EP 903 Susie Spindler - The Role of Buyers with CoE - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 3rd episode of a 5-part podcast series with Susie Spindler on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, hosted by Lee Safar.

Susie is the co-founder of Cup of Excellence (CoE) and the founder of Alliance for Coffee Excellence (ACE).

The focus of this podcast series is the impact that CoE has had on the coffee industry since its establishment.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Susie discuss the significant impact CoE has had on the coffee industry, particularly for coffee roasters.

They discuss how rewarding farmers for high-quality coffee leads to a better consumer experience and loyal customers.

The episode also highlights the importance of roasters telling the story behind the coffee, fostering genuine connections within the supply chain, and the role of CoE in advancing specialty coffee and bringing people together.

Tune in for an insightful conversation about how CoE has shaped the coffee landscape over the decades.

Lee Safar11 November 2025Lee Safar, Map It Forward, Map It Forward Middle EastComment

EP 902 Susie Spindler - Cup of Excellence's Impact at Origin - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 2nd episode of a 5-part podcast series with Susie Spindler on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, hosted by Lee Safar.

Susie is the co-founder of Cup of Excellence (CoE) and the founder of Alliance for Coffee Excellence (ACE).

The focus of this podcast series is the impact that CoE has had on the coffee industry since its establishment.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee talks with Susie about the significant impact the Cup of Excellence has had on coffee farmers at origin.

They discuss the transition from blended coffees to recognizing high-quality individual lots, how CoE competitions lead to increased premiums and long-term relationships between farmers and roasters, and the indirect benefits that have revolutionized local coffee industries.

They also touch on CoE's rigorous, blind-judged process and the inner workings of national and international juries.

Learn more about how innovative practices in farming are rewarded and how CoE has contributed to substantial economic development in coffee-producing regions.

Lee Safar10 November 2025Lee Safar, Map It Forward, Map It Forward Middle EastComment

EP 901 Susie Spindler - Forming Cup of Excellence - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the first episode of a 5-part podcast series with Susie Spindler on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, hosted by Lee Safar.

Susie is the co-founder of Cup of Excellence (CoE) and the founder of Alliance for Coffee Excellence (ACE).

The focus of this podcast series is the impact that CoE has had on the coffee industry since its establishment.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Susie discuss the CoE program's inception and its transformative impact on the specialty coffee industry.

Susie shares fascinating insights into the early days of CoE, including the initial competitions, challenges overcome, and how the platform helped discover unknown high-quality coffees.

The conversation also delves into how CoE fostered transparency and direct trade between coffee farmers and global roasters, offering unprecedented recognition and premiums to small-scale farmers.

Lee Safar9 November 2025Lee Safar, Map It Forward, Map It Forward Middle EastComment

EP 900 Nora Burkey - The Future of Coffee and Development - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 5th of a five-part series featuring Nora Burkey, Executive Director of the US-based Nonprofit, The Chain Collaborative, on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, hosted by Map It Forward Founder Lee Safar.

Throughout this series, Lee and Nora attempt to answer the question, "Will the Development Sector in Coffee Survive?" and explore all the layers that come with it.

This series first aired on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Nora discuss the complex issues surrounding the coffee development sector, including the impact of reducing development funds and the potential future of the coffee industry.

They touch on topics like migration, economic disparity, and the challenges and hopes of running a nonprofit organization in the current volatile climate.

Additionally, the episode introduces an upcoming mastermind group for aspiring coffee business owners.

Tune in for an insightful conversation about the future of coffee and its interconnected sectors.

EP 899 Nora Burkey - Myths and Realities of Coffee Development Sector - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 4th of a five-part series featuring Nora Burkey, Executive Director of the US-based Nonprofit, The Chain Collaborative, on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, hosted by Map It Forward Founder Lee Safar.

Throughout this series, Lee and Nora attempt to answer the question, "Will the Development Sector in Coffee Survive?" and explore all the layers that come with it.

This series first aired on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Nora discuss the misconceptions surrounding the development sector within the coffee industry.

The discussion addresses issues such as corruption in nonprofits, the real impact of corporate social responsibility, and the need for fair compensation for coffee farmers.

They also explore the limited understanding businesses have about the actual contributions and roles of nonprofits and the essential need to invest in agriculture broadly.

The episode provides an in-depth look at the challenges facing the sector and calls for a more nuanced approach to development work.

EP 898 Nora Burkey - How Money Flows in the Coffee Development Sector - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 3rd of a five-part series featuring Nora Burkey, Executive Director of the US-based Nonprofit, The Chain Collaborative, on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, hosted by Map It Forward Founder Lee Safar.

Throughout this series, Lee and Nora attempt to answer the question, "Will the Development Sector in Coffee Survive?" and explore all the layers that come with it.

This series first aired on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Nora delve into the intricate dynamics of the development sector within the coffee industry.

They discuss the significant impact of USAID funding cuts, the disparities in compensation between the nonprofit and corporate sectors, and how these challenges affect coffee farmers.

The conversation also explores the broader implications of global trade, capitalism, and the resilience of farmers.

Stay tuned for valuable insights on whether the development sector can survive in the volatile coffee industry of 2025.

EP 897 Nora Burkey - Do We Need Development Work In Coffee? - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 2nd of a five-part series featuring Nora Burkey, Executive Director of the US-based Nonprofit, The Chain Collaborative, on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, hosted by Map It Forward Founder Lee Safar.

Throughout this series, Lee and Nora attempt to answer the question, "Will the Development Sector in Coffee Survive?" and explore all the layers that come with it.

This series first aired on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Nora explore the concept of 'poverty smoothing' activities carried out by nonprofits and discuss whether these efforts are changing the capitalist structures impacting coffee communities.

The conversation touches upon the efficacy of the development sector, the challenges of capitalism in the coffee industry, and how to evaluate the performance and trustworthiness of nonprofits.

Join us for an enlightening discussion on the sustainability and future of the coffee industry.

EP 896 Nora Burkey - The Evolution of Development in Coffee - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the first of a five-part series featuring Nora Burkey, Executive Director of the US-based Nonprofit, The Chain Collaborative, on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, hosted by Map It Forward Founder Lee Safar.

Throughout this series, Lee and Nora attempt to answer the question, "Will the Development Sector in Coffee Survive?" and explore all the layers that come with it.

This series first aired on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Nora explore the historical context and evolution of non-profits, certifications, and the role of government and corporate control in shaping the industry.

The conversation dives deep into whether the coffee sector's current structure necessitates the involvement of non-profits and NGOs and scrutinizes their impact on coffee producers and communities.

Tune in for an insightful discussion about the complexities and challenges facing the global coffee sector.

EP 895 Brendan Adams - Is the future of coffee guaranteed? - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 5th of a five-part series featuring Brendan Adams, Founder of the Canada-based green trading company Semilla Coffee, on The Map It Forward Middle East Podcast.

In this series, which first aired on the global podcast, host Lee Safar and Brendan explore whether the idea to "make coffee better" is a realistic endeavour in today's coffee industry.

In the final episode of this thought-provoking series, Lee and Brendan discuss the impact of pricing crises, tariffs, and climate change on small coffee producers and roasters.

The conversation highlights the urgent need for structural change, collective action, and innovative approaches to ensure the sustainability and growth of the coffee industry.

Tune in for an eye-opening discussion that could reshape your perspective on the coffee supply chain.

EP 894 Brendan Adams - The Truth About Origin - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 4th of a five-part series featuring Brendan Adams, Founder of the Canada-based green trading company Semilla Coffee, on The Map It Forward Middle East Podcast.

In this series, which first aired on the global podcast, host Lee Safar and Brendan explore whether the idea to "make coffee better" is a realistic endeavour in today's coffee industry.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Brendan discuss the complexities and diverse realities of coffee trade and origin.

They delve into the misconceptions about Colombian coffee, the importance of visiting coffee origins, and understanding the true experiences of coffee producers.

Adams shares insights on how conventional markets and specialty coffee markets operate differently, and the significant impact of local economies and traditional practices on coffee trade.

Don't miss out on this eye-opening conversation about the truths behind your cup of coffee.

EP 893 Brendan Adams - The Questions We Should Be Asking In Coffee - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 3rd of a five-part series featuring Brendan Adams, Founder of the Canada-based green trading company Semilla Coffee, on The Map It Forward Middle East Podcast.

In this series, which first aired on the global podcast, host Lee Safar and Brendan explore whether the idea to "make coffee better" is a realistic endeavour in today's coffee industry.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Brendan discuss the struggles faced by coffee producers, the broken promises within the specialty coffee industry, and the financial and emotional burdens on both producers and roasters.

The conversation emphasizes the need for true relationships, responsible business practices, and a shift away from focusing solely on quality towards understanding the real issues at origin.

If you're a coffee producer, roaster, or cafe owner looking to adapt and thrive, don't miss this episode.

EP 892 Brendan Adams - The Discussion Around Quality Coffee - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 2nd of a five-part series featuring Brendan Adams, Founder of the Canada-based green trading company Semilla Coffee, on The Map It Forward Middle East Podcast.

In this series, which first aired on the global podcast, host Lee Safar and Brendan explore whether the idea to "make coffee better" is a realistic endeavour in today's coffee industry.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Brendan explore the complexities of coffee quality and sourcing.

They delve into the murky realities of how wealth and products in the coffee industry have been misappropriated and the often hidden dynamics of the supply chain.

Brendan shares anecdotes and insights from his experiences, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of quality beyond just taste and price.

This conversation also sets the stage for the next episode, where they discuss critical questions we should be asking about the supply chain.

Join us as we unpack the real challenges and opportunities in the world of specialty coffee.

EP 891 Brendan Adams - Specialty Coffee, Then and Now - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the first of a five-part series featuring Brendan Adams, Founder of the Canada-based green trading company Semilla Coffee, on The Map It Forward Middle East Podcast.

In this series, which first aired on the global podcast, host Lee Safar and Brendan explore whether the idea to "make coffee better" is a realistic endeavour in today's coffee industry.

In this episode of the podcast, Lee and Brendan discuss the evolution and current state of specialty coffee.

They explore how consumers' interests are shifting towards supporting producers in meaningful ways, and how the industry has evolved from focusing solely on coffee quality to embracing principles of sustainability and justice.

The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities in the specialty coffee supply chain, the importance of community-wide commitment, and the growing influence of financial interests.

Tune in to gain valuable insights and join the discussion on the future of the coffee industry.

EP 890 Michael Sheridan - The Long-Term Focus for CQI - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 4th of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Michael Sheridan from the CQI. Michael has joined us on the podcast to discuss the changes recently announced at SCA Expo in Houston regarding the licensing agreement of the Q grader program to the SCA and what it means moving forward.

This series originally aired on the Map It Forward global podcast in June and we felt it relevant to air it on the Middle East Podcast now as the as the Q-Grader program is sunset.

You can now listen to this podcast overdubbed in most languages on our YouTube channel https://YouTube.com/mapitforward by selecting the audio options in the bottom right-hand corner of the video.

In the final episode of this intensive series, Lee and Michael discuss the significant changes and future direction of CQI, amidst the various crises set to impact the coffee industry by 2025.

Michael provides insights into how CQI plans to navigate these challenges and maintain trust within the community.

This episode unpacks the critical role of quality in the coffee trade and what CQI is doing to uphold its mission despite the hurdles.

Don't miss this closing chapter filled with vital industry insights.

EP 889 Michael Sheridan - What's Next For The CQI - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 4th of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Michael Sheridan from the CQI. Michael has joined us on the podcast to discuss the changes recently announced at SCA Expo in Houston regarding the licensing agreement of the Q grader program to the SCA and what it means moving forward.

This series originally aired on the Map It Forward global podcast in June and we felt it relevant to air it on the Middle East Podcast now as the as the Q-Grader program is sunset.

You can now listen to this podcast overdubbed in most languages on our YouTube channel https://YouTube.com/mapitforward by selecting the audio options in the bottom right-hand corner of the video.

In this episode of the Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, host Lee Safar converses with Michael Sheridan about CQI's critical transition, immediate next steps after recent decisions, will the industry find a path back to trusting the CQI, and the broader impact on the coffee industry.

Sheridan details the four key processes involved in the transition phase, including the fast-track path for Q graders to the new Q system, the PHP program's curriculum review, and efforts to rebuild trust within the community.

They discuss organizational sentiments and the implications of the CQI-SCA relationship, while also touching on perceptions of the recent changes and the future roadmap.

EP 888 Michael Sheridan - The Reaction to the Changes to the Q - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 3rd of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Michael Sheridan from the CQI. Michael has joined us on the podcast to discuss the changes recently announced at SCA Expo in Houston regarding the licensing agreement of the Q grader program to the SCA and what it means moving forward.

This series originally aired on the Map It Forward global podcast in June and we felt it relevant to air it on the Middle East Podcast now as the as the Q-Grader program is sunset.

You can now listen to this podcast overdubbed in most languages on our YouTube channel https://YouTube.com/mapitforward by selecting the audio options in the bottom right-hand corner of the video.

In this episode of the Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee engages in a heated and detailed discussion with Michael Sheridan from the CQI.

They delve into the reasons and aftermath of the recent changes in CQI's licensing agreement with the SCA.

Michael clarifies the decision-making process, the lack of community consultation, and the subsequent reaction from the Q grading community.

This candid conversation aims to address the feelings of betrayal and distrust while providing insights into the future steps for the CQI.

Join us as we explore the complexities and challenges faced by the organization in this pivotal moment.

EP 887 Michael Sheridan - The Agreement Between the SCA and the CQI - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 2nd of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Michael Sheridan from the CQI. Michael has joined us on the podcast to discuss the changes recently announced at SCA Expo in Houston regarding the licensing agreement of the Q grader program to the SCA and what it means moving forward.

This series originally aired on the Map It Forward global podcast in June and we felt it relevant to air it on the Middle East Podcast now as the as the Q-Grader program is sunset.

You can now listen to this podcast overdubbed in most languages on our YouTube channel https://YouTube.com/mapitforward by selecting the audio options in the bottom right-hand corner of the video.

In this in-depth episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and Michael from the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) discuss the significant changes at CQI, focusing on its mission to serve coffee producers and the implications of the recent agreement with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).

They explore the historical context, the challenges faced by CQI, the financial considerations, and the details of the new licensing and grant agreements that shape the future of coffee quality standards.

Michael provides insights into the roles of both organizations, the importance of development projects, and the potential impact on the coffee industry at large.

EP 886 Michael Sheridan - The History and Mission of the CQI - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the first of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Michael Sheridan from the CQI. Michael has joined us on the podcast to discuss the changes recently announced at SCA Expo in Houston regarding the licensing agreement of the Q grader program to the SCA and what it means moving forward.

This series originally aired on the Map It Forward global podcast in June and we felt it relevant to air it on the Middle East Podcast now as the as the Q-Grader program is sunset.

You can now listen to this podcast overdubbed in most languages on our YouTube channel https://YouTube.com/mapitforward by selecting the audio options in the bottom right-hand corner of the video.

Welcome to the first episode of The Daily Coffee Pro's new series featuring Michael Sheridan from the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI).

Lee and Michael engage in a profound discussion about the challenges faced over the last few months, the importance of hard conversations, and the impact of CQI's work on the coffee industry.

They delve into Michael's 20-year journey in coffee, his passion for development work, and the significance of CQI's mission: to improve both the quality of coffee and the lives of coffee producers.

The episode sets the stage for understanding the complexities of coffee quality, the role of the Q program, and the transformative effects of post-harvest processing innovations.

EP 885 Ian Fretheim - Q Graders, Cuppers, and Technology - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 5th of a five-part series featuring Ian Fretheim, Director of Sensory Analysis at US-based coffee importer, Cafe Imports, on The Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, hosted by Map It Forward Founder Lee Safar.

This series originally aired on the global podcast and is a companion series to our discussion with Reza Kosar on this Middle East Podcast that aired last month. Both series follow the same discussion flow.

In this final episode of the series, Lee and Ian take a deep dive into the nuanced world of sensory science and specialty coffee.

This episode explores how science and technology influence coffee tasting, the role of human experience in sensory analysis, and the ethical implications in the coffee industry.

Lee shares her own background in sensory science and critiques the commercialization of sensory expert training.

The conversation also touches on the evolution of sensory machines and the importance of 'by humans, for humans' in maintaining the essence of specialty coffee.

Plus, insights on technology's limitations and potential in preserving human-centered coffee experiences. Don't miss this thoughtful conclusion to an engaging series!

EP 884 Ian Fretheim - The CVA Won't Fix Anything In Coffee - Map It Forward Middle East Podcast Lee Safar

This is the 4th of a five-part series featuring Ian Fretheim, Director of Sensory Analysis at US-based coffee importer, Cafe Imports, on The Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, hosted by Map It Forward Founder Lee Safar.

This series originally aired on the global podcast and is a companion series to our discussion with Reza Kosar on this Middle East Podcast that aired last month. Both series follow the same discussion flow.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Ian discuss the concept of quality in the coffee industry, emphasizing the challenges with defining 'distinctive attributes' and the limitations of the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA) in resolving transparency issues.

Ian criticizes the CVA for potentially increasing opacity rather than clarity and argues that it fails to address fundamental issues around quality and cupping forms.

Tune in to understand why the industry might not benefit from the CVA and how true transparency can be achieved.

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