What happens when a music festival producer gets bored with coffee's stuffy competition scene? He starts a revolution.

In this episode, we sit down with Steve Moloney, the founder of The Barista League. Ten years ago, he was done with 4 AM gigs in Swedish nightclubs and dreamed of a coffee event that felt less like a silent exam and more like a vibrant house party. That dream became The Barista League—a global phenomenon that’s been called “a party disguised as a coffee competition.”

But this year, everything is changing. Steve reveals why he's tearing up the rulebook he fought to protect for a decade, shifting the focus from technical perfection to storytelling, service, and raw human connection.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

S4E5: Steve Moloney Is Throwing the Coffee Party the World Needed

In this episode of the I'M NOT A BARISTA podcast, we sit down with Georgius Audrey Teja — or Odi, as most people know him — to chat about his incredible journey from behind the bar to the world stage.

Odi’s story is one of quiet perseverance. From serving iced lattes to confused customers in the early days of Indonesia’s specialty scene, to winning the World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship 2025, he’s never lost touch with his purpose: making people happy through coffee.

We talk about his first time competing, the power of staying consistent, and how mentorship and community helped shape his path.  Whether you’re a barista, a competitor, or just love a good origin story — this one will warm your heart.

🎙️ Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms.
🔗 Read Odi's story on www.notabarist a.org here [https://notabarista.org/odi-georgius-audrey-teja/] 

If you enjoy our podcast, please leave us a review and share it with a friend — your support keeps us brewing!

S4E4: Coffee, Cocktails, and the Journey of Odi - Georgius Audrey Teja

Welcome back to I’M NOT A BARISTA, where we give a voice to coffee people! We’re thrilled to return with our latest episode, featuring Danny Toro (they/them), the 2024 US AeroPress Champion. From brewing at 80°C to win in Portugal, Danny shares their inspiring journey—from a biology student in Texas to a Brooklyn coffee consultant. 

Hear how their global roots (Netherlands, Korea, US) and mentors like Chelsea Walker shaped their love for community, plus insights from Brooklyn’s vibrant coffee scene and their work with Brewing Guides. Tune in for Danny’s tips on brewing and connecting—coffee that unites us all! 

As a coffee trainer, Danny is open to coaching aspiring baristas—looking for guidance? Give them a shout out via DM!

Read Danny's story here
https://notabarista.org/danny-toro/

Follow Danny on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/weekndbrew/

S4E3: Danny Toro: Brewing Community from 80°C Glory

I’M NOT A BARISTA is back! 

In this fiery episode, we chat with Nicholas Ginter, founder of Degenerates Drinking Coffee, Q Arabica Grader, and U.S. Army veteran, who unpacks the SCA’s controversial takeover of the Q-grading system from CQI. From calling out the SCA’s “money-hungry” motives to sharing his journey from Afghanistan to coffee content creation, Nicholas offers bold insights on industry greed, and what’s next for coffee pros.

Tune in for a raw, unfiltered look at the fight for fair coffee standards!  and Join the conversation on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/p/DMbsm0jPJha/?img_index=1

Brewing Rebellion: Nicholas Ginter on the SCA’s Q-Grading Takeover

In this powerful episode, Damien O'Brien [https://www.instagram.com/coffee.foundation/] from Coffee Foundation [https://www.coffeefoundation.com/] opens up about his personal journey through loss, mental health challenges, and the harsh realities of the coffee industry. Damien shares how his painful experiences—including the loss of his mother and brother—led him to create a safe space for coffee professionals and farmers alike. 

He talks about the importance of vulnerability, the need for genuine human connection, and the ongoing challenges the industry faces. Join us for an honest conversation filled with insight, resilience, and a call to support those who give life to every cup of coffee.

Follow Coffee Foundation on Isntagram
https://www.instagram.com/coffee.foundation/

Read Damien's story here
https://notabarista.org/damien-obrien_coffee-foundation/


Unmasking Vulnerability: Damien O'Brien on Mental Health and the Coffee Foundation

In this episode, we sit down with Charity Cheung, [https://www.instagram.com/charitycheung_/?hl=en] 1st France Brewer’s Cup’22&’24, to explore her fascinating journey from public policy to the heart of the coffee industry. Charity shares how an unexpected start led her to pursue a new passion in specialty coffee, and what it was like to transition from academia to entrepreneurship in France. We dive into her competition experiences, the importance of community in coffee, and why supporting coffee farmers matters now more than ever.

Charity’s story is a reminder of the powerful connections coffee creates—and the impact we can all make by valuing the people behind each cup. Whether you’re a coffee pro, a barista, or just a curious coffee drinker, you won’t want to miss this inspiring conversation with Charity Cheung!

 * Follow Charity on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/charitycheung_/?hl=en
 * Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/iamnotabarista/?hl=en
 * Read Charity's story here https://notabarista.org/charity-cheung/
 * Support I'M NOT A BARISTA here https://notabarista.org/charity-cheung/

S3E16: Meet Charity Cheung - A Champion’s Tale: Charity Cheung on Coffee, Competition, and Community

In this episode of the I'M NOT A BARISTA podcast, we sit down with Nikos Antzaras [https://www.instagram.com/p/CfBd_gaKegb/?img_index=1], a two-time Greek Barista Champion whose love for coffee transformed his life and career. Starting as a medical engineering student working as a barista to cover expenses, Nikos found his true calling in the world of coffee—a decision that led to both family tensions and remarkable personal growth.

"I really fell in love with coffee," Nikos recalls. Despite his parents' concerns—"What are you doing? Are you crazy? You studied... what coffee things are these?"—he pursued his passion relentlessly. 

Nikos shares valuable insights from his extensive experience in coffee competitions, emphasizing that "you never lose; you always win something." His journey took a profound turn during a trip to Colombia, where he helped save a coffee farmer's livelihood by challenging an incorrect defect evaluation.  

At his own establishment, Roast Warehouse in Athens, Nikos continues to inspire both customers and employees. "I always tell my employees, 'It doesn't matter where you work. If you love this job, you have to always give your 100 percent.'" With an open roastery concept, he invites everyone to witness the art and science behind every cup.

Join us as we explore Nikos's inspiring story—a testament to passion, perseverance, and the impact one individual can have on an entire community. Whether you're a coffee professional or an enthusiast, this episode offers valuable lessons and motivation for your own journey in the world of coffee.

www.notabarista.org [https://www.instagram.com/p/CfBd_gaKegb/?img_index=1]



From Medical Engineering to Greek Barista Champion: Nikos's Journey of Passion and Purpose

In this episode of the I’M NOT A BARISTA podcast, we catch up with Andrew Jay [https://notabarista.org/andrew-jay/], a passionate coffee professional, who shares his inspiring journey from being a barista to becoming a regional coffee trainer. Andrew opens up about the challenges he’s faced, including imposter syndrome, the impact of the pandemic on his business dreams, and the fine line between his professional and personal love for coffee. We discuss the importance of every coffee story, no matter where you are in your journey—don’t let your current stage blind where you want to be.

Join us as we explore Andrew’s story of growth, resilience, and the pursuit of new opportunities in the ever-evolving coffee industry. Plus, hear about his exciting plans for the future and how he’s balancing his love for coffee with a potential career as a writer. Don’t miss this honest and heartfelt conversation that reminds us all why every coffee story matters.

Make sure to follow Andrew on Instagram here [https://www.instagram.com/brewkjay/].

S3E14: From Barista to Barista Trainer: Andrew Jay’s Journey of Growth and Resilience.

Welcome back to another exciting episode of the 'I'M NOT A BARISTA' podcast! Today, we've got something truly special for you. If you're an Instagram coffee enthusiast, chances are you've come across the incredible videos by Haroon from the UAE. His account, @harooncfffee [https://www.instagram.com/har00nzcoffee/], is packed with amazing coffee content, but there's always been one mystery—Haroon has never shown his face or voice online.

Well, that's about to change! Today, we're thrilled to finally bring you an exclusive conversation with the man behind the mesmerizing coffee videos. You might have a picture in your mind of what he sounds like, and trust me, he's either going to match that image perfectly or surprise you entirely with his slightly colorful language and strong accent.

This episode is all about unveiling the mystery and getting to know the real Haroon. If you're curious to learn more about his story, you can read all about it here

https://notabarista.org/haroon-zafar/

So, grab your favorite cup of coffee, sit back, and let's dive into this fascinating chat. Haroon, welcome to the show!

#iamnotabarista #coffee #coffeepodcast #haroonzafar #coffeeblogger #harooncfffee #coffeestory

S3E13: The Voice Behind the @harooncfffee: Haroon from UAE

Hello and a very warm welcome to all our listeners out there! You're tuning into the 'I'M NOT A BARISTA' podcast, and today marks the beginning of our exhilarating 2024 journey together. As we sip our first cups of coffee in this new year, we're thrilled to bring you stories that brew inspiration, stir passion, and pour out the essence of what it truly means to be part of the global coffee community.

Before we dive into today’s episode, I want to extend a heartfelt Happy New Year to each and every one of you. We’ve been away for a bit, focusing all our energy on the MOMENTEM grinder project. Your patience and encouragement have been our steady guide, and now, we're back, more ready than ever to share the incredible voices from the coffee world with you.

In our comeback episode, we're bringing you a conversation that's been brewing since last year. Our guest is none other than Savina Giachgia from Greece, a name that resonates with dedication, skill, and an unwavering love for coffee. From facing unexpected challenges at the World Brewers Cup to embarking on a journey of self-discovery and professional growth, Savina’s story is a testament to the power of community, passion, and hard work in the coffee industry.

Despite our brief hiatus, we believe that some conversations are timeless, and Savina's insights, experiences, and heartfelt advice are as relevant and inspiring as ever. Whether you're a budding barista, a seasoned coffee professional, or simply someone who appreciates a good cup of coffee, this episode is brewed just for you.

So, let's not wait any longer. Please join me in giving a warm, caffeinated welcome to Savina Giachgia. Savina, welcome to 'I'M NOT A BARISTA.



Follow us on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/iamnotabarista/

Follow Savina
https://www.instagram.com/savina.giachgia/


S3E12: A Cup of Savina Giachgia: Stories from the Coffee World"

Humanity runs on coffee.

https://notabarista.org/





Micky Wang (@notabarista) · Zencastr

Micky Wang (@notabarista)

Welcome to "I'M NOT A BARISTA," the podcast that brews conversations with the heartbeat of the coffee industry. 

Dive deep into the world of beans and brews as we chat with coffee aficionados from every corner of the globe. From the bustling streets of the world's coffee capitals to the quiet corners of local coffee shops, we bring you stories, insights, and tips that percolate with passion.

Our episodes are a blend of vibrant narratives. We chat with world champions and unsung heroes alike because we believe in the universal truth – everyone has a story worth hearing. Whether you're looking for the secret behind the perfect cup, curious about the journey of a bean from farm to mug, or itching to hear the challenges and triumphs of running a café, we've got a sip of everything.

You could be a seasoned barista, a homebrewer just starting out, or someone who simply loves a good coffee tale; "I'M NOT A BARISTA" is your cozy nook in the vast world of coffee conversations. And remember, you don’t have to be famous or a coffee virtuoso to join us. Today’s listener could be tomorrow’s guest. Because in this world of aromas and flavors, every voice deserves a moment in the spotlight.

So, pull up a chair, pour yourself a cup, and let's steep in the stories of the coffee world together. Cheers!

www.notabarista.org [http://www.notabarista.org]

I'M NOT A BARISTA: Voices of the Coffee World