Dive into the inspiring journey of Hu Ying, a trailblazer who helped spark China's boutique coffee culture. From her start as a barista in 2014 to placing sixth at the 2016 World Brewers Cup in Dublin, Hu Ying's story is one of grit, passion, and community.

Read Hu Ying's story here https://notabarista.org/hu-ying/ Follow Hu Ying on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/ying_hu_c10/

Welcome back to The Next-Gen Coffee Talk, where we share the stories that make the coffee world so amazing. Today, we're sipping inspiration with Haroon Zafar, a UAE barista turned content creator. From teenage instant coffee days to dazzling 235k Instagram followers with brew artistry, Haroon's journey is all about passion and connection. He calls coffee "good therapy"—a spark that's built a global community. Dive into his tale, from hidden creator to coffee voice, and see how every cup tells a story. Read more at notabarista.org/haroon-zafar/. Subscribe for more coffee magic!

Welcome to The Next-Gen Coffee Talk, where we uncover the heart of coffee's unsung heroes. Today, we're diving into Camilo Torres' story—a restless Colombian teen who ditched school until his dad sent him to toil on a coffee farm.

That punishment sparked a passion, turning him into a connector for farmers across Barichara. From rebellion to redemption, his tale brews a lesson in coffee's power. Let's sip into it!

Read the full story here

https://notabarista.org/camilo-torres-the-cranky-hummingbird-barichara-colombia/

Join us as we delve into the captivating story of Leonardo Gaviria, a coffee quality analyst, professional Q-grader, and agroindustrial engineer whose journey began behind the espresso machine.

Discover how his curiosity for coffee led him from being a barista to mastering every stage of the coffee chain, from the farm to the cup. Learn about his dream of owning a coffee farm in Colombia, his experience with GCAG Colombia, and his profound belief in coffee as a great connector.

Want to see the interview? Watch the video on our YouTube channel! https://youtu.be/pOZqOXiQJp8

You can also read more about Leonardo's story on our website. https://notabarista.org/leonardo-gaviria/

In this episode, we're diving into the lives of Laura and Johanna Gómez—sisters from Colombia who turned a small, forgotten farm into a thriving coffee dream. From resilience to a first-place win, their journey shows the heart of coffee's unsung heroes. Catch the full interview on YouTube at https://youtu.be/SasXGYEsAf8 and read more at https://notabarista.org/laura-and-johanna-pinto-gomez/ Let's brew some inspiration—here's their story.

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Damien O'Brien, founder of the Coffee Foundation, as he uses coffee to break the silence surrounding mental health.

From his own struggles with mental illness to the loss of loved ones, Damien has turned his pain into a powerful movement. Partnering with Horizonte Coffee Roasters, he created a brand that not only serves high-quality coffee but also provides a safe space for mental health conversations.

We discuss how the Coffee Foundation is reshaping the conversation around mental health in the coffee industry, using bold branding and community support to bring awareness and connection to those who need it most.

Follow Damien's Coffee Foundation on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/coffee.foundation/

Join us as we sit down with renowned coffee expert and Q-grader, George Makropoulos! With over 20 years of experience, George has seen the coffee industry evolve dramatically, from humble beginnings as a barista to training world champion competitors like Savinna Giachgia.

In this episode, George shares his incredible journey, offering insights into:

• The intricacies of being a Q-grader and the crucial role they play in the coffee world
• The evolution of coffee competitions and the challenges baristas face today
• The surprising connection between wine, tea, and coffee, and why exploring these beverages can elevate your coffee expertise
• The science of sensory evaluation and practical tips for training your palate to unlock the nuances of coffee
• His current research on sensory science and his vision for the future of coffee education
• Get ready for an inspiring and informative conversation with one of the most passionate voices in the coffee industry!

Love coffee? Subscribe to The Next Gen Coffee Talk for more insightful conversations with coffee professionals. Leave us a review and tell us what you learned from George! Learn more about George Makropoulos's coffee journey here https://notabarista.org/george-makropoulos/

Hugo Ferraz, videographer for Lance Hedrick's YouTube channel and consultant for the Porto Coffee Festival, joins the podcast to discuss his unique coffee journey. He shares his experience transitioning from a career in television to the world of specialty coffee, his role in helping promote the burgeoning Porto coffee scene, and what it's like to work with the enigmatic Lance Hedrick. This episode provides a glimpse into the vibrant coffee community in Porto and the passion that drives individuals like Hugo to share their love of coffee with the world. Listeners will gain insight into the behind-the-scenes workings of Lance Hedrick's popular YouTube channel and the challenges and rewards of creating a coffee festival from scratch. Follow Hugo on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/hugo.ferraz.porto/

Today, we're brewing up a story that's rich with adventure, resilience, and a deep passion for the world's favorite beverage. We're joined by Enki Suarez, a green coffee buyer for Nordic Approach, who has journeyed from the bustling cafes of Venezuela to the innovative roasteries of Dubai, finally landing in the heart of Colombia's coffee-growing regions. Enki's story is a testament to the power of curiosity and the transformative journey that coffee can ignite. He's gone from pressing buttons on automatic machines to meticulously sourcing beans from smallholder farms, forging relationships, and championing ethical and sustainable practices. Follow Enki Suarez on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nordicapproach/

Join us on December 5th, 2024, for a special episode featuring two-time Greek Barista Champion Nikos Antzaras. Nikos will be hosting a Barista Masterclass Workshop at Roasting Warehouse Athens, Greece, with all profits going to support the Global Coffee Alliance for Good (GCAG). This episode explores Nikos's commitment to empowering coffee farmers in Colombia through GCAG. He shares his journey from engineering to coffee mastery, highlighting the importance of education and sustainability. Learn about his work with GCAG to provide resources and training to farmers, helping them produce higher-quality coffee and improve their livelihoods. Discover how you can get involved with GCAG and make a difference in the coffee community. Follow Roasting Warehouse Athens here to learn more about the Barista Masterclass