CW: Mental health, eating disorders

We run the gambit of emotions in this episode. T. Ben Fischer, founder of the Glitter Cat Barista Bootcamp, sits down with us in his friend's home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to talk hash browns, social media, and learning to be open about past trauma. On paper, T. Ben has had a super successful year — Glitter Cat, a program which provides training and financial assistance to baristas of marginalized identities to compete in coffee competitions, went from idea to reality in just a few short months, he placed third at this year's United States Barista Championships, and his newfound spotlight has afforded him new avenues to advocate for the needs of baristas who are often left behind. 

And yet, there's more to T. Ben's story. In this episode, we explore the differences between what we project and what we're actually feeling and struggling with. T. Ben opens up about his mental health journey in a way that's real — he's still working things out, and has learned that being open (when your ready) can facilitate healing.