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IT’S JUST COFFEE!

Ben Bicknell & Rohan Cooke

Whether you’re a world barista champion brewing a $150 rare

coffee from the hills of Panama, or you’re stirring a spoon of

instant coffee in boiling water, at the end of the day, It’s Just

Coffee!


It’s Just Coffee! is a podcast for all those coffee lovers out there

and we're endeavouring on a journey to find the perfect cup.


Not only will we be talking to the world’s best coffee makers

and roasters, we’re going to be talking to athletes, comedians,

celebrities and anyone that just loves a great cup of coffee.


The coffee community around the world is engaged and

passionate (sometimes to a fault), and we want to explore

some of the biggest debates that happen across the Internet,

and in the local cafe around the corner from you.


Questions like:


• Which country has the best coffee in the world?

• Should it be illegal to mix milk in black coffee?

• Is Starbucks actually coffee?


We’ll dive into some of the best coffee conversations on the

internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the

day, that It’s Just Coffee!

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  • 42 episodes
  • a few times a week
  • Avg 45 min
  • English

Episodes 42

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  • August 10 · 46 min

    Ultrasonic Espresso - A New Way to Brew Coffee | FRANCISCO TRUJILLO!

    Can you make espresso with room-temperature water and sound waves? Dr Francisco Trujillo and his team at UNSW have developed an entirely new brewing process that uses ultrasound to produce espresso-strength coffee in under three minutes, while using around one-quarter of the energy of a traditional espresso machine. In this episode, Francisco takes us inside the science of ultrasonic coffee. We unpack acoustic cavitation, the microscopic bubbles that pit and fracture coffee grounds, why tamping matters far less in this system, and how the team built the technology into something that still looks surprisingly close to a normal espresso machine. We also get into the taste test. One hundred regular coffee drinkers compared the ultrasonic brew with traditional espresso, with no significant difference found across the key sensory measures. Francisco explains where the drinks do differ, including crema, bitterness and aftertaste, and why the biggest opportunity may not be your local café at all, but large-scale ready-to-drink coffee production. 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! CHAPTERS! 00:00 A New Way to Brew Coffee 01:17 How Ultrasonic Espresso Works 02:18 Where the Idea Came From 03:29 From Three-Minute Cold Brew to Espresso Strength 04:58 Acoustic Cavitation Explained 10:35 Brew Ratio, Grind Size and Tamping 13:54 Is It Really Espresso? 16:34 Why the Brew Takes Three Minutes 18:04 Testing Different Coffees and Roast Levels 19:29 Brewing With Room-Temperature Water 21:40 The Blind Taste Test 28:24 What Happens to Aroma? 31:05 Extraction Yield and TDS 32:23 Less Bitterness and a Cleaner Aftertaste 33:48 The Energy-Saving Opportunity 35:41 APAX LAB 36:54 Can Ultrasonic Coffee Scale Up? 39:19 Patents and Commercialisation 42:04 Francisco’s First Coffee Project 44:39 The Team Behind the Research 45:08 Where to Find Francisco’s Work Dr Francisco Trujillo, UNSW: https://www.unsw.edu.au/staff/francisco-trujillo Ultrasonic espresso research: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2026.113193 Want more coffee content? IT’S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com with your questions, hot takes or guest suggestions. Proudly sponsored by: APAX LAB: https://apaxlab.com/ Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • August 5 · 32 min

    Flat vs Conical Burrs - Which Grinder Is Right for You? | COFFEE BREAK!

    Your grinder could be making a bigger difference to your coffee than you think. This week we are getting granular. Literally. We’re breaking down coffee grinder burrs, what they actually do and why choosing between flat and conical can completely change what ends up in your cup. Why do conical burrs create more body? Are flat burrs always better for filter coffee? What are fines and boulders? Does a bigger burr automatically mean better coffee? And when is upgrading your grinder actually worth the money? From particle size and burr geometry to heat, retention, seasoning and choosing the right grinder for your café, this is our Coffee Grinder Burrs 101. We definitely don’t claim to have settled the debate, so grinder nerds, please tell us what we missed. Plus, APAX LAB introduces us to Conflux, and Condesa Co.Lab joins us with the weekly coffee market report. COFFEE BREAK! is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on-the-fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered café reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gatekept coffee secrets. CHAPTERS 00:00 Why Grinder Burrs Matter 01:26 What Is a Coffee Grinder Burr? 04:08 Flat vs Conical Burrs 06:24 Fines, Boulders and Particle Size 08:33 How Burrs Change Coffee Flavour 11:23 The Best Burrs for Espresso and Filter 12:59 Heat, Speed and Grinding Coffee 15:14 Body vs Clarity 16:57 APAX LAB 17:35 Does Burr Size Matter? 18:43 Retention and Angled Grinders 20:16 Burr Coatings and Durability 21:44 Should You Season New Burrs? 22:55 When Should You Upgrade? 26:12 Coffee Market Report 28:41 How Much Grinder Does a Café Need? 31:16 What Coffee Science Still Doesn’t Know Want more coffee content? IT’S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com with your questions, comments or hot takes. Proudly sponsored by: Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/ APAX LAB: https://apaxlab.com/ Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • August 3 · 1 hr 10 min

    How Onyx Built the #1 Coffee Shop in the World | ANDREA ALLEN!

    Onyx Coffee Lab was just voted the best coffee shop in the world! Not in New York, Copenhagen or Melbourne. In Arkansas. Andrea Allen and her husband Jon opened Onyx in 2012 with a wildly ambitious idea: one day, they would serve the best coffee in the world. At the time, success meant paying the bills, the staff and the rent. Fourteen years later, Onyx sits at number one on the World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops list and has become a James Beard nominee for Outstanding Bar. Andrea joins us to unpack how they built a hometown coffee company into one of specialty coffee’s most influential brands, without losing the point of view that made it special. We talk about creating destination cafés, why every Onyx venue is completely different, the failed ideas nobody sees on Instagram and how their newest location, The Preserve, evolved from the slightly unhinged idea of building a bike path through a café. Andrea also shares how a cold DM eventually led to working with Jimmy Butler and BIGFACE, why Doyenne grew far beyond expectations and what genuine transparency should look like across the coffee supply chain. Plus, Hugh Grant, Elon Musk, broken robot baristas and Andrea’s defence of the humble mocha. If you’re opening a café, building a brand or trying to create something people genuinely care about, this one is packed. CHAPTERS! 00:00 Meet Andrea Allen 01:56 Winning World’s Best Coffee Shop 04:19 Hugh Grant, Elon Musk and George Howell 07:04 Building the Onyx Brand 09:13 Why Arkansas? 12:36 Opening a Café Outside a Major City 14:58 Teaching Customers About Specialty Coffee 18:23 Working With Jimmy Butler and BIGFACE 23:47 Why Every Onyx Café Is Different 26:10 The Onyx Ideas That Failed 29:28 Inside Onyx at The Preserve 33:11 Coffee as an Accessible Luxury 36:05 How to Create Better Hospitality 39:49 Doyenne and Women Coffee Producers 47:17 Onyx Becomes a James Beard Nominee 50:24 Changing the World Through Coffee 51:28 What Coffee Transparency Really Means 59:34 Andrea’s Advice for New Café Owners 01:02:06 Andrea’s Favourite Coffee Shops 01:04:31 Hot Take: The Mocha Is a Pro Move 01:07:31 Industry Shout-Out: Niki Weegens 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 that at the end of the day, it’s just coffee! Find Andrea and Onyx here: Onyx Coffee Lab: https://onyxcoffeelab.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onyxcoffeelab/ Want more coffee content? IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by APAX LAB: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/ Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • July 29 · 37 min

    The World’s Best Barista Plays Espresso Smash or Pass | COFFEE BREAK!

    Does better espresso require more gear, or just better puck prep? Reigning World Barista Champion Jack Simpson is back. This time, we’re skipping the victory-lap interview and putting the world champ to work. Jack reveals the most common mistake he sees baristas make, why distribution is king and how he dials in espresso by taste instead of blindly chasing the perfect shot time. We break down coffee machines versus grinders, conical versus flat burrs and when freshly ground coffee from a café might actually beat using a bad grinder at home. Then it’s espresso smash or pass. Naked portafilters. RDT. WDT. Blind shakers. Puck screens. Spring-loaded tampers. Single dosing. Co-fermented coffee. Extract chilling. Jack rates the lot before walking us through his own puck-prep routine, including the vibrating table sitting in his house. Plus, what coffee influencers get wrong, which World Barista Championship trends are coming to cafés and why coffee farmers shouldn’t be blamed for rising café prices. If you want to make better espresso without buying every tool you see on the internet, this one’s for you. COFFEE BREAK! is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on-the-fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered café reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gatekept coffee secrets. CHAPTERS 00:00 Reigning World Barista Champion Jack Simpson 01:39 The Biggest Espresso Mistake 04:33 Coffee Grinder vs Espresso Machine 06:45 Conical vs Flat Burr Grinders 08:26 When Should You Upgrade Your Grinder? 11:12 How to Dial In Espresso 17:38 Coffee Market Report 19:51 Espresso Gear Smash or Pass 22:35 Jack Simpson’s Puck Prep 24:58 RDT and Water-Damaged Grinders 27:38 Coffee Influencers and Bad Advice 31:30 WBC Trends Coming to Cafés 33:16 Why Coffee Prices Are Rising 34:44 Iced Coffee Trucks? Find Jack Simpson here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacksimpson32/ Axil Coffee Roasters: https://www.instagram.com/axilcoffeeroasters/ Want more coffee content? IT’S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com with your questions, comments or hot takes. Proudly sponsored by: APAX LAB: https://apaxlab.com/ Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • July 27 · 1 hr 3 min

    Why Patricia Waited 15 Years to Open Café #2 | PATRICIA COFFEE!

    For 15 years, Patricia Coffee has done less than almost everyone else and made it mean more. Standing room only. Black, white or filter. No sprawling menu, no kitchen and no trying to be everything to everyone. Somehow, that tiny Melbourne laneway shop became one of the city’s most iconic cafés. Now, Bowen Holden and Pip Heath have finally opened Patricia number two. We unpack the systems behind a tiny café, why saying no can still feel like great hospitality and how a wildly profitable affogato called Clouds Mountains went viral and got killed anyway. Bowen and Pip also share what it really costs to open a café in 2026, what kept their business partnership going for 15 years, why they waited so long to expand and when roasting your own coffee actually makes sense. If you’re opening a café, running one or wondering why Patricia still feels like Patricia after all these years, this one is packed. CHAPTERS! 00:00 Patricia’s 15-Year Formula 01:45 Why Black, White or Filter? 04:16 Can You Still Order a Cappuccino? 10:21 Designing a Tiny Café Menu 12:01 Clouds Mountains Goes Viral 15:51 What Small Venues Should Cut 18:08 Saying No Without Losing Hospitality 21:13 What Made Patricia Iconic? 25:30 Thirteen Years on the Floor 27:32 What Does a New Café Cost? 33:39 Location, Staff or Coffee? 36:16 Why Open a Second Café Now? 43:39 Making a Business Partnership Last 48:55 When Should a Café Start Roasting? 54:09 Extra Hot Take: Measure Your Milk 59:30 Industry Shout-Outs 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 that at the end of the day, it’s just coffee! Find Patricia here: Patricia Coffee Brewers: https://patriciacoffee.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcoffeebrewers/ Want more coffee content? IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by: Marco Beverage Systems: https://www.instagram.com/marcobeveragesystems/ Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/ Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • July 22 · 28 min

    Is Melbourne Coffee "Undrinkable"? | COFFEE BREAK!

    Melbourne is famous for having some of the best coffee in the world - but is that reputation built on quality or just really good marketing? A fiery opinion piece has taken aim at Melbourne’s coffee culture, calling Australian coffee bitter, burnt and overpriced while arguing that Italy’s cheaper, simpler espresso culture does it better. So, is this a fair reality check? or a badly researched takedown of an entire industry? Melbourne café owner and coffee professional Dan Dick joins us to unpack the article’s biggest claims. We compare Australian specialty coffee with traditional Italian espresso, break down what it actually costs to serve a cup of coffee and ask why cafés and baristas continue to be targeted in conversations about rising prices. Plus, Condesa Co.Lab joins us with the weekly coffee market report. COFFEE BREAK! is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on-the-fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered café reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gatekept coffee secrets. CHAPTERS 00:00 Melbourne Coffee Under Attack 01:27 Welcome to Coffee Break 01:59 Dan Dick Reacts 02:30 Australia vs Italy 07:10 Is a $6 Coffee a Rip-Off? 11:32 Why the Media Targets Coffee 14:37 Condesa Co.Lab Market Report 17:16 What a Cup of Coffee Really Costs 21:08 The Impact on Baristas 24:14 Opinion vs Accuracy 27:12 Standing Up for Australian Coffee Find Dan Dick here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielpeterdick/ Paperboy: https://www.instagram.com/paperboy.surreyhills/ Want more coffee content? IT’S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com with your questions, comments or hot takes. Proudly sponsored by: Marco Beverage Systems: https://www.instagram.com/marcobeveragesystems/ Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/ Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • July 20 · 1 hr

    Are Cafés Still a Good Business in 2026? | DAN DICK!

    Why has Dan Dick stepped back from the cafe industry? After over a decade of operating successful Melbourne venues Nigel and then PaperBoy, Dan has called it quits. Our conversation was had in the midst of handing the reins over to new operators; an equally emotional and practical decision that has catapulted Dan into a new chapter of his career. We discussed the problems facing cafe owners today… and why it has become so much harder to run a profitable cafe. 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! Dan Dick: https://www.instagram.com/danielpeterdick/ CHAPTERS 00:00 Why Running a Café Is Harder Than Ever 01:48 Why Dan Is Leaving the Café Industry 05:17 Are There Too Many Cafés? 10:40 How to Open a Successful Café in 2026 14:12 When Should You Sell Your Café? 18:31 Are There Too Many Coffee Roasters? 20:04 Why Direct-to-Consumer Coffee Is Growing 25:43 Why Dan Didn’t Build a Roastery 31:44 How to Sell Coffee Online 35:40 Why Co-Fermented Coffee Is Selling 42:19 Should Your Café Start Roasting? 47:35 The Mistakes That Nearly Broke the Business 49:30 A Public Holiday Café Meltdown 52:55 Wages, Coffee Prices and Café Closures 57:27 What’s Next for Born and Raised Want more coffee content? IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by: Marco Beverage Systems: https://www.instagram.com/marcobeveragesystems/ Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/ Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • July 15 · 32 min

    What the World’s Best Brewers Are Doing Differently | COFFEE BREAK!

    Fresh from the 2026 World Brewers Cup in Brussels, Ben breaks down the coffees, brewers and techniques used by the competition’s top six finalists. We look at how World Champion Nas Jaafar, Australia’s Simon Gautherin and the rest of the finalists approached their routines, from the rise of hybrid brewers and fast-flow filter papers to shorter ratios, lower temperatures and coarser grind sizes. Plus, we unpack Bavis Kwong’s wild “sandwich extraction”, Simon’s two-coffee brewing method, the continued dominance of Panama Geisha and whether these competition techniques can actually improve the coffee you brew at home! Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on-the-fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered café reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gatekept coffee secrets. CHAPTERS 00:00 Back From Brussels 02:04 The Top Six Brewers 06:24 Is Brewers Cup More Accessible? 09:38 Hybrid Brewers Take Over 11:05 Modern Filter Coffee 13:53 Is Percolation Dead? 14:42 Fast Filter Papers 15:03 Panama Geisha Dominates 18:25 Natural vs Washed Coffee 21:48 The Sandwich Extraction 24:43 Simon’s Two-Coffee Brew 26:10 What Home Brewers Can Use 28:20 Are These the World’s Best Coffees? 30:13 The Future of Pour-Over Want more coffee content? IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by: Marco Beverage Systems: https://www.instagram.com/marcobeveragesystems/ Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/ Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • July 13 · 45 min

    The World’s Best Coffee Roaster Says Ultra-Light Roasts Are a Flex | BENJAMIN BRASSART!

    Ultra-light roasting might have pushed coffee forward, but has it now become more about flexing than flavour? Benjamin Brassart has just been crowned the 2026 World Coffee Roasting Champion, becoming the first Belgian to win the title, on home soil and in his first appearance at the World Championships. In this episode, Benjamin takes us behind the scenes of one of coffee’s least understood competitions. We unpack how competitors assess unfamiliar green coffees, build a three-coffee blend, create a roast plan and predict what judges will taste in the final cup. We also explore what everyday roasters can take from competition, including how to identify vegetal, woody and baked flavours, why cupping is a roaster’s most important skill, and how different machines shape the final result. Plus, Benjamin shares how he launched Boo Coffee Roasters, what it’s really like working on a fluid-bed roaster and why the perfect profile means nothing if you cannot taste what needs to change. CHAPTERS 00:00 Roasting Championships 01:47 Meet Benjamin Brassart 05:14 Starting Boo Coffee 07:41 Fluid-Bed Roasting 10:50 How the Competition Works 14:17 APAX LAB 15:10 Skills Every Roaster Needs 19:35 Fixing Problem Coffees 20:44 Roasting Defects 24:20 Lessons from Competition 29:00 Are Ultra-Light Roasts Dead? 31:05 Building a Winning Blend 35:40 Advice for New Roasters 38:05 Roasting Automation 41:05 Riverina Fresh 41:45 Benjamin’s Hot Take 43:05 The Person Behind the Win Find Benjamin here: Instagram: @benj.brassat Find Boo Coffee Roasters: Instagram: @boocoffeeroasters Website: boocoffeeroasters.com APAX LAB: @apaxlab apaxlab.com RIVERINA FRESH: @riverinafresh riverinafresh.com.au Want more coffee content? IT’S JUST COFFEE: linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com with your questions, hot takes or guest suggestions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • July 8 · 1 hr 18 min

    How To Taste Espresso Like A WBC Judge | COFFEE BREAK!

    Tasting espresso is one of the most important skills in coffee, but it is also one of the least clearly taught. In this episode, we break down how espresso is evaluated using the World Barista Championship sensory framework. Ben Bicknell, World Barista Championship judge and Q Grader Instructor, explains how to assess sweetness, acidity, bitterness, flavour, body, texture, finish and balance, while separating personal preference from actual quality. Then we put the framework into practice by tasting four very different coffees and scoring them in real time. A practical episode for baristas, roasters, competitors, café owners and coffee drinkers who want to taste espresso with more structure, clarity and confidence. Because “I like it” is a preference. Knowing why it works is a skill. CHAPTERS 00:00 — Learning How To Taste Espresso 03:27 — Why Espresso Tasting Matters 09:01 — Quality vs Preference 13:07 — Building A Shared Coffee Language 20:21 — The WBC Espresso Scoresheet 24:16 — Flavour Notes vs Accuracy 28:28 — Body, Texture And Finish 30:44 — How Espresso Gets Scored 37:55 — Ben’s Espresso Tasting Framework 39:28 — Tasting Coffee One 47:53 — Tasting Coffee Two 54:06 — Tasting Coffee Three 59:56 — Tasting Coffee Four 1:06:06 — What The Scores Mean 1:10:21 — Using Feedback To Improve Coffee 1:14:56 — Final Takeaways Want more coffee content? IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by: Marco Beverage Systems: https://www.instagram.com/marcobeveragesystems/ Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/ Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • July 6 · 1 hr 9 min

    The 2nd Best Brewer in the World Says You’re Extracting Too Much | SIMON GAUTHERIN & CARLOS ESCOBAR!

    What does it take to become the second-best brewer in the world? Fresh from the World Brewers Cup stage in Brussels, Australian Brewers Cup Champion Simon Gautherin joins us alongside coach Carlos Escobar to unpack the routine, strategy and tiny details behind their world runner-up finish. Simon and Carlos take us inside one of coffee’s most technical competitions: the compulsory round that can decide a championship, the enormous logistics behind bringing coffee and equipment across continents, and the clarity-focused routine that earned them perfect tasting note accuracy from every judge. 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! CHAPTERS 00:00 World Brewers Cup 01:21 Coming Second 05:49 What Wins 11:45 Clarity 16:05 Competition Logistics 18:14 Café Clarity 29:38 APAX LAB 37:45 Brew Better 41:50 Riverina Fresh 44:03 Coffee Freshness 53:02 What’s Next 58:03 Underrated or Overrated 01:01:03 Hot Takes 01:07:19 Future of Brewers Cup Find Simon here:@simon_gautherin APAX LAB: @apaxlab https://apaxlab.com/ Find Carlos here: @carlos.esco.bar Differente Coffee: @differentecoffee Want more coffee content? IT’S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by: Marco Beverage Systems: https://www.instagram.com/marcobeveragesystems/ APAX LAB: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/ Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • July 1 · 20 min

    The Crema Debate: Does Your Coffee Taste Better Without It? | COFFEE BREAK!

    To crema or not to crema, that is the question. We run a taste-test to reveal the impact crema has on espresso’s taste, and you might be surprised by the results! Plus we explore tools designed to extract a ‘naked espresso’, like the crema separator and Squeaky’s ‘Esplorer Cup’. 00:00 Should We Remove Crema? 01:25 The History of Crema 05:48 Stirring vs Removing Crema 08:31 Coffee Market Report 11:15 Taste Test: Does Removing Crema Improve Espresso? 16:13 The Verdict & Final Thoughts 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&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by - Eco Barista: https://www.ecobarista.com.au/ Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Thank you for listening, love ya! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • June 29 · 1 hr 4 min

    World Barista Champion Explains the Perfect Espresso | RAUL RODAS!

    This week we're joined by World Barista Champion Raul Rodas for a conversation about what actually makes great coffee! We chat about dialling in espresso, building your palate, why better equipment doesn't always mean better coffee, and the realities of coffee production today. Join us for a practical, thoughtful conversation packed with insights for baristas, coffee professionals, and anyone who wants to better understand what's in their cup. 00:00 Are We in the Golden Age of Coffee? 01:24 Meet Raul Rodas 02:13 How a World Champion Drinks Coffee 05:26 Winning the World Barista Championship 07:59 Lessons From a Career in Coffee 10:32 Why Isn't Espresso Better? 16:23 How to Dial In Coffee Better 23:06 Sponsor Break 24:08 Espresso Recipes & Brew Temperature 26:23 Building Better Sensory Skills 34:09 The Reality of Coffee Production 46:35 The Future of Coffee Careers 49:15 Promoting Coffee Origins 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! Find Raul Here: https://www.instagram.com/raulitobarista/ Want more coffee content? IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by Eco Barista: https://www.ecobarista.com.au/ Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • June 24 · 19 min

    The SCA Just Created a 'Master of Specialty Coffee' | COFFEE BREAK!

    Specialty coffee has a new title … Master of Specialty Coffee. The SCA has just announced a new accreditation for people at the very pointy end of the industry. To even apply, you need every SCA Skills Diploma, a Q Grader certification, years of experience, professional recommendations… and that is only the front door. So what is it actually trying to do? Why is coffee chasing its own Masters of Wine moment? Is this certification genuinely intended to elevate the industry without creating barriers to entry? also get into the bigger question: who gets to become a recognised voice for specialty coffee, and does this create a better pathway for coffee professionals, or just another very expensive title? Plus, Condesa Co.Lab joins us with the weekly green coffee market report. 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. CHAPTERS 00:00 New Master of Specialty Coffee 01:18 Who can apply? 03:14 Does Ben want the title? 04:44 The exams explained 07:22 What do Masters actually do? 09:25 Is it accessible for producing countries? 11:32 Where is the barista career pathway? 14:21 Condesa Co.Lab Market Report 16:30 Final thoughts on coffee’s new top title Want more coffee content? IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by: Marco Beverage Systems: https://www.instagram.com/marcobeveragesystems/ Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/ Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • June 22 · 57 min

    Make Filter Coffee Like a Champion | ELYSIA TAN!

    With the 2026 World Brewers Cup just around the corner, we wanted to ask: What should we (the non-competitors and regular coffee people) be paying attention to… and how can the competition inform our own coffee and business practices? Here to help answer these questions is multiple-time Singapore Brewers Cup Champion and two-time World Brewers Cup finalist, Elysia Tan! Along with her extensive competition insight, Elysia shares practical (and golden!) tips for improving brewing, such as using different filter papers to adjust mouthfeel and sweetness. Tune in to discover just how magical the world of coffee brewing can be! CHAPTERS! 00:00 Why Brewers Cup Matters 02:32 Falling for Filter Coffee 08:27 How Brewers Cup Works 12:27 What to Watch on Stage 14:52 Competition Ideas in Cafés 17:10 Blends, Flatbeds & Immersion 23:28 Building a Competition Routine 28:03 Better Café Filter Service 34:02 Sweetness, Body & Balance 39:03 What to Stop Obsessing Over 44:27 Better Brewing at Home 47:38 Filter Paper Changes Everything 49:30 Why the V60 Still Wins 52:44 Hot Take: Hospitality First 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! Find Elysia here: https://www.instagram.com/elysiaholmes/ World Coffee Championships: https://www.instagram.com/worldcoffeechampionships/ Want more coffee content? IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by: Marco Beverage Systems: https://www.instagram.com/marcobeveragesystems/ Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/ Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • June 17 · 20 min

    Taste-testing Viral Drink Recipes with a WBC Judge | COFFEE BREAK!

    3 viral coffee recipes, 1 esteemed WBC Judge. Ben Bicknell put his well-honed sensory skills to the test, judging the “fridge cigarette", “Limoncello espresso”, and “espresso bomb”. How do these drinks stack up against the palette of a guy who judges coffee for a living? Which trends are pointing to a genuine demand in the industry, and which are full of air? 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_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by: Marco Beverage Systems: https://www.instagram.com/marcobeveragesystems/ Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/ Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • June 12 · 1 hr 23 min

    Coffee Science vs Coffee Myths | CHRIS H. HENDON!

    Coffee people love science … but only when it agrees with them. In this episode, we sit down with Christopher H. Hendon, computational chemist, Associate Professor of Chemistry at the University of Oregon, co-author of Water for Coffee, and one of the most recognisable voices in modern coffee science! We talk about what makes good science, why the coffee industry is so vulnerable to pseudoscience, and how professionals can better separate useful evidence from confident noise. Chris breaks down everything from freezing coffee beans and the Ross Droplet Technique to water chemistry, coffee extraction, cold brew, co-ferments, climate change, and why one experiment rarely proves what people think it proves. This one is for the coffee nerds, the science-curious, and anyone who has ever heard a coffee claim online and thought: “Wait… is that actually true?” 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 everything Chris here: Insta @chhendon https://pages.uoregon.edu/chendon/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-71526-5?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv3 CHAPTERS 00:00 Coffee Science vs Coffee Myths 03:29 Meet Chris Hendon 05:21 Why Coffee Gets Science Wrong 13:00 Freezing Coffee Beans Explained 14:39 Ross Droplet Technique Explained 17:39 Better Coffee Experiments 21:24 James Hoffmann’s Long Black Theory 29:00 How to Spot Bad Coffee Science 36:46 Can Science Fix Bad Coffee? 41:32 Why Water Chemistry Matters 44:46 Water for Coffee 2 49:33 Why Coffee Tastes Different Everywhere 55:13 The Future of Coffee Education 01:03:33 Coffee Processing and Climate Change 01:08:40 Is Cold Brew Actually Bad? 01:10:02 Rethinking Coffee Equipment 01:12:47 One Coffee Belief to Challenge Want more coffee content? IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by: Marco Beverage Systems: https://www.instagram.com/marcobeveragesystems/ Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/ Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • June 10 · 21 min

    We React to North America’s Specialty Coffee Report | COFFEE BREAK!

    For the first time, specialty coffee has overtaken traditional coffee consumption in the U.S. We unpack this year’s Specialty Coffee Report, including the key trends behind the shift, where people are drinking coffee, who's driving growth, and what drinks are gaining the most momentum. Plus! – How can you apply these findings to your place in the industry?! 00:00 – The 2026 Specialty Coffee Report 03:00 – Specialty Coffee Takes the Lead 06:10 – America’s Espresso Boom 09:15 – Cold Coffee All Year Round 11:10 – Who’s Driving Coffee Growth? 12:20 – The Flavours Consumers Love 16:20 – The Rise of Home Brewing 17:30 – What Coffee Businesses Should Know 18:50 – Coffee Market Update 21:00 – Final Thoughts 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&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by: Marco Beverage Systems: https://www.instagram.com/marcobeveragesystems/ Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/ Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • June 8 · 24 min

    Testing James Hoffmann’s Insane Americano Recipe | COFFEE BREAK!

    James Hoffmann claims that adding steamed water to your long black creates a better drink… so we put his theory to the test. In today’s Coffee Break we conduct a blind tasting to compare steamed water, boiler water, and water from a kettle. Our very own WBC judge decides–groundbreaking or gimmicky!? CHAPTERS ! 00:00 James Hoffmann’s Steamed Water Americano Theory 01:03 Why Long Blacks and Americanos Are So Inconsistent 02:35 Why Espresso Machine Water Could Be the Problem 03:52 Making the First Steamed Water Long Black 06:34 Blind Taste Test: Boiler Water vs Kettle vs Steamed Water 09:52 First Taste Test Results 10:52 Round Two: Retesting the Theory 12:38 Final Verdict on Steamed Water Coffee 15:12 The Bigger Problem With Long Blacks in Cafes 17:23 Does Crema Make Coffee Taste Worse? 19:14 The Problem With Macchiatos, Long Macs and Magics 21:39 Should Cafe Menus Be Simpler? 23:39 Final Thoughts: Is the Hack Worth It? 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. James Hoffmann’s Theory: https://youtu.be/0HdzJz_evNw?si=rXDB4i12iRb7Klrg Want more coffee content? IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by: Marco Beverage Systems: https://www.instagram.com/marcobeveragesystems/ Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/ Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • June 3 · 25 min

    Café Red Flags We Notice In The First 30 Seconds | COFFEE BREAK!

    You never get a second chance to make a first impression. That’s why we’re analysing the first 30 seconds of stepping into a cafe: What immediately sets the tone? What are the biggest greenflags… and redflags? We discuss the importance of soundscapes, coffee menus, and staff demeanor, telling you what to look for, and for cafe owners, what mistakes you might be making before the customer has even ordered. 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&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by: Marco Beverage Systems: https://www.instagram.com/marcobeveragesystems/ Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/ Riverina Fresh: https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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