Best Crooked Hospitality Podcasts (2024)

1
Chef Opie Crooks on Building FARM Hospitality Group and Preparing for Fatherhood 37:29

17d ago37:29

37:29

#78. In this episode of The meez Podcast, host Josh Sharkey sits down with Chef Opie Crooks, a culinary talent and soon-to-be dad. Josh shares the story of how he first met Opie at an event in Washington, D.C., where Opie's graciousness and exceptional cooking left a lasting impression. Now based in Savannah, Georgia, Opie oversees culinary operati…

1
220: Bad Bar Babes (Mean Girl Murders) 1:01:50

12m ago1:01:50

1:01:50

In 2015, Tiffany Boyer is part of an edgy party scene in Albuquerque; when she goes missing, no one's talking, but an intrepid detective, determined to get to the truth through her female friends, uncovers a cruel plot for revenge. This Week’s Sponsors: ZBiotics - Go to zbiotics.com/think to get 15% off your first order when you use code THINK at c…

1
Will Medical Debt get a Blue Waive 51:40

36m ago51:40

51:40

Over the past several years, cities, counties, and states have elected to relieve their residents’ medical debt. That’s cascaded into a national movement to relieve it — which has been picked up by the likes of Vice President Kamala Harris in her presidential campaign. Abdul reflects on the particular pain of medical debt. Then he interviews Alliso…

1
Melina Shannon-Dipietro on Empowering the Industry to Change the World Through MAD 50:37

5h ago50:37

50:37

#80. In this episode of the meez Podcast, Josh Sharkey sits down with Melina Shannon-DiPietro, Executive Director of the MAD Foundation, to explore how MAD is transforming the hospitality industry through education, sustainability, and community-building. Melina, who has been at the helm of MAD since joining René Redzepi in Copenhagen, shares insig…

1
219: Fishing for the Truth (True Crime Story: Smugshot) 1:01:31

6d ago1:01:31

1:01:31

After an astounding winning streak made these Lake Erie partners the best fishermen at the year's top Walleye tournament, an unbelievable catch turns out to be just as implausible as it looks, shocking people world-wide. This Week’s Sponsors: Cora - Go to Cora.Life/THINK and use code THINK for 20% off Farmacy - Visit farmacybeauty.com and use code …

1
Factory Farming Fails 48:00

7d ago48:00

48:00

You are what you eat…right? Or maybe, we are what we eat. And together, most of the meat we consume is raised on factory farms that degrade our environment, our pocketbooks, and yes, our health. Abdul reflects on the role financialization has played in creating factory farms. Then he sits down with Bob Martin, Senior Policy Advisor at the Johns Hop…

1
Basu Ratnam on Expanding the Reach of Indian Cuisine through INDAY 58:10

10d ago58:10

58:10

#79. In this episode of The meez Podcast, host Josh Sharkey sits down with Basu Ratnam, founder of karma-infused restaurant group, INDAY. INDAY came to life while Basu was working in finance in New York City. As his career progressed, he felt increasingly disconnected from what he truly cared about. With lifelong memories of being around food and a…

1
218: A Special Investigation (True Crime Story: Smugshot) 1:02:18

13d ago1:02:18

1:02:18

One woman's prestigious pedigree and dedication to social justice almost garner her a top-ranking political appointment, until her actions reveal a corruption scandal that goes deeper than ever expected. This Week’s Sponsors: Horoscope Weekly - Listen to Horoscope Weekly with Aliza Kelly wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes are released eve…

1
If childbirth isn’t an illness, why does it happen in hospitals? 52:37

14d ago52:37

52:37

Is a hospital the best place for childbirth? That question is driving a revolution in birthing, focused on creating outpatient birth centers. This National Birth Center Week, Abdul reflects on the birth experience — and who it leaves behind. Then he sits down with the co-founder and CEO of the birth center Birth Detroit Leseliey Welch to talk about…

1701
217: Revenge of the PTA Mom (True Crime Story: Smugshot) 1:10:55

21d ago1:10:55

1:10:55

A wealthy Orange County mom and her husband, both attorneys, plot revenge on the PTA president for not properly supervising their son at school; it starts with a smear campaign, then escalates to police reports; eventually, she takes it too far. This Week’s Sponsors: BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at…

1
Are Annual Pelvic Exams Still Necessary? 53:41

24d ago53:41

53:41

For more than half of the adults alive, pelvic exams are among the most dreaded parts of getting healthcare. That’s not to mention the troublesome history of how they came to be a part of standard medical practice. Abdul reflects on the gender imbalance in medical innovation. Then he speaks with author and historian Prof. Wendy Kline, author of the…

1
Alice Cheng on Connecting the Industry through Her Company, Culinary Agents 47:49

21d ago47:49

47:49

#76. On this episode of The meez Podcast, we sit down with Alice Cheng, founder and CEO of Culinary Agents, a groundbreaking platform connecting talent and businesses in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Alice shares her incredible journey from a role in IBM's mailroom to executive ranks on a global scale at the company. After a decade-plus …

2201
216: Bonus from Patreon - Dance to Death (Playboy Murders) 49:08

28d ago49:08

49:08

As part of our dark week due to the holiday weekend, we have a special surprise for you all! This is a bonus episode, previously exclusive to our Patreon page and originally published on 4/25/24. Join now and get 9 more episodes of the Playboy Murders, plus a ton of other bonus content, at patreon.com/ithinknot In 2010, after a night of hard partyi…

1
A Family Physician on meeting “fear with feelings” 52:18

28d ago52:18

52:18

It’s back-to-school season — and that means back-to-school vaccines. Abdul reflects on the roles that ritual and trust play in shaping vaccination. Then he sits down with Dr. Natasha Bhuyan, a family physician, to discuss the conversations she has with hesitant families and the future of family medicine. This show would not be possible without the …

1
Tyler Akin on Dreaming up Bars and Restaurants Through Form-Function Hospitality 51:29

1M ago51:29

51:29

#75. In this episode of The meez Podcast, we dive deep into the culinary world of Tyler Akin, founder of Form-Function Hospitality, and a celebrated chef and restaurateur who has left an indelible mark on the East Coast's dining scene. From his early days in Wilmington, Delaware, where he was inspired by his Southern grandmother's meticulous cookin…

1
215: Killer Content (Deadly Influence) 1:07:11

1M ago1:07:11

1:07:11

Teenage film reviewer Trey is building an online empire, attracting hundreds of thousands of views; but, it can't last, and soon, he finds himself dragged into a world of guns, abuse and revenge. This Week’s Sponsors: Greenlight - Sign up for Greenlight today and get your first month free when you go to greenlight.com/thinknot SKIMS - Shop the SKIM…

1
What a life-changing cystic fibrosis drug teaches us about translating science into health 51:13

1M ago51:13

51:13

You’ve probably never heard of Trikafta — unless you or someone you love lives with cystic fibrosis. The drug has fundamentally changed cystic fibrosis care, extending life expectancy by decades. But the drug costs $326,000 a year — and requires people to be on it for life. Abdul reflects on the central challenge at promoting life-saving innovation…

1
Darleen Scherer on Crafting Coffee and Cultivating Brands 1:16:30

1M ago1:16:30

1:16:30

#74. In this episode of The meez Podcast, Josh Sharkey reconnects with Darleen Scherer, the founder of Black Sheep and a pioneering force in the specialty coffee world. With over 20 years of experience, Darleen has been at the helm of several successful coffee roasting companies, including Gorilla Coffee, Supercrown Coffee Roasters, and Taylor Lane…

1
Kimberly Watts 13:43

1M ago13:43

13:43

in 2014, a murder rocked the city of Long Beach, MS and it still sits unsolved. Sources: WLOX.com The Sun Herald Wikipedia.com State of Mississippi Judiciary (.gov) FindLaw.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mae301/support

1
214: RIP Bianca (Deadly Influence) 1:14:30

1M ago1:14:30

1:14:30

Anime-obsessed teenager Bianca becomes an inspiring mental health advocate online and changes lives. But on forums and social media accounts, she discovers a horrifying and violent underbelly: young men primed to threaten, harm, and attack. This Week’s Sponsors: BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at bett…

1
Just Air 50:16

1M ago50:16

50:16

Environmental injustice leaves too many Americans, mainly Black and brown, breathing air that has been poisoned by smokestacks too close to their homes and schools. Abdul reflects on the process that drives it. Then he sits down with Darren Riley, CEO of JustAir, a company working to build air monitoring networks across hard hit communities, about …

1
Jesse Ito on Sushi Legacy, Therapy, and Expanding Royal Sushi & Izakaya 55:17

1M ago55:17

55:17

#73. In this episode of The meez Podcast, we sit down with Chef Jesse Ito, the Chef and Co-Owner of Royal Sushi & Izakaya in Philadelphia. A first-generation Japanese Korean American and multiple James Beard nominee, Jesse shares his remarkable journey from growing up in his family’s renowned restaurant, Fuji, in Cinnaminson, NJ, to becoming one of…

1
213: TikTok Terror (Deadly Influence) 1:25:58

2M ago1:25:58

1:25:58

As 28-year-old Sania battles through a divorce, her passionate and searingly honest TikToks attract tens of thousands of followers. But she soon discovers that members of her community want to silence her - and will stop at nothing to do it. This Week’s Sponsors: IQ Bar - Get twenty percent off all IQBAR products, plus get free shipping. To get you…

1
Public Health Across the Divide 55:28

2M ago55:28

55:28

Public health is universal–or at least it should be. But since the pandemic, it’s been politicized in ways that threaten critical work in conservative communities. Abdul reflects on how the way we talk about public health may be contributing to that. Then he sits down with Dr. Dwayne Proctor, President and CEO of the Missouri Foundation for Health …

1
Will Guidara on Unreasonable Hospitality, Leadership, and the Power of Journaling 45:54

2M ago45:54

45:54

#72. In this episode of The meez Podcast, host Josh Sharkey welcomes Will Guidara, a renowned figure in the culinary world. Will is the former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park, once ranked as the number one restaurant in the world. He recently co-produced the hit show "The Bear" and writes the fascinating newsletter "Pre-Meal," which draws inspirati…

1
212: Sin City Clickbait (Deadly Influence) 1:13:18

2M ago1:13:18

1:13:18

Self-styled Instagram 'Sex and Fitness guru' Ash builds a life in the glitz, glamor, and excess of Las Vegas. But the wild ride ends when he becomes entangled with a lonely Sin City resident who he comes to believe holds a dark energy inside. This Week’s Sponsors: Apostrophe - Go to apostrophe.com/think and use code think to get your first visit fo…

1
This made-up medical diagnosis has been used to justify police violence for decades 47:01

2M ago47:01

47:01

The concept of “excited delirium” has been used to justify extreme force from law enforcement and to cover up police violence. Coined by a medical examiner in Florida in the ‘80s, it has its roots in eugenics. Abdul reflects on the way that pseudoscience has too often been used by the medical establishment to justify racist maltreatment. Then he in…

1
Drew Skolnik on Navigating Growth Equity: Investing in Restaurants and Food Brands 52:07

2M ago52:07

52:07

#71. In this episode of The meez Podcast, Josh Sharkey sits down with Drew Skolnik, a partner at KarpReilly, a prominent private growth equity firm known for its successful investments in the food and beverage industry. KarpReilly has invested in well-known brands such as Habit Burger Grill, Cooper’s Hawk, Made In, S&S and Spindrift. The discussion…

1
211: Homicidal Hospitality (Southern Fried Homicide) 56:36

2M ago56:36

56:36

Unaware of Stephen Stanko's true nature, single mother Laura Ling makes a fatal mistake when she invites him to move in with her and her teenage daughter. This Week’s Sponsors: Lume - Go to lumedeodorant.com and insert code ITHINKNOT for 15% off Gabb Mobile - Go to Gabb.com/think now and they’re offering discounts to new customers – with no contrac…

1
Fat Joe thinks you should know how much your healthcare costs 35:38

2M ago35:38

35:38

Hospitals can charge you however much they want for healthcare — without telling you. Rapper turned healthcare advocate Fat Joe thinks they need to lean back. Abdul reflects on the fight for price transparency in healthcare, then sits down with the entertainer to learn more about his fight for healthcare transparency. This show would not be possibl…

1
Alex Beltrani on Revolutionizing Restaurant Feedback with Tattle 1:05:00

2M ago1:05:00

1:05:00

#70. Join host Josh Sharkey as he welcomes an old friend and pioneering entrepreneur, Alex Beltrani, the founder and CEO of Tattle, to the show. In this engaging episode, Josh and Alex dive into the story of Tattle, a revolutionary tech company that digitizes the customer feedback experience for restaurants. Alex shares his journey from the incepti…

1
210: Evil Among Us (Southern Fried Homicide) 1:02:08

2M ago1:02:08

1:02:08

A hurricane rips through rural Alabama, leaving members of the community scrambling for help. One family suffers a tragic fate - one not caused by Mother Nature. This Week’s Sponsors: SKIMS - Shop the SKIMS Soft Lounge Collection now at SKIMS.com, available in sizes XXS-4X. If you haven't yet, be sure to let them know we sent you! After you place y…

1
How Big Was the Hammer SCOTUS Just Took to Government as We Know It? 52:41

2M ago52:41

52:41

The Supreme Court is an unelected body–there was a time when the justices understood that. Not this court. In their most recent set of rulings, they took a hammer to the fundamentals of American government. Abdul unpacks the most important ruling. Then he sits down with Leah Litman, Constitutional Law professor and host of Crooked Media’s Strict Sc…

1
Jessica Bograd on Mastering Barbeque: From R&D to Culinary Excellence at City Barbeque 59:17

2M ago59:17

59:17

#69. Join host Josh Sharkey on today's meez Podcast as he delves into the world of barbeque with Jessica Bograd, the Senior Director of Culinary for City Barbeque. Jessica is not only an incredible chef but also runs an exceptional operation at City Barbeque. Before her tenure at City Barbeque, Jessica was deeply involved in R&D, creating menu item…

1
209: Smooth Talking Devil (Southern Fried Homicide) 58:47

3M ago58:47

58:47

When women start disappearing in Jackson, Miss., and Bossier City, La., police race to find a smooth-talking cowboy who is a devil in disguise. This Week’s Sponsors: Rocket Money - Cancel your unwanted subscriptions by going to rocketmoney.com/think Blissy - Go to blissy.com/think and use code think to get an additional 30% off! Smalls - Head to Sm…

1
Scientists Argue that this Genetic Test’s Results are “no better than a coin flip.” The FDA approved it anyway. 51:56

3M ago51:56

51:56

Recently, the FDA approved a genetic test for opioid use disorder despite clear opposition from scientists and the FDA advisory panel that had reviewed the evidence. The case demonstrates the space where Pharma’s incentive may drive innovation that may not help–or worse, cause harm. Abdul reflects on how genetic essentialism and the wrong incentive…

1
Matt Wampler on Leveraging Predictive Analytics to Revolutionize Food Management 1:11:29

3M ago1:11:29

1:11:29

#68. In this episode of The meez Podcast, host Josh Sharkey sits down with Matt Wampler, co-founder and CEO of ClearCOGS, one of the rising stars in the food tech industry. Josh and Matt delve into the fascinating world of predictive analytics, AI, and machine learning in the food sector. ClearCOGS is revolutionizing the way large-scale organizatio…

1
208: The Perfect Poisoner (Southern Fried Homicide) 1:03:47

3M ago1:03:47

1:03:47

In Anniston, Ala., Marie Hilley receives a life insurance payout after her husband succumbs to a mysterious illness, then the same illness threatens her daughter's life as well. This Week’s Sponsors: Quince - Go to Quince.com/think for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Crooked Hospitality Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide