The Proper Cap: A Madcap Coffee Podcast

Ep 11: The Journey of Entrepreneur, DJ, and Creative; AB

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, emphasizing the significance of creating memorable experiences for audiences.  In this conversation, the speakers discuss the evolving landscape of dance culture and DJing, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that have emerged in recent years. They explore the importance of reading the room during performances and the artistry involved in creating memorable experiences for audiences. The conversation also touches on personal musical journeys, the significance of trust in client relationships, and future creative projects. Episode Chapters: 00:00 The Journey of a Barista and DJ 01:39 The Art of Mixing and Reading the Crowd 06:25 Creating a Unique Atmosphere in Cocktail Bars 10:35 Lessons Learned in DJing 14:32 Transitioning from DJing to Band Life 18:01 The Role of Community in Music 21:08 The Importance of Collaboration 23:10 The Power of Music and Coffee 26:34 Building Community through Residencies 30:28 Event-Based Culture in Grand Rapids 33:58 The Weirdest Gigs: Unexpected Experiences 34:43 The Art of Reading the Room 39:51 Genre Versatility and Client Attraction 41:32 Musical Influences and Personal Growth 43:34 Finding the Right Musical Fit 45:46 Navigating Audience Energy 48:52 Future Plans and Creative Ventures 54:28 Personal Upgrades and Future Aspirations 56:28 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude Check out Madcap Coffee: Website: http://www.madcapcoffee.com Everywhere on socials: @madcapcoffee Check out AB (Adrian Butler) Website: http://www.everythingab.com Instagram: @abisadrianbutler Something Tasty: Casamara Club Website: https://www.casamaraclub.com/products/superclasico Music: Blue Shell by Connor Price and K. Keed

Ep 10: Coffee Farming and the Next Generation of Coffee Farmers with Ashley Prentice of Finca de Dios

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: Ashley's unconventional path from med school to getting a master's degree in coffee science and economics; why she launched Gento, her own coffee company; struggles of inspiring the next generation of coffee farmers; new projects and experiments at Finca de Dios.  Thanks for tuning in to TPC! New episodes twice a month. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:01 Journey into Coffee: From Family Legacy to Passion 06:01 Education and Professional Development in Coffee 08:53 Transitioning from Academia to Industry 11:50 The Impact of a Master's Degree on Career 14:49 Working in the Coffee Industry: Insights and Experiences 17:52 Future Aspirations and the Launch of Gentoo Coffee 21:24 The Journey into Coffee Trading 24:40 Returning to Guatemala: Opportunities and Challenges 27:08 Empowering the Next Generation in Coffee 32:00 Introducing Gento: A New Coffee Model 36:25 Building Quality Consumption in Guatemala 39:10 Creating Direct Relationships in Coffee Trading 46:21 Building a Passionate Team in Coffee 47:40 The Journey of Finca de Dios 48:28 Innovations in Coffee Processing 51:29 Exploring Coffee Varieties and Experimentation 55:22 The Importance of Quality Seeds 01:01:17 Exciting New Projects and Future Directions Check out Madcap Coffee: Website: Madcapcoffee.com Everywhere on socials: @madcapcoffee  Check out Ashley Prentice, Finca de Dios, and Gento Coffee:  Website: www.gentocoffee.com Socials:  @ashleyprentice1 [https://www.instagram.com/ashleyprentice1/#] @fincadedios [https://www.instagram.com/fincadedios/#] @gentocoffee [https://www.instagram.com/gentocoffee/#] Music: Blue Shell by Connor Price and K. Keed

Ep 9: Gin, Tonic, and Curiosity with Josiah Gentry from Eastern Kille

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 to a neighborhood cocktail bar.  Thanks for tuning in to TPC! New episodes twice a month. Episode chapters: 00:00 Introduction and What Are We Drinking 02:55 The Art of Craft Cocktails 05:39 The Journey of a Bartender 08:32 Understanding Eastern Kille Distillery 11:52 The Importance of Non-Alcoholic Options 14:41 Training and Development in Bartending 26:12 Hiring for the Right Vibe 28:33 Nurturing Creativity in Bartenders 31:21 The Journey of Crafting Unique Cocktails 35:36 Creating a Culture of Experimentation 40:22 Learning from Other Cocktail Bars 44:30 Seasonal Menus and Customer Engagement 48:41 Signature Cocktails and Customer Favorites Check out Madcap Coffee: Website: Madcapcoffee.com Everywhere on socials: @madcapcoffee  Check out Eastern Kille & Josiah:  Website: easternkille.com Socials:  @ek_wealthy_ [https://www.instagram.com/ek_wealthy_/#] @josiah_gentry Music: Blue Shell by Connor Price and K. Keed

Ep 8: The Journey of Song Tea with Peter Luong

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 changing market dynamics.  Thanks for tuning in to TPC! New episodes twice a month. Episode chapters: 00:00 The Art of Aging Tea 00:03 Peter's Journey into the Tea Industry 03:06 The Philosophy Behind Song Tea's Selection 05:38 Understanding Tea Making 08:40 The Evolution of Tea Preferences 11:27 Challenges in the Tea Business 22:57 The Art of Tea Making 26:01 Crafting Unique Teas 29:59 Understanding Tea Terminology 33:46 Sourcing and Quality Control 37:32 Navigating Trends in the Tea Industry 45:33 Future of Tea Experiences Check out Madcap Coffee: Website: Madcapcoffee.com Everywhere on socials: @madcapcoffee  Check out Song Tea:  Website: songtea.com Socials: @hellosongtea [https://www.instagram.com/hellosongtea/#] Music: Blue Shell by Connor Price and K. Keed

Ep 7: Building a Bridge Between Farmers and Roasters with Ruth Ann Church of Artisan Coffee Imports

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 coffee industry, moving her family to Rwanda for a year, and the challenges of growing a small remote team. Thanks for tuning in to TPC! New episodes twice a month. Episode chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Artisan Coffee Imports 02:44 Ruth Ann's Journey into Coffee Importing 05:26 The Importance of Economic Development in Coffee 08:12 The Role of Women in Coffee Production 11:18 Sustainability in Coffee: A Holistic Approach 14:36 Building Relationships with Coffee Producers 17:25 The Impact of Education and Training 20:31 Team Growth and Management Challenges 23:24 Creating a Positive Team Culture 43:48 Planning Team Bonding Activities 45:53 Creating a Social Environment 48:34 Team Growth and Future Plans 53:09 The Evolution of Coffee Culture in Michigan 57:45 Challenges in the Coffee Industry 59:31 Building Relationships with Producers Check out Madcap Coffee: Website: Madcapcoffee.com Everywhere on socials: @madcapcoffee  Check out Artisan Coffee Imports:  Website: artisancoffeeimports.com Socials: @artisan_coffeeimports [https://www.instagram.com/artisan_coffeeimports/#] Music: Blue Shell by Connor Price and K. Keed