In this episode, host Trey Malone sits down with Joe Marrocco to trace a career built on curiosity, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for coffee’s journey from origin to cup. Joe shares how early flavor memories, hands-on roasting experience, and global sourcing work shaped his perspective on what makes coffee meaningful, not just delicious.

The conversation also explores the bigger picture: how transparency, collaboration, and responsible relationships between farmers, roasters, and brands can reshape the industry. From Nicaragua to the Fairwave Coffee Collective, Joe explains why preserving authentic stories and supporting producers matters for the future of coffee and the people behind it.

In this episode of Taste of Place, host Trey Malone sits down with Chand Harlow of Wonderbird Spirits to explore how a Mississippi distillery is redefining what gin can be. From local rice and native botanicals to a rare koji fermentation process, the conversation reveals how Wonderbird is using craft, science, and a strong sense of place to create something truly original.

Chand shares the journey from finance to distilling, the challenges of building an innovative spirits brand in Mississippi, and why terroir matters so deeply in every bottle.

If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, craft spirits, or stories rooted in local identity, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how passion and persistence can turn an unexpected vision into something exceptional.

In this episode, host Trey Malone, a seasoned coffee industry expert, delves into the science behind cold brew. Discover how factors like grind size and extraction yield influence the smooth, rich flavor with less acidity. Trey reveals the secrets brewers use to craft the perfect cup, whether you’re a casual drinker or a coffee connoisseur.

Explore key insights such as the seven variables of coffee extraction and why cold brew’s higher total dissolved solids mean more caffeine and flavor strength. Trey also shares surprising facts about cold brew’s efficiency and sustainability, making it a must-listen for anyone eager to elevate their coffee experience.

In this episode, host Trey Malone dives into the world of coffee innovation with Corey Waldron, the mastermind behind the revolutionary Modbar system. Corey shares his journey from a college dropout roasting coffee in his apartment to creating an espresso experience that transforms how we engage with our favorite drink. Discover how Modbar's soda fountain-inspired design invites customers to participate in the brewing process, breaking industry norms and making coffee shops more engaging and beautiful. Corey reflects on overcoming technical challenges, building partnerships, and the mindset shifts that shaped one of the most celebrated innovations in modern coffee culture. Perfect for industry insiders and coffee enthusiasts, this episode is packed with lessons on pushing boundaries and creating impact.

In this powerful episode, host Trey Malone delves into the extraordinary journey of Arthur Karuletwa, a survivor of Rwanda’s genocide who transformed his life and community through the power of coffee.

Arthur shares how he turned a simple cash crop into a tool for healing and reconciliation, bridging ethnic divides and fostering trust in a nation scarred by trauma. His story is one of resilience, hope and the profound impact of turning adversity into opportunity.

By reimagining the coffee supply chain, Arthur has created a platform for empowerment and social change.

In this episode, Trey sits down with John, a true pioneer who’s punched through barriers in both craft brewing and beverage manufacturing. You’ll discover how one college kid’s accidental brew obsession turned into a career that revolutionized brand-building, product innovation, and team leadership in beer. John shares never-before-told tales of scaling from tiny startup breweries to industry game-changers, plus the high-stakes decisions that saved legendary beers like Dogfish Head’s 120 Minute IPA.

In this episode, host Trey Malone sits down with Propaganda, a celebrated recording artist and spoken word poet, to explore the profound connections between coffee, justice, and art.

Propaganda shares his journey from hip-hop icon to coffee innovator, revealing how his passion for music and poetry led him to create Terraform—a brand that embodies a vision of building a more livable world. Through stories of his travels to Honduras and Ethiopia, Propaganda delves into the spiritual and cultural significance of coffee, highlighting its roots in social justice and sacred work.

Host Trey Malone talks with Zach Erickson from Key City Brewing, who reveals how creativity and craft beer have transformed Vicksburg into a vibrant community hub. Discover the art of blending West Coast bitterness with East Coast smoothness, and how creative beer names like Death on Two Legs turn every sip into a story. This episode is perfect for craft enthusiasts and entrepreneurs alike, eager to see how passion can spark transformation and community connection.

Join host Trey Malone in this engaging conversation with Viva Lenoir, a wine and whiskey expert, sensory educator, and passionate force behind Le Nez du Vin, Le Nez du Café, and Le Nez du Whisky. We delve deep into the concept of terroir, the artistry of tasting, and how beverages foster human connection across cultures and memories.

Host Trey Malone and guest John Britton of Treehouse Distillery and Brewing explore the intricate world of craft spirits, focusing on the art of distillation, the evolution of IPAs, and the importance of terroir in crafting beverages. They discuss the balance between authenticity and modern techniques in the industry, emphasizing the human connections fostered through shared experiences over drinks. John shares personal anecdotes about his journey in the craft beverage scene, highlighting the significance of community and flavor in creating memorable moments.