Dave [https://www.instagram.com/crosbyandcoffee/] sits down with Cole Torode [https://www.instagram.com/torodeo/?hl=en] to unpack the exciting relaunch of Forward Coffee [www.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



42. Inside Forward 2.0: Cole Torode’s Bold New Coffee Model in Panama

Coffee, Innovation & Entrepreneurship w/ Kirk Pearson ☕In this episode of Buy The Drip, we sit down with Kirk Pearson, founder of Project Zero Coffee [https://projectzero.coffee/?srsltid=AfmBOor-gTJhN1C329_GC4_-aiIAXzm-70JOyw43x-cX-Z50PYWD4JAg], 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 [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdsSJxMHQ2PZ6jpn9MgnKcmo8zRnsPTE5] podcast and breaks some news about its future.🔥 Hit play and tune in now!📍 Watch now & subscribe!#BuyTheDrip #CoffeeIndustry #SpecialtyCoffee #Entrepreneurship #CoffeeInnovation #ProjectZeroCoffee #CoffeeCulture

41. From Milkman to Entrepreneur: Kirk Pearson’s Journey with Project Zero Coffee

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, [https://www.instagram.com/brewedbyjay] founder ofUFO Drippers [https://ufodripper.com/], 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!



40. Spotted! Unidentified Flying Object ☕ #AllFilter with Jay Kim

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


39. Dave’s Bold Coffee Predictions for 2025 – Number 8 Will Make You Smile!

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!


38. Cole’s Coffee Predictions for 2025 – You Won’t Believe Number 4!

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.

37. Reflections on Coffee 2024: Record Prices, World Champions, and Big Industry Shifts

Listen to Paul Ross, founder of Special Guests Coffee [https://specialguestscoffee.com/] in London, as he shares how he’s transforming competition-level coffees into something everyone can experience—all while staying grounded in hospitality and community. Paul takes us through: -His journey from university student to café owner. -The art and logistics of managing a menu with 16 unique coffees. -The philosophy behind building a café that celebrates both baristas and customers. -Coaching world-class coffee competitors and why it matters to the industry. -Balancing the demands of entrepreneurship, travel, and life.

Paul’s approach to coffee is refreshing and authentic, blending big ideas with a commitment to human connection. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and join us as we continue exploring the people and ideas shaping the coffee industry. 📍 Follow Paul Ross and Special Guests Coffee: Instagram: Special Guests Coffee [https://www.instagram.com/specialguestscoffee] Instagram: Paul Ross [Paul Ross (@paul_ross_) Instagram https://www.instagram.com › paul_ross_] #BuyTheDrip #SpecialtyCoffee #CoffeePodcast #CoffeeCulture #InspiringStories #Hospitality

36. Behind the Bar with Paul Ross: Running a Cafe, Embracing Hospitality, and Coaching Champions

In this milestone episode of Buy the Drip, we’re celebrating reaching 5,000 YouTube subscribers [https://www.youtube.com/@BuyTheDrip.Coffee]! Join us as we dive into an engaging Q&A session, where we answer questions from our amazing audience.

We discuss everything from our journey as brothers and the story behind the podcast name, to our personal coffee preferences and future plans for Rosso Coffee Roasters [www.rossocoffeeroasters.com].



Along the way, we share light-hearted moments with fun "would you rather" questions and reflect on our favorite travel experiences.



This episode also delves deep into the coffee industry, touching on topics like authenticity in product labeling, the evolution of coffee competitions, and the importance of transparency in coffee sourcing.

We explore how automation is shaping the coffee trade, the role of coaching for baristas, and the need for community support to drive the industry forward.



We want to take a moment to thank all of you for being part of this journey and helping us build Buy the Drip into what it is today.

Your support, engagement, and passion for coffee fuel us to keep growing and creating meaningful content.

35. Celebrating 5,000 Subscribers Q&A about Coffee, Community, and the Future of the Industry

In Episode 34 of Buy The Drip, we’re joined by Tim Williams [https://www.instagram.com/timstyles], Director of the World AeroPress Championship [https://worldaeropresschampionship.com/] and founder of Fieldwork Coffee [https://fieldworkcoffee.com.au/] in Melbourne, Australia.



From his humble beginnings in coffee at a bratwurst stall in Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market to managing iconic specialty coffee spaces like Penny University [https://sprudge.com/londons-penny-university-to-close-july-30th-3562.html] and Intelligentsia Venice [https://cafehound.com/2009/07/23/cafe-hounding-intelligentsia-coffee-venice/], Tim shares a fascinating journey through the coffee industry.



We explore:

 * Tim’s early days in Melbourne’s coffee culture and his transition to the UK specialty coffee scene.
 * The rise of the World AeroPress Championship—from a grassroots event in Oslo to a global coffee competition featuring 5,500 competitors across 64 countries.
 * How the AeroPress format stays accessible, fun, and focused purely on coffee quality.
 * The creative side of the competition, including the iconic poster designs and themed events.
 * Fieldwork Coffee’s philosophy of focusing exclusively on washed coffees and staying true to their unique vision amidst a sea of trends.



Tim also shares insights into his creative partnership with Grant Gamble, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantgambleculture/] the challenges of balancing operational efficiency with creativity, and what’s next for both the World AeroPress Championship and Fieldwork Coffee.



34. The World AeroPress Championship: Inside the Global Coffee Phenomenon with Tim Williams

We start by diving into the release of our new documentary, The Flower Story [https://youtu.be/97u_zPjFmYQ?si=3IUY4Ir8PIA8F5dp], which chronicles Miki’s [https://www.instagram.com/mikaeljasin] journey and highlights the incredible baristas we had the honor of coaching. Miki reflects on the emotional moments the documentary brought back and what it means to share his story with the world.

In this episode, Miki unpacks the deeper messages behind his award-winning presentation, revealing how mindfulness and directive affirmations have been critical to his success. He opens up about the challenges of competition, the importance of teamwork, and the transformative lessons he learned about vulnerability and embracing support from others.

Gain a rare glimpse into the mindset of a champion as Miki shares his practices for staying grounded, overcoming self-doubt, and maintaining balance amid a hectic schedule.

From managing whirlwind travel to savoring life’s simple pleasures—like stopping to enjoy a sunset—Miki’s story is an inspiring reminder of the power of presence.

#WorldBaristaChampion #TheFlowerStory #CoffeeCommunity #BuyTheDrip #CoffeePodcast


33. The Flower Story with 2024 World Barista Champion Mikael Jasin

David started Rosso Coffee Roasters over 10 years ago. His 'bootstrap' business
technique got the company to where it is today. Who gave him a microphone? We're
not exactly sure... but through this podcast, he'll uncover the awesome stories
of fellow entrepreneurs and business-minded friends. From green coffee to magic
mushrooms and more—it's time to discover your new favourite podcast, Buy the
Drip!

Buy the Drip: Coffee & Business with David Crosby