Boss Barista

In May 2024, workers across six Blue Bottle locations in Boston voted to unionize. Abbey and Alex are here to talk about how workers deserve to have a voice in decision-making in their workplaces. A full transcript of this episode is available at bossbarista.substack.com

Breaking down the microbes that help break down coffee with fermentation expert Lucia Solis. A full transcript of this episode is available at bossbarista.substack.com

The author of "How to Taste Coffee" talks expectations, effervescence, and finding joy and delight in drinking coffee. A full transcript of this episode is available at bossbarista.substack.com

The Charlotte-based coffee consultant threw herself into the industry at a young age—and now has a wealth of thoughts to share about loyalty, robot baristas, and the best coffee cities in the world. A full transcript is available at bossbarista.substack.com

Workers at Madison Sourdough are striving to ratify their first contract—a process that's proven to be more hampered by management than they anticipated. A full transcript of this episode is available at bossbarista.substack.com

The author of the new book "How to Taste: A Guide to Discovering Flavor and Savoring Life," talks building up your sensory skills and unlocking more enriching experiences. A full transcript of this episode is available at bossbarista.substack.com

Coffee is in crisis, and one of the big problems is that some farmers aren't paid enough to cover their production costs. A new template from the team at Junior's Roasted Coffee looks to change that. A full transcript of this episode is available at bossbarista.substack.com

The Louisville-based coffee chain won its union vote in January 2023—and is still waiting on leadership to ratify a contract. A full transcript of this episode is available at bossbarista.substack.com

A long-form conversation on writing with the newsletter's editor. A full transcript of this episode can be found at bossbarista.substack.com

The photographer and author of the book "We Belong" centers the stories of women coffee workers in Colombia. A full transcript of this episode can be found at bossbarista.substack.com

The author of Expedite, a newsletter about restaurant technology, sees both the potential—and flaws—of tech in the food world. A full transcript of this episode is available at bossbarista.substack.com

Asking coffee trader Stephanie Alcala what does it mean to source responsible coffee and think holistically about sustainability. A full transcript of this episode is available at bossbarista.substack.com

The owner of Cafe Cà Phê, Kansas City's first Vietnamese-owned coffee shop, talks about starting a business in a new city during a pandemic—and the importance of having a specific mission. A full transcript of this episode is available at bossbarista.substack.com

Specialty coffee distinguishes itself by its higher price tag—and stops there. To make meaningful change, Brendan Adams of Semilla argues that cost alone cannot be the finish line. A full transcript of this episode can be found at bossbarista.substack.com

The average wage for baristas is $14 per hour—but many are only scheduled to work 26 hours a week. Go Fund Bean representatives discuss barista wages and more.  A full transcript of this episode can be found at bossbarista.substack.com

On neoliberalism and translating value in coffee with anthropologist and author of the book 'Making Better Coffee,' Ted Fischer. A full transcript of this episode can be found at bossbarista.substack.com

The 20+ year industry pro and founder of Color of Coffee Collective talks about the start-stop pace of progress—and following through on attempts to do better.  A full transcript of this episode can be found at bossbarista.substack.com

The co-founder of Ārāmse on Indian coffee tools, colonial history, and the problem with flavor wheels. A full transcript of this episode can be found at bossbarista.substack.com

The third-generation farmer comes back to talk climate change and quality as a moving target in coffee.  A full transcript of this episode can be found at bossbarista.substack.com. 

A managing partner at Mighty Peace Coffee , Jim Ngokwey is creating pathways for Congolese coffee growers and posing difficult questions about the future of the industry. A full transcript of this episode can be found at bossbarista.substack.com

The coffee pro-turned-coach talks about the gentleness of service work. A full transcript of this episode can be found at bossbarista.substack.com. Listen to past episodes of Camila on the Boss Barista Podcast in 2019 and 2020 . 

In this episode from July 2020, we chat about legacy and reclaiming coffee's Black identity and origins. Check out the trailer to their documentary, Cxffeeblack to Africa, here , watch the documentary by joining Patreon , and keep an eye on their Instagram account for tour dates to watch. A full transcript of this episode can be found at bossbarista.substack.com

Wine and coffee are a lot alike—up to a point. Marie Cleslik of Slik Wines explains more.  A full transcript of this episode can be found at bossbarista.substack.com. 

In this episode from November 2019, we ask, "What if the minimum wage actually reflected the minimum you need to live?"  A full transcript of this episode can be found at bossbarista.substack.com

An associate professor of history, Dr. Lori Flores digs into the realities of agricultural working conditions—and the invisible labor behind the foods and goods we enjoy.  A full transcript of this episode is available at bossbarista.substack.com