

IT’S JUST COFFEE!
Ben Bicknell & Rohan Cooke
Whether you’re a world barista champion brewing a $150 rarecoffee from the hills of Panama, or you’re stirring a spoon ofinstant coffee in boiling water, at the end of the day, It’s JustCoffee!It’s Just Coffee! is a podcast for all those coffee lovers out thereand we're endeavouring on a journey to find the perfect cup.Not only will we be talking to the world’s best coffee makersand roasters, we’re going to be talking to athletes, comedians,celebrities and anyone that just loves a great cup of coffee.The coffee community around the world is engaged andpassionate (sometimes to a fault), and we want to exploresome of the biggest debates that happen across the Internet,and in the local cafe around the corner from you.Questions like:• Which country has the best coffee in the world?• Should it be illegal to mix milk in black coffee?• Is Starbucks actually coffee?We’ll dive into some of the best coffee conversations on theinternet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of theday, that It’s Just Coffee!
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 28, 2025 • 34min
Bangkok to Nepal - What Coffee Looks Like Overseas | COFFEE BREAK!
On today’s Coffee Break: We’re exploring innovative coffee trends found in Asia, detailing a five-star experience at KFC, and diving into the diverse coffee culture of Bangkok. Plus, you best believe we have some thoughts on RTD after our conversation with Connor Nestor. Tune in to find out!
Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets.
Want more coffee content?
IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236
Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments.
Proudly sponsored by -
Eco Barista: https://www.ecobarista.com.au/
Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/
Thank you for listening, love ya!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 26, 2025 • 59min
Specialty Instant Coffee is Here - Meet New Ground | CONNOR NESTOR!
Connor Nestor, founder of New Ground, has taken the convenience coffee scene by storm with his innovative approach to specialty instant coffee. He chats about the unique NGT extraction system that enhances flavor, and how he and his team overcame industry hurdles to bring new products to life. The conversation dives into the coffee culture's evolution, highlighting quirky childhood lunch stories and the rise of ready-to-drink coffee. Nestor also shares insights into crafting a perfect espresso martini on tap, blending convenience with quality.

May 21, 2025 • 32min
Why Australians Misunderstand Starbucks | COFFEE BREAK!
In today’s Coffee Break: we discuss Starbucks’ perception in Australia, particularly amongst coffee enthusiasts. Plus, we’re breaking down the cultural differences between Australian and American coffee preferences, and revealing the fascinating story behind the Starbucks name and logo.
Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets.
Want more coffee content?
IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236
Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments.
Proudly sponsored by
Eco Barista: https://www.ecobarista.com.au/
Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/
Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 19, 2025 • 1h 44min
Inside Starbucks’ Big Comeback in Australia! | NICK CASEY!
Today we’re diving into Starbucks’ resurgence in Australia!
Arriving on Australian shores at the turn of the millennium, Starbucks rolled out fast across the continent, but by 2008 was forced to close two-thirds of its stores. Fast forward to 2025, and Starbucks is back with a bang.
To help us understand the comeback is Starbucks’ marketing and communications manager, Nick Casey! Join us as we discuss the Starbucks growth strategy: including menu development, the importance of consistency, the impact of social media and their adaptation to consumer preferences.
If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day - It's Just Coffee!
Explore Starbucks Australia here: https://www.instagram.com/starbucksau/
Want more coffee content?
IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236
Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments.
Proudly sponsored by
Eco Barista: https://www.ecobarista.com.au/
Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/
Thanks for listening!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 14, 2025 • 27min
The Coffee-Chocolate Connection behind Mörk | COFFEE BREAK!
On today’s Coffee Break: We brew up Kiril's secret AeroPress technique, draw parallels between artisan chocolate and specialty coffee, and discover how sustainable pioneers are transforming cacao byproducts into tea and cola. Plus stick around for some exciting personal updates!
Explore Mörk here: https://www.morkchocolate.com.au/
Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets.
Want more coffee content?
IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236
Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments.
Proudly sponsored by -
Eco Barista: https://www.ecobarista.com.au/
Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/
Thank you for listening, love ya! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 12, 2025 • 1h 16min
From Bean to Bar with Mörk Specialty Chocolate | KIRIL SHAGINOV & JOSEPHIN ZERNELL!
If you’ve had a delicious hot chocolate in Melbourne, chances are it was made with Mörk. Today we’re joined by the husband-and-wife team behind the specialty chocolate business; uncovering the secrets behind their sweet success.
Kiril and Josefin share the origins of Mörk, the importance of cacao traceability, and the very real cacao crisis unfolding right now (with cacao 4x the price of coffee!). Plus we explore the wilder side of the chocolate industry—from viral Dubai chocolate to the rise of some questionable chocolate alternatives.
If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day - It's Just Coffee!
Explore Mörk here: https://www.morkchocolate.com.au/
Want more coffee content?
IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236
Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments.
Proudly sponsored by
Eco Barista: https://www.ecobarista.com.au/
Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/
Thanks for listening!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 7, 2025 • 23min
Did Nathan Toleman Create the Smashed Avo Trend ? | COFFEE BREAK!
We have some thoughts following Tuesday’s episode with Nathan Toleman, including the disputed origins of the smashed avo…and how he managed 24 individual venues without franchising! Plus, get all your coffee market updates including recent price increases and Fellow’s espresso machine debut.
Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets.
Want more coffee content?
IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236
Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments.
Proudly sponsored by -
Eco Barista: https://www.ecobarista.com.au/
Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/
Thank you for listening, love ya!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 5, 2025 • 1h 6min
24 Iconic Cafes. 1 Hospitality Playbook. | NATHAN TOLEMAN, Founder of The Mulberry Group!
Opening 24 venues over the past 20 years, Nathan Toleman is a true legend of the hospitality world. He’s the founder and Creative Director of The Mulberry Group, opening iconic venues such as Top Paddock, Kettle Black, Higher Ground, Liminal and Heide Kitchen.
Nathan joins us in the studio to share how he became one of Melbourne’s most innovative hospitality entrepreneurs. If you're a cafe/restaurant owner or aspiring to have your own venue one day, this is the episode for you.
If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day - It's Just Coffee!
Explore The Mulberry Group here: https://www.instagram.com/themulberrygroup/
Want more coffee content?
IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236
Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments.
Proudly sponsored by
Eco Barista: https://www.ecobarista.com.au/
Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/
Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 30, 2025 • 20min
Beyond the C-Price - Brewing, Guests & What’s Next | COFFEE BREAK!
We recap our key takeaways from Ollie Brown and Tuesday’s deep dive into the coffee market (tune in if you missed the full episode!). Then, it’s AeroPress training time -Sonam and Liam break down a precise, competition-style recipe using Condesa’s Peru single origin, and things turn out DELICIOUS!
We also chat about the future of the coffee industry, including the rise of automation, the environmental pressures on farmers, and what it actually means to really know your coffee’s origin.
Plus: big news on upcoming guests (one of them is juicy), Rohan’s long-awaited return, and a sneak peek at a potential future series exploring the world of chocolate !
Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community—think on-the-fly barista tips, honest café reviews (eek), hospitality stories, and gate-kept coffee secrets.
Want more coffee content?
IT’S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod
Want to get in touch?
hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com
Proudly sponsored by
Eco Barista → https://www.ecobarista.com.au
Apax Lab → https://apaxlab.com
Thanks for listening—love ya! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 28, 2025 • 1h 5min
Why Coffee Costs Are Rising Fast ! Inside the C-Price with Condesa Co.Lab | OLIVER BROWN!
Why is the cost of coffee rising so quickly?Today we’re joined by Oliver Brown, Sales and Relations Manager at Condesa Co.Lab, to unpack the complexities and volatility of coffee pricing.We’ll break down the C-price, dive into the dynamics of supply and demand, and explore the environmental challenges impacting coffee production. Plus we’re asking the big question: what does the future of the coffee industry hold? Could we really be paying $10 for a latte by the end of 2025?!If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day - It's Just Coffee!Check out Condesa Co.Lab here: https://www.instagram.com/condesa_co_lab/ Want more coffee content? IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments.Proudly sponsored by -Eco Barista: https://www.ecobarista.com.au/ Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices