Are you ready to embark on a journey to sun-drenched Aruba? Today, we pull up a chair for an intimate conversation with Anna Lombardi, a Venezuelan-born businesswoman who's made Aruba her home and created a vibrant lifestyle infused with her multicultural identity. With a deep love for tourism and a zest for life, Anna has established a quaint family-run restaurant and beach apartments that are a reflection of her family's diverse backgrounds. Immerse yourself in her stories, from her move from Venezuela to the charm of Aruba, and unravel the richness of her balanced life that seamlessly blends work, family, and personal joy.

Take a glimpse into the unique world of Savaneta, a delightful Aruban community that Anna cherishes. With a compelling blend of locals and tourists, Savaneta is brimming with activities from snorkeling to kayaking, promises to satisfy the adventure-seeker in you. Get a taste of the local culture through Anna's lens - a culture that radiates friendliness and warmth. Our conversation with Anna is not just about her life in Aruba or her ventures, it's a reminder of the beauty of diversity, the strength of community, and the profound joy of savoring life's simple pleasures. Prepare to be inspired by Anna Lombardi's captivating story that embodies the spirit of Aruba, the 'one happy island'.

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Ready to dive deep into the world of coffee, where the chill of iced coffee squares off with cold brews? That's what we're brewing up in our chat with Michael Harwood, co-owner of Vignette Coffee Roasting. He demystifies the difference between these two summer saviors, explaining why cold brew may just outlast iced coffee in your fridge. But that's not all - he takes us on a sensory exploration of coffee roasting, unraveling the stark contrast between being a barista and the physical demands of toasting those beans to perfection.

The conversation doesn't stop there. We stir the pot on the importance of seasonality in coffee buying. How does it affect your cup of joe? Does it bring more value to you, the coffee aficionado? We discuss how the hard work of farmers, pickers, and processors adds to the quality of the coffee and why it's crucial to buy in sync with the seasons. We even touch upon the globe's northern and southern hemisphere dividing line and its impact on coffee availability. So, refill your cup and join us on this caffeinated journey that's sure to change your perspective on your morning brew.

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Have you ever pondered the true value of a barista or the complexities of tipping culture within the coffee industry? As we unfold these intricate layers, we guarantee an enriching brew of insights and stories with our esteemed guest, Michael Harwood, co-owner of Vignette Coffee Roasting. Be prepared to discover a world beyond your morning coffee pick-me-up, as we unravel the delicate balance between a warm, inviting café environment and ensuring a fair living wage for the hardworking baristas. We also venture into the innovative concept of pay-as-you-can models, and how they could potentially stir up the coffee scene.

We invite you to embark on a journey of love, laughter, and entrepreneurship with us, as we navigate the highs and lows of running a coffee business as a newly wedded couple. Michael brings his diverse experiences from theatre and nursing to the coffee industry, offering a unique perspective on the myriad facets of coffee. And, it’s not just all work and no play. We'll also share the delightfully quirky tale of our raccoon mascot, and its surprising role in brewing positivity within the industry.

Finally, let's plunge into the rich and robust blend of coffee culture and community support. As we reflect on our global travels, we realize how different perspectives can enrich our understanding of the coffee supply chain. We'll delve into the significance of barista and craft culture, with a focus on the importance of continuous learning to propel the industry forward. We're proud of Vignette Coffee's commitment to providing exceptional customer experiences while nurturing our local community. Get ready to grind through these stimulating discussions and deepen your appreciation for your beloved cup of joe!

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Can you imagine savoring your favorite grilled summer salad with a perfectly paired coffee cocktail? Picture a medium roast Colombian or Guatemalan coffee, enhanced with a hint of honey, served chilled using large ice cubes or ice balls to avoid dilution, and topped with frozen berries for an unexpected flavor twist. That's what food and former Cordon Bleu Chef, Lisa Record, brings to our table in this exciting episode.

Get ready to fire up those grills as Lisa shares her expert tips and tantalizing recipes for grilling our favorite summer delicacies. 

But that's not all. Our gastronomic adventure doesn't stop there! We journey with Lisa through Michigan's distinct barbecue tradition and learn how to perfectly grill venison tenderloin. So, plug in your headphones and get ready for a delicious experience that promises to transform your summer grilling narrative. Brace yourself for a thrilling culinary adventure that will awaken your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Get ready to sizzle and savor with Lisa Ricord!

And, of course, a big thank you to our sponsor, Better with a Cup of Coffee, for making this adventure possible.

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This episode is about trying new things and being willing to overcome fear.

Cate and I experienced glamping, coffee shop stopping at one of the most notorious gunman in the west’s cafe, hiking through Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park.

The road trippen through the wide open spaces of the west is about exploring and feeling a sense of freedom that we never have felt when we have driven through forest lined highways on the east coast.

If you’re wanting to explore and feel freedom caress your soul, come along with us on our journey through Utah.

We hope you enjoy the experience.

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This episode is with a broadcasting legend, Sandra Hughes.

Sandra Hughes was the first African American woman to host her own talk show in North Carolina, with Sandra and Friends. She was the first female broadcaster invited to participate in the European Communities' Visitors Program. She was the first African American woman in the Southeast to host PM Magazine, which was broadcasted nationally, along with many more awards and accomplishments.

As I was growing up in Greensboro, North Carolina, I knew Sandra Hughes, but I called her aunt San.

Here in North Carolina people have seen Sandra Hughes for decades on WFMY-TV, but what you didn't get to see was the funny, great story telling aunt San. This episode not only tells the story of her past, but it also gives you a glimpse of the person, not just the legend.

We hope you enjoy!

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This episode is with Elizabeth McGuire, the Executive Director of the Colorado Music Festival & Center for Musical Arts.

Her love for coffee is just as strong as her love for the symphony. Liz, we affectionately call her, studied music at West Carolina University. We don't know which came first, her love of coffee or music, but we do know that both sure have evolved since her time in Boulder, Colorado.

We get a chance to hear about the world class musical talent that is showcased during the summer in the quaint neighborhood of Chipaqawah, which is a hidden gem above the campus of The University of Boulder Colorado, and some of the best coffee shops in Boulder.

If you've ever wanted to know what it entails to put on a world class event and to grab a tasty cup of coffee in Boulder, listen up. Liz's personality shines bright and is very engaging.

We hope you enjoy the journey.

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Today's episode is with Emmanuel Dunbar, owner of Royal Diaspora Coffee in Tampa, Florida. Emmanuel has brought exquisite Brazilian coffee to Tampa, FL. 

Coffee is a bridge to learn about other cultures and to experience the different ways of life, and Emmanuel wants to incorporate that by bringing coffee to his neighborhood and teach young black people what the coffee culture is all about. 

His journey started way back from his childhood when his mother brewed her morning coffee. Coffee just stuck in his mind. Now as an adult, he has become an entrepreneur within the industry that he has loved so much, the coffee industry.

I loved this conversation because Emmanuel is a fascinating person. He is candid about traveling, coffee, and his journey through life.

We hope you enjoy our conversation.

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Today's episode is about a company that is empowering female coffee producers and revolutionizing how coffee is roasted and sold in Guatemala. 

The company is called Chica Bean, and I'm speaking with partners, Josue Martinez and Abby Grabner. Their new way of doing business has cut out the middle man. They roast their own coffee, and use UPS to transport their coffee all over the world. Chica Bean is showing the world that there is a better way.

This is a new business model for how coffee farmers in other small countries could follow. The best part about it is that the coffee farmers get paid more money.

What a wonderful interview. Listen in to hear to full story. 

We hope you enjoy the show.

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This episode is not only about how Cate and I relaxed and enjoyed the simpler times as we drank our coffee watching the most stunning sunrises and sunsets, nor is it about being inspired by three of the loveliest people we met on our hiking adventure. It's about nature stealing the show.

The day started in Palms Springs, CA with us taking the tallest air tram in the world to dine for lunch. Then, hike the San Jacinto State Park. After finishing our exploration within the wilderness, we navigated our way to the town of Joshua Tree, CA where we found all that we needed at our retreat amongst the stunning features of wildlife and its habitat.

Even though we had only two days in the desert, we created a multitude of memories.

We hope you enjoy the journey.

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This episode is with Wes Neal, owner of Bright Angel Bikes & Cafe, in the Grand Canyon National Park, and Eat and Run, in Flagstaff, Arizona. 

This story is one of a man who wanted a change. He wanted to spend more time with the people that matter most to him, his family. He was a river runner guide for the Grand Canyon National Park, a life that unbeknownst to the outside world, was fun but tough as hell.  Wes wanted to see his daughter grow up. But, he needed to figure out how he was going to do that.

Then, there comes the idea of opening up a bike rental business within the Grand Canyon. Now, that's not a big deal you might think. Well, it was!

He and his business partner, Kyle George, went up against the Goliaths of the world, large corporations with large bank accounts, and won!

Bright Angel Bikes & Cafe was the first small family owned business in the Grand National Park amongst a see of corporations.

Listen to Wes speak his truth.

We hope you enjoy the ride.

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The joy of friendships are profoundly important in our lives, and this episode embraces and showcases those joys.

 Cate and I met one of my great friends, California native Elise Maturri, when we were in California during our cross country road trip. 

Elise and I have been friends for over 20 years, and the stories and memorable moments that are shared in this episode will hopefully put a smile on your face, spark a thirst to find new and exciting restaurants, or to be a catalyst for you to take a road trip with your besties.

We hope you enjoy the journey.

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Along our travels on our cross country road trip to Los Angeles, CA, Cate and I found out about Vanessa Punche, owner of LA Grind Coffee and Tea Bar. 

She started her coffee business career in 2018 because of the mistreatment and injustice of two black men being sent disrespectfully away from Starbucks. Coffee chose her. She didn't choose coffee.

We need more coffee shop owners like her. She loves her community of coffee lovers, her community of black people, and all of the many special people that visit her cafe.

She brings joy, passion, and a mentality of doing things the correct way at her coffee shop. She is real, loving, and funny as all get out. 

So sit back, sip on your coffee, and enjoy the ride with Vanessa Punche.

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This episode is about the LA vibe for us on day 6. It was a whirlwind of a day in sunny California. 

Cate and I stayed in the perfect Airbnb in West Hollywood, two blocks from one of the best coffee shops in LA, Kings Road Cafe.

Join in on our fun and adventures as we navigate through LA traffic to drop off our luggage in West Hollywood. Then, drive to downtown LA to pick up one of our crew so we could drive to the Griffith Observatory. After that, we stopped by the coolest neighborhood, known as Los Feliz, and then hustled back through rush hour to make our dinner reservations at La Piazza in The Grove. All in few hours. Did I mention rush hour. 

I felt like I was Anthony Bourdain from 24 hour layover.  It was a wild and crazy day, but we had a blast.

We hope you enjoy the ride.

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This episode is about experiencing the Grand Canyon. We stayed at the Thunderbird Lodge,  just a 100 ft. away from the South Rim of the Canyon. 

It was such an honor to have such an experience of hiking on the famous Bright Angel's trail and to walk with Elk and deer, which apparently graze in front of the hotels every morning.

This leg of the trip was priceless, and I encourage anyone to visit this magnificent area.

We hope you enjoy our adventures.

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This is episode is about how relaxation and rejuvenation was experienced at a different level on our trip.

Fun and relaxation in the Land of Enchantment is what Cate and I experienced while visiting one of the top Spas and Resorts in the country, Ojo Santa Fe​.

Who knew that visiting a puppy patch, silky chickens, while dipping in the natural hot springs and a salt pool could be so relaxing? Well, it ALL was! 

Every part of this magical place were the catalyts to give us the type of rejuvenation that was needed and necessary for our minds, bodies, and souls.

We hope you enjoy our new discoveries in the Land of Enchantment.

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Today's episode is about Cate and I experiencing historical greatness, delicious southern food, and basking in the love of a fellow road tripper in  Memphis, TN.

This road trip podcast series is for you, adventurous one, someone who loves leaning, meeting new people, and growing from those experiences.

We hope you enjoy!

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Spring and summer are around the corner, and today's podcast starts a series of days where my wife and I take you on our epic 19 day road trip from last summer. 

Road trips are fun, adventurous, and inspiring, and on our journey, we made friends, mistakes, and laughed a lot along the way. 

Our road trip took us through 16 states, 4 national parks, and 2 states parks. We stayed in gorgeous Airbnbs, a hotel 75 feet from the south rim of the Grand Canyon, camped in a National Park, and glamped in a luxury yurt.

We want to show you all the magnificent sites we visited, the most important items that we chose to take, all the while tasting some great coffee on our journey. 

This episode is day 1 of our road trip  visiting the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC.  

Have you ever wondered what living in a French Chateau would be like? Well let your mind wonder as Cate and I take you to the largest home in the United States, the Biltmore House. It's as if we stepped into the French Renaissance Era for a few hours.

We hope you enjoy our adventures! 

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This episode is about a man who is 86, and is from an era of challenging times, but as you hear, enjoyable times. Meet my father, Douglas White, aka "Dougie Fresh".

His passion about his family, gardening, and of simpler times is evident in this podcast. 

We hope you enjoy our conversation.

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The years of navigating through the streets of South Central, LA has tested our guest, LaNisa Williams, but with a bit of divine intervention while in jail, hard work when she got out, and the commitment to her personal growth and being the best black coffee professional that she can be, has catapulted her life into being one for the movies.

Sit back, relax, and have a cup while LaNisa Williams, founder of Barista Life LA, takes you on an inspirational journey through the trials and tribulations of her life.

If you would like to see the video on YouTube, check her here, https://www.youtube.com/@cuppaconnections

We hope you enjoy.

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What can you say about a woman who has visited 60 countries, 47 states, and 6 continents? Inspirational is one word that comes to my mind.

Meena Thiruvengadam has been a writer for over 20 years, and has written for publications such as Travel & Leisure and The Wall Street Journal to name a few. She's as authentic and as fun as they come. 

This episode showcases a woman who has traveled the world as a writer and an explorer. We not only hear about some of her cool coffee experiences, but of some of her inspiring adventures, like the time she climbed an Alaskan Glacier. 

We hope you enjoy .

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This episode is about a former model, Nicole Michelle, who has lived a very interesting life within world or fashion and makeup.

Over her career, she has learned a few things, and one of the most interesting things is how working with MAC cosmetics showed her how to make coffee from their foundation colors, but she doesn't stop there. Not only does she share her coffee making stories, she gives us more fun and laughter from other stories of her journey through life.

We hope you enjoy!

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I love great stories, and Kalen Bingham gives us one. 

Listen to Kalen's story of how she went from being a fourth grade teacher to becoming the budding owner of Thrive Coffee Company in Greensboro, NC. 

Her passion for giving the community of Greensboro, her hometown, not only a great cup of coffee, but a warm and heartfelt experience each and every time you visit her mobile coffee cart.

I hope that you will enjoy her amazing journey.

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This episode is a continuation of Episode 9. Listen to Ana's story of how she and her husband have created one of the best kept secrets in Aruba. It's wonderful to gain new perspectives of a place that only locals can provide. 

You will gain knowledge of her community Mangel Halto, which is located in the city of Savaneta, and you will hear why her restaurant and beach apartments, Anate, are some of the best that the island has to offer.

We hope you will enjoy it.

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