The Proper Cap: A Madcap Coffee Podcast

In this engaging conversation, Adrian Butler, known as AB, shares his journey from rapping to DJing, exploring the intersections of music, coffee culture, and community building. The discussion delves into the art of reading crowds, the importance of branding, and the evolving landscape of non-alcoholic beverages. 

Adrian reflects on the challenges and rewards of the West Michigan music scene, emphasizing the significance of creating memorable experiences for audiences. 

In this conversation, the speakers discuss the evolving landscape of dance culture and DJing, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that have emerged in recent years. They explore the importance of reading the room during performances and the artistry involved in creating memorable experiences for audiences. The conversation also touches on personal musical journeys, the significance of trust in client relationships, and future creative projects.

Episode Chapters:
00:00 The Journey of a Barista and DJ
01:39 The Art of Mixing and Reading the Crowd
06:25 Creating a Unique Atmosphere in Cocktail Bars
10:35 Lessons Learned in DJing
14:32 Transitioning from DJing to Band Life
18:01 The Role of Community in Music
21:08 The Importance of Collaboration
23:10 The Power of Music and Coffee
26:34 Building Community through Residencies
30:28 Event-Based Culture in Grand Rapids
33:58 The Weirdest Gigs: Unexpected Experiences
34:43 The Art of Reading the Room
39:51 Genre Versatility and Client Attraction
41:32 Musical Influences and Personal Growth
43:34 Finding the Right Musical Fit
45:46 Navigating Audience Energy
48:52 Future Plans and Creative Ventures
54:28 Personal Upgrades and Future Aspirations
56:28 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

Check out Madcap Coffee:

Website: http://www.madcapcoffee.com

Everywhere on socials: @madcapcoffee

Check out AB (Adrian Butler)

Website: http://www.everythingab.com

Instagram: @abisadrianbutler

Something Tasty: Casamara Club

Website: https://www.casamaraclub.com/products/superclasico

Music: Blue Shell by Connor Price and K. Keed

On this episode, Trevor and Josiah call up long time (15+ years!) producer partner, specialty coffee genius, and friend, Ashley Prentice, to talk all things coffee in Guatemala.

Ashley and her family operate Finca de Dios in Fraijanes, Guatemala. We get so excited to bring their coffee in each year — keep an eye out for Finca de Dios varieties returning to menus this winter!

Shenanigans include: Ashley's unconventional path from med school to getting a master's degree in coffee science and economics; why she launched Gento, her own coffee company; struggles of inspiring the next generation of coffee farmers; new projects and experiments at Finca de Dios. 

Thanks for tuning in to TPC! New episodes twice a month.

Episode Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:01 Journey into Coffee: From Family Legacy to Passion
06:01 Education and Professional Development in Coffee
08:53 Transitioning from Academia to Industry
11:50 The Impact of a Master's Degree on Career
14:49 Working in the Coffee Industry: Insights and Experiences
17:52 Future Aspirations and the Launch of Gentoo Coffee
21:24 The Journey into Coffee Trading
24:40 Returning to Guatemala: Opportunities and Challenges
27:08 Empowering the Next Generation in Coffee
32:00 Introducing Gento: A New Coffee Model
36:25 Building Quality Consumption in Guatemala
39:10 Creating Direct Relationships in Coffee Trading
46:21 Building a Passionate Team in Coffee
47:40 The Journey of Finca de Dios
48:28 Innovations in Coffee Processing
51:29 Exploring Coffee Varieties and Experimentation
55:22 The Importance of Quality Seeds
01:01:17 Exciting New Projects and Future Directions

Check out Madcap Coffee:

Website: Madcapcoffee.com

Everywhere on socials: @madcapcoffee 

Check out Ashley Prentice, Finca de Dios, and Gento Coffee: 

Website: www.gentocoffee.com

Socials: 

@ashleyprentice1

@fincadedios

@gentocoffee

Music: Blue Shell by Connor Price and K. Keed

On this episode, Trevor and Josiah sit down at neighborhood institution, Eastern Kille, on Wealthy street in Grand Rapids, Michigan to talk with their beverage director, Josiah Gentry.

Shenanigans include: Discovering Josiah’s journey from dishwasher to cocktail wizard, the challenge of designing an inspiring NA mocktail program, the process of building a menu, and the significance of environment to a neighborhood cocktail bar. 

Thanks for tuning in to TPC! New episodes twice a month.

Episode chapters:
00:00 Introduction and What Are We Drinking
02:55 The Art of Craft Cocktails
05:39 The Journey of a Bartender
08:32 Understanding Eastern Kille Distillery
11:52 The Importance of Non-Alcoholic Options
14:41 Training and Development in Bartending
26:12 Hiring for the Right Vibe
28:33 Nurturing Creativity in Bartenders
31:21 The Journey of Crafting Unique Cocktails
35:36 Creating a Culture of Experimentation
40:22 Learning from Other Cocktail Bars
44:30 Seasonal Menus and Customer Engagement
48:41 Signature Cocktails and Customer Favorites

Check out Madcap Coffee:

Website: Madcapcoffee.com

Everywhere on socials: @madcapcoffee 

Check out Eastern Kille & Josiah: 

Website: easternkille.com

Socials: 

@ek_wealthy_

@josiah_gentry

Music: Blue Shell by Connor Price and K. Keed

On this episode, Trevor and Josiah call long-time friend Peter Luong, founder of Song Tea out of San Francisco, CA. Song Tea has been Madcap’s tea partner since 2015, providing Madcap cafes with exceptional teas on a seasonal rotation. 

Shenanigans include: 

Trials and tribulations of aging teas, how Peter’s family business led him to creating Song Tea, and the challenges of sourcing amidst changing market dynamics. 

Thanks for tuning in to TPC! New episodes twice a month.

Episode chapters:
00:00 The Art of Aging Tea
00:03 Peter's Journey into the Tea Industry
03:06 The Philosophy Behind Song Tea's Selection
05:38 Understanding Tea Making
08:40 The Evolution of Tea Preferences
11:27 Challenges in the Tea Business
22:57 The Art of Tea Making
26:01 Crafting Unique Teas
29:59 Understanding Tea Terminology
33:46 Sourcing and Quality Control
37:32 Navigating Trends in the Tea Industry
45:33 Future of Tea Experiences

Check out Madcap Coffee:

Website: Madcapcoffee.com

Everywhere on socials: @madcapcoffee 

Check out Song Tea: 

Website: songtea.com

Socials: @hellosongtea

Music: Blue Shell by Connor Price and K. Keed

On this episode, Trevor and Josiah sit down with founder of Artisan Coffee Imports Ruth Ann Church to discuss her experience intentionally importing coffees from East Africa. Madcap works with Ruth Ann and Artisan Coffee Imports to contract Ejo Heza, a delicious coffee grown by an all-womens group within the Kopakama Co-Op in Rwanda.

Shenanigans include: 

Ruth Ann’s unconventional start in the coffee industry, moving her family to Rwanda for a year, and the challenges of growing a small remote team.

Thanks for tuning in to TPC! New episodes twice a month.

Episode chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Artisan Coffee Imports
02:44 Ruth Ann's Journey into Coffee Importing
05:26 The Importance of Economic Development in Coffee
08:12 The Role of Women in Coffee Production
11:18 Sustainability in Coffee: A Holistic Approach
14:36 Building Relationships with Coffee Producers
17:25 The Impact of Education and Training
20:31 Team Growth and Management Challenges
23:24 Creating a Positive Team Culture
43:48 Planning Team Bonding Activities
45:53 Creating a Social Environment
48:34 Team Growth and Future Plans
53:09 The Evolution of Coffee Culture in Michigan
57:45 Challenges in the Coffee Industry
59:31 Building Relationships with Producers


Check out Madcap Coffee:

Website: Madcapcoffee.com

Everywhere on socials: @madcapcoffee 

Check out Artisan Coffee Imports: 

Website: artisancoffeeimports.com

Socials: @artisan_coffeeimports

Music: Blue Shell by Connor Price and K. Keed

On this episode, Trevor and Josiah hang out in the Madcap roastery to chat about the complicated but exciting world of specialty coffee competitions. 

Shenanigans include: How competitions inspired Madcap to offer a seasonal signature beverage program, Trevor's own experience competing, how participating in a coffee competition impacts daily life behind bar, and the pressure of judging a coffee competition. 

Thanks for tuning in to TPC! New episodes twice a month.

Episode chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Seasonal Beverage  
02:51 The Connection Between Seasonal Drinks and Coffee Competitions  
08:05 Understanding Coffee Competitions 
13:52 Personal Journey in Coffee Competitions  
22:07 The Impact of Competition on Barista Skills  
29:55 Judging and Feedback in Competitions  
32:19 Community and Competition Dynamics  
36:09 The Importance of Competition for Baristas  
39:56 Professional Development Through Competition  
46:11 Judging and Its Impact on Coffee Evaluation  
51:28 Industry Trends and Competition Influence  
56:38 Defining Success in Coffee Competitions 

Check out Madcap Coffee:

Website: Madcapcoffee.com

Everywhere on socials: @madcapcoffee 

Music: Blue Shell by Connor Price and K. Keed

On this episode, Trevor and Josiah sit down in San Franciso, California with Abigail Gullo.
Creative Director at Loa Bar at the International House Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana, Abigail met Trevor and Josiah after working together at Chris Thile's Acousticamp, where they each taught cocktail and coffee classes side by side for 3 summers in a row.

Shenanigans include: Bartending at 7 years old, the ideal way to order a drink from a bartender, and through lines between coffee, cocktails, and music.

Thanks for tuning in to TPC! New episodes twice a month.

Episode chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Culinary Delights
02:03 The Art of Cocktails and Regional Influences
03:59 Abigail's Journey into Bartending
08:07 The Importance of Storytelling in Cocktails
12:01 Building Community Through Hospitality
15:59 Navigating Emotional Energy in Service
19:49 Memorable Bar Experiences and Culture
23:48 New Orleans: The Heart of Cocktail Culture
30:26 Empowering Bartenders with Coffee Knowledge
32:18 The Cocktail Expo Experience
34:11 The Importance of History in Cocktails
36:35 The Ritual of Drinking: Coffee and Cocktails
39:27 Creating Unique Cocktails: A Bartender's Perspective
39:56 Ordering Drinks: The Ideal Bartender Experience
44:58 Adapting to Non-Alcoholic Options
48:09 Inspiring the Community Through Cocktails
51:58 Bridging the Gap Between Coffee and Cocktails

Check out Abbie Gullo:

Instagram:   ⁨@AbigailGullo⁩  

Check out Madcap Coffee:

Website: Madcapcoffee.com

Everywhere on socials: @madcapcoffee 

Music: Blue Shell by Connor Price and K. Keed

On this episode, Trevor and Josiah sit down at the Monroe Center Madcap cafe with its cafe manager, Rhianna, to chat about the inner workings of retail.

 Shenanigans include: starting a career in coffee at Starbucks, how ballet dancing relates to managing a successful team, and Rhianna’s coffee competition days.

Thanks for tuning in to TPC! New episodes twice a month. 

Episode chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Madcap Coffee Podcast
05:19 Rihanna's Path to Management
10:24 Lessons in Leadership
16:10 Creating a Positive Work Environment
24:20 The Power of Positivity in Coffee Culture
29:12 The Versatility of Coffee: A Flavor Exploration
37:12 Observing Other Cafes: Learning from the Best
44:32 Seasonal Innovations: Elevating the Customer Experience

Check out Madcap Coffee:

Website: Madcapcoffee.com

Everywhere on socials: @madcapcoffee 

Music: Blue Shell by Connor Price and K. Keed

This is part 2 of Hustle Culture with Erik and Layah of Carbon Stories, a creative visual story telling agency based in Grand Rapids, MI - not to mention Madcap's go-to photography and videography team!

 Shenanigans include: Erik's personal coffee journey from church coffee to seeking out third wave coffee shops, finding one's stride in a creative industry, and how to camp like a professional. 

Thanks for tuning in to TPC! New episodes twice a month. 

Episode chapters:

00:00 Hustle Culture: A New Perspective
00:25 Sacrifices for Growth
00:25 The Coffee Connection
08:34 Creating Content with Passion
19:39 Lessons in Leadership and Emotional Intelligence
24:52 Improving Quality of Life

Check out Carbon Stories:

Website: https://carbonstories.us/
Youtube:  @CarbonstoriesUs  
Socials: @carbonstories

Check out Madcap Coffee:

Website: Madcapcoffee.com

Everywhere on socials: @madcapcoffee 

Music: Blue Shell by Connor Price and K. Keed

On this episode, Trevor and Josiah sit down with Erik and Layah of Carbon Stories, a creative visual story telling agency based in Grand Rapids, MI - not to mention Madcap's go-to photography and videography team!

There was so much gold in this interview, we had to break it into two episodes. Shenanigans include: why Erik and Layah hate the word hustle, the early days of operating a small business as a couple, and A5 Wagyu steak regret.

Thanks for tuning in to TPC! New episodes twice a month. 

Episode chapters:

0:00 Intro
1:19 Tasty Pregame
6:24 About Carbon Stories
9:07 Hustle Culture
14:47 Balancing Family and Work
19:27 The Early Days of Carbon Stories
29:02 "Take the meat, spit out the bones"
32:33 Any Regrets?

Check out Carbon Stories:

Website: https://carbonstories.us/
Youtube:  @CarbonstoriesUs  
Socials: @carbonstories

Check out Madcap Coffee:

Website: Madcapcoffee.com

Everywhere on socials: @madcapcoffee 

Music: Blue Shell by Connor Price and K. Keed