James Freeman on Building Blue Bottle Coffee and Leaving It Behind
What happens when you build a $700 million coffee empire and then walk away from it all? James Freeman, the visionary founder of Blue Bottle Coffee, shares his journey from a converted Oakland potting shed to creating one of the most iconic coffee brands in the world. With backing from Google Ventures and massive growth into the U.S., Japan, and South Korea, James built the Apple of coffee brands. But in 2017, when Nestlé acquired Blue Bottle for over $700 million, everything changed.In this candid conversation with Antonio, James opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of building something you love and ultimately leaving it behind. He also shares his thoughts on the current state of specialty coffee and what happens when your vision isn’t fully yours anymore.Follow James Freeman: https://www.instagram.com/wjamesfreeman/Follow Antonio: https://instagram.com/liberateantonio Follow Life & Thyme: https://instagram.com/lifeandthyme About Unplated:Unplated with Antonio Diaz is a long-form interview podcast that delves into the lives and stories of the people shaping the world of food and hospitality. Hosted by Antonio Diaz, founder of Life & Thyme and Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker, this podcast features in-depth conversations with chefs, founders, artists, and experts who are pushing boundaries and making an impact. Each episode goes beyond ingredients and recipes, exploring culture, history, and humanity, and uncovering the powerful stories that often remain hidden beneath the surface.Unplated with Antonio Diaz is an original podcast production by Life & Thyme. https://lifeandthyme.com
--------
1:33:22
--------
1:33:22
The Ben Hundreds Playbook: From Streetwear King to Restauranteur
In this episode of Unplated with Antonio Diaz, Antonio sits down with Ben Shenassafar (aka Ben Hundreds), co-founder of The Hundreds, the streetwear brand that sparked a legacy in the fashion world. Known for blending skate culture, hip-hop, and Los Angeles’ rebellious spirit, The Hundreds became a cultural phenomenon in the fashion world. Now, Ben is venturing into a new world: the restaurant industry with The Benjamin in Hollywood. A modern tribute to old Hollywood glamour, The Benjamin brings classic American dishes to life through a contemporary lens. In this conversation, Ben talks about his transition from building a streetwear empire to opening a restaurant, and how his vision for community, style, and storytelling continues to drive his work.Follow Ben Hundreds: https://www.instagram.com/benhundreds/Follow The Benjamin: https://www.instagram.com/thebenjaminhollywood/ Follow Antonio: https://instagram.com/liberateantonio Follow Life & Thyme: https://instagram.com/lifeandthyme About Unplated:Unplated with Antonio Diaz is a long-form interview podcast that delves into the lives and stories of the people shaping the world of food and hospitality. Hosted by Antonio Diaz, founder of Life & Thyme and Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker, this podcast features in-depth conversations with chefs, founders, artists, and experts who are pushing boundaries and making an impact. Each episode goes beyond ingredients and recipes, exploring culture, history, and humanity, and uncovering the powerful stories that often remain hidden beneath the surface.Unplated with Antonio Diaz is an original podcast production by Life & Thyme. https://lifeandthyme.com
--------
1:07:38
--------
1:07:38
Chris Bianco: The Man Behind America's Best Pizza
The James Beard Award winning pizzaiolo, Chris Bianco, began making waves in the culinary world with Pizzeria Bianco, which opened in 1988 in a small corner of a grocery store in Phoenix, Arizona. What started as a modest venture has since become what many consider to be the best pizza in America.We dive deep into Chris’s philosophy on food, hospitality, and building relationships with the people that surround you. From his early days struggling with asthma to his passion for local sourcing, Chris shares the lessons he’s learned along the way and what it really takes to build a lasting legacy. Follow Antonio: https://instagram.com/liberateantonioFollow Life & Thyme: https://instagram.com/lifeandthymeAbout Unplated:Unplated with Antonio Diaz is a long-form interview podcast that delves into the lives and stories of the people shaping the world of food and hospitality. Hosted by Antonio Diaz, founder of Life & Thyme and Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker, this podcast features in-depth conversations with chefs, founders, artists, and experts who are pushing boundaries and making an impact. Each episode goes beyond ingredients and recipes, exploring culture, history, and humanity, and uncovering the powerful stories that often remain hidden beneath the surface.Unplated with Antonio Diaz is an original podcast production by Life & Thyme. https://lifeandthyme.com
--------
1:10:26
--------
1:10:26
Ellen Bennett Is Making You Look Good While You Cook
Ellen Bennett, founder of Hedley & Bennett, took her frustration with cheap kitchen aprons and turned it into an apron and chefwear brand that’s now a staple in kitchens worldwide—both at home and at restaurants.In this conversation, Ellen and Antonio discuss topics such as the relentless hustle behind building a business from the ground up, how Ellen built a brand that empowers confidence and inspires cooks in the kitchen, and the one mindset that kept her going through the toughest challenges.Follow Ellen: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmariebennett/Follow Antonio: https://instagram.com/liberateantonioFollow Life & Thyme: https://instagram.com/lifeandthymeAbout Unplated:Unplated with Antonio Diaz is a long-form interview podcast that delves into the lives and stories of the people shaping the world of food and hospitality. Hosted by Antonio Diaz, founder of Life & Thyme and Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker, this podcast features in-depth conversations with chefs, founders, artists, and experts who are pushing boundaries and making an impact. Each episode goes beyond ingredients and recipes, exploring culture, history, and humanity, and uncovering the powerful stories that often remain hidden beneath the surface.Unplated with Antonio Diaz is an original podcast production by Life & Thyme. https://lifeandthyme.com
--------
1:19:24
--------
1:19:24
Coming Soon: Unplated with Antonio Diaz
Antonio Diaz, founder of Life & Thyme and documentary filmmaker, invites you to explore the stories and journeys of chefs, entrepreneurs, and experts shaping the world of food.Releasing April 10.Follow Life & Thyme on Instagram @lifeandthyme and Antonio at @libereateantonio.Unplated is an original podcast production by Life & Thyme.
Unplated with Antonio Diaz is a long-form interview podcast that delves into the lives and stories of the people shaping the world of food and hospitality. Hosted by Antonio Diaz, founder of Life & Thyme and Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker, this podcast features in-depth conversations with chefs, founders, artists, and experts who are pushing boundaries and making an impact. Each episode goes beyond ingredients and recipes, exploring culture, history, and humanity, and uncovering the powerful stories that often remain hidden beneath the surface.
Italia