Cuppa Connections

Are you ready to embark on a journey to sun-drenched Aruba? Today, we pull up a chair for an intimate conversation with Anna Lombardi, a Venezuelan-born businesswoman who's made Aruba her home and created a vibrant lifestyle infused with her multicultural identity. With a deep love for tourism and a zest for life, Anna has established a quaint family-run restaurant and beach apartments that a...

Ready to dive deep into the world of coffee, where the chill of iced coffee squares off with cold brews? That's what we're brewing up in our chat with Michael Harwood, co-owner of Vignette Coffee Roasting. He demystifies the difference between these two summer saviors, explaining why cold brew may just outlast iced coffee in your fridge. But that's not all - he takes us on a sensory...

Have you ever pondered the true value of a barista or the complexities of tipping culture within the coffee industry? As we unfold these intricate layers, we guarantee an enriching brew of insights and stories with our esteemed guest, Michael Harwood, co-owner of Vignette Coffee Roasting. Be prepared to discover a world beyond your morning coffee pick-me-up, as we unravel the delicate balance betw...

Can you imagine savoring your favorite grilled summer salad with a perfectly paired coffee cocktail? Picture a medium roast Colombian or Guatemalan coffee, enhanced with a hint of honey, served chilled using large ice cubes or ice balls to avoid dilution, and topped with frozen berries for an unexpected flavor twist. That's what food and former Cordon Bleu Chef, Lisa Record, brings to our tab...

This episode is with Jean Jones. She's the CEO of Opulent Solutions, but more importantly, she's a wonderful mother.  In this episode Jean shares with us her journey of traveling through Italy and Greece with her family and her 5 year old daughter, Serenity. Traveling the world tasting wonderful coffees, delicious foods, and having the best cultural experiences is very important to Jean,...

This episode is about trying new things and being willing to overcome fear. Cate and I experienced glamping, coffee shop stopping at one of the most notorious gunman in the west’s cafe, hiking through Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. The road trippen through the wide open spaces of the west is about exploring and feeling a sense of freedom that we never have felt when we have dri...

This episode is with a broadcasting legend, Sandra Hughes. Sandra Hughes was the first African American woman to host her own talk show in North Carolina, with Sandra and Friends. She was the first female broadcaster invited to participate in the European Communities' Visitors Program. She was the first African American woman in the Southeast to host PM Magazine, which was broadcasted nationa...

This episode is with Elizabeth McGuire, the Executive Director of the Colorado Music Festival & Center for Musical Arts. Her love for coffee is just as strong as her love for the symphony. Liz, we affectionately call her, studied music at West Carolina University. We don't know which came first, her love of coffee or music, but we do know that both sure have evolved since her time in Boul...

Today's episode is with Emmanuel Dunbar, owner of Royal Diaspora Coffee in Tampa, Florida. Emmanuel has brought exquisite Brazilian coffee to Tampa, FL.  Coffee is a bridge to learn about other cultures and to experience the different ways of life, and Emmanuel wants to incorporate that by bringing coffee to his neighborhood and teach young black people what the coffee culture is all about. ...

Today's episode is about a company that is empowering female coffee producers and revolutionizing how coffee is roasted and sold in Guatemala.  The company is called Chica Bean, and I'm speaking with partners, Josue Martinez and Abby Grabner. Their new way of doing business has cut out the middle man. They roast their own coffee, and use UPS to transport their coffee all over the world....

This episode is not only about how Cate and I relaxed and enjoyed the simpler times as we drank our coffee watching the most stunning sunrises and sunsets, nor is it about being inspired by three of the loveliest people we met on our hiking adventure. It's about nature stealing the show. The day started in Palms Springs, CA with us taking the tallest air tram in the world to dine for lunch. T...

This episode is with Wes Neal, owner of Bright Angel Bikes & Cafe, in the Grand Canyon National Park, and Eat and Run, in Flagstaff, Arizona.  This story is one of a man who wanted a change. He wanted to spend more time with the people that matter most to him, his family. He was a river runner guide for the Grand Canyon National Park, a life that unbeknownst to the outside world, was fun but t...

The joy of friendships are profoundly important in our lives, and this episode embraces and showcases those joys.  Cate and I met one of my great friends, California native Elise Maturri, when we were in California during our cross country road trip.  Elise and I have been friends for over 20 years, and the stories and memorable moments that are shared in this episode will hopefully put a smile on...

Along our travels on our cross country road trip to Los Angeles, CA, Cate and I found out about Vanessa Punche, owner of LA Grind Coffee and Tea Bar.  She started her coffee business career in 2018 because of the mistreatment and injustice of two black men being sent disrespectfully away from Starbucks. Coffee chose her. She didn't choose coffee. We need more coffee shop owners like her. She...

This episode is about the LA vibe for us on day 6. It was a whirlwind of a day in sunny California.  Cate and I stayed in the perfect Airbnb in West Hollywood, two blocks from one of the best coffee shops in LA, Kings Road Cafe. Join in on our fun and adventures as we navigate through LA traffic to drop off our luggage in West Hollywood. Then, drive to downtown LA to pick up one of our crew so we...

This episode is about experiencing the Grand Canyon. We stayed at the Thunderbird Lodge,  just a 100 ft. away from the South Rim of the Canyon.  It was such an honor to have such an experience of hiking on the famous Bright Angel's trail and to walk with Elk and deer, which apparently graze in front of the hotels every morning. This leg of the trip was priceless, and I encourage anyone to vis...

This is episode is about how relaxation and rejuvenation was experienced at a different level on our trip. Fun and relaxation in the Land of Enchantment is what Cate and I experienced while visiting one of the top Spas and Resorts in the country, Ojo Santa Fe​. Who knew that visiting a puppy patch, silky chickens, while dipping in the natural hot springs and a salt pool could be so relaxing? Well,...

Today's episode is about Cate and I experiencing historical greatness, delicious southern food, and basking in the love of a fellow road tripper in  Memphis, TN. This road trip podcast series is for you, adventurous one, someone who loves leaning, meeting new people, and growing from those experiences. We hope you enjoy! Support the show https://www.instagram.com/betterwithacupofcoffee/ https...

Spring and summer are around the corner, and today's podcast starts a series of days where my wife and I take you on our epic 19 day road trip from last summer.  Road trips are fun, adventurous, and inspiring, and on our journey, we made friends, mistakes, and laughed a lot along the way.  Our road trip took us through 16 states, 4 national parks, and 2 states parks. We stayed in gorgeous Air...

This episode is about a man who is 86, and is from an era of challenging times, but as you hear, enjoyable times. Meet my father, Douglas White, aka "Dougie Fresh". His passion about his family, gardening, and of simpler times is evident in this podcast.  We hope you enjoy our conversation. Support the show https://www.instagram.com/betterwithacupofcoffee/ https://betterwithacupofcoffee....

The years of navigating through the streets of South Central, LA has tested our guest, LaNisa Williams, but with a bit of divine intervention while in jail, hard work when she got out, and the commitment to her personal growth and being the best black coffee professional that she can be, has catapulted her life into being one for the movies. Sit back, relax, and have a cup while LaNisa Williams, f...

What can you say about a woman who has visited 60 countries, 47 states, and 6 continents? Inspirational is one word that comes to my mind. Meena Thiruvengadam has been a writer for over 20 years, and has written for publications such as Travel & Leisure and The Wall Street Journal to name a few. She's as authentic and as fun as they come.  This episode showcases a woman who has traveled t...

This episode is about a former model, Nicole Michelle, who has lived a very interesting life within world or fashion and makeup. Over her career, she has learned a few things, and one of the most interesting things is how working with MAC cosmetics showed her how to make coffee from their foundation colors, but she doesn't stop there. Not only does she share her coffee making stories, she giv...

I love great stories, and Kalen Bingham gives us one.  Listen to Kalen's story of how she went from being a fourth grade teacher to becoming the budding owner of Thrive Coffee Company in Greensboro, NC.  Her passion for giving the community of Greensboro, her hometown, not only a great cup of coffee, but a warm and heartfelt experience each and every time you visit her mobile coffee cart. I h...

This episode is a continuation of Episode 9. Listen to Ana's story of how she and her husband have created one of the best kept secrets in Aruba. It's wonderful to gain new perspectives of a place that only locals can provide.  You will gain knowledge of her community Mangel Halto, which is located in the city of Savaneta, and you will hear why her restaurant and beach apartments, Anate,...