Explore every episode of the podcast Culinary Now Podcast

Jaime and Matt sit down with Bridget Hegarty, Director of Public Health at Amtrak, to explore the recent Cyclospora outbreak and its implications for consumer dining behaviors. Together, they discuss the challenges foodservice operators face when sourcing and serving produce linked to foodborne illness outbreaks, and examine how chefs can strengthen food safety practices, make informed purchasing decisions, and help protect public health while maintaining consumer confidence.

Jaime and Matt connect with Dr. Kelly Cleary of FARE to unpack the emergence of Alpha-gal syndrome and its growing impact on chefs, restaurants, and menu development around the world. The conversation explores the challenges of accommodating evolving food allergies, practical strategies for creating safe dining experiences, and why allergen awareness is becoming an essential culinary skill. The chefs also discuss food allergy best practices and how chefs who fully embrace allergen management can elevate hospitality, build guest trust, and create exceptional dining experiences for every customer.

Matt sets up camp at the annual Chef Culinary Conference at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, sitting down with presenters and staff to unpack what it takes to execute an event of this scale. What emerges is a deeper story—one where the ideas shared reach far beyond Central Massachusetts, contributing to meaningful change across the food system.

Bread Guru Jeff Alexander stops by to chat with the chefs about all things ancient grains. From how to replace in traditional recipes to creating more awareness on the numerous benefits associated with these old but incredibly unique grains.

Jaime and Matt talk trends for 2026. The chefs recorded this earlier in the year. Are their predictions taking shape or did they completely miss the mark? Take a listen and find out.

Jaime and Matt connect with JWU Dietetic Students to discuss the four unique themes of National Nutrition Month, learning more on how the future generation of healthy food experts approaches coaching towards positive food habits.

Jaime and Matt celebrate their 100th episode by having their first guest, chef Maura Metheny interview them. The chefs go all over the map with this one so tune it for a great conversation.

Jaime and Matt connect with Nico SanFilippo and Kirby Dorius to talk all things campus dining - From challenges to successes, the chefs dive into how finding the right people and being nimble can make campus dining truly reflect what your space and students need!

Jaime and Matt connect with Metacom Kitchen chef Rick Allaire to talk about his journey opening, closing and reopening his flagship eatery in Warren, RI. The chefs talk about team culture, workplace efficiencies and how seasonality and respect for ingredients is critical to growth in the kitchen.

Jaime and Matt connect with long-time Boston chef Chris Coombs to talk about the recent designations issued by the Michelin Guide in Boston. The chefs dive into the reason the guide came to Boston, its impact on food tourism and what chefs in the city do next.

Jaime and Matt connect with Eat Drink RI founder David Dadekian to dive into the history and necessity for food assistance programs like SNAP. This conversation proves that food is (unfortunately) political and why feeding people should never be a question, rather an obligation. 

Jaime and Matt connect with chef Matthew Welsch to talk all things Appalachia cooking. From frog legs to vinegar pie, the chefs cover a lot of ground proving that every dining experience is an opportunity to learn and that anyone new is just a friend you haven't met yet!

Matt connects with chef de cuisine at Palmira BBQ, Greg DeFranco to talk whole hog, how he got into BBQ and why bringing new flavors to the table matters.

Jaime and Matt connect with chef Chris Piro - founder of the Again Foundation to talk mentorship, the state of fine dining and why the human ingredient may just be the most important.

Jaime and Matt sit down with Grammy nominated musician Taylor Hanson to talk about his passion for combating food insecurity through community organizing and perseverance.

Join Jaime and Matt as they sit down with fermentation expert Robert Aguilera to explore the fascinating world of enzymes, cultures, and the elusive sensory experience known as Kokumi. Discover how mastering these elements can elevate flavor, deepen emotional connections at the table, and empower chefs to guide their guests through more meaningful, memorable dining experiences.

Matt connects with Butcher Solutions CEO, Sierra Jepsen to talk all things meat science and how butcher education can make significant change within the food service industry.

Jaime and Matt connect with Jon Poyourow and Branden Lewis on how the Okinawan way of life should be something we aspire to in our own day to day lives.

Jaime and Matt connect with chef Giovanni Mauro to talk about the pros and cons of running a busy Italian restaurant in Las Vegas. The chefs dive into why having values and implementing systems can help navigate the ongoing demands in being a chef in 2025.

Jaime and Matt sit down with Joe and Michael Jurgielewicz aka Tasty Duck to talk about duck farming and how duck has endless possibilities for chefs looking to elevate their game.

Jaime and Matt connect with Chef and Associate Instructor Max Manning to talk about shifting from industry to teaching. The chefs dive into the importance of flexibility with curriculum and how to education has shifted, requiring a more nimble approach to classroom management. 

Jaime connects with bread head Cassi Rehm to talk all things pizza. From sauce to style, the chefs get into it all talking about what makes the perfect pie.
https://magicmind.com/CNPODJAN? 

Jaime and Matt talk trends for 2025. Listen in to see what to find on menu and kitchen tables this year.

Jaime and Matt connect with chef Daniel Lessem to talk all things technology in the kitchen. Focusing on RATIONAL's evolution of the combi and beyond, the chefs talk about how tech can make our jobs easier and more productive.

Jaime and Matt connect on campus with chef Dan Bazzinotti to talk about his journey to becoming a JWU faculty member and how Charcuterie might be the perfect medium to teaching young minds.

Jaime and Matt connect with founder of the Uncanoonuc Mushroom 
Foraging company and New Hampshire Mycological Society, Christine Gagnon to talk all things shrooms! From basic ID to what not to eat, Christine shares her insight and passion for all things wild mushrooms.t 
Want to learn more. Join us at the JWU FiT Symposium where Christine will be leading a class on mushroom ID, food safety and culinary application -- YUM!

https://www.jwu.edu/fit-symposium/

Jaime and Matt connect with Gabriel Key to unpack what being a leader in food means today. The chefs dive into how history and pop culture impact our ability to truly evolve as an industry.

Jaime and Matt connect with Made to Sustain founder, Kelly D'Amico to talk about why being more sustainable is easier than you think and what's stopping us from truly adopting this path as the norm.

Jaime and Matt connect with Anchor Toffee owner Peter Kelly to talk all things toffee, the importance of support in starting a business and which candy bar excites the most seasoned candymaker.

Jaime and Matt connect with editor and content guru, Mary King from Restaurant HQ to talk about starting your first restaurant, how to leverage your community and avoiding technology traps.

Jaime and Matt connect with JWU alum Sam Burgess to help inspire new and upcoming graduates on how active listening and asking questions can lead to freedom in your career. Later in the episode, the chefs dive into how to serve to serve a great burger at your next summer cookout.

Jaime and Matt connect with Kansas City BBQ Judge, Jeremy Houghton to talk all things BBQ. Brisket to burgers, the chefs cover it all and in perfect timing for the upcoming July 4th holiday. 

Jaime and Matt declare the summer BBQ season open for business.! The chefs debunk misconceptions on what belongs on the grill and lay out some backyard BBQ etiquette to ensure everyone does summer get togethers right. Later in the episode, the chef reveal upcoming Forge to Table giveaways happen throughout the summer so stayed tuned.

Jaime and Matt connect with JWU dean and secret econ guru, Jason Evans to talk about the California fast-food minimum wage increase and how that impacts the future of food.

Matt connects with Asheville chef and James Beard winner, Katie Button to talk about finding success through inspiration, resilience and consistency. 

Matt connects with seafood evangelist Barton Seaver during the 2024 JWU FiT Symposium to talk all things fish, mentorship and cookbooks. This quick conversation results in a trip down memory lane and some "doing a podcast during a symposium" background noise.

Jaime and Matt connect with global master chef Karl Guggenmos and JWU alum Michelle Tulloch to discuss their newest venture: The Golden Plate, a global gastronomic experience that offers unique culinary retreats off the beat and path, combining history, culture, nutrition and a sense of meaning through travel. All chefs will benefit from the wisdom shared in this episode so check it out.

Jaime and Matt dive into the annual McCormick flavor forecast and talk about tamarind's versatility and why every emerging cook should have this in their pantry.

Jaime and Matt connect with hot dog aficionado and JWU professor, Bill Lendway to talk about America's favorite sandwich. Later in the episode the chefs share personal stories of how hot dogs played a role in their childhood and a fun game of hot dog trivia!

Jaime and Matt connect with chef Monica Glass to talk all things gluten-free, opening a new restaurant and what chefs look for in a stage. 

Jaime and Matt connect with World Association of Chef Societies managing director, Ragnar Fridriksson to talk about how the white comes with responsibilities to do good, grow your own skills and experience new places and flavors

Jaime and Matt answer holiday questions from listeners - some food - some, well other

Matt connects with JWU junior George Gonzalez to talk about what drives him to be the best. The chefs chat about what bugs and inspires them about the industry and how dining out as a chef has both pros and cons.

Jaime and Matt sit down with Professor Jenn Pereira to talk and taste all things cider. In this episode, the chefs debunk the cider-making process, talk about different applications in the culinary/baking/pastry world and of course.. do a killer tasting. 

Jaime connects with pastry chef and momtrepreneur Jessica Lewis to talk all things plated desserts, taking your career in stages and of course.... Chicken and friggin waffles!

Jaime and Matt connect with CKBK co-founder Matthew Cockerill and food journalist Felicity Cloake to talk about cookbook digitization, the importance of saving lost books and why print will never go out of style. 

Jaime and Matt review the 2022 film: The Menu to discuss whether it was a truly a thriller or perhaps a somewhat accurate satire. Spoiler Alert! the chefs discuss a lot of details about the movie, so watch it before you listen.

Matt connects with University of Massachusetts Amherst Director of Culinary Excellence, Alexander Ong to talk about why the UMass culinary program has held the title of best campus dining in the U.S. six years running.

Jaime and Matt connect with professor and chef, Rollie Wesen to talk about challenges in the American food system, how we went from malnutrition to obesity in less than a century and how supermarkets make you think you have variety in what we buy.

Jaime and Matt connect with chef Chris Viaud to chat about why New Hampshire is becoming a more desirable food destination and how family is the key to truly finding joy in what you do.