The Place: The Capital Grille The Cup: This particular “coffee” was actually an iced tea, which we each ordered with our lunch. Dick informed me when we were making our arrangements that he was not a coffee guy. He wondered if we could chat over lunch instead and suggested Capital Grille. He followed that up with a non-negotiable […]
Author: Melissa
"You will be the same person in five years as you are today, except for the books you read and the people you meet." Charlie "Tremendous" Jones said that and I have taken it to heart.
In an attempt to not just be different, but to be better in five years, I learn life lessons from strangers by interviewing them over coffee. Once a week, I sit down with a total stranger to hear their story. I hope you enjoy reading about it as much as enjoy talking to these incredible people.
Everyone has a story! Talk to strangers and your life will never be the same.
Talking To People Not Like You
When I first read the quote that started this whole Coffee With A Stranger project, I felt rather proud. I may have even patted myself on the back. Here is the quote: As an avid reader, I felt pretty good about the book part of the quote. And as someone who has spent their […]
Cup 108: David Guzman – Entrepreneur, Volunteerism Advocate, and Creator of Delight
The Place: Dominican Joe The Cup: David informed me that Dominican Joe is the home of the very best white chocolate mocha in all of Austin. And that’s just what he ordered. Before getting this tip, I had already ordered an iced coffee, or as they refer to it at DoJo’s, an iced toddy. If […]
Cup 107: Ken Kuznia – Career Catalyst, Dream Follower, and Beacon of Positivity.
The Place: Starbucks The Cup: Ken enjoyed an iced green tea, while I opted for an iced coffee. The Background: This one is a little wonky – with a whole lot of randomness thrown in. I’ll do my best to summarize. In 2009, while living in Houston, I started a marketing and sales consulting business called RedBird Business Results. […]
BIG NEWS
It’s Your Turn! As most of you know, I’ve been having a weekly cup of coffee and conversation with a total stranger for nearly three years. It’s been an amazing journey and my life has been enriched in countless ways. I’ve grown, tried new things, made incredible friendships, stretched out of my comfort zone and […]
Cup 106: An Austin Police Officer, dad, huge-hearted guy!
UPDATE: In response to the current events involving backlash against police officers, I was contacted by the APD officer I did my ride-along with and was asked to remove his photo and his name for fear that someone might target him or his family with information found here. He explained that he is a very private […]
Cup 105: Lindsey Leaverton – Texas girl, gifted musician and mother of twins.
The Place: Russell’s Bakery The Cup: Soy latte for Lindsey, and I, already amply hopped up on coffee, opted for a lovely, refreshing glass of hibiscus iced tea. The Background: Cup 101 Tammy Shaklee sent an email introduction and described Lindsey as “a dynamic woman with THE most inspiring path and story in Austin”. I went to work […]
Cup 104: GiGi Miller – Gifted artist, soup lover and research junkie.
The Place: Lola Savannah The Cup: GiGi enjoyed a Café au lait and I opted for my favorite of all the coffee drinks, the cortado. The Background: There’s a first time for everything. And this is the first time I am interviewing the spouse of a former stranger. That’s not to say I’ve never interviewed strangers who are […]
Cup 103: Mercedes Sawyers – Candle maker, hugger and spreader of light
The Place: Cherrywood Coffee The Cup: Chai Latte for Mercedes, and a Cortado for me The Background: Cup 33 Arie Moyal was in town for SXSW, giving hugs and spreading love. Unfortunately, I didn’t even get to see him while he was here because I was busy, busy with work! It seems the whole town shuts down during […]
Cup 102: John Langford – Photographer, author and world adventurer.
The Place: Monkey Nest The Cup: A cup of coffee for me, and John enjoyed a drink he promised would rock my world. I had a taste and he was right! If you get the chance, order the Green Friend from Monkey Nest. It’s the right blend of yummy and healthy — assuming my philosophy is correct, […]