In this inspiring conversation, we sit down with Michelle R. Johnson, CEO and Co-Founder of Ghost Town Oats, an oat milk brand shaking up the specialty coffee scene. Michelle also runs The Chocolate Barista, a blog focusing on her experiences as a Black woman in coffee. With 13 years in the industry, she shares how she fell in love with café culture, discovered specialty coffee in Washington, DC, and embarked on a journey that led her to competitive barista events—all while embracing fear and uncertainty.

Michelle opens up about the power of leaning into discomfort to spark true innovation and growth. She reveals how her fear propelled her to challenge norms in the alt-milk space and why speaking up about representation in coffee matters. From reflecting on her early barista days to envisioning future creative projects, Michelle offers a candid look at what it takes to carve your own path—and how even the scariest ventures can lead to incredible opportunities.

If you’ve ever wondered how to blend passion, purpose, and entrepreneurship in a way that disrupts an industry, this episode is for you. Don’t miss Michelle’s insights on fear, responsibility, and the lessons she’s learned at the helm of one of the most exciting new companies in specialty coffee.

Dive into the world of specialty coffee with this exclusive interview featuring Doug Zell, the visionary founder of Intelligentsia Coffee. In this eye-opening conversation, Zell reveals a crucial metric that many coffee shop owners overlook—one that could make or break their business in today's competitive landscape.

Today I talk about my mission, my mistakes, my goals and some practical advice for myself that may be helpful for you as well. 

If not, that's ok :) 

Today I'm brewing up an Anaerobic Natural process coffee from Colombia and talking about Anxiety and the struggles it presents and how I cope.

Today I talk about Imposter Syndrome, the Thirsty Friends Coffee Club and the Ethiopia Gera Estate Natural from Populace Coffee is brewed up on the Kalita.

I'm announcing my latest collaboration between THIRST and Populace. A year long coffee subscription unlike anything you've seen in the world of coffee. For more info you can go to the Populace Coffee website and search for the Thirsty Friends Coffee Club.

Kellogg's is under fire for not living up to a promise they made almost a decade ago. 

I brew a coffee and tell a short story :) 

Slightly different than our normal programming but I think you'll enjoy it. 

If you're a roaster looking to swap a coffee, please let me know! I'd love to brew your coffee. 

Molly Baz, new mom and renowned chef, teams up with Bobbie to challenge outdated stigmas around how parents feed their babies. In a powerful Times Square campaign, Molly shows the world that whether breastfeeding or using Bobbie's organic, European-style formula, every parent should feel confident in their choices. Bobbie is shaking up the formula game with cleaner ingredients and a commitment to transparency.

Ever wish your potato chips tasted like a 7-Eleven hot dog? Well, now they do. In today's episode of THIRST, we dive into the launch of 7-Eleven’s Big Bite® Hot Dog Chips—yes, really—and how candy producers are cutting back on chocolate just in time for Halloween. I’m your host, Andrew Roy Heppner, and we’ve got a mix of crazy food stories today. Tune in, subscribe to the newsletter at Thirst.News, and stay thirsty, my friends.