Noise #148: The wartime coffee culture of Kyiv

Finding peace and resilience in a well-brewed cup.

Apr 16, 2024

I loved the recent New York Times story about war-battered Ukrainians finding peace in cups of well-brewed coffee.

“How can they break us?” an 18-year-old barista is quoted as saying, in reference to the Russian Army. “We have a strike, we make coffee.”

Bittersweet and inspiring, the article reminded me of my own experiences finding connection and comfort within a daily ritual of grinding, brewing, and drinking.

While recording Noise #148, I let my mind wander from espresso shots and flat whites to the darker hues of geopolitical ambition—and then to the symbolism of crafting something small and delicious against a dangerously fractured backdrop.

I hope you enjoy listening:

Wishing you peace,

Michael

Current Dissonance

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