The Hobby Rule is not a conversational podcast.

But we make an exception for Anu Menon, one of the founders of Driftaway Coffee.

And only because she's equal parts thoughtful, funny, and has a great to story to tell about how her and her husband's passion project turned into Roasting Magazine's 2026 Roaster of the Year.

Pilates is the fastest growing exercise modality in the US right now, and shows no signs of slowing down. Who's funding all this growth, and what does it mean for your favourite studio?

Maheema talks with long time Pilates clients/instructors Dana, Anika, and Anj to find out.

FURTHER READING:

• Plunder by Brendan Ballou
• Everything is Private Equity by Hannah Horvath (Your Brain on Money)
• Pilates by Maintenance Phase (podcast)
• Pilatespocalypse by Annie Lowrey (New York Magazine)

Maheema dives into the world of coffee with Aqil and Omar, two connoisseurs with their own unique approaches to coffee.

But what invisible forces are shaping the way Aqil and Omar drink coffee? And who gets to call it "good" coffee, anyways?

Huge thank you to this month's guests:

• Aqil Pasha
• Omar Ansari
• Milana Ram & Himanshu Bhaisare, Le Mils Coffee (@lemilscoffee)
• Tanya Rao, Kaveri Coffee Works (@kavericoffee)
• Dr. Shane Barter, Professor, Soka University of America

Special thank you to Nora Wagman for her edits and feedback.

What would urbanist legend Jane Jacobs have thought about Downtown Brooklyn in 2025?

Maheema uses her new hobby to find out.

Further Reading:

• Language City : The Fight to Preserve Endangered Mother Tongues in New York by Ross Perlin
• Stories from the Tenants Downstairs by Sidik Fofana

Special thanks to Aqil Pasha, Sabina Garahan, and Caitlin Yee for their feedback and edits.