Best National Restaurant Association Podcasts (2024)

1
Understanding Juneteenth: A Deeper Dive with Skot Welch 11:32

1M ago11:32

11:32

In this episode, we are talking with speaker, author, and dear friend to the host Skot Welch. Skot will talk about not just some of the events around Michigan for Juneteenth but also the cultural and historical implications of this important holiday.By MLive MI Best

1
Navigating the 2024 Housing Market: Expert Tips from Becky Sims 7:30

1M ago7:30

7:30

In this episode of "At Home with Eastbrook Homes," we sit down with Becky Sims, Senior Loan Officer at Lake Michigan Credit Union, to delve into the current mortgage rates and offer crucial advice for prospective homebuyers in 2024. Becky discusses the challenges of low housing inventory and high interest rates, providing insights into how potentia…

1
What is new at the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore with Hannah Bradburn 10:03

2M ago10:03

10:03

In today's podcast episode, we delve into the natural beauty and sublime attractions of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore with Hannah Bradburn, the Communications Director for the Park Services Department. Hannah opens up about her professional trajectory, from her initial work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to her current responsibili…

1
Understanding the Upcoming Eclipse with MLive's Emily Bingham 10:35

4M ago10:35

10:35

Join us in this podcast episode as we explore the magic of the upcoming total solar eclipse with expert Emily Bingham. Get the lowdown on why this specific eclipse is so unique and exceptional, and discover what you need to do to experience its enchanting beauty safely. We discuss the reasons behind this eclipse's appeal, such as its occurrence dur…

1
Demystifying the Spring Housing Market "At Home with Eastbrook Homes" 10:04

4M ago10:04

10:04

In this episode of the "At Home with Eastbrook Homes" podcast, industry expert, Stacy Vis, shares in-depth insights on the early onset of the spring housing market. Stacy discusses the impact of weather on housing prices, the solution to low inventory, enhancing current portfolio offerings, and advice on preparing to enter the current market. The m…

1
The Art and Science of Downtowns with Dana Walker from the Michigan Downtown Association 15:33

5M ago15:33

15:33

In this compelling episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of conversing with Dana Walker, Director of the Michigan Downtown Association. Our discussion centered on the science and art of building and nurturing a thriving downtown community. Drawing on her extensive experience, Dana shared valuable insights into the workings of the Michigan Dow…

1
At Home with Eastbrook Homes Exploring 2023 Achievements and Anticipating 2024 Prospects 15:56

5M ago15:56

15:56

In the latest episode of 'At Home with Eastbrook Homes,' Josh McGraw provides an insightful reflection on their fruitful accomplishment in 2023, despite the end-year uncertainties. He lauds the resilience and determination of the Eastbrook Homes team, who succeeded in maintaining a positive stride throughout the year. Providing a forecasting glimps…

1
Unveiling Jared Gadbaw's Stellar Success in Michigan's Restaurant Scene 25:17

6M ago25:17

25:17

Today's episode of Michigan's Best podcast highlights the remarkable journey of Jared Gadbaw, renowned Executive Chef, and Owner of Oak and Reel. Hailing from Garden City, Michigan’s humble avenues, Gadbaw made his way to the esteemed kitchens of New York, crediting his success to unswerving dedication and fervor for culinary arts. His childhood ex…

1
What’s Hot 2024 Culinary Forecast with Helen Jane Hearn 12:16

7M ago12:16

12:16

This week, Karly is joined by Helen Jane Hearn, Senior Director of Enterprise Programs at the National Restaurant Association, to discuss the results of the What’s Hot 2024 Culinary Forecast. The report surveyed more than 1,500 culinary professionals to weigh in on 120 menu items and industry trends in seven categories to identify current, emerging…

1
Rob Bell Talks Where’d You Park Your Spaceship on the MI Best Podcast 38:30

7M ago38:30

38:30

On this episode, Eric Hultgren sits down with Rob Bell to talk about his latest book which is a science fiction book called "Where'd You Park Your Spaceship." Rob and Eric talk about collecting toys, the creative process, the elimination of rules for creation and bread.By MLive MI Best

1
Eastbrook Homes’ house featured on HGTV’s House Hunters | At Home with Eastbrook Homes 14:11

7M ago14:11

14:11

On this episode of At Home with Eastbrook Homes, Kim Southwick from Five Star stops by to tell the story of how a local, Eastbrook Homes' house became the house of choice on a recent episode of HGTV's House Hunters.By MLive MI Best

1
Celebrate Gluten-Free Diet Awareness with Kerry from Papa Chops 16:45

8M ago16:45

16:45

On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Kerry from Papa Chops Eatery in Grand Rapids, MI about how the restaurant came to be and how they make such incredible gluten-free food.By MLive MI Best

1
Skot Welch talks Unfractured - How a new conversation can change the world 20:43

8M ago20:43

20:43

In this episode, Skot Welch talks about his new book Unfractured which talks about how together we can change the conversation--and change the world. We're often left in dead-end debates on racial tensions, foolishly expecting solutions from a culture obsessed with canceling and dividing. But what if the church could create a more effective dialogu…

1
Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week with Conrad Chura 20:11

8M ago20:11

20:11

For National Apprenticeship Week, Karly is joined by Conrad Chura, owner and founder of Wakin Bakin in Louisiana, to discuss the value of apprenticeship in the restaurant industry. In this episode, Conrad shares his experience with the challenges in workforce development, the benefits of the apprenticeship program for small businesses, and an insid…

1
It’s Holiday Bourbon Season - we talk to Bees in the D about Detroit City Distillery’s Honey Bourbon 16:22

8M ago16:22

16:22

In this episode, Eric Hultgren talks with Brian Peterson-Roest from Bees in the D about Cicada Killers, what bees do in the winter and how that relates to Seth Godin and their amazing bourbon drop coming up this week with Detroit City Distillery.By MLive MI Best

1
The Entrepreneur’s Studio: Milk Bar 32:05

9M ago32:05

32:05

This week on Order Up, we are featuring a conversation from The Entrepreneur’s Studio with pastry chef Christina Tosi, founder and CEO of Milk Bar, about her journey in founding the iconic bakery. Christina shares lessons in trusting instincts, following your passions in the face of doubt, and how her culinary education and experience were instrume…

1
West Michigan’s housing market with Jeff Costello | At Home with Eastbrook Homes 9:48

9M ago9:48

9:48

Today on At Home with Eastbrook Homes we talk with Jeff Costello; talking through the realities of the housing market in West Michigan versus nationwide and why the Eastbrook Homes approach (helping people find or build their dream, custom, affordable home in a 'suits you to a tee' community) has helped create a nimble and successful business.…

1
CEO Series: Expanding Opportunities in Restaurant Operations 24:26

9M ago24:26

24:26

CEO Michelle Korsmo talks to Casey Absey of Fargo’s Blackbird Woodfire about embracing opportunities for their cuisine beyond their restaurant, including events, mobile and microsites, collaborations, and their feature on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. In this installment of Order Up's CEO-hosted miniseries. Casey shares his experience building a co…

1
Streamlining Restaurant Technology with SpotOn's Kevin Bryla 27:35

9M ago27:35

27:35

In this week’s episode, sponsored by SpotOn, National Restaurant Association’s Chief Information Officer Kevin Steele talks restaurant technology with Kevin Bryla, the Chief Marketing Officer of SpotOn, and Emma Blecker, Chief of Staff & Director of Business Systems at Boqueria. They discuss tech bloat — the over-adoption of technology and software…

1
Silver Beach Carousel Foundation | MI Best Podcast 16:43

10M ago16:43

16:43

On today's episode Eric talks Suz Schalon, executive director of the Silver Beach Carousel Foundation, to learn more about the the magical 'St. Joe' carousel. How it began, and how it's going now (spoiler alert, it's enclosed now, so autumn rides are not out of the question)By MLive MI Best

1
Best Practices in Food Safety and Hygiene 16:20

10M ago16:20

16:20

In honor of National Food Safety Education Month, Karly is joined by Dotti Haynes, Marketing Director for the Hospitality, Restaurant, and Catering Segment at Tork, an Essity Brand, to discuss providing a safe, hygienic experience for staff and guests across the restaurant industry. In this episode, learn about hand and surface hygiene, safe food h…

1
From Concept to Franchise with Chef Erica Barrett 31:47

10M ago31:47

31:47

This week, Karly speaks with Chef Erica Barrett about her new restaurant, Dough Boy Pizza, and the journey from catching the entrepreneurship bug as a child to appearing on Shark Tank. In this episode, hear how Erica built her business from the ground up through connections at the National Restaurant Association show, her tangible advice for entrep…

1
At Home with Eastbrook Homes Jennifer Sequin 9:59

11M ago9:59

9:59

In this episode of At Home with Eastbrook Homes we talk with agent Jennifer Sequin about the properties available in and around the Lansing area along with how Eastbrook works to build communities.By MLive MI Best

1
Top 5 Policy Priorities for Remainder of 2023 12:36

11M ago12:36

12:36

National Restaurant Association’s VP of Public Policy Aaron Frazier returns to discuss recent advocacy on Capitol Hill and potential legislation and regulation shifts—at national, state, and local levels—impacting the industry. In this episode, Aaron discusses policies that might have positive and negative effects on the industry, including credit …

1
Summer home decorating with Molly Fazakerley | At Home with Eastbrook Homes 9:29

11M ago9:29

9:29

Tips for decorating your home for summer, with Molly Fazakerley. Molly works at LMCU but her passion is decorating homes inside and out, which is how she came to choose Eastbrook Homes for her family's home. Being able to customize her own design touches throughout the build process was a must-have and made the home buy and build process fun.…

1
Adam Dickerson New Holland Brewing - MI Best Podcast 19:19

11M ago19:19

19:19

Adam joins the podcast to talk about the huge new award for Dragon's Milk Origin bourbon, shares the origin story, and gives some insight into what is coming from New Holland for the rest of the year.By MLive MI Best

1
CEO Series: Customer Satisfaction in the Digital Age 23:20

11M ago23:20

23:20

CEO Michelle Korsmo talks to Julie De Cock of Key West’s La Crêperie French Café and ViV Wine Bistro about bringing authentic French cuisine to the vacation hot spot in another installment of Order Up’s CEO-hosted miniseries. In this episode, Julie shares her approach to curating a digital presence and finding longevity in customer relationships an…

1
CEO Series: How NRAEF Programs Build a Strong Workforce and Industry 36:01

12M ago36:01

36:01

In this episode, Michelle Korsmo, National Restaurant Association President and CEO and CEO of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) speaks with the NRAEF’s former Chair Kent Walrack and current Chair James Fripp about the continued success of the foundation’s programs in another installment of Order Up's CEO-hosted min…

1
Chasing the Northern Lights in Munising, Michigan 14:15

12M ago14:15

14:15

We sat down with Mary Beth Kiczenski professional photographer and Great Lakes based adventurer who is currently serving as an ambassador for the Michigan State Park system, to ask about some of the best spots along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore to catch the Northern Lights and perhaps some tips on getting the best shot possible.…

1
Trends in On- and Off-Premises Beverage Alcohol 27:11

1y ago27:11

27:11

Alcohol has always presented restaurant operators with a creative and high-margin opportunity to innovate and set themselves apart from the competition. A newly released Alcohol Trends report covers what’s selling, who’s buying, and how it’s purchased. It also includes nearly 30 on- and off-premises wine, beer and cocktail offers customers say they…

1
Creating a Culture of Acceptance at Red Robin and Wingstop Restaurants 23:14

1y ago23:14

23:14

This week Karly speaks with Lehigh Valley Restaurant Group President & CEO Mike Axiotis about establishing and operating their Diversity and Inclusion Council and its positive impact on team members. In this episode, Mike shares LVRG’s strategies to create a respectful workplace and embrace cross-cultural learning. (01:20) – Introducing Mike Axioti…

1
The Credit Card Competition Act 17:10

1y ago17:10

17:10

National Restaurant Association's Sean Kennedy and Brennan Duckett discuss the Credit Card Competition Act and advocacy efforts to pass the bill encouraging competition to reduce swipe fee rates. In this episode, Sean Kennedy, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs, and Brennan Duckett, Technology and Innovation Policy Director for the National…

1
Expert Advice for Restaurant Operators: Diversity, Tax Credits, and More 29:43

1y ago29:43

29:43

Recently the National Restaurant Association hosted a webinar series on key topics relevant to restaurant operators today. This four-part webinar series focused on diversity, emergency preparedness, policy and tax credits, and food donations. The series garnered more than 1300 registrations and was applauded as an incredible resource by attendees. …

1
Daniele Crevier from St. Joe Today Talks Makers Trail Festival 9:00

1y ago9:00

9:00

Let's head down to southwest Michigan to talk about the Makers Trail Festival on June 10th for Southwest Michigan’s premier wine, beer, cider and spirit makers all in one place. This is the perfect chance for you and your friends to try new drinks or stick with your go-to favorites.By MLive MI Best

1
Vinyl Alchemy Grand Opening | A MI Best Podcast 9:42

1y ago9:42

9:42

In this episode, Eric Hultgren sits down with the owner of Vinyl Alchemy, Kevin Romanyk to talk about records, the store opening, and how the art of being a pharmacist for the past 3 decades helped advised the philosophy behind the shopBy MLive MI Best

1
WWE’s Big E stops by to talk Michigan Panthers Football 17:09

1y ago17:09

17:09

This weekend the Michigan Panthers are hosting the Pittsburgh Maulers for Kids Day so WWE Superstar and Panthers MC Big E stops by to talk football, wrestling, and his favorite stadium food.By MLive MI Best

1
ProStart: Educating Tomorrow's Industry Leaders 20:18

1y ago20:18

20:18

Like many aspiring cooks, Chef Patrick Phelan grew up cooking at home and dreamt of being a chef someday. After working in various restaurant roles in college, he worked his way up to pastry chef at a top New Orleans restaurant. But his culinary career took an unexpected turn into education after Hurricane Katrina closed his restaurant. With a reop…

1
Dr. Marcus Collins on his new book For the Culture 24:21

1y ago24:21

24:21

Dr. Marcus Collins is an award-winning marketer and cultural translator with one foot in the world of practice—serving as the Chief Strategy Officer at Wieden+Kennedy New York—and one foot in the world of academia—as a marketing professor at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan. His new book is out today and as a proud Michigan resid…

1
Why Restaurant Operators Oppose New Labor Nominee 15:35

1y ago15:35

15:35

The Senate recently held a hearing for Julie Su, President Biden’s nominee to lead the Department of Labor. As Secretary of the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency and deputy secretary of Labor, Su supported regulatory mandates that unfairly targeted restaurant operators. In this episode, Sean Kennedy, Executive Vice President of Publ…

1
Glen Miller of Kids Read Now 9:58

1y ago9:58

9:58

Eric Hultgren sits down with Glen Miller from Kids Read Now to talk about the summer learning gap, how Kids Read Now came into the world, and how to get your kids excited about reading.By MLive MI Best

1
Good Done Right: Wendy’s Focus on Environmental Awareness 18:54

1y ago18:54

18:54

In the second episode dedicated to Earth Day, Karly speaks with Liliana Esposito, Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer at The Wendy’s Company, about reducing greenhouse gas emissions, developing more sustainable packaging options, and reducing food waste. In this conversation, Liliana shares several goals and commitments Wendy’s has s…

1
Sustainability & Food Waste Reduction in Restaurants 25:45

1y ago25:45

25:45

In the first of two episodes dedicated to Earth Day, Karly speaks with Dan Simons, Founder and Co-Owner of Farmers Restaurant Group, and Jeff Clark, Director of the National Restaurant Association’s Sustainability Expert Exchange group. In this conversation highlighting sustainable practices in restaurants, they discuss food waste reduction, sustai…

1
Challenges & Opportunities in the Hospitality Industry 23:53

1+ y ago23:53

23:53

This week, Karly speaks with Jaysen Euler, COO and Culinary Director of Scott Harris Hospitality, and Rachael O’Leary, Principal with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA), about current challenges and opportunities in the hospitality industry. In this conversation, learn about pandemic pivots, adjusting for increased food costs, embracing the ideas of all team…

1
The MRA highlights Wattsson & Wattsson Jewelers 9:01

1+ y ago9:01

9:01

Since the mid-80's Wattsson & Wattsson Jewelers has had a 100ft mining museum, IN THEIR STORE! So not only can you have a custom statement piece built in-house, but also learn about local mining and gemological history, while supporting a decades-old local business. Check out our interview with Chris Wattsson to learn more.…

1
At Home with Eastbrook Homes: Anne Wierengo talks collections, design and construction 8:39

1+ y ago8:39

8:39

5 professionally curated collections to enhance your home build and easy one-and-done decision-making. Today on this episode of At Home with Eastbrook Homes, we talk to Ann Wierengo, Senior Director of the Home Creation Studio at Eastbrook Homes.By MLive MI Best

1
Celebrating Women’s History Month with Denny’s CEO Kelli Valade 24:54

1+ y ago24:54

24:54

This week, Karly speaks with Kelli Valade, CEO of Denny’s Corporation, about fostering an inclusive and service-minded company culture. In this conversation, learn about Denny’s industry-leading DE&I programming and how Kelli is bringing lessons from the difficult years of the pandemic into 2023. (01:21) – Introducing Kelli Valade (06:00) – Working…

1
Turning Industry Insight into Action with SpotOn CMO Kevin Bryla 22:36

1+ y ago22:36

22:36

This week we revisit the 2023 State of the Restaurant Industry report with the perspective of Kevin Bryla, Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Customer Experience, for SpotOn, our presenting sponsor for this report. Kevin joins Karly to discuss the three big tech trends impacting restaurants in 2023, the state of takeout and delivery, and POS syste…

1
2023 State of the Restaurant Industry 27:07

1+ y ago27:07

27:07

A new and positive normal is starting to take hold at restaurants across the country. In the 2023 State of the Restaurant Industry Report, nearly three in four restaurant operators say they are getting comfortable with their day-to-day operations and are focused on sustaining that growth in 2023. There will still be challenges, such as supply chain…

1
Raeann Rouse of Bridge St. Baby 10:27

1+ y ago10:27

10:27

In this episode brought to you by the MRA, Eric Hultgren heads to Rockford, MI to talk with Raeann Rouse of Bridge St. Baby about her beginnings in 2017 and what the store is like 5 years later.By MLive MI Best

1
Encouraging Excellence with P.F. Chang’s CEO Damola Adamolekun 15:12

1+ y ago15:12

15:12

This week, Karly speaks with P.F. Chang’s CEO Damola Adamolekun about setting high goals and finding purpose in P.F. Chang’s focus on guest experience and improving the lives of their 15,000 employees. In this conversation, alongside the National Restaurant Association’s celebration of Black History Month, we celebrate Damola’s efforts and Executiv…

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National Restaurant Association Podcasts

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