This episode features guest Gene Olczak from Karma Sauce (@karmasauce)! The main focus of their conversation revolves around the intricacies of developing unique hot sauces, including the balance of flavors, sourcing ingredients, and the challenges of scaling production. The episode also touches on the influence of various cultural flavors and the art of creating sauces that respect those traditions while still being innovative. As they taste through some of Karma Sauce’s offerings, Chris and Gene share insights on the sensory experiences of heat and flavor, providing a rich understanding of what goes into making a great hot sauce.

Mentions:

karmasauce.com - @Redbirdfairport - @CraftCannery

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone.

Pauly Guglielmo Show

Pauly Guglielmo is a former radio guy turned food business entrepreneur. While running a manufacturing facility is his day job, he likes to dust off his broadcasting skills once a week on this podcast and talk to entrepreneurs and other influencers.

Mind of Magnus

Check out Mind of Magnus at magnusapollo.com, and leave him factoids at 585-310-2473!

Chris Lindstrom hosts a discussion on the Food About Town podcast that dives deep into the evolution of PlantiePops (@plantiepops), a business that focuses on vegan options in Rochester and beyond!

Check out their vegan tasting event event at Balsam Bagels on August 9th from 2pm - 4pm. Get your tickets at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/plantiepops/1796361 or find the link on plantiepops.com!

He talks with guests Jason and Stefanie Schwingle about their journey from their original venture, The Rochesteriat, to their current iteration, highlighting their commitment to sustainability and plant-based living. The Schwingles share how their experiences during the pandemic led them to embrace a vegan lifestyle, which in turn inspired their rebranding.

Mentions

plantiepops.com - @BalsamBagels - @seasonsnoodle.mercantile.roc

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone.

Punches & Popcorn

The masters of Couch Potato style Mike Huntone, Jason Bills, and Dr. Dominic D’Amore take a deep dive into the best and worst of martial arts films.

Mind of Magnus

Check out Mind of Magnus at magnusapollo.com, and leave him factoids at 585-310-2473!

Check out the upcoming Glorious Garlic Festival (@gloriousgarlicfestival) being held at the Geneva Lakefront on August 2nd and 3rd. Chris chats with Brud Holland (@flxmaker), the chef at Fox Run Vineyards, who shares insights about his Sunday cooking demo at the festival, where he’ll showcase a creative dish featuring local ingredients like blue corn and organic chickpeas. They explore the importance of using fresh, local products in cooking and how these choices enhance flavors, making food not just nutritious but also a delightful experience.

References:

gloriousgarlicfestival.com - foxrunvineyards.com (@foxrunvineyards) - senecagreenandbean.com (@senecagrainandbean) - Amazing Grains (@saltybreadbakery)

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone.

Punches & Popcorn

The masters of Couch Potato style Mike Huntone, Jason Bills, and Dr. Dominic D’Amore take a deep dive into the best and worst of martial arts films.

Mind of Magnus

Check out Mind of Magnus at magnusapollo.com, and leave him factoids at 585-310-2473!

Chris Lindstrom hosts the Food About Town podcast, diving into the vibrant world of culinary experiences centered around the Glorious Garlic Festival (@gloriousgarlicfestival). The episode features Christin Ortiz, who is set to lead a food demonstration Sunday August 3rd showcasing roasted garlic gnocchi topped with fresh pesto. Ortiz emphasizes the importance of approachability in cooking, aiming to inspire attendees to explore new flavors and cooking techniques while fostering a love for food in their everyday lives.

Links referenced in this episode:

gloriousgarlicfestival.com - rochesterbrainery.com (@rocbrainery) - nykitchen.com (@_nykitchen) - senoritagordita.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Mind of Magnus

Check out Mind of Magnus at magnusapollo.com, and leave him factoids at 585-310-2473!

Behind the Glass

Podcast and gallery focusing on underrepresented artists utilize the space to amplify their work. Curated by @Richardbcolon @qua.jay. Check out the podcast or join them in person first Fridays at 240 E Main St, Rochester, NY!

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone.

Chris Lindstrom hosts a deep dive into the upcoming Glorious Garlic Festival (@gloriousgarlicfestival) happening at the Geneva Lakefront on August 2nd and 3rd. Chris and Reagan Burns discuss the festival's new features, including a family zone and VIP tent, aimed at enhancing visitor experience. Regan shares insights on taking over the festival and her passion for garlic, emphasizing the diversity of vendors and the fresh, local produce available.

Mentions

gloriousgarlicfestival.com - Fox Run Vineyards (@foxrunvineyards) - Three Brothers (@3broswine) - Point of the Bluff (@concertsatpointofthebluff)

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone.

Dialed In: A Coffee Podcast

Get Dialed In to the world of coffee with Aaron and Wade! Tastings, coffee news and opinion and more!

Mind of Magnus

Check out Mind of Magnus at magnusapollo.com, and leave him factoids at 585-310-2473!

Chris Lindstrom hosts the team from the Sager-Stoneyard Pub including Jim Zobel from Doughboyz! This episode revolves around the collaboration between Sager Beer Works and Stoneyard Brewing, highlighting how partnerships just might be the future of brew pubs!

Listeners are introduced to Paul Guaracini and his journey in brewing, along with Oz from Stoneyard, who brings his unique brewing style to the mix, and Jim from Doughboyz with the pizza and technically challenging chicken wings that were a delight.

We also touch on the upcoming dinner between DeWolf Brewing and the team which will be held on July 15th at Sager. More news to come on that soon!

Mentions:

Sager Stone Yard Pub (@sager_stoneyard_pub) - Sager Beer Works (@sagerbeer) - Stoneyard Brewing Company (@stoneyardbrewingcompany) - Doughboys (@doughboyzroc) - DeWolf Brewing (@dewolfbrewing) - Living Roots Winery (@livingrootswine)

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone.

Chris Lindstrom (@stromie) hosts a captivating discussion about the vibrant food and beer scene in Rochester, particularly focusing on the upcoming Rails and Ales festival. Otto Vondrak (@roc_otto), the marketing manager for the Rochester and Genesee Valley Railroad (@rocrealtrains) and create of the Rochester Beer Blog (@rocbeerblog), joins the conversation to share insights about the festival, the railroad museum, and the importance of supporting local breweries. They delve into the intricate relationship between the railroad and the food industry, showcasing how railroads transport essential ingredients for local products like pasta and Cool Whip. The episode highlights the camaraderie among local brewers and the evolving craft beer culture, encouraging listeners to embrace the community spirit that defines Rochester's culinary landscape.

Links referenced in this episode:

rochestertrainrides.com - rochesterbeerblog.wordpress.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Behind the Glass

Podcast and gallery focusing on underrepresented artists utilize the space to amplify their work. Curated by @Richardbcolon @qua.jay. Check out the podcast or join them in person first Fridays at 240 E Main St, Rochester, NY!

Mind of Magnus

Check out Mind of Magnus at magnusapollo.com, and leave him factoids at 585-310-2473!

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone.

Note from Chris (@stromie) - this was intended to be an episode with short interviews with all of the vendors mentioned recorded live at the Lilac Festival (@rochesterlilacfestival), but unfortunately, technical issues are preventing these from being listenable.

Instead, I am bringing you some highlights from my discussions with these fascinating people with the hope that you can go visit them either today or tomorrow at the Lilac Festival or at other events and their establishments.

Apologies to all of the vendors for the issues and I look forward to doing full interviews with you all very soon!

Vendors highlighted:

Rob's Kabobs (@robskabobsny) - Farmhouse Table (@farmhousetablefood) - Monroe County Public Library (@roccity_library , libraryweb.org) - Brighton Public Library (@brightonmemoriallibrary) - Common Thread (@commonthreadhxcpodcast) - Joe Bean Coffee (@joebeanroasters) - El Kapitan (@elkapitanroc) - Edgemere Coffee (@edgemere_coffee) - Munchies Empanadas (@munchiesmpanadas) - Lemon Love Stand (@lemonlovestand)

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone.

This episode of Just Can't Not features Chris Lindstrom (@stromie) chatting with Magnus (@magnusapollo) to learn about the interactive art he created for the 2025 Lilac Festival (@rochesterlilacfestival)!

This project has everything - a photo scavenger hunt of animal art around the park, a giant Magnus along the entrance, laser artwork on rocks, and more! This project is so Magnus and we are all excited to go check it out. Visit the Lilac Festival - it is open today through Sunday May 18th. Enjoy it!

Mentions:

rocwalk.com - Seneca Park Zoo (@senecaparkzoo)

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone.

The Rochester Lilac Festival (@rochesterlilacfestival), a celebrated institution marking the commencement of spring and the festival season, is ready to kick off on Friday May 9th! This year, the festival commemorates 127 years of tradition, having evolved from a modest gathering into a grand ten-day event that attracts over half a million visitors.

Guests can expect diverse attractions, including an enhanced VIP experience, a farmer's market featuring local vendors, and a lineup of musical performances that resonates across genres. And don't forget about the food and drink options! The festival not only showcases the exquisite beauty of lilacs but also fosters community engagement through inclusivity initiatives such as ASL interpretation and sensory spaces for families.

roclilacfest.com

Mentions:

Casa Larga (@casalargawinery) - Rohrbach Brewing (@rohrbachbrewingco) - Firefly Mobile Bar (@fireflynectarmobilebar) - Red Jacket Juice (@redjacketny) - 1911 Cider (@1911established) - Bully Hill Vineyards (@bullyhillvineyards) - Northglow Photography (@northglowphotography) - Monroe Med Spa (@monroemedspa)

Cruel Summer (@cruelsummerband) - Chayce Beckham (@chaycebeckhammusic) - Beach Weather (@beachweather) - Katie Pruitt (@katiepruittmusic) - The Aces (@theaces)

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone.

Check out the Pauly Guglielmo Show (@googs0105) each Sunday to learn about the ups and downs in business and life!

Mind of Magnus

Check out Mind of Magnus at magnusapollo.com, and leave him factoids at 585-310-2473!