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 ;)

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

In today’s episode, I dig into Starbucks’ new protein latte line — and why it’s more than just another menu item. It’s a signal that consumers are becoming more conscious about what they eat and drink, and that transparency is shaping coffee’s future. On the other side of the supply chain, the Rainforest Alliance has launched a new Regenerative Agriculture Certification. I break down how it’s priced, what it means for farmers, and how it stacks up against the Regenerative Organic Alliance.

Happy Monday everyone. On today's episode I discuss the current state of the coffee market and why it may not be the best idea to start your own coffee roasting business. I also give a bit of my own personal background in coffee before taking over Maiden as well as some other potential options you could start with before starting your coffee business. It never hurts to gain some added experience in your market before paving your own path. So start by tuning into today's episode!    Source: https://perfectdailygrind.com/2025/08/why-you-shouldnt-open-passion-project-roastery-in-2025/

On Today's episode I sat down with my wife and co-owner of Maiden Coffee to discuss Maiden's new decaf coffee. We discuss our history with decaffeinated coffees and Alyssa's experience with decaf while pregnant with our son. We also go over some of the worries, issues, and overall consumer outlook on decaffeinated coffee and how we feel ours can fit into the ever changing specialty market. If you are a mother, make sure to stick around to the end of this episode to discover how you can get a free bag of our decaf coffee (available until September 1st, 2025).

On today's episode I discuss a trend that's been silently affecting coffee shop owners with a much larger impact than you might expect. Gen Z'ers are becoming too afraid to talk to humans in order to purchase their daily coffee. To most this may serve as the perfect opportunity to criticize the younger generation and strengthen the "kids these days" attitude. But to coffee shop owners this may serve as a great time to re-evaluate your business model. Listen here to discover actionable steps you can take right now to improve sales and create a success driven culture within your shop. Source: https://www.the-independent.com/life-style/gen-z-baristaphobia-fear-coffee-shops-b2799029.html   Maidencoffee.com

On today's episode of AGCP I discuss the international meeting currently taking place in Geneva, Switzerland on what to do about the current plastic pollution issue. Plastic pollution, specifically microplastics, continues to surprise us in being the source of many health, environmental, and even economic issues predominantly affecting low-income communities. I provide my take on this issue as well as an update on what Maiden Coffee Roasters is currently doing to mitigate our plastic pollution contribution.   Check it out for yourself: https://maidencoffee.com/   Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-05/why-the-world-is-divided-on-a-plastic-pollution-treaty?cmpid=BBD080525_GREENDAILY&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_term=250805&utm_campaign=greendaily  

On today's episode I sat down with Luke Waite of Pomelo Coffee Consulting. Luke is an industry veteran and has stared P.C.C. to help coffee roasters strengthen their margins as well as their operating procedures. We discuss the power of saying no to a potential client, how NOT to run your business like a charity, and other important lessons all discussed in his upcoming book "The Owner’s Manual: A Guide to Sustaining A Coffee Roaster". If you have just started a coffee roasting business, have been operating for over a decade, or even own a business outside of the coffee industry, tune in to hear both valuable and easily applicable lessons. Click the link below to pre-order now. https://www.pomelocoffeeconsulting.com/pomelo-book

In this episode, I sit down with Thomas Ameloot — owner of Colabops and CoffeeTron, SCA and CQI certified trainer, and one of the most respected voices in the specialty coffee world. With a resume that seems to go on forever, Thomas was the perfect guest to unpack the Specialty Coffee Association’s recent acquisition of the Coffee Quality Institute’s Q Program. The Q has long stood as the gold standard in coffee evaluation, shaping the way we define quality in specialty coffee. We dive into what this merger could mean for the industry at large — from the trainers and certifiers to the farmers and everyday coffee drinkers.   Join my online coffee community: https://www.skool.com/reallygoodcoffeecommunity/about?ref=f3c4f2fcb82c4b83a3e908f2b971262f

Nostalgia is one of the most powerful forces in the world—when used right, it can shape entire industries. While earning my Q-Grader certification in 2024, I realized how nostalgia plays a huge role in how we experience and grade coffee. Take Nintendo, for example—they’ve built one of the most loyal fanbases by tapping into the emotional connection people have with their past. But what if that same principle was applied to coffee? In this episode, I dive into the role of nostalgia in crafting a memorable cup and how it can shape the future of specialty coffee.   This is the final segment of a course initially featured on our online coffee community.   Join here! https://www.skool.com/reallygoodcoffeecommunity/about?ref=f3c4f2fcb82c4b83a3e908f2b971262f

On today's episode I share with you all a segment from one of our online community's classes. In the original video I discuss some of the methods that helped me acquire my Q-grader certification as well as what I believe to be the key to tasting coffee. As helpful as getting this certification was for my career I don't believe it is a necessary requirement in order to be successful in coffee. If you can fully grasp the concept I discuss here you'll be just fine.   Join my online community! https://www.skool.com/reallygoodcoffeecommunity/about?ref=f3c4f2fcb82c4b83a3e908f2b971262f

My wife, Alyssa, and I just had our first baby, and unfortunately, no amount of coffee can prepare you for the newborn stage. We’ve officially passed the first month running on fumes while keeping our coffee roasting business afloat. Between midnight diaper changes and 3 AM feedings, we figured it might be helpful (or at least entertaining) to share what we’ve learned so far. So, if you're a fellow sleep-deprived parent, business owner, or just curious how we're managing both without totally losing it—tune in.   Join my online community! https://www.skool.com/reallygoodcoffeecommunity/about?ref=f3c4f2fcb82c4b83a3e908f2b971262f

On today's episode, I discuss a topic that just can't seem to make it's way out of the news lately. It's also had an impact on the coffee market, assisting in driving the price of coffee up to an all-time high. If you're a fan of Colombian, Mexican, or Decaf coffee, this might be worth the nine minutes it'll take for you to tune into todays episode.   Join my online community! https://www.skool.com/reallygoodcoffeecommunity/about

Time to take a deep dive into this years outlook for specialty coffee roasters. As coffee prices continue to rise, it's important to look back in history and see what previous roasters have done to mitigate these difficult financial times. Take a listen to todays episode to find out what's going on behind the scenes of your (most likely more expensive) daily cup of coffee.   Join my online coffee community! https://www.skool.com/reallygoodcoffeecommunity/about  

What's a more special way to celebrate 2 years of owning a business than by getting interviewed by my wife and business partner? This is a funny, feel good episode where I share personal insights and lessons into what I've learned these past 2 years. Thank you all for the continued support, cheers to another exciting year! ☕️   Join my online community!  https://www.skool.com/reallygoodcoffeecommunity/about