S1E11: Meet Haroon Zafar from UAE: Brewing Art in Every Cup
Release Date: 04/17/2025
S1E11: Meet Haroon Zafar from UAE: Brewing Art in Every Cup
Next-Gen Coffee Talk
Welcome back to The Next-Gen Coffee Talk, where we share the stories that make the coffee world so amazing. Today, we’re sipping inspiration with Haroon Zafar, a UAE barista turned content creator. From teenage instant coffee days to dazzling 235k Instagram followers with brew artistry, Haroon’s journey is all about passion and connection. He calls coffee “good therapy”—a spark that’s built a global community. Dive into his tale, from hidden creator to coffee voice, and see how every cup tells a story. Read more at . Subscribe for more coffee magic! ...
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S1E10: Camilo Torres: From Farm Punishment to Coffee Passion
Next-Gen Coffee Talk
Welcome to The Next-Gen Coffee Talk, where we uncover the heart of coffee’s unsung heroes. Today, we’re diving into ’ story—a restless Colombian teen who ditched school until his dad sent him to toil on a coffee farm. That punishment sparked a passion, turning him into a connector for farmers across Barichara. From rebellion to redemption, his tale brews a lesson in coffee’s power. Let’s sip into it! Read the full story here
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S1E9: From Barista to Bean Whisperer: The Inspiring Coffee Journey of Leonardo Gaviria
Next-Gen Coffee Talk
Join us as we delve into the captivating story of Leonardo Gaviria, a coffee quality analyst, professional Q-grader, and agroindustrial engineer whose journey began behind the espresso machine. Discover how his curiosity for coffee led him from being a barista to mastering every stage of the coffee chain, from the farm to the cup. Learn about his dream of owning a coffee farm in Colombia, his experience with , and his profound belief in coffee as a great connector. Want to see the interview? Watch the video on our YouTube channel! You can also read more about Leonardo's story on our...
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S1E8: From Soil to Spark: The Gómez Sisters’ Coffee Journey
Next-Gen Coffee Talk
In this episode, we’re diving into the lives of Laura and Johanna Gómez—sisters from Colombia who turned a small, forgotten farm into a thriving coffee dream. From resilience to a first-place win, their journey shows the heart of coffee’s unsung heroes. Catch the full interview on YouTube at and read more at Let’s brew some inspiration—here’s their story.
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S1E7: Brewing Change: Damien O’Brien and the Coffee Foundation’s Mission for Mental Health
Next-Gen Coffee Talk
In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Damien O’Brien, founder of the , as he uses coffee to break the silence surrounding mental health. From his own struggles with mental illness to the loss of loved ones, Damien has turned his pain into a powerful movement. Partnering with , he created a brand that not only serves high-quality coffee but also provides a safe space for mental health conversations. We discuss how the Coffee Foundation is reshaping the conversation around mental health in the coffee industry, using bold branding and community support to bring awareness and...
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S1E6: Unlocking the Secrets of Sensory Evaluation with Coffee Expert George Makropoulos
Next-Gen Coffee Talk
Join us as we sit down with renowned coffee expert and Q-grader, ! With over 20 years of experience, George has seen the coffee industry evolve dramatically, from humble beginnings as a barista to training world champion competitors like . In this episode, George shares his incredible journey, offering insights into: The intricacies of being a Q-grader and the crucial role they play in the coffee world The evolution of coffee competitions and the challenges baristas face today The surprising connection between wine, tea, and coffee, and why exploring these beverages can elevate your coffee...
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S1E5: Hugo Ferraz on the Porto Coffee Scene, Working with Lance Hedrick, and Porto Coffee Festival
Next-Gen Coffee Talk
, videographer for Lance Hedrick's and consultant for the l, joins the podcast to discuss his unique coffee journey. He shares his experience transitioning from a career in television to the world of specialty coffee, his role in helping promote the burgeoning Porto coffee scene, and what it's like to work with the enigmatic Lance Hedrick. This episode provides a glimpse into the vibrant coffee community in Porto and the passion that drives individuals like Hugo to share their love of coffee with the world. Listeners will gain insight into the behind-the-scenes workings of Lance...
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S1E4: Enki mixdownrom Button-Pressing Barista to Global Coffee Hunter: This is Enki Suarez's Coffee Story
Next-Gen Coffee Talk
Today, we’re brewing up a story that’s rich with adventure, resilience, and a deep passion for the world’s favorite beverage. We’re joined by Enki Suarez, a green coffee buyer for Nordic Approach, who has journeyed from the bustling cafes of Venezuela to the innovative roasteries of Dubai, finally landing in the heart of Colombia's coffee-growing regions. Enki's story is a testament to the power of curiosity and the transformative journey that coffee can ignite. He’s gone from pressing buttons on automatic machines to meticulously sourcing beans from smallholder farms, forging...
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S1E3:Barista Masterclass: Supporting Colombian Farmers with Barista Champ Nikos & GCAG by I'M NOT A BARISTA
Next-Gen Coffee Talk
Join us on December 5th, 2024, for a special episode featuring two-time Greek Barista Champion . Nikos will be hosting a Barista Masterclass Workshop at R, Greece, with all profits going to support the (GCAG). This episode explores Nikos's commitment to empowering coffee farmers in Colombia through GCAG. He shares his journey from engineering to coffee mastery, highlighting the importance of education and sustainability. Learn about his work with GCAG to provide resources and training to farmers, helping them produce higher-quality coffee and improve their livelihoods. Discover...
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S1E2:L Brewing Good: How I'M NOT A BARISTA & TIMEMORE are Changing the Coffee Industry
Next-Gen Coffee Talk
In a coffee industry often dominated by flashy marketing tactics, TIMEMORE, a renowned Chinese coffee equipment manufacturer, is partnering with I'M NOT A BARISTA to take a different approach. In this episode, we dive into their unique collaboration, focused on supporting the global coffee community. We’ll explore how TIMEMORE is stepping away from traditional product giveaways and embracing community-driven solutions. Together, they’re building a more sustainable, ethical coffee industry with a strong emphasis on real impact and meaningful connections. GCAG I'M NOT A...
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