S4 E10: The Big Baba Java Papa Himself, Dr. Nathan E Parvin

Our head roaster Nicholas has already told us about his coffee journey in the last episode, and now he fills us in on part of what he does at Baba Java Coffee, and one of the core parts of our business and mission. Nathan and Brad talk to Nicholas about how we source our green coffee, work with farmers and distributors to get as close to the farms as we can, and choose specific distributors so we can help provide for the incredible farmers and families who put so much work into growing specialty coffee. Nicholas also discusses how he tests potential new coffees using a small sample roaster, our new sample roaster that came earlier than expected, and adjusting the roast for different brew methods and blends. Watch along to hear all about this part of what we do, and stay tuned for the next episode dedicated to roasting! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Visit our blog: https://babajavacoffee.com/blog/ Find your new favorite coffee with our quiz: https://babajavacoffee.com/coffee-quiz/

Nathan and Brad sit down with Nicholas Hannah, Baba Java’s head roaster, to hear what he does at Baba Java and how he came to be here.Nicholas shares his journey from barista to head of production and roasting, including his early coffee memories with his Cuban dad’s café con leche, his first specialty experiences, and the transition after a stint in Montana. He talks about the daily challenges of consistency, managing variables, quality control, and developing profiles that honor the origin of each coffee. You’ll also hear about his favorite coffees (including a unique China offering and a standout Costa Rican), sample roasting, and some of the strangest things that have come through the roaster from popcorn kernels to a grape co-ferment that somehow tasted like tortilla chips.A thoughtful, honest conversation about the heart of Baba Java’s coffee and the person making it sing in the cup.----------------------------------------------------------------------Visit our blog: https://babajavacoffee.com/blog/ Find your new favorite coffee with our quiz: https://babajavacoffee.com/coffee-quiz/

Josh Parvin turns the tables and interviews his dad, Baba Java co-founder and “Big Papa” himself, Dr. Nathan Parvin, in this special father-son episode! Nathan shares his journey from eye doctor and professor to starting Baba Java Coffee, including the early feasibility study, roasting in the basement at Ridge Pass, the wild build-out stories (and the infamous “cease and desist”), and how a small idea turned into a growing family business with deep community roots. He talks about his lifelong love of coffee, the influence of Brad and the Parvin family, what it’s like running both a medical practice and a coffee company, and why excellence and relationships remain at the heart of everything they do. Full of laughs, heartfelt stories, and behind-the-scenes insight from one of the people who started it all.----------------------------------------------------------------------Visit our blog: https://babajavacoffee.com/blog/ Find your new favorite coffee with our quiz: https://babajavacoffee.com/coffee-quiz/

Josh Parvin turns the tables and interviews Brad Haynes, Baba Java’s Vice President of Operations, in this special episode! Brad shares his full coffee journey from living in Oman and discovering specialty coffee, to importing beans, navigating early business challenges (including a memorable “smoked meat” coffee incident and the Toro Toro club dinner), and eventually moving back to Alabama to help launch Baba Java. He opens up about the wild early days of roasting in Nathan’s basement, opening the first cafe, building the team, and watching the company grow from a small operation to multiple locations with a strong international presence. You’ll hear funny stories, lessons learned, what it’s like leading operations, and why Brad is so passionate about Baba Java’s mission. A heartfelt, insightful, and often hilarious conversation with one of the key leaders behind Baba Java Coffee. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Visit our blog: https://babajavacoffee.com/blog/ Find your new favorite coffee with our quiz: https://babajavacoffee.com/coffee-quiz/

Josh and Rachel Parvin host a special global edition of CoffeeU! They sit down with two key members of the Baba Java International team: Halez (Fujairah, UAE) and Justin (working across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf). In this episode, the team shares how they got into specialty coffee, their roles supporting green coffee sales across the Middle East, and what makes the Gulf coffee scene unique, from explosive growth and regional taste differences to the deep relational and hospitable culture that shapes everything they do. You’ll hear personal stories, favorite client interactions (including Coterra Coffee), insights on building real friendships before business, and how Baba Java is bringing rare, high-quality origins to roasters throughout the GCC. A warm, insightful conversation highlighting the heart, relationships, and global impact behind Baba Java International. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Visit our blog: https://babajavacoffee.com/blog/ Find your new favorite coffee with our quiz: https://babajavacoffee.com/coffee-quiz/

Nathan and Brad sit down with Grant Austin, manager of Baba Java’s original Hoover cafe.Grant shares his journey from growing up in Alabama, training as a machinist, to stepping into coffee full-time. He talks about transitioning from Meadowbrook (under Jason) to managing Hoover, the challenges of running a busy cafe, and what makes Hoover special, from long-time regulars to its broad customer mix and strong community feel. You’ll hear about his love for coffee (Ethiopia and PNG are favorites), playing guitar in Rush of Fools, balancing life with his wife Maddie (a teacher), and some memorable cafe stories (including a runaway dog and an underclothed man). This episode highlights the heart, hospitality, and hard work behind one of Baba Java’s key locations.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Visit our blog: https://babajavacoffee.com/blog/ Find your new favorite coffee with our quiz: https://babajavacoffee.com/coffee-quiz/

In this episode of CoffeeU, Nathan and Brad sit down with Jayson Dobelstein, manager of Baba Java’s Meadowbrook cafe. Jayson shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Birmingham, to living in Bolivia, Peru, and Ethiopia, to returning stateside and starting Double Stone Handywork as a contractor and remodeler. He built out Baba Java’s Montevallo cafe (RIP) and later helped with Nathan’s home projects before stepping into cafe management at Meadowbrook. Jayson talks about the joy of hospitality, investing in his team, learning the world of specialty coffee, and what makes Meadowbrook’s regulars and culture so special. You’ll hear funny stories (including a mysterious floating latte cup), his thoughts on great coffee, and why he loves helping people move from everyday drinks to appreciating specialty coffee. A heartfelt, inspiring conversation about life, service, and finding your place in the coffee world. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Visit our blog: https://babajavacoffee.com/blog/ Find your new favorite coffee with our quiz: https://babajavacoffee.com/coffee-quiz/

Josh and Rachel Parvin join Nathan and Brad for a great conversation about the current state of Baba Java International in Dubai!In this episode, the couple shares how Baba Java is growing its presence in the Middle East by selling high-quality green coffee from their trusted farm partners to specialty roasters across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and beyond. They discuss exciting developments like Josh becoming a certified SCA Q Instructor, their plans to host more cuppings and classes throughout the Gulf region, standout client relationships (including Cotera Coffee and Grandmother Coffee), and which coffees are performing especially well.You’ll also hear their perspective on market challenges, the recent C-market fluctuations, what the next year looks like for the Dubai team, and some joyful personal news, but you'll have to watch to find out what!This episode gives listeners a clear, encouraging update on Baba Java’s international mission and the heart behind taking specialty coffee and ethical sourcing to the world.---------------------------------------------------------------------- Visit our blog: https://babajavacoffee.com/blog/ Find your new favorite coffee with our quiz: https://babajavacoffee.com/coffee-quiz/

We've heard from our cafe managers and American marketing department about their experience at the massive World of Coffee tradeshow in Dubai, now it's time to hear from our Dubai team! Baba Java's American branch is mostly a roaster and cafes. In the UAE we handle the other side of the coffee business, gathering the best beans from the best farms from all over the world and selling the unroasted "green coffee" to other roasters and cafes. We cover not only Dubai and the UAE, but all over the Middle East! In this episode Josh and Rachel discuss their journey of attending World of Coffee over the years, from hauling samples in their backpacks and not knowing anyone, to having a fully staffed booth and many attendees waiting to see what we brought this year! Listen along for all this, plus stories of car troubles, flipped ATVs, and an awkwardly long intro. ----------------------------------------------------------------------Visit our blog: https://babajavacoffee.com/blog/ Find your new favorite coffee with our quiz: https://babajavacoffee.com/coffee-quiz/

Welcome to Season 4 of CoffeeU! In this episode, Nathan and Brad sit down with Noelle, a key member of the Baba Java marketing team, for a fun and personal conversation. Noelle shares her journey from growing up in the Alabaster/Montevallo area, to becoming a barista at the Montevallo café (RIP), and eventually transitioning into full-time marketing after graduating with a graphic design degree. She talks about learning coffee from the ground up, working closely with Rachel (now in Dubai) and Randy, creating content, planning events, and what it’s like being part of a small but mighty marketing team that spans two continents. You’ll hear about her favorite drinks (including a secret menu tip), how she balances B2B and B2C storytelling, the challenges of jumping into marketing right out of college, and plenty of laughs about team dynamics, dad jokes, and Randy’s reactions. This episode gives you a behind-the-curtain look at one of the people helping tell Baba Java’s story every day.----------------------------------------------------------------------Visit our blog: https://babajavacoffee.com/blog/ Find your new favorite coffee with our quiz: https://babajavacoffee.com/coffee-quiz/What you're looking for:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFwIlVKRsqc