54. What 3 Years in Coffee Taught Me

Beyond Certifications: Cosecha Traders and Colombia’s Vulnerable Farmers | Ep 57

In this episode, I sit down with Luis from Cosecha Traders to talk about what “dignified coffee trading” actually looks like on the ground in Colombia. We get into how extreme weather and security issues are hitting smallholders, why many of the most vulnerable farmers never see the benefits of certifications, and what it takes to pay them fairly while still moving coffee in a tough market. We explore how Cosecha Traders identifies and supports these farmers, helps them push quality, and connects them to roasters who care about impact beyond a label. If you’ve ever wondered what’s really behind your single origin Colombia or how sourcing can create second chances in conflicted regions, this conversation will give you a grounded, unfiltered look at the realities—and possibilities—of the supply chain.

56. 3 Year Anniversary Special

This episode marks three years since purchasing Maiden Coffee Roasters. To celebrate the anniversary, Alyssa and I sat down and looked back—not just at the past year, but at how our thinking, stress, and leadership have evolved since year one. Last year’s anniversary episode became our best-performing episode to date, so we decided to revisit the format and go deeper. In this conversation, Alyssa asks me questions such as: * What I believed in year one that I’ve completely changed my mind about by year three * What the Maiden brand actually stands for today * How our stressors have changed from survival mode to sustainability * Which habits and mindsets have proven most critical for long-term growth This episode isn’t about overnight success or shortcuts. It’s an honest look at what changes when a business moves from excitement to responsibility—and what it takes to build something that can last. If you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or creative trying to think long-term instead of just “getting through the week,” this one’s for you.

55. Understanding the 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Waves of Coffee

Curious what people really mean when they talk about the waves of coffee? In this episode, we break down the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Waves of Coffee—how they shaped culture, quality, and the way we drink coffee today—and then dive into what’s next with an honest look at the 4th Wave of Coffee and where the industry is heading. We explore the journey from instant coffee and mass-market brewing, to the growth of café culture and espresso chains, to the rise of specialty coffee, craftsmanship, origin transparency, and flavor clarity. Then, I share my perspective on what I believe will define the next era of coffee and how it could impact roasters, café owners, baristas, and everyday coffee lovers.

54. What 3 Years in Coffee Taught Me

On today’s episode of the Actually Good Coffee Podcast, John breaks down the three biggest lessons he learned during his third year owning a coffee roasting business — a year that forced a complete reset. Between historically high coffee prices, becoming a first-time parent, and the unsustainable grind culture glorified by entrepreneurs, year three exposed what really matters when you want to build a business that lasts. In this episode, John covers: * How to become more effective with your time without working more hours * Why standard operating procedures are the difference between freedom and burnout * How adopting an always-learning mindset keeps you from stagnating as a business owner This was the year the 100-hour workweek mentality stopped making sense — and a healthier, more sustainable relationship with work took its place. John also covers last years lessons to see if they still hold up today. Take a listen to that episode here: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-66ymy-17765ba Today's episode is for you if: * You’re struggling with work-life balance * Your business feels stuck despite long hours * You want to challenge or fact-check John’s current outlook ;)

53. Explaining Coffee Tariffs to my Wife

On today’s episode of The Actually Good Coffee Podcast, John sits down with his wife Alyssa to break down the latest updates on U.S. coffee tariffs. As many of you know, President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order removing tariffs on beef, tropical fruits, and coffee. The industry breathed a collective sigh of relief when the news dropped. John has been tracking every twist and turn of the tariff conversation, while Alyssa comes in with fresh questions that many listeners likely share. Whether you’re a seasoned roaster, a daily coffee drinker, or someone brand new to the world of green buying, this episode offers a clear, accessible look at what’s happening behind the scenes—and what it all means for the months ahead. Tune in to hear: * How roasters source and purchase green coffee * What coffee professionals can expect as the market adjusts * How John and Alyssa are planning for the future of Maiden Coffee