On this episode of the So New England Podcast, we sit down with Jordan Brocklesby, the creator behind Plates of Portland Maine, to break down why Portland has become one of the most talked-about food cities in New England.

We get into what makes the Portland Maine food scene so unique, from standout restaurants and bakeries to food trucks, sushi spots, and the local culture that ties it all together. Jordan shares her journey from Boston to Maine, how she built her platform from scratch, and what it actually takes to turn food content into a full-time business.

We also dive into some classic New England debates, including lobster roll hot takes, underrated food scenes across the region, and which state really has the best eats. If you’re a foodie, a small business owner, or just someone who loves New England, this episode delivers a mix of insight, laughs, and real local perspective.

Mirna Valerio — known as The Mirnavator — joins So New England to share her remarkable journey from Brooklyn teacher to globally recognized ultrarunner and outdoor advocate.

After a health scare in 2008, Mirna rediscovered running and began documenting her experiences as a fat Black woman in endurance sports. What started as a blog quickly grew into a national platform inspiring thousands of athletes around the world.

Now living in Vermont, Mirna spends her time trail running, skiing, cycling, speaking, and helping make the outdoors more accessible to everyone.

In this episode we discuss:

• How Mirna found Vermont
• The story behind “The Mirnavator”
• Representation in endurance sports
• Life as a professional endurance athlete
• Why discipline beats motivation
• Cycling and skiing in Vermont
• New England culture and outdoor life

Mirna’s story proves that you don’t need permission to start chasing your goals.

You just have to begin.

This week we’re joined by Andy Ferg (North Shore Beefs), the man responsible for turning a “roast beef sandwich” into an entire culture.

We get into the real rules of a North Shore beef, what a Super 3-Way actually means, how Beef Madness became a yearly tournament with cheating allegations (naturally), and why cheese on the bottom is the only way the sandwich survives.

Plus: Andy ranks all 6 New England states from worst to best, talks New England sports, and explains why the best beef he’s ever had “belongs in the Louvre.”

Jake Polino (Kizo Kicks) joins Ian Brownhill and RJ Travisano to discuss building a global sneaker brand, why he really moved to Florida, and why he still picks furniture out of the trash.

In this episode, we sit down with the "Jake of All Trades" himself to talk about the transition from dyeing sneakers in a Massachusetts kitchen to running a multi-million follower brand. Jake reveals the reality of creator payouts in 2026, the truth about "limited" sneaker drops, and why he’ll never buy a BMW again. Plus, we put Jake to the test with our New England state rankings—find out which state he considers "grayed out" and depressing.

Follow Jake Polino: Instagram & TikTok: @JakePolino Shop Kizo Kicks: KizoKicks.com 

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Former college and minor-league hockey player Pat Shea joins the So New England Podcast to talk about hockey culture, viral comedy, and why he walked away from pro hockey to chase creativity.

We break down the “Boy Aquarium” trend, the realities of college hockey, creating Full Ride with zero budget, and what it takes to bet on yourself when everyone expects you to stay in your lane.

Raw, funny, and very New England.

Boston food grader Key Henson joins the So New England Podcast to break down New England food culture from a transplant’s point of view—and it starts with a hot take: crab might be better than lobster.

In this episode, we talk lobster rolls, chowder, oysters, donuts, Boston food culture, and why New Englanders argue about food like it’s a personality trait. Key shares how he built a loyal following through honest food reviews, why Boston food is misunderstood, and how community drives the region’s food scene.

We also rank New England states, revisit Boston sports trauma, debate hot vs cold lobster rolls, and explain why food opinions hit different up here.

If you love food, Boston culture, or yelling at your phone because someone disrespected your favorite spot—this one’s for you.

What does it take to cook for celebrities, raise $20K for charity, and still make it home for your kids? Chef Kevin Des Chenes breaks it all down.

From Food Network fame to private chef dinners across the country, Kevin shares how he built a career on hospitality, hustle, and New England grit. We talk charity work with Make-A-Wish, cooking outside restaurant kitchens, balancing family life, and why great food isn’t about fancy plating—it’s about execution.

You’ll hear:

• ​How Kevin transitioned from restaurant kitchens to high-end private dining
• ​Behind-the-scenes Food Network stories and celebrity clients
• ​Why New England creates some of the most resourceful chefs
• ​The real challenges of cooking in other people’s kitchens
• ​His take on social media, influencers, and modern food culture

Hosted by Ian Brownhill with co-host RJ Travisano.

Clinton Sparks joins the So New England Podcast for one of our most powerful conversations yet.

Born and raised in Dorchester, Clinton breaks down how growing up in Boston shaped his mindset, his work ethic, and his ability to build real value across music, entertainment, and gaming. From working with some of the biggest names in the world to launching the Global Gaming League, this episode is a masterclass in grit, adaptability, and showing up prepared.We talk Boston culture, the music industry, imposter syndrome, entrepreneurship, and what it really takes to build something that lasts.

On this episode of the So New England Podcast, we sit down with Brittany DiCapua from Boston Food Journal to talk food, Maine roots, and what really makes New England special.

We get into Boston’s food scene, hidden gems, Michelin star drama, omakase experiences, and why Cape Cod might not deserve the hype. Brittany shares her journey from engineering and IT to becoming one of Boston’s first food influencers, plus how she built a successful agency helping New England small businesses grow online.

Add in Salem witch trial ancestry, Diet Coke debates, and plenty of New England pride, and you’ve got one of our most on-brand episodes yet.

On this episode of the So New England Podcast, we’re joined by Steve D’Amato, better known as The Wicked Snackah from Wicked Bites on NESN. A Boston native with a real accent and an even realer food obsession, Steve breaks down how Boston Pizza Wars blew up during COVID, how he landed on NESN, and why the best food in New England isn’t always in Boston.

We get into Boston culture, North Shore food supremacy, North End cannolis, steak-and-cheese chaos, and the truth about the Boston accent (it’s bettah rin, not better in). Steve also ranks the New England states, talks charity work, small businesses, and explains why New England is pure, lovable chaos.

If you love New England pride, food culture, Boston humor, and unfiltered takes, this one’s for you.