In this episode of Taste Music Hear Food, we sit down with Gustavo & Kate Romero; the powerhouse couple behind Minneapolis’s beloved Nixta Tortilleria and the James Beard–nominated Oro by Nixta.

From ancient nixtamalization to the realities of running a kitchen (and a marriage), we dive into it all:

How heirloom corn became their shared love language What it’s really like building a food empire as a coupleWhy culture, craft, and conflict all deserve a seat at the tableAnd the soundtrack behind their slow burns and big wins

We play “This or That: Husband & Wife Edition,” get candid in the Lightning Round, and explore the beautiful tension between legacy and innovation.

This episode is layered with flavor, full of heart, and 100% hand-pressed.

In this episode of TMHF, we sit down with Dusty Wahl, the founder of Cosmic Coffee, a beloved café in Northeast Minneapolis that’s become a cornerstone of community and connection. From his roots in Mahtomedi to running a thriving business in one of Minneapolis’ most creative neighborhoods, Dusty’s journey is one of passion, resilience, and the power of people coming together over a good cup of coffee.

Dusty shares the story behind Cosmic Coffee’s inception, his hands-on approach to running the shop, and how music, culture, and community play a huge role in shaping the vibe at his café. Plus, we dive into how his mental health background and entrepreneurial spirit come together to create more than just a coffee shop — it’s a space where relationships are brewed, just like his coffee.

From navigating challenges in business to fostering deep community connections, this episode highlights the magic of small businesses and the personal touch that makes them thrive. If you’re a fan of great stories, great coffee, and even better conversation, this episode is for you.

Join us as we explore the flavor, heart, and hustle behind Cosmic Coffee with Dusty Wahl!

In this unforgettable episode of TMHF, we dive deep into the soulful world of Chef Brent Weathers known to many as @brenteatsfood a culinary craftsman who blends the bold beats of 90s hip-hop, the raw grit of professional kitchens, and deep-rooted personal faith into one unforgettable experience.

Brent opens up about his journey from DJing in Murfreesboro to helping launch Michelin-starred restaurants—breaking down the industry myths and glorified chef personas along the way. Through his viral social media series like Brentflix and Massaclass, he fearlessly exposes the dysfunction lurking behind polished kitchen doors—touching on food safety failures, chaotic service culture, and toxic leadership, all with humor, honesty, and a mission to educate aspiring chefs before the glamour gets them.

This is more than an interview. It's a layered, heartfelt conversation where rhythm meets recipe, belief meets business, and laughter meets legacy. Whether you're a hip-hop head, kitchen lifer, or someone chasing purpose through passion, this one will feed your soul.

Chef Brent Weathers—unfiltered, unforgettable, uplifted

On this episode of TMHF, we step into the razor-sharp world of Johnathan McCastle, master barber and founder of The Top Shave Lounge  a sanctuary where self-care, style, and community collide. From a rough first shave to becoming the go-to groomer for NFL stars and luxury retailers, McCastle shares how he’s elevating the barbershop game into an experience that’s part therapy, part cultural hub, and all class.

We chop it up about the sacredness of the barber’s chair, the psychology of confidence, and how curated soundtracks and skin care rituals can change lives. This isn’t just about fades and fresh lines it’s about identity, intention, and the impact of showing up sharp in every sense.

Grab your cape, hit play, and discover how grooming can be a revolutionary act of self-love.

In this soulful and unfiltered episode, Mayor Jacob Frey pulls up to the table to talk about what it really takes to lead a city like Minneapolis ... in real time, under real pressure. From protests to policy shifts, family dinners to cultural milestones, Mayor Frey gets candid about the weight of public service, the healing power of the arts, and why food, music, and identity are central to his vision for the city’s future.

We dig into his upbringing, his final run for mayor, and his hopes for the next generation of civic leaders; all while keeping it raw, rhythmic, and deeply rooted in community.

Keywords: Jacob Frey interview, Minneapolis Mayor, Taste Music Hear Food Podcast Show, Ed Porter podcast, food, music and culture podcast, political leadership, civic identity, Minneapolis music, affordable housing, public service, arts in government, mayoral legacy, Twin Cities podcast

In this powerful and soulful episode of TMHF, Chef Brother Luck joins us at the intersection of food, music, and culture to serve up hard-earned wisdom, raw vulnerability, and undeniable flavor. From battling inner demons to breaking onto the national stage through Top Chef and Beat Bobby Flay, Brother unpacks the journey that turned pain into purpose and a plate into a platform.

We dive into his Creole roots, his deep connection to hip-hop, and the healing power of storytelling through food. Chef Brother gets candid about mental health in the culinary world, legacy-building, and why he wrote his memoir No Lucks Given. Expect laughs, goosebumps, and moments that might just go viral.

Whether you're a foodie, a music head, or just someone chasing purpose, this one’s for you.

In this episode of TMHF, we sit down with Hayley Matthews-Jones, the powerhouse founder behind the Minneapolis Craft Market and Minneapolis Vintage Market. From her London roots to becoming a cultural force in the Twin Cities, Hayley shares how she built a creative empire that now hosts over 120 events a year and supports thousands of local artists and vintage vendors.

We dive into the art of curating community, the intersection of craft, fashion, and music, and what it takes to scale culture without selling out. Hayley drops gems on legacy, leadership, and the beauty of messy, meaningful entrepreneurship. Plus, we hit her with viral “One Gotta Go” face-offs, a spicy lightning round.

If you care about creativity, culture, and building something that matters this one’s for you.

In this powerful and soul-stirring episode of TMHF, we sit down with hip-hop legend and cultural curator Paradise Gray , the man behind the Latin Quarter’s golden era, a founding member of X-Clan, and the Chief Curator of The Hip-Hop Museum.

From his early days in the South Bronx to preserving the artifacts that shaped the genre, Paradise takes us on a journey through the moments that built the foundation of hip-hop. We explore the stories behind the scenes raw, real, and rarely told and how he’s kept the culture alive through community, curation, and conviction.

In this episode of Taste Music Hear Food, we sit down with James Beard Award Winning Chef Yia Vang, the culinary visionary behind Vinai and Union Hmong Kitchen, to explore the powerful intersections of Hmong cuisine, hip-hop culture, and the immigrant experience.

From his roots in a Thai refugee camp to national recognition by TIME Magazine and Iron Chef, Chef Vang shares how he uses food as a form of storytelling, cultural preservation, and resistance. We dive into his love of food, the evolution of his cooking philosophy, and how his journey mirrors the raw, resilient roots of hip-hop.

Whether you're a foodie, music head, or culture lover - this episode hits every note.

In this episode of the TMHF, we sit down with celebrated stylist and creative visionary Kimberly Steward - the creative force behind powerful campaigns, bold editorials, and the iconic looks of WNBA star Napheesa Collier. From starting her first business at 19 to leading the KS Styling Team, Kimberly opens up about the grind behind the glam, the influence of music and food on her creative direction, and why authenticity is her ultimate accessory.

We explore the synergy between fashion and rhythm, dive into how cultural identity shapes her work, and break down what it means to style a modern athlete as a mother, mogul, and movement. Plus we talk fried catfish, Mary Kay, Alchemy, and the legacy she’s building one iconic look at a time.