The Proper Cap: A Madcap Coffee Podcast

Madcap Coffee
  • 4.4 (7)
  • BUSINESS

An unfiltered dive into coffee, hospitality, and small business. Sitting down with friends across industries - bartenders, photographers, mug makers, and more - for in-depth conversations on the work folks are doing, what motivates them, and their expert tips that everyone should know. Expect candid interviews, hot takes, and plenty of tasty things. Tune in bi-monthly for good coffee and tasty banter.

Episodes

  1. OCT 31

    Ep 10: Coffee Farming and the Next Generation of Coffee Farmers with Ashley Prentice of Finca de Dios

    On this episode, Trevor and Josiah call up long time (15+ years!) producer partner, specialty coffee genius, and friend, Ashley Prentice, to talk all things coffee in Guatemala. Ashley and her family operate Finca de Dios in Fraijanes, Guatemala. We get so excited to bring their coffee in each year — keep an eye out for Finca de Dios varieties returning to menus this winter! Shenanigans include: Ashley's unconventional path from med school to getting a master's degree in coffee science and economics; why she launched Gento, her own coffee company; struggles of inspiring the next generation of coffee farmers; new projects and experiments at Finca de Dios.  Thanks for tuning in to TPC! New episodes twice a month. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:01 Journey into Coffee: From Family Legacy to Passion 06:01 Education and Professional Development in Coffee 08:53 Transitioning from Academia to Industry 11:50 The Impact of a Master's Degree on Career 14:49 Working in the Coffee Industry: Insights and Experiences 17:52 Future Aspirations and the Launch of Gentoo Coffee 21:24 The Journey into Coffee Trading 24:40 Returning to Guatemala: Opportunities and Challenges 27:08 Empowering the Next Generation in Coffee 32:00 Introducing Gento: A New Coffee Model 36:25 Building Quality Consumption in Guatemala 39:10 Creating Direct Relationships in Coffee Trading 46:21 Building a Passionate Team in Coffee 47:40 The Journey of Finca de Dios 48:28 Innovations in Coffee Processing 51:29 Exploring Coffee Varieties and Experimentation 55:22 The Importance of Quality Seeds 01:01:17 Exciting New Projects and Future Directions Check out Madcap Coffee: Website: Madcapcoffee.com Everywhere on socials: @madcapcoffee  Check out Ashley Prentice, Finca de Dios, and Gento Coffee:  Website: www.gentocoffee.com Socials:  @ashleyprentice1 @fincadedios @gentocoffee Music: Blue Shell by Connor Price and K. Keed

    1h 2m

  2. OCT 6

    Ep 9: Gin, Tonic, and Curiosity with Josiah Gentry from Eastern Kille

    On this episode, Trevor and Josiah sit down at neighborhood institution, Eastern Kille, on Wealthy street in Grand Rapids, Michigan to talk with their beverage director, Josiah Gentry. Shenanigans include: Discovering Josiah’s journey from dishwasher to cocktail wizard, the challenge of designing an inspiring NA mocktail program, the process of building a menu, and the significance of environment to a neighborhood cocktail bar.  Thanks for tuning in to TPC! New episodes twice a month. Episode chapters: 00:00 Introduction and What Are We Drinking 02:55 The Art of Craft Cocktails 05:39 The Journey of a Bartender 08:32 Understanding Eastern Kille Distillery 11:52 The Importance of Non-Alcoholic Options 14:41 Training and Development in Bartending 26:12 Hiring for the Right Vibe 28:33 Nurturing Creativity in Bartenders 31:21 The Journey of Crafting Unique Cocktails 35:36 Creating a Culture of Experimentation 40:22 Learning from Other Cocktail Bars 44:30 Seasonal Menus and Customer Engagement 48:41 Signature Cocktails and Customer Favorites Check out Madcap Coffee: Website: Madcapcoffee.com Everywhere on socials: @madcapcoffee  Check out Eastern Kille & Josiah:  Website: easternkille.com Socials:  @ek_wealthy_ @josiah_gentry Music: Blue Shell by Connor Price and K. Keed

    56 min

  3. SEP 2

    Ep 8: The Journey of Song Tea with Peter Luong

    On this episode, Trevor and Josiah call long-time friend Peter Luong, founder of Song Tea out of San Francisco, CA. Song Tea has been Madcap’s tea partner since 2015, providing Madcap cafes with exceptional teas on a seasonal rotation.  Shenanigans include:  Trials and tribulations of aging teas, how Peter’s family business led him to creating Song Tea, and the challenges of sourcing amidst changing market dynamics.  Thanks for tuning in to TPC! New episodes twice a month. Episode chapters: 00:00 The Art of Aging Tea 00:03 Peter's Journey into the Tea Industry 03:06 The Philosophy Behind Song Tea's Selection 05:38 Understanding Tea Making 08:40 The Evolution of Tea Preferences 11:27 Challenges in the Tea Business 22:57 The Art of Tea Making 26:01 Crafting Unique Teas 29:59 Understanding Tea Terminology 33:46 Sourcing and Quality Control 37:32 Navigating Trends in the Tea Industry 45:33 Future of Tea Experiences Check out Madcap Coffee: Website: Madcapcoffee.com Everywhere on socials: @madcapcoffee  Check out Song Tea:  Website: songtea.com Socials: @hellosongtea Music: Blue Shell by Connor Price and K. Keed

    58 min

  4. AUG 15

    Ep 7: Building a Bridge Between Farmers and Roasters with Ruth Ann Church of Artisan Coffee Imports

    On this episode, Trevor and Josiah sit down with founder of Artisan Coffee Imports Ruth Ann Church to discuss her experience intentionally importing coffees from East Africa. Madcap works with Ruth Ann and Artisan Coffee Imports to contract Ejo Heza, a delicious coffee grown by an all-womens group within the Kopakama Co-Op in Rwanda. Shenanigans include:  Ruth Ann’s unconventional start in the coffee industry, moving her family to Rwanda for a year, and the challenges of growing a small remote team. Thanks for tuning in to TPC! New episodes twice a month. Episode chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Artisan Coffee Imports 02:44 Ruth Ann's Journey into Coffee Importing 05:26 The Importance of Economic Development in Coffee 08:12 The Role of Women in Coffee Production 11:18 Sustainability in Coffee: A Holistic Approach 14:36 Building Relationships with Coffee Producers 17:25 The Impact of Education and Training 20:31 Team Growth and Management Challenges 23:24 Creating a Positive Team Culture 43:48 Planning Team Bonding Activities 45:53 Creating a Social Environment 48:34 Team Growth and Future Plans 53:09 The Evolution of Coffee Culture in Michigan 57:45 Challenges in the Coffee Industry 59:31 Building Relationships with Producers Check out Madcap Coffee: Website: Madcapcoffee.com Everywhere on socials: @madcapcoffee  Check out Artisan Coffee Imports:  Website: artisancoffeeimports.com Socials: @artisan_coffeeimports Music: Blue Shell by Connor Price and K. Keed

    1 hr

  5. JUL 29

    Ep 6: Madcap Musings on Coffee Competitions

    On this episode, Trevor and Josiah hang out in the Madcap roastery to chat about the complicated but exciting world of specialty coffee competitions.  Shenanigans include: How competitions inspired Madcap to offer a seasonal signature beverage program, Trevor's own experience competing, how participating in a coffee competition impacts daily life behind bar, and the pressure of judging a coffee competition.  Thanks for tuning in to TPC! New episodes twice a month. Episode chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Seasonal Beverage   02:51 The Connection Between Seasonal Drinks and Coffee Competitions   08:05 Understanding Coffee Competitions  13:52 Personal Journey in Coffee Competitions   22:07 The Impact of Competition on Barista Skills   29:55 Judging and Feedback in Competitions   32:19 Community and Competition Dynamics   36:09 The Importance of Competition for Baristas   39:56 Professional Development Through Competition   46:11 Judging and Its Impact on Coffee Evaluation   51:28 Industry Trends and Competition Influence   56:38 Defining Success in Coffee Competitions  Check out Madcap Coffee: Website: Madcapcoffee.com Everywhere on socials: @madcapcoffee  Music: Blue Shell by Connor Price and K. Keed

    1h 1m

  6. JUL 11

    Ep 5: Cocktail Commonality with Abigail Gullo of Loa Bar

    On this episode, Trevor and Josiah sit down in San Franciso, California with Abigail Gullo. Creative Director at Loa Bar at the International House Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana, Abigail met Trevor and Josiah after working together at Chris Thile's Acousticamp, where they each taught cocktail and coffee classes side by side for 3 summers in a row. Shenanigans include: Bartending at 7 years old, the ideal way to order a drink from a bartender, and through lines between coffee, cocktails, and music. Thanks for tuning in to TPC! New episodes twice a month. Episode chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Culinary Delights 02:03 The Art of Cocktails and Regional Influences 03:59 Abigail's Journey into Bartending 08:07 The Importance of Storytelling in Cocktails 12:01 Building Community Through Hospitality 15:59 Navigating Emotional Energy in Service 19:49 Memorable Bar Experiences and Culture 23:48 New Orleans: The Heart of Cocktail Culture 30:26 Empowering Bartenders with Coffee Knowledge 32:18 The Cocktail Expo Experience 34:11 The Importance of History in Cocktails 36:35 The Ritual of Drinking: Coffee and Cocktails 39:27 Creating Unique Cocktails: A Bartender's Perspective 39:56 Ordering Drinks: The Ideal Bartender Experience 44:58 Adapting to Non-Alcoholic Options 48:09 Inspiring the Community Through Cocktails 51:58 Bridging the Gap Between Coffee and Cocktails Check out Abbie Gullo: Instagram:   ⁨@AbigailGullo⁩   Check out Madcap Coffee: Website: Madcapcoffee.com Everywhere on socials: @madcapcoffee  Music: Blue Shell by Connor Price and K. Keed

    57 min

  7. JUN 27

    Ep 4: Dialing In a Winning Retail Team with Rhianna from Madcap Coffee

    On this episode, Trevor and Josiah sit down at the Monroe Center Madcap cafe with its cafe manager, Rhianna, to chat about the inner workings of retail.  Shenanigans include: starting a career in coffee at Starbucks, how ballet dancing relates to managing a successful team, and Rhianna’s coffee competition days. Thanks for tuning in to TPC! New episodes twice a month.  Episode chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Madcap Coffee Podcast 05:19 Rihanna's Path to Management 10:24 Lessons in Leadership 16:10 Creating a Positive Work Environment 24:20 The Power of Positivity in Coffee Culture 29:12 The Versatility of Coffee: A Flavor Exploration 37:12 Observing Other Cafes: Learning from the Best 44:32 Seasonal Innovations: Elevating the Customer Experience Check out Madcap Coffee: Website: Madcapcoffee.com Everywhere on socials: @madcapcoffee  Music: Blue Shell by Connor Price and K. Keed

    48 min

  8. JUN 13

    Ep 3: Hustle Culture Part 2 with Erik and Layah from Carbon Stories

    This is part 2 of Hustle Culture with Erik and Layah of Carbon Stories, a creative visual story telling agency based in Grand Rapids, MI - not to mention Madcap's go-to photography and videography team!  Shenanigans include: Erik's personal coffee journey from church coffee to seeking out third wave coffee shops, finding one's stride in a creative industry, and how to camp like a professional.  Thanks for tuning in to TPC! New episodes twice a month.  Episode chapters: 00:00 Hustle Culture: A New Perspective 00:25 Sacrifices for Growth 00:25 The Coffee Connection 08:34 Creating Content with Passion 19:39 Lessons in Leadership and Emotional Intelligence 24:52 Improving Quality of Life Check out Carbon Stories: Website: https://carbonstories.us/ Youtube:  @CarbonstoriesUs   Socials: @carbonstories Check out Madcap Coffee: Website: Madcapcoffee.com Everywhere on socials: @madcapcoffee  Music: Blue Shell by Connor Price and K. Keed

    36 min

  9. MAY 30

    Ep 2: Hustle Culture Part 1 with Erik and Layah from Carbon Stories

    On this episode, Trevor and Josiah sit down with Erik and Layah of Carbon Stories, a creative visual story telling agency based in Grand Rapids, MI - not to mention Madcap's go-to photography and videography team! There was so much gold in this interview, we had to break it into two episodes. Shenanigans include: why Erik and Layah hate the word hustle, the early days of operating a small business as a couple, and A5 Wagyu steak regret. Thanks for tuning in to TPC! New episodes twice a month.  Episode chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:19 Tasty Pregame 6:24 About Carbon Stories 9:07 Hustle Culture 14:47 Balancing Family and Work 19:27 The Early Days of Carbon Stories 29:02 "Take the meat, spit out the bones" 32:33 Any Regrets? Check out Carbon Stories: Website: https://carbonstories.us/ Youtube:  @CarbonstoriesUs   Socials: @carbonstories Check out Madcap Coffee: Website: Madcapcoffee.com Everywhere on socials: @madcapcoffee  Music: Blue Shell by Connor Price and K. Keed

    40 min

  10. MAY 13

    Ep 1: Madcap Coffee Launches The Proper Cap Podcast with Mark and Todd of The Exchange

    Welcome to the first episode of The Proper Cap: A Madcap Coffee Podcast!  On this debut episode, our hosts Trevor and Josiah join Mark and Todd from Covoya Specialty Coffee Importers and hosts of their podcast, The Exchange, from the Specialty Coffee Expo hosted in Houston, TX.  Thanks for tuning in to TPC! New episodes twice a month.  00:00 The Proper Cap Introduction  01:07 The Exchange Introduction 02:55 Introducing The Proper Cap Podcast 04:32 The Vision Behind The Proper Cap 08:26 The Exchange Podcast Journey 12:48 Navigating Challenges in the Coffee Industry 18:32 Teasing Future Episodes and Guests 25:34 The Espresso Experience: Crafting Perfection 28:05 Exploring Coffee Options: Tradition vs. Innovation 31:57 The Podcast Journey: Embracing Imperfection 34:51 Building Relationships: The Heart of the Coffee Industry 40:15 Inspiration and Community: Creating Meaningful Connections Website: Madcapcoffee.com Everywhere on socials: @madcapcoffee

    50 min

  11. MAY 12

    Trailer: The Proper Cap: A Madcap Coffee Podcast

    Welcome to the Proper Cap: A Madcap Coffee Podcast. New episodes twice a month.  An unfiltered dive into coffee, hospitality, and small business. Sitting down with friends across industries - bartenders, photographers, mug makers, and more - for in-depth conversations on the work folks are doing, what motivates them, and their expert tips that everyone should know. Expect candid interviews, hot takes, and plenty of tasty things. Tune in for good coffee and tasty banter.

    2 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

An unfiltered dive into coffee, hospitality, and small business. Sitting down with friends across industries - bartenders, photographers, mug makers, and more - for in-depth conversations on the work folks are doing, what motivates them, and their expert tips that everyone should know. Expect candid interviews, hot takes, and plenty of tasty things. Tune in bi-monthly for good coffee and tasty banter.

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