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.

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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.

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🔗 Read Odi's story on www.notabarist a.org here

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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/

I’M NOT A BARISTA is back!

In this powerful episode, Damien O'Brien from Coffee Foundation 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/

In this episode, we sit down with Charity Cheung, 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/

In this episode of the I'M NOT A BARISTA podcast, we sit down with Nikos Antzaras, 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

In this episode of the I’M NOT A BARISTA podcast, we catch up with 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.