We sit down with the legendary Mike Strumpf from Swiss Water Decaf. Mike shares his fascinating journey into the world of specialty coffee, from his start in Madison, Wisconsin, to becoming a key figure in coffee competitions worldwide as a WCE rep and head judge. We dive into the evolution of coffee competitions, the unique process behind Swiss Water’s decaf, and why decaf coffee deserves a spot on the top shelf. Mike also opens up in an incredibly touching moment about his personal health journey and the lessons it’s taught him about resilience, community, and appreciating the little things. Takeaways The Value of Decaf Coffee: Mike explains why decaf coffee deserves respect and how it supports coffee farmers and the industry as a whole. The Evolution of Coffee Competitions: From technical rules to scoring changes, Mike gives an inside look into how competitions have shifted over the past two decades. The Importance of Familiarity in Competition: Mike’s advice on using coffee you know well in competitions to manage variables and ensure consistency. Judging as a Growth Experience: Mike highlights how judging offers a unique perspective on coffee, helping judges become better coffee evaluators and even inspiring competitors. Resilience in the Face of Health Challenges: In a deeply personal moment, Mike opens up about his health journey and how it’s reshaped his approach to life, community, and self-care.