Podcast thumbnail for Beans Without Boundaries

Beans Without Boundaries

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by Elena Mahmood

5.0(9 reviews)
25 episodes
Updated Weekly
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Podcast Overview

This Ambies Awards-finalist and Spurgie Awards-finalist podcast is produced by Elena Mahmood, an Arab queer, who started this journey late 2022 to bring together a community and collective of hardworking individuals to highlight their stories traversing the space of coffee and life. She chats with fellow colleagues within the coffee industry that identify with the lack of representation who identify as being women, BIPOC, and queer to navigate hot discussions about social structure and dynamics that are dealt with within the environment of coffee. Each episode provides a segment called "The Hot Take"; the moment our guests have a chance to vocalize their opinions that can be controversial and spark awareness towards the audience. We work towards bringing light to the realities that exist in the specialty coffee world and give gratitude towards the work being done globally.

Language

🇺🇲

Publishing Since

11/29/2022

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Recent Episodes

Episode thumbnail for Arielle Rebekah from Trans & Caffeinated

June 6, 2024

Arielle Rebekah from Trans & Caffeinated

<p>Despite the controversies, Arielle credits Starbucks for supporting her gender transition benefits-wise. A bittersweet chapter in her life that now fuels her passionate advocacy in transgender and queer communities. Arielle's journey from brewing lattes to consulting and advocacy isn't just a career shift; it's about creating inclusive spaces in coffee leadership.</p><p><strong>TL;DL</strong></p><p>Support for Trans Employees - Despite the criticisms of Starbucks, Arielle acknowledges the company's role in providing the employee benefits that supported her gender transition, highlighting a complex relationship with the coffee giant.</p><p>Inclusion in the Coffee Industry - The need for real inclusion, not just superficial diversity in the coffee industry, particularly in leadership roles, is emphasized, alongside the call for representation for marginalized groups, such as the Arab and queer communities.</p><p>Barriers in Specialty Coffee - Critique of the Specialty Coffee Association for the exclusivity and high costs of participating in its events, which can be prohibitive to individuals from marginalized groups including hourly baristas and those outside of major coffee hubs.</p><p>Controversial Takes on Coffee - Engaging in various "hot takes" regarding coffee culture, including the quality of Asian coffees, the complacency of the industry towards commodity-grade coffee, and challenging the narrow definition of what constitutes specialty coffee.</p><p>Creating Opportunities and Resources - Arielle suggests practical ideas like providing scholarships for baristas to attend industry events and suggests corporations pay higher prices to subsidize these initiatives.</p><blockquote>Advocacy and Identity: "Like, I've always been someone that's pretty outspoken about my identity. It has always been someone who wants to use my experiences to help educate people."— Arielle Rebekah</blockquote><p><strong>Memorable Moments</strong></p><p>00:00 Coffee community extends beyond product, connecting people.</p><p>06:52 Conflicted feelings about Starbucks and company values.</p><p>14:49 Colonial coffee trade, global history, diversity inclusion.</p><p>19:50 Inspirational podcaster discusses traversing diverse backgrounds.</p><p>26:12 Struggle with identity as a trans person.</p><p>36:38 Committing to an idea without much thought.</p><p>44:52 Hopeful for change, but money controls access.</p><p>59:07 Transitioning from freelance to passion projects and advocacy.</p><p>01:09:23 They are comfortable being open about themselves.</p><br><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/beanswithoutboundaries/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Follow the podcast on Instagram!</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://beans-without-boundaries.captivate.fm/bmac">Buy Me A Coffee</a> </p><p><a href="https://uppbeat.io/t/mojo/rebel" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="ql-size-small">My intro music</a><span class="ql-size-small"> is from #Uppbeat: License code: LSMVDPBXNKA1UQST</span></p><p><a href="https://uppbeat.io/t/kidcut/coffee-on-the-roof" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="ql-size-small">My outro music</a><span class="ql-size-small"> is from #Uppbeat: License code: U295XJURUTU70RHZ</span></p><p>2024 Best Podcast Nominations</p><p>*<a href="https://www.ambies.com/2024-nominees-and-winners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Best DIY Podcast Finalist</a> - The Ambies, Awards For Excellence in Audio - The Podcast Academy</p><p>*<a href="https://sprudge.com/the-15th-annual-sprudgie-awards-winners-and-honorees-231893.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Best Coffee Podcast Finalist</a> - The Sprudgie Awards, Honoring The Very Best in Coffee - Sprudge,&nbsp;The Worldwide Leader In Coffee News</p><p><a href="https://beans-without-boundaries.captivate.fm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">My podcast website</a></p><p>Copyright 2024 Elena Mahmood </p><p>Mentioned in this...

Episode thumbnail for Hannah Said from Saffron Cowboy Coffee

May 16, 2024

Hannah Said from Saffron Cowboy Coffee

<p>Hannah Said, a dedicated professional in the realm of diversity and inclusion, has built her career by significantly contributing to organizations such as the State Department of Disability in California, Walt Disney Company, and Lyft corporate. </p><p>Her journey took an unexpected turn when she contracted COVID-19 two years ago, which left her in isolation but with a burgeoning idea. Amidst the monotony and boredom of her recovery, Hannah dreamed of reuniting with her loved ones. </p><p>This aspiration, combined with her recent acquisition of a high-end espresso machine, inspired her to transform her yard into a welcoming space for connection and community. With a vision reminiscent of a childhood lemonade stand, yet tailored for adults, Hannah set out to create <a href="https://saffroncowboy.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">a quaint and personal coffee shop experience</a> right at home.</p><blockquote>Entrepreneurship and the Value of Community: "I just want my life to be around, create a a micro economy for me and my friends, and they create a micro economy for me." — Hannah Said</blockquote><br><p><strong>TL;DL</strong></p><p>Embrace Vulnerability - Hannah advocates for getting comfortable with embarrassment and trying new things without the fear of looking foolish. </p><p>Coffee as a Cultural Connector - Both Hannah and I share a passion for coffee that goes beyond the beverage itself. </p><p>Diversity and Representation - Hannah's Saffron Cowboy is praised for promoting Arab representation and creating a diverse work environment.</p><p>Safe Spaces for Arab Queer Individuals - Hannah and I discuss the challenges of being Arab and queer in spaces that lack diversity and support. </p><p>Legacy of Inclusivity - Hannah's focus on building a legacy that supports community activation and diversity sets an example for other businesses to follow.</p><p>Personal Identity as Business Strength - Hannah's unapologetic connection to her biracial Middle Eastern and white identity informs the ethos and vision of Saffron Cowboy, making it stand out in the industry. </p><p><strong>Memorable Moments</strong></p><p>00:00 Full-time specialty coffee business with diverse events.</p><p>08:38 Cultural drinks and beans with diverse representation.</p><p>15:09 Curious about others' Arab American experiences.</p><p>17:33 Midwest experience differs for queer Arabs. Consider moving.</p><p>26:29 Saffron Cowboy's impressive growth and impact.</p><p>31:39 Grant funding supports disability employment through training.</p><p>34:27 Improvement in Saffron Cowboy's business is evident.</p><p>38:21 Excitement for industry innovation and diversity.</p><p>43:51 Struggling with ethical industry practices in employment.</p><p>54:31 Fascinated by stories shaping personal growth.</p><p>55:36 Passion for storytelling led to podcasting success.</p><p>01:02:53 Saffron Cowboy creating strong Middle Eastern identity.</p><p><a href="https://beans-without-boundaries.captivate.fm/bmac">Buy Me A Coffee</a> </p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/beanswithoutboundaries/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Follow the podcast on Instagram!</strong></a></p><p>2024 Best Podcast Nominations</p><p>*<a href="https://www.ambies.com/2024-nominees-and-winners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Best DIY Podcast Finalist</a> - The Ambies, Awards For Excellence in Audio - The Podcast Academy</p><p>*<a href="https://sprudge.com/the-15th-annual-sprudgie-awards-winners-and-honorees-231893.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Best Coffee Podcast Finalist</a> - The Sprudgie Awards, Honoring The Very Best in Coffee - Sprudge,&nbsp;The Worldwide Leader In Coffee News</p><p><a href="https://beans-without-boundaries.captivate.fm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">My podcast website</a></p><p><a href="https://uppbeat.io/t/mojo/rebel" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="ql-size-small">My intro music</a><span...

Episode thumbnail for Maya Crowley from Uncommon Coffee

April 25, 2024

Maya Crowley from Uncommon Coffee

<p>I have a very special guest who's pushing the boundaries of the coffee industry – Maya Crowley, the passionate and driven owner of <a href="https://uncommonvt.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Uncommon Coffee in Vermont</a>.</p><p>Maya brings a new narrative to the scene with her fresh take on the oft-overlooked Robusta bean and her dedication to carving a space for minority voices in the globally-loved beverage. But it's not just coffee that stirs her soul – Maya is also an aspiring writer, an entrepreneur with a compelling family heritage, and even dreams of outwitting, outplaying, and outlasting on Survivor come 2025.</p><p><strong>TL;DL</strong></p><p>Perseverance in Entrepreneurship - Maya Crowley's journey from managing a bustling cafe in Burlington to navigating the challenges of opening her own business amid the pandemic demonstrates the resilience and determination it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur in the coffee industry.</p><p>The Power of Community - The tale of Maya's venture in Essex, bolstered by a vision for a rejuvenated strip mall and a strong sense of hometown connection, exemplifies the critical role community support plays in the success of small businesses.</p><p>Shared Struggles - Both Maya and I have faced personal and professional battles, finding solace and purpose in their work within the service industry. Their experiences underscore the common hardships many people face and how work can act as a refuge and a source of strength.</p><p>Specialty Coffee Advocacy - Despite the popularity of Arabica, Maya enlightens listeners on the uniqueness of Robusta beans and advocates for a broader appreciation and understanding, challenging the coffee industry’s educational and taste biases.</p><p><strong>Memorable Moments</strong></p><p>00:00 Overcoming adversity and finding the strength within.</p><p>05:35 Reflecting on challenges faced and personal growth.</p><p>13:09 Hometown business owner expands to the revitalized area.</p><p>17:59 Immigrant parents joke about going to school.</p><p>24:23 New Survivor contestants value control of information.</p><p>28:24 Accessibility to connect altered relationships.</p><p>33:20 Positive community response, collaborations, and hosting events.</p><p>39:39 Focus on measurable goals outside of scores.</p><p>43:24 Essential book for roasting Robusta coffee beans.</p><p>52:22 Emphasizing genuine intention, and community building in coffee.</p><p>58:19 Barista competitions favor money over skill. Period.</p><p>59:49 Competition framework dictates coffee scoring limitations.</p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/beanswithoutboundaries/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Follow the podcast on Instagram!</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://beans-without-boundaries.captivate.fm/bmac">Buy Me A Coffee</a> </p><p>2024 Best Podcast Nominations</p><p>*<a href="https://www.ambies.com/2024-nominees-and-winners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Best DIY Podcast Finalist</a> - The Ambies, Awards For Excellence in Audio - The Podcast Academy</p><p>*<a href="https://sprudge.com/the-15th-annual-sprudgie-awards-winners-and-honorees-231893.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Best Coffee Podcast Finalist</a> - The Sprudgie Awards, Honoring The Very Best in Coffee - Sprudge,&nbsp;The Worldwide Leader In Coffee News</p><p><a href="https://uppbeat.io/t/mojo/rebel" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="ql-size-small">My intro music</a><span class="ql-size-small"> is from #Uppbeat: License code: LSMVDPBXNKA1UQST</span></p><p><a href="https://uppbeat.io/t/kidcut/coffee-on-the-roof" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="ql-size-small">My outro music</a><span class="ql-size-small"> is from #Uppbeat: License code: U295XJURUTU70RHZ</span></p><p><a href="https://beans-without-boundaries.captivate.fm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">My podcast website</a></p><p>Copyright 2024 Elena Mahmood </p><p>Mentioned in...

25 total episodes available

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What is Beans Without Boundaries?

This Ambies Awards-finalist and Spurgie Awards-finalist podcast is produced by Elena Mahmood, an Arab queer, who started this journey late 2022 to bring together a community and collective of hardworking individuals to highlight their stories traversing the space of coffee and life. She chats with fellow colleagues within the coffee industry that identify with the lack of representation who identify as being women, BIPOC, and queer to navigate hot discussions about social structure and dynamics that are dealt with within the environment of coffee. Each episode provides a segment called "The Hot Take"; the moment our guests have a chance to vocalize their opinions that can be controversial and spark awareness towards the audience.

We work towards bringing light to the realities that exist in the specialty coffee world and give gratitude towards the work being done globally.

How often does this podcast release new episodes?

This podcast updates weekly.

Where can I listen to this podcast?

This podcast is available on 9 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.

Does this podcast accept guests?

No, this podcast does not typically feature guests.

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