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Send us Fan Mail Chopped: Castaways Reality vs Survival Food + How Dwight & Sharon Build a Family-First Culinary Business Dwight and Sharon reflect on Dwight’s time on “Chopped: Castaways,” saying the show wasn’t fully true to how real outdoor survival cooking works and that many contestants were Michelin-level chefs but not naturalists or outdoors people. They argue the judging should have prioritized rustic, hearty survival meals (carbs and fat for energy in brutal weather) rather than fine-dining standards. They share relationship and business advice centered on “stay in your lane,” strong communication, playing to each other’s strengths, and using humor, while also navigating allergies and different food preferences. They describe their mission to create food experiences that include teaching history, health benefits, and ingredient knowledge, and explain how their family-named brands preserve legacy. They outline their product lines, events, private cheffing/catering, and social channels. 00:00 Behind the Castaways Edit 01:27 Survival vs Fine Dining 03:29 Reality Show Not Reality 04:11 Who Could Actually Survive 04:36 Stay in Your Lane 05:52 Allergies and Taste Roles 07:02 Wild Game and Spicy Balance 10:36 Meals as Experiences 13:10 Family Legacy Brands 15:47 Store Events and Teaching 17:19 Wild Game Night Surprise 19:33 Transforming the Store 20:33 Outdoor Fire Cooking Plans 21:03 Inside Daws Distribution 23:27 Events and Pop Shop 25:06 Keeping It Fun Together 26:51 Media and TV Advice 29:16 Faith and Community 31:06 Where to Find Them Dynery It's a new app changing the way we connect through food. Dynery goes beyond helping you find great restaurants. Connects you with a community of people who share your food preferences, make it easier to discover new dining experiences while enjoying exclusive discounts at participating restaurants. For restaurant owners, it's a game changer. Unlike many delivery platforms charge commissions as high as thirty percent, Dynery charges 3%. Register here https://dynery.ai/ Support the show Your support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast. Become a monthly supporter: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1432717/support Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally. https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_US Check out our sponsors new app:  Dynery connects restaurants, dishes, people, events, & deals around an audience of one... you. https://dynery.ai/ Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review. https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/ Volunteer contact [email protected] Connect with our Culinary Stories: https://linktr.ee/voice4chef

Send us Fan Mail Dwight Hudgins & Sharon Young: Jamaican Roots, Hunter-Gatherer Cooking, and Chopped Castaways Dwight Hudgins and Sharon Young, a husband-and-wife food storytelling team, share how their love of cooking became a mission rooted in family, culture, and creativity. Sharon recalls growing up in Jamaica with her grandmother Viola Dawes, learning to season, taste as you cook, and eat in season with fresh eggs, chicken, and goat, while Dwight describes similar lessons from his grandfather through hunting, fishing, and seasonal eating, plus early-morning church fish fries. They discuss the kitchen as the heart of the home and the emotional connection to “sacred” seasoned pots. Dwight explains his path from agricultural science at Rutgers, concerned about genetically modified foods and synthetic flavors, to architecture and travel that broadened his exposure to global cuisines beyond soul food. Sharon shares a decade in New York fashion sales and global travel before earning a culinary degree. They also cover how Dwight was recruited for season one of Chopped Castaways, Sharon “training” him, and their smoked, pepper-jam-glazed alligator method, teasing more behind-the-scenes details in part two. 00:00 Meet Sharon and Dwight 00:53 Jamaican Roots and Grandma’s Kitchen 03:44 Eating Seasonal and From the Land 05:04 Church Fish Fries and Family Memories 07:28 Kitchen as the Heart of Home 08:55 Dwight’s Path From Ag to Architecture 11:08 Sharon’s Fashion to Culinary Journey 13:55 Riverbank Smoking and Outdoor Cooking 15:10 Landing Chopped Castaways 17:49 Alligator Smoking and Pepper Jam 19:15 Part Two Tease and Wrap Up Contact Dwight Hudgins & Sharon Young: Website: https://www.barbaraskitchenjams.com Email: [email protected]  IG: @barbaraskitchen1 Support the show Your support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast. Become a monthly supporter: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1432717/support Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally. https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_US Check out our sponsors new app:  Dynery connects restaurants, dishes, people, events, & deals around an audience of one... you. https://dynery.ai/ Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review. https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/ Volunteer contact [email protected] Connect with our Culinary Stories: https://linktr.ee/voice4chef

Send us Fan Mail In part II this Voice4Chefs conversation, Chef Adi explains how working in international kitchens changed him personally as much as professionally, emphasizing that travel expands perspective beyond career focus and money. He shares an early Dubai experience at Marina Social where a calm, confident senior chef modeled composure and muscle memory under pressure, shaping Adi’s leadership outlook. Adi describes learning to slow down through European culture, contrasting it with the relentless pace of Mumbai. He discusses how Michelin-level kitchens function as disciplined “sanctuaries,” rooted in mise en place, momentum, and leaders who model action rather than blame. Adi details how he applied to Boury Academy at Boury in Belgium, advice for standing out with a crisp CV and clear purpose, and what he learned there about precision, Chef Tim Boury’s attention to detail, and teamwork practices that accelerate prep. 00:00 Travel Changed Me 01:25 New Perspectives Abroad 02:38 Larry Jr Larder Lesson 06:23 Slow Down To Live 11:33 Mise En Place Mindset 14:37 Vision Purpose Momentum 17:34 Fixing Kitchen Momentum 19:21 Reject Toxic Chef Culture 20:53 Landing Boury Stage 24:58 Meeting Tim and Inge 26:59 Three Star Teamwork Systems 30:07 Dubai Breakthrough Mentor 32:20 Final Advice and Gratitude Contact: Chef Adi Email: [email protected] Instagram:@oui_chefff Intern at the Boury Academy: https://www.bouryacademy.com/what Dynery It's a new app changing the way we connect through food. Dynery goes beyond helping you find great restaurants. Connects you with a community of people who share your food preferences, make it easier to discover new dining experiences while enjoying exclusive discounts at participating restaurants. For restaurant owners, it's a game changer. Unlike many delivery platforms charge commissions as high as thirty percent, Dynery charges 3%. Register here https://dynery.ai/ Support the show Your support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast. Become a monthly supporter: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1432717/support Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally. https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_US Check out our sponsors new app:  Dynery connects restaurants, dishes, people, events, & deals around an audience of one... you. https://dynery.ai/ Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review. https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/ Volunteer contact [email protected] Connect with our Culinary Stories: https://linktr.ee/voice4chef

Send us Fan Mail Chef Adi’s Michelin-Star Journey: Purpose, Mise en Place, and Global Kitchen Lessons  Chef Adi, an Indian chef currently working at Handmade Cafe in Pune India, shares how his passion for purpose-driven cooking and constant community-focused restaurant culture. Joined by host Michael and co-host Chef Steven, Adi recounts realizing cooking as his identity in his early teens, being inspired by TV cooking shows, and developing “muscle memory” by repeatedly watching techniques when ingredients weren’t affordable. He emphasizes cleaning, organization, and mise en place as foundations for success, and explains kitchen roles like commis and larder. Adi reflects on working across multiple countries, learning people and perspectives through travel, and pursuing excellence in high-level kitchens, including a three-month stage at Belgium’s three-Michelin-star Boury under Chef Tim Boury, where teamwork, discipline, and momentum drive uncompromising standards. Adi also credits Chef Nick for giving him an opportunity in Dubai after a visa rejection, sparking his international journey. 00:00 Meet Chef Adi 01:03 Life in Pune India 02:18 Handmade Cafe Vision 04:37 Community and Regulars 05:40 Michael Chef Confession 09:56 Cooking as Identity 15:26 TV Shows to Skills 20:36 Clean Kitchen Culture 24:48 Travel Changes You Contact: Chef Adi Email: [email protected] Instagram:@oui_chefff Intern at the Boury Academy: https://www.bouryacademy.com/what Dynery It's a new app changing the way we connect through food. Dynery goes beyond helping you find great restaurants. Connects you with a community of people who share your food preferences, make it easier to discover new dining experiences while enjoying exclusive discounts at participating restaurants. For restaurant owners, it's a game changer. Unlike many delivery platforms charge commissions as high as thirty percent, Dynery charges 3%. Register here https://dynery.ai/ Support the show Your support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast. Become a monthly supporter: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1432717/support Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally. https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_US Check out our sponsors new app:  Dynery connects restaurants, dishes, people, events, & deals around an audience of one... you. https://dynery.ai/ Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review. https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/ Volunteer contact [email protected] Connect with our Culinary Stories: https://linktr.ee/voice4chef

Send us Fan Mail On The Voice4Chefs podcast, we welcome Michelin-trained co-host Chef Steven and guest Chef Christophe Domergue, a classically trained French chef who worked in Michelin-level kitchens in France and Switzerland, moved to New York’s Le Cirque via Daniel Boulud in 1992, and later became executive chef at a Gordon Ramsay restaurant at Paris Las Vegas. Domergue traces his passion to long family meals in southwest France and his castle-based culinary school, then describes mentorship in Las Vegas that shifted his focus toward management, P&L, and financial operations. He argues great cooking is no longer enough and emphasizes 401(k) literacy, investing early, and understanding pay stubs, noting many chefs miss employer matching. He recounts COVID’s operational damage and burnout, leading to retirement at 56 after Tropicana’s closure, and stresses balance, communication, and planning for the future. 00:11 Meet Chef Christophe 01:06 Family Meals in France 03:15 Culinary School in a Castle 03:56 Long Dinners and Culture 07:37 Food as Connection 08:49 Vegas Leadership Mentor 11:05 Why Money Matters for Chefs 12:46 Career Path to New York 15:13 Le Cirque and Daniel Boulud 18:11 Allan Ducasse Network and COVID Wakeup 20:45 401k Wake Up Call 21:59 Why Chefs Must Save 22:45 Fixing 401k Blind Spots 25:31 Pandemic Kitchen Fallout 27:48 Choosing Early Retirement 29:59 Travel Food Traditions 31:16 Duck Foie Gras Roots 33:15 Working With Chef Steven 35:02 Final Money Family Advice 36:48 Key Takeaways Farewell Dynery It's a new app changing the way we connect through food. Dynery goes beyond helping you find great restaurants. Connects you with a community of people who share your food preferences, make it easier to discover new dining experiences while enjoying exclusive discounts at participating restaurants. For restaurant owners, it's a game changer. Unlike many delivery platforms charge commissions as high as thirty percent, Dynery charges 3%. Register here https://dynery.ai/ Support the show Your support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast. Become a monthly supporter: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1432717/support Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally. https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_US Check out our sponsors new app:  Dynery connects restaurants, dishes, people, events, & deals around an audience of one... you. https://dynery.ai/ Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review. https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/ Volunteer contact [email protected] Connect with our Culinary Stories: https://linktr.ee/voice4chef

Send us Fan Mail Voice4Chefs Turns 5: How a Pandemic Idea Became a Global Hospitality Podcast May 2026 marks the five-year anniversary of the Voice4Chefs podcast, founded May 1 2020 during the pandemic when restaurants fell silent and hospitality workers faced uncertainty. The host, a former restaurant professional who transitioned into technology, describes creating the show to honor chefs and the people behind hospitality while battling imposter syndrome and launching with help from Toastmasters mentor Kyle Hall and a leadership project that clarified the podcast’s mission. He credits his wife for building the brand identity and musician Steve Olson for composing the show’s original theme. Discovering the Clubhouse community “Food is Religion” expanded the podcast globally through audio-only conversations and cooking classes, connecting him with Chef Mimi Lan and co-host Chef Steven. Over five years, the podcast has focused on resilience, reinvention, mental health, and human connection. 00:00 The Silence Begins 01:28 Why Voice4Chefs Started 03:36 Imposter Syndrome Hits 05:24 Toastmasters Turning Point 07:38 Building the Brand 08:21 Finding the Theme Song 13:42 Clubhouse Goes Global 15:56 Audio Only Cooking Magic 17:55 Beyond Food Connection 19:54 Gratitude and Shout Outs 22:16 What Comes Next Support the show Your support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast. Become a monthly supporter: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1432717/support Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally. https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_US Check out our sponsors new app:  Dynery connects restaurants, dishes, people, events, & deals around an audience of one... you. https://dynery.ai/ Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review. https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/ Volunteer contact [email protected] Connect with our Culinary Stories: https://linktr.ee/voice4chef

Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt episode, we welcome entrepreneur and restaurateur Tawfik Maudah, founder of Café Yemen in Renton, Washington. Joined by special co-host Carrie Dugan, we explore Tawfik’s journey from a small mountain village in Yemen to building a thriving restaurant rooted in culture, hospitality, and tradition. Tawfik shares vivid memories of growing up surrounded by family, fresh food, and daily rituals that shaped his deep appreciation for authentic cuisine. From milking cows as a child to introducing Seattle to Yemeni flavors, his story is one of resilience, identity, and connection. This conversation dives into the power of food to bring people together, the rich (and often misunderstood) history of Yemen, and the passion behind creating a truly communal dining experience. Key Topics & Highlights Growing Up in YemenLife in a mountain village with multi-generational family livingFresh, organic food sourced from farms and livestockDaily routines centered around family, food, and communityVillage vs. City LifeDifferences in food preparation and lifestyleThe loss of authenticity when moving away from farm-fresh ingredientsA Childhood Story to RememberTawfik’s memory of drinking fresh milk straight from the cow before dinnerJourney to the United StatesComing to the U.S. as a studentFinding a sense of belonging and eventually building a life and family hereWhy Open a Yemeni Restaurant?Noticing the absence of Yemeni cuisine in SeattleFeeling a responsibility to represent his cultureThe challenges of launching a restaurantThe Origins of “Mocha” CoffeeThe word “mocha” comes from the Yemeni port city MokhaYemen’s historic role in global coffee tradeYemeni Food & CultureSignature dishes like Fahsa, Mandi, and FulThe importance of shared meals and communal diningFood as a symbol of hospitality and connectionCustomer ImpactEmotional moments when guests praise the authenticity and quality of the foodMotivation to keep going through challengesThe Reality of Visiting Yemen TodayLong, complex travel due to ongoing conflictThe beauty and richness of a country often misunderstoodA Message to the World“We’re all the same. Food brings us together.”The importance of hospitality, culture, and shared experiencesConnect with Tofik Maudah Website: https://cafeyemen.com/about-us/ Dynery It's a new app changing the way we connect through food. Dynery goes beyond helping you find great restaurants. Connects you with a community of people who share your food preferences, make it easier to discover new dining experiences while enjoying exclusive discounts at participating restaurants. For restaurant owners, it's a game changer. Unlike many delivery platforms charge commissions as high as thirty percent, Dynery charges 3%. Register here https://dynery.ai/ Support the show Your support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast. Become a monthly supporter: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1432717/support Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally. https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_US Check out our sponsors new app:  Dynery connects restaurants, dishes, people, events, & deals around an audience of one... you. https://dynery.ai/ Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review. https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/ Volunteer contact [email protected] Connect with our Culinary Stories: https://linktr.ee/voice4chef

Send us Fan Mail Chef Steven Leung on Resilience, Entrepreneurship, and Redefining Success Beyond the Kitchen Voice4Chefs welcomes chef Steven Leung, who began cooking in his family kitchen in Hong Kong at 12, trained at Le Cordon Bleu LA, and built his career in top Las Vegas kitchens including Mandarin Oriental and the Michelin-starred Guy Savoy, later serving as executive sous chef at the Cosmopolitan. He and host Michael recount meeting during the pandemic on the Clubhouse “Food Is Religion” community, where Steven gained confidence hosting conversations and drew a record crowd of over 600 with a simplified beef chow fun demo. Steven explains how the pandemic showed the risk of building a life on a platform you don’t own, prompting a shift from titles and technique to entrepreneurship, systems, ownership, and long-term thinking, with health as a key catalyst. He defines success as freedom, sustainability, and structure, and joins Voice4Chefs as co-host to deepen conversations on sustainability, business, and legacy. 00:00 Meet Chef Steven 01:02 New Year Welcome 01:47 How We Met 04:07 Clubhouse Nerves 05:59 Mimi Recruits Steven 09:18 Beef Chow Fun Goes Viral 09:56 Simplifying Home Cooking 15:15 From Passion to Business 16:22 Career Over Job 17:25 Pandemic Wake Up Call 18:22 Ownership And Leverage 19:09 Wild Vs Zoo 21:00 Health Forced Pivot 23:56 Savings Before The Leap 24:25 Redefining Success 25:41 Voice4Chefs Vision 28:09 Legacy And Freedom 29:45 Lightning Round 31:01 Final Takeaways Dynery It's a new app changing the way we connect through food. Dynery goes beyond helping you find great restaurants. Connects you with a community of people who share your food preferences, make it easier to discover new dining experiences while enjoying exclusive discounts at participating restaurants. For restaurant owners, it's a game changer. Unlike many delivery platforms charge commissions as high as thirty percent, Dynery charges 3%. Register here https://dynery.ai/ Support the show Your support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast. Become a monthly supporter: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1432717/support Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally. https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_US Check out our sponsors new app:  Dynery connects restaurants, dishes, people, events, & deals around an audience of one... you. https://dynery.ai/ Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review. https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/ Volunteer contact [email protected] Connect with our Culinary Stories: https://linktr.ee/voice4chef

Send us Fan Mail Chef Checkin Celebrating Filipino Cuisine with Chef Isi Laureano: Offering insights into Filipino hospitality, culinary heritage, and the value of pursuing one’s passion, this conversational check-in interview features Chef Isi Laureano, reflecting on her journey as a chef and entrepreneur in the Philippines. Isi shares experiences from the pandemic, describing how lockdowns impacted her private chef career and led to a shift toward home-based cooking and food delivery. The conversation highlights the evolution of Isi’s business ventures, including the creation of Chili Asylum, a brand focused on spicy products sourced from Filipino farmers, and her long-standing involvement with Traveling Spoon, where she hosts intimate Filipino cooking classes and food tours. Isi emphasizes the importance of family traditions, regional Filipino cuisine, and the adaptability required to thrive in changing circumstances. Exploring the diversity of Filipino food, the role of local ingredients and cooking methods, and the cultural significance of rice cakes (kakanin) as a national culinary symbol, Isi discusses the challenges and rewards of teaching, collaborating with other chefs, and maintaining work-life balance. The conversation concludes with reflections on personal growth, advice for navigating career stress, and ways to connect with Isi online. 00:00 Introduction to Chef Isi Laureano 01:34 Reconnecting and Reflecting on the Pandemic 05:49 The Birth of Chili Asylum 08:12 From Spices to Chili Products 13:12 The Evolution of Haynayan Ketchups 15:59 Traveling Spoon and Culinary Tours 20:03 Malabon Food Tour and Local Heritage 26:42 Finding Passion in the Kitchen 27:11 Dreams of a Filipino Deli 27:56 Recognition and Local Bookings 29:40 Challenges of a Demanding Client 32:31 Rediscovering Joy in Cooking 36:30 A Memorable Trip to Washington 40:48 The Philippines' National Dish Debate 43:42 Regional Cooking Styles in the Philippines 48:59 Final Thoughts and Farewell Connect with Chef Isi: https://eatmattersph.wixsite.com/eatmatters https://www.instagram.com/eatmattersph/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/isilaureano/ Recent artice about Chef Isi: https://sawasdee.thaiairways.com/cooking-with-the-quiet-ambassador-of-filipino-cuisine/ Original  episode: https://www.voice4chefs.com/cooking-through-the-philippines-with-isi-laureano-of-eat-matters/ Dynery It's a new app changing the way we connect through food. Dynery goes beyond helping you find great restaurants. Connects you with a community of people who share your food preferences, make it easier to discover new dining experiences while enjoying exclusive discounts at participating restaurants. For restaurant owners, it's a game changer. Unlike many delivery platforms charge commissions as high as thirty percent, Dynery charges 3%. Register here https://dynery.ai/ Support the show Your support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast. Become a monthly supporter: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1432717/support Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally. https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_US Check out our sponsors new app:  Dynery connects restaurants, dishes, people, events, & deals around an audience of one... you. https://dynery.ai/ Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review. https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/ Volunteer contact [email protected] Connect with our Culinary Stories: https://linktr.ee/voice4chef

Send us Fan Mail From aspiring medical doctor to celebrated chef and food scientist. Chef Eda discusses her early culinary inspirations, including her pivot from nutrition to food science, and her experiences working in the high-profile Los Angeles culinary scene. Chef Eda also explores the challenges of creating allergen-free menus and the innovative techniques she employs in her cooking. Additionally, she provides insights into her role at Microsoft and her current endeavors with Cocina Casera, including their popular dishes and upcoming product launches. With a focus on tradition, creativity, and inclusivity, Chef Eda's story is both inspiring and enlightening for food enthusiasts and professionals alike. 00:00 Introduction to Chef Eda Martin 00:35 Early Culinary Inspirations 03:33 Accidental Journey to Becoming a Chef 07:49 Culinary Influences and Recipe Development 11:25 Lessons from the Kitchen 13:43 Challenging Projects and Allergen-Free Cooking 15:32 Personal Stories and Foodie Adventures 23:49 CocinaCasera: The Restaurant and Future Plans 27:02 Conclusion and How to Connect with Chef Eda Contact Chef Eda: Email: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cocinacaserame/ Website: https://www.cocinacasera.me Dynery It's a new app changing the way we connect through food. Dynery goes beyond helping you find great restaurants. Connects you with a community of people who share your food preferences, make it easier to discover new dining experiences while enjoying exclusive discounts at participating restaurants. For restaurant owners, it's a game changer. Unlike many delivery platforms charge commissions as high as thirty percent, Dynery charges 3%. Register here https://dynery.ai/ Support the show Your support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast. Become a monthly supporter: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1432717/support Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally. https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_US Check out our sponsors new app:  Dynery connects restaurants, dishes, people, events, & deals around an audience of one... you. https://dynery.ai/ Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review. https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/ Volunteer contact [email protected] Connect with our Culinary Stories: https://linktr.ee/voice4chef

Send us Fan Mail This bonus episode of VoiceChefs revisits on of our first episodes and celebrates the indispensable role of volunteers in culinary and community service. Host Michael Dugan welcomes Chef Tracy Calderon, who manages the Atrium Kitchen and Cooking School in Seattle's Pike Place Market. Also running the Nourish Neighborhoods program, Chef Tracy shares how they have fed over 35,000 people during the pandemic with the help of volunteers. She reflects on her childhood, family influences, and career journey from public relations to becoming a chef. The episode highlights her initiatives like community meals and 'pay it forward' pop-up breakfasts, along with the indispensable contributions of her dedicated volunteers. They discuss her favorite recipes, culinary disasters, and the worst meals, emphasizing the impact of connecting with people through food. Chef Tracy also shares insights on securing good volunteers and the significance of unfaltering dedication to community service. 00:00 Introduction and Dedication to Volunteers 00:31 Meet Chef Tracy Calderon 01:14 Chef Tracy's Childhood and Family Influence 04:15 Transition to a Culinary Career 07:29 The Atrium Kitchen and Community Programs 09:24 Volunteers: The Heart of Nourish Neighborhood 16:48 Chef Tracy's Culinary Inspirations and Signature Dishes 23:06 Challenges and Kitchen Disasters 25:26 Nourish Neighborhood: How You Can Help 27:44 Conclusion and Farewell Dynery It's a new app changing the way we connect through food. Dynery goes beyond helping you find great restaurants. Connects you with a community of people who share your food preferences, make it easier to discover new dining experiences while enjoying exclusive discounts at participating restaurants. For restaurant owners, it's a game changer. Unlike many delivery platforms charge commissions as high as thirty percent, Dynery charges 3%. Register here https://dynery.ai/ Support the show Your support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast. Become a monthly supporter: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1432717/support Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally. https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_US Check out our sponsors new app:  Dynery connects restaurants, dishes, people, events, & deals around an audience of one... you. https://dynery.ai/ Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review. https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/ Volunteer contact [email protected] Connect with our Culinary Stories: https://linktr.ee/voice4chef

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an insightful interview with Greg Gazin, a distinguished Toastmaster and host of both the Toastcaster and The Official Toastmasters Podcast, recently named a Top 25 Higher Education Podcast by AcademicInfluence.com. In 2009, Greg received the Toastmasters International Presidential Citation for his innovative use of technology to benefit the Toastmasters community. This prerecorded session was live from PodMasters Advanced Toastmasters and is hosted by Michael Dugan, a storyteller, career, and podcast coach. They explore Greg's 23-year journey with Toastmasters, his evolution from a shy introvert to a global podcasting leader, and his creative approach to both storytelling and podcasting. Greg provides invaluable advice for Toastmaster podcasters, shares tips on honing your craft, and highlights the critical role Toastmasters played in his podcasting success. Learn from Greg's memorable experiences and gain practical tips to elevate your own Toastmaster podcast. 01:20 Introducing the Special Guest: Greg Gazin 03:51 Greg Gazen's Pizza Obsession 05:41 Greg's Journey into Podcasting 08:26 The Toastmasters Podcast Explained 10:22 Memorable Podcast Episodes 19:06 Podcasting Challenges and Funny Moments 28:04 Advice for Aspiring Podcasters 29:23 Toastmasters for Chefs 30:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Contact Greg:  https://gadgetgreg.com  https://toastmasterspodcast.com  https://instagram.com/gadgetgreg Join our club: Advanced Podmasters Toastmasters: [email protected] Dynery It's a new app changing the way we connect through food. Dynery goes beyond helping you find great restaurants. Connects you with a community of people who share your food preferences, make it easier to discover new dining experiences while enjoying exclusive discounts at participating restaurants. For restaurant owners, it's a game changer. Unlike many delivery platforms charge commissions as high as thirty percent, Dynery charges 3%. Register here https://dynery.ai/ Support the show Your support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast. Become a monthly supporter: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1432717/support Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally. https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_US Check out our sponsors new app:  Dynery connects restaurants, dishes, people, events, & deals around an audience of one... you. https://dynery.ai/ Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review. https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/ Volunteer contact [email protected] Connect with our Culinary Stories: https://linktr.ee/voice4chef

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Voice4Chefs, Hosts Michael Dugan and Chef Steven engage with Chef Kristen Watts Schumacher, also known as Chef Shu, the Culinary Director at Carnation Farms in the Snoqualmie Valley, Seattle. Chef Shu shares her inspirational journey from cooking for friends in her teenage years to running the heirloom cookshop and leading farm to table feasts. The conversation delves into her early influences, challenges, and triumphs, highlighting her love for community, resilience, and food without ego. Chef Shu discusses the deep connection she feels to Carnation Farms, including the regenerative farming practices and the farm's mission to provide fresh, local produce. They explore her diverse culinary experiences, including starting a cooking class program at Carnation Farms, and how transitioning into motherhood reshaped her definition of success. The episode also touches upon her philosophy of teamwork and humility in the kitchen, the importance of local produce, and the unique experiences offered at Carnation Farms’ events such as farm dinners and feasts in the field, where guests connect directly to the land, the animals, and the dedicated team behind the scenes.   00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:46 Chef Shu's Culinary Journey Begins 02:40 Discovering the Passion for Cooking 05:30 From Culinary School to Professional Chef 07:46 Building the Heirloom Cook Shop 11:35 Challenges and Triumphs of Entrepreneurship 16:05 Transition to Carnation Farms 17:44 The Allure of Carnation Farms 19:40 Teaching Cooking Skills 20:23 Farm Dinners and Community Connection 20:45 Inspiration and Home Cooking 21:32 The Power of Local Ingredients 22:00 Feast in the Field Experience 24:17 Honoring the Source of Food 30:06 Leadership and Team Values 35:38 Upcoming Events at Carnation Farms 38:25 Final Thoughts and Gratitude   Website: https://carnationfarms.org Email: [email protected] Dynery It's a new app changing the way we connect through food. Dynery goes beyond helping you find great restaurants. Connects you with a community of people who share your food preferences, make it easier to discover new dining experiences while enjoying exclusive discounts at participating restaurants. For restaurant owners, it's a game changer. Unlike many delivery platforms charge commissions as high as thirty percent, Dynery charges 3%. Register here https://dynery.ai/ Support the show Your support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast. Become a monthly supporter: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1432717/support Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally. https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_US Check out our sponsors new app:  Dynery connects restaurants, dishes, people, events, & deals around an audience of one... you. https://dynery.ai/ Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review. https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/ Volunteer contact [email protected] Connect with our Culinary Stories: https://linktr.ee/voice4chef

Send us Fan Mail Special Invitation Podmasters Open House with Greg Gazin! Join us for an inspiring online Open House featuring Greg Gazin, host of the Official Toastmasters Podcast. In a live interview with Michael Dugan, host of the Voice4Chefs podcast, Greg will share his Toastmasters journey, podcasting insights, and tips for amplifying your voice in today’s digital world. This is a unique opportunity to see how Toastmasters and podcasting work hand-in-hand to build confidence, leadership, and storytelling skills. 🗓️ Date: Sunday, September 14th 🕖 Time: 7:00 PM EDT  📍 Register here:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/podmasters-open-house-a-conversation-with-greg-gazin-tickets-1613605259769?aff=oddtdtcreator Or email [email protected] for the zoom link. Support the show Your support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast. Become a monthly supporter: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1432717/support Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally. https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_US Check out our sponsors new app:  Dynery connects restaurants, dishes, people, events, & deals around an audience of one... you. https://dynery.ai/ Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review. https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/ Volunteer contact [email protected] Connect with our Culinary Stories: https://linktr.ee/voice4chef

Send us Fan Mail In Part II of this engaging episode of Voice4Chefs, host Michael welcomes Maricel back for part two of her incredible culinary journey. Maricel shares her fascinating experiences from dazzling appearances on PBS, Hulu, and the Food Channel. She recounts unexpected yet serendipitous connections that led her to star on these platforms, including a humorous story about ignoring a potential PBS opportunity, which turned out to be legitimate. Maricel highlights key moments from cooking competitions and shows, such as 'Recipe Rumble' and a family cooking challenge with Cake Boss Buddy Valastro, and reveals behind-the-scenes experiences of filming and lessons learned. The conversation also delves into her success as a culinary instructor, her popular Asian fusion cookbook, and upcoming projects including live TV cooking classes and expanding her business. Maricel's passion for Filipino cuisine and dedication to sharing her culinary heritage shine throughout, inspiring listeners with her vibrant energy and adventurous spirit. 00:00 Introduction to Maricel's Culinary Journey 00:21 Maricel's PBS Experience 02:23 Adventures on Hulu and Food Network 05:27 Challenges and Learning Moments 08:28 Family Competitions and Traditions 11:52 Korean Seafood Ambassador 14:15 Maricel's Cookbook and Future Plans 20:08 Cooking Classes and Events 21:51 Final Thoughts and Contact Information Dynery It's a new app changing the way we connect through food. Dynery goes beyond helping you find great restaurants. Connects you with a community of people who share your food preferences, make it easier to discover new dining experiences while enjoying exclusive discounts at participating restaurants. For restaurant owners, it's a game changer. Unlike many delivery platforms charge commissions as high as thirty percent, Dynery charges 3%. Register here https://dynery.ai/ Support the show Your support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast. Become a monthly supporter: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1432717/support Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally. https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_US Check out our sponsors new app:  Dynery connects restaurants, dishes, people, events, & deals around an audience of one... you. https://dynery.ai/ Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review. https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/ Volunteer contact [email protected] Connect with our Culinary Stories: https://linktr.ee/voice4chef