Walk-In Talk Podcast - podcast cover

Walk-In Talk Podcast

Carl Fiadiniwww.thewalkintalk.com

Walk-In Talk Podcast

Where the back-of-house stories take center stage.


Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, the Walk-In Talk Podcast is the #1 ranked food podcast on Apple Charts—bringing raw, unfiltered conversations from chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, bartenders, and all the hands that feed us.


We go beyond the pass, capturing the pulse of the hospitality world with exclusive trade show coverage, compelling mini-documentaries, and intimate interviews with culinary leaders shaping food culture. Whether we’re behind the line, on the docks, or in the studio, every episode is a salute to the passion and grit driving the industry.


Walk-In Talk Podcast is the Official Podcast Partner for:


  • The NY, CA, and FL Restaurant Shows
  • Pizza Tomorrow Summit
  • The U.S. Culinary Open at NAFEM



Proudly partnered with:




Media Partner Highlight:

Walk-In Talk Media is the official North American media platform for The Burnt Chef Project, helping lead the charge for mental wellness in foodservice.


🎧 Tune in, get inspired, and remember—this industry runs on more than just food… it runs on heart.


📬 Want to pitch a guest, collaborate, or become a brand partner?

Contact us at: Info@thewalkintalk.com



Episodes

Hurricane Helene Relief Effort: Pooch Rivera & Cooking For 1st Responders

Send us a text What happens when nature’s fury meets human resilience? Our latest episode takes you to the heart of a catastrophe that has shaken Appalachia, especially western North Carolina, where Hurricane Helene's wrath left a trail of devastation. Chef Pooch Rivera joins us from the ground zero of disaster relief, sharing his pivotal role in nourishing the spirits of first responders with fresh meals. As we explore the emotional and physical demands of this crisis, we promise you'...

Oct 03, 202448 min

Addictions, Health, And The Restaurant Life: Chef Johnathan Rodriguez

Send us a text What if the flavors of your past could transport you back to cherished moments with loved ones? Join us this week on the Walk-In Talk Podcast as we sit down with Chef Johnathan Rodriguez, an extraordinary culinary artist specializing in Puerto Rican and Italian cuisine. Chef Johnathan tantalizes us with his innovative dishes, like a unique twist on mofongo featuring fried yuca, jerk oxtail, and pork cracklings, dressed in a black garlic demi. His triplet sandwich, a symphony of ox...

Sep 19, 20241 hr 7 min

NY Hotdog King: Dan Rossi - Street Food Vendor Life

Send us a text Have you ever wondered what makes street food so captivating? Join us as Carl Fiadini takes a nostalgic trip down memory lane, savoring the iconic "dirty water" hot dogs of New York City with his Uncle Anthony. Our culinary journey continues with a visit from Jeffrey Schlissel, who introduces a tantalizing New England-inspired menu featuring Kuni Kuni pork, apple cider donuts, and a unique chili made with hot hatch chilies and bourbon bacon. We also celebrate an exciting...

Sep 12, 202452 min

Brandon Clark's Journey from Kitchens to Hot Sauce Fame

Send us a text What if you could transform everyday dishes into culinary masterpieces with just a splash of hot sauce? Join us on this flavorful journey as we catch up with co-host Putra Vera and delve into our latest food adventures, family moments, and creative projects. This episode features a mouthwatering chorizo and crab dip sandwich, perfectly balanced with creamy avocado, and a simple yet flavorful ceviche enhanced by Brandon Clark's Florida hot sauce. With stunning food photography...

Sep 05, 20241 hr

Tyler White: Fighting Food Insecurity with Culinary Ingenuity at University of Tennessee

Send us a text Can repurposing leftover food truly transform a community? Join us on this captivating episode of the Walk-In Talk Podcast as we spotlight the extraordinary food4vols initiative, led by the passionate and inventive Tyler White. With 25 years of culinary expertise, Tyler has taken a simple idea—repurposing high-quality leftover food—and turned it into a lifesaving mission against food insecurity at the University of Tennessee. From Crescent City Meats' eclectic sausage offerin...

Aug 29, 202445 min

Chef Shane Schaibly: First Watch Restaurants, “The Anti-Chain”.

Send us a text Ever wondered how an elite chef balances culinary excellence with mental health advocacy? Join us on the Walk-In Talk Podcast as we sit down with Chef Shane Schaibly from a nationwide breakfast concept to uncover the secrets behind his innovative dishes. This episode kicks off with an exciting news about Metro Shelving’s, Kitchen Storage Makeover contest and smoothly transitions into a deeper discussion on the importance of mental health in the culinary industry. We also explore a...

Aug 22, 20241 hr 2 min

David Chan: Transforming Food Truck Culture & Jeffrey Schlissel’s Hybrid Cookbook on Mental Health

Send us a text Can a food truck park truly become a community hub without charging vendors for parking? Tune in to our latest episode of the Walk-In Talk Podcast as we chat with David Chan, the mastermind behind Brandon Food Truck Park. We explore his innovative approach to fostering a vibrant culinary scene and delve into his strategies for attracting foot traffic and keeping truck owners happy. Get ready to hear about the diverse range of foods available, from tantalizing tacos to succulent ba...

Aug 15, 202447 min

Food Education & Flavor: Chef Susanne Grier’s Story

Send us a text Imagine elevating your culinary skills by learning from the very best—Chef Susanne Grier shares her wisdom, passion, and resiliences in this heartening episode. Discover the secrets behind working with farm-fresh ingredients as we spotlight dishes like marinated and smoked goat meat from Happy Tails Farm. Hear about the intricate flavors of fondant potatoes and miso-rubbed pistachio-dusted cauliflower, and the challenge of crafting a sumptuous whipped goat cheese with lemon marmal...

Aug 08, 202451 min

Amy Drew Thompson: Gourmet Grilled Cheese, Orlando Eats, and Food Journalism

Send us a text Ever wondered how to transform a humble grilled cheese sandwich into a culinary masterpiece? Join me, Carl Fiadini, and Walk-In Talk Culinary Contributor, Amy Drew Thompson, as we embark on a flavorful journey to elevate this classic comfort food. We’ll guide you through a sumptuous spread of gourmet grilled cheese creations, from the unique blend of mascarpone with sun-dried tomatoes and a trio of cheeses to a French onion soup-inspired sandwich filled with caramelized onions and...

Aug 01, 202453 min

Tasting The Process: TikTok Foodie Sensation - Cassie Sharp

Send us a text How did a viral budget challenge during COVID-19 skyrocket Cassie Sharp to social media stardom and lead to the creation of her very own cookbook? Join us on the Walk-In Talk Podcast as we sit down with this culinary dynamo to explore her incredible journey, from experimenting with non-authentic Italian dishes to mastering the art of food photography. With Jeff providing invaluable mentorship, you'll hear about summer recipes like a zesty watermelon gazpacho, a delectable ope...

Jul 25, 20241 hr 3 min

Liberty Smokehouse's Bryan Jacobs: Culinary Rehabilitation for Veterans

Send us a text Ever wondered how culinary arts can transform lives? This episode of the Walk-In Talk Podcast features Chef Bryan Jacobs, the visionary behind Tampa Bay's Liberty Smokehouse and the charitable organization Vets2Success. Bryan shares his monumental journey from military service to culinary excellence, revealing how he turned personal struggles into a mission of hope for veterans. His inspiring story of resilience and passion underscores the incredible impact of culinary traini...

Jul 18, 20241 hr 9 min

Food Network’s Winner Of Chopped - Chef Zakari Davila

Send us a text Get ready for an exhilarating culinary adventure with us on the Walk Talk Podcast! We embark on a wild ride, starting with our shoutout to Pastry Chef Nickey Boyd and a thrilling tornado tour in Kansas and Oklahoma alongside top chefs like Richard Anderson, Billy Zeko, and Alex Hoax. Our special guest, Chef Zakari Davila, a French Culinary Institute graduate, shares his inventive approach from New York’s food scene to Tampa. Brace yourself for some unforgettable restaurant industr...

Jul 12, 20241 hr 7 min

Pastry Chef Nickey Boyd: From Baking Apprentice to Food Network

Send us a text From dishwasher to corporate executive pastry chef and finalist on the Food Network's Spring Baking Challenge, Nickey Boyd's journey is a tale of grit, resilience, and exceptional talent. This week, Nickey joins us to share her inspiring story, recounting her rise through the culinary ranks and the challenges she overcame as a Jamaican-American woman in a male-dominated industry. Her entrepreneurial spirit and strategic approach to mastering her craft will leave you moti...

Jun 27, 20241 hr 1 min

Krista Lepore: Behind the Scenes of Fine-Dining, Chefs, and Celebrity Encounters

Send us a text Ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes in a bustling fine-dining restaurant? Join us on Walk-In Talk Podcast as we bring you a fascinating conversation with Krista Lepore, a seasoned front-of-house professional from New York's elite dining scene. From the fiery interactions between chefs and servers to the critical importance of respect and communication, Krista shares her candid insights and personal stories that shine a light on the unique challenges and reward...

Jun 20, 20241 hr 7 min

Chef Kirk Bachmann: Culinary Schools, Industry Evolution, and the Legacy of Auguste Escoffier

Send us a text Could culinary schools be the answer to the ever-growing demand for skilled talent in today's food industry? Join us on this episode of Walk-In Talk as we chat with Chef Kirk Bachman, President and Provost of Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, to uncover the crucial role culinary education plays in shaping the next generation of chefs. We also revisit last week's inspiring conversation with Chef Thom Favorin from Crab Island Seafood Company, and don't miss o...

Jun 13, 20241 hr 11 min

Chef Thom Favorin: From Airborne Infantryman to Culinary Entrepreneur

Send us a text Ever wondered how the disciplined life of an airborne infantryman could translate into culinary success? Join us as we explore the incredible journey of Chef Thom Favorin, a former paramedic and firefighter who overcame extraordinary health challenges to become a thriving food entrepreneur. You'll hear about his transition from military life to founding Crab Island Seafood Company with Chef Carl Riding, navigating the highs and lows of starting a family-owned business. We pro...

Jun 06, 20241 hr 1 min

Chef Rosana Rivera: Puerto Rican Roots and Food Network Fame

Send us a text Experience an inspiring culinary adventure with Tampa's very own Chef Rosana Rivera, as she takes us through her remarkable journey from corporate sales to owning renowned restaurants. Discover how her Puerto Rican heritage and passion for cooking led her to a successful appearance on national TV with Bobby Flay, and how this life-changing experience propelled her career. We also reveal some unique Father's Day grilling ideas, including a mouth-watering smoked chicken di...

May 30, 202449 min

Michelle Miller: The Farm Babe - Farm Truths

Send us a text Hey Food Fam, Carl Fiadini here with another exciting episode of Walk-In Talk Podcast that's set to challenge everything you thought you knew about the food industry. We just got back from Chicago's NRA show, a melting pot of innovative vendors and our very own Memorial Day menu marvels. Sizzle your senses with stories of our adventures and a sneak peek into a special menu that's all smoke, citrus, and a brulee avocado twist – it's culinary creativity unleashed...

May 23, 202458 min

Solena Cheese: Mark Maurer's Transition to a Cheesemaker's Life

Send us a text Savor the flavors of innovation and tradition as we whisk you away on a culinary journey where the future of food trends meets the age-old craft of cheese-making. Last week's gastronomic adventures had us reminiscing about Jefferson's flavorful excursion to Boston, the ingenuity of Chef Keith Sarasin duck à l'orange egg roll, and Chef Johnathan Rodriguez's foray into Supermarket Steakout. We're not just teasing your taste buds; we're preparing them fo...

May 16, 202446 min

Supermarket Stakeout with Chef Johnathan Rodriguez to Indian Cuisine with Chef Keith Sarasin

Send us a text As the sizzle of competition fades from last week's episode, I'm thrilled to whisk you into a new culinary landscape where Chef Johnathan Rodriguez spices up the Food Network's "Supermarket Stakeout." Meanwhile, the food world buzzes with anticipation as Chef Jeffrey and Chef Pooch Rivera prep for the NRA show, and Jeff stirs up a feast in New Hampshire with Chef Keith Sarasin for an Indian wedding that's as colorful as the dishes he's crafting. ...

May 09, 202439 min

Food Competition: Chefs Lance Cook and Jason F. Lynn Turn Up the Heat

Send us a text Step into our kitchen-counter studio, where the heat is always on high and the plates are as sustainable as they are scrumptious. Chefs Lance Cook and Jason F. Lynn join us with their sleeves rolled up, ready to dish out stories from the culinary competition frontlines. It's a melting pot of adrenaline, artistry, and green ingenuity, where every sizzle and chop is a step toward a more environmentally friendly future. Brace yourself for a buffet of wisdom on preparing for a cu...

May 02, 20241 hr 3 min

Dinner Collaboration: Walk-In Talk Media and The Porch Meatery & Market

Send us a text Hey there, Food Fam! Carl Fiadini here, and I've just wrapped up a kitchen-table session that's sure to make your taste buds tango. Imagine the burst of flavors from a kimchi watermelon salsa atop a pretzel bun—just one of the many culinary adventures we embarked on in our latest podcast episode. We're talking competition meets creativity, and let me tell you, it's an electrifying mix. Our good pals, the talented Chef Josh Bernstein and Chef Stephen Hicks from ...

Apr 25, 20241 hr 2 min

Chef Jennifer H. Booker: A Multifaceted Culinary Force

Send us a text Get ready to spice up your culinary knowledge and feast on the wisdom of seasoned chefs as we whisk you away to the bustling heart of downtown Miami. With sizzling discussions led by myself, Carl Fiadini, and the remarkable Chef Jennifer H. Booker, you're in for a savory blend of mentorship tales, industry triumphs, and a dash of Southern charm. We're celebrating a milestone for Walk Talk podcast, hitting a staggering 2.4 million downloads, and there's no better way...

Apr 22, 20241 hr 5 min

Pastry Perfection and 4/20 Cuisine: Chefs Bobby Gonzalez and Stephen Hicks Stir the Culinary Pot

Send us a text Prepare your palates for a culinary odyssey with the latest episode of the Walk-In Talk Podcast! As your host, Carl Fiadini, I'm bringing out an auditory feast from the vibrant Ibis Images Studios. We're serving up a conversation with Chef Bobby Gonzalez, the pastry wizard who brought his sweet finesse to the Food Network's Spring Baking Championship, and Chef Stephen Hicks at The Porch Meatery & Market, who's stirring the pot with a 420-themed collaboratio...

Apr 18, 202450 min

Foodie Love at F&B@Sea Event in Miami

Send us a text Embark on a culinary adventure that's bursting with flavor and sprinkled with industry secrets as we recount our time at the F&B@ Sea show, where we savored Creekstone Farm prime ribeyes, courtesy of our culinary expert Jeff. The episode is a smorgasbord of food tales, including a near-mythical Balmoral butter with ouzo marmalade that, despite our best efforts, remained tantalizingly out of reach. We're dishing out a taste of the camaraderie and innovation that fuels...

Apr 11, 202444 min

Breaking Bread and Barriers with Kurvball Whiskey's Lisa Leventhal

Send us a text Prepare your palate for a culinary escapade as your host Carl Fiadini serves up a delicious auditory feast. Get ready to be whisked away on a journey where scrumptious crawfish meet creamy grits, and where Jeff's knack for transforming national food days into epicurean delights is nothing short of magical. Our tablescape is set with a sourdough sandwich that dares to dance with smoked chicken and roasted grapes, and a chicken pot pie empanada that'll take you straight ba...

Apr 04, 202452 min

Chef Sean Rivera at the Cutting Edge of Flavor and E-Commerce

Send us a text Prepare your palates and open your minds, because we're whisking you away to ibis images studios for a symphony of flavors and foodie insights! Join us as Chef Jeffrey reinvents the humble ham and cheese sandwich into a gourmet marvel, and Chef Sean Rivera, aka Pooch, infuses our taste buds with his New Orleans-style soft shell crawfish and grits. But that's just the appetizer. Our culinary conversation also stirs up inventive ways to breathe new life into those springti...

Mar 28, 202459 min

Smoking Beards and French Flair: Unearthing BBQ Secrets with Chef Frederic Casagrande

Send us a text Embark on a delicious exploration as I, Carl Fiadini, invite you to savor the sounds and stories of the culinary world direct from Patrick Kelly Studios in Tampa. Chef Frederic Casagrande, barbecue maestro of Smoking Beard sits at the table of honor this episode, sharing his European heritage and the sizzling secrets behind his UAE barbecue success. The fusion of French finesse with the primal pleasure of smoke and char promises to excite your palate, with a sneak peek into a week...

Mar 21, 202445 min

Burgers Uncovered: 3 Orlando Burger Joints with Amy Drew Thompson

Send us a text Embark on a gastronomic adventure with me, Carl Fiadini, as Chef Jeffrey and I chat with the illustrious Amy Drew Thompson. We'll whisk you away to the bustling streets of Orlando, unveiling three of the cities burger havens that are flipping the script on traditional patties and buns. If you're a fan of unconventional pairings, wait until you sink your teeth into the concept of Reuben Pizza – it's the kind of culinary mash-up that will have your taste buds doing th...

Mar 15, 202446 min

Bo Jackson Whips Up a Batch of Inspiration and a Dash of Hydration

Send us a text Have you ever wondered what it's like when a legendary sports figure swaps the bat for a spatula? Bo Jackson, renowned for his athletic prowess, joins us to recount his passionate metamorphosis into a culinary maestro. In a heartwarming session, he shares tales from his dynamic shift, the laughter that accompanies family cooking adventures, and the cherished moments revolving around his family's heirloom cast-iron skillet. Bo's stories connect his history on the fie...

Mar 07, 202448 min
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