A History of Coffee
James HarperA History of Coffee is the story of how a tiny psychoactive seed changed the world and shapes our lives today. Across six episodes, documentary maker James Harper and professional historian Jonathan Morris narrate how humans race coffee across oceans to keep up with demand for this addictive drink. Coffee creates enormous fortunes for some, and misery for others. Sometimes the environment benefits... more
| Publishes | Monthly | Episodes | 22 | Founded | 5 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | HistorySociety & CultureDocumentary | |||
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Latest Episodes
Specialty coffee changes the story for the indigenous people of Guatemala. Coffee as a tool of oppression finally offers hope....and then something a bit more complicated.
This episode explores the tension between the values of the Mayan communities... more
When you buy a bag of coffee labelled fifth-generation family farm, it feels like a good choice.
But in Guatemala, that label might actually be a signal for a more uncomfortable truth.
This episode explores how land has been understood, used, and e... more
What happens when coffee disappears?
This is not a thought experiment! It’s happened many times in history: War, blockades, tariffs, ideology, health panics, sanctions, supply shocks.
When coffee is not around, people still need something warm, com... more
Most coffee is grown on vast plantations using machines, pesticides and fertilisers.
But in Ethiopia, coffee grows wild in humid forests surrounded by birds.
And that wild coffee matters more than most of us realise. It is the genetic ‘library’ we ... more
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- More please
Listening to this podcast while driving and having my coffee, best multidimensional experience ever
Apple Podcasts5Dmytr002
United Kingdom2 months ago - Fascinating and thought provoking
Given up on latest episode because I can’t make out what is being said for loud piano music
Apple Podcasts1LacwnUnited Kingdom2 months ago - White washing Islamic imperialism and Arab slave trade
Podcast is great and would get 5 stars if they didn’t give into the leftist doctrine that Islamic imperialism and Arab slave trade must be erased and never spoken about. According to them coffee was native to Ethiopia, then those noble brown Arabs turned into a delightful drink before the evil European colonizers got involved
Apple Podcasts3cassierae87
United States9 months ago - So glad I found this podcast
An exquisite and thought-provoking podcast. The history shared kept me tuned in. I’m going to listen again and take notes this time. Found you by searching doe “coffee”. Glad I did.
Apple Podcasts5SRobinson831United States9 months ago - Super Show
I am just dipping my toe into this podcast, but already I love the relaxed and conversational style, the informative content, the velvety voices, and the soothing and enchanting music. I know I’m really going to enjoy this show, because it deals with one of MY favourite topics. Thanks to the lads for doing all the work, and for making it a please for me to listen to ‘A History of Coffee’.
Apple Podcasts5Paddystarbucks2016
Irelanda year ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #58 |  Japan/History |
Apple Podcasts | #79 |  Finland/History |
Apple Podcasts | #197 |  Poland/History |
Apple Podcasts | #210 |  Russia/History |
Apple Podcasts | #237 |  Hong Kong/History |
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Frequently Asked Questions About A History of Coffee
What is A History of Coffee about and what kind of topics does it cover?
A thoughtful, historically grounded exploration of coffee as a global system—its origins, colonial entanglements, and the ways modern markets shape both wealth and inequality. Episodes weave archival insights with on-the-ground perspectives from Mayan farmers and scholars, examining land rights, labor, and how consumer choices, labeling, and certifications intersect with ethical issues. Notable is the producers' commitment to showing multiple sides of the story, from historical context to present implications for producers and consumers alike, with a distinctive emphasis on the human faces behind global supply chains and a continuous thread of critical reflection on power and profit in the coffee world.
What stands out is a clear, narrativ... more
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Which podcasts are similar to A History of Coffee?
These podcasts share a similar audience with A History of Coffee:
1. In Our Time
2. Filter Stories - Coffee Documentaries
3. Economist Podcasts
4. Empire: World History
5. Football Weekly
How many episodes of A History of Coffee are there?
A History of Coffee launched 5 years ago and published 22 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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What guests have appeared on A History of Coffee?
Recent guests on A History of Coffee include:
1. Juan Jose
2. Juan Jose López
3. Ted Fischer
4. Dr. Aaron Davis
5. Solomon Takle
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.