Specialty Matcha Podcast
Episodes
Interview with Tea Industry Veteran, Billy Dietz
26 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, cohosts Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) speak with Billy from BHD Consulting who shares his two-decade journey in the tea industry, focusing o...
Matcha Community PSA - Missing Person: Ben Barbante
26 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Contact: https://www.instagram.com/julesreyes_/More Info: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWUiO-YgcpW/?igsh=MXI3a2tmY3M2Z3drZg==From Jules' Post:We...
Visiting Shirakawa Uji with Koto Tea Space
12 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) in conversation in Kyoto alongside khun Pop and Yusuke-san of Koto Tea Space in Bangkok after visiting Tsuji-san, one of Japan&...
Interview with Teaism, Khun Gan
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Khun Gan from TeaismExplorer shares his journey with tea, from working in Uji to becoming the first Thai-national Nihoncha Instructor...
Next Level Specialty
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) share their experiences and learnings from their recent trip to Kyoto, where t...
Is matcha just a format now?
14 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ryan Ahn and Zongjun (Sam) Li delve into the complexities surrounding how the word "matcha" is being used by both marketers...
Interview with ChaEn Tea Experience, Khun Big
06 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KirlTPzWoqoIn this episode, Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) sit down with the founder of ChaEn Tea Experience in Bangkok, khun ...
It's all about the References
31 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
https://sankomatcha.com/Buy Tencha References Online (a very humble start of a list! Please forgive us, sourcing tencha is very difficult at the momen...
Specialty Matcha in Bangkok with Jev of MTCH™
22 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
https://youtu.be/H_hEuvftkrwIn this episode of the Speciality Matcha Podcast, hosts Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) talk with khun Jev of MTCH™ in Bangkok. T...
2026 Predictions
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) discuss their experiences and insights from the past year in the matcha industry, reflecting on the lessons le...
Global Japanese Tea Association, with Simona Suzuki
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) interview Simona Suzuki from the Global Japanese Tea Association. They discuss...
2025 Specialty Matcha Podcast AMA
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) explore various aspects of matcha and tea culture more broadly, including how ...
The Matcha Program with Jules Reyes and Marc St Raymond
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ryan and Sam (Zongjun) discuss the evolution of matcha with guests Jules Reyes and Marc St Raymond, formerly of the Jade Leaf Matcha....
Interrogating Chanoyu Narratives with Dr. Rebecca Corbett
27 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, hosts Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) talk with with Dr. Rebecca Corbett, a historian specializing the history...
We made an interesting discovery
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) discuss their journey in developing a countertop matcha mill and the challenge...
The Price of Transparency
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) delve into the complexities of transparency in the matcha industry. They discu...
Matcha Sensory
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) explore matcha through the lens of sensory science, flavor profiling, and quality assessment. They discuss cul...
An Afternoon with a Chashi
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
https://forms.gle/48rLN1nXi6vAC1YF6In this episode, the hosts delve into the intricate world of matcha blending after spending an afternoon with a top...
Currency of Trust
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
*Correction: Uji City produced only 37.6 tons of tencha in 2024, not 70 tons. I confused this number with the area of actively farmed tea cultivation ...
Interview with Cosmic Cultures, Lissi and Zach
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) welcome Lissi and Zach from Cosmic Cultures. They discuss the importance of lo...
Korean Matcha (Malcha)
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) explore the history and evolving landscape of matcha and Korean tea culture. They discuss the globalization of...
Interview with Per Oscar Brekell
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, hosts Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) talk with Oscar Brekell, a renowned expert and author in Japanese tea. H...
New Culture Creation & End of Season 3
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Sam (Zongjun) reflect on the evolution of matcha culture, the challenges posed by a global s...
Interview with Soy Té, Carolina
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) interview Carolina , founder of Soy Té, who shares her tea journey. Carolina discusses the evolution of the m...
Interview with Abby the Matcha Scientist
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) interview Abby, a matcha scientist, who shares her journey from getting a PhD ...
Tea farming, tencha processing, and cultivars with Pau from Tea Nursery
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, hosts Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) welcome back Pau from Tea Nursery to discuss various aspects of tea cult...
Interview with Rocky's Matcha, Rocky
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Specialty Match Podcast, Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) interview Rocky Xu, founder of Rocky's Matcha. They discuss Rocky's jou...
Interview with Zenkyu Matcha, Kensuke Suji
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Specialty Match Podcast, Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) interview Kensuke Suji, Founder of Zenkyu Matcha based in Tokyo. Suji-san share...
Interview with No Bad Matcha, James
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ryan and Zongjun interview James from No Bad Matcha, discussing the evolution of matcha in the Philippines, the challenges faced in t...
Interview with Haru Matcha, Nicha and Francis
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, cohosts Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) talk to Nicha and Francis, the cofounders of Haru Matcha based in Lond...
Uji and Yame 2025 with Jacque & Matcha
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, hosts Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) talk with Jacque from Jacque & Matcha, exploring her recent experien...
How is Matcha Milled?
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Specialty Match Podcast, hosts Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) delve into the world of matcha milling. They explore various milling mech...
Interview with Matcha Yu Tea, Erin (audio improved)
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, hosts Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) welcome Erin Lindwall, founder of Matcha Yu, to discuss her journey into...
2025 Harvest Season with Marc from Ooika Part 2
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan, Sam, and Marc discuss the intricacies of the tea industry, focusing on matcha and hojicha. They...
Context to Appreciate
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ryan and Zongjun explore the journey of appreciating specialty matcha, discussing the consumer journey from beginner to an experience...
Interview with Unearthed Gallery, Marcel
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this weeks episode, Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) interview Marcel from Unearthed Gallery based in Munich, Germany. They discuss the matcha scene in Germa...
Interview with Homecoming Matcha, Dee
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Specialty Match podcast, Ryan and Sam welcome Dee from Homecoming Matcha to discuss her journey in the matcha industry. Dee sha...
Our mill is working!
30 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Zongjun discuss their journey at Sanko, highlighting a significant milestone in their matcha...
2025 Harvest Season with Marc from Ooika
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Zongjun discuss the 2025 matcha harvest with Marc from Ooika. They discuss the quality and y...
Notes at Origin: Hand-picking Honzu Shaded Asahi Cultivar in Uji
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Sam share their experiences of hand-picking tea in Uji, Japan for the 2025 harvest season. T...
Back to Basics
11 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ryan and Zongjun discuss their experiences with matcha in various cafes, particularly in London. They explore the quality of matcha s...
Why is average cafe matcha so bad?
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Zongjun discuss the current state of matcha in cafes, highlighting the challenges of quality...
Interview with Tezumi, David
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Zongjun interview David Lavecchia, co-founder of Tezumi, a company specializing in specialty...
Matcha's Past, Present, and Future
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan Ahn and ZongjunLi explore the rich history and cultural significance of matcha . They discuss th...
What do you care about?
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Zongjun delve into the often-overlooked tensions between the values that shape how matcha is...
Show, don't tell
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan Ahn and Zongjun discuss the complexities of matcha product positioning, emphasizing the need for...
Interview with Industry Veteran, Jules Reyes
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan Ahn and Zongjun Li interview Jules Reyes, a seasoned matcha expert with over a decade of experie...
Our Startup Pitch, Matcha Shortage Recap, and Reflections
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, hosts Ryan Ahn and Zongjun Li reflect on their journey in the matcha industry, discussing their start...
Matcha + Milk Debate
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This conversation explores the current debate about consumers buying scarce matcha powder and mixing it with milk. On one side of the spectrum "l...
Mini Update & The Science of Matcha Whisking Repost
28 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This conversation delves into the intricate science of matcha whisking, exploring its cultural significance, preparation methods, and the sensory expe...
Authenticity Trap, Opinion
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ryan Ahn and Zongjun (Sam) Li explore the concept of authenticity, particularly in the context of matcha and tea culture. They discus...
Interview with Jacque and Matcha, Jacque
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, hosts Ryan and Zongjun talk to Jacque from Jacque and Matcha based in Manila, the Philippines. We dis...
Battles to be Won
06 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode Summary: Ryan Ahn and Zongjun (Sam) Li explore how specialty matcha can go mainstream, drawing lessons from specialty coffee. They discuss the...
What is Authentic Matcha? Opinion
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Modern advancements in farming, breeding, and production reveal that matcha is far from being a relic of the past—it is a dynamic and evolving tradi...
Are Poetic Matcha Names Harmful?
23 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan Ahn and Zongjun (Sam) Li delve into the complexities and confusions surrounding poetic matcha na...
Interview with Tea for Me Please, Nicole
16 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, Ryan and Nicole from Tea for Me Please discuss the evolution of matcha in the US, the impact of influencer culture on tea, and t...
Interview with Tea Nursery, Pau
09 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Zongjun welcome Pau from Tea Nursery to discuss his journey as a tea farmer in Wazuka, the i...
Kissatens, Blue Bottle, and Specialty Matcha
02 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Zongjun explore their recent experiences in Tokyo, focusing on the cultural significance of ...
Reflections on Tencha Sourcing Trip
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ryan and Zongjun (Sam) Li share their experiences and insights from their recent trip to Uji, Izumo City, and Yame. They discuss the ...
Interview with Matcha Moments, Monique
13 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Zongjun welcome Monique from Matcha Moments. Monique shares insights into the growing matcha culture in the Philippines, her Urasenke practic...
Notes at Origin: Yame vs Uji Matcha
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Zongjun recorded this episode "in the field" during their tencha sourcing trip in Japan. In this episode they discuss differences between Uji...
Notes at Origin: Izumo City and Yame
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Zongjun recorded this podcast episode during their sourcing trip to Japan and share there notes and experiences.
Notes at Origin: Uji 2024
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, cohosts Ryan and Zongjun record directly in Uji after visiting several family owned and operated multi-generational tea farms. We sha...
Matcha Retail in Uji and Kyoto
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Zongjun recorded this episode in Japan and shared their experiences buying matcha retail in Kyoto and Uji. They dive into product positioning...
Status Quo of Fresh Ground Matcha
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, Ryan and Sam explore the evolving landscape of fresh-milled matcha, discussing its rise in popularity, the technology behind its...
*Breaking News: Marukyu Koyamaen's Announcement
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Special thanks to future guest on the Specialty Matcha Podcast Pau from Tea Nursery, and former guests Ian from Yunomi and Cole from My Matcha Addicti...
Matcha Science with Dr. Yizhou Ma
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Zongjun talk to friend and former colleague Dr. Yizhou Ma, assistant professor of food process engineering at Wageningen University in the Ne...
Interview with Chaseki, Tom
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Sam interview Tom Greese, co-founder of Chaseki, a matcha-focused business in Thailand. Tom ...
Interview with Matsu Matcha, Bryan
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Ryan and Zongjun had the opportunity to interview Bryan Ong, the Founder of Matsu Matcha based in Singapore. The conversation spanned ...
Interivew with MTCH, Jev
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Apologies for the spotty audio quality, we had some technical difficulties when recording. You can find a full video version of this podcast with corr...
Matcha Scene in Thailand
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Zongjun discuss the Specialty Matcha renaissance happening in Thailand. If you're visiting Thailand and would like a list of recommendati...
Interview with Founder of Fudo-An, Aislynn van Clief,
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Season 2 of the Specialty Matcha Podcast! We have a very special guest and friend Aislynn van Clief to talk about tea ceremony and Japanes...
Reflections on Season 1 of the Specialty Matcha Podcast
05 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're officially 25 episodes in and we're calling that the end of Season 1! The entire team at Sanko matcha products reflects on season 1. Sta...
Our Questions and Announcement
28 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Zongjun discuss the launch of Obsidian, the One-Dimensional Matcha Whicking Bowl as well as questions they have on their matcha learning jour...
Interview with My Matcha Addiction, Cole
22 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ryan and Zongjun interview Cole from My Matcha Addiction (IG: @mymatchaaddiction). They discuss the growing matcha community on Insta...
Interview with My Japanese Green Tea, Ricardo Caicedo
15 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Zongjun interview Ricardo from My Japanese Green Tea. They discuss the mission behind the My Japanese Green Tea blog and podcast, which is to...
Interview with Founder of Yunomi, Ian Chun
08 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Zongjun talk to Ian Chun from Yunomi.life to discuss his journey in the tea industry and the work he does to support Japanese tea farmers. He...
What is a Specialty Product?
01 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Zongjun discuss the concept of a specialty product. They explore the ambiguity of terms and the variance of answers when it comes to defining...
Interview with Founder of Johnny Matcha, John O'Connor
25 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Zongjun talk to John O'Connor, founder if Johnny Matcha. We discuss John's experience working in Major League Baseball, his path to f...
What is Good Matcha (Part 2)
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Zongjun discuss the fact that when a consumer or a business purchases matcha, it's still an unfinished product. Preparation skill and car...
Matcha Labeling (Part 3): Classifications and Matcha Quality
11 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ryan and Zongjun explore how a brand influences the perceived quality of matcha. They also outline key criteria that can be used to e...
What is Good Matcha? (Part 1)
04 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Zongjun discuss the very open ended question of "what is high quality matcha?" and the roles of subjective preferences, expert cons...
Matcha Labeling (Part 2): Mistruths in Labeling
27 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can you trust what's a label? In this episode Ryan and Zongjun attempt to unpack how objective truths are labeled in matcha, gray areas in mat...
Interview with Founder of Ooika, Marc Alexandre
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Zongjun interview Marc from Ooika. We discuss sourcing tencha in Japan, milling matcha in th...
Matcha Labeling (Part 1): What is Matcha?
13 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matcha labeling is confusing, perhaps more confusing than any other specialty product. Pick any two random matcha powders from most Japanese or wester...
Interview with Water Chemistry Enthusiast, Arby Avanesian
07 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A technical deep dive into water chemistry and how it forms the foundation of tea flavor and flavor extraction with Founder of Empirical Water, Arby A...
The Future of Matcha - Opinion
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The future of matcha is specialty. Matcha isn’t matcha isn’t matcha—there will be a future where consumers from Dubai to Paris and from Bangkok ...
Product Development at Sanko
23 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Zongjun discuss designing and manufacturing, Obsidian, the one-dimensional matcha whisking bowl, as well as other products on their roadmap.
Interview with Matcha Product Developer, Pat Penny
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hosts Ryan and Zongjun interview matcha product developer and food scientist, Patrick Penny. The scope of this wide-ranging interview covers matcha as...
Matcha Crossing the Chasm
09 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In his book “Crossing the Chasm”, Geoffrey A. Moore lays out a framework whereby mainstream consumers adopt new technologies. He segments buyers i...
Deconstructing Matcha's Flavor
01 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Zongjun discuss techniques for tasting matcha, tea competitions, and the terminology used to describe different flavor profiles.
Cafe Design Language & Pattern Matching
24 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The ideas and the products being served at specialty “coffee” cafes is changing. They do not have to be a place where coffee is at the center of t...
Founding Sanko
17 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Zongjun discuss founding Sanko Matcha Products and their origin story. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7406592/
Ceremonial Grade Matcha is Dead, Long Live Ceremonial Grade Matcha
11 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ceremonial grade matcha is a made-up marketing term and is basically meaningless. The quality variability is enormous from vendor-to-vendor and the te...
What is Matcha?
04 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re new to matcha, welcome! If you are already a tea person, we hope you find this article novel in answering the question “what is matcha?”...
Knowledge Structures
28 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Knowledge structures are the scaffolding where we interpret new information, make judgments learn to ask questions. How much information is necessary ...
Science of Matcha Whisking
21 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matcha is a suspension of microscopic particles, usually with a thick head of froth. Left to time, the particles sink to the bottom and the foam disap...
Conditions for Specialty Matcha Preference Acquisition
11 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Zongjun, cofounders of Sanko Matcha Products, discuss the rise of specialty matcha and the consumer journey of acquiring new preferences.