Walk-In Talk Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

The essence of this podcast episode revolves around the exploration of American culinary identity, particularly in the context of Independence Day. We engage with WITM personality, Pooch Rivera, and Chef Thomas Parker, who showcases two distinct summer dishes, reflecting the diversity of American flavors. This dialogue extends to the broader query of what constitutes American food, as we traverse from fine dining experiences to festival fare, encapsulating the rich tapestry of cultural influences that define our culinary landscape. Additionally, we are joined by Jillian Chiles from Florida Farm Finder, who provides valuable insights into current agricultural developments. This episode serves as a reminder that food is not merely sustenance, but a profound narrative interwoven with our collective identity and heritage.

Mentioned in this episode:

Metro Foodservice Solutions

Kitchen and back-of-house systems for better flow and function.

Citrus America

Citrus America – Commercial-grade juicing systems built for speed and yield.

Auto Citrus Slicer Streamlines Prep

Boost efficiency and cut waste with SupraCut's automated citrus slicer for streamlined prep.

RAK Porcelain USA -Tableware

We use RAK for all in-studio tableware—clean, durable, and designed for chefs.

Aussie Select - Fully cooked, premium Australian lamb

Fully cooked, premium Australian lamb—ready to serve and packed with clean flavor.

Send us a text

What happens when passion collides with profession? When the daily grind transforms into something you genuinely love doing? This episode answers those questions through the compelling stories of two food industry veterans who took dramatically different paths to find their calling.

Meet Danny Saccullo – a journalism major who started washing dishes in Tallahassee to pay rent and eventually worked his way through hotels, hospitals, and banquets before opening his own deli. With Cuban and Italian heritage influencing his menu, Danny shares the unexpected journey that led him to create some of Tampa's most beloved sandwiches, including a controversial take on the Cuban that even this Miami native had to admit was superior. His reflection on self-reliance and the transition from corporate kitchens to entrepreneurship offers valuable insights for anyone considering a career pivot.

Alongside him sits Lucas Peters, bar manager at Propagation Whiskey Bar and Kitchen, whose passion for mixology shines through in every pour. From his flaming "Kentucky Burner" bourbon cocktail to his tequila-based "Loco Luca," Lucas breaks down the art and science behind crafting memorable drinking experiences. 

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you’re a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK’s high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below! 

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast

Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We’re the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners:

RAK Porcelain USA

Metro Foodservice

SupraCut Systems

Aussie Select

Crab Island Seafood

Pass the Honey

Send us a text

When Chef Fionna España was told she should "just stay home" because she had "too many kids" to become a real chef, she didn't just push back—she made history. As the first female president of the LA chapter of the American Culinary Federation in over 100 years, this proud Latina executive chef has transformed barriers into stepping stones.

"I didn't realize that it was a male-dominant industry," Fionna reveals with characteristic candor. "I thought women belonged in the kitchen until I got my first job and didn't see a lot of women on the hot line." Rather than accepting these limitations, she used them as fuel, setting an ambitious goal to become an executive chef before 40—a milestone she achieved at 38.

What sets Fionna apart isn't just breaking glass ceilings but how she's using her leadership to lift others. During the LA wildfires, she mobilized resources to raise over $20,000 in just one week for first responders. "I used my powers for good," she reflects during a rare moment of self-acknowledgment. This community focus extends to her approach with the next generation of culinary professionals, whom she encourages to balance work ethic with self-care.

Meanwhile, Chef Thomas Parker dazzles with his culinary wizardry, presenting three show-stopping dishes including a mojo-crusted carne asada f

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you’re a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK’s high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below! 

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast

Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We’re the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners:

RAK Porcelain USA

Metro Foodservice

SupraCut Systems

Aussie Select

Crab Island Seafood

Send us a text

Ever wanted to master the art of food sales? Or wondered what the secret is behind the perfect Cuban sandwich? We promise you'll savor every minute of this episode as we cover these topics and more. Our guests, the seasoned culinary experts, Jeffrey James and the Wild Chefs, guide us through the enticing world of comfort cuisine, illustrating the subtle differences between Tampa and Miami's versions of the famed Cuban sandwich. We also touch on the magic of Eastern European food and how a simple brown sugar vinegar cabbage can inspire culinary creativity. 

Brace yourself for a spicy shift as we journey to Jamaica, exploring the secrets behind a drool-inducing Oxtail meal, marinated in the island's famous jerk spice. Jeff and John masterfully explain how to balance the heat of the pickles, jerk spice, and other ingredients. Fr

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you’re a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK’s high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

Get ready to innovate and organize your work space with Metro ! As the industry leader in storage & productivity solutions, Metro is here to transform and organize your kitchen 

 With their premium solutions, you'll experience the Metro difference. Metro's sturdy and versatile shelving units, workstations, holding cabinets, and utility carts are designed to streamline operations and maximize your productivity.

 Don't settle for imitators! Metro products last lon

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below! 

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast
Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We’re the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners:
RAK Porcelain USA
Metro Foodservice
SupraCut Systems
Aussie Select
Crab Island Seafood
Pass the Honey
The Burnt Chef Project
Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: [email protected]

Send us a text

Whet your culinary curiosity as we embark on a gastronomic adventure alongside Chef Jeffrey, revealing the intoxicating secrets behind his pork butt sandwich and duck pot sticker appetizer. You'll be entranced as coffee, cherry rub, bourbon, and Bloody Mary brine transform an everyday pork butt into a masterpiece. Meanwhile, experience how a duck can be smoked to perfection with a black garlic marinade, orange, orange peel sake, and grémenier cognac. 

Hang on to your hats as we switch gears and bring you behind the scenes of Babylon Micro Farms with co-founder Alexander Olesen. Discover how their innovative hydroponic farming can make you a green thumb—no matter where you are. From schools to restaurants and even cruise ships, their modular vertical farms are promoting self-sufficiency and providing fresh ingredients in the most unlikely places. The future of controlled environment agriculture is here, and you won't want to miss out on this revolution. Learn more at https://babylonmicrofarms.com. 

Finally, we'll unravel the mystery behind the meltability and stretchability of Gruyere cheese. Whether you're a connoisseur or a casual cheese lover, you'll find out why this cheese is a top pick for grilled sandwiches and a perfect partner for proteins. As we wrap up our culinary journey, join us for a chat about

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you’re a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK’s high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below! 

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast
Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We’re the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners:
RAK Porcelain USA
Metro Foodservice
SupraCut Systems
Aussie Select
Crab Island Seafood
Pass the Honey
The Burnt Chef Project
Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: [email protected]

Send us a text

Discover how to turn overlooked cuts of meat into a gourmet experience in our latest episode with Chef Jeffrey Schlissel. His insights into spicing with Baharat and Harissa, and plate cost analysis, promise to revolutionize your cooking approach. But we haven't stopped at the butcher's counter, walk with us as we delve into the intriguing world of lab-grown meats and compare them with traditional farm-raised varieties. Learn about the barbecue-inspired cut of chicken, Porqueta, and the heritage breed from New Zealand, Kiwi Little Pigs. And yes, we've got some delectable recipes in the mix! 

Ever wondered how to stay on top of the food trend curve? We present a riveting debate on whether we're merely part of the trend or in fact, are the trendsetters. We also talk about how those eight-legged creatures, spiders, are used to detect food trends—definitely a conversation you wouldn't want to miss. We're also thrilled to share that our podcast has been consistently in the top 10 for the last two months. We end on a lighter note chatting about Joe Pesci, Robert De Niro, and the "Goodfellas" movie.

Our appreciation for coffee is no secret, and in this episode, we explore the need for an extra shot of espresso and different coffee drinks. We also discuss the importance of trusting your gut feeling and the success of

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you’re a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK’s high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below! 

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast
Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We’re the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners:
RAK Porcelain USA
Metro Foodservice
SupraCut Systems
Aussie Select
Crab Island Seafood
Pass the Honey
The Burnt Chef Project
Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story:...

Send us a text

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you’re a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK’s high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

Get ready to innovate and organize your work space with Metro ! As the industry leader in storage & productivity solutions, Metro is here to transform and organize your kitchen 

 With their premium solutions, you'll experience the Metro difference. Metro's sturdy and versatile shelving units, workstations, holding cabinets, and utility carts are designed to streamline operations and maximize your productivity.

 Don't settle for imitators! Metro products last lon

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below! 

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast
Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We’re the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners:
RAK Porcelain USA
Metro Foodservice
SupraCut Systems
Aussie Select
Crab Island Seafood
Pass the Honey
The Burnt Chef Project
Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: [email protected]

Send us a text

Get ready to fire up your passion for food and photography as we journey into a tantalizing conversation with culinary wizard Chef Jeffrey Schlissel. We promise to whet your appetite as we unravel the mystery behind his secret Mexican hot chocolate rub and unique bone marrow recipe. You'll be drooling over our recent photoshoot featuring a succulent tomahawk steak and New York strip, perfectly seared to Jeffrey's exacting standards. 

We're not just about the sizzle, though. We take a hard look at the meat of the matter, discussing lab-grown proteins and the results of a recent social media poll that threw us for a loop. We also wade into the controversial waters of animal welfare, discussing the impact of mass farming on our food supply. Listen in as we debate the current complexities of western cuisine, and how a shift towards whole, nutritious foods is more important than ever.

In the latter part of our engaging discussion, we express our affection for juicy stone fruits and share some tantalizing plans for Marvin's Farm, Cahaba Club. Stay tuned as we spice up your day with a flavorful conversation!

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you’re a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK’s high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below! 

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast
Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We’re the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners:
RAK Porcelain USA
Metro Foodservice
SupraCut Systems
Aussie Select
Crab Island Seafood
Pass the Honey
The Burnt Chef Project
Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: [email protected]

Mentioned in this episode:

Metro Foodservice Solutions

Kitchen and back-of-house systems for better flow and function.

Citrus America...

Send us a text

Have you ever experienced an event so thrilling that it leaves you yearning for more? That was the Masters of the Craft competition for us - a cutthroat culinary challenge with a surprising twist that cranked up the heat. We witnessed the stunning performance of eight line cooks, including our friend Wanda, who has already set her sights on an improved performance next year! The unexpected revelation of the secret ingredient mid-shopping was an adrenaline rush full of culinary creativity. A testament to the resilience of these chefs, who had to get innovative when faced with fuel issues, was an absolute marvel. 

Now, if you're a foodie, prepare to have your taste buds tantalized. We're talking Creekstone Tomahawks and a delectable Peach Cobbler made with White Claw seltzer - yes, you heard that right! But it's not just about taste, it's about spectacle too. We give you the low-down on how to capture stunning food photography that will make your social media posts stand out. 

So, grab your apron and join us as we dish out the juicy details!

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below! 

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast
Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We’re the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners:
RAK Porcelain USA
Metro Foodservice
SupraCut Systems
Aussie Select
Crab Island Seafood
Pass the Honey
The Burnt Chef Project
Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: [email protected]

Mentioned in this episode:

Metro Foodservice Solutions

Kitchen and back-of-house systems for better flow and function.

Citrus America

Citrus America – Commercial-grade juicing systems built for speed and yield.

Auto Citrus Slicer Streamlines Prep

Boost efficiency and cut waste with SupraCut's automated citrus slicer for streamlined prep.

RAK Porcelain USA -Tableware

We use RAK for all in-studio tableware—clean, durable, and designed for chefs.

Aussie Select - Fully cooked, premium Australian lamb

Fully cooked, premium Australian lamb—ready to serve and...

Send us a text

Ready to spice up your cooking game and learn the truth about goat farming? Join us in this flavorful episode as we chat with Walk-In Talk Co Host Chef Jeffrey Schlissel and Vicky Webster from Happy Tales Goat Farm about the incredible flavors of Indian and Southern cooking, as well as the ins and outs of the goat business.

We elevate hanger steak using Indian spices like asafoetida, achar, and Arctic Apples brand apples, and explore the different types of pickling and curry in Indian cuisine. But wait, there's more! We also whip up fully loaded mashed potatoes with bacon powder, chives, and caramelized collard greens, captured beautifully by food photographer John Hernandez. Then, we discuss Vicky's Happy Tales Goats farm to debunk the myth that goats eat everything and discover the life-changing magic of paneer. Get ready for a delicious journey into the world of food and farming!

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below! 

Support the show

Walk-In Talk Podcast
Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.

Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.

We’re the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.

Brand Partners:
RAK Porcelain USA
Metro Foodservice
SupraCut Systems
Aussie Select
Crab Island Seafood
Pass the Honey
The Burnt Chef Project
Citrus America

Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality.

📩 Partner or pitch a story: [email protected]

Mentioned in this episode:

Metro Foodservice Solutions

Kitchen and back-of-house systems for better flow and function.

Citrus America

Citrus America – Commercial-grade juicing systems built for speed and yield.

RAK Porcelain USA -Tableware

We use RAK for all in-studio tableware—clean, durable, and designed for chefs.

Aussie Select - Fully cooked, premium Australian lamb

Fully cooked, premium Australian lamb—ready to serve and packed with clean flavor.

Auto Citrus Slicer Streamlines Prep

Boost efficiency and cut waste with SupraCut's automated citrus slicer for streamlined prep.