The Voice4Chefs Podcast

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This bonus episode of VoiceChefs revisits on of our first episodes and celebrates the indispensable role of volunteers in culinary and community service. Host Michael Dugan welcomes Chef Tracy Calderon, who manages the Atrium Kitchen and Cooking School in Seattle's Pike Place Market. Also running the Nourish Neighborhoods program, Chef Tracy shares how they have fed over 35,000 people during the pandemic with the help of volunteers. She reflects on her childhood, family influences, and career journey from public relations to becoming a chef. The episode highlights her initiatives like community meals and 'pay it forward' pop-up breakfasts, along with the indispensable contributions of her dedicated volunteers. They discuss her favorite recipes, culinary disasters, and the worst meals, emphasizing the impact of connecting with people through food. Chef Tracy also shares insights on securing good volunteers and the significance of unfaltering dedication to community service.

00:00 Introduction and Dedication to Volunteers

00:31 Meet Chef Tracy Calderon

01:14 Chef Tracy's Childhood and Family Influence

04:15 Transition to a Culinary Career

07:29 The Atrium Kitchen and Community Programs

09:24 Volunteers: The Heart of Nourish Neighborhood

16:48 Chef Tracy's Culinary Inspirations and Signature Dishes

23:06 Challenges and Kitchen Disasters

25:26 Nourish Neighborhood: How You Can Help

27:44 Conclusion and Farewell

Dynery It's a new app changing the way we connect through food. Dynery goes beyond helping you find great restaurants. Connects you with a community of people who share your food preferences, make it easier to discover new dining experiences while enjoying exclusive discounts at participating restaurants. For restaurant owners, it's a game changer. Unlike many delivery platforms charge commissions as high as thirty percent, Dynery charges 3%. Register here https://dynery.ai/

Support the show

Your support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast.

Become a monthly supporter:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1432717/support

Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally.
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_US

Check out our sponsors new app: 

Dynery connects restaurants, dishes, people, events, & deals around an audience of one... you.

https://dynery.ai/

Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review.
https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/

Volunteer contact [email protected]

Connect with our Culinary Stories:
https://linktr.ee/voice4chef

Send us Fan Mail

Join us for an insightful interview with Greg Gazin, a distinguished Toastmaster and host of both the Toastcaster and The Official Toastmasters Podcast, recently named a Top 25 Higher Education Podcast by AcademicInfluence.com. In 2009, Greg received the Toastmasters International Presidential Citation for his innovative use of technology to benefit the Toastmasters community. This prerecorded session was live from PodMasters Advanced Toastmasters and is hosted by Michael Dugan, a storyteller, career, and podcast coach. They explore Greg's 23-year journey with Toastmasters, his evolution from a shy introvert to a global podcasting leader, and his creative approach to both storytelling and podcasting. Greg provides invaluable advice for Toastmaster podcasters, shares tips on honing your craft, and highlights the critical role Toastmasters played in his podcasting success. Learn from Greg's memorable experiences and gain practical tips to elevate your own Toastmaster podcast.

01:20 Introducing the Special Guest: Greg Gazin
03:51 Greg Gazen's Pizza Obsession
05:41 Greg's Journey into Podcasting
08:26 The Toastmasters Podcast Explained
10:22 Memorable Podcast Episodes
19:06 Podcasting Challenges and Funny Moments
28:04 Advice for Aspiring Podcasters
29:23 Toastmasters for Chefs
30:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Contact Greg: 

https://gadgetgreg.com 

https://toastmasterspodcast.com 

https://instagram.com/gadgetgreg

Join our club:

Advanced Podmasters Toastmasters: [email protected]

Dynery It's a new app changing the way we connect through food. Dynery goes beyond helping you find great restaurants. Connects you with a community of people who share your food preferences, make it easier to discover new dining experiences while enjoying exclusive discounts at participating restaurants. For restaurant owners, it's a game changer. Unlike many delivery platforms charge commissions as high as thirty percent, Dynery charges 3%. Register here https://dynery.ai/

Support the show

Your support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast.

Become a monthly supporter:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1432717/support

Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally.
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_US

Check out our sponsors new app: 

Dynery connects restaurants, dishes, people, events, & deals around an audience of one... you.

https://dynery.ai/

Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review.
https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/

Volunteer contact [email protected]

Connect with our Culinary Stories:
https://linktr.ee/voice4chef

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Voice4Chefs, Hosts Michael Dugan and Chef Steven engage with Chef Kristen Watts Schumacher, also known as Chef Shu, the Culinary Director at Carnation Farms in the Snoqualmie Valley, Seattle. Chef Shu shares her inspirational journey from cooking for friends in her teenage years to running the heirloom cookshop and leading farm to table feasts. The conversation delves into her early influences, challenges, and triumphs, highlighting her love for community, resilience, and food without ego. Chef Shu discusses the deep connection she feels to Carnation Farms, including the regenerative farming practices and the farm's mission to provide fresh, local produce. They explore her diverse culinary experiences, including starting a cooking class program at Carnation Farms, and how transitioning into motherhood reshaped her definition of success. The episode also touches upon her philosophy of teamwork and humility in the kitchen, the importance of local produce, and the unique experiences offered at Carnation Farms’ events such as farm dinners and feasts in the field, where guests connect directly to the land, the animals, and the dedicated team behind the scenes.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:46 Chef Shu's Culinary Journey Begins

02:40 Discovering the Passion for Cooking

05:30 From Culinary School to Professional Chef

07:46 Building the Heirloom Cook Shop

11:35 Challenges and Triumphs of Entrepreneurship

16:05 Transition to Carnation Farms

17:44 The Allure of Carnation Farms

19:40 Teaching Cooking Skills

20:23 Farm Dinners and Community Connection

20:45 Inspiration and Home Cooking

21:32 The Power of Local Ingredients

22:00 Feast in the Field Experience

24:17 Honoring the Source of Food

30:06 Leadership and Team Values

35:38 Upcoming Events at Carnation Farms

38:25 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Website: https://carnationfarms.org

Email: [email protected]

Dynery It's a new app changing the way we connect through food. Dynery goes beyond helping you find great restaurants. Connects you with a community of people who share your food preferences, make it easier to discover new dining experiences while enjoying exclusive discounts at participating restaurants. For restaurant owners, it's a game changer. Unlike many delivery platforms charge commissions as high as thirty percent, Dynery charges 3%. Register here https://dynery.ai/

Support the show

Your support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast.

Become a monthly supporter:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1432717/support

Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally.
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_US

Check out our sponsors new app: 

Dynery connects restaurants, dishes, people, events, & deals around an audience of one... you.

https://dynery.ai/

Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review.
https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/

Volunteer contact [email protected]

Connect with our Culinary Stories:
https://linktr.ee/voice4chef

Send us Fan Mail

Special Invitation Podmasters Open House with Greg Gazin!

Join us for an inspiring online Open House featuring Greg Gazin, host of the Official Toastmasters Podcast. In a live interview with Michael Dugan, host of the Voice4Chefs podcast, Greg will share his Toastmasters journey, podcasting insights, and tips for amplifying your voice in today’s digital world.

This is a unique opportunity to see how Toastmasters and podcasting work hand-in-hand to build confidence, leadership, and storytelling skills.

🗓️ Date: Sunday, September 14th

🕖 Time: 7:00 PM EDT 

📍 Register here: 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/podmasters-open-house-a-conversation-with-greg-gazin-tickets-1613605259769?aff=oddtdtcreator

Or email [email protected] for the zoom link.

Support the show

Your support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast.

Become a monthly supporter:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1432717/support

Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally.
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_US

Check out our sponsors new app: 

Dynery connects restaurants, dishes, people, events, & deals around an audience of one... you.

https://dynery.ai/

Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review.
https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/

Volunteer contact [email protected]

Connect with our Culinary Stories:
https://linktr.ee/voice4chef

Send us Fan Mail

In Part II of this engaging episode of Voice4Chefs, host Michael welcomes Maricel back for part two of her incredible culinary journey. Maricel shares her fascinating experiences from dazzling appearances on PBS, Hulu, and the Food Channel. She recounts unexpected yet serendipitous connections that led her to star on these platforms, including a humorous story about ignoring a potential PBS opportunity, which turned out to be legitimate. Maricel highlights key moments from cooking competitions and shows, such as 'Recipe Rumble' and a family cooking challenge with Cake Boss Buddy Valastro, and reveals behind-the-scenes experiences of filming and lessons learned. The conversation also delves into her success as a culinary instructor, her popular Asian fusion cookbook, and upcoming projects including live TV cooking classes and expanding her business. Maricel's passion for Filipino cuisine and dedication to sharing her culinary heritage shine throughout, inspiring listeners with her vibrant energy and adventurous spirit.

00:00 Introduction to Maricel's Culinary Journey
00:21 Maricel's PBS Experience
02:23 Adventures on Hulu and Food Network
05:27 Challenges and Learning Moments
08:28 Family Competitions and Traditions
11:52 Korean Seafood Ambassador
14:15 Maricel's Cookbook and Future Plans
20:08 Cooking Classes and Events
21:51 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Dynery It's a new app changing the way we connect through food. Dynery goes beyond helping you find great restaurants. Connects you with a community of people who share your food preferences, make it easier to discover new dining experiences while enjoying exclusive discounts at participating restaurants. For restaurant owners, it's a game changer. Unlike many delivery platforms charge commissions as high as thirty percent, Dynery charges 3%. Register here https://dynery.ai/

Support the show

Your support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast.

Become a monthly supporter:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1432717/support

Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally.
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_US

Check out our sponsors new app: 

Dynery connects restaurants, dishes, people, events, & deals around an audience of one... you.

https://dynery.ai/

Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review.
https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/

Volunteer contact [email protected]

Connect with our Culinary Stories:
https://linktr.ee/voice4chef

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Voice4Chefs, we welcome Chef Maricel Gentile, a celebrated chef educator, and ambassador of Philippine cuisine. With roots in her grandmother's kitchen in Manila, Chef Maricel's career has spanned top restaurants in New York to founding Maricel’s Kitchen in New Jersey. She has been featured on Hulu, PBS, and the Food Network, sharing the bold flavors and stories of the Philippines. Chef Maricel discusses the influence of her grandmother on her cooking, her experiences at markets in Manila, the inspiration behind her career, her classes at Maricel's Kitchen, her cookbook and her experiences appearing on various TV shows. She also shares highlights from her cookbook and upcoming projects, emphasizing her passion for keeping Filipino cuisine authentic and accessible. Join us as we explore her journey and celebrate the rich culinary traditions of the Philippines.

00:00 Introduction to Chef Maricel

00:53 Connecting Through Chef Mimi Lan

02:07 Influences from Lola's Kitchen

08:00 The Authenticity of Filipino Cuisine

10:19 Chef's Table and Kamayan Feast

17:41 Memories and Mentorship

22:52 The Rising Cost of Seafood

24:34 Corporate Team Building at Maricel's Kitchen

27:32 A Picky Eater's Transformation

28:45 From Cooking Class to TV Stardom

29:14 Unexpected Opportunities and PBS

31:03 Hulu and Food Network Adventures

37:20 Family Competitions and Traditions

40:56 Korean Seafood Ambassador

43:21 The Journey of Writing a Cookbook

46:27 Future Plans and Cooking Classes

51:06 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Contact Chef Maricel:

IG:@maricelskitchenusa

Website: https://maricelskitchen.com/ 

Facebook: maricelskitchenusa 

Youtube: @maricelskitchenusa 

Dynery It's a new app changing the way we connect through food. Dynery goes beyond helping you find great restaurants. Connects you with a community of people who share your food preferences, make it easier to discover new dining experiences while enjoying exclusive discounts at participating restaurants. For restaurant owners, it's a game changer. Unlike many delivery platforms charge commissions as high as thirty percent, Dynery charges 3%. Register here https://dynery.ai/

Support the show

Your support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast.

Become a monthly supporter:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1432717/support

Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally.
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_US

Check out our sponsors new app: 

Dynery connects restaurants, dishes, people, events, & deals around an audience of one... you.

https://dynery.ai/

Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review.
https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/

Volunteer contact [email protected]

Connect with our Culinary Stories:
https://linktr.ee/voice4chef

Send us Fan Mail

In this compelling episode of Voice4Chefs, host Michael is joined by new co-host Chef Steven, a seasoned culinary professional with experience in five-star hotels and Michelin-starred kitchens. Together, they welcome Sena Wheeler, a fifth-generation fisherman and co-founder of Sena Sea, to explore the story behind one of the most trusted names in wild Alaska seafood.

🌊 Discover the Journey of Sena Sea
Sena shares how her family’s deep-rooted fishing heritage and passion for sustainable practices led to the creation of Sena Sea, a direct-to-consumer company delivering premium wild-caught Alaska seafood. From the icy waters of the Pacific to your dinner plate, learn about the rigorous quality control, transparent sourcing, and deep family values that drive the company’s mission.

🍽️ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

·       How Sena Sea ensures sustainability and traceability from ocean to table

·       The challenges and rewards of running a family fishing business

·       Why wild-caught seafood is essential for flavor and health

·       Behind-the-scenes stories of catching, processing, and distributing premium fish

·       What chefs and home cooks should know about sourcing high-quality seafood

This episode is a must-listen for seafood lovers, chefs, culinary students, and anyone passionate about responsible food sourcing.

👉 Visit www.senasea.com to explore their full product line and learn more.

00:00 Introduction and New Co-Host Announcement

00:20 Meet Chef Steven: Culinary Journey

01:55 Introducing Special Guest: Sena Wheeler

02:47 Sena Sea: The Origin Story

05:03 Generational Fishing Legacy

06:17 Building a Personal Brand

08:30 Customer Connections and Feedback

13:05 Sustainability in Fishing

17:26 Handling Fish on Small Boats

19:50 Innovative Packaging for Sustainability

20:56 Protecting the Fishing Industry and Environment

23:22 Family-Based Seafood Business

24:37 Customer Favorites and Unique Seafood Products

28:21 The Benefits of Omega-3 in Fish

32:08 How to Support Sena Seafoods

33:28 Final Thoughts on Food and Community

Contact Sena:

Email: [email protected] 

FB: www.facebook.com/senaseafoods 

Web: https://senasea.com

IG: @senasea_seafoods

Dynery It's a new app changing the way we connect through food. Dynery goes beyond helping you find great restaurants. Connects you with a community of people who share your food preferences, make it easier to discover new dining experiences while enjoying exclusive discounts at participating restaurants. For restaurant owners, it's a game changer. Unlike many delivery platforms charge commissions as high as thirty percent, Dynery charges 3%. Register here https://dynery.ai/

Support the show

Your support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast.

Become a monthly supporter:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1432717/support

Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally.
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_US

Check out our sponsors new app: 

Dynery connects restaurants, dishes, people, events, & deals around an audience of one... you.

https://dynery.ai/

Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review.
https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/

Volunteer contact [email protected]

Connect with our Culinary Stories:
https://linktr.ee/voice4chef

Send us Fan Mail

In this special 4-year anniversary episode of the Voice4Chefs Podcast, host Michael Dugan sits in the guest chair—interviewed by Arthur J Byrnes from Podmasters Advanced Toastmasters Club. Michael shares his deeply personal journey through Toastmasters, revealing how it helped him conquer imposter syndrome, find his voice, and launch a globally recognized platform that amplifies the stories of chefs and culinary professionals worldwide.

This inspiring episode features reflections on growth, leadership, and the power of community—highlighting how a Toastmasters foundation helped shape a podcast that now reaches listeners across continents.

Plus, enjoy featured insights from:

Greg Gazin, co-host of The Official Toastmasters Podcast – On the power of storytelling and digital platforms for leadership

Whether you're a podcast creator, culinary professional, or Toastmaster, this episode will leave you motivated to pursue your passion with courage and clarity.

 Key Takeaways:

• How Toastmasters helped Michael build confidence and launch Voice4Chefs
• Lessons learned from interviewing chefs, bakers, and culinary artists
• The link between public speaking, storytelling, and culinary leadership
• The importance of mentorship, community, and showing up authentically

00:57 Meet Arthur Byrnes

01:58 Interview with Michael Dugan Begins

03:20 Michael Dugan's Podcast Journey

04:28 The High-Performance Leadership Project

09:39 Memorable Podcast Episodes

14:54 Unexpected Opportunities Through Podcasting

26:13 Future Plans for Voice4Chefs

29:31 Podcasting Insights and Challenges

36:36 Round Robin Feedback

Toastmasters Resources

Join our club: https://podmasters.toastmastersclubs.org

Join Toastmasters: https://www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club

Dynery It's a new app changing the way we connect through food. Dynery goes beyond helping you find great restaurants. Connects you with a community of people who share your food preferences, make it easier to discover new dining experiences while enjoying exclusive discounts at participating restaurants. For restaurant owners, it's a game changer. Unlike many delivery platforms charge commissions as high as thirty percent, Dynery charges 3%. Register here https://dynery.ai/

Support the show

Your support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast.

Become a monthly supporter:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1432717/support

Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally.
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_US

Check out our sponsors new app: 

Dynery connects restaurants, dishes, people, events, & deals around an audience of one... you.

https://dynery.ai/

Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review.
https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/

Volunteer contact [email protected]

Connect with our Culinary Stories:
https://linktr.ee/voice4chef

Send us Fan Mail

As we conclude the month of May. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Voice4Chefs is proud to rerelease this special episode to spotlight the courageous and inspiring journey of Chef Abbey, whose story sheds light on the challenges—and triumphs—of mental health in the culinary world.

As a young lady, chef Abbey Miller thought she wanted to be a crime investigator. Little did she know she would make it all the way to the CIA... but the delicious one: The Culinary Institute of America. She was the first recipient of the Anthony Bourdain Scholarship from the CIA.  Hear what it was like attending the CIA, and listen to Abbey talk about the importance of a healthy culinary culture, mental health, and her realization that there is true nobility in cooking for others when “everyone needs to eat”.

Dynery It's a new app changing the way we connect through food. Dynery goes beyond helping you find great restaurants. Connects you with a community of people who share your food preferences, make it easier to discover new dining experiences while enjoying exclusive discounts at participating restaurants. For restaurant owners, it's a game changer. Unlike many delivery platforms charge commissions as high as thirty percent, Dynery charges 3%. Register here https://dynery.ai/

Support the show

Your support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast.

Become a monthly supporter:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1432717/support

Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally.
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_US

Check out our sponsors new app: 

Dynery connects restaurants, dishes, people, events, & deals around an audience of one... you.

https://dynery.ai/

Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review.
https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/

Volunteer contact [email protected]

Connect with our Culinary Stories:
https://linktr.ee/voice4chef

Send us Fan Mail

As we conclude the month of May. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Voice4Chefs is proud to rerelease and spotlight the courageous and inspiring journey of Chef Abbey, whose story sheds light on the challenges—and triumphs—of mental health in the culinary world.

On today’s episode, we meet Chef Abby Miller, the first recipient of the Anthony Bourdain Scholarship through the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). With a minor in Asian cuisine and a deep love for storytelling through food, Abby shares her remarkable culinary journey—from a nomadic childhood to finding her passion and voice in the kitchen.

We dive into:

* **Her early inspiration**: Moving over 40 times growing up, Abby discovered a sense of home and stability through food. Watching Food Network and working in her parents' restaurant at age 12 ignited her passion for the culinary arts.
* **Choosing the Culinary Path**: Although originally headed toward a career in intelligence studies, Abby made a bold pivot—trading one CIA for another—to attend the Culinary Institute of America.
* **Life at CIA**: Abby recounts the rigorous yet rewarding experience of culinary school, waking up at 4:30 a.m. for practical classes, becoming team leader, and eventually being chosen as the class speaker.
* **Externship Growth**: She reflects on her four-month externship at Stein Eriksen Lodge in Utah, working during their busiest season. Overcoming homesickness, she found strength and mentorship that helped solidify her passion.
* **Kitchen Culture and Mental Health**: Abby opens up about working in a male-dominated kitchen, navigating toxic work environments, and advocating for healthier, more supportive culinary spaces. She courageously shares her own experiences with anxiety, depression, and PTSD—highlighting the importance of mental wellness in the food industry.

This episode is a heartfelt look at the resilience, determination, and advocacy that define Chef Abby Miller’s inspiring culinary journey.

Dynery It's a new app changing the way we connect through food. Dynery goes beyond helping you find great restaurants. Connects you with a community of people who share your food preferences, make it easier to discover new dining experiences while enjoying exclusive discounts at participating restaurants. For restaurant owners, it's a game changer. Unlike many delivery platforms charge commissions as high as thirty percent, Dynery charges 3%. Register here https://dynery.ai/

Support the show

Your support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast.

Become a monthly supporter:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1432717/support

Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally.
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_US

Check out our sponsors new app: 

Dynery connects restaurants, dishes, people, events, & deals around an audience of one... you.

https://dynery.ai/

Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review.
https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/

Volunteer contact [email protected]

Connect with our Culinary Stories:
https://linktr.ee/voice4chef