Best Ryan Fenton Podcasts (2024)

1
Andrea Kendall-Taylor and the Axis of Upheaval 32:28

2h ago32:28

32:28

On this week's episode, Max and Maria are joined by Andrea Kendall-Taylor to discuss Russian collaboration with China, Iran, and North Korea, and the key role that these partnerships are playing in sustaining Russia's invasion of Ukraine and post-2022 foreign policy strategy. "The Axis of Upheaval: How America's Adversaries Are Uniting to Overturn …

1
The Evolution of Restaurant Media w/ Jeanne Muchnick, Food & Dining Reporter at The USA Today Network 53:20

1h ago53:20

53:20

In this conversation, Kyle sits Jeanne Muchnick, the food and dining reporter for The Journal News and lohud.com, part of the USA Today Network. about her journey in the food industry, the impact of COVID-19 on restaurants, and the evolving dining scene in Westchester. They discuss the challenges faced by restaurateurs, the importance of social med…

1
Mike Kofman and Rob Lee on the West’s Aid to Ukraine, and the Debate Over Red Lines and Escalation 56:18

4d ago56:18

56:18

This week, Max and Maria were joined by military analysts Michael Kofman and Rob Lee to discuss the latest phase of the war in Ukraine. Max and Maria asked them for their thoughts on the ongoing Ukrainian offensive in Kursk, and whether or not this seizure of Russian territory by Kyiv exposes Russian threats of escalation as hollow. If they are hol…

1
Ukraine's Kursk Offensive with Sam Bendett and Mick Ryan 37:25

23d ago37:25

37:25

Max and Maria sat down with Sam Bendett and Mick Ryan to discuss the Ukrainian military's recent seizure of territory in Kursk Oblast, inside Russia. They discussed how this attack took place, the risks and potential gains at stake for the Ukrainian side, and what this could all mean for the war going forward. Check out Mick's latest book, "The War…

1
Expanding The Brand & Preserving The Family Legacy w/ Kevin Gagliard | Director of Operations at Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana 33:30

29d ago33:30

33:30

On this episode we are joined by Kevin Gagliard, the Director of Operations at the iconic Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana. Frank Pepe's is a family-owned and operated pizza restaurant that has been serving their famous pies since 1925. They are known for their innovative pizzas, including the original Tomato Pie and the White Clam. The passion and l…

1
Should Your Restaurant Have A Podcast? 45:03

1M ago45:03

45:03

With over 40 years in the restaurant industry, Chris Tripoli has been instrumental in expanding successful chains, founding his own restaurant company, and developing award-winning establishments. He consults on concept development and growth, contributing to RestaurantOwner.com and Restaurant Start-up & Growth Magazine. Chris recently joined "The …

1
Andrei Soldatov and Irina Borogan on the Russia-West Prisoner Exchange, Russian Hybrid Warfare, and the Russian Émigré Community Today 43:56

1M ago43:56

43:56

This week, Maria sat down with investigative journalists Andrei Soldatov and Irina Borogan. Andrei and Irina gave their analysis of the recent high-profile Russia-West prisoner swap, and also discussed the threat of Russian hybrid attacks on Western countries. Additionally, they described the complex relationship between the Russian state and the R…

1
Proven Strategies to Keep Your Restaurant Construction On Time and Under Budget 32:23

1M ago32:23

32:23

In this episode, Kyle discusses the importance of planning, budgeting, and setting expectations for restaurant construction. He emphasizes the need to hire the right team, including a restaurant architect, contractor, designer, and kitchen consultant. Kyle provides industry percentages for budgeting different aspects of construction and highlights …

1
Ukrainian Resistance in the Occupied Territories with Jade McGlynn 41:00

2M ago41:00

41:00

Max and Maria sat down with Jade McGlynn to discuss her recent report for CSIS, "Crossing Thresholds: Ukrainian Resistance to Russian Occupation." "Crossing Thresholds: Ukrainian Resistance to Russian Occupation," by Jade McGlynn on CSIS.org. "The Ukrainian resistance is torching Putin's dreams of conquest," by Jade McGlynn for The Telegraph.…

1
The True Cost of Buying a Restaurant: A Practical Guide 24:42

2M ago24:42

24:42

In this episode, Kyle discusses the process of buying and valuing a restaurant, including the importance of understanding the market and using accurate financial information to determine the value. Plus a detailed explantation of the two most common methods for valuing a restaurant: the gross income method and the seller's discretionary earnings (S…

1
Luxury Watches on The Bear & How to Find An Affordable Rent 28:14

2M ago28:14

28:14

On this episode, Kyle discusses the challenges of finding affordable rent for restaurants and offers strategies for finding alternative locations. We also explore the significance of luxury watches in the fine dining industry featured in The Bear Season 3. Exclusive Partners Want to learn more about Marqii? Check them out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

1
Dmitri Alperovitch and "World on the Brink: How America Can Beat China in the Race for the Twenty-First Century" 44:32

2M ago44:32

44:32

On this week's episode, Max and Michael Kimmage sat down with Dmitri Alperovitch, chairman of Silverado Policy Institute, to discuss Dmitri's recent book, "World on the Brink: How America Can Beat China in the Race for the Twenty-First Century." Recorded on July 2, 2024, the conversation covers the geopolitical parallels between the European and In…

1
Mastering Sustainability in the Kitchen with Chef Norman Fenton- Co-Founder/Partner | Carino 1:03:14

3M ago1:03:14

1:03:14

Chef Norman Fenton shares his experiences in the including his journey from working in high-end restaurants to opening his own restaurant, Carino, in Chicago. He discusses the challenges he faced, such as dealing with food waste and finding the right location for his restaurant. Fenton also talks about his passion for creating sustainable and high-…

1
A Sanctions Update with Eddie Fishman and Sergey Aleksashenko 48:10

3M ago48:10

48:10

Maria recently sat down with sanctions expert Eddie Fishman and economist Sergey Aleksashenko to provide a timely update on the evolving sanctions regime leveled against Russia. (Recorded on June 18, 2024.)By Center for Strategic and International Studies

1
The Evolution of America's Largest Aftermarket for Restaurant Equipment w/ Neal Sherman 43:31

3M ago43:31

43:31

Neal Sherman, the CEO of TAGeX Brands, shares his journey in the restaurant equipment industry. He started his career in marketing and worked with companies that installed kiosks and self-serve frozen yogurt machines in supermarkets. Over time, he realized the potential in the aftermarket for restaurant equipment and started his own business. Exclu…

1
Understanding the Growing Collaboration Between Russia and Iran 1:03:09

3M ago1:03:09

1:03:09

This week, Max sat down for a public conversation with Hanna Notte and Jon B. Alterman to discuss how the governments of Russia and Iran have strengthened their political, economic, and security collaboration since the launch of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.By Center for Strategic and International Studies

1
Start Small, Solve A Problem, Stay Committed w/ Jennifer Ryan | CEO BLUEROOT & Croux 44:43

3M ago44:43

44:43

Jennifer Ryan shares her journey from launching a restaurant to founding a tech company, Croux, and BLUEROOT. She discusses the challenges, decision-making, and the importance of validating ideas. She emphasizes the need to start small, solve a problem, and stay committed. Her focus is on supporting local communities in the Southeast and the Midwes…

1
From Humble Beginnings to a Seafood Empire: The Wild Story of San Pedro Fish Market w/ CEO, Michael Ungaro 50:42

4M ago50:42

50:42

This week I sit down with Michael Ungaro, the CEO of San Pedro Fish Market, and one of the stars of Kings of Fi$h launching on Amazon Prime. San Pedro Fish Market is the largest family restaurant serving 2.5Million people each year and known for the World Famous Shrimp Tray. Now on their fourth generation this legacy restaurant this legacy restaura…

1
The Recent Anti-Corruption Purge and New Leadership at the Russian Ministry of Defense with Mikhail Zygar and Christopher Davis 40:28

4M ago40:28

40:28

Maria sat down with Russian independent journalist and author Mikhail Zygar, and University of Oxford professor Christopher Davis, to discuss the recent string of anti-corruption charges at the Russian Ministry of Defense, and the replacement of Sergei Shoigu with Andrei Belousov at the ministry’s head. What does all this mean for the current compo…

1
Why Red Lobster’s Bankruptcy is a Wake-Up Call for Every Restaurant Entrepreneur 18:11

4M ago18:11

18:11

The recent bankruptcy of Red Lobster has sparked discussions about the risks associated with private equity and sale lease back deals. This conversation breaks down the financial issues of Red Lobster and the lessons it holds for independent restaurant owners. It also highlights the impact of private equity decisions and seafood supply chain contro…

1
"Collisions: The Origins of the War in Ukraine and the New Global Instability," the latest book by Michael Kimmage 55:38

4M ago55:38

55:38

On May 2, 2024, Maria sat down with Michael Kimmage and Mary Elise Sarotte to discuss Michael's newest book, "Collisions the Origins of the War in Ukraine, and the New Global Instability." "Collisions" is available for purchase from Oxford University Press.By Center for Strategic and International Studies

1
The Ongoing Protests in Georgia and What Is at Stake with Tinatin Japaridze and Eto Buziashvili 51:31

4M ago51:31

51:31

For today's special bonus episode, Max sat down with Tinatin Japaridze and Eto Buziashvili to discuss the ongoing protests taking place in Georgia. Georgian civil society is mobilizing yet again in opposition to the controversial "foreign agents" law being pushed by the ruling Georgian Dream party.By Center for Strategic and International Studies

1
Live Session : Scaling Your Restaurants Digital Presence w/ Avi Goren & Sterling Douglas 50:50

5M ago50:50

50:50

Summary The conversation focuses on scaling restaurant brands and provides tips and insights on what to consider and what to avoid. The speakers, Avi Gorin (CEO & Co-Founder of Marqii) and Sterling Douglas (CEO & Co-Founder of Chowly) share their experiences in helping restaurant groups scale their concepts. The main themes include the importance o…

1
Back in Stock? The Latest Report on the Russian Defense Industry from CSIS 40:37

5M ago40:37

40:37

Today, Max and Maria were joined by Tina Dolbaia and Nick Fenton, two members of the team at CSIS, to discuss the CSIS Europe, Russia, and Eurasia program's latest report, "Back in Stock? The State of Russia's Defense Industry after Two Years of the War."By Center for Strategic and International Studies

1
From Naples with Love & Hospitality: Francesco Zimone, L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele 1:11:48

5M ago1:11:48

1:11:48

Francesco Zimone shares his journey from finance to the restaurant industry, highlighting the challenges and rewards of being a restaurateur. He emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming and immersive experience for customers, and the role of a restaurant in providing a space for people to connect and enjoy themselves. He discusses how he a…

1
A New Investigative Report on the "Havana Syndrome" Phenomenon with Roman Dobrokhotov 43:20

5M ago43:20

43:20

On this week's episode, Max and Maria sat down with Roman Dobrokhotov, the founder and editor-in-chief of the Russia-focused investigative media outlet, The Insider. Roman's team, along with colleagues at CBS's 60 Minutes and the German outlet Der Spiegel, recently concluded an investigation that uncovered evidence potentially linking Russia's mili…

1
Innovations on the Battlefield in Ukraine with Paul Schwartz and Samuel Bendett 41:41

6M ago41:41

41:41

Max and Maria sat down with Paul Schwartz and Sam Bendett to discuss the different technological and tactical battlefield innovations taking place in Ukraine today, and what they mean for military analysts studying the war. Disclaimer: Paul and Sam's views as expressed in this episode are their own, and do not necessarily represent the Center for N…

1
Cultivating Culture and Cash Flow w/ Preston Lee, Founder, The 30% Rule 55:44

6M ago55:44

55:44

Summary Preston Lee shares his background in the restaurant industry and the challenges of getting restaurant owners to recognize issues. The significance of company culture and alignment in restaurant success Preston also touches on the future of restaurant technology, including the potential use of AI and the power of social media in driving busi…

1
AI-Driven Demand Prediction in the Food Industry w/ Matt Wampler, Co-Founder & CEO - ClearCOGS 41:34

6M ago41:34

41:34

SummaryIn this conversation, Kyle sits down with Matt Wampler, Co-Founder and CEO of ClearCOGS. . Matt and Kyle discuss the resistance to embracing data analytics in the hospitality industry and the role of AI, particularly ChatGPT, in demystifying AI and making it more accessible. ClearCOGS is a technology company that provides AI-driven solutions…

1
Nicolas Véron and the Continued Debate Over Russia's Frozen Central Bank Reserves 38:35

6M ago38:35

38:35

Nicolas Véron of Bruegel and the Peterson Institute for International Economics joined Max to discuss the ongoing debate over Russia's frozen central bank reserves. This conversation was recorded on March 15, 2024. See "The European Union should do better than confiscate Russia's reserve money" by Nicolas Véron for Bruegel. At the time of this epis…

1
Building a Scalable Team: Leadership Lessons from The Taco Project 51:37

7M ago51:37

51:37

SummaryThis week I sit down with Nick, Carmelo and Sebastian, the neighbohood friends and co-founders of The Taco Project, a taqueria with multiple locations in Westchester & Fairfield County. They discuss their background, how they started the business, the challenges they faced, and their plans for expansion. They also touch on the difficulties o…

1
Liana Fix and Nikolay Petrov on Russia's March 2024 Presidential Election 51:47

7M ago51:47

51:47

This week, Maria was joined once again by Liana Fix and Nikolay Petrov to discuss Russia's March 2024 presidential election, and what "politics" looks like in the country today. Be sure to read the new paper written by Maria and Liana, "Leadership Change in Russia: Contingency Planning Memorandum" (Council on Foreign Relations).…

1
How Not To Handle Negative Reviews, NRA Show Preview, And How To Properly Pay Your Sales Tax w/ Shawn Walchef & Troy Hooper 57:17

7M ago57:17

57:17

Summary In this episode, the Kyle is joined by Shawn Walchef & Troy Hooper and, this is one of those episodes that really gets into the nitty-gritty of the restaurant business: from real estate to the process for getting locations, down to the last comma in Letters of Intent, and relationships with landlords. They talk current events- including a r…

1
The Death of Alexei Navalny with Miriam Lanskoy 30:03

7M ago30:03

30:03

This week, Max and Maria are joined again by Miriam Lanskoy from the National Endowment for Democracy to discuss the recent news of Alexei Navalny's death in a Russian penal colony.By Center for Strategic and International Studies

1
Should You Lease of Buy Your Restaurant's Real Estate? 30:34

8M ago30:34

30:34

In this episode, the Kyle apologizes and promises to be more transparent and consistent in the future. We also discuss the restaurant industry's projected sales reaching $1 trillion in 2024, new regulations in New York for passing credit card fees to customers, and a debate over who should pay for a birthday dinner. Lastly, we explore the pros and …

1
Maria's New Book: "When Left Moves Right" 1:01:55

8M ago1:01:55

1:01:55

On this week's episode, listen to Max interview Maria on her new book, "When Left Moves Right: The Decline of the Left and the Rise of the Populist Right in Postcommunist Europe." Max and Maria were joined by Dan Kelemen, a Senior Associate non-resident fellow at CSIS and an expert on the European Union. This conversation was recorded on January 30…

1
Russian Influence Operations in 2024 with Catherine Belton 32:03

8M ago32:03

32:03

This week, Max and Maria were joined by acclaimed reporter, Catherine Belton. Catherine currently writes for the Washington Post, and has written extensively on the Russian elite and security services. Max, Maria, and Catherine discussed ongoing Russian efforts to influence democratic societies, and the particular vulnerability facing Western count…

1
Feeding the Future: Voosh.ai's Impact on Restaurant Growth and Innovation w/ Co-Founder, Priyam Saraswat 46:19

8M ago46:19

46:19

Priyam Saraswat, co-founder of Vosh.ai, dives into the journey of starting Vosh.ai and how they help independent restaurants thrive. He explains their pivot to a SaaS product and the importance of technology in the restaurant industry. Priyam also highlights their dispute management and review response services, which help restaurants improve their…

1
The State of the Independent Restaurant Industry w/ Dr. Anne McBride from the James Beard Foundation 38:17

9M ago38:17

38:17

Dr. Anne McBride, Vice President of Programs at the James Beard Foundation, discusses the findings of a comprehensive survey conducted by the foundation. The survey gathered responses from chefs across 44 states and highlighted the challenges faced by the restaurant industry, including rising food costs and fluctuating customer numbers. McBride emp…

1
Aid to Ukraine and the Future of the War with Michael Kofman 1:02:04

9M ago1:02:04

1:02:04

Michael Kofman, a leading expert on the Russian military and a Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace joined Max, Maria, and Michael Kimmage, to discuss the status of further Western military and financial aid to Ukraine, and the impact a lack of additional assistance would have on the battlefield. This recording took place…

1
Navigating The Restaurant Real Estate Market in 2024 29:34

9M ago29:34

29:34

Summary In this episode, Kyle discusses the current state of the restaurant market and provides tactical advice on finding opportunities for restaurants. He emphasizes the importance of considering market dynamics, economic factors, consumer preferences, and emerging markets. He also highlights the shift from malls to lifestyle centers as a trend t…

1
Russia, Ukraine, and the Question of Containment 35:52

10M ago35:52

35:52

This week, Max and Maria were joined again by Michael Kimmage, and Michael's frequent co-author and a fellow for Europe at the Council on Foreign Relations, Liana Fix. Recently, Michael and Liana published a piece in Foreign Affairs titled, "A Containment Strategy for Ukraine: How the West Can Help Kyiv Endure a Long War," and they shared their pie…

1
Keith Lee Takes on NYC, CosMc's Open First Location and Self Care As A Restaurant Entrepreneur 38:48

10M ago38:48

38:48

In this episode of our podcast, we delve into the world of self-care tailored for the busy restaurant entrepreneur. Join us as we explore how prioritizing personal well-being isn't just a luxury, but a necessity for sustained business success. Me Time: Discover the art of unwinding effectively, whether through solo relaxation, cherished moments wit…

1
Maria Reports Back After a Trip to Ukraine 36:28

10M ago36:28

36:28

On this week's episode, Maria fills in Max and Michael Kimmage after her recent trip to Kyiv. The three of them then discuss the current state of the war with Russia, and examine some of the key questions facing Ukraine and its partners as we head into 2024.By Center for Strategic and International Studies

1
Raising Canes Owner is Worth Billions, 2024 Restaurant Trends, A Return to Stability PLUS Understanding The SNDA Clause 36:30

10M ago36:30

36:30

Welcome back to Closed Monday! In this post-Thanksgiving episode, join host Kyle Inserra as he unpacks a blend of news, trends, and essential insights tailored for restaurant enthusiasts and professionals alike. Fresh from the holiday, Kyle shares his own Thanksgiving experiences, including a special shout-out to porchetta for stealing the show. Wh…

1
The Ideology of Putinism with Sergei Guriev 58:49

10M ago58:49

58:49

On October 31st, Max moderated a conversation between Maria and Sergei Guriev on the ideology of Putinism. Does Vladimir Putin have an ideology? If so, will this ideology help him retain power in Russia? Maria recently co-authored a report on this same topic, and the paper's findings were the main topic of discussion. Dr. Sergei Guriev is the Provo…

1
Reviews to Revenue: Ovation's Game-Changing Approach to Feedback/ Zack Oates, CEO of OVation 53:27

10M ago53:27

53:27

This week I sit down with Zack Oates the CEO of We talk about getting results in customer experience and discuss how to cut through the noise. Think your customer feedback game is strong? Wait until you hear Zack's strategies. We're tackling everything head-on: from turning online reviews into your secret weapon to mastering the art of juggling fam…

1
Leading the Charge: How Strong Leaders Shape Top-Performing Restaurants w/ Executive Hospitality Coach, Andy Jones 43:26

11M ago43:26

43:26

Andy Jones is a Certified Hospitality Leadership Coach focusing on creating people-centric organizations that deliver exceptional, memorable experiences for their guests. Andy improves both individual and organizational performance by focusing on the human side of any business. Andy hosts The Hospitality Leadership Podcast and has over a decade of …

1
Russia and the Global South with Hanna Notte 1:03:16

11M ago1:03:16

1:03:16

On this week's episode, tune into a conversation Max had on October 24, 2023 with CSIS Senior Associate non-resident fellows, Michael Kimmage and Hanna Notte. Hanna, based in Berlin, is an expert on Russian foreign policy, the Middle East, and arms control and nonproliferation. While Hanna was in DC, she sat down with Max and Michael to discuss Rus…

1
All-In-One Review Response Solution w/ Avi Goren, Co-Founder & CEO, Marqii 1:09:00

11M ago1:09:00

1:09:00

With more than 10 years of experience helping restaurants optimize their online presence at companies like Yelp, Yext, and Marqii, Marqii Co-Founder and CEO Avi Goren lives and breathes the daily challenges restaurant operators face. He’s committed to teaching them how to reduce the time they spend on tedious online tasks and get back to doing what…

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