Walk-In Talk Podcast

Brought to you by Testo North America

When contaminated produce enters the food supply, finding where it came from is only the beginning.

On this episode of Inside Food Safety, Eric Moore is joined by returning guest Kiley Harper-Larsen to examine recent Cyclospora and Salmonella investigations involving lettuce, jalapeños and the growing list of finished products affected when a single ingredient moves through a complex supply chain.

The conversation goes beyond the recalls themselves.

What food-safety standards apply to produce grown outside the United States? What are importers actually required to verify? How does an investigation move forward when laboratory testing doesn't provide a clear answer? Why can a recall continue expanding long after the original problem is discovered? And how much can a chef or restaurant operator realistically know about where their ingredients came from?

Eric and Kiley break down the realities of foreign supplier verification, FDA oversight, third-party audits, processing, repacking and traceability, while examining where vulnerabilities remain in both domestic and imported food systems.

Because when an ingredient can travel from a farm to a packing house, importer, processor, distributor and eventually a restaurant kitchen, one question becomes increasingly important:

Who is responsible for making sure it's safe?

Inside Food Safety with Eric Moore Presented by Walk-In Talk Media Featuring returning guest Kiley Harper-Larsen

Key Takeaways

• Food safety responsibility is shared across the supply chain. Growers, packers, importers, processors, distributors, restaurants and regulators all play a role.

• Domestic and imported food are legally expected to meet the same U.S. safety standards. The difference can be how those standards are verified and enforced throughout the supply chain.

• Recalls often expand because investigators are discovering where the original ingredient went. An expanding recall does not necessarily mean new contamination is being found each time.

• Cyclospora and Salmonella can present very different investigative challenges. Testing speed, incubation periods, epidemiology and traceability can significantly affect how quickly investigators identify the source.

• A laboratory result is only one part of an outbreak investigation. Epidemiological evidence and traceback can still help investigators identify a likely source when product testing does not provide a definitive answer.

• Repacking creates major traceability challenges. Once products from multiple farms, lots or suppliers are combined and repacked, identifying the original source can become significantly more difficult.

• Restaurants cannot realistically know every farm behind every ingredient. Strong relationships with reputable suppliers and approved vendor systems become critical when problems emerge.

• Traceability remains one of the biggest challenges. Faster, clearer product tracking could help investigators identify affected products and remove them from the food supply sooner.

• The biggest vulnerability may be the system itself. Food safety depends on many interconnected parts working correctly at the same time, from farming and water management to processing, importing, distribution and restaurant operations.

For chefs and operators, the practical question is simple: Know who you're buying from. Ask where products are coming from. Understand how seriously your suppliers take food safety and traceability.

About Inside Food Safety

Inside Food Safety examines the food-safety issues affecting restaurants, foodservice operators, manufacturers, distributors and consumers, bringing industry professionals into the conversation to separate regulation, headlines and real-world food safety.

Featuring

Eric Moore Food Safety Expert | Testo North America

Kiley Harper-Larsen Food and Produce Safety Professional | Ag Safety Lady

Inside Food Safety is brought to you by Testo North America.

A Walk-In Talk Media production.

From the industry. For the industry.

Chef Olivia Giesler never planned on becoming a chef.

Growing up in Ohio, medicine seemed like the logical path. She studied biology and chemistry with plans for a career in healthcare. But an experience in Costa Rica at seventeen, followed by an opportunity inside Mitchell's Ocean Club, introduced her to a completely different world.

The kitchen won.

Olivia went all in: culinary school, competition teams, restaurant openings, long days, motherhood and eventually the challenge of becoming Executive Chef of The Pearl in Tampa.

Today, The Pearl has been recognized by the Michelin Guide three consecutive years. But Olivia doesn't measure success by plaques, titles or what comes next.

For her, it's about the journey. The people who believed in her. The cooks she now gets to mentor. The team beside her. And the relentless pursuit of getting a little better every day.

In this episode of Walk-In Talk, Chef Olivia Giesler talks about choosing the kitchen over medicine, traveling to Costa Rica at seventeen, becoming a mother while building a culinary career, opening The Pearl, Michelin recognition, mentorship, leadership and why hospitality has always been about people.

"The guide isn't what defines us. It's the journey." — Chef Olivia Giesler

Takeaways:

Metro Foodservice Solutions - Commercial-grade storage, transport, and workflow systems that help professional kitchens operate efficiently.

RAK Porcelain USA - Professional tableware built for performance, durability, and presentation at the highest level.

TriMark USA - North America's largest foodservice design, equipment, and supplies provider, helping operators build smarter, more efficient kitchens.

Testo North America - Precision measurement and food safety solutions designed for professional hospitality operations.

Crab Island Seafood - Florida-based manufacturer of premium seafood dips and spreads inspired by coastal flavors.

Citrus America - Commercial juicing solutions delivering consistency, speed, and quality to foodservice operators.

Cahaba Club – Growing exceptional herbs, edible flowers, and specialty produce that bring fresh flavor and vibrant presentation to our studio kitchen.

Shogun Farms - produces premium Florida wild boar through ethical sourcing, humane raising, and a natural feeding program that delivers exceptional flavor from farm to table.

Walk-In Talk Media proudly supports organizations making a measurable impact on hospitality professionals and communities across North America and beyond.

Operation BBQ Relief - Disaster response through hot meals served by culinary volunteers across the country.

Sustainable Supperclub - Community driven dining experiences focused on sustainability, food access, and social impact.

The Burnt Chef Project North America – Supporting mental health awareness and wellbeing throughout the hospitality industry.

Industry Events & Media Partnerships Florida Restaurant Show - Official Media Partner delivering on-site coverage of operators, suppliers, chefs, and hospitality innovation throughout the Southeast.

New York Restaurant Show - Official Media Partner highlighting the people, products, and stories shaping hospitality across the Northeast.

California Restaurant Show - Official Media Partner covering West Coast hospitality innovation, culinary trends, and foodservice leadership.

Pizza Tomorrow Summit - Official Media Partner covering the latest innovations, leadership, and growth in the pizza industry.

U.S. Culinary Open -Official Media Partner documenting one of America's premier live culinary competitions and the chefs competing at the highest level.

Creative Loafing Tampa Bay - Regional media partner sharing stories from the people, restaurants, and events shaping Tampa Bay's hospitality community.

About Walk-In Talk Media

Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized B2B food and hospitality media company focused on chef-driven storytelling and real conversations inside the business of food.

Through cinematic video, photography, podcasting, documentaries, and live event coverage, Walk-In Talk Media highlights the chefs, operators, brands, and organizations shaping the future of hospitality.

From Michelin-starred chefs and independent restaurants to manufacturers, distributors, and industry associations, Walk-In Talk Media exists to tell the stories moving hospitality forward.

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Two chefs. Two friends. One of them is getting ready to leave Florida and begin a new chapter.

Chefs David Reyes and Nelly Buleje join Walk-In Talk for a conversation about something that goes far beyond what happens on the plate: mental health in the kitchen, camaraderie, and what it really means to show up for the people beside you.

With Nelly preparing to move to North Carolina, the two friends look back at how their relationship developed through the industry, the pressures chefs often carry without talking about them, and why having people who recognize when you're not okay can matter as much as anything you learn in a kitchen.

Of course, we still cook.

Both chefs put their own spin on Crab Island Seafood Dip. David creates fried taquitos featuring Mexican Street Corn Crab Dip and shrimp, with salsa falsa, mole amarillo, salsa macha, charred corn, pickled onion and cilantro. Nelly brings his culinary perspective to a Causa à la Limeña featuring Crab Rangoon Dip, crab, avocado, pickled onion, quail egg, ají ricoto and olives.

It's part farewell, part celebration and a conversation about the friendships this industry creates—and how those relationships can continue long after two chefs stop sharing the same kitchen or the same city.

Metro Foodservice Solutions - Commercial-grade storage, transport, and workflow systems that help professional kitchens operate efficiently.

RAK Porcelain USA - Professional tableware built for performance, durability, and presentation at the highest level.

TriMark USA - North America's largest foodservice design, equipment, and supplies provider, helping operators build smarter, more efficient kitchens.

Testo North America - Precision measurement and food safety solutions designed for professional hospitality operations.

Crab Island Seafood - Florida-based manufacturer of premium seafood dips and spreads inspired by coastal flavors.

Citrus America - Commercial juicing solutions delivering consistency, speed, and quality to foodservice operators.

Cahaba Club – Growing exceptional herbs, edible flowers, and specialty produce that bring fresh flavor and vibrant presentation to our studio kitchen.

Shogun Farms - produces premium Florida wild boar through ethical sourcing, humane raising, and a natural feeding program that delivers exceptional flavor from farm to table.

Walk-In Talk Media proudly supports organizations making a measurable impact on hospitality professionals and communities across North America and beyond.

Operation BBQ Relief - Disaster response through hot meals served by culinary volunteers across the country.

Sustainable Supperclub - Community driven dining experiences focused on sustainability, food access, and social impact.

The Burnt Chef Project North America – Supporting mental health awareness and wellbeing throughout the hospitality industry.

Industry Events & Media Partnerships Florida Restaurant Show - Official Media Partner delivering on-site coverage of operators, suppliers, chefs, and hospitality innovation throughout the Southeast.

New York Restaurant Show - Official Media Partner highlighting the people, products, and stories shaping hospitality across the Northeast.

California Restaurant Show - Official Media Partner covering West Coast hospitality innovation, culinary trends, and foodservice leadership.

Pizza Tomorrow Summit - Official Media Partner covering the latest innovations, leadership, and growth in the pizza industry.

U.S. Culinary Open -Official Media Partner documenting one of America's premier live culinary competitions and the chefs competing at the highest level.

Creative Loafing Tampa Bay - Regional media partner sharing stories from the people, restaurants, and events shaping Tampa Bay's hospitality community.

About Walk-In Talk Media

Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized B2B food and hospitality media company focused on chef-driven storytelling and real conversations inside the business of food.

Through cinematic video, photography, podcasting, documentaries, and live event coverage, Walk-In Talk Media highlights the chefs, operators, brands, and organizations shaping the future of hospitality.

From Michelin-starred chefs and independent restaurants to manufacturers, distributors, and industry associations, Walk-In Talk Media exists to tell the stories moving hospitality forward.

Content Advisory: This episode contains a candid conversation about childhood abuse, domestic violence, trauma, and a past suicide attempt. Some listeners may find portions of this discussion difficult. Listener discretion is advised.

For the first time publicly, Chef Anthony Santos tells the story behind the man and chef he has become.

Anthony grew up in a home marked by years of physical and emotional abuse. As a child, he stepped between his stepfather and his mother and younger siblings, often becoming the target himself. The violence eventually escalated to an attack with a machete. At 15, Anthony left home, at one point sleeping outside in the rain with nowhere safe to go.

Food became an unexpected way forward.

After seeing the joy his uncle's cooking brought to his mother, Anthony began to understand food as something more than a meal—it could bring comfort, connection and, even briefly, a sense of safety. That realization eventually led a teenage Anthony, soaked from walking through the rain, through the doors of a Chinese restaurant looking for work.

In this deeply personal conversation, Anthony talks about surviving abuse, leaving home, mental health, therapy, faith, the lasting effects of trauma and the relentless drive that helped shape his career. He also shares what he would tell a young person living through abuse today and why he believes what happened to him can be part of his story without becoming his identity.

From the WITM kitchen: Anthony prepared a charred Spanish octopus inspired by his Portuguese roots, followed by a Wagyu ribeye with Japanese purple sweet potato, charred broccolini and a red wine truffle sauce finished with 24-karat gold. The sweet potato incorporated butter, black garlic, fresh garlic and Maldon smoked sea salt, creating layers of sweet, savory, smoky and umami flavor.

Today, Anthony Santos is a private chef, entrepreneur, mentor and culinary competitor. But this isn't simply a story about becoming a chef.

It's a story about survival, purpose, faith and what one person chose to build from what he endured.

Metro Foodservice Solutions - Commercial-grade storage, transport, and workflow systems that help professional kitchens operate efficiently.

RAK Porcelain USA - Professional tableware built for performance, durability, and presentation at the highest level.

UNOX - Intelligent commercial cooking technology designed to improve consistency, efficiency, and kitchen performance.

TriMark USA - North America's largest foodservice design, equipment, and supplies provider, helping operators build smarter, more efficient kitchens.

Testo North America - Precision measurement and food safety solutions designed for professional hospitality operations.

Crab Island Seafood - Florida-based manufacturer of premium seafood dips and spreads inspired by coastal flavors.

Citrus America - Commercial juicing solutions delivering consistency, speed, and quality to foodservice operators.

Cahaba Club – Growing exceptional herbs, edible flowers, and specialty produce that bring fresh flavor and vibrant presentation to our studio kitchen.

Shogun Farms - produces premium Florida wild boar through ethical sourcing, humane raising, and a natural feeding program that delivers exceptional flavor from farm to table.

Walk-In Talk Media proudly supports organizations making a measurable impact on hospitality professionals and communities across North America and beyond.

Operation BBQ Relief - Disaster response through hot meals served by culinary volunteers across the country.

Sustainable Supperclub - Community driven dining experiences focused on sustainability, food access, and social impact.

The Burnt Chef Project North America – Supporting mental health awareness and wellbeing throughout the hospitality industry.

Industry Events & Media Partnerships Florida Restaurant Show - Official Media Partner delivering on-site coverage of operators, suppliers, chefs, and hospitality innovation throughout the Southeast.

New York Restaurant Show - Official Media Partner highlighting the people, products, and stories shaping hospitality across the Northeast.

California Restaurant Show - Official Media Partner covering West Coast hospitality innovation, culinary trends, and foodservice leadership.

Pizza Tomorrow Summit - Official Media Partner covering the latest innovations, leadership, and growth in the pizza industry.

U.S. Culinary Open -Official Media Partner documenting one of America's premier live culinary competitions and the chefs competing at the highest level.

Creative Loafing Tampa Bay - Regional media partner sharing stories from the people, restaurants, and events shaping Tampa Bay's hospitality community.

About Walk-In Talk Media

Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized B2B food and hospitality media company focused on chef-driven storytelling and real conversations inside the business of food.

Through cinematic video, photography, podcasting, documentaries, and live event coverage, Walk-In Talk Media highlights the chefs, operators, brands, and organizations shaping the future of hospitality.

From Michelin-starred chefs and independent restaurants to manufacturers, distributors, and industry associations, Walk-In Talk Media exists to tell the stories moving hospitality forward.

Chef Felicia Lacalle's story is about much more than food.

The Tampa chef and partner at Quiote Tequilaria sits down with Walk-In Talk Podcast for an unfiltered conversation about addiction, divorce, single motherhood, failed partnerships, financial hardship, faith, and the long road back to herself.

Felicia began cooking at a young age, inspired by her mother, her Mexican and Cuban heritage, and even childhood afternoons watching Julia Child. She went on to graduate from Johnson & Wales, spend more than a decade at Roy's, and eventually earn national recognition at Hemingway's—including a first-place win at the 2018 International Cuban Sandwich Festival.

But behind the accolades were years of setbacks and painful choices.

Felicia opens up about substance abuse, losing businesses, destructive relationships, rebuilding as a single mother, returning to faith, and learning how to recognize the patterns that nearly derailed her life.

Today, she is entering a new chapter as a partner at Quiote Tequilaria, where her Mexican roots, Cuban influence, and decades of kitchen experience come together in food that is deeply personal.

The episode also features two dishes prepared in the Walk-In Talk Media studio: duck enmoladas with Oaxacan cheese and a wild boar pork belly dish with boniato mash, charred baby leeks, and pickled mustard seeds.

This is a conversation about resilience, accountability, faith, mental health, restaurant life, and what it takes to rebuild when the life you imagined falls apart.

During her Walk-In Talk Media studio session, Chef Felicia prepared two deeply personal dishes that reflect both sides of her culinary heritage. The first was Duck Enmoladas—house-made corn tortillas filled with duck confit, topped with pistachio mole, Oaxacan cheese from Salerno Dairy, crema, and chile de árbol pickled onions. Her second dish showcased Shogun Farms wild boar pork belly, slowly braised with sour orange, garlic and spices, served over brown butter boniato purée with charred baby leeks and pickled mustard seeds—a modern interpretation inspired by her Cuban roots.

Special thanks to our newest studio partner, Shogun Farms, for supplying the premium wild boar pork belly featured in this episode. Their commitment to responsible farming and exceptional specialty proteins helped bring this remarkable dish to life.

Metro Foodservice Solutions - Commercial-grade storage, transport, and workflow systems that help professional kitchens operate efficiently.

RAK Porcelain USA - Professional tableware built for performance, durability, and presentation at the highest level.

UNOX - Intelligent commercial cooking technology designed to improve consistency, efficiency, and kitchen performance.

TriMark USA - North America's largest foodservice design, equipment, and supplies provider, helping operators build smarter, more efficient kitchens.

Testo North America - Precision measurement and food safety solutions designed for professional hospitality operations.

Crab Island Seafood - Florida-based manufacturer of premium seafood dips and spreads inspired by coastal flavors.

Citrus America - Commercial juicing solutions delivering consistency, speed, and quality to foodservice operators.

Cahaba Club – Growing exceptional herbs, edible flowers, and specialty produce that bring fresh flavor and vibrant presentation to our studio kitchen.

Shogun Farms - produces premium Florida wild boar through ethical sourcing, humane raising, and a natural feeding program that delivers exceptional flavor from farm to table.

Walk-In Talk Media proudly supports organizations making a measurable impact on hospitality professionals and communities across North America and beyond.

Operation BBQ Relief - Disaster response through hot meals served by culinary volunteers across the country.

Sustainable Supperclub - Community driven dining experiences focused on sustainability, food access, and social impact.

The Burnt Chef Project North America – Supporting mental health awareness and wellbeing throughout the hospitality industry.

Industry Events & Media Partnerships Florida Restaurant Show - Official Media Partner delivering on-site coverage of operators, suppliers, chefs, and hospitality innovation throughout the Southeast.

New York Restaurant Show - Official Media Partner highlighting the people, products, and stories shaping hospitality across the Northeast.

California Restaurant Show - Official Media Partner covering West Coast hospitality innovation, culinary trends, and foodservice leadership.

Pizza Tomorrow Summit - Official Media Partner covering the latest innovations, leadership, and growth in the pizza industry.

U.S. Culinary Open -Official Media Partner documenting one of America's premier live culinary competitions and the chefs competing at the highest level.

Creative Loafing Tampa Bay - Regional media partner sharing stories from the people, restaurants, and events shaping Tampa Bay's hospitality community.

About Walk-In Talk Media

Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized B2B food and hospitality media company focused on chef-driven storytelling and real conversations inside the business of food.

Through cinematic video, photography, podcasting, documentaries, and live event coverage, Walk-In Talk Media highlights the chefs, operators, brands, and organizations shaping the future of hospitality.

From Michelin-starred chefs and independent restaurants to manufacturers, distributors, and industry associations, Walk-In Talk Media exists to tell the stories moving hospitality forward.

One of the largest Cyclospora outbreaks in U.S. history has placed fresh produce safety under the national spotlight.

In this episode of Inside Food Safety, presented by Testo North America, Carl Fiadini and co-host Eric Moore are joined by nationally recognized produce safety expert Kiley Harper-Larsen, M.S., Owner of The Ag Safety Lady and a food safety executive with more than two decades of experience spanning farms, processing facilities, audits, crisis management and regulatory compliance. She has spent her career working everywhere from farms and packing houses to boardrooms, recalls and FDA inspections.

Together, they examine the ongoing Cyclospora outbreak linked to Taylor Farms and discuss what is currently known, what remains unknown, and why outbreaks like this are among the most difficult events for the produce industry to investigate.

Topics include:

• What Cyclospora is and how it spreads • Why produce outbreaks are uniquely challenging to trace • Farm-to-table food safety systems • Supply chain accountability • Worker hygiene and agricultural water • Consumer risk and practical guidance • The role of technology and testing • What the industry must do to prevent future outbreaks

Rather than assigning blame, this conversation explores the science, the systems and the lessons that can help strengthen food safety across the entire supply chain.

Guest: Kiley Harper-Larsen, M.S. Owner & Lead Consultant, The Ag Safety Lady Former Corporate Safety Director, A. Duda & Sons Former Vice President of Product & Personnel Safety, J&J Family of Farms

Presented by Testo North America

Recorded live in New Orleans during an unprecedented week that brought together the Louisiana Restaurant Association Expo, Bocuse d'Or USA, and the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP), this special edition of Inside Food Safety explores the unseen systems that protect some of the world's greatest restaurants.

Host Carl Fiadini is joined by Chef Sean "Pooch" Rivera and Eric Moore of Testo North America for a conversation on why food safety has become one of the most critical ingredients in modern hospitality.

From New Orleans' centuries-old restaurant buildings and aging infrastructure to large-scale convention center operations serving thousands of guests, the discussion examines the real-world challenges chefs and operators face every day. The team also explores how technology is helping restaurants monitor refrigeration, cooking oil quality, food temperatures, and inventory—protecting both guests and businesses from costly failures.

Along the way, Carl reflects on the incredible opportunity to film the world's top chefs during Bocuse d'Or, including icons like Emeril Lagasse, Daniel Boulud, and many of today's most celebrated culinary professionals, while highlighting the often-overlooked role food safety plays in supporting culinary excellence.

Whether you own a restaurant, work in hospitality, or simply want a behind-the-scenes look at what keeps world-class kitchens operating safely, this episode offers valuable insights from the heart of one of America's greatest food cities.

Topics include:

Food safety in historic restaurant cities

Why New Orleans presents unique operational challenges

Temperature monitoring and refrigeration protection

How automation helps reduce human error

Protecting inventory during storms and power outages

Cooking oil management and food quality

The connection between culinary excellence and food safety

Behind the scenes at Bocuse d'Or, LRA Expo, and IAFP 2026

Inside Food Safety is hosted by Carl Fiadini and presented in partnership with Testo North America, exploring the people, technology, and best practices shaping safer kitchens across the foodservice industry.

Chef Christian Gill's story is about far more than restaurants, television, or beating Bobby Flay. It is a story of identity, loss, resilience, and learning how to rebuild when life changes without warning.

Raised by a single mother in Lexington, Kentucky, Christian found his creative voice through theater before earning the title of chef through years of hard work in professional kitchens. He created ambitious culinary experiences at the Cincinnati Art Museum, helped build Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey alongside his best friend and business partner, PJ, and later faced the unimaginable task of leading the restaurant after PJ's sudden passing—just before COVID brought the hospitality industry to a standstill.

Christian opens up about grief, therapy, restaurant ownership, and the pressure to keep pushing through when stopping may be the healthier choice. He also shares how six weeks of mentorship under Guy Fieri changed his approach to television, what it took to defeat Bobby Flay with his signature shrimp bánh mì, and why that victory changed the trajectory of his entertainment career.

Today, Christian continues to create as a culinary leader with Spiceology while growing The Culinary Gang through consulting, content, collaborations, pop-ups, and one-of-a-kind dining experiences.

This is a conversation about becoming yourself, earning your place, and discovering how many times a person can reinvent themselves before finding the next chapter.

BRAND PARTNERS

Metro Foodservice Solutions & Trimark USA https://www.metro.com

Commercial-grade storage, transport, and workflow systems trusted across professional kitchens.

TriMark USA

TriMark is the largest foodservice design, equipment, and supplies provider in North America, helping operators build, equip, and optimize hospitality kitchens through design-build expertise, sourcing, installation, and service.

RAK Porcelain USA https://www.rakporcelain.com

Professional tableware engineered for durability and presentation.

Citrus America https://www.citrusamerica.com

Premium citrus solutions supporting chefs, retailers, and distributors.

Crab Island Seafood https://crabislandseafood.com

Florida-based supplier delivering responsibly sourced seafood to foodservice partners.

Testo North America https://www.testo.com/en-US

Precision measurement and food safety solutions for professional kitchens.

CAUSE PARTNERS

The Burnt Chef Project https://www.theburntchefproject.com

Advocating for mental health awareness in the hospitality industry.

Operation BBQ Relief https://operationbbqrelief.org

Providing meals to communities impacted by natural disasters.

Sustainable Supperclub https://www.sustainablesupperclub.com Pop-up dining experiences focused on sustainability and food access.

TRADE SHOW & INDUSTRY PARTNERS Florida Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/florida/

New York Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/new-york/

California Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/california/

Pizza Tomorrow Summit https://www.pizzatomorrow.com/

U.S. Culinary Open https://www.usculinaryopen.com/About

Creative Loafing Tampa Bay https://www.cltampa.com

ABOUT WALK-IN TALK MEDIA Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized B2B food and hospitality media company focused on chef-driven storytelling and real conversations inside the business of food.

The Live Fire Report with Frederic Casagrande Episode 1

What happens when engineering meets live-fire cooking?

In the premiere episode of The Live Fire Report, BBQ champion and pitmaster Frederic Casagrande travels to Château Grillrost in France to sit down with the family behind Grillrost—one of Europe's most innovative live-fire cooking companies.

Rather than competing with the biggest grill manufacturers, Grillrost has built its reputation by solving the problems pitmasters encounter every day. From patented accessories and modular cooking systems to products designed to last for generations, every piece begins with one question:

How can we make grilling better?

Frederic explores the company's unique family culture, German engineering philosophy, rapid product innovation, and why quality—not price—continues to drive every decision they make.

This conversation isn't just about barbecue equipment.

It's about craftsmanship, independent thinking, and the people pushing live-fire cooking forward.

In this episode:

• How Grillrost grew from a single custom grill into an international brand

• Why family ownership fuels faster innovation

• The philosophy behind German engineering

• Designing products that last a lifetime

• Competing with industry giants by improving—not replacing—the grill

• Why the future of barbecue may actually return to its roots: real fire

About

The Live Fire Report

The Live Fire Report is a WITM Original hosted by BBQ champion Frederic Casagrande, exploring the people, craftsmanship, innovation, and culture shaping the world of live-fire cooking. Each episode features conversations with pitmasters, chefs, manufacturers, and industry leaders from around the globe who are advancing barbecue through passion, engineering, and tradition.

Chef Peter Garces didn't open By The Chef Pizza because he needed another job.

He built it from the remains of a life that had been completely disrupted.

Peter grew up in Brooklyn, where his earliest connection to food came from watching his mother cook. That sense of childhood wonder eventually became a serious culinary pursuit, taking him through culinary school, restaurant kitchens, and some of New York's most respected pizza operations.

At Roberta's, he was unexpectedly left alone in front of a thousand-degree oven during a busy lunch rush—and made it through without burning a pie.

At Apizza Regionale, the pressure nearly broke him, but it also sharpened his discipline.

At Pizza Loves Emily, he saw pizza treated with the same creativity and seriousness as any other culinary craft.

Then came Mama's Too.

Peter became the primary pizzaiolo during a defining period for the restaurant. The pizzas photographed for its New York Times review were his, and when the review was published, the line wrapped around the block. One night, Peter trusted his instincts, ignored an instruction to limit the display, and filled the window with the full range of pizzas. Jerry Seinfeld walked in, discovered the vodka pie, and kept coming back.

Peter finally felt like he belonged.

Then his Brooklyn home burned down.

The fire took nearly everything and forced him to leave the city that shaped him. When he arrived in Central Florida, his New York résumé did not automatically earn him respect, opportunity, or comparable pay. He had to begin proving himself all over again.

With help from his parents, his lifelong friend and business partner Nigel Van Groningen, and the resources of Lakeland's Catapult business incubator, Peter launched a mobile pizza operation and quickly transformed it into a brick-and-mortar restaurant.

Today, By The Chef Pizza represents far more than pizza.

It carries the discipline Peter learned through martial arts, the knowledge passed down by mentors including Chef JJ Johnson, the experience earned inside demanding New York kitchens, and the belief his father placed in him when Peter needed it most.

This episode is about family, fire, craft, resilience, fatherhood, and the difference between opening a restaurant and building a legacy.

BRAND PARTNERS

Metro Foodservice Solutions & Trimark USA https://www.metro.com

Commercial-grade storage, transport, and workflow systems trusted across professional kitchens.

TriMark USA

TriMark is the largest foodservice design, equipment, and supplies provider in North America, helping operators build, equip, and optimize hospitality kitchens through design-build expertise, sourcing, installation, and service.

RAK Porcelain USA https://www.rakporcelain.com

Professional tableware engineered for durability and presentation.

Citrus America https://www.citrusamerica.com

Premium citrus solutions supporting chefs, retailers, and distributors.

Crab Island Seafood https://crabislandseafood.com

Florida-based supplier delivering responsibly sourced seafood to foodservice partners.

Testo North America https://www.testo.com/en-US

Precision measurement and food safety solutions for professional kitchens.

CAUSE PARTNERS

The Burnt Chef Project https://www.theburntchefproject.com

Advocating for mental health awareness in the hospitality industry.

Operation BBQ Relief https://operationbbqrelief.org

Providing meals to communities impacted by natural disasters.

Sustainable Supperclub https://www.sustainablesupperclub.com Pop-up dining experiences focused on sustainability and food access.

TRADE SHOW & INDUSTRY PARTNERS Florida Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/florida/

New York Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/new-york/

California Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/california/

Pizza Tomorrow Summit https://www.pizzatomorrow.com/

U.S. Culinary Open https://www.usculinaryopen.com/About

Creative Loafing Tampa Bay https://www.cltampa.com

ABOUT WALK-IN TALK MEDIA Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized B2B food and hospitality media company focused on chef-driven storytelling and real conversations inside the business of food.

Chef Matt Lawson's life never followed a straight line. For years, he questioned why his path kept moving through entrepreneurship, restaurants, private-chef work, hotels, professional sports, banking, medical innovation, and some painfully difficult seasons.

Only now are those pieces beginning to make sense.

In Episode 205, Matt shares how a teenage swim-lesson business led him to Dave Ramsey—and how one unexpected answer changed his future:

"I'd be a chef."

He had never worked in a professional kitchen, yet went on to graduate valedictorian from culinary school and open his first restaurant the night of graduation. His journey later took him from cooking for prominent families and rebuilding major food-and-beverage programs to a period of homelessness that forced him to confront his pride, faith, and direction.

The conversation becomes deeply personal as Matt discusses his youngest daughter, Mia, who was born with Down syndrome and required open-heart surgery. When an outdated medical device repeatedly injured her skin, Matt created a better solution—one that received international regulatory approval and was ultimately acquired by 3M.

Today, those experiences are converging through the Texas Food Championship, an ambitious culinary platform designed to elevate chefs, create scholarships, support families, strengthen communities, and give the next generation opportunities Matt once received himself.

This is a conversation about faith, failure, fatherhood, courage, and discovering that the chapters of life that feel the most disconnected may be preparing us for our greatest calling.

BRAND PARTNERS

Metro Foodservice Solutions & Trimark USA https://www.metro.com

Commercial-grade storage, transport, and workflow systems trusted across professional kitchens.

TriMark USA

TriMark is the largest foodservice design, equipment, and supplies provider in North America, helping operators build, equip, and optimize hospitality kitchens through design-build expertise, sourcing, installation, and service.

RAK Porcelain USA https://www.rakporcelain.com

Professional tableware engineered for durability and presentation.

Citrus America https://www.citrusamerica.com

Premium citrus solutions supporting chefs, retailers, and distributors.

Crab Island Seafood https://crabislandseafood.com

Florida-based supplier delivering responsibly sourced seafood to foodservice partners.

Testo North America https://www.testo.com/en-US

Precision measurement and food safety solutions for professional kitchens.

CAUSE PARTNERS

The Burnt Chef Project https://www.theburntchefproject.com

Advocating for mental health awareness in the hospitality industry.

Operation BBQ Relief https://operationbbqrelief.org

Providing meals to communities impacted by natural disasters.

Sustainable Supperclub https://www.sustainablesupperclub.com Pop-up dining experiences focused on sustainability and food access.

TRADE SHOW & INDUSTRY PARTNERS Florida Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/florida/

New York Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/new-york/

California Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/california/

Pizza Tomorrow Summit https://www.pizzatomorrow.com/

U.S. Culinary Open https://www.usculinaryopen.com/About

Creative Loafing Tampa Bay https://www.cltampa.com

ABOUT WALK-IN TALK MEDIA Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized B2B food and hospitality media company focused on chef-driven storytelling and real conversations inside the business of food.

Chef Ferrell Alvarez has helped shape modern Tampa dining through Proper House Group, the team behind Rooster & the Till, Ash, Alter Ego, Gallito Taqueria, and Dang Dude.

But Episode 204 is not just about restaurants.

It is about the life that built the chef.

Ferrell sits down with Carl Fiadini for one of the most personal conversations in Walk-In Talk history, tracing his path from a fifteen-year-old dishwasher to one of Florida's most respected chef-owners. The conversation moves through mentorship, fatherhood, grief, survival, rebuilding, and the responsibility that comes when people believe in your dream before there is proof it will work.

From the early influence of Marty Blitz and Maryann Ferenc at Mise en Place, to building Rooster & the Till with reclaimed wood, used furniture, and $60,000 raised through relationships, Ferrell's story is a reminder that restaurants are never just built with money.

They are built with belief.

Featured dishes from Ash include boquerones with herb oil, chili oil, fresh lime, and house-made focaccia, along with a look at the creative culture behind Proper House Group.

This episode is about Tampa, resilience, leadership, and what it means to give more than you take.

BRAND PARTNERS

Metro Foodservice Solutions & Trimark USA https://www.metro.com

Commercial-grade storage, transport, and workflow systems trusted across professional kitchens.

TriMark USA

TriMark is the largest foodservice design, equipment, and supplies provider in North America, helping operators build, equip, and optimize hospitality kitchens through design-build expertise, sourcing, installation, and service.

RAK Porcelain USA https://www.rakporcelain.com

Professional tableware engineered for durability and presentation.

Citrus America https://www.citrusamerica.com

Premium citrus solutions supporting chefs, retailers, and distributors.

Crab Island Seafood https://crabislandseafood.com

Florida-based supplier delivering responsibly sourced seafood to foodservice partners.

Testo North America https://www.testo.com/en-US

Precision measurement and food safety solutions for professional kitchens.

CAUSE PARTNERS

The Burnt Chef Project https://www.theburntchefproject.com

Advocating for mental health awareness in the hospitality industry.

Operation BBQ Relief https://operationbbqrelief.org

Providing meals to communities impacted by natural disasters.

Sustainable Supperclub https://www.sustainablesupperclub.com Pop-up dining experiences focused on sustainability and food access.

TRADE SHOW & INDUSTRY PARTNERS Florida Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/florida/

New York Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/new-york/

California Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/california/

Pizza Tomorrow Summit https://www.pizzatomorrow.com/

U.S. Culinary Open https://www.usculinaryopen.com/About

Creative Loafing Tampa Bay https://www.cltampa.com

ABOUT WALK-IN TALK MEDIA Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized B2B food and hospitality media company focused on chef-driven storytelling and real conversations inside the business of food.

What happens when a single notification prevents thousands of dollars in product loss?

In Episode 3 of Inside Food Safety, we're on location at The Tampa Club with Executive Chef Thomas Mandzik and Eric Moore from Testo North America to discuss a real incident that occurred just one week after a new automated temperature monitoring system was installed.

While away from the restaurant, Chef Thomas received an alert that a walk-in cooler wasn't operating normally. What initially appeared to be a minor issue turned out to be a refrigerant leak that could have resulted in the loss of nearly $20,000 in inventory before anyone returned to work.

The conversation expands beyond that story to explore why modern kitchens are embracing technology, how automation supports—not replaces—professional chefs, and why food safety begins long before a health inspection.

Topics include:

How automated monitoring prevented a major inventory loss

The true cost of refrigeration failures

Why temperature logs alone aren't enough

Leadership, systems, and creating a culture of food safety

Balancing technology with craftsmanship in today's professional kitchen

What restaurant operators can do to better protect their guests, staff, and business

Recorded on location at The Tampa Club in downtown Tampa. Special thanks to Alissa Costello for making that happen!

Inside Food Safety is hosted by Carl Fiadini and presented in partnership with Testo North America, exploring the people, technology, and best practices shaping safer kitchens across the foodservice industry.

Chef Sherief Shawky's journey is anything but conventional.

Raised between Virginia and Egypt, Sherief's path began in a family-owned pizzeria before taking him through some of the industry's most demanding kitchens, working alongside award-winning chefs, opening restaurants, leading culinary teams, and ultimately becoming Corporate Chef and Team Leader for North America at Unox.

In this episode, Sherief shares the experiences that shaped him—from learning to leave his ego at the door, navigating burnout, overcoming a serious back injury, and making the difficult decision to step away from restaurant operations at the height of his career.

We also discuss mentorship, leadership, mental health in hospitality, his work as an ambassador for The Burnt Chef Project, and why he believes food remains the universal language that brings people together.

Most importantly, this is a conversation about opportunity—recognizing it when it appears and having the courage to say yes.

Topics Covered: • Growing up between Egypt and the United States • Working with Chef Sherry Yard and Chef Jamie Lynch • Lessons learned from high-pressure kitchens • Burnout, injury, and career transitions • Leadership and mentoring the next generation • Mental health and The Burnt Chef Project • Life at Unox • Why food is the ultimate connector

Plus, Chef Sherief prepares two incredible dishes in the studio, showcasing the creativity, discipline, and culinary perspective that have defined his career.

This is Episode 202 of the Walk-In Talk Podcast.

BRAND PARTNERS

Metro Foodservice Solutions & Trimark USA https://www.metro.com

Commercial-grade storage, transport, and workflow systems trusted across professional kitchens.

TriMark USA

TriMark is the largest foodservice design, equipment, and supplies provider in North America, helping operators build, equip, and optimize hospitality kitchens through design-build expertise, sourcing, installation, and service.

RAK Porcelain USA https://www.rakporcelain.com

Professional tableware engineered for durability and presentation.

Citrus America https://www.citrusamerica.com

Premium citrus solutions supporting chefs, retailers, and distributors.

Crab Island Seafood https://crabislandseafood.com

Florida-based supplier delivering responsibly sourced seafood to foodservice partners.

Testo North America https://www.testo.com/en-US

Precision measurement and food safety solutions for professional kitchens.

CAUSE PARTNERS

The Burnt Chef Project https://www.theburntchefproject.com

Advocating for mental health awareness in the hospitality industry.

Operation BBQ Relief https://operationbbqrelief.org

Providing meals to communities impacted by natural disasters.

Sustainable Supperclub https://www.sustainablesupperclub.com Pop-up dining experiences focused on sustainability and food access.

TRADE SHOW & INDUSTRY PARTNERS Florida Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/florida/

New York Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/new-york/

California Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/california/

Pizza Tomorrow Summit https://www.pizzatomorrow.com/

U.S. Culinary Open https://www.usculinaryopen.com/About

Creative Loafing Tampa Bay https://www.cltampa.com

ABOUT WALK-IN TALK MEDIA Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized B2B food and hospitality media company focused on chef-driven storytelling and real conversations inside the business of food.

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Episode 201 picks up just days after Walk-In Talk Media celebrated its 200th episode at Tampa Club.

What started as a milestone celebration became something much bigger: more than 120 hospitality professionals, chefs, operators, distributors, manufacturers, brand partners, creators, and friends gathered in one room to celebrate the community that has formed around Walk-In Talk Media.

Chef Thomas Mandzik joins the show to reflect on the night, the energy in the room, the food, the sponsors, the Tasty Cam moments, and what it meant to see so many industry people show up for one another.

From the Walk-In Talk Podcast ice carving and Crab Island Seafood dip display to the nonstop hospitality from Thomas and the Tampa Club team, the evening became a reminder that this industry is built on relationships.

As Thomas put it:

"Yes, we're competitors… but we're still all fans of each other."

The conversation also looks ahead to Thomas's next chapter. This fall, he'll be leaving Tampa Club and heading to Corpus Christi, Texas, where he plans to open an intimate 20-seat restaurant built around his own vision, artistry, faith, and pursuit of a deeply personal dining experience.

In studio, Thomas prepares two foie gras-driven dishes:

Foie gras with squab, blue corn grits cake, Three Sisters composition, and jus.

Bluefin tuna "ravioli" with foie gras mousse, mascarpone, Parmesan, basil emulsion, blood orange gastrique, yuzu aioli, and tomato ginger water.

This episode is about celebration, community, gratitude, faith, risk, and the next chapter for one of Walk-In Talk Media's closest chef voices.

BRAND PARTNERS

Metro Foodservice Solutions & Trimark USA https://www.metro.com

Commercial-grade storage, transport, and workflow systems trusted across professional kitchens.

TriMark USA

TriMark is the largest foodservice design, equipment, and supplies provider in North America, helping operators build, equip, and optimize hospitality kitchens through design-build expertise, sourcing, installation, and service.

RAK Porcelain USA https://www.rakporcelain.com

Professional tableware engineered for durability and presentation.

Citrus America https://www.citrusamerica.com

Premium citrus solutions supporting chefs, retailers, and distributors.

Crab Island Seafood https://crabislandseafood.com

Florida-based supplier delivering responsibly sourced seafood to foodservice partners.

Testo North America https://www.testo.com/en-US

Precision measurement and food safety solutions for professional kitchens.

CAUSE PARTNERS

The Burnt Chef Project https://www.theburntchefproject.com

Advocating for mental health awareness in the hospitality industry.

Operation BBQ Relief https://operationbbqrelief.org

Providing meals to communities impacted by natural disasters.

Sustainable Supperclub https://www.sustainablesupperclub.com Pop-up dining experiences focused on sustainability and food access.

TRADE SHOW & INDUSTRY PARTNERS Florida Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/florida/

New York Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/new-york/

California Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/california/

Pizza Tomorrow Summit https://www.pizzatomorrow.com/

U.S. Culinary Open https://www.usculinaryopen.com/About

Creative Loafing Tampa Bay https://www.cltampa.com

ABOUT WALK-IN TALK MEDIA Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized B2B food and hospitality media company focused on chef-driven storytelling and real conversations inside the business of food.

Almost exactly one year ago, Chef Elijah Rock joined Walk-In Talk Media to discuss the early stages of building Bricks and navigating life as a new restaurant owner.

A lot can change in a year.

In Episode 200, Elijah returns to reflect on what the last twelve months have taught him about leadership, delegation, fatherhood, burnout, trust, and the reality of restaurant ownership beyond what guests see from the dining room.

The conversation explores the pressure that comes with building something meaningful, learning to let go of control, empowering a team, and finding balance in an industry that rarely slows down.

Along the way, Elijah shares how becoming a father has changed his perspective, why success often looks different than people imagine, and what it means to build something his daughter can one day be proud of.

In the studio, Chef Elijah presents two dishes that reflect both comfort and restraint:

🍽️ Pork Chop 🍽️ Branzino with Green Bean Amandine, Radish & Herb Salad

As Walk-In Talk Media reaches Episode 200, it felt fitting to spend the milestone with a chef whose story reminds us that hospitality is built one day, one service, and one decision at a time.

BRAND PARTNERS

Metro Foodservice Solutions & Trimark USA https://www.metro.com

TriMark USA

Commercial-grade storage, transport, and workflow systems trusted across professional kitchens.

RAK Porcelain USA https://www.rakporcelain.com

Professional tableware engineered for durability and presentation.

Citrus America https://www.citrusamerica.com

Premium citrus solutions supporting chefs, retailers, and distributors.

Crab Island Seafood https://crabislandseafood.com

Florida-based supplier delivering responsibly sourced seafood to foodservice partners.

Testo North America https://www.testo.com/en-US

Precision measurement and food safety solutions for professional kitchens.

Franki https://www.getfranki.com

A platform connecting restaurants with high-intent diners through real experiences and user-generated content.

CAUSE PARTNERS

The Burnt Chef Project https://www.theburntchefproject.com

Advocating for mental health awareness in the hospitality industry.

Operation BBQ Relief https://operationbbqrelief.org

Providing meals to communities impacted by natural disasters.

Sustainable Supperclub https://www.sustainablesupperclub.com Pop-up dining experiences focused on sustainability and food access.

TRADE SHOW & INDUSTRY PARTNERS Florida Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/florida/

New York Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/new-york/

California Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/california/

Pizza Tomorrow Summit https://www.pizzatomorrow.com/

U.S. Culinary Open https://www.usculinaryopen.com/About

Creative Loafing Tampa Bay https://www.cltampa.com

ABOUT WALK-IN TALK MEDIA Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized B2B food and hospitality media company focused on chef-driven storytelling and real conversations inside the business of food.

In Episode 2 of Inside Food Safety, Eric Moore of Testo North America returns to discuss one of the biggest threats facing restaurants today, not a single catastrophic mistake, but the slow erosion of standards through complacency.

From leadership and food safety culture to burnout, staffing challenges, and operational blind spots, Eric and Carl explore how small shortcuts can become dangerous habits when accountability begins to slip.

The conversation also examines why the phrase "We've always done it this way" may be one of the most harmful mindsets in hospitality, and how strong leadership, employee empowerment, and consistent operating procedures help protect guests, staff, and a restaurant's reputation.

The episode concludes with practical solutions operators can implement today, including automated temperature monitoring, proper thermometer usage, and leveraging technology to strengthen food safety systems while reducing operational risk.

Inside Food Safety is a recurring Walk-In Talk Media series designed to bring practical food safety conversations directly to chefs, operators, managers, and hospitality professionals.

Guest: Eric Moore, Food Safety Expert, Testo North America

Follow Testo North America: Instagram: @testoamerica

Connect with Eric Moore: LinkedIn: Eric Moore

Segment Partner Testo Instruments - North America

Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized food media company focused on the real stories behind hospitality. Through cinematic video, photography, and podcasting, the platform highlights chefs, operators, and partners shaping the future of the restaurant industry.

Episode 198 – NRA Show Chicago Recap

The National Restaurant Association Show always brings the food industry together at the highest level, and this year in Chicago was no exception.

From nonstop movement on the show floor, to conversations with operators, chefs, manufacturers, and hospitality leaders from across the country, Episode 198 captures the energy, relationships, and momentum that continue to shape the future of foodservice.

A huge thank you to Royal Cup Coffee & Tea for partnering with Walk-In Talk Media throughout the week and helping fuel the production from start to finish. What began as Pooch searching for "the package" across Chicago ultimately led right back to the Royal Cup booth and the cold brew powering the entire experience.

Follow Royal Cup Coffee & Tea on Instagram: @royalcupcoffee ☕️

Special thanks as well to Connor Stewart and the National Restaurant Association Show team for the continued support, hospitality, and opportunity to help tell the story of one of the industry's most important events.

This episode is about more than recap footage. It's about community, innovation, partnership, and the people continuing to move hospitality forward.

🎙️ Produced by Walk-In Talk Media

#NRAShow #RoyalCupCoffee #WalkInTalkMedia #Chicago #Hospitality #FoodIndustry

Chef Taylor Dillon's path into Mexican cuisine wasn't traditional, and that's exactly what makes this conversation interesting.

Born and raised in New Orleans, trained in some of New York's most demanding kitchens including Daniel and Jean-Georges, Taylor eventually found himself completely immersed in the craft, history, and technique behind Mexican food. What started as curiosity turned into obsession, studying nixtamalization, grinding corn from scratch, and building a deeper understanding of a cuisine rooted in generations of tradition.

Now, alongside his wife Kayla, he's built Con Amor, a restaurant shaped by passion, discipline, and a genuine respect for the culture behind the food.

In this episode, we talk about identity in cooking, earning credibility inside a cuisine that isn't tied to your own heritage, opening a restaurant while building a marriage at the same time, and why some of the best chefs never stop learning.

We're also joined by Leigh Wilson, Director of Marketing for Creative Loafing Tampa Bay, for another segment of What's Hot Tampa Bay, discussing the evolution of the local food scene and why chefs telling more personal stories through food is resonating now more than ever.

This one is about culture, humility, growth, and building something with intention.

BRAND PARTNERS

Metro Foodservice Solutions & Trimark USA https://www.metro.com

TriMark USA

Commercial-grade storage, transport, and workflow systems trusted across professional kitchens.

RAK Porcelain USA https://www.rakporcelain.com

Professional tableware engineered for durability and presentation.

Citrus America https://www.citrusamerica.com

Premium citrus solutions supporting chefs, retailers, and distributors.

Crab Island Seafood https://crabislandseafood.com

Florida-based supplier delivering responsibly sourced seafood to foodservice partners.

Testo North America https://www.testo.com/en-US

Precision measurement and food safety solutions for professional kitchens.

Franki https://www.getfranki.com

A platform connecting restaurants with high-intent diners through real experiences and user-generated content.

CAUSE PARTNERS

The Burnt Chef Project https://www.theburntchefproject.com

Advocating for mental health awareness in the hospitality industry.

Operation BBQ Relief https://operationbbqrelief.org

Providing meals to communities impacted by natural disasters.

Sustainable Supperclub https://www.sustainablesupperclub.com Pop-up dining experiences focused on sustainability and food access.

TRADE SHOW & INDUSTRY PARTNERS Florida Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/florida/

New York Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/new-york/

California Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/california/

Pizza Tomorrow Summit https://www.pizzatomorrow.com/

U.S. Culinary Open https://www.usculinaryopen.com/About

Creative Loafing Tampa Bay https://www.cltampa.com

ABOUT WALK-IN TALK MEDIA Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized B2B food and hospitality media company focused on chef-driven storytelling and real conversations inside the business of food.

Inside Food Safety is a recurring monthly segment on the Walk-In Talk Podcast.

This is the first one.

The inaugural episode of our Inside Food Safety segment, and it starts with a conversation every kitchen needs to hear.

Eric Moore joins us, food safety expert with Testo North America, bringing real-world insight into what food safety actually looks like in practice. Not theory, not checklists, but the daily decisions that protect your team, your product, and the people you serve.

Because food safety isn't something you turn on when it's convenient. It's built into how you operate, every shift, every station, every plate.

We get into where kitchens slip, how small habits turn into major risks, and why consistency matters more than intention. From temperature control to cross-contamination, this is about tightening the gaps most people don't even realize are there.

This segment is about awareness, accountability, and raising the standard across the industry.

And this is where it begins.

Segment Partner Testo Instruments - North America

About Walk-In Talk Media Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized food media company focused on the real stories behind hospitality. Through cinematic video, photography, and podcasting, the platform highlights chefs, operators, and partners shaping the future of the restaurant industry.

What does it look like to keep showing up when your body is working against you?

In Episode 195, Ciji Castro returns to the show for one of the most personal conversations we've had.

Ciji is currently battling stage four endometriosis, a disease that affects millions of women, yet remains widely misunderstood, especially in high-pressure industries like hospitality.

And still, she shows up.

Still cooking. Still creating. Still pushing forward.

This episode goes beyond the plate.

We talk about what endometriosis actually feels like on a daily basis, the gap between what people see and what's really happening, and the emotional and physical toll of navigating a career, motherhood, and life while dealing with chronic pain.

Ciji also opens up about advocacy, what it takes to be heard in a system that often dismisses women's health, and the importance of support, especially from those closest to you.

Her husband Miguel joins the conversation, offering a real look at what it means to support someone through this kind of fight, not just emotionally, but as an advocate.

And through it all, food remains part of the story.

Not as an escape, but as a way to connect, to ground, and to bring people together, even in difficult moments.

This is a conversation about resilience, awareness, and making space for the stories that don't always get told in this industry.

Franki is built around that idea. It connects restaurants with real diners and turns those experiences into user-driven video content that continues to work long after the visit.

No upfront cost. No long-term contracts. Just measurable traffic and real visibility. They're also covering your first $250 in-store to get started. It's a different approach and one we're paying attention to.

Check it out here: http://frankiapp.com/walkintalk

BRAND PARTNERS

Metro Foodservice Solutions https://www.metro.com

Commercial-grade storage, transport, and workflow systems trusted across professional kitchens.

RAK Porcelain USA https://www.rakporcelain.com

Professional tableware engineered for durability and presentation.

Citrus America https://www.citrusamerica.com

Premium citrus solutions supporting chefs, retailers, and distributors.

Crab Island Seafood https://crabislandseafood.com

Florida-based supplier delivering responsibly sourced seafood to foodservice partners.

Testo North America https://www.testo.com/en-US

Precision measurement and food safety solutions for professional kitchens.

Franki https://www.getfranki.com

A platform connecting restaurants with high-intent diners through real experiences and user-generated content.

CAUSE PARTNERS

The Burnt Chef Project https://www.theburntchefproject.com

Advocating for mental health awareness in the hospitality industry.

Operation BBQ Relief https://operationbbqrelief.org

Providing meals to communities impacted by natural disasters.

Sustainable Supperclub https://www.sustainablesupperclub.com Pop-up dining experiences focused on sustainability and food access.

TRADE SHOW & INDUSTRY PARTNERS Florida Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/florida/

New York Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/new-york/

California Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/california/

Pizza Tomorrow Summit https://www.pizzatomorrow.com/

U.S. Culinary Open https://www.usculinaryopen.com/About

Creative Loafing Tampa Bay https://www.cltampa.com

ABOUT WALK-IN TALK MEDIA Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized B2B food and hospitality media company focused on chef-driven storytelling and real conversations inside the business of food.

What happens when the person behind the camera starts understanding the plate better than ever before?

Episode 194 is a different kind of conversation.

No guest rotation. No outside voice.

Just Carl Fiadini and John Hernandez, the creative force behind the lens at Walk-In Talk Media.

Over the last year, John's role has evolved in a way most people wouldn't expect.

He's still behind the camera.

But through Walk-In Talk Media's relationship with RAK Porcelain USA, the expectations changed.

The opportunity to shoot for a product catalog meant the margin for error disappeared.

Every plate had to be right.

And that responsibility pushed John deeper into the process, not just capturing dishes, but cooking them, plating them, and refining them before they ever hit the lens.

What started as observation turned into execution.

Learning from the chefs who come through the studio each week, John began applying those techniques in real time, developing an understanding of structure, balance, and composition that now shows up in every piece of content.

This episode breaks down that evolution.

How repetition and proximity to talent shaped his growth. What it takes to make food actually translate on camera. And what changes when you go from documenting the work… to owning it.

We also touch on what's ahead, including the upcoming Episode 200 event at the Tampa Club, and what this next phase of Walk-In Talk Media looks like.

This is a conversation about growth, pressure, and raising the standard

BRAND PARTNERS

Metro Foodservice Solutions https://www.metro.com

Commercial-grade storage, transport, and workflow systems trusted across professional kitchens.

RAK Porcelain USA https://www.rakporcelain.com

Professional tableware engineered for durability and presentation.

Citrus America https://www.citrusamerica.com

Premium citrus solutions supporting chefs, retailers, and distributors.

Crab Island Seafood https://crabislandseafood.com

Florida-based supplier delivering responsibly sourced seafood to foodservice partners.

Testo North America https://www.testo.com/en-US

Precision measurement and food safety solutions for professional kitchens.

Franki https://www.getfranki.com

A platform connecting restaurants with high-intent diners through real experiences and user-generated content.

CAUSE PARTNERS

The Burnt Chef Project https://www.theburntchefproject.com

Advocating for mental health awareness in the hospitality industry.

Operation BBQ Relief https://operationbbqrelief.org

Providing meals to communities impacted by natural disasters.

Sustainable Supperclub https://www.sustainablesupperclub.com Pop-up dining experiences focused on sustainability and food access.

TRADE SHOW & INDUSTRY PARTNERS Florida Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/florida/

New York Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/new-york/

California Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/california/

Pizza Tomorrow Summit https://www.pizzatomorrow.com/

U.S. Culinary Open https://www.usculinaryopen.com/About

Creative Loafing Tampa Bay https://www.cltampa.com

ABOUT WALK-IN TALK MEDIA Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized B2B food and hospitality media company focused on chef-driven storytelling and real conversations inside the business of food.

What does a real vendor relationship actually look like?

In Episode 193, Mike Lombardi, third-generation seafood distributor behind a 65-year family business, joins Chef Stephen Hicks in studio for a conversation that goes far beyond product and price.

This episode dives into what really drives long-term success in the restaurant industry, trust, accountability, and understanding the pressure on both sides of the line.

From early mornings on the docks to high-pressure moments in the kitchen, Mike shares what it means to stay close to the source, build relationships with fishermen, and guide chefs with real-time market insight. Chef Hicks brings the operator perspective, breaking down how the right partners create confidence, consistency, and the ability to push beyond expectations.

This is a conversation about more than seafood.

It's about legacy, decision-making, and the kind of trust that only gets built over time.

🎥 In the studio, Chef Hicks prepares two standout dishes:

• Grouper with Sweet Corn Purée, Succotash, Spherified BBQ, and Butter Poached King Crab

• Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs with Caviar and Chives

Real product. Real relationships. Real conversation.

BRAND PARTNERS

During this episode, you'll hear about Franki App, a performance-based growth platform helping restaurants generate measurable, incremental diners, not just impressions.

Metro Foodservice Solutions https://www.metro.com

Commercial-grade storage, transport, and workflow systems trusted across professional kitchens.

RAK Porcelain USA https://www.rakporcelain.com

Professional tableware engineered for durability and presentation.

Citrus America https://www.citrusamerica.com

Premium citrus solutions supporting chefs, retailers, and distributors.

Crab Island Seafood https://crabislandseafood.com

Florida-based supplier delivering responsibly sourced seafood to foodservice partners.

Testo North America https://www.testo.com/en-US

Precision measurement and food safety solutions for professional kitchens.

Franki https://www.getfranki.com

A platform connecting restaurants with high-intent diners through real experiences and user-generated content.

CAUSE PARTNERS

The Burnt Chef Project https://www.theburntchefproject.com

Advocating for mental health awareness in the hospitality industry.

Operation BBQ Relief https://operationbbqrelief.org

Providing meals to communities impacted by natural disasters.

Sustainable Supperclub https://www.sustainablesupperclub.com Pop-up dining experiences focused on sustainability and food access.

TRADE SHOW & INDUSTRY PARTNERS Florida Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/florida/

New York Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/new-york/

California Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/california/

Pizza Tomorrow Summit https://www.pizzatomorrow.com/

U.S. Culinary Open https://www.usculinaryopen.com/About

Creative Loafing Tampa Bay https://www.cltampa.com

ABOUT WALK-IN TALK MEDIA Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized B2B food and hospitality media company focused on chef-driven storytelling and real conversations inside the business of food.

Most people see the finished plate.

Very few understand everything that had to go right before it got there.

Episode 192 pulls that curtain back.

John Marino, President of RAK Porcelain USA, joins the show for a conversation rooted in experience — from operations and manufacturing to leading a growing organization built on long-term thinking and real partnerships.

This isn't theory. It's pressure-tested.

From solving problems at the ground level to reshaping how a company scales, John breaks down what it actually takes to build something that lasts in an industry that often prioritizes short-term wins.

Alongside him is Chef Thomas Mandzik — bringing the operator's perspective from inside a system where consistency, standards, and execution are non-negotiable.

He understands the weight of decisions.

The cost of mistakes.

And the difference between a partner and a vendor. Together, the conversation moves beyond product and into alignment — where chefs, brands, and leadership either connect… or miss entirely.

Because when it works, it changes everything.

In the Studio Chef Thomas delivered two dishes that reflect both precision and restraint — built with intention and executed at a high level.

Fish Mosaic - An intricate composition of king oro salmon, bigeye tuna loin, and squid ink–brushed sea bream, wrapped in nori and set in a green apple yuzu vinaigrette with smoked olive oil.

Clean, technical, and layered — a dish that demands control.

Strawberry Pavlova - Strawberry panna cotta, strawberry balsamic gel, and basil gelato.

Bright, balanced, and composed — where acidity, sweetness, and texture all hold their place.

This is a look behind the scenes — not just at the food, but at the thinking, the systems, and the relationships that make it all possible.

🍽️ RAK Porcelain USA

🧰 Metro Foodservice Solutions

🌡️ Testo North America

There's a shift happening in the restaurant industry.

It's not just about what's on the plate anymore. That part is expected. The real question now is what actually gets seen, what connects, and what ultimately brings people through the door.

In Episode 191, we bring two perspectives together to unpack that.

Chef Nelly Buleje of Timpano joins us in the studio. With a career rooted in large-scale hotel operations and shaped by a wide range of culinary influences, he now leads inside a focused, high-volume restaurant environment. His perspective is grounded in experience, discipline, and a deep connection to hospitality — not just execution.

Also joining the conversation is Leigh Wilson, Marketing Director of Creative Loafing Tampa Bay, as we introduce a new recurring segment: What's Hot in Tampa Bay.

This segment isn't about hype — it's about awareness.

Leigh brings a real-time pulse on what's gaining traction, what people are responding to, and how attention is forming across the market.

The conversation also dives into one of the most important dynamics shaping restaurants today — the relationship between food and cameras.

From social media to perception to expectation, chefs are navigating a world where visibility plays a major role in success. The plate is still the foundation, but how it's presented, shared, and experienced beyond the table now matters just as much.

Aaron Sharpe from Testo North America joins the discussion as well, bringing insight into precision, measurement, and what food safety actually looks like in a professional kitchen.

This episode is about understanding the full picture.

The craft.

The business.

And the reality of operating in a world where attention is part of the equation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

BRAND PARTNERS

Metro Foodservice Solutions

https://www.metro.com

Commercial-grade storage, transport, and workflow systems trusted across professional kitchens.

RAK Porcelain USA

https://www.rakporcelain.com

Professional tableware engineered for durability and presentation.

Citrus America

https://www.citrusamerica.com

Premium citrus solutions supporting chefs, retailers, and distributors.

Crab Island Seafood

https://crabislandse afood.com

Florida-based supplier delivering responsibly sourced seafood to foodservice partners.

Testo North America

https://www.testo.com/en-US

Precision measurement and food safety solutions for professional kitchens.

Franki

https://www.getfranki.com

A platform connecting restaurants with high-intent diners through real experiences and user-generated content.

CAUSE PARTNERS

The Burnt Chef Project

https://www.theburntchefproject.com

Advocating for mental health awareness in the hospitality industry.

Operation BBQ Relief

https://operationbbqrelief.org

Providing meals to communities impacted by natural disasters.

Sustainable Supperclub

https://www.sustainablesupperclub.com

Pop-up dining experiences focused on sustainability and food access.

TRADE SHOW & INDUSTRY PARTNERS

Florida Restaurant Show

https://www.therestaurantshows.com/florida/

New York Restaurant Show

https://www.therestaurantshows.com/new-york/

California Restaurant Show

https://www.therestaurantshows.com/california/

Pizza Tomorrow Summit

https://www.pizzatomorrow.com/

U.S. Culinary Open

https://www.usculinaryopen.com/About

Creative Loafing Tampa Bay

https://www.cltampa.com

ABOUT WALK-IN TALK MEDIA

Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized B2B food and hospitality media company focused on chef-driven storytelling and real conversations inside the business of food.

Episode 190 — Description

Precision isn't a luxury in the kitchen. It's the standard.

Episode 190 brings that into focus with Chef Thomas Mandzik of The Tampa Club and Aaron Sharpe of Testo North America.

This conversation moves beyond the plate and into the systems behind it. Temperature, consistency, accountability. The details that don't always get seen, but dictate everything.

Chef Mandzik breaks down how structure and discipline shape execution in a professional kitchen, while Aaron Sharpe introduces the role of measurement and food safety as part of the workflow, not an afterthought.

This episode also marks the introduction of a new ongoing segment with Eric Moore with Testo North America, where we'll continue to explore food saftey and the tools and thinking that support real kitchen performance.

We've also been talking a lot lately about what actually brings people through the door. During this episode, you'll hear about Franki App, a performance-based growth platform helping restaurants generate measurable, incremental diners, not just impressions.

As we move closer to 200 episodes, the conversation continues to evolve.

🎙️ Episode 190 is live.

We've been talking a lot in the studio lately about what actually drives traffic. Not clicks. Not impressions. Not likes. Actual people walking through the door.

Franki is built around that idea. It connects restaurants with real diners and turns those experiences into user-driven video content that continues to work long after the visit.

No upfront cost. No long-term contracts. Just measurable traffic and real visibility. They're also covering your first $250 in-store to get started. It's a different approach and one we're paying attention to.

Check it out here: http://frankiapp.com/walkintalk

🍽️ Plated on RAK Porcelain USA 🧰 Workflow supported by Metro Foodservice Solutions 🌡️ Food safety powered by Testo North America 📲 Guest experience supported by Franki App 🎙️ Produced by Walk-In Talk Media

Food doesn't just live on the plate anymore. It lives in media.

Episode 189 brings together two sides of that reality, how food is created, and how it's seen.

Featured guest Alexandria Ebron, Brand Manager for The Zest and Classical WSMR, part of the NPR ecosystem at WUSF and the University of South Florida, shares her path from blogging and Creative Loafing to helping shape food stories across the state. Her perspective lives in the day-to-day of content creation, covering restaurants, building narratives, and understanding what actually connects with an audience.

In studio, Chef Jason F. Lynn returns to Walk-In Talk, cooking while navigating a different kind of pressure, building within a system at Del Webb Minneola while still pushing his identity as a chef. From plating decisions to photography angles, Jason speaks to the shift every chef is feeling as food and media become inseparable.

This episode continues the conversation around the evolving relationship between chefs, content, and visibility, and what it really takes to stay relevant in today's hospitality industry.

Because food doesn't just get served anymore.

It gets documented. It gets shared. It gets judged before it's even tasted.

🎙️ Episode 189 is live now.

Food and media are no longer separate, chefs are now part of the storytelling process

Authenticity and consistency matter more than perfection in content

Media platforms shape perception before guests ever experience the food

Chefs are balancing creativity with the realities of operating inside structured environments

The ability to present food visually is becoming as important as execution in the kitchen

Not everything that performs well online reflects real culinary value

Metro Foodservice Solutions Professional kitchen infrastructure trusted by chefs around the world. https://www.metro.com

RAK Porcelain USA Precision-crafted professional tableware designed for high-performance kitchens. https://www.rakporcelain.com

Citrus America Premium citrus products supporting chefs and foodservice professionals across the industry. https://www.citrusamerica.com

Crab Island Seafood Chef-driven seafood products bringing Gulf Coast flavors to restaurants nationwide. https://crabislandseafood.com

Testo North America Industry-leading food safety and measurement technology trusted in professional kitchens. https://www.testo.com/en-US

The Burnt Chef Project Advancing mental health awareness and support within the hospitality industry. https://www.theburntchefproject.com

Operation BBQ Relief Providing hot meals and disaster relief to communities in need across the United States. https://operationbbqrelief.org

Sustainable Supperclub Community-driven dining events supporting food access and nonprofit initiatives. https://sustainablesupperclub.com

Florida Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/florida/

New York Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/new-york/

California Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/california/

Pizza Tomorrow Summit https://www.pizzatomorrow.com/

U.S. Culinary Open at the NAFEM Show https://www.usculinaryopen.com/about

Creative Loafing Tampa Bay Food & Drink coverage and cultural journalism across the Tampa Bay region. https://www.cltampa.com

Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized B2B food and hospitality media company focused on chef-driven storytelling and trade-facing impact.

Founded by Carl Fiadini, Walk-In Talk Media produces podcasts, studio video content, documentary-style storytelling, and live trade-show coverage across the United States. The platform serves chefs, operators, distributors, brands, and industry organizations by documenting the people and systems that shape the foodservice world.

The Walk-In Talk Podcast consistently holds the #1 Food Podcast position on Apple Charts in the U.S. market, has reached millions of downloads, and was a finalist at the People's Choice Podcast Awards. Walk-In Talk Media has also been recognized for its storytelling at the Central Florida Film Festival and Folkestone Film Festival, with projects listed on IMDb.

Walk-In Talk Media is the official podcast and media partner for the New York Restaurant Show, California Restaurant Show, Florida Restaurant Show, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and the U.S. Culinary Open, and works alongside industry publications like Creative Loafing Tampa Bay to elevate chef voices and food culture.

The platform also supports cause-driven organizations including The Burnt Chef Project and Operation BBQ Relief, reinforcing its commitment to the health and sustainability of the hospitality industry.

📩 Partnership & Collaboration Inquiries info@thewalkintalk.com

Who decides which food stories get told?

In Episode 188 of the Walk-In Talk Podcast, Host, Carl welcomes Dalia Colon, Executive Producer and Host of The Zest, the NPR-affiliated food podcast produced by WUSF on the University of South Florida campus.

With more than 300 episodes produced, Dalia has helped shape how Florida's food culture is documented through public media. Her work blends journalism, food history, and storytelling, highlighting the chefs, farmers, traditions, and communities that define the state's culinary identity.

In the studio kitchen, Chef Michael Collantes, Michelin-starred chef and owner of Soseki Modern Omakase, prepares two dishes while joining the conversation about the relationship between chefs and media. Collantes previously appeared as a guest on The Zest in 2023, making this episode a full-circle moment as the discussion moves from public radio to the Walk-In Talk studio.

Together, the conversation explores editorial responsibility, the pace of modern food media, and the shared discipline between journalism and professional kitchens.

Because food isn't just content.

It's culture, craft, and the stories that shape the industry.

Be sure to follow our journey to the Ny Restaurant Show as we continue bridging the gap between Food Media in the Food Industry B2B space! We'll be at the Javits Center in NYC from 3/8 - 3/10 at booth 1653!

Public media brings editorial discipline to food storytelling Platforms like NPR prioritize context, credibility, and cultural documentation over trends.

Food journalism helps preserve culinary history Coverage can shape how communities and traditions are remembered.

The relationship between chefs and media is evolving As visibility grows, chefs and storytellers must navigate responsibility and representation.

Standards matter in both kitchens and journalism Whether producing a Michelin-level dish or a public media story, trust is built through consistency and discipline.

Florida's food culture is deeper than headlines Regional voices, traditions, and history play a major role in shaping the state's culinary identity.

Metro Foodservice Solutions Professional kitchen infrastructure trusted by chefs around the world. https://www.metro.com

RAK Porcelain USA Precision-crafted professional tableware designed for high-performance kitchens. https://www.rakporcelain.com

Citrus America Premium citrus products supporting chefs and foodservice professionals across the industry. https://www.citrusamerica.com

Crab Island Seafood Chef-driven seafood products bringing Gulf Coast flavors to restaurants nationwide. https://crabislandseafood.com

Testo North America Industry-leading food safety and measurement technology trusted in professional kitchens. https://www.testo.com/en-US

The Burnt Chef Project Advancing mental health awareness and support within the hospitality industry. https://www.theburntchefproject.com

Operation BBQ Relief Providing hot meals and disaster relief to communities in need across the United States. https://operationbbqrelief.org

Sustainable Supperclub Community-driven dining events supporting food access and nonprofit initiatives. https://sustainablesupperclub.com

Florida Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/florida/

New York Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/new-york/

California Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/california/

Pizza Tomorrow Summit https://www.pizzatomorrow.com/

U.S. Culinary Open at the NAFEM Show https://www.usculinaryopen.com/about

Creative Loafing Tampa Bay Food & Drink coverage and cultural journalism across the Tampa Bay region. https://www.cltampa.com

Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized B2B food and hospitality media company focused on chef-driven storytelling and trade-facing impact.

Founded by Carl Fiadini, Walk-In Talk Media produces podcasts, studio video content, documentary-style storytelling, and live trade-show coverage across the United States. The platform serves chefs, operators, distributors, brands, and industry organizations by documenting the people and systems that shape the foodservice world.

The Walk-In Talk Podcast consistently holds the #1 Food Podcast position on Apple Charts in the U.S. market, has reached millions of downloads, and was a finalist at the People's Choice Podcast Awards. Walk-In Talk Media has also been recognized for its storytelling at the Central Florida Film Festival and Folkestone Film Festival, with projects listed on IMDb.

Walk-In Talk Media is the official podcast and media partner for the New York Restaurant Show, California Restaurant Show, Florida Restaurant Show, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and the U.S. Culinary Open, and works alongside industry publications like Creative Loafing Tampa Bay to elevate chef voices and food culture.

The platform also supports cause-driven organizations including The Burnt Chef Project and Operation BBQ Relief, reinforcing its commitment to the health and sustainability of the hospitality industry.

📩 Partnership & Collaboration Inquiries info@thewalkintalk.com

Food is not content.

It's memory. It's identity. It's standards.

Leigh Wilson, Marketing Director of Creative Loafing in Tampa Bay, grew up in a small Cajun bayou town in South Louisiana where everything happened in the kitchen. The family hunted. They grew their own food. Decisions were made at the table. When you grow up ten minutes from the water, you understand that food is not a trend. It's survival. It's culture. It's truth.

Now she helps shape how an entire region talks about restaurants, chefs, and hospitality. What gets covered. What gets promoted. What earns attention.

In studio, Chef Michael Collantes, one Michelin star, brings a different level of accountability. Precision. Discipline. Standards that don't bend. When you cook at that level, hype doesn't matter. Execution does.

This conversation pulls back the curtain on:

• Cajun roots and kitchen culture • The responsibility of food media • The difference between hype and honesty • The turnover and volatility inside hospitality • What Tampa Bay is getting right • What needs to be better

It also marks the beginning of a deeper collaboration between Creative Loafing and Walk-In Talk Media, aligning editorial reach with documentary-driven storytelling to elevate the people who truly move the industry forward.

This isn't about influencers. It's about standards. It's about substance.

Welcome to the conversation.

RAK Porcelain USA – Professional tableware partner https://www.rakporcelain.com

Metro Foodservice Solutions – Studio workflow and equipment partner https://www.metro.com

Crab Island Seafood https://crabislandseafood.com

Citrus America https://www.citrusamerica.com/

Testo North America https://www.testo.com

The Burnt Chef Project https://www.theburntchefproject.com/

Operation BBQ Relief https://operationbbqrelief.org/

Sustainable Supperclub https://sustainablesupper.org/

Operation Blessing https://www.ob.org/

Endometriosis Foundation of America https://www.endofound.org/

New York Restaurant Show – Official Media Partner https://www.newyorkrestaurantshow.com

Florida Restaurant Show – Official Media Partner https://www.flrestaurantandlodgingshow.com

California Restaurant Show – Official Media Partner https://www.californiarestaurantshow.com

Pizza Tomorrow Summit – Official Media Partner https://www.pizzatomorrow.com

US Culinary Open – Official Media Partner Held in partnership with The NAFEM Show https://www.usculinaryopen.com

Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized food and hospitality media company focused on chef-driven storytelling and B2B industry insight.

Founded by Carl Fiadini, Walk-In Talk Media produces podcasts, studio video content, documentary storytelling, and live trade show coverage across the United States.

The Walk-In Talk Podcast has reached millions of downloads, held the #1 spot in the U.S. Food Podcast category, was a finalist at the People's Choice Podcast Awards, and is officially recognized for its storytelling at the Central Florida Film event and the Folkestone Film Festival. Episodes and projects are also listed on IMDb, reinforcing Walk-In Talk Media's positioning as a broadcast-level media company.

Walk-In Talk Media operates deeply within the professional hospitality ecosystem — connecting chefs, distributors, manufacturers, operators, and trade show networks. The platform highlights not just the plate, but the infrastructure that makes the plate possible.

What sets Walk-In Talk Media apart is access and trust. Industry leaders come to the platform not to promote, but to speak candidly about sourcing, leadership, burnout, culture, distribution, innovation, and purpose.

Through strategic brand partnerships, official trade show media relationships, and cause-driven storytelling, Walk-In Talk Media continues to elevate the voices shaping the future of food.

Because the most powerful stories in food are still human ones.

Most people think the restaurant industry starts in the kitchen.

It doesn't.

It starts with sourcing. With buying decisions. With what shows up at the back door.

This week, Carl sits down with Tony Cuba, Buyer for Halpern's Steak and Seafood in Orlando, alongside Chef Cody Tiner, chef-owner of District South.

Tony brings nearly 21 years of distribution experience to the table. From packing product on the warehouse floor to working in outside sales and eventually stepping into buying, he understands sourcing from both sides of the equation.

Chef Cody Tiner brings 17 years of scratch-kitchen experience, classical training, Southern roots, and a deep commitment to community-driven hospitality. At District South, he leads a young team, breaks down whole fish and steaks in-house, and builds a neighborhood restaurant centered on quality without pretension.

Together, this conversation explores:

• How food actually moves from warehouse to dish • What buyers look for before product hits the floor • Why trust between distributor and chef is everything • How sourcing decisions shape menus more than people realize • What the next generation of chefs needs to understand about supply chain

This is an inside look at the invisible system that supports every great plate.

Because without distribution, there is no industry. And without trust, there is no distribution.

• Distribution is not transactional — it's relational • Great buyers understand kitchen pressure • Scratch kitchens depend heavily on sourcing consistency • Pricing, availability, and quality are constant tension points • Mentorship and next-gen leadership matter at every level of the industry • The supply chain shapes creativity more than most people realize

Tony Cuba Buyer – Halpern's Steak and Seafood, Orlando

Chef Cody Tiner Chef-Owner – District South

RAK Porcelain USA – Professional tableware used in studio https://www.rakporcelain.com

Metro Foodservice Solutions – Workflow and kitchen support partner https://www.metro.com

Crab Island Seafood https://crabislandseafood.com

Sustainable Supperclub https://sustainablesupper.org/

Operation BBQ Relief https://operationbbqrelief.org/

The Burnt Chef Project https://www.theburntchefproject.com/

Citrus America Citrus America: Perfect Juicers for Any Location

Official Media Partner https://www.newyorkrestaurantshow.com/

Official Media Partner https://www.flrestaurantandlodgingshow.com/

Official Media Partner https://www.californiarestaurantshow.com/

Official Media Partner https://www.pizzatomorrow.com/

Official Media Partner Held in partnership with The NAFEM Show https://www.usculinaryopen.com/

Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized food and hospitality media company focused on chef-driven storytelling.

Founded by Carl Fiadini, Walk-In Talk Media produces podcasts, studio video content, documentary storytelling, and live trade show coverage across the U.S.

The Walk-In Talk Podcast has reached millions of downloads, held the #1 spot in the U.S. Food Podcast category, was a finalist at the People's Choice Podcast Awards, and is officially recognized for its storytelling at the Central Florida Film event and the Folkestone Film Festival. Episodes and projects are also listed on IMDb, reinforcing Walk-In Talk Media's positioning as a broadcast-level media company.

This week on the Walk-In Talk Podcast, Chef Ryan Yost joins us in studio after traveling from Western North Carolina to Lakeland for a full production day.

Ryan is a chef-manager with Operation Blessing, an international humanitarian organization providing disaster relief through food, clean water, medical care, and rebuilding efforts. His path has taken him from fine dining kitchens to feeding communities in crisis across the U.S., Jamaica, and Ukraine.

In this episode, we explore what it means to cook for people who need food, not just want it. We talk about discipline under pressure, humility in service, and how chef-level technique still matters, even when you are cooking with limited resources in disaster zones.

Ryan also steps into the studio kitchen to prepare two dishes, bringing the same respect for ingredients and precision he applies in the field. Because for him, whether it is a donated ingredient or a premium protein, it deserves care.

This episode continues Walk-In Talk Media's global storytelling expansion. Recently, Frederic Casagrande conducted his first live fire interview in Dubai with Chef Andrew Dickens, further extending the show's reach into international culinary conversations. From disaster zones to global live-fire stages, the mission remains the same — elevate chefs and the impact they create.

This conversation is about purpose, responsibility, and how chefs can use their craft for something bigger than themselves.

• Cooking in crisis is about restoring dignity, not just providing calories • Excellence in limited conditions sharpens discipline and creativity • Collaboration between relief organizations prevents duplication and increases impact • Respecting ingredients is a mindset, not a budget line item • Chefs have career paths beyond restaurants, including humanitarian work • Leadership in food is ultimately about service

Walk-In Talk Media proudly works alongside brand partners and cause organizations that support chef-driven storytelling and humanitarian impact.

Metro Foodservice Solutions https://www.metro.com

RAK Porcelain USA https://www.rakporcelainusa.com

Crab Island Seafood https://crabislandseafood.com

Citrus America https://citrusamerica.com

The Burnt Chef Project https://www.theburntchefproject.com

Operation BBQ Relief https://www.operationbbqrelief.org

Sustainable Supperclub https://sustainablesupper.org

Operation Blessing https://www.ob.org

Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized food and hospitality media company focused on chef-driven storytelling and B2B industry impact.

Founded by Carl Fiadini, Walk-In Talk Media operates at the intersection of food culture, business, and human experience. The company produces podcasts, studio video content, documentary storytelling, premium photography, and live trade show coverage across the United States.

The Walk-In Talk Podcast has reached millions of downloads, held the #1 spot in the U.S. Food Podcast category, and was a finalist at the People's Choice Podcast Awards. Walk-In Talk Media has also been officially recognized for its storytelling at the Central Florida Film Festival and the Folkestone Film Festival. Projects and episodes are listed on IMDb, reinforcing its positioning as a broadcast-level media company, not just a podcast.

As the official media partner of the New York, California, and Florida Restaurant Shows, the U.S. Culinary Open, and the Pizza Tomorrow Summit, Walk-In Talk Media sits inside the heartbeat of the hospitality industry. Its access spans Michelin-level chefs, James Beard nominees, manufacturers, distributors, nonprofit leaders, and food innovators shaping the future of the business.

Beyond media production, Walk-In Talk Media works alongside brand marketing and sales teams to create consistent, high-quality content ecosystems that support product launches, industry positioning, and long-term brand storytelling. The platform bridges B2B and consumer audiences, delivering authentic visibility without replacing existing marketing infrastructure.

Cause alignment is central to the company's ethos. Walk-In Talk Media partners with organizations such as The Burnt Chef Project, Operation BBQ Relief, and other disaster relief and mental health initiatives to amplify stories that matter beyond the plate.

What sets Walk-In Talk Media apart is trust. Chefs and industry leaders come to the platform not to promote, but to speak honestly about leadership, burnout, recognition, faith, failure, sustainability, and purpose.

In 2026, Walk-In Talk Media continues to expand its reach through documentary projects, international interviews, strategic brand partnerships, and deeper conversations with culinary leaders at every level of the industry.

At its core, Walk-In Talk Media believes the most powerful stories in food are still human ones.

This week on the Walk-In Talk Podcast, we step off solid ground and into one of the most demanding kitchens you can run.

Chef Thomas Parker, Executive Chef with Manthey Hospitality, joins us on location aboard Craft, a fine-dining cocktail and food river cruise operating in Tampa Bay.

Running a restaurant on a moving vessel changes everything. Space is limited. Storage is on land. Service is compressed into a two-hour window. Once the boat leaves the dock, there are no second chances.

Chef Parker breaks down how discipline, preparation, leadership, and trust replace shortcuts, and how cooking at this level requires a different kind of calm under pressure.

We also talk ambition, sustainability, and what it really takes to build Michelin-level consistency in a non-traditional environment.

This episode was filmed on board the ship during a full production day, featuring two dishes prepared for camera and photography.

Cooking on a boat demands absolute organization, there is no room for error

Fine dining doesn't require excess, it requires intention and timing

Leadership looks different when every service is compressed into two hours

Michelin aspirations are about systems, not stars

Constraints can sharpen creativity instead of limiting it

Discipline and trust matter more than equipment or size of kitchen

Metro Foodservice Solutions https://metro.com

RAK Porcelain USA https://rakporcelain.com

Crab Island Seafood https://crabislandseafood.com

Operation BBQ Relief https://operationbbqrelief.org

The Burnt Chef Project https://theburntchefproject.com

Citrus America https://citrusamerica.com

Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized food and hospitality media company focused on chef-driven storytelling. Through podcasts, studio production, documentaries, and live trade-show coverage, Walk-In Talk Media highlights the human side of the food industry, from leadership and burnout to ambition and purpose.

This week on the Walk-In Talk Podcast, we sit down with Kevin Rasberry, a chef whose work often begins when things are already broken.

Kevin is the Director of Culinary and Executive Chef at The Grove at Trelago, and in recent months he's been sent across Florida, Clearwater, Jacksonville, and Tallahassee, stepping into kitchens after chefs quit, teams fractured, or leadership gaps appeared. He's the chef who gets the call when stability and execution matter most.

Joining the conversation in studio is Michael Collantes, chef-owner of one-Michelin-star Soseki and Bib Gourmand recipient Sushi Saint, and now part of the Walk-In Talk Media team. Michael participates in the interview, adding perspective from the Michelin level on leadership, consistency, and long-term sustainability.

In the kitchen, Kevin cooked two standout dishes:

A beautifully executed hanger steak dish, rich, balanced, and precise

A tilefish preparation, clean, restrained, and technique-driven

This episode isn't about accolades or polish. It's about endurance. About forcing growth when comfort sets in. About leading teams, building something of your own, and continuing to learn when motivation runs thin.

No shortcuts. Just the work.

• Leadership often means showing up after others have left • Consistency matters more than recognition • Growth requires intentional discomfort • Building a personal brand while holding a demanding chef role is possible, but not easy • The chefs who last are the ones who keep learning, even when they're tired

Support for Walk-In Talk Media comes from:

🧰 Metro Foodservice Trusted by kitchens that need storage and workflow solutions that perform under pressure 🔗 https://www.metro.com

RAK Porcelain USA Professional-grade tableware and glassware designed for chefs who demand performance and presentation 🔗 https://www.rakporcelain.com

Aussie Select Premium Australian lamb products trusted by chefs for quality and consistency 🔗 https://aussieselect.com

Pass the Honey Single-origin honey and honeycomb celebrating ingredient-first storytelling 🔗 https://passthehoney.com

Crab Island Seafood Chef-driven seafood products built on flavor and integrity 🔗 https://crabislandseafooddip.com

Citrus America Delivering fresh Florida citrus and juice solutions to foodservice professionals nationwide 🔗 https://www.citrusamerica.com

The Burnt Chef Project Providing mental health support and resources for hospitality professionals 🔗 https://www.theburntchefproject.com

Operation BBQ Relief Serving communities in need with hot meals prepared by volunteer pitmasters 🔗 https://operationbbqrelief.org

This week on the Walk-In Talk Podcast, we're on location with Chef Michael Collantes, chef-owner of Soseki, a one-Michelin-star restaurant that has not only earned its star, but held it through consistency, leadership, and discipline. Another restaurant in his group, Sushi Saint, has also been recognized with a Bib Gourmand, highlighting a different but equally demanding standard of excellence.

This conversation goes beyond accolades. We unpack what it really takes to sustain a Michelin star behind the scenes, the pressure that follows recognition, the creative balance between starred and Bib-level restaurants, and how leadership evolves once the spotlight is on.

As listeners already know, Chef Michael has officially joined the Walk-In Talk Media team. In this episode, we begin setting the framework for what that means. Not as a replacement voice, but as an added perspective that strengthens the platform. As a working chef operating at the highest levels, Michael brings credibility, trust, and access that helps open doors to Michelin-level and James Beard–recognized chefs, while staying firmly aligned with Walk-In Talk Media's mission of honest, chef-first storytelling.

This is a candid, grounded conversation about ambition, burnout, consistency, mentorship, and why the work behind the plate matters just as much as what lands on it.

What holding a Michelin star actually demands day to day

The unseen pressure chefs face after recognition, not before it

The difference between Michelin-star standards and Bib Gourmand excellence

How leadership changes once awards enter the picture

Why consistency, not creativity, is often the hardest challenge

How chefs protect their teams from burnout at the highest level

Why chefs trust conversations led by other chefs

How Chef Michael's role with Walk-In Talk Media strengthens future storytelling

What listeners can expect more of from the platform in 2026

Support for Walk-In Talk Media is made possible by the following partners:

Metro Foodservice Solutions Trusted by professional kitchens for storage, workflow, and durability. https://www.metro.com

RAK Porcelain USA Durable, performance-driven tableware and glassware designed for chefs and hospitality professionals. https://www.rakporcelain.com

Aussie Select Premium Australian lamb, fully cooked and chef-trusted for consistency and quality. https://www.aussieselect.com

Crab Island Seafood Dip Chef-driven seafood dips made with real ingredients and bold flavor. https://www.crabislandseafooddip.com

Citrus America Fresh Florida citrus and juice solutions for foodservice nationwide. https://www.citrusamerica.com

The Burnt Chef Project – North America Providing free, confidential mental health support, education, and resources for hospitality professionals. https://www.theburntchefproject.com

Mardi Gras at the Table: King Cake, Culture, and Culinary Legacy

This special Mardi Gras edition of Walk-In Talk steps away from the stove and into tradition.

Rather than a typical cooking session, this episode centers on king cake as cultural ritual, bringing together James Beard winners, Michelin-starred perspective, and one of the most respected food writers covering New Orleans today.

Mr. Johnny Clutch, Pooch Rivera personally drove multiple king cakes from New Orleans to the studio, honoring the idea that some foods deserve to be carried, not shipped. At the table are king cakes from Brennan's Restaurant, gifted by the Brennan family, a James Beard Award–winning king cake from Dong Phuong Bakery, and a collaborative cake from James Beard recipient Neal Bodenheimer, owner of Cure and board chair of Tales of the Cocktail, created with Ayu Bakehouse and baked by Kelly Jacques, Food & Wine's Best New Chef of 2025.

Joining the conversation is writer and author Matt Haines, making his third Mardi Gras-time appearance on the show, helping unpack what Mardi Gras and king cake truly represent beyond spectacle.

Also in studio is one-Michelin-star chef Michael Collantes, who brings a Michelin-level lens to tradition and helps bring a cocktail recipe from Bodenheimer to life.

This episode connects James Beard and Michelin worlds, chefs and writers, ritual and evolution, showing how food culture endures when it's treated with respect.

This isn't about recipes. It's about meaning.

King cake is ritual, not novelty Timing, intention, and origin matter more than trend or distribution.

Tradition doesn't conflict with excellence James Beard and Michelin recognition can coexist with deep cultural respect.

The journey is part of the story Physically transporting food reinforces its value and cultural weight.

Food, drink, and storytelling are inseparable Cocktails, baked goods, and conversation together preserve memory and meaning.

Writers and chefs protect culture in different but complementary ways Both are essential to keeping culinary traditions alive.

Brand Partners

Metro Foodservice Solutions https://www.metro.com

RAK Porcelain USA https://www.rakporcelain.com

Crab Island Seafood Dip https://www.crabislandseafooddip.com

Citrus America https://www.citrusamerica.com

Cause Partners

The Burnt Chef Project (North America) https://www.theburntchefproject.com

Operation BBQ Relief https://operationbbqrelief.org

Hogs for the Cause https://hogsforthecause.org

Walk-In Talk Media kicks off 2026 in-studio with Chef Michael Collantes, chef-owner of Soseki Orlando, a one-Michelin-star restaurant that has earned and retained its star. This conversation goes past accolades and into what it takes to sustain excellence, build teams across multiple concepts, and keep your life intact while doing it. We also introduce a new recurring chapter, Chef Mike officially joins the Walk-In Talk Media family as a recurring collaborator. Later in the episode, you will hear from Frederic Casagrande with The Live Fire Report, expanding WITM coverage of international barbecue and live fire culture.

In-studio cook

Japanese fluke (hirame) breakdown and two mirrored dishes

Kombu-jime cure, crispy potato technique, and a truffle-forward direction

"Mottainai" mindset, using bones and trim instead of wasting

Key topics

What consistency really means when you are being judged in silence

Leadership when you scale from one room to multiple restaurants

Burnout, rebuilding, and the role of faith, family, and identity

Art vs business in hospitality, and why community and storytelling matter

Why pressure can build greatness, but cannot destroy the person

Notable moments

Chef Mike's path from early jobs to Wolfgang Puck to Michelin-level kitchens

Soseki as "foundation", and how standards get set and protected

Why storytelling and community building are now essential for restaurants

Featured segment

Frederic Casagrande introduces The Live Fire Report, a WITM segment focused on global live fire, competition culture, and the people shaping it.

Connect with Chef Mike

Website: MikeCollantes.com

Instagram: @ChefMikeCollantes

TikTok: @ChefFlipMike

Consistency is a system, not a mood. Great once is easy, great every night is leadership and process.

Scaling demands trust. The bigger the operation, the less "hands-on control" matters, and the more people and standards matter.

Burnout is real, and rebuilding is possible. The conversation highlights how identity, faith, and family can reframe success.

Storytelling is a competitive advantage. Food can be incredible, but community and meaning are what keep people coming back.

Pressure can build diamonds, but health is non-negotiable. Excellence is the goal, self-destruction is not.

Metro Foodservice Solutions https://www.metro.com

RAK Porcelain USA https://www.rakporcelain.com

Aussie Select https://aussieselect.com

Crab Island Seafood Company https://crabislandseafooddip.com

Pass the Honey https://freshhoneycomb.com

Citrus America https://citrusamerica.com

The Burnt Chef Project https://www.theburntchefproject.com

Operation BBQ Relief https://operationbbqrelief.org

Hogs for the Cause https://hogsforthecause.org

Sustainable Supperclub https://www.sustainablesupperclub.org

Restaurant Events LLC https://www.restaurantevents.com

U.S. Culinary Open https://www.usculinaryopen.com

Belonging is not something you arrive at. It is something you build.

In this episode of Walk-In Talk Media, Carl Fiadini sits down in studio with Marina Baronas, hospitality leader and author of A New Life, A New Menu: An Almanac of Belonging. Raised across Lithuania, Russia, and Azerbaijan, Marina came to the United States at nineteen without speaking English and built a life through the unseen work of hospitality. Her journey moves through kitchens, dining rooms, leadership, motherhood, burnout, and reinvention, offering an honest look at service as lived experience, not performance.

Joining the conversation is Chef Carl Riding, who came up through hotels and kitchens before stepping away from the line to build Crab Island Seafood, a small, independent, chef-driven company producing elevated crab dips. Together, they explore dignity in invisible labor, identity beyond titles, redefining success without leaving hospitality, and why this industry continues to feel like home even after it takes its toll.

This episode is for anyone who has carried their roots across borders, worked until they were unseen, or searched for belonging inside the hospitality industry.

Immigration, identity, and finding belonging through hospitality

The emotional cost of invisible labor and long-term burnout

Front of house and back of house perspectives shaped by hotels and kitchens

Redefining success without walking away from the industry

Why hospitality continues to feel like home, even after reinvention

Crab Island Seafood https://www.crabislandseafooddip.com

Metro Foodservice Solutions https://www.metro.com

RAK Porcelain USA https://www.rakporcelain.com/usa

Pass the Honey https://www.passthehoney.com

New York Restaurant Show https://www.nyrestaurantshow.com

California Restaurant Show https://www.californiarestaurantshow.com

Florida Restaurant Show https://www.flrestaurantshow.com

Pizza Tomorrow Summit https://www.pizzatomorrow.com

U.S. Culinary Open (NAFEM Show) https://www.usculinaryopen.com

The Burnt Chef Project https://www.theburntchefproject.com

Operation BBQ Relief https://operationbbqrelief.org

Hogs for the Cause https://hogsforthecause.org

Sustainable Supperclub https://www.sustainablesupperclub.org

In this episode of the Walk-In Talk Podcast, Carl sits down with Chef Massimo Orlando and Jack Ross for a powerful conversation about Italian heritage, food culture, and the stories that shape who we are. Chef Massimo Orlando shares his journey from growing up in Italy and learning to cook in his grandmother's kitchen to working professionally at a young age in the kitchens around Lake Como. His path took him across the ocean to Miami Beach and eventually to California, where he built a life, a career, and a community. Massimo opens up about mentorship, immigration, the impact of the pandemic, rebuilding after loss, and how mental health and therapy changed his leadership and outlook on life. He also discusses his role with A.P.C.I. North America and the mission to protect and promote real Italian food and culture in the United States and Canada. Joining the episode in the studio is Jack Ross, the creator of YO! Meatball. Jack is a home cook whose Sicilian family recipes are rooted in tradition, comfort, and the Sunday table. While cooking his signature meatballs live, Jack shares how family food traditions became a way to connect with community and preserve heritage outside of the professional kitchen. This episode explores two different paths connected by one common thread. Food as memory, identity, resilience, and connection. Brand & Industry Partners

• Metro https://www.metro.com

• RAK Porcelain USA https://www.rakporcelain.com/usa

• Pass the Honey https://www.passthehoney.com

• Aussie Select https://www.aussieselect.com

• Ibis Images Studio https://www.ibisimages.com

• New York Restaurant Show https://www.nyrestaurantshow.com

• California Restaurant Show https://www.californiarestaurantshow.com

• Florida Restaurant Show https://www.floridarestaurantshow.com

• Pizza Tomorrow Summit https://www.pizzatomorrowsummit.com

• U.S. Culinary Open at NAFEM Show https://www.usculinaryopen.org

• The Burnt Chef Project (Mental health advocacy in hospitality) https://www.theburntchefproject.com

• Operation BBQ Relief https://operationbbqrelief.org

• Hogs for the Cause https://hogsforthecause.org

• Sustainable Supperclub https://www.sustainablesupperclub.com

In this episode, Carl sits down with Stan Hays, co founder and CEO of Operation BBQ Relief, to talk about what it really looks like to feed people on the worst day of their lives. From the recent deployment to Jamaica after a massive hurricane to the emotional weight of serving their thirteen millionth meal, Stan shares the stories behind the numbers, including the moment a simple pulled pork sandwich became a symbol of love, humanity and hope.

Joining the conversation in studio is champion pitmaster Tillman Lee Nelson III of Tillmans BBQ. Tillman rolls in with award winning brisket, his Perfect 200 rub and honest talk about the grind of the competition circuit, marriage on the road, barbecue family and why he still watches every face in the room when people take that first bite. Together, Stan and Tillman dig into why barbecue has such a deep emotional pull, how the barbecue community shows up for each other, and what it means to use food as a vehicle for comfort, connection and service.

Key takeaways:

• What it takes for Operation BBQ Relief to activate in places like Jamaica and why safety, dignity and cultural respect matter as much as the food.

• How a pulled pork sandwich, a parking lot and one stranger's gratitude helped Stan find his "why" and changed how he sees the work forever.

• Why competitive barbecue is a family sport for Tillman, how his wife Amy became the real secret weapon, and why the barbecue community feels like a second family.

• Simple ways listeners can get involved, from volunteering with OBR at OBR.org to supporting the people doing the cooking in their own communities.

About Walk-In Talk Podcast and Walk In Talk Media:

Mentioned in this episode:

Aussie Select - Fully cooked, premium Australian lamb

Fully cooked, premium Australian lamb—ready to serve and packed with clean flavor.

RAK Porcelain USA -Tableware

We use RAK for all in-studio tableware—clean, durable, and designed for chefs.

Takeaways:

Mentioned in this episode:

Metro Foodservice Solutions

Kitchen and back-of-house systems for better flow and function.

Aussie Select - Fully cooked, premium Australian lamb

Fully cooked, premium Australian lamb—ready to serve and packed with clean flavor.

Chef Ciji Castro imparts invaluable insights into the art of transforming humble ingredients into delectable comfort food, emphasizing the critical need for resourcefulness in the face of escalating food insecurity. Throughout our dialogue, she shares her expertise in crafting a traditional puerco guisado, a slow-cooked pork stew, while ingeniously demonstrating how to stretch this dish to nourish a family of five for under ten dollars. Furthermore, Chef Castro elucidates the significance of culinary traditions, not merely as recipes but as vessels of resilience and community connection, inviting listeners to engage with their own familial narratives through food. She also provides practical tips on reducing kitchen waste, showcasing the importance of creativity in meal preparation. Our conversation ultimately serves as a poignant reminder of the power of food to unite and uplift individuals during challenging times, as well as the importance of seeking assistance without stigma.

Takeaways:

Mentioned in this episode:

Aussie Select - Fully cooked, premium Australian lamb

Fully cooked, premium Australian lamb—ready to serve and packed with clean flavor.

In this very powerful episode of the Walk-In Talk Podcast, host Carl Fiadini sits down with Chef Janine Pezarro and Chef Brett Wright to explore what resilience truly looks like behind the kitchen doors.

Janine opens up for the first time about the murder of her family, the trauma that followed, and how she transformed that pain into purpose — from Michelin-level pastry kitchens to the founding of The Warrior's Path, a course helping men reconnect with courage and emotional strength.

Brett shares his own transformation — escaping gang life, finding salvation in cooking, and building Bib Gourmand recipient, Palm Beach Meats, and the only Kobe-certified operations in the U.S. into a budget friendly experience. His leadership philosophy centers on empathy, equality, and giving his team the opportunities he never had.

It's raw, vulnerable, and inspiring — proof that food can be the bridge between survival and strength.

🎙️ Featuring:

• Chef Janine Pezarro — Founder, The Warrior's Course

• Chef Brett Wright — Executive Chef / Owner, Palm Beach Meats

• Hosted by Carl Fiadini, Walk-In Talk Media

Takeaways:

This podcast episode features two distinguished guests, Vnay Bedi of Cox's Seafood and Chef Mohamad ElBanna from The Birria Bros, who share their culinary insights and experiences. The central theme revolves around the resilience and dedication required in the seafood industry, particularly following the adversities faced during the recent hurricanes that impacted supply chains. Vnay articulates the commitment of Cox's Seafood to quality and sustainability, emphasizing their chemical-free practices and full traceability in sourcing Gulf shrimp. In tandem, Chef Mohamad presents two exquisite dishes: Aleppo Butter Shrimp with Toum Lime Crema and Smoked Pineapple Relish, alongside Pomegranate Glazed Lamb Loin with Whipped Feta and Charred Corn Esquites, showcasing the harmonious fusion of flavors that stem from integrity and passion in culinary arts. Together, they illuminate the profound connection between sourcing quality ingredients and the artistry of cooking, underscoring how these elements coalesce to create exceptional gastronomic experiences.

Engaging with the culinary arts often reveals profound narratives that intertwine personal passion with the intricate workings of the food industry. Vnay Bedi, of Cox's Seafood, exemplifies this connection through his commitment to providing high-quality Gulf seafood. This episode invites listeners into the tumultuous journey of rebuilding after the devastation wrought by hurricanes on the Gulf Coast. Bedi discusses the resilience required to maintain a standard of excellence in the face of adversity, emphasizing the transparency and traceability of their products. Chef Mohamad ElBanna, from The Birria Bros, complements this narrative by transforming these premium ingredients into exquisite dishes that showcase the depth of flavor inherent in Gulf shrimp and Aussie Select lamb. The episode serves as a reminder that the stories behind our food are as significant as the meals themselves, highlighting the essential role of integrity in both sourcing and culinary creation.

Takeaways:

The conversation today centers around the culinary journey of Chef Andy Nassar from Keel Farm, as he shares his insights on the art of cooking, mentorship, and the evolution of the restaurant industry. A particular highlight of our discussion is Chef Nassar's creative approach to traditional dishes, exemplified by his innovative take on bibimbap, which harmoniously blends Korean flavors with Southern barbecue influences. Additionally, we delve into the intricacies of another dish, moqueca, as he reflects on the cultural influences that shape his culinary style. Chef Nassar emphasizes the importance of passion and authenticity in cooking, advocating for a balance between creativity and the fundamental essence of food. Join us as we explore the passion that drives Chef Nassar and the future of dining at Keel Farm.

Takeaways:

Chef Abhi Sukul, the esteemed owner of Lajawab Indian Cuisine, embodies the essence of culinary dedication, having transformed his passion for cooking into a thriving endeavor in St. Petersburg, Florida. Born in Kolkata, a city renowned for its vibrant food culture, Chef Abhi's culinary journey began in his mother's kitchen, where he learned that cooking is an art requiring both patience and passion. In this enlightening discourse, we delve into his remarkable odyssey, from navigating the global hospitality landscape with Marriott to overcoming the adversities posed by the pandemic, which initially threatened to derail his ambitions. Chef Abhi's unwavering spirit led him to rebuild, ultimately establishing Lajawab, where he meticulously crafts dishes that not only reflect the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine but also aim to evoke joy in every guest. Join us as we explore the intersection of tradition and innovation through the lens of a chef who ardently believes that every dish should leave a lasting impression, not merely of satisfaction but of sheer delight.

Lajawab - Authentic Indian Cuisine

Lajawab Indian Cuisine (@lajawab4u) • Instagram photos and videos

Takeaways:

🎙️ About Walk-In Talk Media

Walk-In Talk Media (WITM) is the official media partner of the NY, CA, and FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open at NAFEM, telling the real stories behind the food industry through chef-driven podcasts and cinematic content.

WITM proudly supports The Burnt Chef Project, Operation BBQ Relief, and Hogs for the Cause, using media to drive mental-health awareness and community impact.

Partners include RAK Porcelain USA, Metro Foodservice Solutions, Crab Island Seafood, Pass the Honey, and Aussie Select.

📩 Learn more at walkintalkmedia.com or follow along on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Mentioned in this episode:

Aussie Select - Fully cooked, premium Australian lamb

Fully cooked, premium Australian lamb—ready to serve and packed with clean flavor.

This podcast episode delves into the profound concept of purpose-driven food, as exemplified by our esteemed guests, Chef David Reyes and Jennifer Weinberg. We explore the intricate relationship between culinary artistry and sustainability, highlighting Jennifer's initiative, the Sustainable Supper Club, which aims to combat food waste through innovative dining experiences. Chef Reyes contributes his expertise by crafting two exceptional dishes that not only showcase his culinary creativity but also reflect his commitment to sustainable practices. Additionally, we engage in a discussion regarding the intersection of hospitality and intention, underscoring how food can serve as a catalyst for meaningful change within our communities. Join us as we illuminate the vital narratives that emerge when gastronomy is approached with a conscientious mindset.

Takeaways:

Companies mentioned in this episode:

Mental health and work-life balance in the kitchen are of paramount importance within the hospitality industry, and this discussion is poignantly highlighted by our distinguished guests, Chef Ben Goldman and Tom Mitchell from The Burnt Chef Project. Chef Goldman, with his extensive experience across high-volume restaurants and advocacy work, illuminates the pressing need for healthier environments in culinary spaces. Tom Mitchell further expands on this critical dialogue, sharing insights into the mission of The Burnt Chef Project, which aims to foster awareness and provide resources for mental wellness within the sector. The episode delves into the transformative power of community and support systems, encouraging those in the industry to seek help and connect with peers. Listeners can expect an engaging exploration of the challenges faced by culinary professionals and the steps being taken to cultivate a more supportive and sustainable workplace culture.

In this enlightening episode of the Walk-In Talk Podcast, the spotlight is cast upon the vital yet often neglected discourse surrounding mental health and work-life balance within the culinary profession. Featuring Chef Ben Goldman, a culinary expert with a trajectory spanning various esteemed kitchens, and Tom Mitchell from the Burnt Chef Project, this episode serves as a compelling exploration of the challenges faced by culinary professionals. Goldman shares his personal narrative, revealing the intense pressures and emotional toll that come with working in high-stakes restaurant environments. He articulates a profound need for a cultural shift in the industry, advocating for increased mental health awareness and support systems to assist chefs in navigating their demanding careers.

Mitchell complements Goldman's insights by elaborating on the mission of the Burnt Chef Project, which seeks to establish sustainable kitchens that prioritize mental well-being. He discusses the organization's initiatives aimed at fostering healthier work environments and dispelling the stigma associated with mental health issues. This dialogue underscores the importance of community and shared experiences as pivotal elements in addressing the mental health crisis affecting the hospitality sector. The episode also features a live segment from the California Restaurant Show, highlighting the evolving expectations of guests and the necessity of delivering not just exceptional food, but also profound hospitality experiences.

As the conversation unfolds, listeners are presented with actionable advice and resources to help cultivate a supportive and balanced professional life. The episode serves as a clarion call to the culinary community, urging individuals to seek help, engage in open dialogues, and contribute to a culture that values mental health as an integral component of success in the culinary arts. Through their candid discussions, Goldman and Mitchell illuminate the path towards a brighter, more supportive future for the hospitality industry.

Takeaways:

Mentioned in this episode:

RAK Porcelain USA -Tableware

We use RAK for all in-studio tableware—clean, durable, and designed for chefs.

Ciji Castro, the founder of Domestic Gourmet, joins us on the Walk-In Talk Podcast to explore the profound significance of culinary heritage and its impact on contemporary cuisine. This episode centers around her exquisite dish, Bistec Empanizado, which embodies not only the flavors of her cultural roots but also the essence of family legacy and connection. Ciji passionately discusses her mission to preserve Latin food traditions and share them with a broader audience, emphasizing the importance of family recipes passed down through generations. She elaborates on the creative fusion of flavors she employs, including a unique Cuban-Chinese twist, which further exemplifies the rich tapestry of cultural influences in her cooking. Our conversation delves into the role of food as a bridge between tradition and modernity, demonstrating how culinary practices can unite diverse communities and foster a deeper understanding of heritage.

Thanks to Crab Island Seafood and Del Encanto Foods for supplying and supporting our show!

Link to our article from Executive Tradeshow Magazine:

Podcast Generating Buzz for Restaurant Events' Shows

Takeaways:

Crab Island Seafood Company | Seafood Spreads

Del Encanto Foods

Chef Paul Gaskins joins us today to delve into the pressing issue of rising food costs and their implications for both the culinary industry and consumers. As we explore the intricacies of ingredient pricing, it becomes evident that these financial dynamics not only influence how restaurants curate their menus but also significantly affect the dining experiences of patrons. Chef Paul, from the Inn at Celebration, shares his culinary expertise by preparing exquisite dishes such as seared scallops paired with passion fruit leche de tigre and a crab and kimchi fried rice enhanced with saffron aioli. Through our discussion, we aim to illuminate the broader context of food value in today's economy, examining how these escalating costs shape our perceptions of quality and affordability in the dining landscape. Join us as we navigate the intersection of culinary artistry and economic reality, providing insights that resonate with chefs and diners alike.

In this thought-provoking episode of the Walk-In Talk Podcast, Chef Paul Gaskins engages in a comprehensive discussion about the intricacies of the culinary industry amidst rising food prices. With his trademark culinary flair, he prepares two delectable dishes, utilizing ingredients that are both accessible and innovative. The conversation delves into the vital themes of sustainability and the shifting perceptions of value in dining experiences. Chef Paul articulates the delicate balance between maintaining quality and ensuring affordability for guests, while also addressing the need for chefs to be resourceful and creative in their approach to menu development. As he shares his culinary philosophy, listeners are invited to reflect on the broader implications of food sourcing and the artistry involved in transforming humble ingredients into exceptional dishes. This episode is a compelling exploration of the intersection between culinary excellence and economic realities, offering valuable insights for anyone passionate about the world of food.

Takeaways:

The central theme of today's podcast revolves around the intricate journey of Aussie Beef and Lamb, as we delve into the multifaceted perspectives of our distinguished guests, Sabina Kindler and Chef Thomas Mandzik. Sabina, whose extensive experience traverses the realms of agriculture, livestock genetics, and marketing, provides a profound narrative that encapsulates the sustainability, flavor, and passion inherent in Australia's revered red meat industry. Together with Chef Thomas, we explore the culinary applications of these premium products, highlighting their unique qualities that set them apart on global menus. Our discussion offers insights into the collaborative relationship between chefs and farmers, emphasizing the importance of provenance and quality in the culinary landscape. As we navigate through this episode, we invite our listeners to appreciate the depth and richness behind each bite of Aussie Beef and Lamb, fostering a greater understanding of their role in both gastronomy and sustainable agriculture.

The Walk-In Talk podcast presents a compelling discussion centered on the nuances of Aussie Beef and Lamb, featuring the esteemed Sabina Kindler, whose rich background in agriculture offers a unique perspective on the industry. Growing up on her family's apple orchard in the Blue Mountains, Sabina's formative experiences laid the groundwork for her transition into the cattle sector. Her narrative unfolds as she shares her journey through various roles in livestock genetics and marketing, culminating in her current position representing Aussie Beef and Lamb in the United States. Sabina passionately articulates the significance of sustainability and quality in the meat industry, shedding light on how Australian producers maintain their reputation for excellence.

Chef Thomas Mandzik, the executive chef at the Tampa Club, provides an engaging culinary counterpoint to the discussion, preparing two exquisite dishes that exemplify the versatility and flavor of Australian meats. His insights into the culinary process illuminate the relationship between chefs and producers, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that drives innovation in the kitchen. The episode also addresses the critical factors that distinguish Aussie Beef and Lamb on the global stage, including their stringent grading systems and the emphasis on environmental sustainability.

This episode is a treasure trove of information for food enthusiasts and industry professionals alike, weaving together personal stories, culinary artistry, and agricultural insights. It serves as an invitation to explore the intricate connections between food, culture, and sustainability, reinforcing the idea that the act of dining is a shared experience rooted in tradition and innovation. Through this dialogue, listeners are encouraged to appreciate not only the flavors on their plates but also the rich narratives that accompany them.

Takeaways:

Rona Bachour, the talented artist and baker behind Rona's Cookies, joins us to share her remarkable journey from a traditional upbringing in Lebanon and Puerto Rico to becoming a celebrated entrepreneur in the culinary world. With the onset of Covid, baking transformed from a mere familial pastime into a profound therapeutic outlet and a thriving business, earning accolades such as Best of Florida desserts for two consecutive years. Rona's creations—ranging from exquisitely decorated sugar cookies to her innovative baklava—reflect a fusion of cultural influences and personal resilience, showcasing how food transcends mere sustenance to embody connection and strength. As she navigates the intricacies of running a business, Rona emphasizes the significance of family, particularly her daughter, in shaping her culinary legacy. Join us as we delve into Rona's inspiring narrative, illustrating the deeper meanings embedded within her delectable offerings.

Rona Bachour, the visionary behind Rona's Cookies, exemplifies the profound connection between culinary artistry and personal resilience in a narrative that transcends mere baking. Her journey, rooted in a multicultural upbringing straddling Lebanon and Puerto Rico, is an exploration of how food can serve as both a medium for expression and a source of solace. It was during the pandemic, amid the challenges of managing her full-time career in health insurance and grappling with mental health struggles, that Rona discovered the therapeutic power of baking. What began as a simple hobby, propelled by her participation in cookie decorating classes, rapidly evolved into a thriving business that garnered accolades, including the coveted Best of Florida desserts award for two consecutive years. Rona's Cookies is not merely a business; it is a tapestry woven from the threads of tradition, creativity, and familial love, where each cookie is a testament to the joy of gathering and connection.

In our conversation, Rona shares her philosophy that baking transcends its components—sugar, flour, and butter—elevating it to an art form that celebrates heritage and culture. Her creations, which include intricately decorated sugar cookies, gourmet drop cookies, and innovative baklava, reflect a harmonious blend of her Lebanese and Puerto Rican influences, resulting in flavors that are both familiar and novel. Rona's story serves as an inspiration, illustrating how personal challenges can lead to the discovery of one's true calling, and how food can foster connections that bridge cultural divides. As she continues to expand her business, Rona envisions a future where she can not only delight palates but also offer a glimpse into her heritage, providing customers with an experience that is rich in flavor and history.

Takeaways:

Chef Lee Aquino embodies a remarkable fusion of culinary expertise and dynamic leadership, overseeing seven distinct dining concepts in the vibrant St. Petersburg area. In this conversation, we delve into his journey from humble beginnings at Shoney's to becoming a pivotal figure in the culinary scene, where he balances artistic expression with the pragmatic demands of restaurant management. Throughout the episode, we explore the intricate relationship between creativity and consistency in the kitchen, as Chef Aquino emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with talented individuals who contribute unique perspectives. He shares invaluable insights on mentorship, the evolution of culinary styles, and the significance of cultivating a culture that prioritizes trust and collaboration among kitchen teams. As we engage with Chef Aquino, his relentless passion for the culinary arts and commitment to excellence become evident, offering inspiration not only to aspiring chefs but to all who navigate the complexities of the food industry.

Chef Lee Aquino's culinary journey is a testament to the intricate relationship between passion and profession. From his humble beginnings at Shoney's on Amelia Island, where he mastered the art of cooking eggs to order, to becoming a pivotal figure in the vibrant dining scene of downtown St. Petersburg, Chef Aquino exhibits an unwavering commitment to his craft. His culinary philosophy is rooted in a harmonious blend of rustic French techniques and contemporary flavors, allowing him to cultivate an innovative dining experience across seven distinct restaurant concepts. Each establishment carries its unique identity, yet all resonate with Chef Aquino's signature touch. His dedication to fostering a vibrant kitchen culture and building trust among his team exemplifies the leadership qualities necessary for success in the culinary industry. As he shares anecdotes from his formative years, listeners gain insight into the resilience required to thrive in a demanding and ever-evolving landscape. Ultimately, Chef Aquino's narrative serves as an inspiration for aspiring chefs and culinary enthusiasts alike, encouraging them to embrace their individuality while contributing to the larger culinary tapestry.

In the latest episode of the Walk and Talk podcast, Chef Lee Aquino elaborates on the multifaceted nature of his work as a culinary director overseeing multiple restaurant concepts. He discusses the importance of finding the right individuals to lead each kitchen, emphasizing that successful teamwork is essential in creating unique dining experiences that cater to diverse palates. Chef Aquino's culinary creations, such as the lobster French toast and the pastrami-spiced lamb tenderloin, reflect his innovative approach to cuisine, highlighting the significance of balancing tradition with modern culinary trends. Throughout the conversation, he reflects on the invaluable lessons learned from working in high-pressure environments, underscoring the necessity of adaptability and creativity in the kitchen. The episode delves into the challenges faced by chefs in today's fast-paced culinary world, shedding light on the importance of mentorship and guidance for the next generation of culinary professionals. Chef Aquino's insights resonate deeply with listeners, offering a glimpse into the heart of a chef who not only creates exceptional dishes but also nurtures a thriving culinary community.

As the episode unfolds, listeners are treated to an exploration of Chef Lee Aquino's culinary ethos, which emphasizes the significance of building relationships within the kitchen and understanding the nuances of flavor development. He candidly shares his experiences of managing chaos, whether it be from unexpected kitchen challenges or the pressures of high-profile culinary events. Chef Aquino's perspective on leadership revolves around trust and collaboration, illustrating how effective communication fosters a positive and productive kitchen environment. The dialogue also touches on the evolving landscape of the culinary industry, including the influence of social media and evolving consumer preferences. Chef Aquino reflects on the importance of staying grounded in one's culinary identity while remaining open to innovation and change. This episode serves not only as a celebration of Chef Aquino's achievements but also as a call to action for aspiring chefs to embrace their creativity while honoring the rich traditions of culinary craftsmanship. rxS7kO9yMdDLs04DO3P6

The salient point of this podcast episode centers on Chef Ricardo Castro's unwavering dedication to his craft as he navigates the culinary landscape. Ricardo, a classically trained chef with Puerto Rican roots, exemplifies the spirit of resilience and creativity, as he shares insights into his journey and the innovative techniques that define his approach to baking. In this conversation, we delve into the intricacies of laminated dough, exploring the transformative potential of croissants and cinnamon buns, which he reimagines with exceptional artistry. Ricardo's commitment to quality, devoid of shortcuts, underscores the heart and soul he infuses into every creation at Chef and the Baker, a beloved establishment within the Tampa food scene. Through his narrative, we witness the trials and triumphs that shape not only his professional life but also his personal ethos as a creator and a leader in the culinary world.

Takeaways:

This podcast episode features a compelling dialogue that underscores the significance of innovation and partnership within the culinary industry, particularly through the insights of Ryan Giffin, a prominent figure in Florida's commercial kitchen sector. Fresh from a notable acquisition, Giffin is dedicated to facilitating access to high-quality equipment for food service operators, thereby enhancing operational efficiency in their establishments. Additionally, we are privileged to engage with Chef Thomas Mandzik, whose extensive culinary expertise enriches the conversation as he prepares two exquisite dishes, all while sharing his insights on leadership and the delicate balance between artistry and accountability in the kitchen. This episode serves not only as a celebration of culinary excellence but also as a testament to the collaborative spirit that drives the food industry forward. Join us as we delve into the intersection of culinary artistry, business acumen, and community support, reflecting on the essence of service in the hospitality sphere. Plus Operation BBQ Relief co-founder, Stan Hays.

Takeaways:

The focal point of today's discussion centers on the concept of authentic food and the individuals who contribute to its creation, specifically highlighting the innovative approach of Douglas Raggio, the founder of Pass the Honey. Raggio is dedicated to transforming the honey industry by promoting clarity and sustainability, addressing the confusion surrounding sourcing and quality that has pervaded this market for years. Accompanying him is Chef Josh Bernstein, a Florida-based culinary artist whose childhood experiences fishing with his father have profoundly shaped his culinary philosophy. In this episode, Chef Josh prepares two exquisite dishes, one featuring Pass the Honey honeycomb and the other utilizing premium Aussie Select lamb, all while sharing anecdotes that emphasize the importance of sourcing and storytelling in the culinary world. Ultimately, this conversation serves as a testament to the intricate connections between food, its origins, and the passionate individuals who elevate it beyond mere sustenance.

Takeaways:

Companies mentioned in this episode:

What does it take to raise Florida's best oyster and earn a Michelin Guide recommendation—all while surviving hurricanes, red tide, and TikTok critics? On this episode of The Walk-In Talk Podcast, host Carl Fiadini is joined by Reed Smith, founder of Calusa Oyster Co., and Chef Jon Walker, co-owner of Tides Market in Safety Harbor.

Reed dives deep into the science, sustainability, and politics of oyster farming in the crystal-clear waters of Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve—sharing how Calusa oysters became a chef favorite and why he's pushing for statewide change through aquaculture policy reform. Chef Jon brings it all to the plate, discussing seasonal dishes, Gulf seafood pride, and what a Michelin nod means to a small, chef-driven market with big heart.

From sandbar dinners to shark sightings, oyster tumblers to culinary teamwork—this episode is a salty, smart, and soulful celebration of Florida's food future.

Mentioned in this episode:

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The essence of this podcast episode revolves around the exploration of American culinary identity, particularly in the context of Independence Day. We engage with WITM personality, Pooch Rivera, and Chef Thomas Parker, who showcases two distinct summer dishes, reflecting the diversity of American flavors. This dialogue extends to the broader query of what constitutes American food, as we traverse from fine dining experiences to festival fare, encapsulating the rich tapestry of cultural influences that define our culinary landscape. Additionally, we are joined by Jillian Chiles from Florida Farm Finder, who provides valuable insights into current agricultural developments. This episode serves as a reminder that food is not merely sustenance, but a profound narrative interwoven with our collective identity and heritage.

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What happens when passion collides with profession? When the daily grind transforms into something you genuinely love doing? This episode answers those questions through the compelling stories of two food industry veterans who took dramatically different paths to find their calling.

Meet Danny Saccullo – a journalism major who started washing dishes in Tallahassee to pay rent and eventually worked his way through hotels, hospitals, and banquets before opening his own deli. With Cuban and Italian heritage influencing his menu, Danny shares the unexpected journey that led him to create some of Tampa's most beloved sandwiches, including a controversial take on the Cuban that even this Miami native had to admit was superior. His reflection on self-reliance and the transition from corporate kitchens to entrepreneurship offers valuable insights for anyone considering a career pivot.

Alongside him sits Lucas Peters, bar manager at Propagation Whiskey Bar and Kitchen, whose passion for mixology shines through in every pour. From his flaming "Kentucky Burner" bourbon cocktail to his tequila-based "Loco Luca," Lucas breaks down the art and science behind crafting memorable drinking experiences.

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast

Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners:

RAK Porcelain USA

Metro Foodservice

SupraCut Systems

Aussie Select

Crab Island Seafood

Pass the Honey

The Burnt Chef Project

Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

Ever wonder what happens when French culinary techniques meet Caribbean flavors in a small Florida town? Chef Elijah Rock is answering that question at Bricks (B-R-I-X) in Port Richey, where he's crafting accessible fine dining while embracing first-time fatherhood.

The journey from Vermont to Florida's Gulf Coast has been transformative for Chef Rock, who brings a strong French foundation to his new coastal home. His standout dishes—sugar-brined pork chops with house-made Caribbean sauce and U10 scallops with smoked tomato emulsion and creamed corn—showcase his talent for elevating familiar ingredients through technique without intimidating price points.

What sets Chef Rock apart is his commitment to reshaping kitchen culture. Rejecting the hostile environments that once defined the industry, he's building a space where creativity thrives through respect and collaboration. This approach also guides his parenting, as he and his wife (who serves and tends bar at Bricks) build a balanced family life around their shared love for hospitality.

Chef Rock's vision goes beyond Port Richey—he's eager to bring Tampa to Bricks through collab dinners and food festivals. His goal isn't just success—it's creating something his daughter will be proud of.

Follow Chef Elijah Rock on Instagram @chefelijah.rock and visit Bricks in Port Richey, where high-end ingredients meet neighborhood prices in a dining experience redefining coastal Florida cuisine.

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast

Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners:

RAK Porcelain USA

Metro Foodservice

SupraCut Systems

Aussie Select

Crab Island Seafood

Pass the Honey

The Burnt Chef Project

Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

In this powerful episode of the Walk-In Talk Podcast, Carl Fiadini is joined by two dynamic women reshaping the hospitality industry from the inside out.

Colleen Silk, founder of Hospitality Bites Media and North American Director of The Burnt Chef Project, opens up about mental health, motherhood, and how storytelling became her path to healing and advocacy. Plus—breaking news—Hospitality Bites is now officially part of the Walk-In Talk Media family!

Also in studio, Chef Ciji Castro of Domestic Gourmet brings the flavor and the feels with dishes rooted in her Puerto Rican and Cuban-American heritage—including a modern take on the classic Elena Ruz and ancestral pasteles.

Together, they unpack industry burnout, postpartum struggles, invisible illness, and how empathy, media, and honest conversation are changing the game.

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast

Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners:

RAK Porcelain USA

Metro Foodservice

SupraCut Systems

Aussie Select

Crab Island Seafood

Pass the Honey

The Burnt Chef Project

Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

The heart of the culinary industry isn't found in offices or award ceremonies – it's at the stove. Chef Brent Weathers proves this with every dish he creates and every truth bomb he drops in this refreshingly honest conversation about what really happens behind kitchen doors.

Unlike many of his contemporaries who chase titles and management roles, Brent deliberately chose a different path. By remaining "titleless," he gained something far more valuable: direct mentorship from renowned chefs, opportunities to travel for pop-ups and restaurant openings, and the freedom to focus purely on craft. "I'm literally living my dream," Brent shares, explaining how his happiness comes from cooking rather than administrative duties.

Through his social media series "Brentflix" and "Massaclass," Brent exposes the dysfunction that plagues professional kitchens – from improper food storage to careless handling practices. His unflinching documentation serves a crucial purpose: showing aspiring chefs the unvarnished reality of an industry often glamorized by television.

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast

Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners:

RAK Porcelain USA

Metro Foodservice

SupraCut Systems

Aussie Select

Crab Island Seafood

Pass the Honey

The Burnt Chef Project

Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

How do you blend passion and business in the food industry? Paul Pedrow has mastered this combination through his remarkable journey from a high school pizza shop employee to a key executive at Restaurant Events LLC, where he now leads major industry trade show

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast

Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners:

RAK Porcelain USA

Metro Foodservice

SupraCut Systems

Aussie Select

Crab Island Seafood

Pass the Honey

The Burnt Chef Project

Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

Dawn breaks over Tampa's shrimp docks as Chef Thomas Parker begins a culinary odyssey that will fundamentally transform how he approaches his craft. This powerful journey, captured in Walk- In Talk Media's debut mini-documentary, takes us beyond the polished restaurant plates to the weathered hands that first touch our food.

At the docks, we meet shrimper, "Morris Gump", a character straight from central casting whose stories of 45-day fishing expeditions yielding just $1,300 reveal the harsh realities behind commercial fishing. "Can you imagine what kind of turmoil you go through internally on a boat?" host Carl Fiadini asks, highlighting the mental and physical challenges these essential workers face daily. These moments of raw humanity give viewers rare insight into the true cost of seafood.

As Chef Parker moves from the docks to blueberry farms and local markets, he reconnects with what he calls "the lost art" of being a chef—personally selecting ingredients and building relationships with producers. His enthusiasm becomes palpable when foraging for Florida's freshest offerings, culminating in an innovative dish combining Key West pink shrimp, Florida blueberries, and sweet corn. The unexpected pairing showcases Parker's technical prowess through a blueberry harissa glaze and a remarkable poached shrimp and corn cake that demonstrates how deeply understanding ingredients elevates creativity.

What makes this documentary particularly compelling is its authentic, unscripted approach. Even when torrential rain threatened filming, the team embraced the elements—just as farmers and fishermen do daily. "You think the shrimpers or farmers stop because it's raining outside? Heck no," Parker remarks. This resilience permeates the film, adding character and emotiona

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast

Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners:

RAK Porcelain USA

Metro Foodservice

SupraCut Systems

Aussie Select

Crab Island Seafood

Pass the Honey

The Burnt Chef Project

Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

The sizzle of fat dripping onto hot embers, the aromatic smoke wafting upward, and the unmistakable char marks on a perfectly grilled steak – few things speak more directly to our primal connection with food than cooking over live fire. For Chef Aaron Brooks, this elemental approach to cooking bridges his Australian roots and his current home in Miami's vibrant culinary landscape.

Growing up on Australia's Gold Coast, Brooks found himself drawn to the kitchen rather than the famous surf breaks. Under his mother's guidance, he developed an appreciation for quality ingredients and the joy of bringing people together around a table. "Mom was always getting me to try new things," he recalls, describing how she embraced diverse cultural influences in her cooking. These early experiences laid the foundation for a culinary philosophy centered on simplicity, quality, and genuine hospitality.

Brooks' journey from backpacking Australian cook to executive chef took him through Four Seasons properties in Vancouver, Boston, and finally Miami, where he spent years leading Edge Steak and Bar before making the leap to Sunny's Steakhouse in the city's burgeoning Little River District. This transition allowed him to return to his passion: hands-on cooking with a focus on exceptional ingredients prepared over live fire.

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast

Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners:

RAK Porcelain USA

Metro Foodservice

SupraCut Systems

Aussie Select

Crab Island Seafood

Pass the Honey

The Burnt Chef Project

Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

Chef David Reyes shares his remarkable journey from Chicago's Humboldt Park to culinary innovation at St. Pete Distillery, revealing how experiences in European Michelin kitchens and family traditions shaped his cooking philosophy.

• Growing up in inner-city Chicago during the 1980s amid violence and danger

• Learning foundational hospitality principles at grandmother's table where "nothing was missing"

• Transitioning from Army medic to culinary school despite family skepticism

• Training in French kitchens where bread was thrown at him for being undercooked

• Working stages at legendary restaurants including Alinea in Chicago

• Developing restaurants across America as a concept chef

• Creating award-winning dishes sometimes without tasting the final combination until service

• Building culinary p

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

Get ready to innovate and organize your work space with Metro ! As the industry leader in storage & productivity solutions, Metro is here to transform and organize your kitchen

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The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast

Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners:

RAK Porcelain USA

Metro Foodservice

SupraCut Systems

Aussie Select

Crab Island Seafood

Pass the Honey

The Burnt Chef Project

Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

Sacrifice, resilience, and cultural pride converge in this profound conversation with Chef Nelson Millán, whose remarkable journey from Puerto Rico to global culinary ambassador demonstrates the transformative power of unwavering commitment.

Born in Puerto Rico and initially pursuing law to please his father, Millán's life changed course when he discovered his true calling in the culinary arts. Their cultural disconnect was immediate – his father dismissively asked if he wanted to be "like the little ladies in the kitchen" rather than a "prominent lawyer." This reflection on Latin American perceptions of professional cooking opens a fascinating window into how cultural attitudes toward culinary careers have evolved.

The depths of Millán's dedication become apparent as he recounts sleeping in his van between closing Wendy's at 3 AM and attending baking classes at 6 AM. These sacrifices built the character that would later define his leadership style and commitment to mentorship. His gratitude toward the "angels" who supported him – particularly his mother and also school coordinator Alicia Rivera who drove him to school for three months – reminds us how critical support networks are in achieving our dreams.

Millán's expertise ultimately led him to write curriculum for the Culinary Institute of America's Latin Caribbean studies program and travel globally as an Ambassador for Australian Beef. His newest venture, Sofrito cubes, represents his vision of sharing authentic Latin flavors with the world in a convenient format – his "gift from Latin America to the world" akin to how tikka masala and marinara sauce have transcended their origins.

For anyone fascinated by the intersection of cultural identity, culinary innovation, and personal determination, th

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast

Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners:

RAK Porcelain USA

Metro Foodservice

SupraCut Systems

Aussie Select

Crab Island Seafood

Pass the Honey

The Burnt Chef Project

Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

When Chef Fionna España was told she should "just stay home" because she had "too many kids" to become a real chef, she didn't just push back—she made history. As the first female president of the LA chapter of the American Culinary Federation in over 100 years, this proud Latina executive chef has transformed barriers into stepping stones.

"I didn't realize that it was a male-dominant industry," Fionna reveals with characteristic candor. "I thought women belonged in the kitchen until I got my first job and didn't see a lot of women on the hot line." Rather than accepting these limitations, she used them as fuel, setting an ambitious goal to become an executive chef before 40—a milestone she achieved at 38.

What sets Fionna apart isn't just breaking glass ceilings but how she's using her leadership to lift others. During the LA wildfires, she mobilized resources to raise over $20,000 in just one week for first responders. "I used my powers for good," she reflects during a rare moment of self-acknowledgment. This community focus extends to her approach with the next generation of culinary professionals, whom she encourages to balance work ethic with self-care.

Meanwhile, Chef Thomas Parker dazzles with his culinary wizardry, presenting three show-stopping dishes including a mojo-crusted carne asada f

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast

Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners:

RAK Porcelain USA

Metro Foodservice

SupraCut Systems

Aussie Select

Crab Island Seafood

Pass the Honey

The Burnt Chef Project

Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

We dive into the inspiring story of Aaron Norris, member of Hog Addiction Team and winner at Hogs for the Cause 2025, where they raised over $50,000 for pediatric brain cancer research while taking home the Grand Champion title.

• Aaron shares his journey from growing up on an Indiana farm to launching innovative cooking equipment

• Rural upbringing instilled values of faith, perseverance, and finding joy in all circumstances

• Norris Thermal Technologies evolved from agricultural dryers to cutting-edge cooking equipment

• The Game Changer Smoker revolutionizes commercial kitchens with its unique smoke generator technology

• Participation in charitable BBQ competitions combines Aaron's competitive nature with his desire to give back

• Faith serves as the foundation for Aaron's approach to business and philanthropy

• Chef Paul explores culinary applications for the Game Changer in commercial kitchens

For more information about the Game Changer Smoker, visit livefireadnsmoke.com or follow @GameChangerSmoker on Instagram.

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast

Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners:

RAK Porcelain USA

Metro Foodservice

SupraCut Systems

Aussie Select

Crab Island Seafood

Pass the Honey

The Burnt Chef Project

Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

When adversity strikes, some crumble under its weight while others transform it into remarkable opportunity. At just 21 years old, Chef Christian Barruos-Brens exemplifies the latter, having built a thriving culinary career from the most challenging circumstances life could throw his way.

Christian's remarkable journey began at 16 when his mother's cancer diagnosis became the catalyst for discovering his culinary calling. Rather than succumbing to despair, he began selling homemade treats from a duffel bag in school bathrooms, earning the nickname "the duffel man" while supporting his family through crisis. When COVID hit, he pivoted to Uber Eats, demonstrating the entrepreneurial spirit that would become his hallmark.

The invention of Christian's signature "Cafecito Brownie" reveals the emotional foundation of his culinary perspective. After his father's unexpected passing, Christian channeled his grief into creating a Cuban coffee-infused brownie that honored their shared morning ritual of enjoying coffee together. This creation went on to win awards at major Miami food festivals, competing against established professionals despite Christian being the youngest competitor and still a culinary student.

What sets Christian apart isn't just his cooking skills but his remarkable media savvy and presenc

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast

Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners:

RAK Porcelain USA

Metro Foodservice

SupraCut Systems

Aussie Select

Crab Island Seafood

Pass the Honey

The Burnt Chef Project

Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast

Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners:

RAK Porcelain USA

Metro Foodservice

SupraCut Systems

Aussie Select

Crab Island Seafood

Pass the Honey

The Burnt Chef Project

Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast

Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners:

RAK Porcelain USA

Metro Foodservice

SupraCut Systems

Aussie Select

Crab Island Seafood

Pass the Honey

The Burnt Chef Project

Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

Chef Imrun Texeira takes us on a powerful journey through the intense world of professional kitchens, from his humble beginnings as a 14-year-old dishwasher to competing on Top Chef Canada and staging at the world-renowned Noma restaurant. With remarkable candor, he reveals how his multicultural heritage—blending Northern Indian, East African, British, and Canadian influences—shaped his unique culinary perspective and created a distinctive palate that sets his food apart.

The conversation takes a profound turn as Imrun shares his personal struggles during the pandemic, a period that stripped away his direction and livelihood but ultimately led him to discover the Burnt Chef Project. Now serving as an ambassador for this vital mental health initiative, he speaks passionately about breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in culinary spaces and creating sustainable work environments where chefs can thrive both professionally and personally.

Joined by Walk-In Talk Culinary Contributor, Chef Kevin Raspberry, who brings his own perspective on industry challenges, the discussion explores the delicate balance between maintaining the high standards and work ethic essential to culinary excellence while eliminating toxic behaviors that have historically plagued restaurant kitchens. Their authentic dialogue offers

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast

Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners:

RAK Porcelain USA

Metro Foodservice

SupraCut Systems

Aussie Select

Crab Island Seafood

Pass the Honey

The Burnt Chef Project

Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

The inaugural US Culinary Open at NAFEM in Atlanta brought together world-class chef talent, premium ingredients, and a media team determined to document every moment of culinary excellence.

Have you ever wondered what happens when top culinary professionals compete on a world-class stage? Our team spent five intense days (working upwards of 18 hours daily) capturing the tornado of nonstop action that defined this prestigious competition. What made this event truly exceptional wasn't just the beautiful dishes—it was the caliber of competing chefs who earned their spots through credentials and credibility rather than simply paying entry fees. Thank goodness for Royal Cup Coffee for keeping up energized! Along with SupraCut System and Citrus America for being wonderful booth partners!

The competition featured a unique chef-commis partnership format, pairing established chefs with apprentices in a meaningful mentorship structure. Behind the scenes, kitchen design by James Camacho earned universal praise from competitors, while premium ingredients like Verlasso Salmon from Patagonia gave chefs the finest materials to showcase their talents. Even culinary icon Thomas Keller made an appearance, donating knives to the competition winner.

From a media perspective, our team balanced multiple responsibiliti

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast

Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners:

RAK Porcelain USA

Metro Foodservice

SupraCut Systems

Aussie Select

Crab Island Seafood

Pass the Honey

The Burnt Chef Project

Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

Chef Matthew Beaudin explores the intersection of culinary innovation and sustainability while advocating for responsible seafood sourcing. His discussion sheds light on global sourcing practices, community engagement, and the vital role of consumer awareness in conservation efforts.

• Chef Matthew's diverse culinary background and its effect on his approach

• Importance of the Seafood Watch program in guiding sustainable choices

• Building meaningful partnerships with farmers and fishermen

• Creating innovative dining experiences in cultural attractions

• Collaborations with chocolate producers to elevate sustainable sourcing

• Emphasizing mentorship and ongoing learning in the culinary industry

• Inspiring consumers to consider the environmental impact of their food choices

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast

Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners:

RAK Porcelain USA

Metro Foodservice

SupraCut Systems

Aussie Select

Crab Island Seafood

Pass the Honey

The Burnt Chef Project

Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

Anthony Martorina's culinary journey, from film editing to becoming a well known food critic, unfolds in a lively discussion about Chicago's dining scene, memorable food experiences, and innovative trends in cuisine. Tune in to learn about the art of judging food and discover tips for aspiring creators passionate about sharing their love for gastronomy.

• Introduction of Anthony Martorina and his professional background

• Discussion on homemade pizza and the hot honey trend

• Journey from film editing to culinary expertise

• Memorable experiences while traveling through China

• Philosophy on judging food at the World Food Championships

• Exploration of current food trends in Chicago

• Hidden culinary gems in Chicago's vibrant food scene

• Impact of social media on food culture and content creation

• Advice for aspiring food content creators focused on passion and authenticity

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast

Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners:

RAK Porcelain USA

Metro Foodservice

SupraCut Systems

Aussie Select

Crab Island Seafood

Pass the Honey

The Burnt Chef Project

Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

Author and journalist, Matt Haines explains how King Cake is more than just a dessert; it's a cultural celebration that blends history, tradition, and culinary artistry, especially during Mardi Gras. The episode explores the origins, varieties, and the community rituals surrounding King Cake, highlighting its significance in New Orleans' seasonal festivities. Plus, chef Sara Salgado bakes up fresh King Cake right in studio!

• Overview of Mardi Gras and King Cake season

• Historical origins linking King Cake to ancient Roman celebrations

• The evolution of King Cake in New Orleans culture

• Variants and unique flavors that reflect local creativity

• Social rituals and etiquette surrounding King Cake consumption

• Importance of King Cakes in supporting local bakeries and economies

• Advice for experiencing King Cake for the first time

• Insights from guests about the future of King Cake traditions

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast

Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners:

RAK Porcelain USA

Metro Foodservice

SupraCut Systems

Aussie Select

Crab Island Seafood

Pass the Honey

The Burnt Chef Project

Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

The latest podcast episode explores the inspiring journeys of Chef Cynthia Romstadt and Chef - turned Proteins Salesman, Curt Hicken, who share their insights on unique ingredients, culinary competition preparation, and the evolving role of women in the kitchen. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the importance of mentorship and the storytelling aspect of cooking, encouraging listeners to connect with food on a deeper level.

• Curt discusses his innovative dishes and unconventional ingredients like pine cones

• Cynthia shares her experiences as a female executive chef • Insights into preparing for the US Culinary Open and the pressure involved

• The significance of mentorship and guiding young chefs

• Emphasizes the evolving role of women in culinary arts

• Anecdotes about chaos in the kitchen provide laughter and lessons

• The podcast encapsulates how cooking is about journeys, stories, and connections

Thank you Peninsula Foodservice for providing the Creekstone Farm Bone-In Ribeye for our cooking segment!

Dish in Photo by:

Svetlana Hicken

Photo by:

John Hernandez

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast

Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners:

RAK Porcelain USA

Metro Foodservice

SupraCut Systems

Aussie Select

Crab Island Seafood

Pass the Honey

The Burnt Chef Project

Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

Chef Paul Gaskins shares his culinary journey influenced by Southern roots and global flavors while navigating a major renovation at the Inn of Celebration. He emphasizes the importance of innovation in dishes while leading and motivating his culinary team to embrace change and excellence.

• Chef Paul introduces himself and his culinary background

• Highlighting innovative dishes like Lamb Benedict and Chicken Karaage

• Discussing the impact of hotel renovation on team dynamics

• Fusing California freshness with Louisiana flavors

• The role of mentorship in the kitchen

• Encouraging exploration of various dishes on the menu

• The importance of positivity and connection in culinary leadership

IG @chef.paulg

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast

Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners:

RAK Porcelain USA

Metro Foodservice

SupraCut Systems

Aussie Select

Crab Island Seafood

Pass the Honey

The Burnt Chef Project

Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

Chef Opal Poullard's journey from the military to the culinary world is an inspiring tale of resilience and dedication. She shares her experiences, from competing on Food Network's Chopped to her upcoming goals of fostering the next generation of chefs through mentorship.

• Chef Opal's military background and its influence on her culinary career

• Transitioning from the military to competing in culinary competitions

• The importance of mentorship and training in the culinary industry

• Global culinary influences and how they shape Chef Opal's cooking style

• Future plans for a cooking school and community engagement

Look for Chef Opal at the U.S. Culinary Open at the NAFEM Show in Atlanta February 26th-28th.

Follow her IG @chef_opal_

Hot off the press! Metro is thrilled to introduce a brand-new way to nominate your favorite eatery for the 2025 Kitchen Storage Makeover, now with a whopping $100,000 value! Learn more on their IG @metrofoodservice

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast

Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners:

RAK Porcelain USA

Metro Foodservice

SupraCut Systems

Aussie Select

Crab Island Seafood

Pass the Honey

The Burnt Chef Project

Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

The Walk-In Talk Podcast explores the interconnectedness of food, ambiance, and emotional experience in dining with insights from Chef Kevin Rasberry and Tina Davis from RAK Porcelain USA. They discuss the power of colors, shapes, and tableware in enhancing culinary presentation, especially in assisted living environments, emphasizing the importance of making every meal memorable.

• Chef Kevin shares his philosophy on treating every meal as potentially someone's last

• Discussion on the significance of vibrant tableware for cognitive assistance

• Tina talks about RAK Porcelain's commitment to durable and elegant designs

• Exploration of cultural perceptions of food presentation

• The evolution of dining trends towards colorful and personalized dining experiences

• Kevin's Momma Jean's Seasoning as a

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

Get ready to innovate and organize your work space with Metro ! As the industry leader in storage & productivity solutions, Metro is here to transform and organize your kitchen

With their premium solutions, you'll experience the Metro difference. Metro's sturdy and versatile shelving units, workstations, holding cabinets, and utility carts are designed to streamline operations and maximize your productivity.

Don't settle for imitators! Metro products last lon

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast

Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners:

RAK Porcelain USA

Metro Foodservice

SupraCut Systems

Aussie Select

Crab Island Seafood

Pass the Honey

The Burnt Chef Project

Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

Join us for an illuminating conversation with the extraordinary Chef Lance Nitahara as he takes us on a personal culinary journey from the tropical shores of Oahu to the esteemed Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and beyond. Discover how Chef Lance masterfully marries his Hawaiian heritage with classical culinary traditions, transforming these influences into an innovative approach that has earned him global acclaim. In this episode, we also welcome Pooch Rivera, who spices up the dialogue with creative dishes like an Asian-inspired Reuben and lamb fajitas, crafted using versatile Aussie Select products.

Chef Lance shares the thrill and pressure of competing in high-stakes culinary events, drawing deeply from his Hawaiian roots to showcase unique flavors despite logistical challenges such as sourcing authentic ingredients. Amid the cultural shifts he experienced moving from Hawaii to the CIA, Chef Lance

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Peninsula Foodservice: The Best Beef!

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Cured Lamb Loin by Aussie Select

Fully cooked, pasture-raised Australian lamb. Agave rosemary, tikka masala, & more: Aussieselect.com

Crab Island Seafood Co: Quality Dips

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Walk-In Talk Podcast

Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners:

RAK Porcelain USA

Metro Foodservice

SupraCut Systems

Aussie Select

Crab Island Seafood

Pass the Honey

The Burnt Chef Project

Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

Rising celebrity chef Mario Brugnoli, fresh off his success on the Food Network's "Chopped," joins us for a flavorful conversation that transcends the kitchen. Mario shares his journey through the world of fatherhood and restaurant ownership, offering a glimpse into his creative mind with dishes like his unique soufflé pancake and Grandpa Larry's Benedict—a family recipe with roots in the 1940s. We touch on how his Italian heritage enriches his culinary craft, and the influence of his TV experience on his blossoming career. As we swap stories, the conversation also highlights our shared challenges and triumphs in balancing culinary passion with the responsibilities of family life. Our dialogue takes an intriguing turn as we explore the demanding yet rewarding realm of the Michelin Star culinary industry. We discuss the rigorous standards and intense environments that shape chefs, taking cues from some of Tampa's visionary culinary minds. Together, we navigate the evolution of Central Florida's produce industry and its role in connecting farm-to-table concepts with fine dining experiences. These insights are paired with my own personal reflections on launching new ventures and tackling the joys of fatherhood, underscoring the diverse paths within the culinary arts and the impact of our Italian roots on our professiona

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners: RAK Porcelain USA Metro Foodservice SupraCut Systems Aussie Select Crab Island Seafood Pass the Honey The Burnt Chef Project Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of cooking? Join us for a captivating chat with renowned chefs Tony Van Hang and Scott Craig. Tony will wow us with his love for food and incredible skills, presenting dishes like goat cheese and broccoli stuffed chicken breast and crispy skin Gulf snapper—each a true work of art, beautifully showcased through John's photography. Then, we'll switch gears with Chef Scott Craig, who shares his journey from the intense kitchen competition to guiding the next wave of chefs. His documentary, "All Ships Rise," isn't just a film; it's a heartfelt project that highlights his dedication to the culinary world and mentorship. But that's not all. We're also excited about the U.S. Culinary Open happening in Atlanta this February, where Chef Scott Craig is likely to compete! We'll explore the thrilling realm of culinary competitions, where the journey often means more than the awards, and the relationships built can be priceless. Hear Scott share his experiences preparing for events like the US Culinary Olympics and the unexpected challenges that test resilience in the restaurant business. We'll also discuss the staffing hurdles many are facing today, especially in exclusive clubs, where Scott has found a supportive community. As the industry deals with rising costs and the need for fa

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners: RAK Porcelain USA Metro Foodservice SupraCut Systems Aussie Select Crab Island Seafood Pass the Honey The Burnt Chef Project Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

Unpack the myths and realities of organic foods with us as we sit down with food safety expert Kiley Harper Larsen and food-inspired traveler Pooch Rivera. Have you ever wondered if organic produce truly offers a healthier or more environmentally friendly option? We promise to enlighten you as we explore these common misconceptions and dive into the recent organic carrot recall by Grimway Farms. Pooch gives us a taste of his latest culinary adventures, sharing intriguing experiences from the Pizza Tomorrow Summit and the World Food Championship in Indianapolis, including a glimpse into the future with a high-quality pizza vending machine. In our engaging conversation, we tackle the pressing issue of food safety, discussing the intricate details of recalls and outbreaks. Kiley offers her expertise on the E. coli contamination linked to organic carrots, and we dissect the rigorous food safety practices essential for consumer protection. Discover the obstacles faced by large-scale operations and the crucial role of stringent cleaning and sanitation protocols. We also examine the broader implications for food safety standards in organic farming and the ongoing challenges of maintaining these standards as pathogens continue to evolve. Our episode wraps up with reflections on convenience versus safety in fast foo

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners: RAK Porcelain USA Metro Foodservice SupraCut Systems Aussie Select Crab Island Seafood Pass the Honey The Burnt Chef Project Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

Join us for an engaging session with Mike Molloy, the mastermind behind some of the most innovative plant-based creations at Lowe's Hotel, Universal Orlando. Imagine a vegan tuna crafted from liquid nitrogen-treated watermelon, crusted with sesame seeds and spices—it's a culinary adventure that challenges the norms of contemporary dining. As we catch up with Mike, we reminisce about the early days of our Walk-In Talk journey and celebrate the creative processes that shape our most memorable culinary experiences. Our discussion takes a creative turn as we explore the art of culinary innovation and experimentation. From the unexpected pairing of racing events with gourmet food to reinventing traditional dishes with plant-based alternatives, we shed light on the collaborative efforts that drive seasonal menu planning. Dive into the fascinating story of an MIT graduate revolutionizing plant-based options in Norway, and discover how these global influences are reshaping high-end dining. Throughout our conversation, we emphasize the importance of meeting the growing demand for vegan and vegetarian cuisine, and how this trend is transforming the modern culinary landscape. In our final segment, we reflect on the unique challenges and joys that come with culinary creation, especially amidst unpredictable elements suc

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners: RAK Porcelain USA Metro Foodservice SupraCut Systems Aussie Select Crab Island Seafood Pass the Honey The Burnt Chef Project Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

Chef Amy Sins shares her inspiring journey from a rogue do-gooder to a pivotal figure in disaster relief, using her culinary skills to make a difference when it truly counts. You'll learn how chefs can become vital assets in crisis situations, transforming chaos into communities of support and nourishment. With heartwarming stories about innovative solutions and community empowerment, Amy's adventures remind us of the power individuals have when they harness their unique skills for greater causes. The episode explores emotional and logistical challenges faced during disaster relief missions, where Chef Amy's leadership shines through. From the chaos of consecutive hurricanes to international evacuation efforts, we discuss how chefs' adaptability becomes crucial in serving affected communities. Discover the unexpected "superpo

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

Get ready to innovate and organize your work space with Metro ! As the industry leader in storage & productivity solutions, Metro is here to transform and organize your kitchen

With their premium solutions, you'll experience the Metro difference. Metro's sturdy and versatile shelving units, workstations, holding cabinets, and utility carts are designed to streamline operations and maximize your productivity.

Don't settle for imitators! Metro products last lon

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners: RAK Porcelain USA Metro Foodservice SupraCut Systems Aussie Select Crab Island Seafood Pass the Honey The Burnt Chef Project Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

Ever wondered how a crab rangoon could meet a stuffed shell with vodka sauce? Chef Carl Riding, co-owner of Crab Island Seafood Company, has some answers. Join us on a taste adventure where Carl shares his kitchen secrets and the fascinating journey from wielding a chef's knife to conquering the trade show circuit. His inventive culinary creations, like the jalapeño popper stuffed tenderloin with bourbon blackberry sauce, will have you salivating. Patrick Kelly from the Produce Industry Podcast also drops by, bringing his expertise and passion for fresh produce into our lively chat. But it's not just about food; it's about the experiences that spice up life. We recount our attempts to turn outdoor expeditions into bite-sized podcast segments, capturing the joy of hiking escapades and organizing events like pig roasts. Our camaraderie shines as we reminisce about our Tampa roots and dream up future gatherings that celebrate community and culinary creativity. The laughs and stories flow as we plan our next big shindig—complete with a hint of nostalgia and a sprinkle of humor. Switching gears, we tackle the serious topic of Florida's agriculture, discussing the challenges posed by hurricanes on the citrus industry and the resilience of local farmers. And why stop at the heavy stuff? We savor the lighter side of

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners: RAK Porcelain USA Metro Foodservice SupraCut Systems Aussie Select Crab Island Seafood Pass the Honey The Burnt Chef Project Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

Join us on the Walk-In Talk Podcast for an exciting culinary journey as we welcome the culinary genius, Chef Nick Barrington, who shares insights from his illustrious career and the prestigious US Culinary Open. Discover how food can provide comfort and joy during challenging times, as we reflect on the impact of Hurricanes Milton and Helene in the Southeast. Our co-host Jeff returns from New Hampshire with a delightful culinary experience, showcasing a unique ravioli dish inspired by Dan Barber's honey nut squash, featuring delectable ingredients like burnt butter sage and dehydrated apple cider donuts. In this episode, we explore the resilience and triumphs within the culinary world, from overcoming severe weather challenges to the thrill of winning a championship ring at the US Culinary Open. Chef Nick Barrington reveals t

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

Get ready to innovate and organize your work space with Metro ! As the industry leader in storage & productivity solutions, Metro is here to transform and organize your kitchen

With their premium solutions, you'll experience the Metro difference. Metro's sturdy and versatile shelving units, workstations, holding cabinets, and utility carts are designed to streamline operations and maximize your productivity.

Don't settle for imitators! Metro products last lon

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners: RAK Porcelain USA Metro Foodservice SupraCut Systems Aussie Select Crab Island Seafood Pass the Honey The Burnt Chef Project Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

Ever felt the surreal helplessness of watching your dreams wash away? Michael and Heidi Butler, owners of The Helm Restaurant, give us a poignant glimpse into their world as they watched their beloved establishment fill with ocean water from afar, thanks to hurricanes Helene and Milton. Their story sets the stage for a broader discussion on the profound impacts these natural disasters have had on businesses and communities across Florida and the southern United States. Through their experiences and those of others like an upholstery business owner forced to delay retirement, we explore the overwhelming challenges faced by local entrepreneurs. The chaos left in the wake of these storms extends far beyond personal loss. With Walk-In Talk Media's own Pooch Rivera's dedicated disaster relief efforts, we shed light on the urgent need for innovative civil engineering solutions to safeguard communities from future disasters. From the staggering debris in St. Pete Beach to the interconnected waters of the intercoastal and Gulf, the damage is vast and indiscriminate. Yet amid the destruction, stories of resilience emerge, highlighting the spirit of community support and the determination to rebuild cherished memories. Hope and a sense of community spirit shine through as we discuss initiatives like the love boat-themed event organized by Tampa Bay Watch. This event, alongside community-driven projects like oyster shell recycling, symbolizes the passion and commitment to rebuilding that defines these disaster-prone areas. As we reflect on the importance of staying and fighting for the places we love, our conversations underscore the vital role of community solidarity and innovative solutions in overcoming adversity. Join us as we explore these stories of resilience, hope, and t

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners: RAK Porcelain USA Metro Foodservice SupraCut Systems Aussie Select Crab Island Seafood Pass the Honey The Burnt Chef Project Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

What happens when nature's fury meets human resilience? Our latest episode takes you to the heart of a catastrophe that has shaken Appalachia, especially western North Carolina, where Hurricane Helene's wrath left a trail of devastation. Chef Pooch Rivera joins us from the ground zero of disaster relief, sharing his pivotal role in nourishing the spirits of first responders with fresh meals. As we explore the emotional and physical demands of this crisis, we promise you'll walk away with a newfound appreciation for the unsung heroes battling against the odds. Our discussion unfolds the immense logistical challenges faced in Asheville, with resources stretched thin and unexpected barriers testing the resolve of relief teams. We witnessed the extraordinary commitment of chefs who traveled from faraway cities to cater to the needs of those on the front lines, ensuring that morale remains high with hot meals over canned goods. This conversation draws powerful parallels to past disasters like Hurricane Katrina, emphasizing the crucial collaboration between community and state agencies, and the profound personal sacrifices made by individuals. In the face of overwhelming destruction, stories of hope and solidarity shine brightly. We highlight the remarkable efforts of AJ, Brianna, and their team, who rapidly organ

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners: RAK Porcelain USA Metro Foodservice SupraCut Systems Aussie Select Crab Island Seafood Pass the Honey The Burnt Chef Project Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

What if the flavors of your past could transport you back to cherished moments with loved ones? Join us this week on the Walk-In Talk Podcast as we sit down with Chef Johnathan Rodriguez, an extraordinary culinary artist specializing in Puerto Rican and Italian cuisine. Chef Johnathan tantalizes us with his innovative dishes, like a unique twist on mofongo featuring fried yuca, jerk oxtail, and pork cracklings, dressed in a black garlic demi. His triplet sandwich, a symphony of oxtail pork, Lachon-style pork, and marinated chicken, is bound to leave you craving for more. Chef Johnathan opens up about the deeply emotional aspects of food, sharing poignant memories of his father and the taste of a traditional Puerto Rican sandwich, the Tripleta. He also recounts his mother's meatloaf, a dish that brings back floods of cherished

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

Get ready to innovate and organize your work space with Metro ! As the industry leader in storage & productivity solutions, Metro is here to transform and organize your kitchen

With their premium solutions, you'll experience the Metro difference. Metro's sturdy and versatile shelving units, workstations, holding cabinets, and utility carts are designed to streamline operations and maximize your productivity.

Don't settle for imitators! Metro products last lon

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners: RAK Porcelain USA Metro Foodservice SupraCut Systems Aussie Select Crab Island Seafood Pass the Honey The Burnt Chef Project Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

Have you ever wondered what makes street food so captivating? Join us as Carl Fiadini takes a nostalgic trip down memory lane, savoring the iconic "dirty water" hot dogs of New York City with his Uncle Anthony. Our culinary journey continues with a visit from Jeffrey Schlissel, who introduces a tantalizing New England-inspired menu featuring Kuni Kuni pork, apple cider donuts, and a unique chili made with hot hatch chilies and bourbon bacon. We also celebrate an exciting milestone—being finalists for the People's Choice Podcast Awards, a testament to our beloved listeners. Meet Dan Rossi, a true symbol of resilience, who earned the title "hot dog king" of New York City. From an unexpected start with a friend's hot dog cart to building the largest hot dog cart company in the city, Dan's journey is one of determination and innovation. His story reveals the grit required to navigate legal battles, homelessness, and the struggle to secure prime vending spots—all while paving the way for fellow veterans to thrive. Through Dan's experience, we uncover the broader struggles and triumphs of street vendors, highlighting the importance of community support and advocacy. As we explore the world of street vending, we tackle the pressing issues that vendors face today. From the deceptive practices of some vendors to the

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners: RAK Porcelain USA Metro Foodservice SupraCut Systems Aussie Select Crab Island Seafood Pass the Honey The Burnt Chef Project Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

What if you could transform everyday dishes into culinary masterpieces with just a splash of hot sauce? Join us on this flavorful journey as we catch up with co-host Putra Vera and delve into our latest food adventures, family moments, and creative projects. This episode features a mouthwatering chorizo and crab dip sandwich, perfectly balanced with creamy avocado, and a simple yet flavorful ceviche enhanced by Brandon Clark's Florida hot sauce. With stunning food photography by John from Ibis Images, each dish is elevated to a visual feast, making your mouth water just by looking at them. Our special guest, award-winning hot sauce creator Brandon Clark, shares his inspiring journey from a food service professional to a hot sauce entrepreneur. He reveals the origin of his company, the creative process behind developing region

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

Get ready to innovate and organize your work space with Metro ! As the industry leader in storage & productivity solutions, Metro is here to transform and organize your kitchen

With their premium solutions, you'll experience the Metro difference. Metro's sturdy and versatile shelving units, workstations, holding cabinets, and utility carts are designed to streamline operations and maximize your productivity.

Don't settle for imitators! Metro products last lon

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners: RAK Porcelain USA Metro Foodservice SupraCut Systems Aussie Select Crab Island Seafood Pass the Honey The Burnt Chef Project Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

Can repurposing leftover food truly transform a community? Join us on this captivating episode of the Walk-In Talk Podcast as we spotlight the extraordinary food4vols initiative, led by the passionate and inventive Tyler White. With 25 years of culinary expertise, Tyler has taken a simple idea—repurposing high-quality leftover food—and turned it into a lifesaving mission against food insecurity at the University of Tennessee. From Crescent City Meats' eclectic sausage offerings to the unforgettable mortadella sandwich with burrata and pistachio puree, this episode is a feast of both flavors and inspiration. #Metro #KitchenStorageMakeover Kitchen Storage Makeover https://fesmag.com/ksm Learn more: https://rhtm.utk.edu/food4vols/ Discover the intricate journey of establishing a food redistribution program on a college campus, a challenge that Tyler and his team have embraced head-on. Learn about the hurdles they encountered, from financing and acquiring vehicles to ensuring food safety and handling an unexpectedly high volume of food waste. Tyler's dedication and resourcefulness shine through as he recounts the creative solutions implemented, such as using pool noodles to stabilize hotel pans, and the impressive capacity to produce up to 600 meals a day thanks to significant renovations and t

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners: RAK Porcelain USA Metro Foodservice SupraCut Systems Aussie Select Crab Island Seafood Pass the Honey The Burnt Chef Project Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

Ever wondered how an elite chef balances culinary excellence with mental health advocacy? Join us on the Walk-In Talk Podcast as we sit down with Chef Shane Schaibly from a nationwide breakfast concept to uncover the secrets behind his innovative dishes. This episode kicks off with an exciting news about Metro Shelving's, Kitchen Storage Makeover contest and smoothly transitions into a deeper discussion on the importance of mental health in the culinary industry. We also explore a powerful new book that champions the message, "It's okay not to be okay," offering support to those in need within our community. From personal anecdotes about living in Miami Beach to experiences working with chefs and sales, our journey through culinary authenticity takes us to First Watch, where maintaining consistency and quality acros

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

Get ready to innovate and organize your work space with Metro ! As the industry leader in storage & productivity solutions, Metro is here to transform and organize your kitchen

With their premium solutions, you'll experience the Metro difference. Metro's sturdy and versatile shelving units, workstations, holding cabinets, and utility carts are designed to streamline operations and maximize your productivity.

Don't settle for imitators! Metro products last lon

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners: RAK Porcelain USA Metro Foodservice SupraCut Systems Aussie Select Crab Island Seafood Pass the Honey The Burnt Chef Project Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

Can a food truck park truly become a community hub without charging vendors for parking? Tune in to our latest episode of the Walk-In Talk Podcast as we chat with David Chan, the mastermind behind Brandon Food Truck Park. We explore his innovative approach to fostering a vibrant culinary scene and delve into his strategies for attracting foot traffic and keeping truck owners happy. Get ready to hear about the diverse range of foods available, from tantalizing tacos to succulent barbecue ribs, and the potential introduction of new offerings like dessert. In the second half of the episode, we celebrate a monumental achievement for our co-host Jeffrey Schlissel, who has just released a groundbreaking hybrid cookbook focusing on mental health and food addiction. Jeffrey opens up about the inspiration behind his book and the unique design choices that make it stand out. He also shares heartfelt testimonials from readers and emphasizes the importance of acknowledging mental health struggles within the culinary industry. We round off the episode with a lively debate about the role of water in making authentic New York-style pizza, including some skeptical takes on machines replicating New York's water quality. You won't want to miss this blend of entrepreneurial insights, culinary discussions, and uplifting stories.

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners: RAK Porcelain USA Metro Foodservice SupraCut Systems Aussie Select Crab Island Seafood Pass the Honey The Burnt Chef Project Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

Imagine elevating your culinary skills by learning from the very best—Chef Susanne Grier shares her wisdom, passion, and resiliences in this heartening episode. Discover the secrets behind working with farm-fresh ingredients as we spotlight dishes like marinated and smoked goat meat from Happy Tails Farm. Hear about the intricate flavors of fondant potatoes and miso-rubbed pistachio-dusted cauliflower, and the challenge of crafting a sumptuous whipped goat cheese with lemon marmalade. This is not just a cooking lesson; it's a journey through the art of culinary excellence. Chef Susanne Grier's story is one of overcoming societal barriers and finding her true calling. From facing gender biases to transitioning from a fine arts degree to becoming a corporate executive chef, Susanne's journey is as inspiring as it is educational. She discusses the balance between her career and personal life, especially her role as a mother to an autistic daughter, and how she found fulfillment in culinary education. Her heartfelt stories from Center Grove and her commitment to nurturing young chefs offer invaluable insights into the importance of mentorship and compassion in the kitchen. The latter part of our conversation shifts focus to the connection between educators and students, the importance of inclusivity, and the cha

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners: RAK Porcelain USA Metro Foodservice SupraCut Systems Aussie Select Crab Island Seafood Pass the Honey The Burnt Chef Project Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners: RAK Porcelain USA Metro Foodservice SupraCut Systems Aussie Select Crab Island Seafood Pass the Honey The Burnt Chef Project Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com

Send us a text

How did a viral budget challenge during COVID-19 skyrocket Cassie Sharp to social media stardom and lead to the creation of her very own cookbook? Join us on the Walk-In Talk Podcast as we sit down with this culinary dynamo to explore her incredible journey, from experimenting with non-authentic Italian dishes to mastering the art of food photography. With Jeff providing invaluable mentorship, you'll hear about summer recipes like a zesty watermelon gazpacho, a delectable open-faced chicken sandwich with smoked Gouda and pickled onions, and an innovative snapper dish with watermelon-tomato kimchi. Cassie opens up about the emotional roller-coast of content creation, sharing insights into her perfectionist tendencies and the supportive online community that encourages her growth. We explore the nuances of creating visually en

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

Get ready to innovate and organize your work space with Metro ! As the industry leader in storage & productivity solutions, Metro is here to transform and organize your kitchen

With their premium solutions, you'll experience the Metro difference. Metro's sturdy and versatile shelving units, workstations, holding cabinets, and utility carts are designed to streamline operations and maximize your productivity.

Don't settle for imitators! Metro products last lon

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners: RAK Porcelain USA Metro Foodservice SupraCut Systems Aussie Select Crab Island Seafood Pass the Honey The Burnt Chef Project Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com