Who decides which food stories get told?
In Episode 188 of the Walk-In Talk Podcast, Host, Carl welcomes Dalia Colon, Executive Producer and Host of The Zest, the NPR-affiliated food podcast produced by WUSF on the University of South Florida campus.
With more than 300 episodes produced, Dalia has helped shape how Florida's food culture is documented through public media. Her work blends journalism, food history, and storytelling, highlighting the chefs, farmers, traditions, and communities that define the state's culinary identity.
In the studio kitchen, Chef Michael Collantes, Michelin-starred chef and owner of Soseki Modern Omakase, prepares two dishes while joining the conversation about the relationship between chefs and media. Collantes previously appeared as a guest on The Zest in 2023, making this episode a full-circle moment as the discussion moves from public radio to the Walk-In Talk studio.
Together, the conversation explores editorial responsibility, the pace of modern food media, and the shared discipline between journalism and professional kitchens.
Because food isn't just content.
It's culture, craft, and the stories that shape the industry.
Be sure to follow our journey to the Ny Restaurant Show as we continue bridging the gap between Food Media in the Food Industry B2B space! We'll be at the Javits Center in NYC from 3/8 - 3/10 at booth 1653!
Episode Takeaways
Public media brings editorial discipline to food storytelling Platforms like NPR prioritize context, credibility, and cultural documentation over trends.
Food journalism helps preserve culinary history Coverage can shape how communities and traditions are remembered.
The relationship between chefs and media is evolving As visibility grows, chefs and storytellers must navigate responsibility and representation.
Standards matter in both kitchens and journalism Whether producing a Michelin-level dish or a public media story, trust is built through consistency and discipline.
Florida's food culture is deeper than headlines Regional voices, traditions, and history play a major role in shaping the state's culinary identity.
Brand Partners
Metro Foodservice Solutions Professional kitchen infrastructure trusted by chefs around the world. https://www.metro.com
RAK Porcelain USA Precision-crafted professional tableware designed for high-performance kitchens. https://www.rakporcelain.com
Citrus America Premium citrus products supporting chefs and foodservice professionals across the industry. https://www.citrusamerica.com
Crab Island Seafood Chef-driven seafood products bringing Gulf Coast flavors to restaurants nationwide. https://crabislandseafood.com
Testo North America Industry-leading food safety and measurement technology trusted in professional kitchens. https://www.testo.com/en-US
Cause Partners
The Burnt Chef Project Advancing mental health awareness and support within the hospitality industry. https://www.theburntchefproject.com
Operation BBQ Relief Providing hot meals and disaster relief to communities in need across the United States. https://operationbbqrelief.org
Sustainable Supperclub Community-driven dining events supporting food access and nonprofit initiatives. https://sustainablesupperclub.com
Trade Show & Industry Event Partners
Florida Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/florida/
New York Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/new-york/
California Restaurant Show https://www.therestaurantshows.com/california/
Pizza Tomorrow Summit https://www.pizzatomorrow.com/
U.S. Culinary Open at the NAFEM Show https://www.usculinaryopen.com/about
Creative Loafing Tampa Bay Food & Drink coverage and cultural journalism across the Tampa Bay region. https://www.cltampa.com
About Walk-In Talk Media
Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized B2B food and hospitality media company focused on chef-driven storytelling and trade-facing impact.
Founded by Carl Fiadini, Walk-In Talk Media produces podcasts, studio video content, documentary-style storytelling, and live trade-show coverage across the United States. The platform serves chefs, operators, distributors, brands, and industry organizations by documenting the people and systems that shape the foodservice world.
The Walk-In Talk Podcast consistently holds the #1 Food Podcast position on Apple Charts in the U.S. market, has reached millions of downloads, and was a finalist at the People's Choice Podcast Awards. Walk-In Talk Media has also been recognized for its storytelling at the Central Florida Film Festival and Folkestone Film Festival, with projects listed on IMDb.
Walk-In Talk Media is the official podcast and media partner for the New York Restaurant Show, California Restaurant Show, Florida Restaurant Show, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and the U.S. Culinary Open, and works alongside industry publications like Creative Loafing Tampa Bay to elevate chef voices and food culture.
The platform also supports cause-driven organizations including The Burnt Chef Project and Operation BBQ Relief, reinforcing its commitment to the health and sustainability of the hospitality industry.
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