Finding Joy in Every Season of Work: Part I - Ep # 440

Cat & Cloud Podcast  Cat & Cloud Coffee www.catandcloud.com/ Finding Joy in Every Season of Work: Part I – Ep #440 Summary In this episode, Chris and Jared (plus Casey) reflect on the early days that pulled us into specialty coffee and how those experiences shaped the work we’re still doing today. From skateboarding friendships and barista competitions to building cafés and leading teams, we talk about how the things that bring joy evolve over time. As careers grow and responsibilities expand, the work changes—and sometimes the parts you loved most become harder to hold onto. We explore the idea that every season of life and business brings different sources of meaning, and that part of the real work is finding the through lines that keep the joy alive. This conversation looks back at where it all started while asking an ongoing question: how do you stay connected to the things that made you love the work in the first place? Chapters 00:00 – Missing the Old Days: Skate Culture, Community, and the Idea of “a Place”
 05:00 – What Attracted you to Coffee and the Industry?
 10:30 – Origin and Drive Around Being a Competitive Barista
 15:00 – Competition, Connection, and Energy
 20:00 – Competitions as a Frontier of New Ideas, and Judging 27:10 -- Barista Origins and Attitudes in the Business DNA Today
 31:00 – Competition and Competition Evolution 38:00 – Transitioning to Career Focus 40:45 – Moving Forward and End of Part 1 Cat & Cloud: Instagram www.instagram.com/catcloudcoffee/ Webstore www.catandcloud.com/ Roasters Choice Subscription www.catandcloud.com/collections/subscriptions Wholesale Partners! Interested in serving our coffee at your business? Learn more about our Partner Program https://catandcloud.com/wholesale Cat & Cloud Coffee was founded in 2016 by three friends who believe experiences and connections shape our lives. Former barista champions and lifelong coffee professionals, they envisioned a better way to do business and set out to create a values-driven organization that put culture first. Our mission is to inspire connection by creating memorable experiences. Whether it's with guests in our 4 retail locations in Santa Cruz, our team members, or our wholesale partners across the country, we strive to leave everyone better than we found them.  The Cat & Cloud Podcast is a space for us to share our experiences and adventures in coffee and business in hopes of inspiring more people to create culture and values-driven organizations.  Hosted by Chris Baca and Jared Truby Produced by Casey Ryan March 2026