Jonathan Gagné on Astrophysics, Coffee, & The Physics of Espresso

Jonathan Gagné on Astrophysics, Coffee, & The Physics of Espresso

Author: BLISTER September 17, 2025 Duration: 1:22:15

Jonathan Gagné is producing some of the best work in the world in terms of increasing our understanding and appreciation of coffee. And his new book, The Physics of Espresso, is incredibly smart, impressively easy to understand, and…fun! So it was an honor to have Jonathan on to talk about astrophysics, boulders, dust, soup, crema, headspace, and more.  

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RELATED LINKS:

Blister Craft Collective

Become a BLISTER+ Member

The Physics of Espresso

The Physics of Filter Coffee

Instagram: Jonathan’s Gagné 

Jonathan’s site: coffeeadastra.com

TOPICS & TIMES:

Jonathan’s Work in Astrophysics (2:54)

Brown Dwarfs (4:54)

Origins of His Interest in Coffee (12:07)

Filter Coffee & Espresso: His 2 Books (17:29)

Is This the Most Interesting Time in Espresso? (26:45)

Soup & Low-Pressure Espresso (28:00)

Crema (34:02)

Grinders (Weber EG-1 & Turin DF83 v2) (38:28)

Burr Size: Is Bigger Always Better? 50:14)

Boulders (58:26)

Headspace (1:03:23)

Puck Screens & Other Variables (1:08:19)

Baskets & Bed Depth: 49mm vs 58mm (1:14:21)

Jonathan’s website: Coffee ad Astra (1:16:33)

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There's a particular kind of conversation that happens when someone has dedicated their life to making something tangible, driven by obsession over details most of us overlook. CRAFTED, from BLISTER, is built on those conversations. Each episode moves beyond a simple product review to explore the entire ecosystem of creation, whether the subject is a meticulously roasted coffee, a complex whiskey, a precision timepiece, or a bold new wine. You'll hear directly from the individuals who define these fields-brewers, distillers, founders, and artisans who started their ventures not because it was easy, but because they couldn't imagine doing anything else. This podcast digs into the raw materials, the failed experiments, the business risks taken on a principle, and the quiet triumphs that happen long before a product reaches a shelf. It’s about the philosophy embedded in the process as much as the technical skill. Tuning in feels less like listening to an interview and more like pulling up a stool in a workshop or a tasting room, offering an intimate look at the patience, setbacks, and unwavering standards that transform a simple idea into a crafted object. The stories are specific, but the themes of creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit are universal, connecting anyone who appreciates the depth behind a well-made thing.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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