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Call for questions: COFFEE (Patreon)

Published:
2024-08-12 23:35:42
Imported:
2026-06

Content

The study of coffee includes history, sociology, neuroscience, chemistry and economics and we're going to get into ALL of it with an expert coffee researcher. Leave your questions for the ologist below!

Deadline: Wednesday, August 14 at 5pm PST

Comments

Alli B

What is the best way to reduce our carbon footprint for the coffee we consume?

Timmy H.

COFFEE OR ENERGY DRINKS?

Jakin Yang

I hope it’s James Hoffman. That would be hilarious.

Lindsey James

What is the reason for the 200 mg daily limit on caffeine for pregnant people?

Timmy H.

What’s your best coffee joke?

Erica Bednarski

What's the deal with Kopi luwak (cat poop coffee)? Is it actually better or is it some rich people nonsense?

Megan

What about Hames Joffman??

Kate Oldham

First time question asker (and hating to be here but) WHY does coffee keep me on the toilet 😭😭😭

Matt Ceccato

Why does a light roast coffee provide the larger caffeine yield?

slam whitey

Why does it make some people incredibly anxious and nervous, but some people seem to love it? Is it tolerance levels or is there a fundamental difference in our livers or something?

Elta Sparks

How did coffee get to be *the* drink for the morning, especially in the US?

Patience P.

Why do I need to poop .34 seconds after taking a sip 😂

Zena Hamilton

Why am I able to drink tea without feeling a caffeine crash but coffee give me the jitters?

Mona Finlayson

Why does coffee make me sluggish and tired? (I have ADHD)

Graceanne Read

Is "white coffee" flim flam?? Does it have more caffeine because it was roasted less?

Belinda B

How many bad bean waters had to be sampled before coffee was discovered? Someone had to be trying those out.

Alli B

How is climate change affecting the coffee industry? Do you see it being sustainable in the current global growing regions? Will coffee growing regions need to convert to food crops? I’m getting apocalyptic here, but as an avid coffee consumer (+ former barista and coffee shop manager), I’m curious to see what the ologist says. Thanks for providing this opportunity!

Emily Staw-fur

Does coffee count towards my daily water intake?

Ettegoom

What would be a lethal dose of coffee? Could I drink enough to kill me?

Corinna Regan

What makes the different flavor profiles? Roasting? Brewing? The kind of bean?

Cat Lady

Yes yes, same.

David the Altruistic Misanthrope

Coffee! Friend, mother, secret lover! What's the secret formula to the perfect cup of coffee? What coffee or brand is the most friendly to the farmers who grow it and best for the environment?

Jeremy

“What is the perfect balance of $, in your opinion, between value and quality for a complete home setup?”

Megan

What is up with civet coffee? Is it really that much better than coffee that hasn't gone through the digestive tract of a critter?

Andrea

Is grinding your coffee better than buying it pre ground?

Koda Robillard

Is the specific taste of Arabica because of its genetic history of inbreeding? follow-up would doing something similar to other species of cofee beans would be helpful for arabica conservation?

Ryan Butler

Will we *actually* see the end of coffee production due to climate change?

Emily Staw-fur

Why do black coffee drinkers make fun of people who add cream an sugar?

CoffeeLeaf90

Why do we love it so? Is there nutritional value in coffee? When I'm told to drink water & say there's water in coffee am at least a little bit right? (I do in fact drink plenty of water during the day but coffee is just 👌🏽)

Cat Lady

Why oh why is coffee so good with cigarettes?

Emily Staw-fur

What is the strangest thing you've heard someone add to their coffee?

wicker bitch

How does it make it all the way from my cup, into my stomach, through my kidneys, into my bladder and then leave my body still smelling like coffee and why is coffee smelling pee kind of nice? Am I weird for that? Please someone tell me I'm not alone 😅

Greg Walloch

Is coffee a drug? It certainly feels psychoactive and seems like it has addiction potential. Signed, A Tea Drinker.

Antonia Clark

Is decaf is bad for me because of the process the beans go through to remove the caffeine?

Chrysalis Ashton

Why do most people start out not liking the taste of coffee as adolescents and then eventually “grow into it”?

Anna Thompson

Why does adding coffee to chocolate cake enhance the chocolatey flavor?

Sam

I’ve always thought that people who drink black coffee only do so because they either want to appear sophisticated or they don’t know how to allow themselves to experience joy. Does the scientist agree?? :)

Sam Y

If coffee is acidic then why is it so bitter? I thought that was one of the big differences between acids and bases.

Michael Williams

Why is it that if I drink coffee at 11:59am I have no difficulty sleeping but if I have coffee at 12:01pm I’ll literally be up all night?

M.P., PhD

My wife cannot have caffeine, so even though she loves coffee, she cannot have it. Is there a way to “un”caffeinate coffee? Dark roasts have less caffeine than lighter roasts, so could you do a “decaf” process (or some other process) on a darker roast to have a virtually uncaffeinated coffee?

Sam

Do I have to wait 90 minutes after I wake up to drink coffee if I want to maintain my natural alertness levels?

Chris Curious

What preparation is best for tasting the flavor of coffee?

Anna Thompson

Anecdotal but for me if I have coffee on an empty stomach I get anxious/jittery but if I have it with or after food I'm fine! Why is this?

Philip Hallett

What's the deal with instant coffee these days? There are all these fancy instant coffees on the market now pushing past $3/serving or more. Has the technology improved recently or is it just marketing? (first time)

Jacob Elsbree

I heard that French press coffee is soooo bad for you. Why?

Sam

What is the history of coffee and chicory in New Orleans? Are there roots similar to chicory that are added to coffee elsewhere?

Linlin Huang

What’s the best Oatmilk to use with espresso to make a latte? (And why is it Oatly?)

Cyntia B

Can you give a few examples of traditional and/or more edgy/special brewing methods?

Greg Walloch

Why do some (famous) people put coffee in their butt?

Mike Campbell

For several years, I’ve been drinking 10-16 ounces of fairly strong coffee per day to avoid taking prescription stimulants to treat my ADHD (ADD-Inattentive, to be specific.) Thoughts? BTW, THANK YOU for the ADHD episodes!

Erin Gunderson

How does an avid (read: habitual) coffee consumer be impactful in a more *positive* way? What best growing practices are the best to invest our purchasing power in, both for the land and the people on it? Can we hear about cherries? How does the process from cherry to bean work?

River Canina

does coffee really affect people with ADHD differently?

Wendy Lockhart

So many questions! Does it really dehydrate you? Raise cortisol levels? Why do

Cyntia B

What is the most interesting coffee you have ever tasted and why?

Tobie Tobias

can drinking unfiltered coffee make your cholesterol go up. (example of non filtered: using a French press or percolator instead of a regular coffee machine with paper filter)

Cyntia B

In your opinion, what will be the 4th wave?

Rozelyn Hesby

What is happening in the digestive system of those cute little civets that makes Kopi Luwak so exceptional? Is it worth the hype?

Karolyn

How in all of history did humans figure out how to harvest, dry, roast, and brew this divine beverage?

Linlin Huang

Is there a scientific reason for why drinking bullet coffee induce diarrhea? Or is it just me?

Kelsey lore

What is up with coffee breath? It is so distinct, and so pungent.

Wendy Lockhart

people half different reactions to caffeine (like how long it stays in your body).

Heidi Wright

Why is the PNW obsessed with independent drive through coffee stands? I thought before it was due to the weather but I now live in Colorado and most of the independent coffee shops are sit down places.

mish the fish

can you ask about the relationship between coffee consumption and depression? when i was under medicated, i drank so much of the stuff

Mark McPhillips

Is it true that Europeans switching from beer to coffee as the main(?) drink of choice contributed heavily to the Enlightenment?

Jacintha Jaa

Is it just the caffeine that my brain is addicted to or are there other chemicals that I unconsciously crave?

Chris Curious

Does unfiltered coffee have a significant effect on your cholesterol?

Nicky G

I need this question read VERBATIM 😂🤣

Michael MacLeod

Are there any other lesser known products made from the coffee pod tree? (probably the wrong name)

Kate Timms

How do the modern methods of making whole beans decaf, like Swiss water processing, actually work? Do you lose other compounds as well as caffeine?

mary de voe

What's up with "good" coffee smelling fishy??

Erin White

Talk to us about the one that gets pooped out of a cat. Please. Just... why?!?

howdycrab

Also very interested in this! My wife and I are scrolling through questions as we drink our nightly decaf lol

Erin White

try a bit of instant in your next batch of brownies; it does magic things

Nicky G

How and why does coffee make your insides want to be outsides? 💩 Also why don't more places have more drive up independent coffee stands like in Washington State? So convenient and dangerous!

Elyce

Does it affect people with ADHD differently? My boyfriend falls asleep after drinking it while I’m buzzing with energy.

Heather Mechler

Are coffee cherries edible/good to eat? Or are they just entirely wasted in the process of harvesting the beans? Are we missing out?

Eil Be Gone

I can drink a cup of coffee and immediately fall asleep. Am I weird?

Rick T

What makes coffee bitter and what can/has been done to mitigate it?

Jen A.

Does coffee actually help ADD or no??

Char Harrison

I have so many questions! 1) How can we reduce the exploitation of bean growers and harvesters? 2) Will we lose coffee trees due to climate change or will the coffee growing belt just shift? 3) How did we start drinking bean juice? Was it because some farmer saw goats eating the berries and getting all bouncy from them, or was that an old wives' tale? 4) What caused such a difference in how different cultures consume coffee? e.g., In Italy, cappuccinos are for the morning only and then you drink black coffee from midday onwards. Australia and New Zealand developed Flat Whites (which are essentially smaller lattes). 5) What caused the rise of coffee to become an artisanal drink? 6) At what point will the caffeine in coffee affect your sleep? As someone with ADHD, I self-medicate with coffee a lot, but I wonder about how it may affect my sleep. 7) Flavour profiles of coffee can be as varied as wine, what causes the flavour differences? Is it roasting temperatures? Is it where they grow or how they're harvested? Or a combination?

howdycrab

What's the chemistry behind making decaffeinated coffee? What else does that change in the beans?

Hope Madeline

What is the deal with monkey poop coffee (kopi luwak) from Indonesia? Is it supposed to taste better? Not upset the digestive system as much since it’s fermented? My friend told me he drank it when he went to Indonesia and it was really good but like WHY? Or is this just another way of making something everyone likes more “exclusive” and “exotic” for only the rich? And why civets? Why can’t other primates digest our coffee beans for us? Do civets have unique digestive bacteria? Also, and this is the most important question, would you, Alie Ward, drink monkey poop coffee?

Kristin

I'm thinking most kiddos don't like most bitter tasting things - not just coffee. But that's as an American where I know we train kids on so much sweetness - Would be interested if like, amaro has to "grow" on Italian kids or other cultures examples?

Valerie Kirby

I've heard of friends/family upping their coffee intake in lieu of ADHD meds while those are in short supply. Is this advisable for this condition?

Mary of the Grapefruit

Ok .. so if you drink it black, does it mean you're a sociopath (joking... But not really) Also a gross question: is there really a coffee that animals eat and after it's somewhat digested...people gather the leftovers to grind and sell? What does the acid bath of their stomachs do to the coffee beans?

Jacob Shepherd

Why do we love it? Is there a seratonin response? Is it the ritual of it all? Something else?

Tom Beisel

Coffee is my vice. Planning for months long self contained wilderness kayaking trips I’m more focused on adequate coffee supply than food. I live for coffee!

Kristin

I 100% think of (caffeinated) coffee as a drug, and I use it accordingly! XD

Sara Johnston

How has coffee culture changed and why is there such a global coffee monoculture? How has coffee giants like Starbucks changed coffee and how we consume it?

Serena D'Souza

Does terroir really affect a coffee's taste?

Dillon S.

So I think there should be a shout out to Science VS. episode about caffeine! However, what I wanna know is why is espresso and regular coffee so much different in price when it doesn’t seem to make a difference in most people… is this a money grab??? #placebo???

Aimee Ford

FTQA: A female acquaintance asked me (female) in college if coffee made my pee smell like canned tuna fish. Startled, I answered "yes, it does. You?" "Yeah. The guys I've asked don't experience this. I'm polling people." Since then I've asked random people this question too. And it seems that only women get fishy smelling urine after drinking coffee, but not all. Every man I've asked says it still smells like coffee. Which blew my mind when they said it still smelled like coffee, because I've never smelled urine that smelled like coffee, ever. WHY? HOW?

Beck

Which bands or certifications are reliable in choosing ethically sourced coffee (in terms fair labor practices and ecologically friendly farming)?

Jen A.

WHY does some coffee make my tongue tingle and burn? Not by heat, with sensation. So weird, right? 🫠

Kristin

Why do people look down on decaf / decaf drinkers? And/or why isn't there more high-quality decaf available?

Nicolette

Why does coffee make me sleepy? What’s the difference between cold brew (tastes loads better) and regular iced coffee? What’s the discourse on ethics involving the collection/importation of coffee beans?

J Shay

So many thoughts! I assume some of this is due to tolerance but that also leads me to wonder why coffee can be so addictive if people aren't getting the wake up benefits. How awful are single use coffee pods for the environment? What exactly is caffeine and why does it affect people so differently? What about it makes us so jittery? How can some people drink it late in the day and still go to sleep early?

Anuja Joshi

Why does hot coffee calm me down, cold coffee makes me jittery immediately?

Sam Dunn

First time question-asker here! Is there a genetic reason I don't like the taste of coffee? Like the same way some folks find cilantro repulsive but others don't?

Oscar Courchaine

why do i HATE coffee with just a little bit of (oat) milk in it? It's like the taste completely changes compared to drinking it black. But then lattes are fine because they feel more like coffee-flavored milk....

Disco Ru

Is it true that drinking coffee made in a French press can be bad for your heart?

G Connolly

First time question asker! Am I short because I started drinking coffee in middle school????

Allison

Long time listener, first time question asker - My mom was diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus but within a year of quitting coffee (with no other life changes) she no longer had any evidence of the condition. Given that information I quit and noticed a huge reduction in throat pain/tightness. Are there types of coffee, methods of making coffee, or coffee additives that can make drinking coffee easier on the stomach?

Dave Brewer

Can't stand the stuff. Is there maybe a genetic reason why?

GreenBriar

First Time Question Asker: I have heard a theory that the Enlightenment came about as a result of the introduction of coffee to upper class Europe - previous the common meeting place was pubs or drinking establishments, but with aristocrats suddenly favoring coffee houses, the stimulant aspect of the caffeine allowed for clearer thinking, and increased mental processes. The coffee houses were the places that the Enlightenment ideas took shape - is there any truth to this? Can we know?

Mary of the Grapefruit

Oh! Why does coffee (really caffeine) help your aches and pains? Especially headaches ala Excedrin

Kate Timms

If you could ask even one of Char Harrison’s questions that would be amazing. Coffee is her special interest and she is my love, so I would appreciate it immensely! It would make her, and by proxy me, so happy.

RoadLesTravelled

No Question Here. I will select coffee over almost any drink. Really. Any drink. And I drink coffee hot, cold (accidentally or purposely), cream & honey, or just sweetened (nothing artificial, thank you). Caveat: coffee and cream is a non-starter.

cash.ruska

Who (what cultures) came up with the process of brewing coffee? And how terrified were they when they immediately had to use the bathroom?

MadiCakes

So peculiar! I smell coffee personally. Interested though.

Kayla Meyer

how does caffeine work? like why does it make you jittery or tired for some people

Rachael Gardner

Why does it make me happy? Why does it make me poop? Deep questions.

BolognaShoes

Personally, I think coffee is fowl, but I love the ritual of it and was a barista for a long time…. But that’s not why I’m here, my fella wants to know why everyone makes dark roasts and almost no one has a light roast option?

Lee Parker

1. Will coffee survive climate change? 2. Does dark roast coffee actually have less caffeine? 3. Does it actually dehydrated you?

Timothy McGowan

First time question asker: why is it that sometimes, after a certain amount of coffee, another cup doesn't seem to perk me up anymore?

Hannah McCain

The smell of coffee why does just about everyone love it but not the taste?

Greg Walloch

I *wish* it didn't make me cry in fits of fear and panic -- even decaf. It smells so good tho. ☕

Dr. Lina Carpenter

1) How can we reduce the environmental & human harm of our coffee consumption on an individual level? How can I better support coffee growers? 2) How could the coffee industry improve practices to make coffee more sustainable? 3) What coffee companies are currently engaging in ethical practices, and who are the baddies? 4) Who first thought to roast and grind coffee beans to make a drink? Are there predecessors to coffee as we drink it, like coffee bean snacks or non-roasted coffee?

The Other Maya

Oh boy oh boy! Hot black bean water! Biggest question: is there ethical coffee and how do you find it? I love love love coffee and I'm sad because it's evil so I try to buy from roasters that deal directly with farmers. I believe in the people I buy from but is that a good method or just as bad as the labels that mean nothing?

Rachel McGill

Why do my partner’s parents tell me that coffee is poison and I should quit drinking it every time I see them? 😭

Yuri

What is the elixir of life and why is it coffee?

jen baker

Why is coffee human drano? Poo, smelly pee… is it the acidity? The caffeine? A witches curse?

SuchaHotMetz

Does coffee taste different depending on where and how the beans are grown(similar to wine)?

Hailee Kirby

How was bean juice (aka coffee) first made? I can't imagine someone accidentally grinding up the coffee beans and running hot water through it.

Rachel Guthrie

FTQA: can you really get addicted to coffee?

Iris Clover

I just wanted to comment that I live in utah, which is known for its Mormons and Mormons aren't supposed to drink coffee. So we have a bunch of flavored soda places. It's so silly

PerryC

Okay, so what's the big deal about coffee? I'm 65 years old and drink tea every now & then, but never had a cup of coffee. When I was a kid I'd open a tin of Folgers for my mom and LOVE the smell. But that's it. Do I need to *try* it? If so, which variety? Also, is there any REAL difference in where the beans come from? (I watch a YouTube channel from folks in Panama and they say theirs is the best. Local, organic and responsible growers.) #FirstTimeQuestioner

Rachel Guthrie

FTQA: is coffee bad for your teeth or digestive system?

SuchaHotMetz

Has coffee become weak as its been farmed and processed? Or is it the same coffee our ancestors drank?

MadiCakes

Yes it truly does. I self medicate with it all the time and it makes all the difference for me most times.

Iris Clover

If so, is that why artists go to coffee shops all the time?

Paul Hoffman

Can most people tell the *taste* difference in decaf vs. regular?

Samantha Steelman

Is drinking coffee in jr high really the reason I never got taller than 5'0"?

Michael Kovens

Is there a limit to an effective dose of caffeine? In other words, is there a point at which it’s pointless to continue drinking more coffee? Are any other parts of a coffee plant usable?

Alli Barg

1) the Erin’s on this podcast will kill you said coffee doesn’t actually make you 💩. I have a hard time believing this still. I need another expert opinion. 2) I’ve seen tik toks that say coffee is as hydrating as a sports drink, but we can’t always trust tik tok. What’s the truth on this?

Heather Leonard

Is the story about the history of the discovery of coffee true? I.e. a goat herder noticed his goats were hyper after eating coffee berries. I get anxiety if I drink coffee, is there any way to prevent that without just not drinking coffee? How bad is it for the environment?

Storm

Is there any difference between the caffeine in energy drinks and actual coffee?

Amber Pineda

Can you explain guano coffee/ bar poop coffee and why it’s so expensive? Like why? Why do I love the smell of coffee and the ritual (as a former barista) but don’t like the taste at all. I am very sensitive to caffeine but can tolerate other forms in tea or sometimes even energy drinks, but coffee is a no go and causes some serious anxiety for me, what makes caffeine in coffee different than other forms or have I just decided to make that up?

Storm

i would also like #1 answered because I also have a hard time believing what they said is true!

Average_pi

A friend of mine wants to know about the relation between liking brewed things (tea, beer, etc.) and liking coffee. He also wants any good coffee hacks.

Storm

How many black teas would I have to drink to have the same caffeine as coffee? (sometimes i worry i drink too much tea)

Aurora Cullen

what is the evolutionary advantage of plants producing caffeine?

Greg Walloch

Prince Charles, Katy Perry, Gwyneth Paltrow, RuPaul have all talked about it. Are we missing out?!?

Storm

Is caffeine/coffee bad for you in anyway?

Aurora Cullen

How equipped are coffee plants for climate change?

Chandler Witherington

Any tips for making sure your coffee is ethically and sustainably sourced? And can I actually trust the labels like rainforest alliance certified? I know too much to not be skeptical of these labels

ReigningEmily

It seems in the (southern) USA like coffee is more associated with the masculine whereas tea is associated with the feminine. Is that true across cultures and if so why?

Thedorknextdoor

Throwing decorum out the window for this one: coffee poops. PLEASE EXPLAIN.

MadiCakes

I’m dead :D. Funny cause it’s true

Greg Dobbs

Will climate change also change where coffee can be growing? Is that happening already.

Storm

why does caffeine/coffee sometimes make me tired and then other times makes my heart feel like it’s jumping out of my chest?

Luke LaFemina

Are there more than just the 2 common varieties we use? Are they used elsewhere? (Arabica and robusta)

Katie Rutkowski

FTQA: What is the relationship between coffee and cortisol? I’m working hard to adjust my hormones but struggling with the idea of giving up my (one) morning cup (black). I’d love to hear that coffee is healthy and perfect and actually good for cortisol 🙃

Karen Tam

1) Since caffeine is one of the most widely used psychoactive substances in the world, what are some of the lesser known impacts caffeine has on the brain? 2)why is coffee described the same way wine is (like “full body” etc)?

Quincey Robisheaux

How do I stop the addiction/cravings for coffee? If I have coffee for even one day, I crave it for days afterwards

Penny Loader

Oh yes please! Firstly, why does coffee not affect me? I think I have ADHD and I just found out that some people don't react to caffeine and this is wild. Also is there any credence to the 'ooh black coffee is stronger' remark that every black coffee drinking office worker has experienced? Like does the brew method impact the amount of caffeine extracted gram-for-gram?

The Other Maya

I heard coffee drinkers have less risk of Parkinson's. True or some flimflam cooked up by big coffee?

Rachel M

Is a vanilla soy latte a 3 bean soup?

John Worster

What is more popular, iced coffee, or hot coffee? What is the best temperature to serve hot coffee?

Tamera Tennant

Why does the smell of coffee stimulate my bowels?

Brittany Kaufman

Why does coffee tend to make ADHDers sleepy?

Amelia Díaz Ettinger

Okay, this might be silly, but growing up in Puerto Rico, we always heard that in the Vatican, the only coffee that the Pope drank was from our island. And okay, I'm older than dirt, so this was in the 1960s. Is that true or hogwash?

Alli B

Does the story of the Ethiopian goatherd discovering coffee have any truth to it? Ethiopia does grow great coffee beans.

Shannon Dermody

Is JLo right? Does coffee/caffeine make us look old?! Not that I would quit coffee, just curious. Thanks!

Leah Rebecca

Coffee doesn’t wake me up, but it does make me anxious and nauseated, Why?

Brenden O'Donnell

Yes and please ask about the process of making decaf!

Brittany Kaufman

Does coffee have a future, given the rising consumption and climate change?

Leclerc fan

Is there any reason to think coffee may have very permanent negative health consequences? People havecbeen consuming it at ever increasing rates in a short span of time. I currently limitbmy coffee consumption to 1 small two sip cup of espresso each morning

Avren Keating

Does black coffee hydrate us as much as plain water? I've seen so much back and forth and really wish this was settled once and for all

Leclerc fan

Arevthe ways of preparing coffee (perk, french press, drip, etc) better or worse healthwise?

Brittany Kaufman

Do you have any tips for how to dial in coffee beans for the best flavor without wasting too many of them?

Rick Gillespie

Why do I love the smell of coffee, but can't stand to drink it?

Sasha

I want to plug the Awesome Coffee Club for anyone looking for a coffee subscription that is yummy, ethically sourced and donates 100% of its profits to global health projects

Sarah Moore

will we outlive coffee? or its relative affordability if it becomes scarce?

San Juan Josie

Why isn’t there more shade grown coffee? Why don’t the major coffee brands have organic coffee available?

T Noz

I second this as a question to ask. As for "body"s of coffee, personally, I think there are some distinct differences. Have drank a lot of coffee. Was a baker for 15 yr. The first thing the first guy in would do is start a 2 gal. pot of coffee.

Kaileen

I've heard that the varietals/species of coffee being grown are narrowing which makes the crop particularly vulnerable to being wiped out. Is there a coffee flavored potato famine in our future? Am I evil for continuing to buy the big red tub of Folgers from Costco instead of the organic bulk beans from Whole Foods? (Enter clip from The Good Place with the judge saying "buy the better tomato!")

Joe Porfido

How much should coffee cost? Are the high prices you find at certain places fair?

Avren Keating

He's the first person I thought of when she announced this episode! Hope it's him 🤞

Amber Dickerson

What are the best beans? What does it mean if you like light roast va dark roast? What’s the best way to store & prepare coffee?

Kiana Peters

Does America really run on dunkin?

Greg Walloch

Why is iced coffee such a symbol of gay/queer culture?

Saira (‘Sarah’) Manns

Which country does the Ologist think does the best coffee (and why is the answer Australia)?

Kathleen Carlson

Is there truly a more sustainable way to buy coffee beans? I love my coffee routine and try to buy self proclaimed environmentally friendly and ethically produced beans… are these claims really true?

Saira (‘Sarah’) Manns

I’m on a stimulant medication that requires me to reduce my caffeine intake. What is the ologist’s best recommendations for a coffee alternative? I love the taste!

Sonjabird

Have you ever tried the civet poop coffee? Does it really taste that much different? What are some of the most expensive/gourmet coffees out there?

Saira (‘Sarah’) Manns

What is better, coffee with creamer or milk? As an Aussie I have no idea what creamer even is, but I’ve been told it’s not traditional (thickened) cream? 🤔 Or does the Ologist dismiss them both entirely and prefer their coffee black?

Lenore Hill

Ftqa, the sequel: If one quits drinking coffee will one gain weight? In general, how does coffee affect metabolism and is it different from other caffeinated substances?

Saira (‘Sarah’) Manns

What are all the different types of coffee styles (cappuccino, latte, piccolo etc) and why are there so many? Also, what is the ologist’s order?

Aki

How many varieties of beans are out there in the world? Are there more variety of coffee beens of the world or less?

Saira (‘Sarah’) Manns

Is it true that cappuccinos are a breakfast drink and shouldn’t be had later in the day/evening?

Abby Grieb

How is climate change going to affect coffee bean crops in the future?

Vanessa Adams

Are there any other uses for coffee other than making into a drink or delicious snack?

Saira (‘Sarah’) Manns

Why does coffee packaging tend to lack its caffeine content? I wanna keep an eye on my caffeine intake and it’s so hard to do when the data doesn’t appear in the little nutritional table on the side!

Palm Sunday

FTQA- How is decaf made? Is it a different process or a different bean? Is it true that decaf still does have a little bit of caffeine in it?

Dicken Crane

On the subject of poop, well you know, it makes you go. How’s that work

Saira (‘Sarah’) Manns

My partner can drink coffee right before bed and still manages to fall asleep like *that*. If I were to drink coffee before bed I’d be up all night! Why is that? Are some people more or less sensitive to caffeine?

Cara B

We just came from a vacation in PNW and heard there are alot of topless drive through coffee stands also. I was surprised and kinda concerned for the potential areas to burn.

Saira (‘Sarah’) Manns

Not a question but just wanted to say that when I was a kid I thought coffee was an adult drink, when I was a teenager I thought alcohol was an adult drink, and now that I’m an adult I realise the true adult drink is water 😂

Pavka34

I second this. I used to drink a ton of coffee and now can’t. I miss the taste and the decaf options are often lacking

Saira (‘Sarah’) Manns

What age is okay to start drinking coffee? I remember having tea as a kid but never really getting into coffee as a mid to late teen. Is it a bitterness thing that younger tongues can’t really tolerate?

Pavka34

Is there still a wild relative or ancestor to coffee?

Saira (‘Sarah’) Manns

What’s the best way to prepare coffee, in the ologist’s opinion? Slow drip, French press, aero press, etc

Eating dog hair for a living

I live in Nebraska, could I grow a coffee tree inside and have it make some beans for me? Just so I could grow, roast and grind then drink my own instead of having to buy it at the store.

Rachel M

What is the difference between light, medium, and dark roast??? What does it Mean?

Holly Genevieve

I would like to understand why some coffee brands make me nauseous and sick while others I am fine drinking. Also, is there a favorite coffee worldwide or do people by region have their own favorites?

Eli

Coffee and the ADHD brain! My husband and I are. Ith ADHD but he THRIVES on caffeine and coffee makes me a crazy jittery, emotionally reactive mess 😕

Eli

Same! And I think I'm sensitive to coffee/caffeine in general. I can only have a few sips of coffee, sadly (I drink Rasa as an alternative)

Mini Minnie

I thought tea has more caffeine than coffee

Michael Garcia

First time question asker and barista (starbs) here! I have several questions: -Do you believe shots of espresso die? -Arabica v Robusta? Is Arabica truly the superior bean? -What's your favorite blend of coffee? -Which coffee orgin story is you're favorite? - Is there really a link of lower chances of Alzheimer's among coffee drinkers? -Does coffee have any effect on memory?

Doug Paice

Is coffee/caffeine ok for kids? I've always had a strict "no caffeine" rule for kids, including tea, coke etc.

Aaron Jozsef

Is caffeine content pretty consistent regardless of the bean?

Mowana Lomaomvaya

Why does coffee seem to have zero effect or the opposite of the normal effect on me, and make me sleepy? High caffeine tolerance? In grad school I used to drink three or four espresso shots just to feel something🤷🏽‍♀️😅

Vanessa Adams

What is the best way to make coffee? Drip, French press, stovetop?

EDM

When did people figure out that coffee is addictive?

Liane Steely

Why do you get a headache when you cold turkey quit coffee. I have never heard of that happening when you quit tea or caffeinated soda

Liane Steely

Why does decaffeinated coffee keep me awake but regular does not

Shane Ring

First time question asker, is caffeine actually a dehydrator?

kate

Culturally why have many societies shifted from tea to coffee? Is it availability, politics, or just preference?

T Noz

Don't mean to sound sexist but back in the 70's all the bakers were men but all the other personnel were women, cake decorators, sales, slicing & wrapping, etc. Thinking back on it, I think the workforce was 70% female and 30 % male.

Jenna Congdon

How much of the world's coffee supply has mold and other icky things in it? And if the answer is "a lot", how might I buy beans without the nasties? (because going coffee-less is not an option!!)

Courtney Peterson

Why does my nose love coffee but my taste buds say spit that out?

Michele Muldoon Dotto

Note my icon. Coffee is life. Which country really has the best beans?

KJ

I have ADHD, and sometimes it seems like coffee makes me sleepier. Is that a real/known thing?

Bria in the Prairie

Is it true that the half-life of caffeine is different for every body?

Bria in the Prairie

Why does more than two cups in a row make me tired again?

fleshverse

What the hell is going on with the types of coffees that are harvested after animals poop them out??

Betsy B

Are chemicals used to remove the caffeine from decaf? If so, are they harmful?

Gaelle Gralnek

I have a curious relationship with coffee: I really need it to awaken my brain in the morning and if I don't have enough of it, I'm fuzzy-headed all day . . . yet if I drink it late in the afternoon or even in the evening, it doesn't keep me up. How can that be?!

Mini Minnie

First time question asker. Someone else had a similar question (Tobias?). Can you please elaborate on what’s happening with coffee and cholesterol levels? Something with “diterpenes,” whatever that actually is. I reluctantly switched from coffee to tea and actually saw a drop in my cholesterol levels, so I believe it’s a real thing. But why? Can there be a diterpene-free coffee? I’ve always loved the taste and smell of coffee and miss it very much!

Betsy B

What is special about the caffeine in coffee? It does not seem like tea (no matter how much I drink) works the same way

Lainie McKeating

Same! I believe caffeine intolerance must be genetic. My whole family has a strong physical and emotional (super anxious- crying/angry reactions) to the caffeine in coffee, but are not bothered by caffeine in chocolate or cocoa. Caffeinated coffee causes us more than jitters, it's pure misery.

Anne Bergamesca

First time questioner. Caffeine vs decaf, which is healthier? Seems like pendulum has swung back to caffeinated but are the health benefits of coffee also found in the decaf version ?

Claire Richie

Fully hooked on caffeine here- I want a healthy relationship with coffee (I’m in grad school so quitting isn’t an option!) How do I manage my dependence on it without going cold turkey?

Heather Wills

Does the caffeine in coffee actually affect those with ADHD differently? I have it and can drink a large cup of coffee and then take a nap.

Kayla Anley

I’ve seen rumors going around. Is there actually dangerous fungus in coffee that dehydrates you?

Kayla Tozier

What do they think the next wave of coffee trend is going to be?

theo (nastygardenrat)

why is it that the espresso from one local coffee place gives me flu symptoms (sluggish, sore throat, stuffy/runny nose) but another local place makes me feel energized like I can focus for the first time in my life?

Rik

What is the caffeine % difference between regular and decaf and is that "swiss water process" just flim flam?

Hope J 🏳️‍🌈

I learned from Michael Pollan’s recent book that coffee has a long history and was even more popular than tea in England for a while. This might be too specific of a history question to ask but are there records of coffee stains in books or manuscripts from what people call the “early modern period” or is that a more recent phenomenon? What percentage of the world has never tasted coffee? Is there a molecular difference between caffeine in coffee and caffeine in tea that makes it so one has a stronger effect than the other?

Lainie McKeating

Caffeine isn't everyone's friend. I have so many decaf questions! I am highly sensitive to stuff, sad to say. If I have a cup of decaf after say 2pm I'm awake all night. Please explain the science of removing caffeine fromage coffee beans.

Harper Atlas

FTQA! Growing up I remember hearing that coffee stunts your growth. Is this actually a thing or just a flimflam made up to save parents from caffeine-induced, hyperactive kid chaos?

Lainie McKeating

Has anyone else here fallen in love with blueberry coffee? I actually found a super good decaf version, thank goodness! I tried it due to the hype and now I'm in love.

Eli

It's wild! I def feel some sort of jitters from something like matcha. And no strong reaction to chocolate. But the emotional reaction with coffee, especially on an empty stomach, is somewhat frightening. For myself and my spouse 😂. I can't believe I went to long drinking it and just feeling crazy.

Abbi Lawson

Why do I LOVE the smell of coffee beans sooooo much (like, stick my nose in the bag and inhale that shit deep into my lungs), but if I try to drink it I find it way too bitter?

Karen Seidler

My husband has been buying beans and grounding them. I dont taste a difference. Is it suppose to taste fresher?

Justin Bowen

Does it have any impact on libido?

Kaitlin Comet

First time question asker! I’ve heard that some folks use lemon juice or salt to cut the bitter in coffee (woah). Is that possible and what are the ways to drink freshly brewed coffee and avoid bitterness?

Justin Bowen

My wife can drink indyant coffee and unflavored ground coffee. However, when she drinks any kind of flavored coffee she would get severe headaches. Is this a known side effect of flavored coffees or is it rare?

E

Coffee often makes me sleepy. I’ve heard this be due to/related to being ADHD. Is that true?

Kaitlin Comet

First time question asked! What makes a coffee bean from one region taste different from another region?

Kristen Fuller

Will demand eventually outpace supply?

Kimberly

I get migraines a couple times a month. Since I stopped drinking coffee every day starting about six months ago, I think I’ve only had two within the last three months. I only drink caffeine on rare occasions in moderation. Also, when I do have a migraine… caffeine HELPS (like in Excedrin Migraine, or my savior Mountain Dew), even when it’s not caffeine withdrawal because I quit that stuff. Do you have any details on how caffeine affects migraine sufferers? Thank you!

Florence Yuan

How do you foresee making coffee production sustainable, given climate change and threats like coffee leaf rust?

6-1-49er-Joe

I’ve heard that varying issues might be impending in terms of the production of Arabica beans, from climate change to increasing droughts and deforestation. Is there some consideration to cross breeding the bean with other varieties like Robusta or Liberica or actually developing the latter two beans for wider distribution (I know a variety of the latter is used in Philippines as Barako coffee)?

Amanda

I've been drinking black coffee since I was 10. Could this have altered my development in any way?

Maria Jouravleva

Why is coffee culture so much better in, e.g., Poland, than in my hometown (Seattle, allegedly coffee capital of the US)? Does it just boil down to "capitalism ruins everything" or is there a reason why it is better abroad?

Stephanie

FTQA: Do we have any idea when or where coffee was first consumed as a drink? Who the heck figured out that if you processed the beans in a particular way you could create a delicious beverage?? Are/where there other ways of using coffee besides brewing? I’m thinking for example of how in India locals used to simply chew on tea leaves for the caffeine until Europeans introduced the whole song and dance of brewing tea into a beverage.

Smorgindorg

Hello! I was curious to know what makes coffee from different regions taste different? My partner just got a coffee master specialization from his work and though the course went into it slightly we were both curious about regional soil chemistry and how that might create different flavor notes? Thanks :)

Mara Schoner

How is climate change affecting coffee production? Also, is dark roast more carcinogenic than light?

Amy E Kirby

How did people discover that a coffee bean could be roasted then brewed into a drink? I always wonder this about foods that need multiple processing steps before being edible.

Taylor Clinton

Hey there! My partner used to be a barista and absolutely loves coffee — but they are wondering if the production of coffee is ethical/unethical? We also want to know about the environmental impacts of coffee production, thanks!

Jacob Shepherd

how are beans so able to produce specific flavors? I know the fermentation and roasting differentiates things, but it seems like they’re so diverse!

Kathleen B

Why does coffee make my brain happy?

Casey W

Are we still in a coffee shortage? I swear I heard that somewhere

EDM

When/how did coffee become a "world drink" rather than a regional thing? What was its regional use?

Bree Ball

First time question asker! Why am I so grumpy for the whole day if I don’t drink at least 2 cups or coffee?

Sydney Koenig

I would love to hear the Ologists opinion on the “right” or “wrong” way to make coffee! My partner is a barista at a 3rd wave shop and swears that chains like Starbucks and Dutch bros is ruining the purity of coffee

Nora Bartley

It’s all about how long the beans are roasted! The darker the roast, the higher temperature it’s been roasted to. People often think that dark roast = more caffeine, but it’s actually just a stronger flavor. Most people think they prefer dark roast, but in blind taste tests people always prefer medium/lighter roasts.

Jason Lowenthal

Wow... Never considered this and I drink/love dark roast. Need to know this also!

Nora Bartley

FTQA! I have been a barista off and on for years and the thing that drives me crazy more than anything is when people pronounce espresso “expresso.” Where did this mispronunciation originate? My theory is that due to all of the drive-thru coffee huts and the U.S. dependency on efficiency, the “express” was emphasized. What is the actual answer?

Jennifer Lemon

Do coffee beans that pass through civets get chemically altered in a meaningful way?

Paige

Why does coffee make some people (ie. me) crazy jittery? Genetics? Just aren't used to it?

Taylor Clinton

Oh! I also forgot to ask: Do different coffee beans have different nutritional benefits based on where they’re grown? What is the process for decaffeinating coffee beans and does it add harmful ingredients? Thanks c:

GhoulNextDoor

Is coffee on its own more healthy, unhealthy, or neutral? I’m sure there are exceptions for heart conditions etc. but I’m curious about it’s general health benefits/ consequences.

Nora Bartley

FTQA: why are some people (mostly older people in my experience) against iced coffee? People are sometimes genuinely offended by the idea.

Bennett Vanderbosch

When I lived in Latin America, the coffee was incredible. But in the States, I find it bitter and unappealing. What gives?

Helen Langille

Are there genetic reasons why some people /looooove/ coffee when there are others that can take it or leave or actively dislike it? (Asking as someone that would drink nothing but coffee if her doctor hadn’t limited to 2 cups a day)

GhoulNextDoor

Does coffee affect people with various neurodivergencies differently? I’ve heard about caffeine calming individuals with ADHD.

Alba

First time question here - I've been drinking coffee every day since I was about 15 and have experienced anxiety for most of that time. I've lately reduced my caffeine intake significantly and realized that most of my anxiety symptoms, like jitters, tics, and racing heartbeat, are gone. Was this thing I thought of as anxiety actually just a side effect of caffeine this whole time? Because if so, oh my god. I would also love to hear what the ologist can tell us about tolerance, to caffeine and other substances too, because I assumed that I had built a pretty high tolerance over the course of ten years but now I'm realizing that I must still be pretty sensitive to it if I've been having such major side effects.

Nora Bartley

As a barista I would like to chime in that people went through a big phase of adding collagen and it was narsty 🤢 also when “keto” had its first big heyday, everyone was asking us if we had butter to make “bullet coffee” whatever that was. I can’t imagine what other trends or preferences people have endured throughout the years!

Kait

Seconding this! And sometimes it makes me sleepy? (FTQA with ADHD lol)

Patrick Duffy

I heard the origin story was a goat herder had his goats grazing and noticed they were going crazy after eating this one plant. He then tried the berries of the plant and felt great. Is there any truth to this? When did we first start roasting and grinding the berries to make a drink? How many different varieties of coffee are there? Why does coffee/caffeine make some people sleepy?

Kait

I’ve read about fair trade practices for the coffee growers, but I also recently learned about bird-friendly coffee. Can the ologist speak to the different impacts and how we can be conscientious consumers or even collectively advocate for coffee that does the least harm? (FTQA)

Helen Langille

Aeropress! (Jk, I love coffee, but couldn’t really tell you which is the ‘best’ - I just enjoy the process of the aeropress - it feels almost meditative to me)

Patricia Brewster

Why does coffee make opioids work faster and better. I don’t know if they still do but they used to add caffeine to codine.

Sir Monkeyboy

Speaking from personal experience as someone with ADHD who loves coffee, it definitely makes me sleepy after an initial nice feeling. What’s up with that? I’ll even have a coffee before a nap. I was diagnosed years before I started drinking coffee so no I’m not just all jacked on the morning juice 😆

David Villafranco

Why does coffee set off my acid reflux without fail everytime I drink it

Kait

Do you think future generations will look back on our obsessive coffee consumption the way we perceive outdated/unhealthy habits like smoking on planes and in restaurants? Or is coffee mostly harmless? (FTQA)

Helen Langille

This is wild eh? My dad and I could drink endless cups of coffee, but my mom and sister are jittery messes after more than a half cup - I want to know!!

David Villafranco

How do you decaf coffee, I mean it's literally in the name??

Kait

(Also, Alie, I can’t wait to hear the asides and little sample recordings in this episode. No pressure. But omg the possibilities!!!)

T Noz

Notice how it's hard to find instant decaf nowadays? Think it has to do with the gases used to "degrade" the caffeine in the beans during processing.

Kait

Wait, you saying “boil down to” makes me wonder if the regional water has an impact on the taste of the coffee! Saying as someone who lives in NYC where allegedly the water our bagels are made with/boiled in has something to do with the quality. I’m so curious!!!

Greg Walloch

I think maybe black tea does have more caffeine than coffee, but I understand that the L-theanine in tea blocks or counteracts the caffeine effects. True? Maybe this is for the tea episode?

Kait

I love these questions! Also makes me curious if the farmers, roasters and other folks involved in producing coffee also get to/choose to drink the coffee they make. And if it’s popular in the regions or mostly an export.

Anna

And how does coffee culture vary across the world!? Noteworthy differences?

Haley Vandewall

I'd like to know the answer to this as well!

GhoulNextDoor

Is caffeine addiction truly an issue? I genuinely love coffee for the flavor, routine, and comfort, however, I am able to go without. I worry occasionally that at some point I won’t be able to skip coffee without having negative side effects.

Anna

FTQA When/ how did coffee become SO popular in the US? What was most popular drink before coffee?

gilliansmith

Is it true that non-coffee addicted brain activity in the morning is the same as a coffee-addicted brain after they drink their coffee in the morning?

Andy Hayes

I'm interested to hear how coffee will be changed by climate change. I've heard talk about robusta being used more since it matures at higher temps. What's being done nowadays to make sure coffee is ready? (FTQA)

Haley Vandewall

I would like to ask the ologist what they know/think about mushroom coffee blends, such as blends that include cordyceps, lions mane, and reishi! How about CBD coffee?

Kimberly Bryant

Thoughts of caffeine content and the elevation that the plant was grown at? Closer to sea level more caffeine because there are more bugs at that elevation and caffeine is the plants self defense method against pests?

Haley Vandewall

Also, does this ologist have a preference between small, local coffee shops and chains like dunkin and Starbucks? Do they have a simple coffee order or a complex one? Does their order change based on the weather?

Alex

How does coffee affect digestion and the microbiome? Also, are there any metabolic differences between different preparations of coffee?

Dylan V

I love coffee, and I drink it black. Still, why does it smell soooooo good, but it tastes quite bitter? Is there a way to isolate the good smell and make that a flavor without the extra bitter compounds? Also, how do I make the coffee I buy for at home taste as good as the stuff from a high quality shop?

Erika Koontz

What separates good decaf from great decaf? What's the best way to preserve whole bean coffee to make it last the longest? Can you explain what "bird friendly coffee" is?

Jenna

First time question asker:

Kait

Omg same

Jenna

Oops, take two. First time question asked here. My Italian family insist that espresso is healthier than drip coffee. Any truth to that, or do my relatives just want to show off their collection of Moka pots?

Suzanne Stewart-Bloom

How long before climate change upsets beyond repair, the delicate coffee growing environments, thus making coffee extremely scarce?

Between Dumplings

Does anyone care about bird habitat anymore? For a while people were verifying bird-friendly coffees but we don’t see it much anymore. How bad is the coffee industry to habitat?

Kait

This might be more of a question for a (flavor-ologist???) but is it common for some people to crave coffee with certain foods? I’ve been offered sweet treats before and felt like a jerk because I only enjoy them when they’re balanced by a cup of coffee. Is there something to the bitter/sweet balance or is this maybe a habitual taste I’ve acquired? (FTQA) (sorry hope this makes sense, thanks!)

Between Dumplings

What is with the caffeine interrupting sleep as we age? What is happening? I used to drink coffee all day and sleep fine. Now cannot drink after Noon. Whyyyy?

Dig

Is it true that caffeine has an opposite effect on ADHD individuals?

Anna

FTQA Why do some cultures serve coffee after dinner? Does it not interfere with sleep??

Martha Lowry

Agreed - Climate change. Do we have a hope for coffee? Is there any varieties that can make it? Or will we just be all uncaffeinated and unhappy?

winn

FTQA is it true that coffee actually does NOT dehydrate you?

winn

FTQA why do i feel okay drinking iced coffee but when i drink cold brew i feel like im having am anxiety attack

Sarah Price

FTQA: I know I’m addicted to the caffeine in coffee but I love it! Is it bad for me?

Braden Brown

Why is it so good at evacuating my insides?

Ella

is there really such thing as ‘burnt’ coffee?

Dan Berg

FTQA Sometimes if I drink more coffee than I usually do I think it makes me sleepy. Is this a real thing or some type of psychosomatic effect?

Amanda McClendon

does coffee have terroir like wine? i.e., does the soil, water, etc. do anything for flavor?what happens to the coffee fruit after processing?

Ryan Wilson

Does coffee spike cortisol?

Alli B

That’s so interesting! I’m curious now!

Erin Placatka

Same question! How much longer can I enjoy the sweet sweet taste of coffee? Should I be bracing myself for the inevitable loss?

Alli B

The cultural norms and preparations for coffee can be so different from country to country. Did coffee brewing evolve on a linear timeline, like cupping to a press to a percolator to espresso, and are we Americans seen as uncultured for our brewed coffee around the world?

Nicole Whiting

How much would coffee cost in the US if we only purchased it from ethical sources? i.e farms that pay a living wage, eco friendly harvesting practices etc

The Awkward Cactus

What are the negative side effects of daily coffee drinking? Including brain function, development, metabolism, hormones, mood, etc.

Elie Zwiebel

From my partner Laura: Can we get a breakdown of the decaffeination process? And the water-based process is supposed to be less toxic, right? Is it, though?

Erin Placatka

Medium roast coffees taste sour to me, but I don't get that taste in dark roasts. What am I tasting? Is that acidity?

Leah Eckstein

I heard that there are more chemicals in decaffeinated coffee because of the break down- is this true?

GhoulNextDoor

Does coffee taste different after it’s cooled down and then re-heated? I feel like I can tell a difference, or is that in my head? Also I feel like it tastes different if I drink it outside vs inside

Gwen Kelly

Is there something in coffee besides caffeine that has a stimulant effect? Or is it just the caffeine?

Gwen Kelly

Also I heard that coffee was picked entirely by hand, one berry/bean at a time. Is that still true? Has no one invented a coffee picking/harvesting machine yet? Or maybe just trained some small but intelligent mammals (monkeys or rats or something) to pick it for us? I love my coffee but I cringe a little every time I think about all the people who have to stand all day next to a bush/tree picking it one bean at a time.

Alli B

Is a dirty chai blasphemous?? (That would be espresso in a chai latte.)

Amandaloveskurt

Why does hot coffee make me have bathroom emergencies but iced coffee doesn’t? Why do some people get a laxative effect from coffee while others don’t?

Alli B

This! And do doctors only allow 1 cup a day to keep pregnant people from totally losing it?

Alli B

I have a vegan chili recipe that calls for half a cup of brewed coffee! What the what and WHY?

Phylicia Chandler

How much does the roasting of the beans matter in taste? What are the different types of roasts? Does a darker roast have more caffeine? What is up with coffee and wild cats digesting beans?!?!

Alli B

Ooh, great question!

Phylicia Chandler

Best way to brew coffee- equipment and ratios (or is it all preference)? Do you have any good resources to learn how to brew coffee using different equipment. Why does drinking coffee make some people jittery and other people it doesn’t affect at all?

Ryan Marlow

Is it true that coffee originally would have been something sweet instead of bitter? Why do darker roasts have less caffeine? What culture did coffee really originate from? How did it travel the world?

Alli B

Why does some people’s pee smell like coffee? Asking for a friend…

Rachel von Morrigan

Cold brews. What’s the difference in tossing your hot brew in the fridge and the chemistry of brewing cold?

B Miller

Why does coffee make you poop? Does coffee make you dehydrated?

Laura Wood

Kopi luwak… I thought my boyfriend was making this up but apparently it is a thing. What is up with this?

Renee Wanger

Why are coffee sweats a thing and why does it smell so bad?

Sienna

How long will coffee be a viable crop, given climate change?

Xan Sonn

How much is too much and why is it coincidentally just slightly more than I drink?

Kimisha Cassidy

I remember seeing a canned coffee with l-theanine added. Is that a legit way to reduce the anxiety that can come along with coffee?

Annmarie Everhart

What, if any, relationship is there between coffee and capitalism?

Sienna

Other than processing coffee beans for brewing our caffeinated beverages, what are other uses for the plant? Dyes, fibers, medicine, essential oils, etc? What is the ecological role of the coffee plant? What animals prefer or depend on the plant and why? How are they affected by coffee plantations and climate change? Who pollinates coffee in the wild? With coffee plantations becoming so large and somewhat contained, are these pollinators thriving or struggling? What about when the plant is grown outside of its native region? Does caffeine protect the plant from infection and infestation, and if so, from what and how? Are there any symbiotic relationships with the coffee plant? Specific fungus, insects, etc? Are there wild animals that eat the plant for pleasure or for a wakeful boost? What's the history of cultivating and brewing coffee?

Piper Warnick

I have heard a lot of songs about coffee, does theologist or yourself have a favorite?

Erik Spitzer

I hate the taste of actual coffee but I love anything coffee flavored. Is that weird?

Miranda Panda

Why do so many people start off hating coffee but drink it anyways and then eventually love the taste?

Anna Vilnīte

Coffee and neurospicy people. How come people with ADHD get sleepy with coffee instead of, you know, the intended effect?

Miranda Panda

Should humans be consuming caffeine?

Miranda Panda

What makes expensive coffee tastier than cheap coffee?

Miranda Panda

Why do I poop immediately after drinking coffee?

Miranda Panda

Very curious about this. I started taking Adderall a few months ago and it makes me question why I was ever drinking coffee. It doesn't really make me feel more awake or focused at all, just jittery, but when I was consuming way too much coffee I couldn't get rid of the brain fog without it.

Miranda Panda

What's your favorite coffee brewing method?

Miranda Panda

Why do people drink so much coffee when it actually kind of makes us all feel like shit?

Miranda Panda

How are some coffees less acidic? What part of the process causes this?

Miranda Panda

What are your thoughts on pumpkin spiced lattes?

Miranda Panda

Are other parts of the coffee plant used for culinary purposes?

Claire

i work in specialty coffee and i was wondering: how much of the end product coffee flavour is influenced by crop terroir compared with all the post-harvest factors like fermentation style, roast style, and extraction/brewing method? how do you think we can (re)connect consumers to the importance of the various ways that growing, processing, and brewing affect their beverage without contributing to an inaccessibly pretentious kind of discourse that can become (in my opinion) almost meaningless?

Miranda Panda

What was up with that weird trend where people were adding butter to their coffee??

Kristin 🦦

My father’s family is Finnish. I just shrug when people ask how I can drink so much coffee. What’s up with the coffee love in the Nordic countries? How? Why?

James Morehead

I love espresso but if I have just a one shot espresso a few days in a row I'm messed up. Turns out I have caffeine intolerance which is such a bummer. My Italian wife can kick back infinite coffee with no issues. So what's up with caffeine tolerance / intolerance?

Sara McCord

Why does it make everyone poop?

Mallory Avery

Why is it that when I have (a lot of) tea, the caffeine doesn't bother me at all, but if I have just a little bit of coffee it feels like my heart is trying to explode from my chest?

David

How will/is climate change affect/ing coffee: production, product, labor issues, etc?

David

Is coffee vulnerable to a widespread plant pathogen, in the way that commercial bananas are?

David

What's in coffee besides caffeine that makes people's tummies unhappy? How can coffee be prepared to minimize that, beyond decaf?

Alex

How hooked is the world on coffee, really? If the global coffee supply were to magically vanish from one day to the next, how in-the-pits would human productivity be?

Alex

What’s the relationship between coffee consumption habits and natural circadian rhythms?

The Farming Linguist

Adding a piggy back question: how come when I get the coffee jitters, I can usually calm it by drinking a cup of black tea? Seems counterintuitive, but really works well

The Farming Linguist

Why do I get the coffee jitters sometimes, but not every time i drink coffee?

JK Mosaic, LLC

Consider covering some of the various ways different cultures process and drink coffee. I was recently in Vietnam where the specialty is coffee that has been processed through the digestive system of weasels. Vietnamese coffee includes Egg Coffee, Salt Coffee (it has cheese in it!) and Coconut Coffee. It might sound gross to Westerners, but they were all delicious.

Evelyn Uyemura

Does coffee count as water/hydration, or does it make you less hydrated? Does coffee make you pee just because it's a lot of water? Or is there something in it that actually makes you have to pee? (slight irritation of the bladder??) [I just became a patron so that I could ask questions, and then you have the most interesting topic *ever*!! Nice work, Alie!]

Scalebar

Suppose the world ends, I've scavenged every last bean in the world, I'm not desperate enough to drink tea, so where could I turn next for my caffeine hit?

Ann Hanlin

I believe it was Michael pollen who talked about how our history could have been affected by coffee/caffeine. It’s been a while since I heard the talk, but I think he said the start of the popularity of drinking of coffee lined up with the Industrial Revolution? He implied that the Industrial Revolution (or at least a spike in the rapid development of technology at some point—not sure if it was the Industrial Revolution) could be credited to a newly caffeinated society. So my question to the Ologist is: where do you think we would be as a society/species without our morning “cup of ambition?” Also bonus question: do any other species enjoy drinking coffee?

Lisa Gollner

I have read countless newspaper articles that coffee is either very unhealthy or very good for us and our livespan. Is there a consensus about the effect of coffee and our health? And why does coffee sometimes worsen my anxiety?

Alexandre Catulle

Kopie Luwak Coffee (or monkey coffee), how did it become a 'thing' ? Any other special coffee out there?

Caroline Chen

What’s the connection to be aware of between caffeine and anxiety?

David Barker

How environmentally friendly is organic coffee farming? I often wonder if organic coffee plantations have displaced rainforest or other important habitats despite their being chemical free.

Guido

Why is it not recommended if you have a sore throat?

David Barker

Maybe I'm wrong but my theory is that our digestion slows down as we age so it's like a time release dose of coffee. I notice that if I drink coffee late and eat at the same time I can't sleep. Coffee on an empty stomach doesn't affect me as much. Again, I'm no expert! ☕⚡

Elizabeth Mena

I’m Cuban, and we start drinking café con leche (think latte) as soon as we are weaned. How messed up am I from drinking a cup of coffee a day since I was around the age of one (I’m now 60!🤣)

Kat Sherrell

Why does my body react so differently to coffee and black tea?Coffee leaves me feeling more jittery, dehydrated, and ... strong-smelling after 1 cup of drip or an espresso, but I can (and do) drink a LOT of strong black tea without feeling those effects

Brigita

Why first cup of coffee tastes like haven and sometimes a second one in the afternoon is meh?

Brigita

Is there a science based best way to brew coffee that would reap the most health benefits?

Brigita

Im curious, how strong is this coffee for babies? How do you brew it?

Anna Murray

I have the opposite question from others - why does coffee make me feel good when other forms of caffeine merely make me more awake? With coffee, it's not just more awake, I feel alert, bright, curious and interested in everything, focused, optimistic. With tea I don't get this feeling though I do often get a headache and dry mouth (tannins?). Cola or energy drink caffeine will help me stay awake/alert in a pinch but not feeling different. As a side note, I have ADHD and I know we tend to self medicated with caffeine - coffee is the one that most closely resembles my meds in terms of feeling of well-being and positivity.

Euan Munro

Why is altitude apparently so important with growing coffee?

Brigita

Must plant the bean youve scavenged and bring back the blessing

Julia Chirka

How come diner coffee or coffee out of a carafe, gas station coffee and even just coffee out of a pot makes me feel like I could take off to the moon (aka super jitters), but an espresso makes me feel fine and slightly more awake. Do different brewing methods bring out different caffeine vibrations? Also, another question can you die from drinking too much coffee? What would happen if you had 48 shots of espresso in an hour?

SoNi

I have been a coffee drinker since I was eight since I am Colombian and our traditional breakfast is arepa( or some other bread/carb), eggs and coffee. This increased in college to 6 or more cups a day to stay awake, continued throughout my teaching career and now is one to two a day. What health advantages or hazards have I accumulated over the years. PS. I only drink nice strong coffee. Not like Starbucks bitter nasty flavor or water like Dunking Donuts or McDonald’s.

Caro Young

Is coffee good or bad? I’ve read over and over again that 1-2 cups a day are no problem and potentially even beneficial but there also seems to be a lot of vilification around coffee and pressure to give it up if one wants to be “healthy”

Caro Young

What’s the cultural history of coffee? When did it become such an important part of society?

Caro Young

Thoughts in decaf? I had to switch to help with anxiety and heart racing and I actually don’t mind it at all and it still makes me feel Part of the coffee culture!

Lindsay Bowman

Some coffee brands advertise that they are "fair trade" - what are the standards for that? Are they being upheld? Are they enough? Should I be making more of an effort to buy only fair trade coffee?

Dr Laura M Smith

How does coffee stimulate our brains and help us focus? Can it be used to help people with neurological problems e.g. dementia, alzheimers?

Marina D

What do you know about the coffee rituals in countries like Eritrea and Ethiopia? I once visited an eritrean student of mine and his mum made this coffee for me, in a very special way. And do other countries have coffee brewing rituals aswell?

Lindsay Bowman

What does the coffee fruit taste like? Does it contain any caffeine? What is done with the fruit during the coffee harvesting/production process?

Marianne Thomas

Dream episode! Can't wait! Has anyone bred/GM'd a decaff bean? It seems like it would be less trouble than removing the caffeine afterwards. Sincerely, a poor unfortunate soul with limited caffeine tolerance. Gives me an ME/CFS crash. Stay vaccinated, kids

Charlotte Fjelkegård

A local delicacy in the northern parts of Sweden and Finland is a special kind of salty cheese, "kaffeost", that you either chop up and put into the coffee where it melts or eat on the side with cloudberry jam.

Marianne Thomas

I feel like coffee is always a ritual in some ways. The smell, the bubbling noise in the filter, the way the steam swirls off it... It almost demands to be observed like a delicious, heavenly presence 😋

Tea Danilović

How do I know if the coffee I buy is ethically sourced without completely burning out doing research for 10 hours? Are there any rules of thumb?

Ana Bee

how does decaffeination process work and does it have any side effects on the coffee? long time listener, first time caller, thank you for the show <3

Charlotte Fjelkegård

I'm also interested to know the answer to this. Why can't I find any even in specialty shops?

Charlotte Fjelkegård

I've been looking for shade coffee but can't find it in any stores, so I'm curious as well. Is it a price issue? Or a availabilty issue where there are fewer growers and so the coffee industry doesn't see how to use it on a large scale?

Kait Dani

is fair trade coffee actually fair trade? i'm a coffee lover but i hear so many horror stories and articles about the unethical practices of coffee farming and it being bad ecologically- do we have a definitive answer on if coffee is good or bad?

Olga Kolesnikova

Ooh I'm so excited for this one! Ok so I have a question, I typically have only 1 or 2 cups a day, but if I don't have a coffee in the morning I will feel really unwell and probably get a headache. Is it bad for my health to be so reliant on coffee?

Maja

If I drink coffee for two days in a row I'm already addicted and suffer from terrible headaches if I don't get coffee on the third day. Why!? Is there coffee that doesn't make me an addict that fast but still has a stimulating effect (so isn't decaf)?

Elsi Kay

FTQA So how is only some of our coffee fair trade? This implies that most of our coffee is unfair, how can that be allowed and how could it change?

Marie Kluge

FTQA: How much coffee do you theoretically have to drink in one day to have serious health complications?

Edda Rós

Is coffee like cilantro so that there is a gene controlling if you find it good or horrible? Some people say you just have to get used to the taste but no matter how much I try to hide it with sugar (or other things) it always tastes like poison to me

Han O'Reilly

FTQA and sorry if this was asked already but I couldn't see it: English tea drinker here. Pease could you settle the debate once and for all - which has more caffeine, a strong cup of black tea from a teabag with milk, or a coffee? Or does it depend on how the coffee's brewed? Whenever I feel I've had too much caffeine, I never pull back on tea because I completely forget it's caffeinated and also in the UK we give it (weak) to very young children!

Susana Capucho

what are some unconventional brewing methods around the world? I assume there are variations depending on the culture

Han O'Reilly

Also is my roommate right when they say coffee "doesn't affect them"? They have ADHD and drink coffee all through the day - a cup before bed they say sends them off. But then they always complain of bad sleep and I know there are a lot of factors at work, but could the caffeine be working like alcohol? Sends them off to sleep but then disturbs them later in the night?

Reuben Eadon

FTQA: Is there sustainable future for coffee bean production? How large is the ecological footprint of coffee bean producers around the world?

Susan Singley

I have so many questions! Why does my partner HATE coffee and all things coffee-flavored while I LOVE coffee and all things coffee-flavored? How did people decide that the way to drink it was to roast the beans, then grind them, and then infuse hot water with the grinds. It seems like a convoluted and labor-intensive process....I thank those brilliant people, but HOW? Why does coffee make some people anxious and calm others down? Is it true that we need to wait an hour after waking up to drink coffee? (I don't, but recently read that it affects cortisol levels?) Why does Starbucks coffee taste so ... bad? Am I the only one who thinks this?

Tyler Bates

Is it true that lighter roasts of coffee have more caffeine?

Tyler Bates

How can I stop drinking coffee when I’ve drank it almost every day for the last decade? It’s kind of hard to taper off.

Caitlin Polley

Will caffeine really stunt a child's growth? What my mom told me about coffee even though she let me drink soda.

Michael Sherman

Gotta talk about the smear campaign that did coffee dirty. I'm talking postum. Noth the marsupial, the roasted grain juice

Justina Vasiliauskas

Is mushroom coffee healthier? Does it have more health benefits than just coffee itself?

Meagan Walker

How the heck does decaffeinating work? Does it ruin the “benefits” of drinking coffee that appear in the news sometimes?

Meagan Walker

Does the story about the goats acting funny after eating coffee berries have any chance of being true?

Philine

Is there any actual ethical way of consuming/buying coffee?

Danielle Sucher

When are we going to run out of coffee (due to climate change, or anything else systemic I suppose)? Like, next week? Or is this only a problem for my hypothetical grandchildren?

Danielle Sucher

What is the precise optimal quantity and schedule for coffee intake needed in order to live a perfect, peak-functioning life? (Feel free to answer in the form of an age chart and/or in terms of percentage of body weight, or whatever feels most appropriate)

Danielle Sucher

How should I answer my kid when she asks why coffee is supposedly bad for kids? (So far I just tell her that caffeine is very addictive and she’s not old enough to provide informed consent to that level of long-term body mod yet - is this unreasonable of me?)

Commando Roll

I can't remember the last time I came across a Rwandan coffee with potato taste defect. How have growers and processors resolved this problem?

Alicia Clarkson

How did Caffeine become the socially acceptable drug of choice (at least in North America?) I like to imagine an alternate universe where instead of my piping hot cup of morning stimulants, I snort a line of coke while taking the dog out for her morning pee.

Helios

Does the temperature that coffee is brewed at affect the taste, specifically the bitterness, the same way it does for tea? does the ideal temperature change depending on the specific coffee being used?

Autumn Knol

Did the "discovery" and distribution of coffee actually spark cultural revolutions/improvements?

AussieColin

I just LOVE the smell of ground coffee when you first open the packet and I gather that it is the aromatic oils that I'm smelling. Because of this I keep my ground coffee in the freezer - reasoning that the oils won't evaporate, or will do so more slowly. Yet I've been told by 'experts' that this is not the right thing to do. What's the answer?

Kara

How will climate change impact coffee growing (or flavor, or availability) in both the near and further future?

gg

What is the status of coffee being a cancerous? Last I heard is that it's the oil because French press keeps the oil and paper filters filter out the oils.

Leclerc fan

Why does the caffeine in coffee seem different than the caffeine in tea? No matter how much tea I drink, I never seem to feel as antsy as when I've had too much coffee. I leave the teabag in the entire time I'm drinking it.

Mr. Weevil

what gives coffee its bitter taste? how do different roasting techniques affect the amount of caffeine in the coffee?

Zoe Litton

Does coffee actually stunt kids' growth?

Zoe Litton

Thoughts about poop coffee? Why is it so expensive? How is it different from regular coffee?

Wade Smith

Why don't more people drink more decaf ? Given the number of people who have high blood pressure/heart disease (not to mention sleep quality issues), why wouldn't people try decaf first as a first line treatment ? I can count on one hand the number of people who could actually taste the difference. Sadly, are we truly just a bunch of addicts ?

Julia Telesz

I don’t have any vices — EXCEPT my one, required, non optional cup of coffee every morning. According to science, am I going to be okay? Please say yes. I can’t give it up. 🤎☕️

Bonnie Casson-Deweese

So. Many. Questions. 1) I drink my coffee black like my soul. However, the older I get (40-ish) the less tolerance I have for strong coffee. Is there a correlation between aging and acidity tolerance? Is it related to perimenopause because I know that shit is wrecking me in all sorts of other ways?

Bonnie Casson-Deweese

2) What historical and cultural implications did the spread/trade/stealing of coffee have around the world? How, if at all, does it compare to the impacts of the tea trade?

Lee Brown

How much coffee is too much. Since lockdown and having a coffee machine my daily intake has exploded. 3 doubles before getting to the office now. It can't be good for me. Tell me it is good for me ☕☕☕

Bonnie Casson-Deweese

3) What’s up with coffee pee? Why does it smell like coffee? What amount is the coffee pee tipping point?

Cecily Templeton

What's up with goat poop coffee? Just whyyyyy

ALopez

Why does coffee make some people sleepy? Are there medical benefits to coffee?

Sara Crocker

I live in Panama which is touted as the coffee capital of the world. Friends here claim most coffees here are delicious. Unfortunately, I have always disliked the taste of coffee (also most coffee-flavored foods) - not sure why since I grew up with coffee drinkers. Is there a reason some people can’t stand it?

Blair C

You are not the only one who thinks that!

Leaf and Paw

First time question asker! Does decaf actually take more resources and money to produce? Is this why we don't see decaf offered as much or is it because people just want the caffeine? (name pronunciation: Ah-na-stay-sha Zuh-gar-oh-wits)

Jeff Petters

Why are fresh beans direct from the roaster so much better than the beans on the grocery shelf? Asking for my poor wallet.

Finola Connor

First time question asker! How come caffeine can be washed off coffee to make decaf and could I do it at home?

Elizabeth Mena

Cubans have only one way to brew coffee—espresso. However, while adults drink it straight, with sugar, during the day, in the morning it is mixed with a glass milk (and more sugar). For adults I guess you would use about a quarter cup of espresso, depending on how strong you like it. For children it would just be a little tiny bit in their milk bottle, along with sugar. When I came to the US, it was the weirdest thing to be served cold white milk at school, because I’d never had it that way.

Blair Henry

First time Question Asker! If coffee beans could speak, what stories would they tell us about the impact of climate change on their flavor profiles and growth patterns, and how might these stories reshape the future of our morning cup?

Aurora Cullen

Why do we (regular coffee drinkers) get headaches when we don’t have coffee/caffeine? is it some kind of withdrawal symptom?

Evan Wilkoff

FTQA: Please talk about the decaffination process and the chemicals involved. As full/part-time decaf drinkers, should we be worried about this from a health perspective? Have there been any long term studies relating to this?

Jeannie Ortiz

Is coffee bad for people with glaucoma? My partner has early onset glaucoma and has heard conflicting information regarding the effects of caffeine on eye pressure. Thanks!!

Lea Rubinstein

Can the world really grow enough coffee for all of us?! We think of it as the most ubiquitous birthright, but it seems SO HARD to actually grow, dry, ferment, export… feels scary and tenuous to love and rely on it 😻

Liv

coffee and adhd?? my doctor tells me that drinking it is a form of self medicating and that i should try to limit

that guy mentioned six minutes in

What are Best way to determine if coffee is ethically harvested and roasted? Are there fake buzz words we should watch out for? Also I've heard about fermented coffee beans are those healthy and how does it affect the flavor?

Adam Foote

We know that coffee and tea have caffeine, and I seem to remember hearing that caffeine is an insecticide. Are there other things (plants, animals, fungi) that produce caffeine? What compounds are most similar to caffeine in structure? Because caffeine is more or less supposed to be poisonous I'm guessing some pretty nasty things are chemically similar.

Adam Foote

One more! I have multiple super-taster traits (where lots of things taste bitter to me that most people have no problem with), but for whatever reason coffee and dark chocolate are delicious to me. Is that because I'm addicted to caffeine, or is caffeine's bitter taste just different enough from other bitter compounds that it doesn't activate my "danger poison" receptors?

Adam Foote

I had a friend in college who had regular migraines and would treat them with what he called "poor man's Excedrin": Two Ibuprofen washed down with a double shot of espresso. He swore it worked, but I think now it was the placebo effect. Would this actually simulate the active ingredients in Excedrin? BTW the friend was me. I was that idiot.

Kiki’s Delivery Service

Why does it make your teeth hurt when you drink too much?? (Asking for a friend, and by friend I mean myself back in college)

Danielle Zonis

When I have a headache or a migraine, I'll have a cup of coffee and it will help make the pain more manageable. What is the science behind that? I know it has something to do with the caffeine and I know that some medications such as Midol list caffeine as an active ingredient so it must have some medicinal benefit.

Alyssa Ranker

Is there anything we can do as consumers that will help the longevity of its availability? I've heard unsustainable growing practices and climate change are taking a toll on coffee production. Also does the Fair Trade seal have merit?

Danielle Zonis

Are there any actual health/nutritional benefits from coffee beans or even the fruit that coffee comes from? (please say yes, it will give me another reason to justify my coffee drinking)

Anna

FTQA do different types of preparing coffee have different caffeine concentrations? (Eg drip coffee vs French press vs pour-over). Which ones create the most and least caffeinated cups of coffee?

Jess Suttner

Hi! My dad owns a coffee shop/roastery. He wants to know if there’s truth behind beans that are roasted for espresso tasting better after a week or two? Also, what’s the low down on washed/natural beans? Thanks!!

Will

What labels (like "free trade") are actually meaningful when it comes to coffee?

Will

Was coffee really the reason the enlightenment happened?

Hailey Haynes

FTQA: I am a middle school biology teacher and so many students are drinking coffee. How does this impact development? Does coffee negativity impact executive functioning, they are already struggling with it? Thanks from a non-coffee consumer!

Dad jokes crack me up

Coffee. I love it. Can I drink it ethically, and not feel like I’m doing an environmental disservice? Why does coffee gown in Hawaii taste better than any other coffee in the world? Even a Kona blend is better than other coffee. Why is that? Is there a coffee chain that is legit decent to the environment and their staff? Thank you!!

Han the Bee

I have heard that some places and religions in the united states banned folks from drinking coffee/ going to coffee shops because early coffee shops were a place of "free thinking" and potentially dangerous ideas. Any other information on the anthropology of early coffee shops/ the perception that coffee drinking and he folks doing it were undesirable?

carl vossen

why do i sometimes feel invincible after drinking my morning iced coffee but then sometimes i feel like a tightly wound ball of anxiety??

MaryKHM

FTQA: True or urban legend: coffee can help you poop. What is in it that does that? I've heard it's not the caffeine. Also heard it only has this effect for a certain share of the population. What gives?

Evil motmot

Is there really a significant difference between buying whole bean coffee and fresh grinding it each morning vs buying pre-ground coffee bags? How long does it take to get "stale"?

Kirsten Love

Is it true one of the most widespread and socially acceptable stimulants? Heard in water supply and babies born with it already in bloodstream.

Jeanette-o-saur

Expanding on this: why does caffeine help some ADHD folks (my sister) and make a mess of others (me)? What does this tell us about stimulant types and personal biology? Also, are ND peeps more likely to be addicted to coffee or about the same as the normies?

Jeanette-o-saur

Caffeine and blood sugar: I have mild reactive hypoglycemia and caffeine (or any stimulant) on an empty stomach is a guaranteed trip to the icky shaky crash zone. What's up with that? Does it affect everyone's blood sugar? Do diabetics have to watch caffeine intake?

Deanna DePietro

Ah so many questions but I'll boil it down. Cortisol, stress etc. etc....I'm a bit of a high strung hyper gal in general and I feel like when my baseline anxiety is at level 10 obviously drinking coffee can elevate me through the roof. But I have such a routine with it and enjoy it that I also feel (dramatic) big sad if it's not a part of my morning. So like how does one win?? Also, if you're (trying) to do decaf, what's the safest and least chemically and manipulated way to select beans? I do not drink decaf yet but one day hope to minimize caffeine and just can't dream of a life without coffee. I love everything about it and alternatives just DO NOT come close (I have tried it all...)

Michael Neumann

Can I actually keep the coffee buzz going as I sip it throughout the day, or am I fooling myself? Are there diminishing returns on the caffeine absorption?

Jeanette-o-saur

When did humans first start using these beans to make a beverage? Were we eating them first? Who decided to start roasting beans? Was it just to dry them?

Jeanette-o-saur

Does coffer actually stunt your growth or is that flim flam?

Annalies Kleyheeg

I know coffee is only able to grow in very specific climates and environmental conditions etc, but would it be possible to cultivate a variety that grows in other areas/climates? Could coffee adapt to grow anywhere in NA/Europe for example?

Daniel Opdahl

What's up with unroasted coffee beans and where can I buy them??

Kathleen C

I love coffee but had to stop using caffeine years ago due to irregular heartbeat issues. How do they get the caffeine out of the beans? I hear terms like water process, but what does that actually mean? How do you separate caffeine from everything else? Does the coffee lose anything else in the process besides caffeine?

Madison Piper

Hi! I recently found out about coffee fruit. What is the history/ uses of them?

Rose

First time question asker. I heard Finnish people like their coffee like, a really light roast. What other cultural differences are there between who chooses what and why? Also apparently pan roasting green beans is a thing? Should we be getting on this or is it a bad idea

Brittany Chamberlain

How do the different brew methods (pour over, French press, Aero press) affect the taste and what's happening chemically?

Paige Price

What's the deal with French press? It wrecks my stomach but it's so good

Jim Brunberg

A friend of mine gave me what looks like an expensive bag of coffee beans extracted from weasel (or sivit or luak?) poop. This is apparently a thing. Aside from the obvious privacy issues of going through someone’s poop, how does this work out for all involved? I imagine strained living arrangements for all involved. To say the least.

Chelsea Wilck

When/why did people start to become pretentious about coffee? Was it Seattle's fault or what? (JK SEATTLE I LOVE YOU)

Chelsea Wilck

As someone who mostly drinks black coffee, what happens with the chemistry of coffee once one adds milk to make it taste like completely different? I often notice that with cafe bustelo for example, it has more of a caramel flavor when you add milk and I've always been curious as to what brings out that flavor.

Sarah Chaney

What's the deal with the "shade grown" coffee and why is that considered more environmentally friendly? Also, we all need more info about the coffee that comes from wild civit poop!??! Also, ignoring the question of why anyone would want decaf cofffee, how do they remove the caffeine from coffee?

Chelsea Wilck

Are we all just permanently fucked from being coffee addicts? Are the tea bitches actually superior?

Angela Simpson

Can caffeine affect cholesterol levels?

Nancy Brown

How do the different brewing methods (French Press, drip, percolator) affect the taste of coffee?

Jordan Smith

How is coffee best stored before and after grinding? I can't drink my coffee fast enough. I've been told to freeze it, but i've also heard that freezing it doesn't matter. Does it really do anything? Does it affect the taste?

Lindsey Bartholomew

While I was preparing myself some coffee yesterday morning listening to ‘Screamology’, I wondered if there would be a coffee episode! Fact or flim-flam: coffee is dehydrating? I’ve heard it actually takes copious amounts to actually be dehydrating! Why does coffee make me feel more drowsy, and when I drink it on an empty stomach, a bit nauseous? What does spritzing beans with water before grinding do? What’s your favorite coffee beverage and why?

Lindsey Bartholomew

Oh! How to buy quality beans? What should you look for, and when is the ideal time to start brewing after the roast date?

Carly Delavigne

What is the explanation for why people with ADHD often feel sleepy or calm after drinking coffee? How does it differ from the stimulant medications we take?

Lauren Galerio

What's the deal with decaf coffee? I loveeee coffee but was recommended to stop drinking it due to a concussion. I still drink the decaf every day and wondered if there is still "addiction" with decaf.

Kate Herrmann

Is it true coffee drinkers have lower rates of Alzheimer's? if so do they know why?

Lindsey Bartholomew

Omg sorry I have another one!! As an ex-mormon I’m particularly interested in this: do you know the real history of why coffee is against the “Word of Wisdom”? What was the motivation behind this? I don’t believe it was health reasons lol

Lindsey Bartholomew

God this would make so much sense why drinking coffee is banned in the mormon church. The leaders are threatened by members who can think freely and critically.

Lindsey Bartholomew

I can’t be stopped, so sorry. Why does anaerobic taste differently? What’s the chemistry there?

Lynn

I’m wondering why regular, caffeinated coffee doesn’t seem to affect me like it does others I know- I can drink it at most times throughout the day without having sleeping issues, I don’t ever seem to have an energy rush after drinking it, I can skip coffee without withdrawal symptoms… is my body’s reaction more common than my personal experience with others consuming coffee would suggest?

Han the Bee

I definitely don't want to make claims about any religions I have not been a part of - But, I did hear this from a friend who was very engaged with Utah state history while I was living in Utah. I believe she was looking into it as part of a a publication she was writing. On a very different note - I was promised coffee if I came to bible study as a high schooler attending protestant churches in the south. It's very interesting how one thing can hold such different weight depending on the role it is playing in moving forward different ideas or agendas. Though it's not as loaded as say , alcohol, coffee does seem to have a similar conflict laden past.

Camron McDonald

You might have ADHD. Caffeine affects adhd brains differently. BUT if you’re regularly drinking things high in sugar or caffeinated drinks then that could also be a reason. I have adhd and can have a cup of coffee right before bed.

MaryKHM

Why does some coffee curdle my (definitely NOT expired) half and half? Is it the acidity? Is there a way to tell if a particular coffee brand/ varietal is likely to cause curdling?

Antoinette Palmieri

Few questions 1 - In sci-fi, coffee seems like the first thing to go, and all the main characters miss it. How likely do you think this is, and when do you think it might happen if we can't figure out a better more sustainable way to make it? 2 - Why does decaf coffee not taste as good? (my friend says it tastes like dirt to him, I think it tastes stale) 3 - Where in the world does coffee grow the best?

Katharine Scotton

With coffee consumption rising worldwide, and the known impacts on the environment from coffee farming (why I quit coffee 20 years ago), how will global supply keep up, and are we headed for mass environmental devastation to keep up with demand?

Max G

Is it true that coffee stunts your growth if you start drinking it too young, or did my seventh grade health teacher just not want a bunch of caffeinated 12-year-olds?

Deli Dames

can we please discuss the coffee beans that get pooped out by that Indonesian cat?

Grace

I could easily find a delicious cup of coffee in Hawaii, but not so easily in the Bay Area California (sorry to coffee lovers here). I was talking to someone about this and they said “… but isn’t it all the same bean? It’s just coffee, isn’t it?” So, what IS the difference? Why is coffee so good in Hawaii (and places like Melbourne, AU & Wellington NZ)?

David Clark

How did coffee spread around the world? Why do certain places - like the UK - prefer tea, while others prefer espresso (Italy, Spain). In fact, what's the difference between coffee and espresso? Are they the same? I'm just now realizing I have no idea...

Kat

First time posting a question - How much longer will we have coffee?!!! Do the effects of global warming on farming and economics mean that coffee production has an expiration date?!!

Carleen DH

OK If you tell me your expert is James Hoffman I'm going to die because I've watched a lot of his YouTube vids haha ANYWAY, first time question asker why do coffees vary so much in flavor? And does the region they come from really impact the flavor (like with wine grapes)? And how can I ensure that I am buying fair trade and being environmentally friendly with my caffeine consumption? And WHY does Starbucks overroast their beans so that they have this acrid, burnt flavor? And considering this, how did Starbucks become the ubiquitous coffee chain?

Verena Runstadler

How do they make decaf coffee and is does the process make decaf coffee not great for you?

Shayna Sessler

I recently learned that diterpenes in unfiltered coffee (like French press or boiled) can raise our cholesterol and increase heart disease. Do we know what kind of filters and grind size are best to lower this effect? Is my pour-over still okay?

Brenna Pixley

Is bulletproof coffee all it’s cracked up to be?

Brenna Pixley

Can you confirm the smuggling the coffee plant into a bouquet when it was transported out and then widely grown?

Melissa Quinn

How long does it take for caffeine tolerance to 'reset'? Like, if I used to drink one cup a day of what I lovingly call my "be-nice juice," and now I drink two or three, is there a length of time that I can go cold turkey and after that one cup will do the trick again?

Melissa Quinn

Also (sorry, I hit the submit button too fast!) is there any documented difference in how coffee affects men vs women?

Melissa Quinn

Oh ALSO if it didn't already come up in the episode - do you think the story about the Swedish king who tried to prove coffee was dangerous by making a prisoner drink it every day, only to have the prisoner outlive both him and the doctors running the experiment, is true?

Sarah Meaden

This may not fall under this ology, but why is it so many people branch into boutique roasting? Everyone from my former youth pastor to Seth Rogan. Is it really that easy to get into? Also, other than the obvious capitalism/monopoly/anti union reasons - why the hate against Starbucks coffee?

Sarah Meaden

I thought of another question. How do companies infuse "novel" flavors into their beans. There's a specific company I'm thinking of (Bones coffee if you feel like free advertising) that always has coffees like apple cider or marshmallow, or even grog. How does this happen and are coffees like this considered inferior?

Mallory Skinner

Is there research on how coffee/caffeine affects neurodivergent people differently? I’m autistic and find that I can have coffee any time of day without sleeping issues, and I never feel jittery after I drink it.

Hayley

FTQA: Why is coffee the only reason I get up in the morning? Not being sarcastic. My hilarious children and loving husband can’t even rouse me out of bed… but the smell of the coffee brewing will get me up every time.

Hayley

Also why did the smell of coffee make me hurl when I was pregnant?

Rachel Maurer

I'm sure plenty of other people have asked this - but why does coffee taste so different than it smells? As a life-long disliker of coffee (not even when added to chocolate, or as ice cream), I still really like the smell.

Hayley

Why is the coffee versus tea population so visceral? (I definitely question how people only drink tea and don’t even touch coffee, and I know they question the reverse about me) Why are we like this??

Fiona Dolphin

I live in Washington State and have been growing a coffee plant indoors for about 3 years. Is there any chance it will ever produce coffee beans?

Fiona Dolphin

I second this! Also, as anecdotal evidence, I am slightly less than 5 ft tall and started drinking coffee at age 10 soooo perhaps lol 🤷🏼‍♀️

Jessi B

Is coffee technically a bean soup?

Saira (‘Sarah’) Manns

Is it true that instant coffee is made from the dregs & leftovers of other coffee?

Jason Ganley

Hi! I was curious if coffee could have some negative effects if taken on a daily basis, also I've heard thats coffee affects people with adhd differently is that true?

Jessica Chance

How is decaf coffee winning awards these days?

Toni Spumoni

What is the real difference between chemical process and water processed decaf beans? How do these processes work?

Violsk

FTQA - I was hoping for an episode on coffee since I discovered your amazing podcast! I would have one billion questions but I will reduce them to two. First question: As an Italian coffee lover, I can't get over this stereotype about italians having the best coffee, and I observe how the average italian genuinely believes this, even if 1. they consume espresso in one millisecond shot that gets swallowed before the tongue understands what's going on, 2. each coffee bar has only one type of coffee, the concept of offering different ones to choose from is totally out of any horizon, and 3. the beans are so roasted (read: burned) that all the flavors are basically flattened. I started to drink truly amazing coffee when I moved to Berlin, where discovering new beans and the rich variety of their flavors in the local roasteries is a true joy. What is the historical reason for this? I know that Italians had a huge role in making coffee popular because of their contribution to inventing the industrial espresso machines, but could be just that? Second question: how is the situation about sustainability of coffee production and fair treatment of people who work at the cultivation fields? are there comprehensive data about this, and how could we know if the coffee we are buying is fair to the people who cultivated the beans? ups it ended up being super long, I hope it is not too much! I have no synthesis talent 🙈 Looking forward to listening to what your wonderful brain will make with all this dear Dadpod!!

Cate

First time question asker! How come some people (me) can fall asleep right after having a coffee, whereas others feel wired and can’t sleep if they have a coffee too late in the day? I’ve heard people say it’s related to ADHD but I’m fairly certain I don’t have ADHD - is it because I’m Australian and we just love our coffee here (best coffee in the world by the way)?!

Josephine Murdoch

Are there animals that have a relationship with coffee? I'm thinking of pollinators and other tiny critters, but also mammals or birds. Do they eat coffee beans or use the plant in other ways? Also, I know that antidepressants and illegal substances consumed by humans can affect aquatic creatures and ecosystems through our waste, but can coffee consumed by humans do the same thing? Does it stick around for long enough? I.e. could frogs get really wired if human sewage is caffeinated and near them? (Sorry for the v gross image!!)

Ashlin

Yes we wanna know about poop coffee!

Ashlin

Please tell us about cat poop coffee!

Hannah Riedl

If there is less caffeine the more the bean is roasted, why do people drink cappuccino’s and fancy junk? Why aren’t we all drinking drip with green beans?!

Danielle Sucher

Could we cook coffee beans like other beans instead of brewing them? If so, why don’t we?

Danielle Sucher

Has anyone ever died from too much coffee? How much did it take? Is there a story here?

Danielle Sucher

Are there unanswered questions about coffee still being researched? What are they?

Danielle Sucher

Can you think of any creatures that don’t drink coffee but would really enjoy it if they did?

Dig

I makes me a little jittery too, but mostly just physically ill if I have more than one cup. Now, I really enjoy the flavor of coffee, so I still drink in regularly, but it's more of a wind-down drink than it is a wake-up drink 😂

Suzanne Dawson

Hi, first time question asker here! So in one of favorite games, Yakuza 7, there's an option a short conversation about a type of coffee that the beans are harvested from the poop of a cat-like animal. Because of the harvesting method, a cup is pretty expensive. I can't lie, I'm curious. What about this animal's digestion that creates an ideal coffee bean? Are theses beans found in the wild or are there farms that raise these animals and encourage them to poop in a specific place? And is there a lesser known animal that produces coffee beans in this way?

Sarah Morcom

Do the flavours just come from different growing regions/conditions (like grapes for wine) or are there different varieties of coffee that just have different notes?

Sarah Morcom

How much is too much coffee? I'm consistently a one a day person and the second cup always makes me nauseated when I have it but at what point could there be negative health effects? In my partners words: what kind of brain damage will I get from drinking it long term?

Josie Rutherford

Why does the density of the grind impact taste? What exactly does medium, light roasting mean? Why do some people with ADHD get tired when they drink coffee (but some other sources of caffeine don't make them tired)? How has the price of coffee changed over time? How is decaf made? Is it difficult to grow a coffee tree? Why isn't this largely farmed in the US like other staples like corn? Why are weed shops in the Netherlands called coffee shops? Any correlation? What was the first coffee chain? Is a cup of joe in the morning good for you? It seems like it goes back and forth between being good for you or not in the news all the time? Why do people drink it even though it's icky? How do you combat teeth staining? Why do you get the jitters and how to combat that? Why don't all blends give people the jitters but some do? What are appropriate times of day to drink different types of coffee (ex: Italy has a lot of weird rules on when you're supposed to drink things )? Can you overdose on caffeine or do you just hit like a concentration at which anything exceeding that doesn't have any affect anymore? Why do people use caffeine as a way to excuse poor sleeping habits? How does coffee get burnt and how to tell? Favorite type of coffee? Least favorite type of coffee? Is starbucks actually good coffee or have they fooled us all?

Renee K.

1. Globally, what are the most common ways to prepare coffee? 2. Why does coffee taste different since I had Covid? 3. How can I save money on coffee? 4. Where do the fruity notes come from? Is it from the bean type? The growing conditions? The roasting method? 5. How does decaffeination work, and why does it impact the taste so much? 6. IMPORTANT: What is the best coffee thermos?

Maureen Flood

Who were the first people to roast and brew coffee for human consumption? Are coffee beans edible when raw? How hard is it to harvest coffee? Can you talk about the relative climate impacts of shade grown versus not shade grown? What if any are the human right implications of drinking coffee?

Danielle Sucher

Why does drip coffee taste stale after a while, but espresso remains nice with different notes riding to the forefront?

Figment

is RIZE (mushrooms) actually coffee?

Figment

why is cold brew less acidic feeling, and why does it last forever without getting bitter?

Figment

jack nicholson drank this coffee in the movie "bucket list" with morgan freeman

Figment

is canned coffee like folgers forever old and sitting on the shelf for years?

Figment

is coffee a bean, a nut, a legume, a fruit? is it the seed inside? is it the pit?

Figment

do coffee beans have to be roasted? what if there wasn't the "crack"? can you just dry a coffee bean, grind it and make coffee or does that not work?

Figment

every few months i put my used coffee grounds around my rose bushes. is that too intense for plants or ok? it said they like acidic soil.

Matt Hirschl

Oh. Em. Gee. So many questions already submitted. As a tea drinkin, anti-coffee Oligite, why the hell did coffee become a thing? Like, what’s the history of this dirt water so many people drink every day?

Magdalena Castillo

Is there any other type of coffee besides decaf that’s good for people that get jittery from drinking coffee?

Claire Maurer

Why do I love it so damn much? Socially, culturally or chemically why? The blessed morning ritual

Nancy Gleason

What is your opinion of the Dave Eggers book “The Monk of Mokha”? What other books or movies do you recommend for a coffee addict?

Lisa N

How did they discover Luwak cofffee? Like who saw shit of an animal and thought 'hey, that would make amazing coffee!'?? (It is amazing tho, i love it)

Olivia jm

Which animals besides humans consume coffee beans? Followup, do they feel the same effects of caffeine and desperately crave it in the morning like we do?

Lee Wang

I've never been in the habit of drinking coffee because I feel like I barely get any of the buzz but all of the crash -- is that a thing? I've had coworkers tell me that maybe I need to adjust how much I drink (or if I've been able to get by my whole life without the habit, maybe it's for the best to not develop it)?

Jadine Lannon

How will global climate change affect coffee production?

YarnCatsNBooks

How much difference does the processing method make in the taste of coffee vs the coffee plant variety? When I visited Papua New Guinea they preferred to ferment the berries and sun dry the beans. It was some of the smoothest coffee I have tasted.

Gigil_Peach

FQTA: I live in Melbourne and we have a pretty big coffee scene here in which local cafes are much preferred and bought from than chain companies. I'm aware StarBucks had to shut down many of their stores here because it just wasn't successful. Are there any other places where something like this has happened? Coffee revolution???

Lindsay Bowman

What is your preferred coffee brewing method?

Lindsay Bowman

So many coffee loving countries believe they make the best coffee in the world...which do you think is best?

Lindsay Bowman

What is your favorite roast/origin of coffee and why?

Leclerc fan

I drink espresso exclusively. It's from Portorico coffee in NYC called Cent'anni, so I assume it is from Italy. It is smooth and slightly sweet.

Lee T.

Brewing methods: cowboy, French press, percolator, pour over, triple filtered,… what is the superior method for the healthiest cup of joe? Also why is it called a cup of joe? Who is joe?

Bob Block

Why does coffee cause me so much anxiety compared to other caffeine sources?

The Joyful Spitfire

CAT POOP COFFEE. Kopi luwak. I first heard about this in the **underrated** cinematic gem that is The Bucket List with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. Seriously - watch it. Such a beautiful tale of friendship found in unusual circumstances and the beauty of living life to its fullest 🩵 So - my question. Has the ologist had this unusual (and expensive) coffee? If not - would they? Why or why not??

Julia Bunn

Why do I feel compelled to want to share a coffee with the full caffeine charge with my loved ones even though I know the after math of the drinking of it will ruin my night’s sleep and I’ll run the risk of saying something really random that I’ll regret, when having a decaf would be just fine and create the illusion of sharing the experience just fine, thank you?

The Joyful Spitfire

Also - I hope this ologist is James Hoffman or Morgan Eckroth. Both are full blown coffee nerds and have great social media platforms on all things java.

Lyrebird

Why aren’t species other than Arabica and robusta commonly used? And how do we get so many different varieties and tastes from just one or two species?

Walt

FTQA. I used to be able to find “Triple Certified” coffee quite easily (20 years ago). It’s very difficult to find now. Why is this? Is it still a thing?

Molly H

1. What's the difference between Arabic and other varieties of coffee and what are the other varieties?

Molly H

Does "shade grown" automatically mean "bird friendly" ? How much caffeine is in decaf coffee and what are the different decaffeination processes? Is coffee drinking a true "addiction"? Why is it so hard to quit? What happens in the bodies of people who drink a lot of coffee? I knew a coffee addict who had to have coffee to feel mellowed out. Without it they would be hyper. Why this opposite reaction then what most people experience with coffee? Does America really run on Dunkin?

BugLuvr

Does caffeine prevent Alzheimer’s?

Earl of Greymalkin

1) How does decaffeinating work? What else is lost in the process? What happens to the extracted material? 2) Is it possible to grow the beans as cell culture in a lab? Anyone working on this? 3) How sustainable actually is coffee as a crop? What about big producers versus little ones? What are the dynamics of the industry and how do you know you are buying ethically? 4) Any tips for finding good roasters? Best cheap stuff? 5) What's happening to your brain juices when you drink coffee? I swear mochas especially give me happy brain juices for about an hour. It's definitely drugs. 6) With climate change, are the optimal growing regions changing? (How fucked are the coffee growers?) 7) What is the history of how and why coffee got so popular? Who first figured it out and how did it spread around the world? Would it be as popular if it didn't have caffeine? 8) What are regional variations in roasting and brewing styles (ex. Italian) and why did they develop? 9) Most interesting varieties and roasting styles we might not have tried yet? 10) How different are fermented coffees? Where can you find it to try?

Susan

Not a question but an anecdote. My dad worked for a national coffee brand. When a customer opened a (then metal) can of coffee, The Brand wanted them to experience a rush of coffee scent so The Brand added a little extra fragrance to each can. At one point, production ground (no pun intended) to a halt because the coffee smell was tied up in customs. Apparently, coffee didn’t smell enough like coffee. Also, The Brand started as a high-quality coffee. Over the years they’d cheapen the formula just a little at a time so most people couldn’t tell the difference from one formulation to the next. The original formula is completely unrecognizable from what we get now which is, perhaps, why they had to add the scent back in.

Jeannette Smith

What do you know about the Swiss water method of removing the caffeine for decaf coffee? Jeannette

Ron

As a tea drinker, I love the smell of fresh brewed coffee, but can’t stand the taste of coffee. What’s up with that?

BolognaShoes

SAAAAAME! I love the whole thing with coffee-- the ritual, the smell, the variety, etc-- but I just can't handle the taste! I was a barista for nearly 10 years and have had coffee in every way you can have coffee and just can't figure out how to like the taste.

TwoStonesWithOneČech

My wife swears that drinking cold brew does next to nothing for her, but hot brewed coffee gives her the usual effects of caffeine. Is this a thing? If it is, why? Also, I’ve tried tons of different coffees with all of these supposed hints and notes of other flavors and they do taste different, but I don’t get where people get flavors like apricot or chocolatey-ness from. Is this all a bunch of hooey or are there actually compounds in different batches of coffee that mimic other flavors?

Magsaroni

My grandmother will keep a cup of coffee overnight, then microwave it the next day. I think it tastes different. Does brewed coffee lose effectiveness or flavor as it sits? Can it 'overbrew' like tea over steeps? Does the chemical structure change, is that why it smells so different than it tastes? How does the roasting process affect caffeine content?

mynameisaurien

1. Can humans eat the coffee cherry? 2. What non-human animals eat the coffee cherry? 3. Can we make edible things from the raw coffee seed / bean?

Dani Kirby

FTQA: I once worked for a well known specialty coffee company and part of our tour we said that coffee contains far more flavonoids and individual tasting notes than even wine, which contributed to its complexity of flavor. Is this true or did I lie to years worth of tour groups when they came to our facility?

Dani Kirby

If I remember correctly from years ago, this guy actually stole much of his story and then profited of it

Dani Kirby

Can you talk about the goat origin story please? I don’t know if it’s true, but it’s one of my favorite pieces of folklore around coffee

Katelyn Schwartz

FTQA: What is espresso???? Is it different than coffee beans or just a higher quality/concentration? Is there any practical reason for drinking espresso over coffee or vice versa??

Magsaroni

What is the actual difference between coffee beans and espresso beans?

Jessica Rudd

Heck yeah I love coffee! I need to know - what is the Ologist’s favourite method for brewing coffee? Personally, my Chemex has become the go-to.

Emily McBride

FTQA: i just moved to Hawaii. What makes the coffee here so damn good? Also, can you explain how reheating a cup of coffee in the microwave alters the taste? My very tired mom self would love to know

Nathan Deschine

FTQA: Have you ever tried Navajo coffee, i.e. coffee mixed with toasted flour to where it becomes more of a dessert?

CurtisDawg

Caffeine has addictive properties that can lead to dependence. Is this any different than other addictive drugs? Has anyone studied if coffee can be a gateway drug to other addictions?

Tara Ward

What is the rarest type of coffee, and how do you get it? (question from my son Will Ward, and this is our first question here)

Agata Kajewska

Hate all types of coffee - but enjoy all coffe flavoured cakes, candies and Ice cream . It's not sugar related. Why is that?!

Meg

Meg McDaniel - FTQA and forever coffee lover here- what’s up with Kopi Luwak? What’s the science behind coffee beans getting digested by a cute lil marsupial, pooped out their lil bum, and then becoming even more delicious? 2.) is there just as much caffeine in a cup of coffee ice cream as their is in a regular cup of coffee? 3.) is coffee good or bad for your nervous system, long term? 4.) what was up with that fad with Bullet coffee/MCT oil a while ago? Does adding fat to your coffee really help to slow the spike, or is that just film flam?

Waylo

Besides drinking coffee, are there other uses for coffee beans?

Jackie G

I'm opposite. Love coffee, hate coffee ice cream and such.

Tyler Cole

Sometimes coffee beans aren’t specified if it’s light, medium, or dark roast. Is there any way to tell after you buy a bag?

Mouse Paxton

How does the caffeine in coffee differ from other products like matcha? Some plants like Kentucky Coffeetree are said to be potential coffee substitutes, have you found any you particularly like?

Quincy J Byrne

What is the relationship between coffee (or caffeinated beverages more generally) and contemporary capitalism? Are we all just chugging caffeine so that we can work more and harder or have people been dependent on it since before our current economic models came to be?

Dane Camacho

I get panic attacks regularly (anxious responses to my own normal bodily functions). Why does caffeine make me more anxious?

hashel(ology)

FTQA : Where in the world did coffee drinking start? Do we know how people started to drink coffee? Where/how did coffee drinks originate

Vita Trincali

Came to ask the same question and my friends/family just don’t get it. Plus I like hot coffee HOT so I have proven to myself many times that it just tastes different.

Becky

In college we would take caffeinated power naps. We would drink coffee right before a 20 minute nap and then wake up refreshed. How does that work? Or does it really?

Keely Chavez

We heard that blonde roast are more caffeinated than dark roast. True or false?

Aurelia Ven

FTQA, hiiii! What's the ecological impact of coffee growing? What do coffee plants do the soil they're on, or the water usage, or are they a habitat for wildlife, etc?

Tony

Is Coffee ‘healthy’?

Sarah Nyland

Is there any interaction between coffee drinking and changes in our microbiota?

Sarah Nyland

When I drink coffee and need to use the bathroom so terribly soon after, is that because of hormonal signaling? What insight does the current literature have into the process?

Mika

Why does coffee “work” for some people and not for others? For me personally coffee does nothing more than give me something yummy to taste. But pop (or soda) gives me the energy I need to get through the day

Levi Morris

First time question asker here :) is coffee going extinct because of climate change?

Emily Yoshida

Different methods of coffee preparation have pretty hefty effects on the taste of the coffee, even using the exact beans to start with. Other than some methods leaving more time for stronger brewing, how does this work? (aeropress vs chemex vs drip etc)

Erin White

the midwest certainly doesn't, which was a real shock to me and my zillion gift cards when i left New England for college.

Anna

what kind of coffee do you drink?? also why does coffee not affect certain people? i’ve heard that people with adhd tend to not be affect by the caffeine, but it actually makes the sleepy??? i could be totally wrong, but i gotta know?

Honey Bee Grey

Why does some coffee make some people have to poop? Also what’s the best form of brewing it for the best flavor? Does different brewing methods affect flavor/strength?

Leah Eckstein

What does regular intake of coffee do to our gut?

Leah Eckstein

How do I begin to like black coffee? Need the caffeine, not the calories.

Abigail Fanara

What are the best climate and growing conditions for growing coffee? With the impact of plant disease and climate change could production move to different regions? What about my patio in Baltimore? Looking for a silver lining here 🫠

Camila Gamino

Why does coffee make me poop real bad? Am I allergic?

Callie Fong

First time question asker :) is there an ideal time of day to be drinking coffee? Are days off of coffee good for you?

Kathryn Angwin

First tune question asker! Been loving your podcasts for 2 years! What's the correspondence between ADHD and coffee? Thank you!

Beth

Can you talk about why coffee beans from different countries can taste so different from one another, yet still retain overall regional characteristics? Does this have to do mostly with soils, or varietals of the coffee plants themselves?

John Wallace

W/R/T economics: New Orleans and the world coffee trade.

Gia Capra

First time question asker! :) Do you think we'll ever go through a coffee "purge" as a society? That we'll see it as an unhealthy drug that we're all dependent on, similar to how our view on alcohol has drastically over the years.

Carriann Alabastro

Please talk about avoiding paper filters. Finding out that trick saved my stomach! I was never able to enjoy drinking coffee because it used to be so painful to process. But I eventually learned that the oils in coffee can protect against stomach pain if you don't filter them out! Now I can drink espresso, mocha pot, french press, and, if I use gold filter instead of paper, even drip or pour over. And I love coffee now - finally!