EP 1481 Susie Spindler - Forming Cup of Excellence - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with 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.

The Daily Coffee ProLee Safar10 November 2025the daily coffee pro, Lee Safar, Arkena Coffee MarketComment

EP 1480 George Howell and Tim Wendelboe - The Future of Coffee, Roasteries, and Cafes - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 5th episode of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with host Lee Safar and series guests, George Howell and Tim Wendelboe.

George Howell is a 50-year legend in the coffee industry and the founder of George Howell Coffee and Coffee Connection. George is based in Boston, USA.

Tim Wendelboe is a 20+ year industry legend, coffee farmer, world barista champion, and founder of Tim Wendelboe Coffee. Tim is based in Oslo, Norway.

In this series, Lee, George, and Tim explore a number of subjects, including the WBC, understanding the impact of the climate crisis on the coffee value chain, the coffee crisis, and whether Chemex makes the best coffee.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee wraps up a captivating series with Marianella as they delve into the challenges of coffee market volatility from the perspective of small holder producers, the impact of middlemen and low-priced future contracts, and the struggles and hopes of co-ops and farmers seeking just relationships through direct trade.

The discussion highlights the emergence of new direct trade models, geopolitical shifts in coffee trading, and the vital connections between small farmers and roasters.

Marianella also shares the inspiring success of the Coffee Camp and encourages collaboration for a thriving coffee community.

Learn more about sustainable, ethical coffee practices and how you can support these efforts.

EP 1479 George Howell and Tim Wendelboe - Causes of Instability in Coffee Today - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 4th episode of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with host Lee Safar and series guests, George Howell and Tim Wendelboe.

George Howell is a 50-year legend in the coffee industry and the founder of George Howell Coffee and Coffee Connection. George is based in Boston, USA.

Tim Wendelboe is a 20+ year industry legend, coffee farmer, world barista champion, and founder of Tim Wendelboe Coffee. Tim is based in Oslo, Norway.

In this series, Lee, George, and Tim explore a number of subjects, including the WBC, understanding the impact of the climate crisis on the coffee value chain, the coffee crisis, and whether Chemex makes the best coffee.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee, George, and Tim discuss the various forces impacting the coffee value chain beyond climate change.

They explore trends such as the shift from agricultural to manufactured coffee products, the importance of black coffee, and labeling strategies.

The conversation delves into the complexities of the coffee crisis, defining quality in coffee, and the challenges faced by new coffee businesses in today’s market.

They also touch upon the roles of flavored coffees, the concept of specialty coffee, and the influence of market forces like inflation and the rise of matcha in cafes.

EP 1478 George Howell and Tim Wendelboe - Coffee Communities and the Climate Crisis - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 3rd episode of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with host Lee Safar and series guests, George Howell and Tim Wendelboe.

George Howell is a 50-year legend in the coffee industry and the founder of George Howell Coffee and Coffee Connection. George is based in Boston, USA.

Tim Wendelboe is a 20+ year industry legend, coffee farmer, world barista champion, and founder of Tim Wendelboe Coffee. Tim is based in Oslo, Norway.

In this series, Lee, George, and Tim explore a number of subjects, including the WBC, understanding the impact of the climate crisis on the coffee value chain, the coffee crisis, and whether Chemex makes the best coffee.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee, George, and Tim to discuss how climate change is affecting coffee farming communities.

They delve into challenges such as labor shortages, the impact on coffee quality, and the need for sustainable and resilient farming practices.

The conversation highlights specific experiences from Kenya, Guatemala, and Colombia, emphasizing the importance of community-driven approaches to farming sustainability.

Additionally, they discuss the evolving landscape of the global coffee industry and what the future holds.

Join us for a detailed insight into these pressing issues.

EP 1477 George Howell and Tim Wendelboe - Impact of Climate on Coffee Harvests - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 2nd episode of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with host Lee Safar and series guests, George Howell and Tim Wendelboe.

George Howell is a 50-year legend in the coffee industry and the founder of George Howell Coffee and Coffee Connection. George is based in Boston, USA.

Tim Wendelboe is a 20+ year industry legend, coffee farmer, world barista champion, and founder of Tim Wendelboe Coffee. Tim is based in Oslo, Norway.

In this episode of the podcast series, we continue the insightful discussion with George and Tim about the profound impact of the climate crisis on coffee value chains.

Tim shares firsthand experiences of the adverse effects on coffee harvests, ranging from disease pressure to unpredictable weather patterns.

George and Lee highlight the urgency for innovative solutions, including regenerative farming and the potential role of technology.

Additionally, the episode delves into the future of coffee farming and the crucial need for adaptation to ensure sustainability.

Tune in to explore how the coffee industry can navigate these pressing challenges leading up to 2026 and beyond.

EP 1476 George Howell and Tim Wendelboe - The WBC, The Climate Crisis, and Coffee - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the first episode of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with host Lee Safar and series guests, George Howell and Tim Wendelboe.

George Howell is a 50-year legend in the coffee industry and the founder of George Howell Coffee and Coffee Connection. George is based in Boston, USA.

Tim Wendelboe is a 20+ year industry legend, coffee farmer, world barista champion, and founder of Tim Wendelboe Coffee. Tim is based in Oslo, Norway.

In this series, Lee, George, and Tim explore a number of subjects, including the WBC, understanding the impact of the climate crisis on the coffee value chain, the coffee crisis, and whether Chemex makes the best coffee.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee, George, and Tim delve into the critical issue of climate change and its impact on the coffee industry.

The discussion spans from historical farming practices to current challenges at the origin, and the evolving role of barista competitions.

The conversation emphasizes the urgency for sustainable farming methods and the need for strategic industry shifts to counteract the adverse effects of climate change.

Tune in for a comprehensive exploration of how climate variability is reshaping coffee cultivation and the broader value chain.

EP 1475 Marianella Baez Jost - Mitigating Risk with Direct Trade Coffee - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 5th episode of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with host Lee Safar and series guest, Marianella Baez Jost.

Marianella is a coffee farmer (Cafe con Amor) based in Costa Rica and the co-founder of direct coffee trade project, The Farmers Project.

This series is focused on coffee market volatility from the perspective of a smallholder coffee farmer in Costa Rica.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee wraps up a captivating series with Marianella as they delve into the challenges of coffee market volatility from the perspective of small holder producers, the impact of middlemen and low-priced future contracts, and the struggles and hopes of co-ops and farmers seeking just relationships through direct trade.

The discussion highlights the emergence of new direct trade models, geopolitical shifts in coffee trading, and the vital connections between small farmers and roasters.

Marianella also shares the inspiring success of the Coffee Camp and encourages collaboration for a thriving coffee community.

Learn more about sustainable, ethical coffee practices and how you can support these efforts.

EP 1474 Marianella Baez Jost - Barriers to Direct Trade - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 4th episode of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with host Lee Safar and series guest, Marianella Baez Jost.

Marianella is a coffee farmer (Cafe con Amor) based in Costa Rica and the co-founder of direct coffee trade project, The Farmers Project.

This series is focused on coffee market volatility from the perspective of a smallholder coffee farmer in Costa Rica.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Marianella discuss the complex topic of coffee market volatility and dive into what truly defines direct trade, explore the challenges and benefits of developing direct relationships in the coffee industry, and analyze the emerging access issues as we move towards 2026.

Join the conversation to better understand the future of the coffee industry and the importance of building strong, responsible business relationships.

EP 1473 Marianella Baez Jost - Not a Short Term Coffee Crisis - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 3rd episode of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with host Lee Safar and series guest, Marianella Baez Jost.

Marianella is a coffee farmer (Cafe con Amor) based in Costa Rica and the co-founder of direct coffee trade project, The Farmers Project.

This series is focused on coffee market volatility from the perspective of a smallholder coffee farmer in Costa Rica.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Marianella discuss coffee market volatility and delve into the challenges faced by smallholder farmers, the importance of forecasting and long-term planning, the impact of tariffs, and the evolving roles within the coffee supply chain.

The conversation highlights the imperative of proactive communication and diversification for sustained success in the coffee industry.

EP 1472 Marianella Baez Jost - Coffee Farmers Are Adapting to the Coffee Crisis - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 2nd episode of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with host Lee Safar and series guest, Marianella Baez Jost.

Marianella is a coffee farmer (Cafe con Amor) based in Costa Rica and the co-founder of direct coffee trade project, The Farmers Project.

This series is focused on coffee market volatility from the perspective of a smallholder coffee farmer in Costa Rica.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Marianella talk about the volatility in the coffee market from the perspective of smallholder farmers.

They discuss how market demands influence farming practices, the impact of climate change and labor issues, and the importance of adapting to consumer trends.

They also highlight the significance of direct trade relationships and the upcoming challenges and opportunities for the coffee industry as it approaches a defining year in 2026.

EP 1471 Marianella Baez Jost - Coffee Farming In Costa Rica in 2025 - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the first episode of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with host Lee Safar and series guest, Marianella Baez Jost.

Marianella is a coffee farmer (Cafe con Amor) based in Costa Rica and the co-founder of direct coffee trade project, The Farmers Project.

This series is focused on coffee market volatility from the perspective of a smallholder coffee farmer in Costa Rica.

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Marianella discuss the unique challenges and opportunities in the coffee market in 2025, including the shift to a seller's market, price volatility, and the impact of tariffs on direct trade.

Marianella shares her journey into coffee farming, the disparities in income between different roles in the coffee supply chain, and her optimistic yet realist view on the future.

Tune in to gain invaluable insights and learn how you can support sustainable coffee farming.

EP 1470 Matthew Thornton - The Goals Of Direct Trade Coffee - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

Welcome to the 5th episode in a five-part podcast series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with host Lee Safar.

Our guest on the podcast in this series is Arkena Coffee Market Founder, Matthew Thornton. Matthew has been based in Ethiopia for 13 years and has a rich history in the coffee supply chain in Ethiopia.

The focus of this series is "Responsible Direct Trade Coffee Relationships".

In this final episode of this podcast series, Lee and Matthew explore the evolving landscape of the coffee industry, discussing the importance of responsible direct trade relationships and the role of blockchain technology in achieving transparency and fair compensation for farmers.

Matthew shares insights on the challenges and opportunities within the coffee supply chain amidst a global coffee crisis.

Don't miss Matthew's return in a few months to discuss the latest harvest updates from Ethiopia. If you're interested in ethical coffee trade and innovative supply chain solutions, this episode is a must-watch.

EP 1469 Matthew Thornton - Technology and Direct Trade Coffee - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

Welcome to the 4th episode in a five-part podcast series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with host Lee Safar.

Our guest on the podcast in this series is Arkena Coffee Market Founder, Matthew Thornton. Matthew has been based in Ethiopia for 13 years and has a rich history in the coffee supply chain in Ethiopia.

The focus of this series is "Responsible Direct Trade Coffee Relationships".

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Matthew explore the transformative role of technology in the coffee industry, covering topics such as NFTs, AI, blockchain, and various types of tech like farm tech, FinTech, usability tech, and social tech.

The conversation highlights how these technologies are enhancing efficiencies, promoting transparency, and reshaping direct trade coffee relationships.

The episode also discusses crucial issues like data integrity, the risks and benefits of crypto payments, and the potential of AI to revolutionize the certification process.

Follow along as they envision a future where technology empowers both farmers and buyers for a more equitable industry.

EP 1468 Matthew Thornton - Managing Risk In Direct Trade Coffee - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

Welcome to the 3rd episode in a five-part podcast series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with host Lee Safar.

Our guest on the podcast in this series is Arkena Coffee Market Founder, Matthew Thornton. Matthew has been based in Ethiopia for 13 years and has a rich history in the coffee supply chain in Ethiopia.

The focus of this series is "Responsible Direct Trade Coffee Relationships".

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Matthew discuss the intricacies of risk distribution in the coffee industry.

The discussion highlights the differences between traditional commercial supply chains and direct trade, emphasizing the importance of transparency and communication.

They explore the various risks faced by coffee farmers and buyers, and propose that responsible direct trade, when managed effectively, can mitigate these risks and build stronger industry relationships.

Lee also shares practical advice for coffee business owners on aligning their investments in marketing with their supply chain strategies.

Tune in to gain valuable insights on how to navigate and thrive in the ever-evolving coffee market.

EP 1467 Matthew Thornton - Benefits of Direct Trade Coffee Relationships - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

Welcome to the 2nd episode in a five-part podcast series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with host Lee Safar.

Our guest on the podcast in this series is Arkena Coffee Market Founder, Matthew Thornton. Matthew has been based in Ethiopia for 13 years and has a rich history in the coffee supply chain in Ethiopia.

The focus of this series is "Responsible Direct Trade Coffee Relationships".

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Matthew discuss responsible direct trade coffee relationships.

Matthew, based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, explains how farmers selling direct have seen a significant increase in net profits and the positive impact on rural communities.

The conversation also covers the challenges of achieving these benefits, including market access, logistics, and finance, and how Arkena aims to address these hurdles.

This episode focuses on responsible direct trade, with insights into the intricacies of making these relationships work and the broader economic impacts.

EP 1466 Matthew Thornton - Responsible Direct Trade Coffee - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

Welcome to the first episode in a five-part podcast series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with host Lee Safar.

Our guest on the podcast in this series is Arkena Coffee Market Founder, Matthew Thornton. Matthew has been based in Ethiopia for 13 years and has a rich history in the coffee supply chain in Ethiopia.

The focus of this series is "Responsible Direct Trade Coffee Relationships".

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Matthew highlight the significance of relationships in direct trade coffee and contrasts it with traditional commercial trade.

Matthew shares his journey from ecology to coffee, his Peace Corps experience in Ethiopia, and the inception of Arkena Coffee Market.

The episode touches on the roles of exporters and importers, the importance of transparency, and the diverse definitions of direct trade.

Tune in to explore the benefits and challenges of direct trade coffee, along with exciting new collaborations on the podcast.

EP 1465 Purity Wangare, Sai On, & Ran Gurung - Paving a Career Path in Coffee - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 5th of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, with Purity Wangare (Customer Experience Manager), Sai On (Visual Storyteller), and Ran Gurung (Roaster) from RAW Coffee Company in Dubai, UAE.

In this series, which first aired on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, Purity, Ran, and On, together with Map It Forward Founder and podcast host Lee Safar, explore how a coffee career in the Middle East changed the lives of these coffee professionals and what that journey was like for them.

The episode emphasizes the importance of not just chasing any job but finding a place where you can grow and be nurtured.

The guests share their personal journeys and offer advice for young baristas and coffee professionals.

They also touch on the value of people skills and the significance of being part of a supportive team.

The episode wraps up with a reflection on what they hope their future selves will gain from listening to this conversation. Don't miss the insights and practical advice shared in this heartfelt finale.

EP 1464 Purity Wangare, Sai On, & Ran Gurung - The Complex World of Coffee Competitions - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 4th of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, with Purity Wangare (Customer Experience Manager), Sai On (Visual Storyteller), and Ran Gurung (Roaster) from RAW Coffee Company in Dubai, UAE.

In this series, which first aired on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, Purity, Ran, and On, together with Map It Forward Founder and podcast host Lee Safar, explore how a coffee career in the Middle East changed the lives of these coffee professionals and what that journey was like for them.

In this episode of the podcast, we dive into the complexities and impacts of coffee competitions with Purity, On, and Ran, and discuss the personal and financial challenges involved, the emotional toll on competitors, and the quest for validation.

The discussion also highlights the lack of fairness in international competitions, especially for those from regions with visa restrictions.

Join us as we explore whether these competitions are worth the effort and how they influence careers in the coffee industry.

EP 1463 Purity Wangare, Sai On, & Ran Gurung - A Multicultural Coffee Community - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 3rd of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, with Purity Wangare (Customer Experience Manager), Sai On (Visual Storyteller), and Ran Gurung (Roaster) from RAW Coffee Company in Dubai, UAE.

In this series, which first aired on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, Purity, Ran, and On, together with Map It Forward Founder and podcast host Lee Safar, explore how a coffee career in the Middle East changed the lives of these coffee professionals and what that journey was like for them.

In this episode of the podcast series, Purity, Ran, and On, professionals from different cultural backgrounds who have found a career in Dubai's dynamic coffee industry, discuss the challenges and benefits of working in a multicultural environment, including communication barriers and the importance of empathy and emotional intelligence.

The conversation also touches on how diversity enriches the workplace and the unique experience of adapting to different cultural norms and hospitality standards in the Middle East.

Tune in to understand the complexities and beauties of the coffee community in Dubai.

EP 1462 Purity Wangare, Sai On, & Ran Gurung - A Coffee Career in the Middle East - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Lee Safar

This is the 2nd of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, with Purity Wangare (Customer Experience Manager), Sai On (Visual Storyteller), and Ran Gurung (Roaster) from RAW Coffee Company in Dubai, UAE.

In this series, which first aired on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, Purity, Ran, and On, together with Map It Forward Founder and podcast host Lee Safar, explore how a coffee career in the Middle East changed the lives of these coffee professionals and what that journey was like for them.

In this episode of the podcast series, Purity, On, and Ran discuss how their careers in the coffee industry have evolved in the Middle East, the rapid growth and innovations in Dubai's coffee scene, and the challenges and opportunities they face.

Learn about the unique cultural melting pot in Dubai's coffee community and how Raw Coffee Co. stands out as a remarkable example of long-term success.

This episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in the coffee industry, especially in the dynamic environment of the Middle East.

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