In this episode, we sit down with Jack Simpson, the 2025 World Barista Champion! We explore the full journey behind his rise to the top of competitive coffee.

Jack talks about how he first got into specialty coffee, the moment he left his carpentry apprenticeship to chase a new passion, and the long/sometimes difficult road that eventually brought him to the WBC stage.

We get into what changed for him mentally and emotionally over the years, how judging and coaching shaped his approach, and what it was like to compete at the highest level three years in a row.We also dig into the training, the preparation, the tools, and the tiny adjustments that helped him keep improving.

Jack opens up about the emotional side of competition, the impact of traveling to origin, and how relationships with producers shaped the routine that ultimately won him the title.

This is one of the most honest and personal conversations we have had on the podcast, and a look at what it really takes to become World Barista Champion!