Walk-In Talk Media kicks off 2026 in-studio with Chef Michael Collantes, chef-owner of Soseki Orlando, a one-Michelin-star restaurant that has earned and retained its star. This conversation goes past accolades and into what it takes to sustain excellence, build teams across multiple concepts, and keep your life intact while doing it. We also introduce a new recurring chapter, Chef Mike officially joins the Walk-In Talk Media family as a recurring collaborator. Later in the episode, you will hear from Frederic Casagrande with The Live Fire Report, expanding WITM coverage of international barbecue and live fire culture.

In-studio cook

• Japanese fluke (hirame) breakdown and two mirrored dishes

• Kombu-jime cure, crispy potato technique, and a truffle-forward direction

• "Mottainai" mindset, using bones and trim instead of wasting

Key topics

• What consistency really means when you are being judged in silence

• Leadership when you scale from one room to multiple restaurants

• Burnout, rebuilding, and the role of faith, family, and identity

• Art vs business in hospitality, and why community and storytelling matter

• Why pressure can build greatness, but cannot destroy the person

Notable moments

• Chef Mike's path from early jobs to Wolfgang Puck to Michelin-level kitchens

• Soseki as "foundation", and how standards get set and protected

• Why storytelling and community building are now essential for restaurants

Featured segment

• Frederic Casagrande introduces The Live Fire Report, a WITM segment focused on global live fire, competition culture, and the people shaping it.

Connect with Chef Mike

• Website: MikeCollantes.com

• Instagram: @ChefMikeCollantes

• TikTok: @ChefFlipMike

Episode takeaways

• Consistency is a system, not a mood. Great once is easy, great every night is leadership and process.

• Scaling demands trust. The bigger the operation, the less "hands-on control" matters, and the more people and standards matter.

• Burnout is real, and rebuilding is possible. The conversation highlights how identity, faith, and family can reframe success.

• Storytelling is a competitive advantage. Food can be incredible, but community and meaning are what keep people coming back.

• Pressure can build diamonds, but health is non-negotiable. Excellence is the goal, self-destruction is not.

Walk-In Talk Media Brand Partners

• Metro Foodservice Solutions https://www.metro.com

• RAK Porcelain USA https://www.rakporcelain.com

• Aussie Select https://aussieselect.com

• Crab Island Seafood Company https://crabislandseafooddip.com

• Pass the Honey https://freshhoneycomb.com

• Citrus America https://citrusamerica.com

Walk-In Talk Media Cause & Nonprofit Partners

• The Burnt Chef Project https://www.theburntchefproject.com

• Operation BBQ Relief https://operationbbqrelief.org

• Hogs for the Cause https://hogsforthecause.org

• Sustainable Supperclub https://www.sustainablesupperclub.org

Walk-In Talk Media Industry & Event Partners

• Restaurant Events LLC https://www.restaurantevents.com

• U.S. Culinary Open https://www.usculinaryopen.com

Belonging is not something you arrive at. It is something you build.

In this episode of Walk-In Talk Media, Carl Fiadini sits down in studio with Marina Baronas, hospitality leader and author of A New Life, A New Menu: An Almanac of Belonging. Raised across Lithuania, Russia, and Azerbaijan, Marina came to the United States at nineteen without speaking English and built a life through the unseen work of hospitality. Her journey moves through kitchens, dining rooms, leadership, motherhood, burnout, and reinvention, offering an honest look at service as lived experience, not performance.

Joining the conversation is Chef Carl Riding, who came up through hotels and kitchens before stepping away from the line to build Crab Island Seafood, a small, independent, chef-driven company producing elevated crab dips. Together, they explore dignity in invisible labor, identity beyond titles, redefining success without leaving hospitality, and why this industry continues to feel like home even after it takes its toll.

This episode is for anyone who has carried their roots across borders, worked until they were unseen, or searched for belonging inside the hospitality industry.

What to Expect From This Episode

• Immigration, identity, and finding belonging through hospitality

• The emotional cost of invisible labor and long-term burnout

• Front of house and back of house perspectives shaped by hotels and kitchens

• Redefining success without walking away from the industry

• Why hospitality continues to feel like home, even after reinvention

Brand Partners

Crab Island Seafood https://www.crabislandseafooddip.com

Metro Foodservice Solutions https://www.metro.com

RAK Porcelain USA https://www.rakporcelain.com/usa

Pass the Honey https://www.passthehoney.com

Trade Show & Event Partners

New York Restaurant Show https://www.nyrestaurantshow.com

California Restaurant Show https://www.californiarestaurantshow.com

Florida Restaurant Show https://www.flrestaurantshow.com

Pizza Tomorrow Summit https://www.pizzatomorrow.com

U.S. Culinary Open (NAFEM Show) https://www.usculinaryopen.com

Cause Partners We Support

The Burnt Chef Project https://www.theburntchefproject.com

Operation BBQ Relief https://operationbbqrelief.org

Hogs for the Cause https://hogsforthecause.org

Sustainable Supperclub https://www.sustainablesupperclub.org

In this episode of the Walk-In Talk Podcast, Carl sits down with Chef Massimo Orlando and Jack Ross for a powerful conversation about Italian heritage, food culture, and the stories that shape who we are. Chef Massimo Orlando shares his journey from growing up in Italy and learning to cook in his grandmother's kitchen to working professionally at a young age in the kitchens around Lake Como. His path took him across the ocean to Miami Beach and eventually to California, where he built a life, a career, and a community. Massimo opens up about mentorship, immigration, the impact of the pandemic, rebuilding after loss, and how mental health and therapy changed his leadership and outlook on life. He also discusses his role with A.P.C.I. North America and the mission to protect and promote real Italian food and culture in the United States and Canada. Joining the episode in the studio is Jack Ross, the creator of YO! Meatball. Jack is a home cook whose Sicilian family recipes are rooted in tradition, comfort, and the Sunday table. While cooking his signature meatballs live, Jack shares how family food traditions became a way to connect with community and preserve heritage outside of the professional kitchen. This episode explores two different paths connected by one common thread. Food as memory, identity, resilience, and connection. Brand & Industry Partners

• Metro https://www.metro.com

• RAK Porcelain USA https://www.rakporcelain.com/usa

• Pass the Honey https://www.passthehoney.com

• Aussie Select https://www.aussieselect.com

• Ibis Images Studio https://www.ibisimages.com

Official Trade Show & Event Partners

• New York Restaurant Show https://www.nyrestaurantshow.com

• California Restaurant Show https://www.californiarestaurantshow.com

• Florida Restaurant Show https://www.floridarestaurantshow.com

• Pizza Tomorrow Summit https://www.pizzatomorrowsummit.com

• U.S. Culinary Open at NAFEM Show https://www.usculinaryopen.org

Cause & Community Partners

• The Burnt Chef Project (Mental health advocacy in hospitality) https://www.theburntchefproject.com

• Operation BBQ Relief https://operationbbqrelief.org

• Hogs for the Cause https://hogsforthecause.org

• Sustainable Supperclub https://www.sustainablesupperclub.com

In this episode, Carl sits down with Stan Hays, co founder and CEO of Operation BBQ Relief, to talk about what it really looks like to feed people on the worst day of their lives. From the recent deployment to Jamaica after a massive hurricane to the emotional weight of serving their thirteen millionth meal, Stan shares the stories behind the numbers, including the moment a simple pulled pork sandwich became a symbol of love, humanity and hope.

Joining the conversation in studio is champion pitmaster Tillman Lee Nelson III of Tillmans BBQ. Tillman rolls in with award winning brisket, his Perfect 200 rub and honest talk about the grind of the competition circuit, marriage on the road, barbecue family and why he still watches every face in the room when people take that first bite. Together, Stan and Tillman dig into why barbecue has such a deep emotional pull, how the barbecue community shows up for each other, and what it means to use food as a vehicle for comfort, connection and service.

Key takeaways:

• What it takes for Operation BBQ Relief to activate in places like Jamaica and why safety, dignity and cultural respect matter as much as the food.

• How a pulled pork sandwich, a parking lot and one stranger's gratitude helped Stan find his "why" and changed how he sees the work forever.

• Why competitive barbecue is a family sport for Tillman, how his wife Amy became the real secret weapon, and why the barbecue community feels like a second family.

• Simple ways listeners can get involved, from volunteering with OBR at OBR.org to supporting the people doing the cooking in their own communities.

About Walk-In Talk Podcast and Walk In Talk Media:

• Walk-In Talk Podcast is hosted by food industry veteran and storyteller Carl Fiadini, shining a light on the flavor, the hustle and the heart of the industry. Walk-In Talk is the official podcast for the New York, California and Florida Restaurant Shows and the Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and the on-site media partner for the US Culinary Open at the NAFEM Show. Walk In Talk Media is also the North American media platform for The Burnt Chef Project and regularly supports cause driven partners like Operation BBQ Relief and Hogs for the Cause. Recorded at Ibis Images Studios, where food photography comes alive and Carl gets the first bite. Learn more at thewalkintalk.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

Aussie Select - Fully cooked, premium Australian lamb

Fully cooked, premium Australian lamb—ready to serve and packed with clean flavor.

RAK Porcelain USA -Tableware

We use RAK for all in-studio tableware—clean, durable, and designed for chefs.

Takeaways:

• The Walk and Talk podcast serves as a vital platform for food lovers and culinary professionals alike, highlighting the intricate narratives behind the culinary arts.
• Chef Freddie Money, the 2025 US Culinary Open champion, reflects on his journey, illustrating the significance of discipline and creativity in a professional kitchen.
• Traveling extensively allows chefs to immerse themselves in diverse culinary techniques and ingredients, fostering a broader understanding of gastronomy around the world.
• The evolution of the culinary industry emphasizes the importance of education and mentorship, ensuring the next generation of chefs is well-prepared for the challenges they will face.
• A Michelin-starred restaurant operates as a cohesive unit, where collaboration among chefs, servers, and beverage experts is paramount to delivering exceptional dining experiences.
• In culinary arts, one must appreciate the balance between creativity and tradition, ensuring that the essence of a dish remains true to its foundational elements.

Mentioned in this episode:

Metro Foodservice Solutions

Kitchen and back-of-house systems for better flow and function.

Aussie Select - Fully cooked, premium Australian lamb

Fully cooked, premium Australian lamb—ready to serve and packed with clean flavor.

Chef Ciji Castro imparts invaluable insights into the art of transforming humble ingredients into delectable comfort food, emphasizing the critical need for resourcefulness in the face of escalating food insecurity. Throughout our dialogue, she shares her expertise in crafting a traditional puerco guisado, a slow-cooked pork stew, while ingeniously demonstrating how to stretch this dish to nourish a family of five for under ten dollars. Furthermore, Chef Castro elucidates the significance of culinary traditions, not merely as recipes but as vessels of resilience and community connection, inviting listeners to engage with their own familial narratives through food. She also provides practical tips on reducing kitchen waste, showcasing the importance of creativity in meal preparation. Our conversation ultimately serves as a poignant reminder of the power of food to unite and uplift individuals during challenging times, as well as the importance of seeking assistance without stigma.

Takeaways:

• Chef Ciji Castro emphasizes the importance of resourcefulness in cooking, especially during times of food insecurity.
• In this episode, we discuss how traditional recipes can be adapted using modern techniques without losing their authentic flavors.
• The conversation highlights the significance of community support in addressing hunger and food insecurity issues in Tampa Bay.
• Ciji shares practical tips on turning affordable staples into delicious meals that can feed a family while keeping costs low.
• We explore the cultural significance of dishes like pasteles and their role in preserving family traditions and history.
• The episode stresses the need for open-mindedness when it comes to food sustainability and making the most of available ingredients.

Mentioned in this episode:

Aussie Select - Fully cooked, premium Australian lamb

Fully cooked, premium Australian lamb—ready to serve and packed with clean flavor.

In this very powerful episode of the Walk-In Talk Podcast, host Carl Fiadini sits down with Chef Janine Pezarro and Chef Brett Wright to explore what resilience truly looks like behind the kitchen doors.

Janine opens up for the first time about the murder of her family, the trauma that followed, and how she transformed that pain into purpose — from Michelin-level pastry kitchens to the founding of The Warrior's Path, a course helping men reconnect with courage and emotional strength.

Brett shares his own transformation — escaping gang life, finding salvation in cooking, and building Bib Gourmand recipient, Palm Beach Meats, and the only Kobe-certified operations in the U.S. into a budget friendly experience. His leadership philosophy centers on empathy, equality, and giving his team the opportunities he never had.

It's raw, vulnerable, and inspiring — proof that food can be the bridge between survival and strength.

🎙️ Featuring:

• Chef Janine Pezarro — Founder, The Warrior's Course

• Chef Brett Wright — Executive Chef / Owner, Palm Beach Meats

• Hosted by Carl Fiadini, Walk-In Talk Media

Takeaways:

• Chefs Janine Pezarro and Brett Wright discussed their innovative approaches to classical dishes, exemplified by their unique use of beurre blanc with beef, showcasing culinary creativity.
• Brett Wright emphasized the importance of accessibility in gourmet dining, striving to make high-quality wagyu meat available to the average family rather than limiting it to fine dining establishments.
• Janine Pezarro shared her profound personal journey, illustrating how her experiences have shaped her culinary philosophy, emphasizing the emotional connection food can foster.
• The conversation highlighted the challenges faced by women in the culinary industry, with Janine recounting her experiences of harassment and the resilience required to navigate a male-dominated environment.
• Both chefs expressed a strong commitment to mentoring and uplifting their staff, recognizing that true leadership involves empowering others to reach their potential in the kitchen.
• The episode concluded with reflections on personal growth, as Janine shared her desire to inspire others through motivational speaking and her journey of self-discovery in the culinary arts.

This podcast episode features two distinguished guests, Vnay Bedi of Cox's Seafood and Chef Mohamad ElBanna from The Birria Bros, who share their culinary insights and experiences. The central theme revolves around the resilience and dedication required in the seafood industry, particularly following the adversities faced during the recent hurricanes that impacted supply chains. Vnay articulates the commitment of Cox's Seafood to quality and sustainability, emphasizing their chemical-free practices and full traceability in sourcing Gulf shrimp. In tandem, Chef Mohamad presents two exquisite dishes: Aleppo Butter Shrimp with Toum Lime Crema and Smoked Pineapple Relish, alongside Pomegranate Glazed Lamb Loin with Whipped Feta and Charred Corn Esquites, showcasing the harmonious fusion of flavors that stem from integrity and passion in culinary arts. Together, they illuminate the profound connection between sourcing quality ingredients and the artistry of cooking, underscoring how these elements coalesce to create exceptional gastronomic experiences.

Engaging with the culinary arts often reveals profound narratives that intertwine personal passion with the intricate workings of the food industry. Vnay Bedi, of Cox's Seafood, exemplifies this connection through his commitment to providing high-quality Gulf seafood. This episode invites listeners into the tumultuous journey of rebuilding after the devastation wrought by hurricanes on the Gulf Coast. Bedi discusses the resilience required to maintain a standard of excellence in the face of adversity, emphasizing the transparency and traceability of their products. Chef Mohamad ElBanna, from The Birria Bros, complements this narrative by transforming these premium ingredients into exquisite dishes that showcase the depth of flavor inherent in Gulf shrimp and Aussie Select lamb. The episode serves as a reminder that the stories behind our food are as significant as the meals themselves, highlighting the essential role of integrity in both sourcing and culinary creation.

Takeaways:

• Vnay Bedi's transition from corporate retail to Cox's Seafood exemplifies a commitment to quality and sustainability in the seafood industry.
• Chef Mohamad ElBanna's unique culinary creations, such as the Pomegranate Glazed Lamb Loin, reflect a deep respect for both tradition and innovation in gastronomy.
• The podcast highlights the resilience of the Gulf seafood industry, particularly in the wake of natural disasters that have disrupted supply chains.
• The emphasis on chemical-free seafood at Cox's Seafood underscores a growing consumer demand for transparency and traceability in food sourcing.
• Chef Mohamad ElBanna's incorporation of local ingredients and techniques showcases the importance of regional flavors in modern cuisine.
• The collaboration between Cox's Seafood and The Birria Bros exemplifies the power of partnerships in the culinary world, driving both quality and creativity.

The conversation today centers around the culinary journey of Chef Andy Nassar from Keel Farm, as he shares his insights on the art of cooking, mentorship, and the evolution of the restaurant industry. A particular highlight of our discussion is Chef Nassar's creative approach to traditional dishes, exemplified by his innovative take on bibimbap, which harmoniously blends Korean flavors with Southern barbecue influences. Additionally, we delve into the intricacies of another dish, moqueca, as he reflects on the cultural influences that shape his culinary style. Chef Nassar emphasizes the importance of passion and authenticity in cooking, advocating for a balance between creativity and the fundamental essence of food. Join us as we explore the passion that drives Chef Nassar and the future of dining at Keel Farm.

Takeaways:

• Chef Andy Nassar's culinary journey exemplifies the importance of passion and creativity in the kitchen.
• The integration of local ingredients and cultural influences is pivotal in Chef Andy's approach to menu development.
• Chef Andy emphasizes the significance of mentorship within the culinary industry to inspire the next generation of chefs.
• The podcast discusses how Chef Andy blends traditional dishes like bibimbap with local flavors to create unique culinary experiences.
• In the conversation, Chef Andy reflects on the balance of maintaining authenticity while pushing creative boundaries in cooking.
• The episode highlights the role of media and social platforms in shaping contemporary dining experiences and restaurant visibility.

Chef Abhi Sukul, the esteemed owner of Lajawab Indian Cuisine, embodies the essence of culinary dedication, having transformed his passion for cooking into a thriving endeavor in St. Petersburg, Florida. Born in Kolkata, a city renowned for its vibrant food culture, Chef Abhi's culinary journey began in his mother's kitchen, where he learned that cooking is an art requiring both patience and passion. In this enlightening discourse, we delve into his remarkable odyssey, from navigating the global hospitality landscape with Marriott to overcoming the adversities posed by the pandemic, which initially threatened to derail his ambitions. Chef Abhi's unwavering spirit led him to rebuild, ultimately establishing Lajawab, where he meticulously crafts dishes that not only reflect the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine but also aim to evoke joy in every guest. Join us as we explore the intersection of tradition and innovation through the lens of a chef who ardently believes that every dish should leave a lasting impression, not merely of satisfaction but of sheer delight.

Lajawab - Authentic Indian Cuisine

Lajawab Indian Cuisine (@lajawab4u) • Instagram photos and videos

Takeaways:

• Chef Abhi Sukul emphasizes the significance of patience and passion in culinary arts, which he first learned in his mother's kitchen.
• The chef's journey from Kolkata to global experiences showcases the universality of hospitality in the culinary field.
• Chef Sukul's dedication to authentic Indian cuisine is reflected in his meticulous preparation of dishes, such as his signature butter chicken and coconut mushroom curry.
• The story of overcoming adversity during the pandemic illustrates the resilience of entrepreneurs in the restaurant industry.
• Abhi Sukul's commitment to mentorship in the culinary arts highlights the importance of passing on knowledge to future generations of chefs.
• The chef's culinary philosophy centers around the joy of cooking and the profound impact that food can have on people's happiness.

🎙️ About Walk-In Talk Media

Walk-In Talk Media (WITM) is the official media partner of the NY, CA, and FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open at NAFEM, telling the real stories behind the food industry through chef-driven podcasts and cinematic content.

WITM proudly supports The Burnt Chef Project, Operation BBQ Relief, and Hogs for the Cause, using media to drive mental-health awareness and community impact.

Partners include RAK Porcelain USA, Metro Foodservice Solutions, Crab Island Seafood, Pass the Honey, and Aussie Select.

📩 Learn more at walkintalkmedia.com or follow along on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Mentioned in this episode:

Aussie Select - Fully cooked, premium Australian lamb

Fully cooked, premium Australian lamb—ready to serve and packed with clean flavor.