The Proper Cap: A Madcap Coffee Podcast

In this engaging conversation, Adrian Butler, known as AB, shares his journey from rapping to DJing, exploring the intersections of music, coffee culture, and community building. The discussion delves into the art of reading crowds, the importance of branding, and the evolving landscape of non-alcoholic beverages. Adrian reflects on the challenges and rewards of the West Michigan music scene, emphasizing the significance of creating memorable experiences for audiences. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the evolving landscape of dance culture and DJing, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that have emerged in recent years. They explore the importance of reading the room during performances and the artistry involved in creating memorable experiences for audiences. The conversation also touches on personal musical journeys, the significance of trust in client relationships, and future creative projects.Episode Chapters:00:00 The Journey of a Barista and DJ01:39 The Art of Mixing and Reading the Crowd06:25 Creating a Unique Atmosphere in Cocktail Bars10:35 Lessons Learned in DJing14:32 Transitioning from DJing to Band Life18:01 The Role of Community in Music21:08 The Importance of Collaboration23:10 The Power of Music and Coffee26:34 Building Community through Residencies30:28 Event-Based Culture in Grand Rapids33:58 The Weirdest Gigs: Unexpected Experiences34:43 The Art of Reading the Room39:51 Genre Versatility and Client Attraction41:32 Musical Influences and Personal Growth43:34 Finding the Right Musical Fit45:46 Navigating Audience Energy48:52 Future Plans and Creative Ventures54:28 Personal Upgrades and Future Aspirations56:28 Closing Thoughts and GratitudeCheck out Madcap Coffee:Website: http://www.madcapcoffee.comEverywhere on socials: @madcapcoffeeCheck out AB (Adrian Butler)Website: http://www.everythingab.comInstagram: @abisadrianbutlerSomething Tasty: Casamara ClubWebsite: https://www.casamaraclub.com/products/superclasicoMusic: Blue Shell by Connor Price and K. Keed

On this episode, Trevor and Josiah call up long time (15+ years!) producer partner, specialty coffee genius, and friend, Ashley Prentice, to talk all things coffee in Guatemala.Ashley and her family operate Finca de Dios in Fraijanes, Guatemala. We get so excited to bring their coffee in each year — keep an eye out for Finca de Dios varieties returning to menus this winter!Shenanigans include: Ashley's unconventional path from med school to getting a master's degree in coffee science and economics; why she launched Gento, her own coffee company; struggles of inspiring the next generation of coffee farmers; new projects and experiments at Finca de Dios. Thanks for tuning in to TPC! New episodes twice a month.Episode Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Background03:01 Journey into Coffee: From Family Legacy to Passion06:01 Education and Professional Development in Coffee08:53 Transitioning from Academia to Industry11:50 The Impact of a Master's Degree on Career14:49 Working in the Coffee Industry: Insights and Experiences17:52 Future Aspirations and the Launch of Gentoo Coffee21:24 The Journey into Coffee Trading24:40 Returning to Guatemala: Opportunities and Challenges27:08 Empowering the Next Generation in Coffee32:00 Introducing Gento: A New Coffee Model36:25 Building Quality Consumption in Guatemala39:10 Creating Direct Relationships in Coffee Trading46:21 Building a Passionate Team in Coffee47:40 The Journey of Finca de Dios48:28 Innovations in Coffee Processing51:29 Exploring Coffee Varieties and Experimentation55:22 The Importance of Quality Seeds01:01:17 Exciting New Projects and Future DirectionsCheck out Madcap Coffee:Website: Madcapcoffee.comEverywhere on socials: @madcapcoffee Check out Ashley Prentice, Finca de Dios, and Gento Coffee: Website: www.gentocoffee.comSocials: @ashleyprentice1@fincadedios@gentocoffeeMusic: Blue Shell by Connor Price and K. Keed

On this episode, Trevor and Josiah sit down at neighborhood institution, Eastern Kille, on Wealthy street in Grand Rapids, Michigan to talk with their beverage director, Josiah Gentry.Shenanigans include: Discovering Josiah’s journey from dishwasher to cocktail wizard, the challenge of designing an inspiring NA mocktail program, the process of building a menu, and the significance of environment to a neighborhood cocktail bar. Thanks for tuning in to TPC! New episodes twice a month.Episode chapters:00:00 Introduction and What Are We Drinking02:55 The Art of Craft Cocktails05:39 The Journey of a Bartender08:32 Understanding Eastern Kille Distillery11:52 The Importance of Non-Alcoholic Options14:41 Training and Development in Bartending26:12 Hiring for the Right Vibe28:33 Nurturing Creativity in Bartenders31:21 The Journey of Crafting Unique Cocktails35:36 Creating a Culture of Experimentation40:22 Learning from Other Cocktail Bars44:30 Seasonal Menus and Customer Engagement48:41 Signature Cocktails and Customer FavoritesCheck out Madcap Coffee:Website: Madcapcoffee.comEverywhere on socials: @madcapcoffee Check out Eastern Kille & Josiah: Website: easternkille.comSocials: @ek_wealthy_@josiah_gentryMusic: Blue Shell by Connor Price and K. Keed

On this episode, Trevor and Josiah call long-time friend Peter Luong, founder of Song Tea out of San Francisco, CA. Song Tea has been Madcap’s tea partner since 2015, providing Madcap cafes with exceptional teas on a seasonal rotation. Shenanigans include: Trials and tribulations of aging teas, how Peter’s family business led him to creating Song Tea, and the challenges of sourcing amidst changing market dynamics. Thanks for tuning in to TPC! New episodes twice a month.Episode chapters:00:00 The Art of Aging Tea00:03 Peter's Journey into the Tea Industry03:06 The Philosophy Behind Song Tea's Selection05:38 Understanding Tea Making08:40 The Evolution of Tea Preferences11:27 Challenges in the Tea Business22:57 The Art of Tea Making26:01 Crafting Unique Teas29:59 Understanding Tea Terminology33:46 Sourcing and Quality Control37:32 Navigating Trends in the Tea Industry45:33 Future of Tea ExperiencesCheck out Madcap Coffee:Website: Madcapcoffee.comEverywhere on socials: @madcapcoffee Check out Song Tea: Website: songtea.comSocials: @hellosongteaMusic: Blue Shell by Connor Price and K. Keed

On this episode, Trevor and Josiah sit down with founder of Artisan Coffee Imports Ruth Ann Church to discuss her experience intentionally importing coffees from East Africa. Madcap works with Ruth Ann and Artisan Coffee Imports to contract Ejo Heza, a delicious coffee grown by an all-womens group within the Kopakama Co-Op in Rwanda.Shenanigans include: Ruth Ann’s unconventional start in the coffee industry, moving her family to Rwanda for a year, and the challenges of growing a small remote team.Thanks for tuning in to TPC! New episodes twice a month.Episode chapters:00:00 Introduction to Artisan Coffee Imports02:44 Ruth Ann's Journey into Coffee Importing05:26 The Importance of Economic Development in Coffee08:12 The Role of Women in Coffee Production11:18 Sustainability in Coffee: A Holistic Approach14:36 Building Relationships with Coffee Producers17:25 The Impact of Education and Training20:31 Team Growth and Management Challenges23:24 Creating a Positive Team Culture43:48 Planning Team Bonding Activities45:53 Creating a Social Environment48:34 Team Growth and Future Plans53:09 The Evolution of Coffee Culture in Michigan57:45 Challenges in the Coffee Industry59:31 Building Relationships with ProducersCheck out Madcap Coffee:Website: Madcapcoffee.comEverywhere on socials: @madcapcoffee Check out Artisan Coffee Imports: Website: artisancoffeeimports.comSocials: @artisan_coffeeimportsMusic: Blue Shell by Connor Price and K. Keed

On this episode, Trevor and Josiah hang out in the Madcap roastery to chat about the complicated but exciting world of specialty coffee competitions. Shenanigans include: How competitions inspired Madcap to offer a seasonal signature beverage program, Trevor's own experience competing, how participating in a coffee competition impacts daily life behind bar, and the pressure of judging a coffee competition. Thanks for tuning in to TPC! New episodes twice a month.Episode chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Seasonal Beverage  02:51 The Connection Between Seasonal Drinks and Coffee Competitions  08:05 Understanding Coffee Competitions 13:52 Personal Journey in Coffee Competitions  22:07 The Impact of Competition on Barista Skills  29:55 Judging and Feedback in Competitions  32:19 Community and Competition Dynamics  36:09 The Importance of Competition for Baristas  39:56 Professional Development Through Competition  46:11 Judging and Its Impact on Coffee Evaluation  51:28 Industry Trends and Competition Influence  56:38 Defining Success in Coffee Competitions Check out Madcap Coffee:Website: Madcapcoffee.comEverywhere on socials: @madcapcoffee Music: Blue Shell by Connor Price and K. Keed

On this episode, Trevor and Josiah sit down in San Franciso, California with Abigail Gullo. Creative Director at Loa Bar at the International House Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana, Abigail met Trevor and Josiah after working together at Chris Thile's Acousticamp, where they each taught cocktail and coffee classes side by side for 3 summers in a row. Shenanigans include: Bartending at 7 years old, the ideal way to order a drink from a bartender, and through lines between coffee, cocktails, and music. Thanks for tuning in to TPC! New episodes twice a month. Episode chapters:00:00 Introduction and Culinary Delights02:03 The Art of Cocktails and Regional Influences03:59 Abigail's Journey into Bartending08:07 The Importance of Storytelling in Cocktails12:01 Building Community Through Hospitality15:59 Navigating Emotional Energy in Service19:49 Memorable Bar Experiences and Culture23:48 New Orleans: The Heart of Cocktail Culture30:26 Empowering Bartenders with Coffee Knowledge32:18 The Cocktail Expo Experience34:11 The Importance of History in Cocktails36:35 The Ritual of Drinking: Coffee and Cocktails39:27 Creating Unique Cocktails: A Bartender's Perspective39:56 Ordering Drinks: The Ideal Bartender Experience44:58 Adapting to Non-Alcoholic Options48:09 Inspiring the Community Through Cocktails51:58 Bridging the Gap Between Coffee and CocktailsCheck out Abbie Gullo:Instagram:   ⁨@AbigailGullo⁩  Check out Madcap Coffee:Website: Madcapcoffee.comEverywhere on socials: @madcapcoffee Music: Blue Shell by Connor Price and K. Keed

On this episode, Trevor and Josiah sit down at the Monroe Center Madcap cafe with its cafe manager, Rhianna, to chat about the inner workings of retail. Shenanigans include: starting a career in coffee at Starbucks, how ballet dancing relates to managing a successful team, and Rhianna’s coffee competition days.Thanks for tuning in to TPC! New episodes twice a month. Episode chapters:00:00 Welcome to Madcap Coffee Podcast05:19 Rihanna's Path to Management10:24 Lessons in Leadership16:10 Creating a Positive Work Environment24:20 The Power of Positivity in Coffee Culture29:12 The Versatility of Coffee: A Flavor Exploration37:12 Observing Other Cafes: Learning from the Best44:32 Seasonal Innovations: Elevating the Customer ExperienceCheck out Madcap Coffee:Website: Madcapcoffee.comEverywhere on socials: @madcapcoffee Music: Blue Shell by Connor Price and K. Keed

This is part 2 of Hustle Culture with Erik and Layah of Carbon Stories, a creative visual story telling agency based in Grand Rapids, MI - not to mention Madcap's go-to photography and videography team! Shenanigans include: Erik's personal coffee journey from church coffee to seeking out third wave coffee shops, finding one's stride in a creative industry, and how to camp like a professional. Thanks for tuning in to TPC! New episodes twice a month. Episode chapters:00:00 Hustle Culture: A New Perspective00:25 Sacrifices for Growth00:25 The Coffee Connection08:34 Creating Content with Passion19:39 Lessons in Leadership and Emotional Intelligence24:52 Improving Quality of LifeCheck out Carbon Stories:Website: https://carbonstories.us/Youtube:  @CarbonstoriesUs  Socials: @carbonstoriesCheck out Madcap Coffee:Website: Madcapcoffee.comEverywhere on socials: @madcapcoffee Music: Blue Shell by Connor Price and K. Keed

On this episode, Trevor and Josiah sit down with Erik and Layah of Carbon Stories, a creative visual story telling agency based in Grand Rapids, MI - not to mention Madcap's go-to photography and videography team!There was so much gold in this interview, we had to break it into two episodes. Shenanigans include: why Erik and Layah hate the word hustle, the early days of operating a small business as a couple, and A5 Wagyu steak regret.Thanks for tuning in to TPC! New episodes twice a month. Episode chapters:0:00 Intro1:19 Tasty Pregame6:24 About Carbon Stories9:07 Hustle Culture14:47 Balancing Family and Work19:27 The Early Days of Carbon Stories29:02 "Take the meat, spit out the bones"32:33 Any Regrets?Check out Carbon Stories:Website: https://carbonstories.us/Youtube:  @CarbonstoriesUs  Socials: @carbonstoriesCheck out Madcap Coffee:Website: Madcapcoffee.comEverywhere on socials: @madcapcoffee Music: Blue Shell by Connor Price and K. Keed

Welcome to the first episode of The Proper Cap: A Madcap Coffee Podcast! On this debut episode, our hosts Trevor and Josiah join Mark and Todd from Covoya Specialty Coffee Importers and hosts of their podcast, The Exchange, from the Specialty Coffee Expo hosted in Houston, TX. Thanks for tuning in to TPC! New episodes twice a month. 00:00 The Proper Cap Introduction 01:07 The Exchange Introduction02:55 Introducing The Proper Cap Podcast04:32 The Vision Behind The Proper Cap08:26 The Exchange Podcast Journey12:48 Navigating Challenges in the Coffee Industry18:32 Teasing Future Episodes and Guests25:34 The Espresso Experience: Crafting Perfection28:05 Exploring Coffee Options: Tradition vs. Innovation31:57 The Podcast Journey: Embracing Imperfection34:51 Building Relationships: The Heart of the Coffee Industry40:15 Inspiration and Community: Creating Meaningful ConnectionsWebsite: Madcapcoffee.comEverywhere on socials: @madcapcoffee 

Welcome to the Proper Cap: A Madcap Coffee Podcast. New episodes twice a month. An unfiltered dive into coffee, hospitality, and small business. Sitting down with friends across industries - bartenders, photographers, mug makers, and more - for in-depth conversations on the work folks are doing, what motivates them, and their expert tips that everyone should know. Expect candid interviews, hot takes, and plenty of tasty things. Tune in for good coffee and tasty banter.