In this episode, Colleen Silk sits down with Ben Moore, a fourth-generation farmer and the founder of The Ugly Company—a purpose-driven brand redefining what’s “ugly” in food.

From military service to peach orchards, Ben’s journey is anything but traditional. Inspired by his grandmother’s passion for preserving food and his own calling to serve, Ben transformed rejected fruit into a powerful brand that fights food waste, nourishes kids, and makes an impact in underserved communities.

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What We Discussed:

• Ben’s background and transition from military service to mission-driven farming
• The origins and evolution of The Ugly Company in the CPG space
• His grandmother’s influence on his values, vision, and the brand’s heart
• Why reducing food waste means rethinking how we define "value"
• The brand’s growing impact on nutrition access in schools and local programs

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 Key Takeaways:

• Food waste has a fix—and it starts on the farm.
• Military discipline meets farming values in Ben’s entrepreneurial path.
• Family legacy matters, especially when it's rooted in nourishment and love.
• The Ugly Company is more than snacks—it’s a movement touching schools and communities across the country.

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#HospitalityBites #BenMoore #FoodWaste #NutritiousOptions #TheUglyCompany #Farming #PackofUgly #FarmToSnack #VeteranEntrepreneur

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Connect with The Ugly Company:

🌐 Website: https://www.theuglyco.com

 📸 Instagram: @packofugly

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About Hospitality Bites:

Hosted by Colleen Silk, Hospitality Bites is an honest and restorative space for voices within the hospitality industry. More than just a podcast, it serves as a storytelling platform for changemakers, risk-takers, and hospitality professionals who are approaching their work in innovative ways. Each episode features guests ranging from chefs to advocates and media personalities, focusing on mental and physical health, personal experiences, and the realities of thriving in the hospitality industry and beyond.

New episodes of Hospitality Bites drop every Monday, now proudly under the Walk-In Talk Media umbrella.

 Watch the full episode on YouTube the following week.

 Want to get involved, sponsor, or learn more? Visit HospitalityBites.com

In this deeply inspiring episode, host Colleen Silk welcomes Chef Ciji Castro, a culinary entrepreneur, endometriosis advocate, and powerhouse Latina chef. From studying criminal justice to becoming a clean food crusader, Ciji shares how chronic pain, motherhood, and cultural pride shaped her mission and her business.

She opens up about her long battle with endometriosis, the fight to be heard in the medical system, and how that journey led her to create a clean Latin food brand, Domestic Gourmet, built on authenticity, health, and advocacy. This is the story of an incredibly fearless, dedicated, and influential woman who turns adversity into action and beyond.

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In This Episode, We Explore:

The transformative journey of Chef Ciji Castro—from criminal justice major to culinary entrepreneur.

Her personal battle with endometriosis and the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare.

The creation of her clean Latin food line, focusing on organic, health-conscious ingredients.

The role of vulnerability and advocacy in raising awareness for chronic illness.

How she balances motherhood, entrepreneurship, and personal health with resilience and community support.

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Top Takeaways:

• You know your body best—be your own advocate.
• Pain can lead to purpose and powerful change.
• Vulnerability builds connection and strength.
• Clean eating can celebrate culture and health.
• Advocacy raises awareness and inspires others.
• You can be a mom and a business owner—both are valid.
• Your story holds the power to help others.

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Stay Connected with Chef Ciji Castro:

Website: www.domesticgourmet.com

 Instagram: @domesticgourmet

  Resources: Endometriosis Foundation of America

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About Hospitality Bites:

Hosted by Colleen Silk, Hospitality Bites is a raw, honest, and restorative space for voices in the hospitality industry. From chefs to advocates to media personalities, each episode centers on mental and physical health, lived experiences, and what it really takes to thrive both in the hospitality industry and beyond. 

🎙️ New episodes of Hospitality Bites drop every Monday, now proudly under the Walk-In Talk Media umbrella.

 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube the following week.

📬 Want to get involved or learn more? Visit HospitalityBites.com

#HospitalityBites #ChefCijiCastro #EndometriosisAwareness #WomenInHospitality #LatinaChef #CleanEating #EntrepreneurLife #ChronicIllnessAdvocate #FemaleFounders #CulinaryEntrepreneur #WalkInTalkShow

In this episode, host Colleen Silk welcomes Mike Messeroff, a longtime hospitality professional turned personal freedom coach, to explore the intersection of hospitality, leadership, and mental health.

Mike shares his powerful journey from the high-pressure world of bartending to building a career rooted in coaching, mindfulness, and personal growth. Together, we discussed what it truly means to practice self-hospitality—especially for those who are always giving to others.

From redefining customer service to understanding the ripple effect of emotionally regulated leadership, this episode delivers both compassion and practical tools. Mike also shares the inspiration behind the Carpe Diem Collective, a new community space created to support wellness and emotional connection within the hospitality industry.

If you’ve ever struggled with burnout, emotional overwhelm or finding balance in a business built on service, this conversation is for you.

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In this episode, we explore:

• Mike’s path from behind the bar to personal freedom coach
• How Self-hospitality can transform leadership
• Practical techniques for emotional regulation and mindfulness
• Why stress prevention matters more than stress management
• Coaching hospitality teams through overwhelmed and anxiety
• The power of community and support systems in this industry
• Tools to prioritize personal well-being while staying in service
• How the Carpe Diem Collective aims to change hospitality culture

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 Top Takeaways:

• The hospitality industry demands strong mental health support
• Leaders must take care of themselves to take care of others
• Emotional regulation and breathwork can shift entire workplace dynamics
• Stress prevention is just as important as reactive coping
• Personal growth leads to more effective, compassionate leadership
• Community care is essential in a high-stress industry
• Finding joy and presence in your work is key to sustainability
• Self-care is a radical act of service

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🎙️ New episodes of Hospitality Bites drop every Monday, now proudly under the Walk-In Talk Media umbrella.

 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube the following week.

📬 Want to get involved or learn more? Visit HospitalityBites.com

#HospitalityBitesPodcast #HospitalityWellness #MikeMesseroff #MindfulLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #WalkInTalkMedia #HospitalityIndustry #MentalHealthMatters #CarpeDiemCollective #LeadershipInHospitality #SelfHospitalit

In this episode, I sit down with Aly Romero — private chef, food blogger, cookbook author, and one-woman grilling powerhouse — to explore her unconventional (and wildly inspiring) path into the culinary world.

Aly didn’t start in a restaurant or culinary school — she started at home, cooking for the people she loved. What began as a second chapter in life quickly turned into a full-blown profession fueled by flavor, family, and fire.

We talk about how blogging her home-cooked meals sparked something bigger, how dining out keeps her inspired, and what it really takes to be a private chef. We also dive into her time on The Great Food Truck Race, catching salmon in Alaska, and how she’s redefining what it means to be a woman behind the grill.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt called to cook, create, or carve out their own path in an industry that doesn’t always make room for new voices. Aly reminds us there is room — especially when you’re not afraid to turn up the heat.

In this episode, we dish on:

• How Aly’s culinary career became her “second chapter”
• What inspired her to launch a food blog — and keep it real
• The hustle, heart, and high stakes of private chef life
• Why grilling isn’t just for the guys — and how she’s breaking that mold
• Her debut cookbook, Gas Fire Heat, and what’s coming next
• The role of family, culture, and storytelling in her food
• Where she finds inspiration beyond the kitchen

Key Takeaways:

• Cooking is a labor of love — and for Aly, it’s deeply personal
• A culinary career can begin at any age or stage
• Private chef life is high-pressure and high-reward
• Food Network fame opened doors, but the passion stayed rooted
• Grilling is joyful, not gendered
• Bold flavors and quality ingredients > fancy tools
• Culinary storytelling lives in blogs, grills, and cookbooks
• A second cookbook is already on the horizon — Barbecue Fusion

 Episode Breakdown:

00:00 – Intro: From Kitchen Table to Culinary Career

01:05 – How Aly Fell in Love with Cooking

04:17 – Food Blogging: Sharing the Journey

06:34 – Inspiration from Restaurants to Home Plates

09:22 – Private Chef Life: Behind the Apron

11:29 – Family First: Blending Home + Hustle

14:33 – Behind the Scenes: Food Network + Alaska Adventures

20:02 – Ingredient Obsessed: Sourcing Matters

21:00 – From New Zealand to Texas BBQ

23:44 – Grilling for the Girls: Breaking Stereotypes

26:29 – Family, Food & Fire

28:47 – What's Next: New Books, Events, and Big Dreams

New episodes of Hospitality Bites drop every week, now proudly under the Walk-In Talk Media umbrella. Follow along: Walk-In Talk Podcast — The Walk In Talk Show

Want to connect with Aly, purchase her cookbook, or learn more about her company?

Visit: www.alyromero.com

Want to collaborate or be featured on the podcast?

Reach out via HospitalityBites.com

The primary focus of this podcast episode revolves around the imperative of planning and execution in the hospitality industry, as articulated by our esteemed guest, Carl Fiadini, the founder of Walk-In Talk Media, and host of Walk-In Talk Podcast. He emphasizes the necessity of establishing a clear vision, outlining actionable steps, and, crucially, surrounding oneself with a supportive team to realize one's ambitions. As we delve into the intricacies of Carl's journey, we explore how collaboration and community engagement are pivotal to success in the culinary landscape. Furthermore, the discussion highlights the profound connection between the food industry and mental health, underscoring the importance of fostering positivity and support among professionals. Join us as we navigate the evolving dynamics of hospitality, drawing insights from Carl’s extensive experience and the collective wisdom of our community.

Takeaways:

• A successful venture necessitates meticulous planning, a clear vision, and effective execution to achieve desired outcomes.
• The importance of collaboration and support from colleagues and friends cannot be overstated in achieving one's goals.
• In the hospitality industry, adaptability and the willingness to pivot are crucial for continued success during challenging times.
• The significance of storytelling in the culinary world allows for a deeper connection and appreciation of the food and the individuals behind it.