AA Cafe Podcast artwork

AA Cafe Podcast

145 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago - ★★★★ - 19 ratings

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.

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Episodes

Birthday Stories

March 14, 2024 16:59 - 1 hour - 91.2 MB

Mark and Brian keep it brief this time and let the DoubleShot regulars talk. It's a lengthy cast of eighteen characters, all with something interesting to say. Quite a range of voices and stories and memories of DoubleShot history. Listen to the end for some juicy, intimate content where the tables are turned and Brian spills the beans on his private life. Thanks to everyone who participated in this episode, to everyone who didn't but still has a story to tell, and to everyone whose lives ha...

Gemini Project

February 29, 2024 23:27 - 38 minutes - 53.2 MB

With the DoubleShot's 20th birthday just around the corner, Mark and Brian reconvene to taste one of the two coffees Brian sourced and roasted for the occasion. It's sold as a box set called The Gemini Project, which is available at DoubleShotCoffee.com.  The coffee jolts their memories and they spend the majority of the episode talking about the past. A few of the things they remember from twenty years of coffee and hijinks.  Talk to Mark and Brian in person at the 20th birthday celebr...

DoubleShot 20th Birthday

February 19, 2024 17:03 - 44 minutes - 60.8 MB

Brian Franklin opened DoubleShot Coffee Company on March 5, 2004. On March 5, 2024 we celebrate its 20th birthday. And there's a lot to celebrate. In this episode, Mark and Brian talk about the theme of this year's party and walk through an entire day's event schedule. There will be commemorative cups, a commemorative beer, unusual coffees, and a game to keep you entertained. Listen up, you don't want to miss this. More at DoubleShotCoffee.com Download the new DoubleShot app here.

La Minita 2024

February 01, 2024 23:37 - 38 minutes - 53.2 MB

January 20-25 Mark and Brian traveled down to Costa Rica to visit Hacienda La Minita. It was Mark's first foray into coffee territory. And La Minita was Brian's first origin trip in 2005. Here they chronicle some of the details of the trip, observations, and takeaways. To purchase a pound of La Minita, go to DoubleShotCoffee.com. Read more about the trip at DoubleShotCoffee.com/blogs/newsletter

Simple Pleasures

December 29, 2023 23:54 - 41 minutes - 57.3 MB

Each year, Mark and Brian convene for one last episode of AA Cafe in which they enumerate their "Ten Things." Every year is different, but they all come from the heart. It's a moment to forget about all the turmoil of the holidays and take a breath before the onslaught of a new year, and to focus on some things that make life really special. This episode is all about simple pleasures. Think of your ten, they tell theirs. And if you want to see Brian's ten things he doesn't do, check that lis...

Montelin Java Natural

December 18, 2023 00:48 - 34 minutes - 47.9 MB

The DoubleShot's second and final holiday coffee is from Nicaragua! From a farm called Montelin in Nueva Segovia owned by a young man named Juan Ramon Diaz, jr. This episode is packed with info about the coffee, about the farm, and about the cascara that came from these coffee beans. Luis Miranda (Finca Massif) interviewed Juan Ramon in Spanish, and DoubleShot Folk hero Clint Stevens translated it all into English. Listen, and then go check out the latest holiday offerings at DoubleShotCoffe...

Maracay Pink Bourbon

November 21, 2023 01:19 - 33 minutes - 46.3 MB

The holidays are upon us, and the DoubleShot has released their first holiday coffee of the year: Maracay Pink Bourbon Natural. Mark and Brian convene to sip and talk about it. An interview with the producer of the coffee, Luz Helena Salazar, interpreted by Felipe Arcila, her son and the owner of Cofinet - the company that sold the coffee to DoubleShot. See the gifts mentioned on the podcast here: DoubleShotCoffee.com.

Quindio, Colombia

November 07, 2023 00:35 - 39 minutes - 54.9 MB

Felipe Arcila, the owner of a Colombian exporter called Cofinet, visited the DoubleShot earlier in the year to talk shop. Brian cupped a bunch of samples and bought a hefty alotment, all from one farm: Maracay. Obviously the roastmaster had to go and visit the farm, meet the producer (Luz Helena Salazar), and cup a lot more coffees. In this episode, Brian talks with his host from Cofinet, Maria Ocampo, en route to another coffee farm. Mark and Brian go over the main takeaways from the trip. ...

Ghosts - ReEDIT

October 31, 2023 22:58 - 14 minutes - 19.4 MB

Originally recorded and published on Halloween 2016, this episode was re-Edited for Halloween night 2023. A weaving of ghost tales from the ever-memorable, former DoubleShot baker Shelley Womack and Big Bob Hendrick, who went off to BE a ghost in 2022. You can probably find him knocking around and flickering lights at The Rookery tonight. Happy Halloween.

The Coffee Purist

September 28, 2023 22:31 - 53 minutes - 73.5 MB

This blockbuster episode marks the launch of a new Kickstarter campaign to fund The Coffee Purist, a coffee table book filled with the details, stories, and lessons from the career of Brian Franklin. As it were, Mark Brown takes the reigns in this episode and is joined by co-host Katie Hader. Brian joins in as a guest on his own show to line out all the details on the book, the project, and the rewards.  Read more about it on The Coffee Purist website: purist.coffee Or go straight to Kic...

Tough

June 08, 2023 16:08 - 23 minutes - 32 MB

With Tulsa Tough in town this weekend and Mark out of town this week, Brian sits down for a solo session to introduce the latest edition to the DoubleShot Elite: the Omnia Midstream cycling team. They will be competing Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in some hot and high-speed criterium races in downtown Tulsa. Captain of the team, Chad Cagle took some time out of the saddle to talk about racing, his team, their goals, and what they represent. See more at DoubleShotCoffee.com. And for the full ...

Breath of Fresh Air

April 07, 2023 22:20 - 40 minutes - 55.4 MB

Journalist Julie Wenger Watson published a story in April's issue of Tulsa People magazine about the SoBo district of Tulsa. Her interview for the story with DoubleShot owner Brian Franklin was recorded in the AA Cafe studio, and published in this episode. Julie's kid gloves meet Brian's boxing gloves in this episode. Mark and Brian, as always, round up the conversation with more pertinent and innocuous details. Read Julie's story at TulsaPeople.com. Buy El Conejo Malo at DoubleShotCoffee....

Thanks for the memories

March 09, 2023 17:40 - 33 minutes - 46 MB

DoubleShot Coffee Company just turned 19! Mark and Brian discuss the aging of the business as the customer base increases and fans with 19 years under their belts begin to wane.  Listen in on a brief discussion of Brian and Wiley's trip to Costa Rica. New happenings at La Minita combined with introductions to a few other long-term coffee roasters gave Wiley a taste of the larger industry and opened Brian's eyes to what's happening post-COVID.  This episode winds up with a few messages fr...

Our cup runneth over

December 22, 2022 17:44 - 1 hour - 119 MB

In this year-end, holiday spectacular, Mark and Brian settle in for a long Winter's chat. This episode spans the ages with the annual "Ten Things," but begins with a whimsical conversation featuring Natalie Reed of Muddy Paws Pottery. Natalie's Campesino cups are available while they last at DoubleShotCoffee.com/gift, along with a few other gift ideas hand-picked by the Roastmaster himself. While you're there, go on over to DoubleShotCoffee.com/stuff to find a different list of suggestions f...

El Bosque Anaerobic Natural

December 09, 2022 23:53 - 38 minutes - 52.5 MB

Andrew breaks into the middle of a conversation about gift giving to deliver the last holiday coffee of 2022, from Nicaragua, El Bosque Yellow Catuai Anaerobic Natural. Tasting and dicussions ensue, then Mark and Brian talk about a few new items to hit the DoubleShot shelves. Notably, The Launchpad is about to make its debut, a device designed to contain all your pourover gear. With promises of top ten lists, the boys sign off and prepare for the final episode of the year.

Dos Manzanas

December 06, 2022 17:32 - 23 minutes - 31.6 MB

If you missed the big announcement at the DoubleShot, get all the news here. Mark and Brian sit down to recap, to unveil the next step in the evolution of DoubleShot Coffee Company, and to continue guiding us through a migration of the DoubleShot holiday coffees. To see the Dos Manzanas video, go to DoubleShotCoffee.com/farm.

Bambito Estate Red Bourbon Natural

December 01, 2022 22:28 - 25 minutes - 35.1 MB

Something's amiss in the AA Cafe studio. Mark and Brian sit down to chat over a cup of the recently-released, third holiday coffee at DoubleShot: Bambito Estate Red Bourbon Natural. There's apparently change in the air, and the two cohosts discuss a bit of Thanksgiving tradition: football, coffee roasting, and chicken ramen. Buy the coffee and watch the video at DoubleShotCoffee.com.

Bambito Estate Yellow Catuai Natural

November 15, 2022 22:03 - 20 minutes - 28.5 MB

Mark and Brian reconvene to discuss the latest holiday coffee at DoubleShot, Bambito Estate Yellow Catuai Natural. They reveal the tip of the iceberg as the story of the 2022 holiday coffees progresses and a transition is in the works. A new cup design by Natalie Reed Goehl is also revealed in this episode. Listen, taste, imagine, and stay tuned for future episodes as the story continues. Buy the coffee and the cup at DoubleShotCoffee.com.

Halcyon:[Panama]

November 11, 2022 16:54 - 13 minutes - 18.9 MB

The weather has turned and the holidays are officially upon us. With the release of DoubleShot Coffee Company's first holiday coffee of the season, Mark and Brian sit down to imbibe and reflect, to tell about the mystery behind this coffee and what's special about it. To taste the coffee yourself, go to DoubleShotCoffee.com.

DoubleShot Sport

October 12, 2022 21:28 - 43 minutes - 60.4 MB

DoubleShot Elite, David Carter, stopped swimming, cycling, and running long enough to talk about his stellar finish at Ironman Tulsa. Meanwhile he's out in Kona, Hawaii competing in the Ironman World Championships. Back at home, Mark talks about his sport highlights and lowlights, and Brian recounts a recent 50 mile footrace in Flagstaff Arizona. It's all about sport. Sport, and coffee.

Non-Places and Third Spaces

April 30, 2022 00:13 - 49 minutes - 17 MB

Mark Brewin joins us to talk about the function of public spaces, the difference between places and spaces, and the history of media in the public realm. Coffee is obviously the centerpiece of it all.

Eighteen

March 02, 2022 23:22 - 1 hour - 21.9 MB

In this marathon episode celebrating the 18th birthday of DoubleShot Coffee Company, Mark recounts specific events along the timeline as Brian tries to explain what happened. Find yourself immersed in DoubleShot lore and then go to DoubleShotCoffee.com/memories to tell about your own experiences.

Old Long Since

December 23, 2021 22:44 - 27 minutes - 16.4 MB

Mark and Brian celebrate the end of 2021 with their annual list of ten things. Drinking a Gesha coffee from Finca Momoto, the duo rattle off people who've influenced their writing and coffee careers. Paul Bowman stops by with his bagpipes to perform Auld Lang Syne on the shortest day of the year.  And there's a hand, my trusty fiere! and gie's a hand o' thine! And we'll tak' a right gude-willie waught, for auld lang syne.

Glacier Confection

December 14, 2021 17:35 - 43 minutes - 25.3 MB

Gene Leiterman from Glacier Confection stops by for a visit at the AA Cafe studio to talk about how chocolate is made, from the tree all the way to the bar. Glacier's collaboration with DoubleShot Coffee Company came to a culinary pitch this year with the creation of four unique dark chocolate bars infused with the four holiday coffees roasted and released by the DoubleShot for 2021. Learn all about this delicacy, and order the bars at DoubleShotCoffee.com.

Doug Casebeer

November 20, 2021 00:31 - 37 minutes - 21.8 MB

Doug Casebeer, artist in residence at The University of Oklahoma and world-renowned potter, sat down in the AA Cafe studio to talk about art, the shapes of things, the environment, and the handmade object. Doug has just finished his second piece for DoubleShot Coffee Company, The Crosstimber Cup, a sequel to The Rookery Cup, which was born in 2020. His ideas will open your mind to a different way of living and consuming. Find more of Doug's work at DougCasebeer.com.

Michael Wallis

November 03, 2021 21:14 - 46 minutes - 26.9 MB

Mark and Brian welcome to the podcast Michael Wallis, storyteller, author, and the voice of the Sheriff in the Pixar movie Cars. Michael tells about a few of his 19 books, of the great fallacy of manifest destiny, and his interest in Route 66. A raconteur of the highest caliber, you will be enraptured by this icon of Tulsa and of the literature of the American West. 

DoubleShot Elite

October 08, 2021 18:01 - 43 minutes - 25.4 MB

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. 

Transparency

September 17, 2021 16:12 - 41 minutes - 23.9 MB

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. 

Mark Brown 2.1

August 30, 2021 23:05 - 14 minutes - 8.43 MB

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

Household Brewing Methods

July 13, 2021 00:04 - 47 minutes - 27.5 MB

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

Fr. Gary Kastl - Transubstantiation

May 31, 2021 23:30 - 50 minutes - 29.4 MB

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

Edwin Martinez - Coffee Supply Chain Issues

May 04, 2021 22:31 - 45 minutes - 26.2 MB

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.

18th & Boston - An Origin Story

December 22, 2020 22:17 - 51 minutes - 42 MB

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...

Finca Momoto - the farm and the coffee

December 19, 2020 17:56 - 59 minutes - 35.1 MB

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. 

Burner control - roasting coffee with the proper flame

December 03, 2020 21:45 - 39 minutes - 23.5 MB

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 ap...

Bambito Estate - Red Bourbon Natural

November 26, 2020 01:26 - 20 minutes - 12.9 MB

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.

Mark Brown 2.0

September 30, 2020 23:58 - 40 minutes - 24.4 MB

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 thi...

AA Cafe Replay: Long Beach Bums

September 25, 2020 22:11 - 24 minutes - 14.5 MB

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 o...

AA Cafe replay from 2008

September 11, 2020 16:53 - 26 minutes - 15.7 MB

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.

COVID's effect on bars and restaurants

May 29, 2020 15:24 - 1 hour - 35.4 MB

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. 

The effect of COVID-19 on producers

April 11, 2020 18:30 - 59 minutes - 35 MB

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. 

Varieties and Coffee Processing

February 26, 2020 17:29 - 31 minutes - 19 MB

After returning from back-to-back sourcing trips to Costa Rica and Panama, Brian explains the differences in his experiences between the two. Discussions involve the elusiveness and complexity in defining a coffee variety, as well as the loose definitions used to characterize different processing methods. Though when all is as expected, sometimes the results play out predictably on the cupping table. 

Farmers and Farming

January 20, 2020 21:41 - 36 minutes - 21.6 MB

Mark and Brian discuss the importance of knowing who produced the goods we consume. The impacts on the supply chain of our daily choices, and how consumer behaviors align with the quality of the products available to us. How paying for items of value creates a cycle of respect both for the producers and for ourselves. And a little bit about Brian's recent trip to Colombia.

Christmas 2019 Bonus

December 21, 2019 19:10 - 28 minutes - 16.9 MB

This is a bonus episode of AA Cafe. Mark and Brian always read their top ten lists during the last episode of the year. It's usually things they're thankful for, but this year Mark decided it would be 10 things they hate. 

AA Cafe #126 - Religious Reflections

December 21, 2019 19:05 - 45 minutes - 26.9 MB

Happy Holidays! Mark and Brian are drinking the DoubleShot holiday Geshas, and enjoying the spirit of giving. Brian sat down to chat with a priest, a rabbi, a lesbian minister, and an atheist. Hear the contrasts and similarities in their celebrations of the holiday season.

AA Cafe #125 - Scott Stulen

October 29, 2019 16:27 - 1 hour - 35.4 MB

Scott Stulen, the director of Philbrook Museum of Art, is a regular at DoubleShot Coffee Company. He talks about the changes he is making at Philbrook, how he thinks about art differently, and the special coffee collaborations between Philbrook and DoubleShot.

AA Cafe #124 - DoubleShot Folk

September 05, 2019 21:00 - 38 minutes - 22.5 MB

Mark is the featured "folk" in a new podcast produced by Brian Franklin of DoubleShot Coffee Company. In this episode, Mark and Brian announce the release of the new podcast series that tells the story of some of the unique characters who are DoubleShot Folk. Search for this new podcast in your podcast app.

AA Cafe #123 - Doug Zell

July 26, 2019 15:10 - 50 minutes - 29.8 MB

Doug Zell was in Tulsa to race his bicycle at Tulsa Tough, an annual 3-day cycling event for amateur and pro racers and riders. After all the racing had ended, he and Brian sat down to discuss life after Intelligentsia. 

AA Cafe #122 - The Rookery

March 19, 2019 14:45 - 44 minutes - 26.5 MB

DoubleShot Coffee Company moved into its new home, The Rookery™. In this episode, Mark and Brian talk about the new digs, the transition from the original location, and they hear what the people think who inhabit the unique build. 

AA Cafe #121 - Panama

February 27, 2019 14:57 - 37 minutes - 34.9 MB

This episode is about much more than Panama. It's a culmination of experiences from India to Colombia to Panama, inclusive of Costa Rica, Guatemala, and many other places Brian buys coffee. It's about sales and considering the future of coffee. And it's the last episode to be recorded in the basement at 18th & Boston.