Tiny Sidecar: A Coffee Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Erica Escalante knows cafés and she’s not afraid to tell you what actually works or what doesn't. In this episode, Cait sits down with Erica to talk about her years of experience in coffee, what she’s learned from operating cafés, and how that experience led to her newest venture, The Cafe Operator. They get into leadership, building better systems, the realities of running a café, and the value of having someone in your corner who can cut through the noise and give you clear...

Send us Fan Mail This week on Tiny Sidecar, I’m joined by Keri Roberts and truly, this was one of those conversations I had a hard time editing down because I wanted to keep all of it. We chat about all the roads that the first years of building a business takes you on: sourcing, community, learning to roast, building meaningful business relationships and a touch of everything else. It’s thoughtful, funny, honest, and full of the kind of little side topics that make a conversation feel ...

Send us Fan Mail Kat Melheim is the creator of Coffee People Zine, an independent publication built around the art, stories, and creativity of people working in coffee. In this episode, Kat and Cait talk about where Coffee People came from, building something outside the traditional rules of the coffee industry, and what it takes to keep an independent creative project going. They get into making space for other people’s voices, the importance of creativity and play, and what can happen when ...

Send us Fan Mail Anu Menon is the co-founder of Driftaway Coffee, a company she started with her husband in 2014. More than a decade later, Driftaway has grown into a company known for thoughtful sourcing, transparency, and finding creative ways to connect people more deeply with the coffee they drink. In this episode, Anu and I talk about what it actually looks like to grow a coffee company over the long haul: from choosing to build without outside investment to figuring out what transparenc...

Send us Fan Mail In Part Two with Amaris Gutierrez-Ray, we dig deeper into what it means to lead with intention in the coffee industry. We talk feminist leadership, responsible sourcing, and why treating people well shouldn’t be separate from running a successful business. Amaris shares her perspective on building strong leaders instead of simply managing employees, creating workplaces where people can grow, and cultivating a positive culture that lasts beyond any one person. We also continue...

Send us Fan Mail What does it look like to grow your career alongside a company? In this episode, Cait sits down with Amaris Gutierrez-Ray, VP of Coffee at Joe Coffee, to talk about building a long-term career in coffee and what happens as both you and your role evolve along the way. Amaris shares her path through Joe Coffee, what the day-to-day of being a VP of Coffee actually looks like, and how her responsibilities and perspective have changed over the years. They also get into leadership,...

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to build a meaningful career in coffee? According to Richelle Taylor, it starts with curiosity and a willingness to say yes. In this episode of Tiny Sidecar, I sit down with Richelle Taylor, Director of Operations at Olympia Coffee, U.S. Coffee in Good Spirits Championship runner-up, and founder of the Women in Coffee event based in Seattle. We talk about her journey through the specialty coffee industry, the opportunities that shaped her career, and why sta...

Send us Fan Mail This week on Tiny Sidecar, I'm joined by Ivana Chan for a conversation about building a career in specialty coffee and how she is hoping to bring others along with her through Raise the Bar. We dive into great leadership, education, and filling in the missing pieces in this fast moving industry. Along the way, we talk about the importance of representation, what it means to lead with intention, and why some of the best opportunities come from unexpected places. Whether you're...

Send us Fan Mail Coffee gets called sustainable a lot but what does that actually mean? This week, we sit down with Sunghee Tark to talk about the work behind real structural change in coffee. From the story of Bean Voyage to women producers, sustainability, and the systems that shape who thrives (and who gets left behind), this conversation gets honest about what it will actually take to build a more equitable coffee industry. Curious, thoughtful, and full of perspective shifts, this one mig...

Send us Fan Mail This week on Tiny Sidecar, we’re having a real conversation about mental health. What it looks like, how it shows up in our industry, and why it matters more than we sometimes admit. I’m joined by Lucia Bawot the founder of SANA, an organization focused on supporting mental health and wellbeing within coffee communities, specifically women producers in Columbia. Together, we talk about building meaningful support systems, the importance of community care, how art plays a pivo...

Send us Fan Mail This one started as a simple conversation about Instagram and somehow turned into a full-blown identity spiral... in the best way. You know those chats that begin super chill and suddenly you’re asking, “Wait… who are we actually?” Yeah. That happened today. In this episode, I’m unpacking what it looks like to stop tweaking the grid and start talking about who you really are as a brand, as a creative, as a human building something on purpose. No script. No heavy editing. Just...

Send us Fan Mail This episode of Tiny Sidecar is a collection of real stories from women shaping the coffee world. Each one offering a different perspective on this industry and, often, what family means within it. You’ll hear stories in both English and Spanish, just as they unfold across the supply chain. If you’re not fluent in both, grab Google Translate. The app’s live conversation feature can translate in real time as the episode plays. You don’t need every word to feel the power here. ...

Send us Fan Mail Today we’re hopping into the sidecar to talk about what’s coming in 2026 and to share a couple of conversations from the Women Powered Coffee Summit that stayed with me long after the event ended. Natalie and Nico are two women who made an lasting impact with just a few words, and I’m so excited to pass their voices along. I hope you find this time with them as inspiring as I did. As always grateful for you my coffee friend and chat soon! Support the show Thanks for lis...

Send us Fan Mail This week on Tiny Sidecar, we’re spending the day in transit as we make our way to Mexico. Consider this the opening scene: setting the tone, the mood, and the soundtrack for the Summit before things really get rolling. Please place your tray tables in the upright position, settle in, and let’s get going. Support the show Thanks for listening to Tiny Sidecar. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend or leave a quick review. We'll see you here next Tuesday! You can ...

Send us Fan Mail Season Two kicks off with a suitcase, a spark, and those pre-summit jitters we all know too well. In this first episode, we unpack the prep work from Bean Voyage community calls to the buzz of saying yes to something big. So grab your bag and hop in the sidecar… it’s time to hit the road. P.S. interviews start here. Get ready to meet Alex! Support the show Thanks for listening to Tiny Sidecar. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend or leave a quick re...

Send us Fan Mail Buckle up, friends! Tiny Sidecar is back for Season 2! This time, we’re kicking things off with stories straight from the source: women producers, importers, and roasters who are shaping the future of coffee. Cait returns from the Women Powered Coffee Summit with fresh inspiration, new connections, and plenty of behind-the-scenes moments to share. Join us for a quick spin through what’s to come this season. Because in every cup, there’s a story. And in every story, a l...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Cait catches up with Katie, Director of Operations at Wonderstate Coffee, for an easygoing and honest conversation about what it means to grow in life, in leadership, and in coffee. The two talk about family ties, the winding path that led Katie to her role in operations, and the moments in coffee that still make her light up. Along the way, Cait reflects on time with her own family and teases what’s ahead from the Women Powered Coffee Summit. Grab a mug, set...

Send us Fan Mail What does excellent hospitality really look like in coffee? Is it the bottomless diner mug, the quick “just get me my latte” efficiency, the curated third-wave experience, or the Gen Z vibe check? In this TSC episode, I’m taking you through hospitality across the generations and showing how expectations have shifted (and overlapped). We’ll count down my top micro-hospitality moments, the tiny gestures that turn coffee into connection, and talk about why hospitality (not just ...

Send us Fan Mail This week we’re taking a little detour. Instead of stats or guests, I’m pulling over to reflect on the summer we’ve had together and set some intentions for the fall ahead. I’ll share the highs and lows from behind the mic, the projects that kept me busy, and the lessons I’m carrying forward. Then I’ll look ahead, what’s next for Tiny Sidecar, what’s brewing in the coffee world, and the personal goals I’m chasing this season. It’s part recap, part ramble, and part did we just...

Send us Fan Mail Women make up the majority of the labor force in coffee, yet their presence in ownership and leadership still lags far behind. In this episode, we look at the numbers to give us a foundational understanding. From farm labor and land ownership to leadership roles and decision-making power. And ask what they reveal about the state of women in coffee today. It’s not just statistics. It’s about power, visibility, and the future of an industry that depends on women at every step o...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder how coffee actually gets from origin to your cup? In this episode, I pull back the curtain on the green coffee sourcing process from slurping samples and decoding certifications to the relationships that matter most. Whether you’re a barista, a roaster, a green coffee buying friend, or just a curious drinker, this one’s for you. Because behind every great coffee is a whole lotta care, commitment, and a little chaos (see random clip during the editing process). Wel...

Send us Fan Mail This week on Tiny Sidecar, we’re catching you up on all the buzz worthy happenings in the coffee world. From roaster retreats in Michigan to powerful mental health movements and grassroots fundraisers. Cait gives you the scoop on Washed Up Coffee’s cheeky brilliance, SANA’s inspiring work supporting mental health at origin, and what to expect at the upcoming Women Powered Coffee Summit. Plus, a shoutout to Equator’s immigration rights fundraiser and why community-driven movem...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I sit down with Kristaleen, a barista and educator at Stone Creek Coffee in Milwaukee. We talk about what it means to grow in the coffee industry, the power of approachable education, and the kind of intentional culture that makes a company like Stone Creek stand out. It’s a laid-back, thoughtful conversation that's sure to make you look at your next cafe drink a little differently. Support the show Thanks for listening to Tiny Sidecar. If you enjoyed t...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Tiny Sidecar, we're taking a cozy ride through Wisconsin’s coffee scene. From roastery tours to heartfelt coffee chats with family and friends, I recap my recent trip and the moments that made it special. Tune in for nostalgic sips, surprise lattes (hint: Coca-Cola dreams do come true), and reflections on how connection brews best when shared. This is your invitation to pull up a chair and come along for the ride. Welcome back to the Sidecar! Big shout out ...

Send us Fan Mail It’s been a month of Tiny Sidecar, and we’re riding side roads and celebrating milestones... some intentional, some delightfully off-course. In this episode, I’m reflecting on the first few episodes, sharing some behind-the-scenes moments, and chatting through what’s coming next. Plus, a little preview of an upcoming roadtrip to Wisconsin that may or may not include an excessive amount of coffee stops. If you’re here for polished structure... maybe skip this one. But if you’r...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I’m sharing the practical tips and personal reflections from my experience traveling to coffee producers. From what to pack to what to expect, how to show up with curiosity, and why these trips can change the way you see coffee forever. Whether you're prepping for your first visit or just want a deeper look at the heart of the supply chain, this one’s for you. Tiny Sidecar is your pit stop for thoughtful convos, strong coffee, and stories that center women in...

Send us Fan Mail What do latte art battles, green coffee deep dives, and a roaster village all have in common? They're just a few highlights from this year's trip to the SCA Expo in Houston. In this episode, I’m spilling the beans on the best moments from cupping with JNP and Daterra, to geeking out over La Marzocco’s passport challenge, and getting inspired by the World of Coffee Runners. Whether you were on the expo floor or following from afar, this is your behind-the-scenes pass to all th...

Send us Fan Mail Tiny Sidecar is here! I’m Cait — a roaster, green buyer, and coffee nerd with a mic. In this mini welcome episode, I’ll share a little about myself, what to expect from this podcast, and where we’re going next. Whether you’re in the café, at origin, or just vibing with your third cup, you’re invited! Glad to have you here! Support the show Thanks for listening to Tiny Sidecar. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend or leave a quick review. We'll see you here next...