Shows / Specialty Matcha Podcast
Specialty Matcha Podcast
The Specialty Matcha Podcast is hosted by Ryan Ahn and Zongjun Li, cofounders of Sanko Matcha Products. We discuss the growth in popularity of matcha, innovation, and matcha science. We also interview thought leaders, tea merchants, and tea educators to discuss everything from sourcing, processing, blending, milling, storytelling, health claims, and much more. Sanko Matcha Products is a startup dedicated to using functional design to create contemporary matcha gear and the use of new technology…
Episodes
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Notes at Origin: Hand-picking Honzu Shaded Asahi Cultivar in Uji
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. They…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Back to Basics
In this episode, Ryan and Zongjun discuss their experiences with matcha in various cafes, particularly in London. They explore the quality of matcha served…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Why is average cafe matcha so bad?
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Zongjun discuss the current state of matcha in cafes, highlighting the challenges of quality, barista…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Interview with Tezumi, David
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Zongjun interview David Lavecchia, co-founder of Tezumi, a company specializing in specialty Japanese…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Matcha's Past, Present, and Future
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan Ahn and ZongjunLi explore the rich history and cultural significance of matcha . They discuss the origins…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
What do you care about?
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 sourced…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Show, don't tell
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan Ahn and Zongjun discuss the complexities of matcha product positioning, emphasizing the need for…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Interview with Industry Veteran, Jules Reyes
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 experience…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Our Startup Pitch, Matcha Shortage Recap, and Reflections
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, hosts Ryan Ahn and Zongjun Li reflect on their journey in the matcha industry, discussing their startup…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Matcha + Milk Debate
This conversation explores the current debate about consumers buying scarce matcha powder and mixing it with milk. On one side of the spectrum "let consumers…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Mini Update & The Science of Matcha Whisking Repost
This conversation delves into the intricate science of matcha whisking, exploring its cultural significance, preparation methods, and the sensory experience it…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Authenticity Trap, Opinion
In this episode, Ryan Ahn and Zongjun (Sam) Li explore the concept of authenticity, particularly in the context of matcha and tea culture. They discuss how the…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Interview with Jacque and Matcha, Jacque
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 discuss pop…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Battles to be Won
Episode Summary: Ryan Ahn and Zongjun (Sam) Li explore how specialty matcha can go mainstream, drawing lessons from specialty coffee. They discuss the role of…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
What is Authentic Matcha? Opinion
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 tradition…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Are Poetic Matcha Names Harmful?
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan Ahn and Zongjun (Sam) Li delve into the complexities and confusions surrounding poetic matcha names. They…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Interview with Tea for Me Please, Nicole
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 the…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Interview with Tea Nursery, Pau
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…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Kissatens, Blue Bottle, and Specialty Matcha
In this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Zongjun explore their recent experiences in Tokyo, focusing on the cultural significance of kissaten…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Reflections on Tencha Sourcing Trip
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 unique…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Interview with Matcha Moments, Monique
Ryan and Zongjun welcome Monique from Matcha Moments. Monique shares insights into the growing matcha culture in the Philippines, her Urasenke practice…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Notes at Origin: Yame vs Uji Matcha
Ryan and Zongjun recorded this episode "in the field" during their tencha sourcing trip in Japan. In this episode they discuss differences between Uji and Yame…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Notes at Origin: Izumo City and Yame
Ryan and Zongjun recorded this podcast episode during their sourcing trip to Japan and share there notes and experiences.
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Notes at Origin: Uji 2024
In this episode, cohosts Ryan and Zongjun record directly in Uji after visiting several family owned and operated multi-generational tea farms. We share our…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Matcha Retail in Uji and Kyoto
Ryan and Zongjun recorded this episode in Japan and shared their experiences buying matcha retail in Kyoto and Uji. They dive into product positioning, how…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Status Quo of Fresh Ground Matcha
In this conversation, Ryan and Sam explore the evolving landscape of fresh-milled matcha, discussing its rise in popularity, the technology behind its milling…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
*Breaking News: Marukyu Koyamaen's Announcement
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 Addiction…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Matcha Science with Dr. Yizhou Ma
Ryan and Zongjun talk to friend and former colleague Dr. Yizhou Ma, assistant professor of food process engineering at Wageningen University in the…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Interview with Chaseki, Tom
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 shares…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Interview with Matsu Matcha, Bryan
In this episode Ryan and Zongjun had the opportunity to interview Bryan Ong, the Founder of Matsu Matcha based in Singapore. The conversation spanned across…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Interivew with MTCH, Jev
Apologies for the spotty audio quality, we had some technical difficulties when recording. You can find a full video version of this podcast with correct…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Matcha Scene in Thailand
Ryan and Zongjun discuss the Specialty Matcha renaissance happening in Thailand. If you're visiting Thailand and would like a list of recommendations please…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Interview with Founder of Fudo-An, Aislynn van Clief,
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 Japanese…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Reflections on Season 1 of the Specialty Matcha Podcast
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. Stay tuned for…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Our Questions and Announcement
Ryan and Zongjun discuss the launch of Obsidian, the One-Dimensional Matcha Whicking Bowl as well as questions they have on their matcha learning journey.
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Interview with My Matcha Addiction, Cole
In this episode, Ryan and Zongjun interview Cole from My Matcha Addiction (IG: @mymatchaaddiction). They discuss the growing matcha community on Instagram, the…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Interview with My Japanese Green Tea, Ricardo Caicedo
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 get more…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Interview with Founder of Yunomi, Ian Chun
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 shares…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
What is a Specialty Product?
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…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Interview with Founder of Johnny Matcha, John O'Connor
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 founding Johnny…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
What is Good Matcha (Part 2)
Ryan and Zongjun discuss the fact that when a consumer or a business purchases matcha, it's still an unfinished product. Preparation skill and care are the…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Matcha Labeling (Part 3): Classifications and Matcha Quality
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 evaluate…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
What is Good Matcha? (Part 1)
Ryan and Zongjun discuss the very open ended question of "what is high quality matcha?" and the roles of subjective preferences, expert consensus, how quality…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Matcha Labeling (Part 2): Mistruths in Labeling
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 matcha labeling…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Interview with Founder of Ooika, Marc Alexandre
On this episode of the Specialty Matcha Podcast, Ryan and Zongjun interview Marc from Ooika. We discuss sourcing tencha in Japan, milling matcha in the US, and…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Matcha Labeling (Part 1): What is Matcha?
Matcha labeling is confusing, perhaps more confusing than any other specialty product. Pick any two random matcha powders from most Japanese or western vendors…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Interview with Water Chemistry Enthusiast, Arby Avanesian
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 Avanesian…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
The Future of Matcha - Opinion
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 to LA will have…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Product Development at Sanko
Ryan and Zongjun discuss designing and manufacturing, Obsidian, the one-dimensional matcha whisking bowl, as well as other products on their roadmap.
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Interview with Matcha Product Developer, Pat Penny
Hosts Ryan and Zongjun interview matcha product developer and food scientist, Patrick Penny. The scope of this wide-ranging interview covers matcha as a…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Matcha Crossing the Chasm
In his book “Crossing the Chasm”, Geoffrey A. Moore lays out a framework whereby mainstream consumers adopt new technologies. He segments buyers into…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Deconstructing Matcha's Flavor
Ryan and Zongjun discuss techniques for tasting matcha, tea competitions, and the terminology used to describe different flavor profiles.
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Cafe Design Language & Pattern Matching
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 the…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Founding Sanko
Ryan and Zongjun discuss founding Sanko Matcha Products and their origin story. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7406592/
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Ceremonial Grade Matcha is Dead, Long Live Ceremonial Grade Matcha
Ceremonial grade matcha is a made-up marketing term and is basically meaningless. The quality variability is enormous from vendor-to-vendor and the terms are…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
What is Matcha?
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?” The…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Knowledge Structures
Knowledge structures are the scaffolding where we interpret new information, make judgments learn to ask questions. How much information is necessary to fully…
- Specialty Matcha Podcast
Science of Matcha Whisking
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 disappears…
Specialty Matcha PodcastConditions for Specialty Matcha Preference Acquisition
Ryan and Zongjun, cofounders of Sanko Matcha Products, discuss the rise of specialty matcha and the consumer journey of acquiring new preferences.