Mark and Brian REUNITE after months of being socially and podcastically distant. Harkening back to 2007, Brian unearths audio from AA Cafe #43, when he recorded with Amy Ferraris (producer of The Perfect Cappuccino documentary) in San Francisco just after attending the Specialty Coffee Association trade show in Long Beach. Listen and find out what it was like sleeping "al fresco" as Ferraris says. Watch Amy's documentary on amazon prime video or visit cappuccinomovie.com for other viewing options.

AA Cafe Podcast

AA Cafe Replay: Long Beach Bums

Meet David Carter, principal clarinetist for the Tulsa Symphony and the Tulsa Opera Orchestra, but better known for being a DoubleShot sponsored runner and triathlete. In this episode, Brian interviews David about his life, career, and sport. Meanwhile, Mark and Brian try to figure out how to just continue being average. 

DoubleShot Elite

Mark and Brian go in-depth on costs associated with coffee and retail pricing structure. The transparency movement in specialty coffee seems to have created some confusion, and this is their attempt to sort that out. 

Transparency

We interrupt your regularly scheduled episode of AA Cafe to bring you a special announcement. 

Mark Brown 2.1

With the help of DoubleShot barista, Andrew Robinson, Mark and Brian explore various coffee brewing methods you can use at home. Learn about the nuances of using each device, how they effect the taste of the coffee, and which one(s) might be right for you.  Get the AA Cafe Cup at DoubleShotCoffee.com

Household Brewing Methods

Transubstantiation happens when the Eucharistic bread and wine changes into the body and blood of Christ. Father Gary Kastl visits with Brian about Catholic beliefs and puts up with his tomfoolery in bringing these beliefs to coffee. Mark and Brian bloviate about these things at length.  To read about Eucharistic miracles, go to: https://media.ascensionpress.com

Fr. Gary Kastl - Transubstantiation

Brian and Mark finally get behind the mics again to catch up on what's happening in the coffee industry. Edwin Martinez calls in to talk about how things have changed for him as a coffee buyer, exporter, importer, and broker. Learn more about Edwin's business at www.onyxcoffee.com.

Edwin Martinez - Coffee Supply Chain Issues

In March 2004, Brian opened DoubleShot Coffee Company in a strip mall at 18th & Boston in Tulsa, Oklahoma. People started coming in regularly and the business took on a place in life that no one expected. While Brian was focused on serving coffee exactly the way he thought it ought to be consumed, a group of folks rallied around the DoubleShot and created an experience that deeply affected almost everyone who stumbled in the door. Mark and Brian reflect on those early years and try to unfold what really happened. And this year, they list ten things that went missing in 2020.

18th & Boston - An Origin Story

In this episode, Brian is joined by DoubleShot head barista, Andrew. The two recount their trip to Panama earlier this year and discuss the details of coffee selection at origin and how that translates to roasting and brewing coffee at the cafe. Luis Miranda, co-owner of Finca Momoto, answers all the tough questions about farming and post-harvest production. Finca Momoto's Gesha natural lote uno is one of the featured holiday coffees at the DoubleShot this year. 

Finca Momoto - the farm and the coffee

Roastmaster Brian is seeking ultimate control while roasting coffee for the DoubleShot. After fighting with an improper power burner for well over a year, Joerg Bollgen stepped in to save the day. Joerg is the owner of Intelligent Combustion Control Technology, and previously worked as a factory technician at Weishaupt Corp. in Germany, the manufacturer of the new DoubleShot roaster burner. Joerg talks about the difference between the old and new burner, as well as the seemingly-limitless applications a good modulating burner can be used for. 

Burner control - roasting coffee with the proper flame

It's the holiday season and it's time to enjoy some of the most special coffees of the year. In this episode, Mark and Brian discuss the coffee variety Bourbon and its possible etymology, the visit to Panama early in the year to see Bambito Estate, and a special message from Priscilla Gonzalez talking about the farm and the coffee at Bambito. It's a Thanksgiving special fueled by amazing DoubleShot Coffee.

Bambito Estate - Red Bourbon Natural

This has been a weird experience. COVID has caused people to reevaluate their lives, what's important to them, and how they plan to spend the rest of theirs. It's made people question how they will provide for the basic necessities, how to cook rice, and who to follow on Instagram. This, my friends, feels like a deep dive into the troubled mind of Mark Brown. I think it's important to document how 2020 has changed us. And, as usual, Mark has an evocative way of expressing the thoughts of this updated version of himself. Follow him, if you will. 

Mark Brown 2.0

In 2008 Brian took his first trip to Guatemala, and it was an eventful experience. In this episode, Brian and DoubleShot head barista, Andrew, replay a short segment of episode 50 and reminisce about a particularly exciting event. Listen and learn.

AA Cafe replay from 2008

On March 17 bars and restaurants in Tulsa were forced to close and the struggle to survive has caused changes in business models across the board. In this episode, hear how three business owners in Tulsa have dealt with this new climate with distinctly different responses and outlooks for the future. Thanks to Chef James Shrader, owner of Palace Cafe, Prairie Fire Pie, and Kitchen27; Aaron Post, owner of Valkyrie and St. Vitus; and Evan Kelamis, owner of Savoy Restaurant. 

COVID's effect on bars and restaurants

The coronavirus disease is causing global changes in the way we live and work. In this episode, Mark dials in from his home office while Brian checks in with producers around the world who supply the coffee and tea sold at the DoubleShot. 

The effect of COVID-19 on producers

Explore coffee through history, science, music, and other vaguely-related topics. Join Brian Franklin from Tulsa-based DoubleShot Coffee Company and co-host Mark Brown from Argentfork.com as they meander around coffee-inspired ideas and engaging interviews.