 57
In this week's COFFEE BREAK, we’re sipping on instant! Rohan and Kirk taste test Moccona instant coffee… a nostalgic hit or just plain bad? Plus, we’re diving into the debate: compostable vs. paper coffee bags, the risk of exploding coffee, and Kirk splurging on beans that cost a whopping $500 per kilo. 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 sec...
Nov 20, 2024•28 min•Ep. 54
In 2013, Russell Touyz began with the Paper Cup Project, platforming artists and supporting non-profits through art placement on coffee cups. Now 10 years later, he’s the man behind Eco Barista, the sustainable coffee packaging company that’s changing the game for roasters and cafes. In this episode, we explore Russell's business journey, his dedication to Mother Earth, and what sustainability looks like for the future of the industry. Plus, we spill the tea on the fall of REDcycle… and ask the ...
Nov 18, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 53
We’re taking a Coffee Break! Fresh from our episode with Olympic gold medalist Zac Stubblety-Cook, we’re spilling the beans on barista competitions, Jimmy Butler’s in-house lever machine, and our bid to get celebrities on the pod. Plus, let’s dissect some of our most outrageous hot takes, like why co-fermentation could be the future of coffee!? Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), ho...
Nov 13, 2024•23 min•Ep. 52
Zac Stubblety-Cook OAM is an Olympic swimmer, coffee enthusiast and Co-Founder of Sapidus Roast. This week, Kirk, Liam, and Zac explore the crossroads of elite sports and caffeine. In coffee news: Metallica is coming to Australia (The Unforgiven III is on repeat) and Brian Niccol, new CEO at Starbucks has been tasked with turning around the company after one of its worst years in the U.S (surely a $100M contract helps). We then DIVE into Zac’s swimming career, from being 6 years old and scared o...
Nov 11, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 51
Tools down, time for a Coffee Break! Coffee that tastes like…coffee? Haven't heard of it. We discuss the dessert blends at Kirk’s Cafe - who wouldn't want a latte that tastes like lamington or strawberry cheesecake? The boys give their take on signature drinks like the Mont Blanc, and we give a shoutout to a very important listener… Plus, let’s talk ‘trash coffee’! Nothing wrong with a bit of Starbucks or McCafe from time to time. We’re asking; Why is maccas the most popular coffee franchise in ...
Nov 06, 2024•17 min•Ep. 50
We’ve got Damien Coe on the podcast today! Damien is a Melbourne based cafe owner, you’ve probably heard of the epic Coe & Coe in Port Melbourne! After years in the industry he has plenty to share… from humble beginnings at Starbucks, to running a business during covid (keepcups were thrown) and his star studded regulars list. Plus, we dive into the world of content creation, hospo horror stories, and Kirk pulls a prank call on Dan Dick?! In coffee news: Sydney Roastery ‘Whitehorse Coffee’ C...
Nov 04, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 49
