Podcast Episode Summary: Coffee and Baristas - Part One
- Katherine Arkady
- Jan 13
- 4 min read
Introduction
In Part One of this warm and frothy two-part series, Katherine cozies up with Alex, the operating manager of her favorite local coffee shop. Alex brings several years of experience in the coffee world to the table—along with a few unforgettable stories. From deciphering complicated espresso orders to watching romances (and breakups) unfold over cappuccinos, this episode captures the full flavor of life behind the bar. They talk third wave coffee, customer quirks, latte art, and what it really means to build a community over caffeine.
If you’re a writer curious about people-watching in cafes or someone who just loves the hum of espresso machines and the ritual of a good brew, this episode is your next great listen.
Here's the link to this specific podcast episode on my website. Listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other major platforms!
Timestamps
00:01:21 But when and how did you get involved in this field?
00:02:08 Third wave, what does that mean?
00:02:38 So did you ever see yourself doing this beforehand, like getting into the coffee?
00:04:10 Intro of “Fact or Fiction”
00:04:30 Is it common for you to have regulars who come in daily and spend hours at the shop?
00:06:41 As the proverbial Gunther, the owner of Central Park, what sort of relationships do you get to foster with the regulars?
00:08:22 Do customers claim specific tables or spots in the shop that are their own or are there like regulars that only sit in like the corner spot that you know, you got to have that table ready?
00:10:22 Does weather affect the shop?
00:13:03 Have you ever had customers request to perform or sing or bring something out of the Ordinary to the shop?
00:13:58 What are the hours of your shop?
00:15:20 Have you witnessed romantic encounters in your cafe, and are there any first dates, proposals, or awkward breakups that just really stick out?
00:18:59 How long do customers usually hang out there, and what's the longest anybody has ever stayed?
00:22:22 Karens
00:24:41 Do you ever have customers that come in without ordering things?
00:26:46 Has there ever been a situation where a regular customer ended up working at the café or helping out behind the counter?
00:30:01 Do people ever use your shop to celebrate parties or anything?
00:31:02 Have you or any of your coworkers ever had a crush on a regular customer or noticed customers crushing on each other?
00:33:06 What is the most complex or strange coffee order you have ever had to make?
00:37:00 Do you know [people] by, like, their coffee order?
00:37:26 What's “single origin”?
00:38:25 Have there been any memorable accidents, spills, or other incidents in your cafe that felt like something out of a sitcom?
00:42:26 Have you had any local town celebrities or influencers come in?
00:46:32 Do you ever give away free drinks to regulars or under special circumstances?
00:48:26 Do you ever have to cut people off from coffee?
00:51:29 When you said for a certain amount of time for the espresso pulls, what is that?
00:52:13 What does it mean to adjust the grind?
00:55:28 Would anything on your body give away that you work at a coffee shop?
00:56:48 Latte Art
00:58:23 What does a rosetta look like, and what does a stack look like?
00:59:10 Are there elements that are in, like, a certain coffee drink where you know that a rosetta or a stack is just not going to turn up?
01:00:24 Are there people that take drinks that aren't theirs?
01:02:10 Is there a preferred order or way in which you would appreciate the order being asked for?
01:07:05 And are the codes that you use, are they pretty standard?
01:08:47 I went out of my way to see what the most complicated order at Starbucks could be.
Key Takeaways:
The term “third wave coffee” signals a craft-focused, artisanal approach to brewing and sourcing.
Baristas often become fixtures in their community—like real-life versions of Gunther from Friends.
Customer behavior runs the gamut from “Karen” moments to sweet connections and surprising friendships.
Behind every beautifully made drink is muscle memory, grind calibration, and tiny acts of art—like stacks and rosettas.
Writers, take note: coffee shops are full of built-in narrative beats—awkward first dates, overheard conversations, and unsung local heroes.
Editor's Note:
If you’ve ever posted up in a coffee shop to write, you already know there’s a rhythm to the place—a cast of characters, a vibe that shifts with the seasons. This episode peels back the curtain with humor and heart, giving us a glimpse of what it’s like to live on the other side of the espresso machine.
For writers looking to better understand dialogue, human behavior, or just spark their creativity in unexpected places, this is an audio goldmine.
Links & Resources:
Latte Art Tutorial by Emilee Bryant on YouTube
Buzzfeed's thoughts on Complicated Starbucks Orders
Dr. Sunalini Menon: The Sprudge Twenty Interview in the Sprudge Interview Series
Part Two of this Series
May your dialogue flow like a perfect pour-over,
Katherine Arkady
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