PHOTO COURTESY OF ALLY COFFEE Rooted Podcast GREEN-COFFEE IMPORTER ALLY COFFEE recently launched a new podcast, “Rooted in Coffee,” as part of their Ally Open ini-tiative and platform. Hosted by Creative Projects Manager Nick Castellano and Chief Operating Officer Ricardo Pereira, the podcast aims to address challenges and potential solutions for a range of topics throughout the coffee industry. The show features a variety of experts who bring their unique experience, perspective, and insight to the featured topic of each episode. “In coffee we are always discussing problems and sometimes put-ting Band-Aids on those problems,” says Nick, “but we never get to the root of the problem. With so much happening in the world and so many changes happening so quickly, now is the time to create a platform where we not only discuss those problems but also discuss solutions.” The first episodes of the podcast dropped in September, with new ones being released on a biweekly basis. “All the episodes are tied together by discussing various industry challenges. We don’t just focus on one problem or question, but we have noticed that sustainability in all of its forms is a common theme among our guests,” says Nick. “At the end of the day, we cannot sustain these problems forever, and every solution needs to have a sustainable outcome.” Nick continues, “‘Rooted in Coffee’ offers solutions through the perspectives of important industry players that are not always a part of the immediate supply chain. We will also be sitting down with lead-The coolest new podcast in coff ee is Ally’s “Rooted in Coff ee,” which focuses on identifying challenges and having industry experts discuss potential solutions with podcast hosts Nick Castellano, Ally’s creative projects manager (le ), and Ricardo Pereira, COO of Ally. Guests have included Trish Rothgeb, Morgan Eckroth, and others. ers in other industries to learn more about how they tackled problems in their industries and understand where coffee can learn from that.” Early guests have included Trish Rothgeb, co-founder of Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters, and Specialty Coffee Association CEO Yannis Apostolopoulos. “We have also spoken to [2022 United States Barista Champion] Morgan Eckroth and [2017 World Barista Champion] Dale Harris and got a really interesting perspective on some of the challenges and realities around accessibility in competition,” says Nick. “It was also nice to go inside their brain and hear a little about [their] experience outside of competition, from social media influencing to what it just means to be a coffee professional.” Nick adds that he and Ricardo want “Rooted in Coffee” to be as accessible as possible, and that they’re interested in hearing feedback from the community. “Our podcast is hybrid,” he says, “meaning our audience can listen on audio platforms such as Spotify, Apple, and Google, but can also watch our recordings on our YouTube page. We and our guests are also accessible for any questions, comments, and guest/topic recommendations.” allyopen.com/blogs/get-inspired 18 barista magazine