We’ve had some fun married couples as guests this season, but we decided to change it up and chat with a couple of great FRIENDS who have grown a major coffee brand together as two of the three business parters at Valor Coffee.

In fact, to explore the bromance theme even more, Jessica steps aside in the interview box to let Zac and Ethan Price have that conversation with Ross Walters and Ethan Rivers about their journey from coffee cart to a premier national brand.

Paige invites our lead roaster Ethan to brew Valor’s guest coffee and talk roasting in Jacob’s Corner.

And finally, Zac + Jessica sit down and answer some of the prompts from the June box and explore the theme of FRIENDS | FOES together.

Check out THE ONE Coffee Ritual at www.theonecoffeeritual.com

Fundraiser for school at Finca Terrerito: https://evansvillecoffee.com/pages/fundlet/fincat8

The conversation covers unconventional sleep habits, dream stories, travel adventures, and the impact of travel on creativity, community engagement, and business growth. It delves into the significance of origin trips, the hospitality experienced during travel, and the inspiration gained from exploring new spaces. Additionally, it highlights the impact of travel on creativity and business growth, as well as the importance of community engagement in fostering business success. The conversation delves into the intricacies of coffee brewing methods and techniques, highlighting the use of French press and pour-over methods. It also explores the tasting experience of Alma Coffee and the unique characteristics of different coffee blends. Additionally, the discussion touches on reflections about aging together and daily habits, providing insights into the dynamics of a long-term relationship.

Takeaways

• Hospitality and inspiration from travel
• Origin trips and the impact on creativity
• Community engagement and business growth Family legacy and generational impact
• Transition from corporate careers to coffee industry Coffee brewing methods
• Coffee tasting and preferences

Chapters

• 00:00 Unconventional Sleep Habits and Dream Stories
• 06:02 Impact of Travel on Creativity and Business Growth
• 26:11 Building a Legacy
• 32:50 Commitment and Clarity
• 37:51 Passion for Coffee and Community
• 46:49 Work-Life Balance and Daily Rituals
• 53:27 Coffee Origins and Legacy
• 58:36 Coffee Grinders and Brewing
• 01:05:55 Coffee Brewing Methods and Techniques
• 01:11:15 Alma Coffee and Tasting Experience
• 01:17:17 Reflections on Aging Together and Daily Habits

In 2026, Zac finally convinces Jessica to agree to a VIDEO podcast (or does he?).

New host (and Honey Moon Vice President) Paige Venturi takes the reigns and guides a reflection time with the co-founders before transitioning to a recorded conversation with our guest roaster for April 2026: Antler Specialty Goods.

Annalisa and Hunter started Antler during the pandemic, and have carved out a successful business and growing family in the subsequent years. They share their story with Jessica and Zac along with highlights of their single origin coffee included in The One Coffee Ritual box this month.

Takeaways

• Transitioning to a new format
• Excitement for 2026
• Balancing marriage and business ownership
• The significance of morning rituals in business and personal life

Chapters

• 00:00 The Video Podcast Surprise
• 05:26 Reflecting on 2026
• 11:17 Preparing for a Trip
• 19:04 Guest Roaster: Antler Specialty Goods
• 23:32 Antler Mobile Setup and Brick-and-Mortar
• 28:35 Antler Commitment to Brick-and-Mortar
• 37:07 Antler Establishing Roots in Henderson
• 42:17 Antler Morning Rituals and Business Ownership
• 50:31 Antler Coffee Tasting and Business Operations
• 54:21 Jacob's Coffee Corner
• 01:03:00 Zac and Jessica talk about Faith and Doubt