In the Weeds Podcast with Chef Spike Mendelsohn – Details, episodes & analysis

On episode 5, Chef Johanna Hellrigl gets In The Weeds with Chef Spike Mendelsohn. Johanna takes us on journey beginning with her upbringing in her father’s Michelin-acclaimed restaurants in Italy and New York to her career in democracy-building and women’s empowerment to studying nutritional health and then opening up her Washington DC restaurant, Ama. She shares her philosophy of leading with love, her belief in the power of manifestation and all of the challenges she has faced while opening up a restaurant that is built on values of sustainability, staff well-being and high-quality ingredients.

🎙️🎙️ In The Weeds Podcast is proudly sponsored by:

‪Saltverk Salt‬ produces sustainable, hand-harvested sea salt in Iceland's Westfjords, utilizing 100% geothermal energy for a zero-carbon footprint. Their artisanal salts, including unique flavors like Birch Smoked and Arctic Thyme, capture the pure essence of the Nordic region. Visit https://saltverk.com to learn more and use promo code INTHEWEEDS for 20% off.

Open Water is ultra-purified, electrolyte-packed canned water in BPA-free aluminum packaging.They are driven by love and passion for our oceans and the environment. Visit https://drinkopenwater.com to learn more and use promo code INTHE WEEDS for 20% off.

Just Ice Tea  isn't just any beverage; it's a delightful refreshment that stands out for its

unrivaled flavor. Made from organic, fair trade ingredients, and crafted with sustainability

in mind, it's a guilt-free indulgence you can enjoy with every sip. Visit https://justicetea.com to find Just Ice Tea at a store near you and discover more about their commitment to positive change.

We, The Pizza is arguably the pinnacle of pizza perfection. Treat your taste buds to a slice of pure bliss and make your mouth happy with their delectable pizza pies. Craving a slice? Visit https://wethepizza.com to place your order and locate a convenient location near you.

DC Central Kitchen is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. The organization provides hands-on culinary job training for individuals facing high barriers to employment while creating living wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed. To learn more, please visit https://dccentralkitchen.org

Connect with us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intheweeds.pod

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InTheWeedsPod

Website: http://www.intheweedspod.com

Listen & Connect With Us Here: https://linktr.ee/intheweeds.pod 

🎙️🎙️ In The Weeds Podcast is proudly sponsored by: 

Events DC is the official convention and sports authority for the District and a key player in making some of DC’s most exciting events and experiences happen. From world-class sports to cultural festivals and everything in between, they help power the energy of the city. Visit eventsdc.com to see what they are cooking up!

DC Central Kitchen is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. The organization provides hands-on culinary job training for individuals facing high barriers to employment while creating living wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed. To learn more, please visit dccentralkitchen.org

Chef Eric Adjepong gets In The Weeds with Chef Spike Mendelsohn on today’s episode! The two Top Chef alumni share their bromance, swapping never-before-publicly-shared behind-the-scenes stories, their passion for cooking, and the highs and lows of life as celebrity chefs.

As a Top Chef Season 16 finalist and Food Network star, Eric has become a celebrated figure in the culinary world. He currently hosts Wild Card Kitchenand Alex vs. America and has launched an exclusive kitchen collection with Crate & Barrel. He is also the author of Sankofa, a children’s book that received a starred review from the BCCB in 2023, and his highly anticipated cookbook, Ghana to the World, is set for publication in March 2025.

This month, Eric is set to open Elmina, his first brick-and-mortar restaurant, in Washington, DC. A contemporary spin on traditional West African food, Elmina reflects Eric’s passion for blending storytelling, culture, and bold flavors.

@SaltverkSalt‬ produces sustainable, hand-harvested sea salt in Iceland's Westfjords, utilizing 100% geothermal energy for a zero-carbon footprint. Their artisanal salts, including unique flavors like Birch Smoked and Arctic Thyme, capture the pure essence of the Nordic region. Visit https://saltverk.com to learn more and use promo code INTHEWEEDS for 20% off.

@Justicetea_ isn't just any beverage; it's a delightful refreshment that stands out for its unrivaled flavor. Made from organic, fair trade ingredients, and crafted with sustainability in mind, it's a guilt-free indulgence you can enjoy with every sip. Visit https://justicetea.com to find Just Ice Tea at a store near you and discover more about their commitment to positive change.

We, The Pizza is arguably the pinnacle of pizza perfection. Treat your taste buds to a slice of pure bliss and make your mouth happy with their delectable pizza pies. Craving a slice? Visit https://wethepizza.com to place your order and locate a convenient location near you.

DC Central Kitchen (@dccentralkitchen6927) is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. The organization provides hands-on culinary job training for individuals facing high barriers to employment while creating living wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed. To learn more, please visit https://dccentralkitchen.org

Listen & Connect With Us Here: https://linktr.ee/intheweeds.pod 

🎙️🎙️ In The Weeds Podcast is proudly sponsored by: 

Events DC is the official convention and sports authority for the District and a key player in making some of DC’s most exciting events and experiences happen. From world-class sports to cultural festivals and everything in between, they help power the energy of the city. Visit eventsdc.com to see what they are cooking up!

DC Central Kitchen is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. The organization provides hands-on culinary job training for individuals facing high barriers to employment while creating living wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed. To learn more, please visit dccentralkitchen.org

On episode 1, Chef Carla Hall gets In The Weeds with Chef Spike Mendelsohn. Carla is a celebrated chef, television personality, and cookbook author known for her vibrant personality and love of soul food. A former co-host of ABC’s The Chew, Carla gained national recognition as a fan favorite on Top Chef with her innovative dishes and infectious energy. She is passionate about bringing people together through food and preserving the heritage of Southern cuisine.

With Carla, food is more than a meal—it’s a celebration of culture, resilience, and the stories we share. Her incredible journey reminds us that success is not just about where we end up but the growth and experiences we gain along the way. 

@SaltverkSalt‬ produces sustainable, hand-harvested sea salt in Iceland's Westfjords, utilizing 100% geothermal energy for a zero-carbon footprint. Their artisanal salts, including unique flavors like Birch Smoked and Arctic Thyme, capture the pure essence of the Nordic region. Visit https://saltverk.com to learn more and use promo code INTHEWEEDS for 20% off.

@Justicetea_ isn't just any beverage; it's a delightful refreshment that stands out for its unrivaled flavor. Made from organic, fair trade ingredients, and crafted with sustainability in mind, it's a guilt-free indulgence you can enjoy with every sip. Visit https://justicetea.com to find Just Ice Tea at a store near you and discover more about their commitment to positive change.

We, The Pizza is arguably the pinnacle of pizza perfection. Treat your taste buds to a slice of pure bliss and make your mouth happy with their delectable pizza pies. Craving a slice? Visit https://wethepizza.com to place your order and locate a convenient location near you.

DC Central Kitchen (@dccentralkitchen6927) is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. The organization provides hands-on culinary job training for individuals facing high barriers to employment while creating living wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed. To learn more, please visit https://dccentralkitchen.org

Listen & Connect With Us Here: https://linktr.ee/intheweeds.pod 

🎙️🎙️ In The Weeds Podcast is proudly sponsored by: 

Events DC is the official convention and sports authority for the District and a key player in making some of DC’s most exciting events and experiences happen. From world-class sports to cultural festivals and everything in between, they help power the energy of the city. Visit eventsdc.com to see what they are cooking up!

DC Central Kitchen is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. The organization provides hands-on culinary job training for individuals facing high barriers to employment while creating living wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed. To learn more, please visit dccentralkitchen.org

On episode 2, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser gets In The Weeds with Chef Spike Mendelsohn. Mayor Bowser is the two-term Mayor of Washington, D.C., and a trailblazing leader committed to equity, economic growth, and community development. As the first woman to be re-elected as Mayor of D.C., she has championed initiatives in affordable housing, education, and statehood. With a focus on creating opportunities for all Washingtonians, Mayor Bowser continues to shape the future of the nation’s capital.

@SaltverkSalt‬ produces sustainable, hand-harvested sea salt in Iceland's Westfjords, utilizing 100% geothermal energy for a zero-carbon footprint. Their artisanal salts, including unique flavors like Birch Smoked and Arctic Thyme, capture the pure essence of the Nordic region. Visit https://saltverk.com to learn more and use promo code INTHEWEEDS for 20% off.

@Justicetea_ isn't just any beverage; it's a delightful refreshment that stands out for its unrivaled flavor. Made from organic, fair trade ingredients, and crafted with sustainability in mind, it's a guilt-free indulgence you can enjoy with every sip. Visit https://justicetea.com to find Just Ice Tea at a store near you and discover more about their commitment to positive change.

We, The Pizza is arguably the pinnacle of pizza perfection. Treat your taste buds to a slice of pure bliss and make your mouth happy with their delectable pizza pies. Craving a slice? Visit https://wethepizza.com to place your order and locate a convenient location near you.

DC Central Kitchen (@dccentralkitchen6927) is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. The organization provides hands-on culinary job training for individuals facing high barriers to employment while creating living wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed. To learn more, please visit https://dccentralkitchen.org

Listen & Connect With Us Here: https://linktr.ee/intheweeds.pod 

🎙️🎙️ In The Weeds Podcast is proudly sponsored by: 

Events DC is the official convention and sports authority for the District and a key player in making some of DC’s most exciting events and experiences happen. From world-class sports to cultural festivals and everything in between, they help power the energy of the city. Visit eventsdc.com to see what they are cooking up!

DC Central Kitchen is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. The organization provides hands-on culinary job training for individuals facing high barriers to employment while creating living wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed. To learn more, please visit dccentralkitchen.org

On episode 3, Mike Curtin, Jr., CEO at DC Central Kitchen, gets In The Weeds with Chef Spike Mendelsohn. DC Central Kitchen is a pioneering nonprofit that transforms lives by providing culinary training, nutritious meals, and employment opportunities to individuals facing hunger and poverty. With years of experience in nonprofit management, Mike is key in overseeing operations and ensuring the organization’s impactful work in the community. We’ll dive into how DC Central Kitchen addresses food insecurity, empowers individuals, and creates long-term change.

@SaltverkSalt‬ produces sustainable, hand-harvested sea salt in Iceland's Westfjords, utilizing 100% geothermal energy for a zero-carbon footprint. Their artisanal salts, including unique flavors like Birch Smoked and Arctic Thyme, capture the pure essence of the Nordic region. Visit https://saltverk.com to learn more and use promo code INTHEWEEDS for 20% off.

@Justicetea_ isn't just any beverage; it's a delightful refreshment that stands out for its unrivaled flavor. Made from organic, fair trade ingredients, and crafted with sustainability in mind, it's a guilt-free indulgence you can enjoy with every sip. Visit https://justicetea.com to find Just Ice Tea at a store near you and discover more about their commitment to positive change.

We, The Pizza is arguably the pinnacle of pizza perfection. Treat your taste buds to a slice of pure bliss and make your mouth happy with their delectable pizza pies. Craving a slice? Visit https://wethepizza.com to place your order and locate a convenient location near you.

DC Central Kitchen (@dccentralkitchen6927) is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. The organization provides hands-on culinary job training for individuals facing high barriers to employment while creating living wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed. To learn more, please visit https://dccentralkitchen.org

Listen & Connect With Us Here: https://linktr.ee/intheweeds.pod 

🎙️🎙️ In The Weeds Podcast is proudly sponsored by: 

Events DC is the official convention and sports authority for the District and a key player in making some of DC’s most exciting events and experiences happen. From world-class sports to cultural festivals and everything in between, they help power the energy of the city. Visit eventsdc.com to see what they are cooking up!

DC Central Kitchen is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. The organization provides hands-on culinary job training for individuals facing high barriers to employment while creating living wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed. To learn more, please visit dccentralkitchen.org

On episode 14 of In The Weeds, we sit down with the legendary Andrew Zimmern—chef, storyteller, and the man who introduced the world to bizarre foods. But this conversation goes much deeper than what’s on the plate.

Andrew opens up about his battle with addiction, his journey to sobriety, and how those struggles shaped his career. He reflects on his friendship with Anthony Bourdain, sharing personal stories and insights about the man behind the legend. We also dive into his passion for storytelling and why food is one of the most powerful tools for connection and change.

From the state of the industry to sustainability, from resilience to redemption, this episode is packed with the kind of real talk that defines In The Weeds. Whether you're in the trenches of service or just love a good story, you won’t want to miss this one.

Andrew Zimmern is an Emmy-winning and four-time James Beard Award-winning TV personality, chef, writer and passionate global citizen. As the creator, executive producer and host of the Bizarre Foods franchise, Andrew Zimmern’sDriven by Food, MSNBC’s What’s Eating America, the Emmy-nominated Family Dinner, Outdoor Channel’s Wild Game Kitchen and Field to Fire, and the Emmy-winning The Zimmern List, he has devoted his life to exploring and promoting cultural acceptance, tolerance and understanding through food.

Listen & Connect With Us Here: https://linktr.ee/intheweeds.pod 

🎙️🎙️ In The Weeds Podcast is proudly sponsored by: 

Events DC is the official convention and sports authority for the District and a key player in making some of DC’s most exciting events and experiences happen. From world-class sports to cultural festivals and everything in between, they help power the energy of the city. Visit eventsdc.com to see what they are cooking up!

DC Central Kitchen is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. The organization provides hands-on culinary job training for individuals facing high barriers to employment while creating living wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed. To learn more, please visit dccentralkitchen.org

On episode 13, Chef Scott Drewno gets In The Weeds with Chef Spike Mendelsohn to talk about his journey through the culinary world. From his humble beginnings on the fry station at Applebee’s to working with Wolfgang Puck in Las Vegas, Scott shares how he found his passion for Asian cuisine. He also dishes out his hot take on buffalo wings, debates the pros and cons of sous vide cooking, gives us the inside scoop on his Montreal food tour (complete with a bagel back-and-forth with Spike) and he doesn’t hold back on his beef with the tip wage law. Tune in for a fun, unfiltered conversation packed with industry insights and a few spicy opinions!

Scott Drewno is an award-winning chef specializing in modern Asian cuisine. His culinary journey began in Upstate New York, later leading him to Wolfgang Puck’s Chinois in Las Vegas, Spago, and New York’s Vong and Ruby Foo’s. In 2007, he was tapped by Puck to be the Executive Chef at The Source in Washington, D.C., earning the RAMMY Award for Chef of the Year in 2010. In 2017, he co-founded The Fried Rice Collective, a restaurant and hospitality group, with fellow James Beard Award nominated chef Danny Lee. Together, they have launched CHIKO, a Chinese-Korean fine-casual concept, the Korean pub Anju, the breakfast concept I Egg You, and a full service catering company called District Catering. His dedication to bold flavors and innovative dining continues to shape the D.C. food scene, earning recognition from the Michelin Guide and national food critics.

Listen & Connect With Us Here: https://linktr.ee/intheweeds.pod 

🎙️🎙️ In The Weeds Podcast is proudly sponsored by: 

Events DC is the official convention and sports authority for the District and a key player in making some of DC’s most exciting events and experiences happen. From world-class sports to cultural festivals and everything in between, they help power the energy of the city. Visit eventsdc.com to see what they are cooking up!

DC Central Kitchen is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. The organization provides hands-on culinary job training for individuals facing high barriers to employment while creating living wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed. To learn more, please visit dccentralkitchen.org

On episode 12, Daniella Senior (CEO& Founder of Colada Shop) gets In The Weeds with Chef Spike Mendelsohn.  In this episode, Daniella shares how cooking for her family shaped her passion for the culinary world and how food was more than just a meal, it was a way of life. She opens up about her journey as a woman leader and entrepreneur in the restaurant industry, the challenges she has faced, and the lessons she has learned along the way. From cultural roots to business growth, this conversation is a must-listen for food lovers and aspiring restaurateurs alike.

Daniella’s passion for food and hospitality began at 13 when she founded a successful catering business in the Dominican Republic. A Culinary Institute of America graduate and Certified Sommelier, she has worked in renowned kitchens like Eric Ripert's Le Bernardin and led restaurant operations at venues such as Jose Andres’ Zaytinya. She also served as regional director for Richard Sandoval Restaurants. In 2016, Daniella introduced Colada Shop to Washington, D.C., a vibrant concept celebrating good food, coffee, cocktails, and social connections. With four locations, it has become a local favorite with national recognition.

Her entrepreneurial journey continued with Bresca, a modern French bistro she co-founded with Chef Ryan Ratino in 2017, earning a Michelin Star the following year. In 2019, she launched Serenata and Zumo at La Cosecha Market, offering a premier Latino cocktail experience and a daytime juice and toast shop. At 32, Daniella has established herself as a visionary leader, dedicated to empowering her team, women, and minorities. She serves on the boards of Women Chefs and Restaurateurs and RAMW and is a James Beard Women’s Leadership Program Fellow and mentor.

Listen & Connect With Us Here: https://linktr.ee/intheweeds.pod 

🎙️🎙️ In The Weeds Podcast is proudly sponsored by: 

Events DC is the official convention and sports authority for the District and a key player in making some of DC’s most exciting events and experiences happen. From world-class sports to cultural festivals and everything in between, they help power the energy of the city. Visit eventsdc.com to see what they are cooking up!

DC Central Kitchen is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. The organization provides hands-on culinary job training for individuals facing high barriers to employment while creating living wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed. To learn more, please visit dccentralkitchen.org

On episode 11, Chef Rocco DiSpirito goes In The Weeds with Chef Spike Mendelsohn, sharing how his early life shaped his passion for the culinary world. From studying at The Culinary Institute of America to taking a leap of faith in Paris—only to find out the restaurant he traveled for had no position for him—Rocco’s journey is one of resilience and determination. Tune in to hear how he navigated that challenge, built a celebrated career as a chef, restaurateur, and TV personality, and, of course, don’t miss the ultimate bagel debate: New York vs. Montreal. Which side are you on?

Rocco DiSpirito is a celebrated chef, bestselling author, and television personality known for blending classic Italian cuisine with modern, health-conscious cooking. He first gained recognition with his acclaimed restaurant Union Pacificand later became a TV star with shows like The Restaurant and Top Chef. A James Beard Award winner, DiSpirito has written numerous cookbooks, including his latest release Everyday Delicious. Dedicated to making healthy eating delicious and accessible, he continues to inspire through his culinary expertise and media presence.

Listen & Connect With Us Here: https://linktr.ee/intheweeds.pod 

🎙️🎙️ In The Weeds Podcast is proudly sponsored by: 

Events DC is the official convention and sports authority for the District and a key player in making some of DC’s most exciting events and experiences happen. From world-class sports to cultural festivals and everything in between, they help power the energy of the city. Visit eventsdc.com to see what they are cooking up!

DC Central Kitchen is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. The organization provides hands-on culinary job training for individuals facing high barriers to employment while creating living wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed. To learn more, please visit dccentralkitchen.org

On episode 10, Seth Goldman gets In The Weeds with Chef Spike Mendelsohn. These two friends and co-founders dive into Seth’s childhood, his political and social advocacy work, and how he discovered that private sector could be a source of positive and impactful change. Seth lends listeners many nuggets of wisdom about taking leaps of faith, perseverance and using your platform and business to enact meaningful and significant shifts to make the world a better place for everyone.

Seth Goldman is a social entrepreneur and the co-founder of Just Ice Tea and Eat the Change, brands focused on sustainable and ethical food and beverage production. He is best known as the co-founder of Honest Tea, which he launched in 1998 with Professor Barry Nalebuff before selling it to Coca-Cola in 2011. After Coca-Cola discontinued Honest Tea in 2022, Goldman, along with Barry and Spike Mendelsohn, co-founded Just Ice Tea as a new organic and Fair Trade-certified tea brand.

Beyond beverages, Goldman has been a leader in the plant-based food space, serving as Chair of the Board at Beyond Meat and co-founding PLNT Burger and Eat the Change (with Spike), which promotes climate-friendly eating. He is known for his commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and mission-driven entrepreneurship.

Listen & Connect With Us Here: https://linktr.ee/intheweeds.pod 

🎙️🎙️ In The Weeds Podcast is proudly sponsored by: 

Events DC is the official convention and sports authority for the District and a key player in making some of DC’s most exciting events and experiences happen. From world-class sports to cultural festivals and everything in between, they help power the energy of the city. Visit eventsdc.com to see what they are cooking up!

DC Central Kitchen is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. The organization provides hands-on culinary job training for individuals facing high barriers to employment while creating living wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed. To learn more, please visit dccentralkitchen.org