Actually Good Coffee Podcast

Beyond Certifications: Cosecha Traders and Colombia’s Vulnerable Farmers | Ep 57

In this episode, I sit down with Luis from Cosecha Traders to talk about what “dignified coffee trading” actually looks like on the ground in Colombia. We get into how extreme weather and security issues are hitting smallholders, why many of the most vulnerable farmers never see the benefits of certifications, and what it takes to pay them fairly while still moving coffee in a tough market.
We explore how Cosecha Traders identifies and supports these farmers, helps them push quality, and connects them to roasters who care about impact beyond a label.
If you’ve ever wondered what’s really behind your single origin Colombia or how sourcing can create second chances in conflicted regions, this conversation will give you a grounded, unfiltered look at the realities—and possibilities—of the supply chain.

56. 3 Year Anniversary Special

This episode marks three years since purchasing Maiden Coffee Roasters.
To celebrate the anniversary, Alyssa and I sat down and looked back—not just at the past year, but at how our thinking, stress, and leadership have evolved since year one. Last year’s anniversary episode became our best-performing episode to date, so we decided to revisit the format and go deeper.
In this conversation, Alyssa asks me questions such as:
What I believed in year one that I’ve completely changed my mind about by year three
What the Maiden brand actually stands for today
How our stressors have changed from survival mode to sustainability
Which habits and mindsets have proven most critical for long-term growth
This episode isn’t about overnight success or shortcuts. It’s an honest look at what changes when a business moves from excitement to responsibility—and what it takes to build something that can last.
If you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or creative trying to think long-term instead of just “getting through the week,” this one’s for you.

55. Understanding the 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Waves of Coffee

Curious what people really mean when they talk about the waves of coffee? In this episode, we break down the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Waves of Coffee—how they shaped culture, quality, and the way we drink coffee today—and then dive into what’s next with an honest look at the 4th Wave of Coffee and where the industry is heading.
We explore the journey from instant coffee and mass-market brewing, to the growth of café culture and espresso chains, to the rise of specialty coffee, craftsmanship, origin transparency, and flavor clarity. Then, I share my perspective on what I believe will define the next era of coffee and how it could impact roasters, café owners, baristas, and everyday coffee lovers.

54. What 3 Years in Coffee Taught Me

On today’s episode of the Actually Good Coffee Podcast, John breaks down the three biggest lessons he learned during his third year owning a coffee roasting business — a year that forced a complete reset.
Between historically high coffee prices, becoming a first-time parent, and the unsustainable grind culture glorified by entrepreneurs, year three exposed what really matters when you want to build a business that lasts.
In this episode, John covers:
How to become more effective with your time without working more hours
Why standard operating procedures are the difference between freedom and burnout
How adopting an always-learning mindset keeps you from stagnating as a business owner
This was the year the 100-hour workweek mentality stopped making sense — and a healthier, more sustainable relationship with work took its place.
John also covers last years lessons to see if they still hold up today.
Take a listen to that episode here: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-66ymy-17765ba
Today's episode is for you if:
You’re struggling with work-life balance
Your business feels stuck despite long hours
You want to challenge or fact-check John’s current outlook ;)

53. Explaining Coffee Tariffs to my Wife

On today’s episode of The Actually Good Coffee Podcast, John sits down with his wife Alyssa to break down the latest updates on U.S. coffee tariffs. As many of you know, President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order removing tariffs on beef, tropical fruits, and coffee. The industry breathed a collective sigh of relief when the news dropped.
John has been tracking every twist and turn of the tariff conversation, while Alyssa comes in with fresh questions that many listeners likely share. Whether you’re a seasoned roaster, a daily coffee drinker, or someone brand new to the world of green buying, this episode offers a clear, accessible look at what’s happening behind the scenes—and what it all means for the months ahead.
Tune in to hear:
How roasters source and purchase green coffee
What coffee professionals can expect as the market adjusts
How John and Alyssa are planning for the future of Maiden Coffee

52. How ASFVISION Experiences Coffee

Today on The Actually Good Coffee Podcast featuring I have a thoughtful conversation with my friend and collaborator, Anthony Ferraro (ASFVISION).
 
We discuss:
 
- His morning routine and how he structures his days without relying on sight
- How he navigates café environments as a blind creator, and what businesses often overlook
- The unique sensory approach he brings to evaluating coffee
- Some of the behind the scenes on our co-launched single origin coffee
- His perspective on what makes an ideal coffee machine, and why
 
This discussion offers meaningful insight into accessibility, design, and the customer experience—told through the lens of someone who approaches the world differently and intentionally.
 
Anthony is honest, genuine, and full of wisdom and perspective that is difficult to find these days. If you're interested in coffee, entrepreneurship, or inclusive design, this episode provides a valuable and uncommon perspective.
 
To learn more about Anthony and ASFVision you can visit his website https://asfvision.com/ or follow him on all social platforms at @asfvision

51. Work-Life Balance: How Parenthood Changed the Way We Work

After years of building Maiden Coffee side by side, Alyssa and Jack found themselves facing a new challenge — balancing their growing business with their growing family.
In this episode, they open up about how becoming parents completely reshaped their relationship with work, rest, and purpose.
You’ll hear:
How having a child actually helped them grow their business faster — and with more focus.
Why 100-hour workweeks might get you started, but won’t sustain you.
Jack’s candid take on burnout — and why he believes it is necessary.
Whether you’re a parent, an entrepreneur, or just someone trying to find a better rhythm in life, this episode offers an honest look at how to redefine success beyond the grind.

50. Are We Selling Maiden Coffee?

Recently we've been approached with the possibility of a buyout of Maiden Coffee. On today's episode I sit down with my wife and co-owner of Maiden to discuss the details. Although we did not accept this deal, this episode offers an honest look at the questions, doubts, and hopes behind such a big decision. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, coffee lover, or just curious about what happens when a small business gets approached for acquisition, this one’s for you.

49. EUDR Delay 2025

The European Union just delayed its long-awaited Deforestation Regulation — again. Whether you see this as a relief or another roadblock, the ripple effects across coffee’s supply chain will be hard to ignore.
In this episode of The Actually Good Coffee Podcast, I break down:
Which major certifier is supporting the delay (and why)
The origins most likely to feel the pinch
How roasters, importers, and producers can prepare for what’s next
The coffee world is changing — but not always in the ways we expect.
Tune in to hear how this decision could reshape sustainability, compliance, and sourcing for years to come.

48. McDonald's Goes Regenerative

In today's episode we discuss the largest investment made into Regenerative Agriculture. McDonald's has made their first major step towards the "Net-Zero by 2050" commitment established in 2021. After multiple failed attempts at progressing towards this goal, have they finally made the right call? Tune in to learn more about:
- The practicality of this deal
- Some red flags
- What this means for other corporations