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, emp...

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: A...

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...

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 changi...

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 cof...

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 coff...

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...

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 Welc...

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 p...

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 bu...

Welcome to the first episode of The Proper Cap: A Madcap Coffee Podcast!  On this debut episode, our hosts Trevor and Josiah join Mark and Todd from Covoya Specialty Coffee Importers and hosts of their podcast, The Exchange , from the Specialty Coffee Expo hosted in Houston, TX.  Thanks for tuning in to TPC! New episodes twice a month.  00:00 The Proper Cap Introduction  01:07 The Exchange Introdu...

Welcome to the Proper Cap: A Madcap Coffee Podcast. New episodes twice a month.  An unfiltered dive into coffee, hospitality, and small business. Sitting down with friends across industries - bartenders, photographers, mug makers, and more - for in-depth conversations on the work folks are doing, what motivates them, and their expert tips that everyone should know. Expect candid interviews, hot ta...