In this heartwarming episode of beansandmore.coffee podcast, I sit down with Chiara, the spirited manager of Naked Bakes—a vibrant vegan coffee shop nestled in Dublin 8. We chat about her unexpected journey from educator to barista, the joy of early morning coffees, and how a coffee shop can quietly become a place of connection and community.

Chiara shares stories that will make you smile—and maybe tear up a little—including a touching moment with a young family and the quiet magic of listening. We talk syrup secrets, playlist favourites (yes, Friday I’m in Love makes an appearance), and how kindness, humor, and a good flat white can make all the difference.

This episode is a reminder that cafés aren’t just about coffee—they’re about people. They’re places where stories are shared, worries are lightened, and sometimes, unexpected grace is found in the simplest of exchanges.

Chiara also speaks candidly about building a team, keeping spirits high during busy shifts, and the value of creating a space where customers and staff alike feel welcome, heard, and at ease. Whether you’re a barista, a business owner, or simply someone who loves the ritual of a morning brew, there’s something in this conversation for you.

Pour yourself something warm, and join us for a chat full of laughter, heart, and caffeine-fuelled inspiration.

Do you know a coffee shop that’s making a difference in your community or a barista with an inspiring story to share? I'd love to feature them on an upcoming episode!

• Send me your nominations and tell me why you think they deserve to be featured.

• Reach out via our socials or contact page to submit your suggestions.

Get Involved!

As I look to the future, I'd love your help to grow our Beansandmore.coffee Podcast community:

• Like the episode on your favorite podcast platform.

• Follow on social media for behind-the-scenes updates.

• Share this episode with friends and fellow coffee lovers to help us spread the word! Follow us on Instagram, X, and TikTok for more behind-the-scenes stories. ☕✨

Reflecting on the Journey: A Special Review Episode of The Beansandmore.coffee Podcast.

As we step into a brand-new year, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and celebrate the journey of The Beansandmore.coffee Podcast so far.

In my latest episode, we’re doing something a little different—a review episode that highlights the most memorable moments, impactful stories, and the incredible people we’ve met along the way.

This special episode was brought to life with the help of cutting-edge technology: GoogleLM.

How GoogleLM Brought This Episode to Life?

GoogleLM, short for “Language Model,” is an advanced AI tool that processes and analyzes text, generating summaries that capture key insights in a precise and engaging way. By feeding it the URLs of past podcast episodes, it sifted through hours of conversation to identify the standout moments, recurring themes, and most compelling stories.

This allowed me to craft a polished audio summary - in the form of a Podcast - that not only reflects the heart of The Beansandmore.coffee Podcast but also brings back the emotions and energy of our previous episodes. It’s like a highlights reel, but with the added nuance and charm that only a podcast can deliver.

What’s more, GoogleLM’s efficiency freed us up to add our personal touch—combining its insights with reflections, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and our gratitude for all who’ve joined us on this journey.

A Big Thank You to Our Guests

I couldn’t have done this without the incredible people who have participated in The Beansandmore.coffee Podcast so far. From baristas and coffee shop owners to advocates and listeners, every story shared has added depth and richness to this podcast. Your passion for coffee and community has inspired me and helped shape the vision for the future of The Podcast.

To each of you who has been part of this journey—whether as a guest, a supporter, or a listener—thank you. This podcast is about celebrating the people behind the coffee, and it wouldn’t exist without your enthusiasm and contributions.

Nominate Your Favourite Coffee Shop or Barista!

As I plan for 2025, I'm opening the door for your input. Do you know a coffee shop that’s making a difference in your community or a barista with an inspiring story to share? I'd love to feature them on an upcoming episode!

• Send me your nominations and tell me why you think they deserve to be featured.

• Reach out via our socials or contact page to submit your suggestions.

Get Involved!

As I look to the future, I'd love your help to grow our Beansandmore.coffee Podcast community:

• Like the episode on your favorite podcast platform.

• Follow on social media for behind-the-scenes updates.

• Share this episode with friends and fellow coffee lovers to help us spread the word!

What’s Next?

This episode is just the start of an exciting year. With projects like An Trucail, my new mobile coffee experience, and plans for more interviews and advocacy work, 2025 promises to be full of opportunities to celebrate the world of coffee together.

So, grab a cup of your favourite brew, tune into the review episode, and join me in toasting the year that’s been—and the one to come.

Thank you for being part of the journey so far. Here’s to great coffee, great conversations, and an even greater year ahead.

In this episode of beansandmore.coffee, host Paddy sits down with Ella, the vibrant young owner of Sip It Coffee, a specialty café located in Walterstown GFC, Co. Meath. Ella shares her journey from working in coffee shops at 16 to opening her own business while still in college. Sip It Coffee, known for its quality brews, açai bowls, and toasties, has quickly become a community hotspot.

Ella’s passion for coffee shines as she describes sourcing beans from Groundwork Coffee, a small-batch roasters and perfecting each cup. For her, coffee is more than a drink - it’s a way to bring people together. She recounts moments that highlight this sense of community, from a dad helping his daughter retrieve a hidden sticker to the shop becoming a go-to spot after local events.

Sip It Coffee thrives on its warm, friendly atmosphere. Ella credits her team, whom she considers family, for creating such a welcoming environment. Whether it’s through fun promotions like “silly dances for coffee” or simply chatting with customers, the café fosters connections across all ages.

The episode also touches on the café’s quirky beginnings, including how Ella’s dad built the entire pod by hand, a labor of love supported by family and friends. Despite challenges, including weathering a storm, Ella’s determination has turned her vision into a thriving business.

As the episode wraps up, Ella reflects on the joy of creating a space where people can unwind, connect, and share memorable moments. Sip It Coffee is open Wednesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Follow them on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook at @Sip_it_Coffee, and listen to the full episode to discover how coffee is connecting a community, one cup at a time.