Skip the Repeat

Specialty coffee is special, right? In the coffee community, the answer tends to be an enthusiastic "yes." But what makes it so special? In this episode, we talk with Dave Wong and Alex Levitt, two self-professed "coffee nerds" about their first experiences with coffee, what qualifies a coffee to be "special," and why people are at the center of it all. 

When we buy a bag of coffee, many of us only see the beans. But to Justin Kagan, owner and roaster of Badbeard's Microroastery in Portland, OR, it's much more than that. For Justin, coffee is about supporting the farmers who grow it and bringing you back to a place deep in your memory - he wants to take you back in time. In this episode, we talk with Justin about his journey in coffee, the impact Mexico had on him, and what he's learnt. 

Gabriela Lena Frank is also a beekeeper. Gabriela and Kai talk about her Creative Academy and the initiative GigThruCovid19 (4:20), the hate crime that happened to her on the way to New Mexico and what was born out of that (16:50), and her spirit of giving back (23:50). They also discuss what she's discovered for herself since moving to a small town in northern California (36:00), and the importance of knowing who you are (50:08). 

Casey Wojtalewicz initially didn't want to move to LA. Casey and Kai talk about being a Peace Studies major in college (9:40), how he became a touring musician once he moved (14:20), and how he got involved in coffee (20:18). They also discuss how he met his partner and co-founder of Canyon Coffee, Ally Walsh (23:21), and the beautiful idea they want to convey through their business (30:30). 

Anna Phoebe and Aisling Brouwer changed directions from politics and law. We talk about how this quarantine is going for two touring musicians (6:15), the effect their families had on them growing up (16:03), and what went through their minds when they switched career paths (39:29). We also discuss how they met at the Indian Embassy (52:30) and how what was initially a side project became such an important part of both their lives (1:02:30). 

Zsolt Bognár adores the city of Cleveland. Zsolt and Kai talk about why Cleveland doesn't suck (4:26), how his show came about from an attempt to make a professional website (30:30), and the hilarious episode with pianist Yuja Wang (37:52). They also discuss being open to possibilities (48:05) and whether he compared himself to his upstairs neighbor, superstar pianist Daniil Trifonov (51:10).  

Vijay Iyer didn't know his life could be in music until he was 23. Vijay and Kai talk about watching his parents build an Indian community for themselves while living in a largely white city (6:54), how he created opportunity for himself by playing in the dining hall at Yale (11:28), and quitting his Ph.D. in Physics to pursue music (27:40). They also discuss the subject of self-worth (37:30) and his approach to life and creating (46:57).  

Joan Tower loves dancing. Joan and Kai talk about how growing up in Bolivia was the best thing that happened to her (4:50), the importance of having a sense of urgency (17:07), and her first terrible compositions at age 18 (24:23). They also discuss what kept her going through those first compositions (27) and what propels her to work at 81 years old (33:45).  

Micah Wilkinson roasts his own coffee. Micah and Kai talk about the value of live performances (10:20), the similarities between professional orchestral musicians and professional athletes (15:20), and not always being the best player growing up (24). They also discuss how he practiced to make leaps and bounds (35:30), and the unbelievable story of how he became Principal Trumpet of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (43:44). 

Joshua Weilerstein has two pet rabbits. Joshua and Kai talk about how carrots are like donuts for rabbits (4:48), growing up with superstar cellist Alisa Weilerstein (12:18), and balancing respect with collaboration as a conductor (18:50). They also discuss managing competition with colleagues (34:07) and his podcast, "Sticky Notes" (37:35).