In the heart of Milwaukee’s vibrant coffee scene, Discourse Coffee has brewed up something entirely unexpected – their very own radio show. This innovative blend of caffeine and airwaves is transforming how locals experience their daily cup of joe, one broadcast at a time.
The brainchild of Ryan Castelaz, Discourse Coffee Radio combines the artistry of specialty coffee with engaging conversations and eclectic music selections. It’s not your typical morning show – instead, listeners tune in to discover the stories behind their favorite brews while getting an insider’s perspective on Milwaukee’s thriving coffee culture. From discussing the latest brewing techniques to interviewing local roasters and baristas, this unique radio program has quickly become the go-to soundtrack for coffee enthusiasts across the city.
What Is Discourse Coffee Radio Milwaukee
Discourse Coffee Radio Milwaukee broadcasts on 89.7 WUWM featuring weekly episodes focused on Milwaukee’s specialty coffee scene. The radio show explores coffee culture through conversations with local roasters, baristas, importers, and coffee enthusiasts.
Each 60-minute episode combines three key elements:
- In-depth interviews with coffee professionals sharing industry insights
- Educational segments about brewing methods, bean origins, and roasting techniques
- Curated music playlists reflecting Milwaukee’s diverse musical landscape
The show operates from Discourse Coffee’s location at 1020 N Broadway in Milwaukee, integrating live recordings with studio-produced content. Host Ryan Castelaz guides listeners through:
- Coffee tasting experiences with detailed flavor descriptions
- Behind-the-scenes stories from local coffee businesses
- Technical discussions about equipment and extraction methods
- Cultural perspectives on coffee consumption patterns
| Show Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Weekly |
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Station | 89.7 WUWM |
| Launch Date | 2022 |
| Format | Interview/Educational |
- Seasonal coffee releases from area roasters
- Upcoming coffee events and competitions
- Collaborations between coffee shops and local artists
- Innovation in brewing technology and sustainability practices
The Birth of A Unique Coffee-Radio Concept
Discourse Coffee Radio emerged from Milwaukee’s vibrant coffee scene, combining the city’s passion for specialty coffee with community-driven radio programming. This innovative fusion creates a platform where coffee culture meets audio storytelling, establishing a new way to engage with Milwaukee’s coffee community.
Milwaukee’s Growing Coffee Culture
Milwaukee’s specialty coffee scene expanded from 5 independent roasters in 2010 to over 25 in 2023. Local roasters like Valentine Coffee, Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co, and Stone Creek Coffee pioneered the city’s transformation into a coffee destination. The surge in specialty cafes brought experimental brewing methods, direct trade relationships with farmers, and public cuppings to neighborhoods across Milwaukee. Specialty coffee sales in the city increased 45% between 2018-2023, reflecting growing consumer interest in craft beverages and sustainable sourcing practices.
Radio’s Role in Building Community
Radio programming connects Milwaukee’s coffee professionals with enthusiasts through live broadcasts and interactive segments. WUWM’s 89.7 FM reaches 150,000 weekly listeners across southeastern Wisconsin, providing an established platform for coffee education. The show features call-in segments where listeners engage with local baristas, roasters, and coffee shop owners. Monthly coffee tastings broadcast live from different cafes attract 75-100 participants per event. Social media engagement surrounding the show generates 2,500 monthly interactions through shared coffee recipes, brewing tips, and event announcements.
Inside The Discourse Coffee Experience
Discourse Coffee combines innovative brewing methods with immersive radio content to create a multisensory coffee experience. The establishment transforms traditional coffee service into an engaging journey through specialty beverages and live broadcasting elements.
Specialty Coffee Offerings
Discourse Coffee features a rotating menu of 12 signature drinks crafted with single-origin beans from global producers. Each beverage incorporates unique flavor elements like house-made syrups, aromatic infusions, and locally sourced ingredients. The menu includes experimental cold brew preparations, pour-over variations with precise temperature control, and espresso-based drinks enhanced by molecular gastronomy techniques. Seasonal offerings showcase partnerships with Milwaukee artisans, featuring collaborations with local chocolatiers, herbalists, and spice merchants. The café’s signature “Radio Blend” combines three distinct roast profiles, creating a complex flavor profile developed specifically for their radio show tastings.
Live Broadcasting Elements
The café’s radio studio space integrates seamlessly with the coffee bar, allowing guests to observe live broadcasts while enjoying their beverages. Professional audio equipment captures the sounds of coffee preparation, from bean grinding to milk steaming, creating an authentic coffee shop atmosphere for listeners. The space features a dedicated tasting area where guests participate in live coffee evaluations during broadcasts. Interactive elements include a visible “On Air” light signal, soundproof recording booths for interviews, and a digital display showing current brewing parameters. The setup accommodates up to 30 guests for live show recordings, with designated areas for audience participation segments.
Impact on Milwaukee’s Cultural Scene
Discourse Coffee Radio transforms Milwaukee’s cultural landscape by merging specialty coffee appreciation with local artistic expression. The show’s influence extends beyond coffee education, creating a dynamic platform that enriches the city’s creative ecosystem.
Supporting Local Artists and Musicians
Discourse Coffee Radio spotlights Milwaukee’s artistic talent through dedicated segments featuring local musicians performing live sets during coffee tastings. The show collaborates with 35 Milwaukee-based artists annually, providing exposure to emerging performers across genres from jazz to indie rock. Each episode integrates music from regional bands, reaching 15,000+ listeners per broadcast. The program partners with 8 local record stores to curate vinyl selections that complement coffee discussions. Musicians gain access to professional recording equipment in the café’s studio space, resulting in 24 live recordings distributed through the show’s digital platforms.
Building Coffee Communities
Discourse Coffee Radio fosters community connections through interactive events that unite coffee professionals with art enthusiasts. Monthly coffee-and-culture gatherings attract 125 participants who engage in guided tastings while experiencing live performances. The show’s partnership network includes 15 cultural institutions, creating cross-promotional opportunities for gallery openings, theater productions, and music festivals. Community engagement initiatives generate 3,000 social media interactions per episode, with listeners sharing their coffee-inspired creative projects. The program hosts quarterly artist markets featuring 20 local vendors, combining coffee education with opportunities to purchase artwork, ceramics, and handcrafted goods.
Future Plans and Expansion
Discourse Coffee Radio announces a 3-year expansion strategy focusing on digital platforms with podcast distribution across Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts by 2024. The radio show plans to increase its broadcasting reach by partnering with 5 additional regional radio stations throughout Wisconsin, expanding the current listener base from 150,000 to an estimated 275,000 weekly listeners.
Technical upgrades include installing a state-of-the-art recording studio valued at $85,000, featuring professional-grade equipment from brands like Neumann, Shure, and RME. The café space expansion adds 800 square feet dedicated to live audience recordings, accommodating up to 75 guests per session.
Programming developments introduce:
- Daily 30-minute specialty segments on coffee origins
- Weekly interviews with international coffee experts
- Monthly virtual coffee tasting events connecting 200+ participants
- Quarterly coffee festivals featuring 25 local vendors
Digital engagement initiatives target:
- Launch of interactive mobile app for live show participation
- Creation of video content reaching 50,000 monthly views
- Development of online brewing courses serving 1,000 students annually
- Implementation of virtual reality coffee farm tours
| Expansion Metrics | Current | 2024 Target |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly Listeners | 150,000 | 275,000 |
| Partner Stations | 1 | 6 |
| Live Event Capacity | 30 | 75 |
| Digital Platform Reach | 15,000 | 65,000 |
The expansion includes collaborations with 8 international coffee organizations, establishing Milwaukee as a global specialty coffee broadcasting hub. Educational partnerships with local universities create internship programs for 15 broadcasting students annually, ensuring sustainable growth in radio production talent.
Conclusion
Discourse Coffee Radio stands as a groundbreaking fusion of Milwaukee’s coffee culture and community-driven broadcasting. Through its innovative programming and dedication to local artistry it’s created a unique space where coffee education meets creative expression. The show’s success reflects Milwaukee’s growing specialty coffee scene while its expansion plans promise to bring this distinctive blend of coffee culture and audio storytelling to an even wider audience.
The combination of professional radio production engaging content and immersive coffee experiences has positioned Discourse Coffee Radio as a catalyst for cultural connection in Milwaukee’s vibrant community. As it continues to grow this pioneering venture demonstrates how passion for specialty coffee can transform into a powerful platform for education entertainment and artistic collaboration.