Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders

On this episode of Munching Around Milwaukee, host Charlie sits down with Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital President Andre Storey for an inspiring conversation about leadership, community, and family.

Andre shares his journey from growing up in a first-generation family of caregivers to leading one of Milwaukee’s most historic hospitals. Together, they discuss community health priorities, the importance of accessible care, and recent celebrations that have brought people together across the city.

The episode also heads into the kitchen, where Andre and his son Jayden prepare a delicious Jamaican meal featuring traditional rice and peas and flavorful jerk chicken.

As they cook, they share family recipes, cultural traditions, and how food strengthens connections within families and communities. It’s a heartfelt conversation filled with stories, leadership insights, and authentic Jamaican flavors you won’t want to miss.

You can watch the YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/dpbhcsjZ9N8 

You can find the recipes here:

“Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders” is part of the Milwaukee Podcast Network - https://milwaukeepodcastnetwork.com/. This show is an Interview and cooking show with Milwaukee Community Leaders.

We have an interview about their work in the community, then we cook something, and then we eat it. From our elected leaders to those working at the grassroots, we talk with people working to make Milwaukee a better place.

#AndreStorey #AscensionColumbiaStMarys #Milwaukee #JamaicanFood #JerkChicken #RiceAndPeas #CommunityHealth #Leadership #FoodCulture #MilwaukeePodcast #CookingTogether #FamilyRecipes #CharlieEatsMKE #MilwaukeeFoodScene

On a special edition of Munching Around Milwaukee, host Charlie tours High Stakes by Bartolotta and the Peacock Lounge with Bartolotta Restaurant Group owner and co-founder, two-time James Beard Award winner, Chef Paul Bartolotta. They explore the restaurant’s art-deco design, unique dining rooms, exclusive Wagyu program, and the playful Milwaukee Players Room that honors Milwaukee community leaders.

Paul reflects on his family legacy, the growth of the Bartolotta Restaurant Group, their role in elevating Milwaukee’s food scene, and how High Stakes represents his personal stake in revitalizing downtown.

You can watch the YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/7Dyi7bZwjOo 

“Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders” is part of the Milwaukee Podcast Network - https://milwaukeepodcastnetwork.com/. This show is an Interview and cooking show with Milwaukee Community Leaders.

We have an interview about their work in the community, then we cook something, and then we eat it. From our elected leaders to those working at the grassroots, we talk with people working to make Milwaukee a better place.

Live from Studio D, host Charlie sits down with Scott Marshall, CEO of Community Smiles Dental, to cook a simple meal—steak with collard greens and chickpeas—and discuss Scott’s journey from radio marketing to nonprofit leadership.

The episode highlights Community Smiles Dental’s work bridging gaps in pediatric dental care for children on Medicaid in Southeast Wisconsin, the challenges families face finding dental providers, and how fundraising helps provide essential services.

You can watch the YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/tknCf6QQnPQ 

“Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders” is part of the Milwaukee Podcast Network - https://milwaukeepodcastnetwork.com/. This show is an Interview and cooking show with Milwaukee Community Leaders.

We have an interview about their work in the community, then we cook something, and then we eat it. From our elected leaders to those working at the grassroots, we talk with people working to make Milwaukee a better place.

On this episode of Munching Around Milwaukee, host Charlie visits Sobelman’s Pub & Grill to chat with owner Dave Sobelman.

They discuss the bar’s history, roots as an original Schlitz pub, and how Dave turned a neighborhood tavern into a city-famous spot for burgers and over-the-top Bloody Marys.

They talk about the viral chicken-topped Bloody Mary, the Shepherd Express breakthrough, their Bloody Mary bottled products, and how the business adapts to changing customers and rising costs.

The episode highlights Sobelman’s loyal following, three-story building (including an Airbnb), family involvement, and the challenges and rewards of running a beloved Milwaukee institution since 1999.

You can watch the YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/mame8LPVoTQ 

“Munching Around Milwaukee” is part of the Milwaukee Podcast Network - https://milwaukeepodcastnetwork.com/. It is an Interview show with local Milwaukee chefs, restaurateurs, foodies, and food influencers.

We talk about the Milwaukee food scene and what makes it so special. We talk while munching on some of the best food Milwaukee has to offer. Join us each week as we Munch Around Milwaukee.

To start the 5th year of Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders, host Charlie visits Fishbone Social in midtown Milwaukee

He chats with Bria Grant, executive director of UniteWI, about the new restaurant and community hub.

The episode highlights Fishbone’s mission: combining hospitality with workforce development by training community health workers, creating job pathways, and building economic opportunity in the 3rd Ward.

Viewers get a tour of the kitchen, meet staff, learn about the restaurant’s local history theme and franchise roots, and sample menu favorites like the Catfish Loaded Fries while discussing the impact on Milwaukee’s neighborhoods.

You can watch the YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/vdjfWRWzwnc 

“Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders” is part of the Milwaukee Podcast Network - https://milwaukeepodcastnetwork.com/. This show is an Interview and cooking show with Milwaukee Community Leaders.

We have an interview about their work in the community, then we cook something, and then we eat it. From our elected leaders to those working at the grassroots, we talk with people trying to make Milwaukee a better place.

Join Host Charlie at Döner Kebab in Milwaukee to meet co-owners Ray and Alma. He watches how they prepare Germany's favorite street food: rotisserie Black Angus shaved into warm, homemade flatbread with lettuce, red cabbage, onion, and signature herb-spicy sauces.

The episode explores the dish's popularity in Germany (about 16,000 shops serving 2 million people daily), shows the in-house bread and sauce prep, and ends with a taste test of this authentic Döner Kebab,

You can see the YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/Xdfss_qCMdc 

You can find the recipe here: https://cookingsecretsformen.com/2026/09/25/doner-kebab-germanys-1-street-food/ 

“Local Chef Go International” podcast is part of the Milwaukee Podcast Network - https://milwaukeepodcastnetwork.com/. Local Chefs Go International: Charlie teams up with top local Milwaukee Chefs each month to create recipes from a single chosen country.

Cooking Nigerian Classics with Chef Titi - Egusi, Fufu, Jollof Rice

Join the International YouTube Collab as Chef Titi of Taste of Africa guides a flavorful journey through Nigerian cuisine, preparing jollof rice, egusi (melon-seed) soup, pounded yam fufu, fried plantains, and fried beef.

The episode mixes cooking tips, cultural context, and a tasting around the table, showcasing authentic ingredients and techniques in a friendly Milwaukee kitchen.

You can watch the YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/hfprloPDUrc 

The recipe can be found here: https://cookingsecretsformen.com/2026/08/29/nigerian-comfort-food-jollof-rice-egusi-soup-and-fufu/ 

Taste of Africa: https://tasteofafricawi.com/ 

“Local Chef Go International” podcast is part of the Milwaukee Podcast Network - https://milwaukeepodcastnetwork.com/.

Local Chefs Go International: Charlie teams up with top local Milwaukee Chefs each month to create recipes from a single chosen country.

In this episode of Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders, host Charlie cooks cheeseburgers and sweet potato fries with Kristopher Pollard, Milwaukee Film's giving and membership director. They grill, make a Big Mac–style "special sauce" and a sriracha dipping sauce, and sit down to enjoy the meal.

Between bites, Christopher talks about his journey to Milwaukee, his work building Milwaukee Film's membership programs, and the growth and community impact of the Milwaukee Film Festival.

You can watch the YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/2X9xLFUJ_sI 

“Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders” is part of the Milwaukee Podcast Network - https://milwaukeepodcastnetwork.com/. This show is an Interview and cooking show with Milwaukee Community Leaders.

We have an interview about their work in the community, then we cook something, and then we eat it. From our elected leaders to those working at the grassroots, we talk with people trying to make Milwaukee a better place.

On this episode of Munching Around Milwaukee, host Charlie visits Kinship Café in downtown Milwaukee. He chats with Café Culinary Manager Shania Hutchins about the menu and the café’s role in workforce development. Together, they sample a Mediterranean grilled salmon salad.

The episode highlights Kinship’s mission to train and employ community members, Shania’s culinary journey from Tandem to Kinship, and the café's support for healthy, affordable meals and community connections.

You can watch the YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/TqD6bMDydGg 

Kinship Cafe -  https://kinshipmke.org/cafe 

“Munching Around Milwaukee” is part of the Milwaukee Podcast Network - https://milwaukeepodcastnetwork.com/. It is an Interview show with local Milwaukee chefs, restaurateurs, foodies, and food influencers.

We talk about the Milwaukee food scene and what makes it so special. We talk while munching on some of the best food Milwaukee has to offer. Join us each week as we Munch Around Milwaukee.

On this episode of Munching Around Milwaukee, host Charlie chats with Megan Todd, co-owner of La Masa Empanada Bar, about their two Milwaukee locations.

La Masa features freshly made empanadas and recently expanded into the Milwaukee Public Market. They discuss menu evolution, brunch offerings, and the fast-paced grab-and-go concept at the market.

The episode highlights La Masa's commitment to daily-made dough, a variety of empanada flavors, community roots, and the vibrant local food scene in Milwaukee.

You can watch the YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/DYs_pvxaKfg

La Masa Empanada Bar website: https://lamasaempanadas.com/ 

“Munching Around Milwaukee” is part of the Milwaukee Podcast Network - https://milwaukeepodcastnetwork.com/. It is an Interview show with local Milwaukee chefs, restaurateurs, foodies, and food influencers.

We talk about the Milwaukee food scene and what makes it so special. We talk while munching on some of the best food Milwaukee has to offer. Join us each week as we Munch Around Milwaukee.