Best The Chefs Without Restaurants Network Podcasts (2024)

1
#260 Reena Miglani and Chef Ajay Walia from Silicon Valley to Opening Saffron Indian Bistro 1:12:26

1d ago1:12:26

1:12:26

In this episode, Michael is joined by guests Chef Ajay Walia and his wife Reena Miglani to learn about their entrepreneurial journey from Silicon Valley to opening Saffron Indian Bistro, serving northern and southern Indian cuisine. The conversation highlights the importance of creating a heart-centered and profitable business, the power of human c…

1
Vegan Chef Turns Food Network Title Into Championship Career 35:28

1d ago35:28

35:28

Chef Priyanka Naik took a very non-traditional route to success as a Food Network Champion. When culinary school didn’t align with her vegetarian upbringing, she didn’t let that stop her from pursuing her dreams of cooking on TV. Instead, she took a tech job to support her while working on becoming the best vegan chef she could. Her tireless self-p…

1
Modernist Cuisine, Sustainability, Culinary Traditions and More with Nathan Myhrvold 58:55

7d ago58:55

58:55

This week my guest is Nathan Myhrvold of Modernist Cuisine. Nathan graduated high school and went to college at 14. He holds a doctorate in theoretical and mathematical physics, as well as a master’s degree in mathematical economics, from Princeton University. His master’s degree is in geophysics and space physics, and he did postdoctoral cosmology…

1
#259 Cristian Grossmann, Co-Founder & CEO at BeeKeeper on Creating a Frontline Success System 53:32

8d ago53:32

53:32

Cristian Grossmann,, Co-Founder & CEO at BeeKeeper, joins Michael in this week's episode. Christian shares insights on the journey of creating Beekeeper, a platform designed to transform communication and engagement with frontline hospitality teams. The discussion covers the challenges faced by frontline workers, including the lack of digital tools…

1
Three Lists in Three Years: How Il Canale Uses Yelp to Fuel Growth and Inspire Change 28:18

8d ago28:18

28:18

Alessandro Farruggio and his family, owners of Il Canale in Washington D.C., are experts in the pizza business. Since Alessandro’s father immigrated from Italy in the 1970s, the family has been serving authentic Italian recipes in the D.C. area. Their delicious food, consistent customer engagement, and knack for adaptability has earned them recogni…

1
The Master Chef Blueprint: Ferdinand Metz Unveils His Secret to Culinary Success 1:01:00

10d ago1:01:00

1:01:00

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Ferdinand Metz, instrumental in establishing the Chefs’ Apprenticeship, Certification, and Master Chefs’ Certification programs in the United States. He’s also the first Certified Master Chef in history. Honored with nearly every major award in the culinary world, including the Lifetime Achievement Award …

1
Stolen Recipes, Scrapple, Bill Murray and Bad Service 19:39

14d ago19:39

19:39

This week I'm sharing a clip from another podcast I was featured on a couple of years ago. I share a couple of funny stories that I've never shared before. The first story is about how actor Bill Murray inadvertently ruined my anniversary dinner. I love Bill, and this isn't something he intentionally did, but the story relates to good (and poor) cu…

1
#258 Matthew Cameron Founder of TMC Consulting on Enhancing Work Environments 56:24

15d ago56:24

56:24

Today we're joined by Matthew Cameron, a consultant dedicated to improving employee retention, performance, and well-being in hospitality businesses. They explore Matthew's transformative journey from a challenging hospitality career, marked by a personal crisis, to his current mission of enhancing the work environment for others. Matthew shares th…

1
Tea and Milk Owner Expands Both His Business and Customer Horizons 46:09

16d ago46:09

46:09

Tea and Milk owner Mathew Wong has gone to great lengths to create the best bubble tea possible, traveling as far as Japan to research and source his tea. He uses only the highest quality ingredients in all of his products, but found that they weren’t always popular with customers, who had grown used to inferior ingredients. In order to expand, Won…

1
#257 Dan Simons Co-Owner at Farmers Restaurant Group on Mental Health Resources & Support 1:00:53

22d ago1:00:53

1:00:53

Dan Simons, the co-founder and CEO of Farmers Restaurant Group, known for its unique business model and dedication to sustainability, joins Michael again on the podcast. Nearly two years since their last discussion, they delve into how the business has evolved. Instead, the conversation highlights Dan's commitment to improving mental health in the …

1
A Heartfelt Talk with Daphne Oz: Exploring Family, Food, Social Media and Authenticity 1:00:46

25d ago1:00:46

1:00:46

In today’s episode, we speak with Daphne Oz, Emmy Award-winning television host, New York Times-bestselling author, natural foods chef, and daughter of Dr. Oz. As a previous co-host at The Good Dish and ABC’s The Chew, Daphne dives into what it takes to start a career in TV hosting and her best social media tips. With features in notable publicatio…

1
#256 Tai Ricci Partner at Hi Neighbor Hospitality Group on Building Culture & Empowering Employees 1:03:25

29d ago1:03:25

1:03:25

Tai Ricci, partner at Hi Neighbor Hospitality Group, joins us for this episode. Tai explores a range of topics critical for success in the hospitality business, focusing on innovation, culture, leadership, and the impact on communities. She shares her journey from her creative background into the world of hospitality, highlighting how personal expe…

1
Exploring Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon with Bernie Lubbers of Heaven Hill Distillery 46:13

1M ago46:13

46:13

This week my guest is "the whiskey professor" Bernie Lubbers, Heaven Hill Distillery's national brand ambassador. If you want to learn more about bourbon, and one of America's oldest and best distilleries, this episode is for you. Bernie explains the criteria for bourbon, as well as the bottled-in-bond classification, something he's championed sinc…

1
Teaching Kids Culinary and Business Skills - The Fat Pastor Shawn Niles 42:41

1M ago42:41

42:41

This week my guest is Shawn Niles (aka The Fat Pastor). Shawn started his church in 2015, but his love of cooking led him to competing on MasterChef in 2016. What chef Gordon Ramsay told him would change his life forever. Wanting to combine his two passions, Shawn started a program for at-risk youth in Yakima, WA called Urban Kitchen, to teach them…

1
#255 Dr. Vincent Walsh - Global Circular & Regenerative Living Systems Expert 1:06:49

1M ago1:06:49

1:06:49

In this episode, Dr. Vincent Walsh, a UK-based circular regenerative food and agriculture expert, shares his journey, insights, and aspirations in making a positive, everlasting impact on the food system through consulting with major UK food and beverage companies. Dr. Vincent discusses the significance of understanding nature's evolution, circular…

1
Building Community Intentionally: A Conversation With 3 Yelp Community Managers 44:55

1M ago44:55

44:55

It takes a village to raise a small business, as any entrepreneur will tell you. It sounds like a solo act, but the more advocates in a business’s corner, the more likely their success. This week Emily sits down with three of Yelp’s community managers to talk about their roles and what they can do to help make a small business successful — everythi…

1
Top Chef Host Kristen Kish: Her Incredible Story from Culinary School to Culinary Stardom 46:16

1M ago46:16

46:16

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Kristen Kish, the new host of Bravo’s Emmy Award-Winning Top Chef.* Kristen is the chef and partner of Arlo Grey in Austin, TX, as well as the founder of Kish Apéritif. Kristen shares how remaining authentically true to herself has opened unexpected doors of opportunity, such as winning Season 10 of Top C…

1
Make Better Pizza at Home with Women's Pizza Month Founder Christy Alia 46:00

1M ago46:00

46:00

This week my guest is pizza maker and founder of Women’s Pizza Month Christy Alia. Women's pizza month is an online party taking place the whole month of March on Instagram. Of course, you can follow along by checking out the hashtag #WomensPizzaMonth. Christy wanted to shine a spotlight on many of the women in pizza, so she took to Instagram to st…

1
#254 Dan Newman - Managing Director at Hospitality Rewards on Improving Employee Benefits 53:13

1M ago53:13

53:13

Dan Newman, the Managing Director of Hospitality Rewards, the UK's first employee benefits platform for the hospitality trade joins us in this episode. Dan and Michael discuss the mission of Hospitality Rewards to improve financial, mental, and physical health benefits for employees in the hospitality sector, moving beyond traditional compensation …

1
Counter Service and Community Building: Yo’ Mama’s Recipe for Success 35:29

1M ago35:29

35:29

Crystal Peterson, owner of Yo’ Mama’s, has kept service at the forefront of her strategy from day 1. Located in downtown Birmingham, the family-run comfort food restaurant targets the city’s busy visitors and workers during lunch hour with quick and friendly counter service. Reviewer Delia S. shares how her first experience in Yo’ Mama’s welcoming …

1
Talking About The Chef Conference with Founder Mike Traud 38:26

2M ago38:26

38:26

This week my guest is Mike Traud, founder of The Chef Conference (formerly The Philly Chef Conference). We talk about the history, and evolution, of this food and beverage conference. You'll hear what you can expect from this year's conference which is taking place in Philadelphia from April 12th through 15th. Some of this year's guest are: Sean Br…

1
#253 Larry Korman - President of AKA Hotel Residences on the Art of Leadership 1:06:23

2M ago1:06:23

1:06:23

Larry Korman is back on the podcast for this week’s episode to talk all about the value of maintaining consistency in business operations, regardless of external circumstances. He provides insights into the importance of humanizing the hospitality experience, especially in unprecedented times, like during the pandemic. Larry also reiterates his com…

1
Brewing Community : Nirvana Soul's Mission of Connection 24:23

2M ago24:23

24:23

Nirvana Soul in San Jose isn’t your ordinary coffee shop. It’s loud, vivacious, and encourages community expression, whether in their regular open-mic nights or the colorful art on the walls. Sisters and co-owners Jeronica and Be’Anka created their coffee shop to serve up unique flavors like the White Rose Latte and a Hazelnut Mocha. But the more i…

1
Africa’s Culinary Revolution: How an Escoffier Grad Is Leading Culinary Innovation in Nigeria 54:58

2M ago54:58

54:58

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Bekei Ijewere, an Escoffier graduate and founder of Beks Culinary Academy in Lagos, Nigeria. What makes Bekei's story truly captivating is her unconventional path into the culinary realm. Trained initially as a chartered accountant, she seamlessly merged her financial acumen with her deep-rooted passion f…

1
#252 Natalie Campbell & Charlotte Harrington, Co-CEO's at BELU on Transforming the Industry's Approach to Water 1:14:06

2M ago1:14:06

1:14:06

Natalie Campbell and Charlotte Harrington, Co-CEOs of BELU, join Michael today on the podcast. BELU is a Social Enterprise focusing on transforming the hospitality industry's approach to water, using an innovative business model to deliver top-notch water service to venues while contributing significantly to social and environmental causes. The epi…

1
Serving Salsa With a Smile: How Lisa and Miguel Became Local Food Celebrities 26:56

2M ago26:56

26:56

Lisa and Miguel Segura, owners of Miguel’s Artisan Recipes, always have an open seat at their table. The couple has spent the last three years finding new ways to share their jarred salsas and fresh Mexican recipes with their community. What started as pandemic deliveries to their circle of friends turned into a full-fledged brick-and-mortar operat…

1
Perseverance and Adaptation - Christine Van Bloem of The Empty Nest Kitchen 45:04

2M ago45:04

45:04

This week my guest is chef Christine Van Bloem. For 15 years Christine ran the successful Kitchen Studio Cooking School in Frederick, Maryland, a recreational cooking school. When the Covid pandemic hit, she had to stop doing in-person cooking classes. She pivoted to online cooking classes, hoping to go back to in-person. Then, her husband had a st…

1
# 3 Morten P. Ortwed Founding Partner at DiningSix on Bringing Authenticity to Your Company Culture 54:11

2M ago54:11

54:11

Welcome to episode 3 of the Special Edition podcast series “EXPANSION THROUGH CULTURE - The Scandi Way”. We are joined by owner/operator Morten P. Ortwed, founding partner at DiningSix, a Danish restaurant company redefining the dining experience. Morten and Michael dive into: The journey of DiningSix and how they came to expand into multiple count…

1
Biz Bites #8 : How to Get Yelp Reviews Without Asking 20:43

2M ago20:43

20:43

In ep. 8 of the “Biz Bites'' series, we talk about how to get reviews without asking. An important part of managing your online reputation, especially on Yelp. From providing memorable experiences, responding to reviews publicly, and making the most of Yelp’s free features, this episode breaks down 5 things businesses can do to encourage customers …

1
#251 Rob Liddiard - Implementer at EOS on Leading With Vision 1:01:42

2M ago1:01:42

1:01:42

In this episode, Michael has a conversation with Rob Liddiard about applying the principles of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) in businesses to increase profitability and create heart-centered operations. EOS, is a holistic system that organisations can employ to realize visions, increase accountability and strengthen team health. Rob sh…

1
A Farmers Market with a Mission to Nourish and Educate the Community 25:38

2M ago25:38

25:38

Located in Humble, TX, Fall Creek Farmers Market is the perfect place to pick up produce and fresh foods while learning more about sustainable agriculture. Jonathan and Andrea, the husband-and-wife duo behind the market, integrate integrity and education about sustainable farming and the importance of food quality into everything they do. Reviewer …

1
How to Start a Career in Restaurant Public Relations with Shari Bayer 56:04

2M ago56:04

56:04

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Shari Bayer, founder & president of Bayer Public Relations, as well as host & producer of All in the Industry podcast. With over 30 years in the industry, Shari established her PR agency in 2003, representing chefs, restaurants, and culinary-focused clients. As a Les Dames d’Escoffier NY member since 2010…

1
Beyond Contracts, Invoices, and Deposits: Creating a Less Transactional Experience 8:08

2M ago8:08

8:08

In this week’s solo episode of Chefs Without Restaurants, host Chris Spear delves into the controversial yet effective business practices he's adopted for his personal chef business. Chris reveals how he's successfully run his culinary business without the reliance on contracts, invoices, or deposits, placing a significant emphasis on trust and per…

1
#250 Jennifer Ryan - Co-Founder at Croux on Solving The Staffing Crisis 55:57

2M ago55:57

55:57

The conversation revolves around Jennifer's journey from an English major to the dynamic world of entrepreneurship. She discusses her passion for solving problems in the hospitality industry with the establishment of Croux. Croux is a platform that bridges the gap between businesses in need of temporary staff and individuals craving job flexibility…

1
Serving Happiness: Building a Business on Customer Feedback 30:11

2M ago30:11

30:11

Most people open their own business with a solid plan and a firm idea of what that business offers. Tomeka Wallace opened Happy Cafe with exactly that, but her ability to learn as she goes, pivot when needed, and “just roll with it,” as she says, led to many changes to her menu and her operating hours. Listening to her customers and reviewers gave …

1
The Chef Who's Feeding Oceanside's Houseless Community - Sunny Soto-Brisco of Sunny Street Outreach 58:48

3M ago58:48

58:48

This week I have chef Sunny Soto-Brisco. With her wife, they started Sunny Street Outreach to cook and serve restaurant quality meals to the houseless and underserved communities in Oceanside, CA. They're currently working on fundraising for a mobile cafe trailer which, once open, will serve the Oceanside community with coffee and breakfast on the …

1
#249 Ed Barry Founder at Edify - Improving Profitability in the Hospitality Business 43:25

3M ago43:25

43:25

Ed Barry, the owner of Edify, a business analytics tool for hospitality businesses, discusses his experiences as a former operator. He shares the insights gained from running his coffee shop chain, Over Under Coffee, and how they led him to envision a technology solution to address various operational challenges in hospitality. Ed also highlights t…

1
Making Waves in the Community Means Sweet Success 31:17

3M ago31:17

31:17

Sundae Scoop is an ice cream shop and community gathering place in Virginia Beach. Sibs and Philip Harrell opened the doors in 2021, bringing diverse flavors, and a fun environment for people to come together and try something new. Yelp Elite Aneesa P shares her first time at the business and what was so memorable about the entire experience. She d…

1
# 2 Simon Wanler Co-Founder and CEO Bastard Burgers on a Decade of Scaling Culture 56:02

3M ago56:02

56:02

Welcome to episode 2 of the Special Edition of “EXPANSION THROUGH CULTURE - The Scandi Way”. Michael talks with Simon Wanler, Co-Founder and CEO of Bastard Burger: They Delve into the story of Simon and the renowned burger chain, exploring the vision, mission, and success driving Bastard Burger's rise. Uncover how Bastard Burger's mastery of cultur…

1
How Chefs Can Prioritize Mental Health and Well-Being 1:06:47

3M ago1:06:47

1:06:47

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Wonda Grobbelaar, an expert in soft skills, leadership quality assurance, and management training. As a PhD candidate, Wonda shares her ground-breaking research on how chefs can navigate stress, offers tips on hospitality leadership, and discusses the future of workplace psychology. She advocates for qual…

1
Biz Bite Episode 7 : Black History Month & Identity Marketing 7:18

3M ago7:18

7:18

In ep. 7 of the “Biz Bites'' series, we celebrate Black History Month and discuss identity marketing. Consumers want to connect with the businesses they support, and sharing your story and identity as the business owner is a way to create deeper connections - particularly when relevant to your business and offerings. Learn about ways to leverage he…

1
# 1 EXPANSION THROUGH CULTURE - The Scandi Way 27:53

3M ago27:53

27:53

Welcome to the Special Edition of “EXPANSION THROUGH CULTURE - The Scandi Way”. In this kickoff episode, your hosts Christopher Cato Lavebrand and Michael Tingsager spill the beans on why Ziik and Hospitality Mavericks joined forces for this exclusive podcast series. They discuss how hospitality is facing its toughest challenges ever! Why today's e…

1
Caribbean Flavors, Paleo Remixes with Althea Brown of Metemgee 1:01:54

3M ago1:01:54

1:01:54

This week I have Althea Brown. After moving to the United States from Guyana, Althea started a blog called Metemgee where she shares traditional Guyanese recipes. Due to health reasons, Althea now follows a paleo diet. But you don’t have to follow a paleo diet to enjoy her recipes. In fact, Althea shares both traditional recipes, and Paleo remixes …

1
#248 Kyle C Grant Founder at Oxwash - Revolutionizing Textile Cleaning 52:00

3M ago52:00

52:00

In this episode, Kyle Grant, the founder and CEO of Oxwash, a company revolutionizing the laundry industry, discusses the environmental impact of traditional laundering methods and how his company strives to significantly lessen it. Kyle details several of Oxwash's innovations, such as cold washing, the use of ozone super saturation, net zero laund…

1
Chef JJ on leading a rice renaissance in Harlem 24:03

3M ago24:03

24:03

James Beard Award-winning Chef JJ Johnson knows that the best things in life start simply, so he built his restaurant around one of life’s basic grains—rice. He then took his clean and healthy cooking to unlikely neighborhoods to make sure everyone has access to healthy and affordable food. That great tasting food plus data gathering and studying h…

1
Taking a Creative, Culinary Approach to Craft Distilling with Scott Blackwell of High Wire Distilling Co (Part 2) 59:07

3M ago59:07

59:07

This week I have part 2 of my conversation with Scott Blackwell, owner/distiller of High Wire Distilling Co in Charleston, SC which he runs with his wife Ann Marshall. This part of our conversation starts with how and why he started the distillery. If you're interested in his entrepreneurial journey up to the point of starting the distillery you ca…

1
#247 Greg Marchand Chef and Founder of Frenchie -The Journey of Culinary Excellence 53:44

3M ago53:44

53:44

In this insightful episode, renowned chef and founder of the globally acclaimed Frenchie restaurant group, Greg Marchand, reflects on the landscape of high end dining and its numerous challenges. Greg discusses his entrepreneurial path and strategic responses to global events and consumer preferences evolution. He also highlights the importance of …

1
MT Noodles: The Intersection of Heritage, High Quality Ingredients, and Community Through Vietnamese Food 20:24

3M ago20:24

20:24

Located in a strip mall in a Minnesota suburb, MT Noodles has become a local favorite. Justin and the team at MT Noodles integrate their Vietnamese heritage into everything they do, making sure that all customers can find homemade dishes that they will enjoy, regardless of whether or not they’ve tried Vietnamese dishes before. Hear how the staff ma…

1
Preserving the Family Legacy: A Special Conversation with Michel Escoffier 50:04

3M ago50:04

50:04

To celebrate our 100th episode, today’s special guest is Michel Escoffier, the great-grandson of our school’s namesake Auguste Escoffier, renowned as the ‘King of Chefs’ and the pioneer of modern French cuisine. Michel holds the esteemed position of President at the Auguste Escoffier Foundation and Museum in Villeneuve-Loubet, France. Additionally,…

1
Biz Bite Episode 6 : AI & ChatGPT for Business Owners 9:41

3M ago9:41

9:41

In ep. 6 of the “Biz Bites'' series, we discuss how small businesses can utilize ChatGPT & AI as tools to help them with things like preparing their taxes, or putting together a social media content calendar. We also dig into some of the limitations of the technology and the importance of human oversight and a personalized touch. ChatGPT and AI wil…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

The Chefs Without Restaurants Network Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide