We’ve made it this far…somehow—15 seasons over five years. We’ve shared the stories of 100s of Coffee People. Our mission has always been to create a platform for those connected to the industry to share their journeys into and through coffee.
Dear Coffee People,
We’ve made it this far…somehow—15 seasons over five years. We’ve shared the stories of 100s of Coffee People. Our mission has always been to create a platform for those connected to the industry to share their journeys into and through coffee, celebrate coffee culture, inspire aspiring coffee professionals, and allowing others to learn from the collective ever-changing entrepreneurial trials and tribulations. Sometimes that leads to stories of success or self-reflection. Sometimes things end. By sharing your stories, you are part of a community creating roadmaps for others to follow as they aim to Coffee Smarter.
I believe that Coffee People are—by their nature or necessity—curious about the world and how we are all connected. How could they view the coffee supply chain and not be overwhelmed and intrigued? Thank you for being part of my coffee journey. Thank you for embracing storytelling and for supporting our efforts to share an appreciation for coffee with a broader audience. Because of you all, we’ve not only survived, but thrived!
Our collaboration with our Presenting Sponsor, Roastar coffee packaging, has enabled us to build a foundation for our programming. When I asked if they had any thoughts to share with all of you, they responded with:
As Roastar reflects on 2025, we can’t help but feel like this year was our best yet, thanks to the incredible coffee roasters, brands, and partners who trust us with their packaging. This year brought innovative products, awards, and partnerships that took us around the country. We’re endlessly grateful for the coffee community that inspires what we do, and we couldn’t be more excited about what the future holds. • The Roastar team
This effort in coffee podcasting, writing, and community building has been an adventure. I’m constantly surprised by the myriad ways people work through the challenges of entrepreneurship and embrace hospitality for the connection and support it can offer a community. I’m proud to be a staging ground for the sharing of stories, advice, inspiration, and real-world engagement for people at all stages of their coffee journey.
And as fun and rewarding as it has all been, we need more help creating a sustainable future for the Coffee People platform. You can help in a few simple ways.
Thank you for considering. There are so many coffee journeys in the industry yet to be shared. You can be a big part of why we can do so.
A final aside: The kindest note I’ve ever received about Coffee People was from a gentleman who was listening to the podcast while traveling across the country for work. I’m paraphrasing, here, but in effect, he said that hearing Coffee People show guests talk about the mistakes they had made, the mental challenges that face entrepreneurs, and the various ways to work through them made him think, “Well, if they can do it, why can’t we?”
He and his partner have since opened their first coffee roastery and tasting space, and have a second cafe location on the way. They took the first steps, in part, because of all the guests who’ve spent an hour on Coffee People.**
A toast to us all for 2025. A toast to what is yet to come in 2026. A toast to you for still being here at the end of Season 15 of Coffee People (and this email).
Happy New Year,
Ryan Woldt
*A concept espoused by Jared Hales at Hacea Coffee Source. Thanks, buddy.
**And our 1st iteration, Roast! West Coast.
Season 16 is coming! The first half the season is already in the works, featuring: • • • Etelle Higonnet of Coffee Watch
• Sam LaRobardiere of Theory Coffee
• Emily Lavalier of EmLavArt
• Will Reif from Roaster
• Emily Smith of Hacea Coffee Source
• Arda Barless from BOXX Coffee
• Jing Lin of Coffee Confessionals
• Alex Pyne of the Blue Bottle Union
If you are interested in being a guest or have a guest recommendation, e-mail us at roastwestcoast@gmail.com.
You can also visit with us or appear on an IRL podcast at Coffeefest NYC where we’ll be recording podcasts with Roastar, in San Diego for World Of Coffee Expo at our Coffee Smarter Live event, and in Chicago for Coffee Fest in June. As always, we’ll be out and about at coffee shops wherever our feet land. Give me a shout, and let’s grab a cup together just for fun.
Jing Lin shares her path into entrepreneurship and coffee shop ownership with Coffee People. We discuss how her career climb in the film industry wasn't getting her to the more engaged, creative mountaintop she strived to stand on, and how the Covid-19 pandemic jumpstarted her foray into business.
Will Reif shares his path into enrepreneurship with Coffee People. We discuss how some post collegiate exploration led him home to Wausau to launch Roastar, a coffee packaging and manufacturing company.
This is a Bonus Coffee People Coffee With episode featuring Emily Lavalier. She is the Owner and Artist behind EmLavArt, and trip leader at Hammer Travel, where she and a team guide adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities on fun-filled vacation adventures.
Arda Barlas shares his path into specialty coffee with Coffee People, the impact of political action and protest on his Downtown LA roaster cafe, the historical culture of coffee in Turkey, and much more.