Morgan Eckroth coffee journey started at sixteen with a simple mocha in Corvallis, Oregon and has taken them all the way to becoming the 2022 U.S. Barista Champion and placing second in the World Barista Championship.
With 8.7 million followers across social media, Morgan has built a global community through what they calls “digital hospitality” creating moments of connection both online and behind the bar.
In this episode of Buy the Drip, we talk about..
☕ How Morgan went from barista to world-class competitor
📱 Building a massive social media presence around coffee
🏆 The intense preparation for U.S. and World Barista Championships
💡 The meaning of hospitality in both physical and digital spaces
📖 The upcoming coffee book and signature beverage creations
Whether you’re a barista, a coffee lover, content creator or a fan of inspiring career stories, this conversation is full of insight, humour, and behind-the-scenes moments from one of coffee’s most recognized voices.
Tyler Hagan didn’t get into coffee to go viral. He followed curiosity, stayed consistent, and turned storytelling into influence.
What started as a personal passion of brewing, experimenting, and sharing his journey online became something bigger. Now Tyler has built a reputation as one of specialty coffee’s go-to content creators, trusted for his storytelling and perspective.
In this episode we explore the mindset behind his content, the challenge of staying original, and what it takes to build a voice in an industry that’s still figuring out what to do with creators.
This one is about curiosity, storytelling, and building trust one post at a time.
Follow Tyler on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/commonlycoffee
Read his blog
Most people don’t start roasting coffee at 18 and end up building one of the biggest green coffee import companies in Canada.
But Jeff Fleming did.
In this episode Jeff breaks down how he went from barista, to roaster, to running Apex Coffee Importers without outside funding, without a roadmap, and without cutting corners.
Here’s what we get into:
• What specialty coffee looked like in the ‘90s and how it’s changed
• Why he walked away from a stable job to go all-in on importing
• The ugly side of green buying: cash flow, gatekeeping, and pricing politics
• How he turned a gap in the Canadian market into a thriving business
• The real cost of starting from zero and the mindset it takes to keep going
No fluff. No theory. Just real stories from someone who built it brick by brick.
Whether you’re a roaster, a founder, or just obsessed with coffee this is one worth studying.
What does it take to turn a family farm into one of the most legendary names in specialty coffee?
In this episode, Cole sits down with Wilford Lamastus of Lamastus Family Estates fourth-generation producer and the force behind Panama’s iconic Elida Estate.
From surviving the coffee crisis of the '90s to putting Geisha on the global map, this is a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and legacy.
We talk 100+ years of history, the hard choices behind world class coffee, and how one mountain in Boquete became a benchmark for the entire industry.
Tune in. This one’s special....
What do you get when two adventurers get tired of bad trail coffee?
A new coffee category...called No Normal Coffee
Alexander and Philipp created a first-of-its-kind coffee paste in a tube...designed for explorers, built through grit.
In this episode, they share how a love for the outdoors turned into a physical product, how they hacked R&D, launched with crowdfunding, and built a brand that’s redefining convenience in specialty coffee.
You’ll hear how they:
Battled through R&D setbacks with no guarantee it would work
Used crowdfunding to prove demand and fuel their launch
Scaled production from idea to reality without losing their soul
This isn’t your average origin story. It’s a look at how innovation, grit, and community can reshape how we think about coffee when and where we drink it.
Join a Global Audience with BUY THE DRIP WEEKLY
Get our personal coffee insights, brewing tips, and behind-the-scenes content delivered straight to your inbox every week...https://buythedrip.beehiiv.com/subscribe
What happens when a design student accidentally becomes a barista and ends up changing the global coffee game?
In this episode, we sit down with 2012 World Barista Champion from Guatemala, to unpack his wild journey: from his first training shift to going rogue on the WBC stage with Intelligentsia coffee and making James Hoffmann laugh in the process.
But this isn’t just about competition...
We get into the real stuff:
→ What it actually means to represent an origin country
→ The hard challenges of coffee sourcing in Guatemala
→ Labor shortages, pricing pressure, and global market chaos
→ How innovation in processing is changing what’s possible
Raul gets real about purpose, identity, and what it takes to survive and lead in the coffee industry.This is the untold story of hustle, heartbreak, and how a single cup can change a life!
👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Guess The Drip!
💌 Join a Global Audience with BUY THE DRIP WEEKLY
Get our personal coffee insights, brewing tips, and behind-the-scenes content delivered straight to your inbox every week...https://buythedrip.beehiiv.com/subscribe
we sit down with Laila Ghambari, a barista-turned-champion-turned-consultant whose journey through coffee competitions, family business, and specialty retail offers a masterclass in what it takes to build a sustainable coffee career and cafe.Laila shares how growing up in her dad’s Seattle cafe laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to coffee and how she transformed that passion into a high-impact consulting business. We talk about the mindset shift that led her to win the U.S. Barista Championship, what many cafe owners get wrong about profitability, and the unseen challenges of scaling coffee businesses.Whether you’re a cafe owner, aspiring competitor, or just coffee-obsessed, this episode is full of grounded insights and real talk about what it takes to survive and thrive in the coffee industry👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Guess The Drip!💌 Join a Global Audience with BUY THE DRIP WEEKLYGet our personal coffee insights, brewing tips, and behind-the-scenes content delivered straight to your inbox every week...https://buythedrip.beehiiv.com/subscribe☕ ROSSO COFFEE ROASTERS, since 2007Anyone can be a specialty coffee drinker, and that means you. We roasted for the last two World Barista Champions and would love to roast a coffee for you too – try our world-class coffees: www.rossocoffeeroasters.com🎓 COACHING & CONSULTINGElevate your coffee game or business with personalized coaching and consulting: www.buythedrip.coffee🎙️ Listen to the PODCASTCoffee and business insights:Apple | Spotify📺 Subscribe on YOUTUBECatch all our videos: @buythedrip.coffee📸 Follow us on INSTAGRAMStay updated with the latest: www.instagram.com/buythedrip.coffeeFollow Dave: www.instagram.com/crosbyandcoffeeFollow Cole: www.instagram.com/torodeo
We sit down with one of the most influential figures in specialty coffee with Rachel Peterson of Hacienda La Esmeralda.Known globally for introducing Geisha to the world, Rachel shares the full story behind how their farm transformed the coffee industry, winning Best of Panama three times in one year a historic first!We talk about:How Geisha was first discovered and introducedThe rise of Best of Panama and record-breaking auctionsGenetics, varietals, and the evolution of Esmeralda’s portfolioFamily business dynamics and the legacy of qualityThe real business of producing the world’s most celebrated coffeesWhether youre a barista, roaster, green buyer, or a specialty coffee fan this conversation is a masterclass in coffee history, strategy, and flavor!👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Guess The Drip!💌 Join a Global Audience with BUY THE DRIP WEEKLYGet our personal coffee insights, brewing tips, and behind-the-scenes content delivered straight to your inbox every week...https://buythedrip.beehiiv.com/subscribe☕ ROSSO COFFEE ROASTERS, since 2007Anyone can be a specialty coffee drinker, and that means you. We roasted for the last two World Barista Champions and would love to roast a coffee for you too – try our world-class coffees: www.rossocoffeeroasters.com🎓 COACHING & CONSULTINGElevate your coffee game or business with personalized coaching and consulting: www.buythedrip.coffee🎙️ Listen to the PODCASTCoffee and business insights:Apple | Spotify📺 Subscribe on YOUTUBECatch all our videos: @buythedrip.coffee📸 Follow us on INSTAGRAMStay updated with the latest: www.instagram.com/buythedrip.coffeeFollow Dave: www.instagram.com/crosbyandcoffeeFollow Cole: www.instagram.com/torodeo
Christine Rollings has built coffee businesses in the Philippines and Turkey, traveled the world, and turned her love for coffee into a beautifully self-published children’s book My ABCs of Coffee.
It also happens to be the first book Cole has read in the last two years. Don’t worry...it’s perfect for all reading levels.
In this episode, Christine shares her entrepreneurial journey from navigating local laws as a foreign business owner to selling over 1,000 copies of a kids book about coffee!
We cover-Building
-a lean coffee startup in Manila-Starting
-a roastery in Turkey during the pandemic
-Selling two businesses before returning to Canada
-The behind-the-scenes process of writing and printing a kids book
-What it’s like to sell books into cafes, not bookstores
-Competing in her first AeroPress competition!
-Christine's next big creative project
📚 Grab her book: https://christinerollings.com
📬 Follow Christine: @christinerollings on Instagram
👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Guess The Drip!
💌 Join a Global Audience with BUY THE DRIP WEEKLY
Get our personal coffee insights, brewing tips, and behind-the-scenes content delivered straight to your inbox every week...
https://buythedrip.beehiiv.com/subscribe
☕ ROSSO COFFEE ROASTERS, since 2007
Anyone can be a specialty coffee drinker, and that means you. We roasted for the last two World Barista Champions and would love to roast a coffee for you too – try our world-class coffees: www.rossocoffeeroasters.com
🎓 COACHING & CONSULTING
Elevate your coffee game or business with personalized coaching and consulting: www.buythedrip.coffee
🎙️ Listen to the PODCASTCoffee and business insights:
Apple | Spotify📺
Subscribe on YOUTUBE
Catch all our videos: @buythedrip.coffee
📸 Follow us on INSTAGRAM
Stay updated with the latest: www.instagram.com/buythedrip.coffee
Follow Dave: www.instagram.com/crosbyandcoffee
Follow Cole: www.instagram.com/torodeo
Meet Mike and Jamie....two firefighters turned founders of Canadian Heritage Roasting Company. What started as cowboy coffee brewed on the fireline became a mission-driven coffee company now found in over 1,400 stores across North America.
In this episode of Buy The Drip, they share their story of building a bold brand rooted in a love for the outdoors, wildlife conservation, and great-tasting coffee.
We dive into...
-The early days of making coffee in the backcountry
-How firelines, hunting, and grizzly encounters shaped their approach
-Scaling a national brand without losing their rugged identity
-Their mission to fuel outdoor pursuits and rewild the great outdoors...one tree at a time!!
What’s next: instant adventures, lifestyle gear, and a million-tree goal!
If you love stories about grit, nature, and building something meaningful this one’s for you...
👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Guess The Drip!
💌 Join a Global Audience with BUY THE DRIP WEEKLY
Get our personal coffee insights, brewing tips, and behind-the-scenes content delivered straight to your inbox every week...
https://buythedrip.beehiiv.com/subscribe
☕ ROSSO COFFEE ROASTERS, since 2007
Anyone can be a specialty coffee drinker, and that means you. We roasted for the last two World Barista Champions and would love to roast a coffee for you too – try our world-class coffees
www.rossocoffeeroasters.com
Elevate your coffee game or business with personalized coaching and consulting: w
ww.buythedrip.coffee
🎙️ Listen to the PODCAST
Coffee and business insights: Apple | Spotify
Catch all our videos: @buythedrip.coffee
📸 Follow us on INSTAGRAM
Stay updated with the latest: www.instagram.com/buythedrip.coffeeFollow Dave: www.instagram.com/crosbyandcoffeeFollow Cole: www.instagram.com/torodeo
Join Cole on this episode of Buy The Drip as he chats with Jordan Saglio, the man behind Movement Coffee Roasters. What began as an unexpected adventure living the van life with his wife and daughter — led Jordan into the world of coffee roasting.
From building a roastery in Stowe, Vermont, to competing in Panama's Brewers Cup, Jordan shares how his journey unfolded.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation about building a coffee business, embracing the unexpected, and creating a meaningful connection with coffee.
Don’t forget to check out Jordan’s roastery at Movement Coffee Roasters and follow his travels on The Nomadic Movement on YouTube.
Subscribe to Buy The Drip for more inspiring coffee stories!
#coffee #specialtycoffee #nomadicmovement #coffeeentrepreneur #BrewersCup #panamacoffee #coffeeroasting #podcast
This week on Buy The Drip, we’re joined by Jill Hoff Canada’s first female Barista Champion and Director of Coffee & Education at Monogram Coffee.Jill’s story is one of grit, growth, and relentless curiosity. From her early days on bar to leading one of Canada’s most respected coffee programs, she’s built a powerful career in specialty coffee and she’s done it while lifting others along the way.In this episode, we dive into:-How she built a meaningful career in coffee through education, competition, and connection-The behind-the-scenes grind of training barista champions-Her approach to green buying and forming long-term relationships with producers-What mentorship in coffee looks like when it’s done right-Why building a career in coffee takes both intention and love for the craftWhether you’re a barista, trainer, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with wisdom from one of the industry’s most respected voices.Press play—this one’s for anyone dreaming of a lasting career in coffee.
👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Buy The Drip!💌
Join a Global Audience with BUY THE DRIP WEEKLY: https://buythedrip.beehiiv.com/subscribe
☕ ROSSO COFFEE ROASTERS, since 2007
We roasted for the last two World Barista Champions — we’d love to roast for you too: www.rossocoffeeroasters.com🎓
COACHING & CONSULTING: www.buythedrip.coffee🎙️
PODCAST Coffee and business insights: Apple | Spotify📺
Subscribe on YOUTUBE: @buythedrip.coffee
Follow us on INSTAGRAM: @buythedrip.coffee
Follow Dave: @crosbyandcoffee
Follow Cole: @torodeo
Max Boegler, co-founder of Sovda, went from discovering coffee while living in China to launching one of the most talked-about coffee tech companies in the world.
In this episode, Max shares how Sovda is building tools like The Pearl to help producers and roasters improve quality, consistency, and efficiency without losing sight of the values that define specialty coffee.We cover a lot in this conversation:-How Max’s journey into coffee began with curiosity and hustle in 2017-The early days of Sovda and how crowdfunding helped launch their first machine-Why color sorting still underused in roasting is becoming a game-changer-How Sovda is addressing a 145% U.S. tariff while expanding into markets like Australia, Korea, and Japan-The tension between tech and ethics in specialty coffee: is post-roast sorting “cheating,” or just smart QC?-What it means to grow a coffee business that serves both sides of the value chain from farm to final cupThis episode is for anyone navigating the intersection of craft, tech, and business in coffee. Whether you’re building a roastery, sourcing green, or obsessed with quality Max brings insight, honesty, and a refreshing perspective on what it takes to push the industry forward.#buythedrip #Sovda #CoffeeTechnology #SpecialtyCoffee #CoffeeSorting #CoffeeInnovation #CoffeeBusiness #MaxBoegler #CoffeeRoasterTools #RoasterLife
In this episode of Buy The Drip, we sit down with John Gordon! Barista champion, roaster, engineer, and consultant to talk about his unexpected path from the security industry into the heart of specialty coffee.
John shares his early days learning hospitality from the ground up in Melbourne, the pivotal moment that sparked his coffee passion, and how a fear of public speaking led him to barista competitions including multiple appearances on the World Barista Championship stage.
We unpack his transformative time at Square Mile Coffee, his philosophy on quality control, and the evolution of coffee technology and culture over the past two decades.
John also opens up about:
Why finding your niche in coffee is hard—but worth it...
The power of collaboration and community in building a meaningful career
His vision for a creativity-focused coffee space
The importance of business acumen in today’s industry
And how passions like art and engineering fuel his curiosity outside of coffee
Whether you’re behind the bar, in the cupping lab, or running your own coffee business, John brings a refreshing honesty and depth to this conversation.
Dave sits down with Cole Torode to unpack the exciting relaunch of Forward Coffee—now based exclusively in Panama. Cole shares the story behind Forward 2.0, a bold new business model built around quality, freshness, and strong producer relationships.
We dive deep into:
🔹 The decision to focus solely on Panama as a sourcing origin
🔹 Why freshly milled coffee is a game-changer for flavor and consistency
🔹 How shortening cash flow cycles supports producers and sustainability
🔹 The hidden costs buyers often miss—and how Forward is helping reduce them
🔹 Cole’s approach to logistics and transparency to save buyers time and money
🔹 The challenges and costs of sampling, and why better quality control matters
This episode is packed with insights into the coffee supply chain, from origin to cup—plus, Cole shares the community’s overwhelmingly positive response to the new model.
Whether you're a green buyer, a roaster, or just passionate about specialty coffee, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of what it really takes to build a better, more sustainable sourcing model.
Tune in and get a first look at the future of Forward Coffee.
📍 Watch now & subscribe! .
#BuyTheDrip #ForwardCoffee #ColeTorode #SpecialtyCoffee #CoffeeSourcing #PanamaCoffee #CoffeeIndustry #GreenCoffee #CoffeeInnovation #CoffeeBusiness
Coffee, Innovation & Entrepreneurship w/ Kirk Pearson ☕In this episode of Buy The Drip, we sit down with Kirk Pearson, founder of Project Zero Coffee, to talk about his journey in coffee—from washing dishes at a café to building a brand focused on quality, sustainability, and innovation.We dive into:The role of milk and alternative milk in specialty coffeeThe challenges of sustainability in dairy and plant-based optionsHow COVID-19 impacted his business—and how he bounced backKirk's vision for instant coffee, media in coffee, and the future of the industryThe power of community and coffee culture in driving changeBut beyond the coffee talk, this episode is a heartfelt story of following Kirk's dream of opening a coffee shop. Kirk’s passion for great coffee and meaningful connections led him to create Project Zero Coffee, a space dedicated to quality, innovation, and community.Plus, Kirk shares some big updates on the It's Just Coffee podcast and breaks some news about its future.🔥 Hit play and tune in now!📍 Watch now & subscribe!#BuyTheDrip #CoffeeIndustry #SpecialtyCoffee #Entrepreneurship #CoffeeInnovation #ProjectZeroCoffee #CoffeeCulture
What does it take to leave a stable career in finance to chase a passion for coffee?
In this episode ofBuy The Drip, hostsCole and Dave sit down withJay Kim, founder ofUFO Drippers, to unpack his bold transition into the specialty coffee world.
Jay shares how his love for coffee grew through personal tasting sessions and a desire to connect with others. He takes us behind the scenes of launchingUFO Drippers, revealing the challenges of manufacturing, developing specialized filters, and navigating the highs and lows of starting a coffee business.
Beyond the technical side, this conversation dives intothe power of personal branding, education, and hospitality in coffee—proving that great coffee is more than just a drink, it’s about creating meaningful experiences.
Don’t miss this deep dive into coffee entrepreneurship!
What does 2025 have in store for the coffee industry?
In this episode, Dave shares his bold predictions for the future of specialty coffee while Cole offers his perspective and insights.
From the rise of grab-and-go coffee shops to the transformative role of AI in quality control, Dave outlines his vision for the year ahead. Will home brewing become the new norm? Will coffee blends reclaim their place in the spotlight? And how will hybrid coffee shops reshape the way we experience coffee? These are just a few of the questions they dive into.
Dave’s predictions for 2025 include:
Green coffee prices are expected to decline due to better growing conditions and economic factors.
AI will revolutionize coffee quality control, optimizing processes and reducing waste.
Grab-and-go coffee shops will dominate, focusing on speed and convenience.
Home brewing will continue its rise, fueled by influencers and affordable high-quality equipment.
Coffee blends are making a comeback, both on cafe menus and in competitions.
Hybrid coffee shops will evolve into multifunctional spaces for work, connection, and creativity.
Inclusivity in coffee competitions will expand, opening doors for more diverse participation.
Way more Buy The Drip content to be created!
Are Dave’s predictions grounded in reality or overly ambitious? Tune in to find out and decide for yourself!
💌 Join a Global Audience with BUY THE DRIP WEEKLY
Get our personal coffee insights, brewing tips, and behind-the-scenes content delivered straight to your inbox every week: https://buythedrip.beehiiv.com/subscribe
☕ ROSSO COFFEE ROASTERS, since 2007
Anyone can be a specialty coffee drinker, and that means you. We roasted for the last two World Barista Champions and would love to roast a coffee for you too – try our world-class coffees: www.rossocoffeeroasters.com
🎓 COACHING & CONSULTING
Elevate your coffee game or business with personalized coaching and consulting: www.buythedrip.coffee
🎙️ Listen to the PODCAST
Coffee and business insights:
Apple | Spotify
📺 Subscribe on YOUTUBE
Catch all our videos: @buythedrip.coffee
📸 Follow us on INSTAGRAM
Stay updated with the latest: www.instagram.com/buythedrip.coffee
Follow Dave: www.instagram.com/crosbyandcoffee
Follow Cole: www.instagram.com/torodeo
What does 2025 have in store for the coffee industry? In this episode, Cole shares his bold predictions for the future of specialty coffee while Dave offers a dose of skepticism.
Known for relying on intuition over hard facts, Cole’s forecasts spark curiosity (and some good-natured teasing) as they explore what might be next for coffee.
From the rise of decaf to Canada’s shot at a World Coffee Championship title, Cole outlines his vision for the year ahead.
Will Cezve brewing finally have its moment? Will cozy, community-focused cafes make a comeback? And how will sustainability, education, and authenticity shape the industry? These are just a few of the questions they dive into.
Cole’s predictions for 2025 include:
1. Decaf coffee continues gaining traction and appreciation.
2. Innovations in packaging improve shelf life and sustainability.
3. See Above??
4. Canada has a real shot at a World Coffee Championship.
5. Cezve brewing steps into the spotlight.
6. Cafes shift toward cozy, community-focused designs.
7. Signature beverages become central to cafe menus.
8. Baristas focus on coffees that authentically represent them.
9. Geisha coffee becomes more mainstream, with engineered coffees used as educational tools.
Are Cole’s predictions visionary or overly optimistic? Tune in to find out and decide for yourself!
Join us as we reflect on an unforgettable year in the coffee industry. In this episode, Dave and Cole dive into 2024’s biggest coffee industry moments, packed with insights, predictions, and plenty of laughs. We also share highlights from our journey coaching world-class baristas at the World Barista Championship, the release of The Flower Story documentary, and exciting milestones for Buy The Drip, including our growing podcast and YouTube channel. Topics covered include: Coffee prices reaching record highs: What it means for producers, roasters, and consumers. The European Union’s deforestation regulation (EUDR) and its impact on the coffee supply chain. The staying power of alternative milks in specialty coffee. Innovations in coffee processing methods and their influence on the industry. Behind-the-scenes insights into coaching barista champions and creating a coffee documentary.
