Tiny Sidecar: A Coffee Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Coffee gets called sustainable a lot but what does that actually mean? This week, we sit down with Sunghee Tark to talk about the work behind real structural change in coffee. From the story of Bean Voyage to women producers, sustainability, and the systems that shape who thrives (and who gets left behind), this conversation gets honest about what it will actually take to build a...

Send us Fan Mail This week on Tiny Sidecar , we’re having a real conversation about mental health. What it looks like, how it shows up in our industry, and why it matters more than we sometimes admit. I’m joined by Lucia Bawot the founder of SANA, an organization focused on supporting mental health and wellbeing within coffee communities, specifically women producers in Columbia. Together, we talk...

Send us Fan Mail This one started as a simple conversation about Instagram and somehow turned into a full-blown identity spiral... in the best way. You know those chats that begin super chill and suddenly you’re asking, “Wait… who are we actually?” Yeah. That happened today. In this episode, I’m unpacking what it looks like to stop tweaking the grid and start talking about who you really are as a...

Send us Fan Mail This episode of Tiny Sidecar is a collection of real stories from women shaping the coffee world. Each one offering a different perspective on this industry and, often, what family means within it. You’ll hear stories in both English and Spanish, just as they unfold across the supply chain. If you’re not fluent in both, grab Google Translate. The app’s live conversation feature ca...

Send us Fan Mail Today we’re hopping into the sidecar to talk about what’s coming in 2026 and to share a couple of conversations from the Women Powered Coffee Summit that stayed with me long after the event ended.  Natalie and Nico are two women who made an lasting impact with just a few words, and I’m so excited to pass their voices along. I hope you find this time with them as inspiring as I did...

Send us Fan Mail This week on Tiny Sidecar , we’re spending the day in transit as we make our way to Mexico. Consider this the opening scene: setting the tone, the mood, and the soundtrack for the Summit before things really get rolling. Please place your tray tables in the upright position, settle in, and let’s get going. Thanks for listening to Tiny Sidecar. If you enjoyed this episode, share it...

Send us Fan Mail Season Two kicks off with a suitcase, a spark, and those pre-summit jitters we all know too well. In this first episode, we unpack the prep work from Bean Voyage community calls to the buzz of saying yes to something big.  So grab your bag and hop in the sidecar… it’s time to hit the road. P.S. interviews start here. Get ready to meet Alex!  Thanks for listening to Tiny Sidecar. I...

Send us Fan Mail Buckle up, friends! Tiny Sidecar is back for Season 2! This time, we’re kicking things off with stories straight from the source: women producers, importers, and roasters who are shaping the future of coffee. Cait returns from the Women Powered Coffee Summit with fresh inspiration, new connections, and plenty of behind-the-scenes moments to share. Join us for a quick spin through...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Cait catches up with Katie, Director of Operations at Wonderstate Coffee, for an easygoing and honest conversation about what it means to grow in life, in leadership, and in coffee. The two talk about family ties, the winding path that led Katie to her role in operations, and the moments in coffee that still make her light up. Along the way, Cait reflects on time...

Send us Fan Mail What does excellent hospitality really look like in coffee? Is it the bottomless diner mug, the quick “just get me my latte” efficiency, the curated third-wave experience, or the Gen Z vibe check? In this TSC episode, I’m taking you through hospitality across the generations and showing how expectations have shifted (and overlapped). We’ll count down my top micro-hospitality momen...

Send us Fan Mail This week we’re taking a little detour. Instead of stats or guests, I’m pulling over to reflect on the summer we’ve had together and set some intentions for the fall ahead. I’ll share the highs and lows from behind the mic, the projects that kept me busy, and the lessons I’m carrying forward. Then I’ll look ahead, what’s next for Tiny Sidecar, what’s brewing in the coffee world, a...

Send us Fan Mail Women make up the majority of the labor force in coffee, yet their presence in ownership and leadership still lags far behind. In this episode, we look at the numbers to give us a foundational understanding. From farm labor and land ownership to leadership roles and decision-making power. And ask what they reveal about the state of women in coffee today. It’s not just statistics....

Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder how coffee actually gets from origin to your cup? In this episode, I pull back the curtain on the green coffee sourcing process from slurping samples and decoding certifications to the relationships that matter most. Whether you’re a barista, a roaster, a green coffee buying friend, or just a curious drinker, this one’s for you. Because behind every great coffee is a w...

Send us Fan Mail This week on Tiny Sidecar, we’re catching you up on all the buzz worthy happenings in the coffee world. From roaster retreats in Michigan to powerful mental health movements and grassroots fundraisers. Cait gives you the scoop on Washed Up Coffee’s cheeky brilliance, SANA’s inspiring work supporting mental health at origin, and what to expect at the upcoming Women Powered Coffee S...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I sit down with Kristaleen, a barista and educator at Stone Creek Coffee in Milwaukee. We talk about what it means to grow in the coffee industry, the power of approachable education, and the kind of intentional culture that makes a company like Stone Creek stand out. It’s a laid-back, thoughtful conversation that's sure to make you look at your next cafe dri...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Tiny Sidecar , we're taking a cozy ride through Wisconsin’s coffee scene. From roastery tours to heartfelt coffee chats with family and friends, I recap my recent trip and the moments that made it special. Tune in for nostalgic sips, surprise lattes (hint: Coca-Cola dreams do come true), and reflections on how connection brews best when shared. This is your...

Send us Fan Mail It’s been a month of Tiny Sidecar, and we’re riding side roads and celebrating milestones... some intentional, some delightfully off-course. In this episode, I’m reflecting on the first few episodes, sharing some behind-the-scenes moments, and chatting through what’s coming next. Plus, a little preview of an upcoming roadtrip to Wisconsin that may or may not include an excessive a...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I’m sharing the practical tips and personal reflections from my experience traveling to coffee producers. From what to pack to what to expect, how to show up with curiosity, and why these trips can change the way you see coffee forever. Whether you're prepping for your first visit or just want a deeper look at the heart of the supply chain, this one’s for you...

Send us Fan Mail What do latte art battles, green coffee deep dives, and a roaster village all have in common? They're just a few highlights from this year's trip to the SCA Expo in Houston. In this episode, I’m spilling the beans on the best moments from cupping with JNP and Daterra, to geeking out over La Marzocco’s passport challenge, and getting inspired by the World of Coffee Runner...

Send us Fan Mail Tiny Sidecar is here! I’m Cait — a roaster, green buyer, and coffee nerd with a mic. In this mini welcome episode, I’ll share a little about myself, what to expect from this podcast, and where we’re going next. Whether you’re in the café, at origin, or just vibing with your third cup, you’re invited! Glad to have you here! Thanks for listening to Tiny Sidecar. If you enjoyed this...