The **Voice4Chefs Podcast**, hosted by Michael Dugan comes out of the kitchen and into the studio. Our Mission to amplify the voices of culinary professionals around the world by sharing their stories, passions, and journey empowering connection, leadership, and creativity through the art of podcasting.
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In part II this Voice4Chefs conversation, Chef Adi explains how working in international kitchens changed him personally as much as professionally, emphasizing that travel expands perspective beyond career focus and money. He shares an early Dubai experience at Marina Social where a calm, confident senior chef modeled composure and muscle memory under pressure, shaping Adi’s leadership outlook. Adi describes learning to slow down through European culture, contrasting it with the relentless pace of Mumbai. He discusses how Michelin-level kitchens function as disciplined “sanctuaries,” rooted in mise en place, momentum, and leaders who model action rather than blame. Adi details how he applied to Boury Academy at Boury in Belgium, advice for standing out with a crisp CV and clear purpose, and what he learned there about precision, Chef Tim Boury’s attention to detail, and teamwork practices that accelerate prep.
00:00 Travel Changed Me
01:25 New Perspectives Abroad
02:38 Larry Jr Larder Lesson
06:23 Slow Down To Live
11:33 Mise En Place Mindset
14:37 Vision Purpose Momentum
17:34 Fixing Kitchen Momentum
19:21 Reject Toxic Chef Culture
20:53 Landing Boury Stage
24:58 Meeting Tim and Inge
26:59 Three Star Teamwork Systems
30:07 Dubai Breakthrough Mentor
32:20 Final Advice and Gratitude
Contact: Chef Adi
Email: adi.dherange619@gmail.com
Instagram:@oui_chefff
Intern at the Boury Academy: https://www.bouryacademy.com/what
Season2
Have you heard about Dynery? It's a new app changing the way we connect through food. Dynery goes beyond helping you find great restaurants. Connects you with a community of people who share your food preferences, make it easier to discover new dining experiences while enjoying exclusive discounts at participating restaurants. For restaurant owners, it's a game changer. Unlike many delivery platforms charge commissions as high as thirty percent, Dynery charges three percent,
Chef Adi’s Michelin-Star Journey: Purpose, Mise en Place, and Global Kitchen Lessons
Chef Adi, an Indian chef currently working at Handmade Cafe in Pune India, shares how his passion for purpose-driven cooking and constant community-focused restaurant culture. Joined by host Michael and co-host Chef Steven, Adi recounts realizing cooking as his identity in his early teens, being inspired by TV cooking shows, and developing “muscle memory” by repeatedly watching techniques when ingredients weren’t affordable. He emphasizes cleaning, organization, and mise en place as foundations for success, and explains kitchen roles like commis and larder. Adi reflects on working across multiple countries, learning people and perspectives through travel, and pursuing excellence in high-level kitchens, including a three-month stage at Belgium’s three-Michelin-star Boury under Chef Tim Boury, where teamwork, discipline, and momentum drive uncompromising standards. Adi also credits Chef Nick for giving him an opportunity in Dubai after a visa rejection, sparking his international journey.
00:00 Meet Chef Adi
01:03 Life in Pune India
02:18 Handmade Cafe Vision
04:37 Community and Regulars
05:40 Michael Chef Confession
09:56 Cooking as Identity
15:26 TV Shows to Skills
20:36 Clean Kitchen Culture
24:48 Travel Changes You
Contact: Chef Adi
Email: adi.dherange619@gmail.com
Instagram:@oui_chefff
Intern at the Boury Academy: https://www.bouryacademy.com/what
EP91: From Passion to Plate: Chef Kristen Watts Schumacher's Journey at Carnation Farms
In this episode of Voice4Chefs, Hosts Michael Dugan and Chef Steven engage with Chef Kristen Watts Schumacher, also known as Chef Shu, the Culinary Director at Carnation Farms in the Snoqualmie Valley, Seattle. Chef Shu shares her inspirational journey from cooking for friends in her teenage years to running the heirloom cookshop and leading farm to table feasts. The conversation delves into her early influences, challenges, and triumphs, highlighting her love for community, resilience, and food without ego. Chef Shu discusses the deep connection she feels to Carnation Farms, including the regenerative farming practices and the farm's mission to provide fresh, local produce. They explore her diverse culinary experiences, including starting a cooking class program at Carnation Farms, and how transitioning into motherhood reshaped her definition of success. The episode also touches upon her philosophy of teamwork and humility in the kitchen, the importance of local produce, and the unique experiences offered at Carnation Farms’ events such as farm dinners and feasts in the field, where guests connect directly to the land, the animals, and the dedicated team behind the scenes.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:46 Chef Shu's Culinary Journey Begins
02:40 Discovering the Passion for Cooking
05:30 From Culinary School to Professional Chef
07:46 Building the Heirloom Cook Shop
11:35 Challenges and Triumphs of Entrepreneurship
16:05 Transition to Carnation Farms
17:44 The Allure of Carnation Farms
19:40 Teaching Cooking Skills
20:23 Farm Dinners and Community Connection
20:45 Inspiration and Home Cooking
21:32 The Power of Local Ingredients
Special Announcement: Live Interview with Greg Gazin Host of The Toastmaster Podcast
Special Invitation Podmasters Open House with Greg Gazin!
Join us for an inspiring online Open House featuring Greg Gazin, host of the Official Toastmasters Podcast. In a live interview with Michael Dugan, host of the Voice4Chefs podcast, Greg will share his Toastmasters journey, podcasting insights, and tips for amplifying your voice in today’s digital world.
This is a unique opportunity to see how Toastmasters and podcasting work hand-in-hand to build confidence, leadership, and storytelling skills.
In Part II of this engaging episode of Voice4Chefs, host Michael welcomes Maricel back for part two of her incredible culinary journey. Maricel shares her fascinating experiences from dazzling appearances on PBS, Hulu, and the Food Channel. She recounts unexpected yet serendipitous connections that led her to star on these platforms, including a humorous story about ignoring a potential PBS opportunity, which turned out to be legitimate. Maricel highlights key moments from cooking competitions and shows, such as 'Recipe Rumble' and a family cooking challenge with Cake Boss Buddy Valastro, and reveals behind-the-scenes experiences of filming and lessons learned. The conversation also delves into her success as a culinary instructor, her popular Asian fusion cookbook, and upcoming projects including live TV cooking classes and expanding her business. Maricel's passion for Filipino cuisine and dedication to sharing her culinary heritage shine throughout, inspiring listeners with her vibrant energy and adventurous spirit.
00:00 Introduction to Maricel's Culinary Journey 00:21 Maricel's PBS Experience 02:23 Adventures on Hulu and Food Network 05:27 Challenges and Learning Moments 08:28 Family Competitions and Traditions 11:52 Korean Seafood Ambassador 14:15 Maricel's Cookbook and Future Plans 20:08 Cooking Classes and Events 21:51 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
Season2
Have you heard about Dynery? It's a new app changing the way we connect through food. Dynery goes beyond helping you find great restaurants. Connects you with a community of people who share your food preferences, make it easier to discover new dining experiences while enjoying exclusive discounts at participating restaurants. For restaurant owners, it's a game changer. Unlike many delivery platforms charge commissions as high as thirty percent, Dynery charges three percent,
In this episode of Voice4Chefs, we welcome Chef Maricel Gentile, a celebrated chef educator, and ambassador of Philippine cuisine. With roots in her grandmother's kitchen in Manila, Chef Maricel's career has spanned top restaurants in New York to founding Maricel’s Kitchen in New Jersey. She has been featured on Hulu, PBS, and the Food Network, sharing the bold flavors and stories of the Philippines. Chef Maricel discusses the influence of her grandmother on her cooking, her experiences at markets in Manila, the inspiration behind her career, her classes at Maricel's Kitchen, her cookbook and her experiences appearing on various TV shows. She also shares highlights from her cookbook and upcoming projects, emphasizing her passion for keeping Filipino cuisine authentic and accessible. Join us as we explore her journey and celebrate the rich culinary traditions of the Philippines.
00:00 Introduction to Chef Maricel
00:53 Connecting Through Chef Mimi Lan
02:07 Influences from Lola's Kitchen
08:00 The Authenticity of Filipino Cuisine
10:19 Chef's Table and Kamayan Feast
17:41 Memories and Mentorship
22:52 The Rising Cost of Seafood
24:34 Corporate Team Building at Maricel's Kitchen
27:32 A Picky Eater's Transformation
28:45 From Cooking Class to TV Stardom
29:14 Unexpected Opportunities and PBS
31:03 Hulu and Food Network Adventures
37:20 Family Competitions and Traditions
40:56 Korean Seafood Ambassador
43:21 The Journey of Writing a Cookbook
EP88: From Sea to Table The Story of Sena Sea with Sena Wheeler
In this compelling episode of Voice4Chefs, host Michael is joined by new co-host Chef Steven, a seasoned culinary professional with experience in five-star hotels and Michelin-starred kitchens. Together, they welcome Sena Wheeler, a fifth-generation fisherman and co-founder of Sena Sea, to explore the story behind one of the most trusted names in wild Alaska seafood.
🌊 Discover the Journey of Sena Sea Sena shares how her family’s deep-rooted fishing heritage and passion for sustainable practices led to the creation of Sena Sea, a direct-to-consumer company delivering premium wild-caught Alaska seafood. From the icy waters of the Pacific to your dinner plate, learn about the rigorous quality control, transparent sourcing, and deep family values that drive the company’s mission.
🍽️ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
· How Sena Sea ensures sustainability and traceability from ocean to table
· The challenges and rewards of running a family fishing business
· Why wild-caught seafood is essential for flavor and health
· Behind-the-scenes stories of catching, processing, and distributing premium fish
· What chefs and home cooks should know about sourcing high-quality seafood
This episode is a must-listen for seafood lovers, chefs, culinary students, and anyone passionate about responsible food sourcing.
👉 Visit www.senasea.com to explore their full product line and learn more.
00:00 Introduction and New Co-Host Announcement
00:20 Meet Chef Steven: Culinary Journey
01:55 Introducing Special Guest: Sena Wheeler
02:47 Sena Sea: The Origin Story
EP87: Celebrating 4 Years of The Voice4Chefs Podcast: How Toastmasters Fueled a Global Culinary Movement
In this special 4-year anniversary episode of the Voice4Chefs Podcast, host Michael Dugan sits in the guest chair—interviewed by Arthur J Byrnes from Podmasters Advanced Toastmasters Club. Michael shares his deeply personal journey through Toastmasters, revealing how it helped him conquer imposter syndrome, find his voice, and launch a globally recognized platform that amplifies the stories of chefs and culinary professionals worldwide.
This inspiring episode features reflections on growth, leadership, and the power of community—highlighting how a Toastmasters foundation helped shape a podcast that now reaches listeners across continents.
Plus, enjoy featured insights from:
Greg Gazin, co-host of The Official Toastmasters Podcast – On the power of storytelling and digital platforms for leadership
Whether you're a podcast creator, culinary professional, or Toastmaster, this episode will leave you motivated to pursue your passion with courage and clarity.
Key Takeaways:
How Toastmasters helped Michael build confidence and launch Voice4Chefs
Lessons learned from interviewing chefs, bakers, and culinary artists
The link between public speaking, storytelling, and culinary leadership
The importance of mentorship, community, and showing up authentically
00:57 Meet Arthur Byrnes
01:58 Interview with Michael Dugan Begins
03:20 Michael Dugan's Podcast Journey
04:28 The High-Performance Leadership Project
09:39 Memorable Podcast Episodes
14:54 Unexpected Opportunities Through Podcasting
26:13 Future Plans for Voice4Chefs
EP 86: Part II Lessons Beyond The Kitchen: Mental Health at The CIA
As we conclude the month of May. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Voice4Chefs is proud to rerelease this special episode to spotlight the courageous and inspiring journey of Chef Abbey, whose story sheds light on the challenges—and triumphs—of mental health in the culinary world.
As a young lady, chef Abbey Miller thought she wanted to be a crime investigator. Little did she know she would make it all the way to the CIA... but the delicious one: The Culinary Institute of America. She was the first recipient of the Anthony Bourdain Scholarship from the CIA. Hear what it was like attending the CIA, and listen to Abbey talk about the importance of a healthy culinary culture, mental health, and her realization that there is true nobility in cooking for others when “everyone needs to eat”.
Season2
Have you heard about Dynery? It's a new app changing the way we connect through food. Dynery goes beyond helping you find great restaurants. Connects you with a community of people who share your food preferences, make it easier to discover new dining experiences while enjoying exclusive discounts at participating restaurants. For restaurant owners, it's a game changer. Unlike many delivery platforms charge commissions as high as thirty percent, Dynery charges three percent,
As we conclude the month of May. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Voice4Chefs is proud to rerelease and spotlight the courageous and inspiring journey of Chef Abbey, whose story sheds light on the challenges—and triumphs—of mental health in the culinary world.
On today’s episode, we meet Chef Abby Miller, the first recipient of the Anthony Bourdain Scholarship through the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). With a minor in Asian cuisine and a deep love for storytelling through food, Abby shares her remarkable culinary journey—from a nomadic childhood to finding her passion and voice in the kitchen.
We dive into:
* **Her early inspiration**: Moving over 40 times growing up, Abby discovered a sense of home and stability through food. Watching Food Network and working in her parents' restaurant at age 12 ignited her passion for the culinary arts. * **Choosing the Culinary Path**: Although originally headed toward a career in intelligence studies, Abby made a bold pivot—trading one CIA for another—to attend the Culinary Institute of America. * **Life at CIA**: Abby recounts the rigorous yet rewarding experience of culinary school, waking up at 4:30 a.m. for practical classes, becoming team leader, and eventually being chosen as the class speaker. * **Externship Growth**: She reflects on her four-month externship at Stein Eriksen Lodge in Utah, working during their busiest season. Overcoming homesickness, she found strength and mentorship that helped solidify her passion. * **Kitchen Culture and Mental Health**: Abby opens up about working in a male-dominated kitchen, navigating toxic work environments, and advocating for healthier, more supportive culinary spaces. She courageously shares her own experiences with anxiety, depression, and PTSD—highlighting the importance of mental wellness in the food industry.
This episode is a heartfelt look at the resilience, determination, and advocacy that define Chef Abby Miller’s inspiring culinary journey.
Season2
Have you heard about Dynery? It's a new app changing the way we connect through food. Dynery goes beyond helping you find great restaurants. Connects you with a community of people who share your food preferences, make it easier to discover new dining experiences while enjoying exclusive discounts at participating restaurants. For restaurant owners, it's a game changer. Unlike many delivery platforms charge commissions as high as thirty percent, Dynery charges three percent,
Season2
Have you heard about Dynery? It's a new app changing the way we connect through food. Dynery goes beyond helping you find great restaurants. Connects you with a community of people who share your food preferences, make it easier to discover new dining experiences while enjoying exclusive discounts at participating restaurants. For restaurant owners, it's a game changer. Unlike many delivery platforms charge commissions as high as thirty percent, Dynery charges three percent,
Have you heard about Dynery? It's a new app changing the way we connect through food. Dynery goes beyond helping you find great restaurants. Connects you with a community of people who share your food preferences, make it easier to discover new dining experiences while enjoying exclusive discounts at participating restaurants. For restaurant owners, it's a game changer. Unlike many delivery platforms charge commissions as high as thirty percent, Dynery charges three percent,
Have you heard about Dynery? It's a new app changing the way we connect through food. Dynery goes beyond helping you find great restaurants. Connects you with a community of people who share your food preferences, make it easier to discover new dining experiences while enjoying exclusive discounts at participating restaurants. For restaurant owners, it's a game changer. Unlike many delivery platforms charge commissions as high as thirty percent, Dynery charges three percent,
20:56 Protecting the Fishing Industry and Environment
23:22 Family-Based Seafood Business
24:37 Customer Favorites and Unique Seafood Products
28:21 The Benefits of Omega-3 in Fish
32:08 How to Support Sena Seafoods
33:28 Final Thoughts on Food and Community
Contact Sena:
Email: info@senasea.com
FB: www.facebook.com/senaseafoods
Web: https://senasea.com
IG: @senasea_seafoods
Season2
Have you heard about Dynery? It's a new app changing the way we connect through food. Dynery goes beyond helping you find great restaurants. Connects you with a community of people who share your food preferences, make it easier to discover new dining experiences while enjoying exclusive discounts at participating restaurants. For restaurant owners, it's a game changer. Unlike many delivery platforms charge commissions as high as thirty percent, Dynery charges three percent,
Have you heard about Dynery? It's a new app changing the way we connect through food. Dynery goes beyond helping you find great restaurants. Connects you with a community of people who share your food preferences, make it easier to discover new dining experiences while enjoying exclusive discounts at participating restaurants. For restaurant owners, it's a game changer. Unlike many delivery platforms charge commissions as high as thirty percent, Dynery charges three percent,
