Current Episodes
Episode 20: Becoming the Balaboosta with Einat Admony
Air Date: April 7, 2026
Podcast Guests: Einat Admony
In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso sits down with Chef Einat Admony to talk about the spices and ingredients she commonly uses in her restaurants along with her experiences as an immigrant that have made her into the ultimate Balaboosta.
Listen Now: Spotify or Apple Podcasts
Episode 19: Special Dietary Needs with Matthew McComb
Air Date: March 17, 2026
Podcast Guests: Matthew McComb
In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso chats with Chef Matthew McComb as he shares his own experience of living with celiac and how that has inspired him to focus his business on crafting dining experiences that welcome everyone to the table.
Listen Now: Spotify or Apple Podcasts
Episode 18: Enhanced Nutrition with Matthew Thompson
Air Date: March 3, 2026
Podcast Guests: Matthew Thompson, CEC, CCA
In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso talks with Chef Matthew Thompson about enhanced nutrition and how chefs can think more intentionally about the food they serve and the impact it has on their patrons’ health.
Listen Now: Spotify or Apple Podcasts
Episode 17: COURSE with LaKisha Harris
Air Date: February 17, 2026
Podcast Guests: LaKisha Harris
In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso speaks with ACF COURSE Task Force Chair LaKisha Harris as they discuss the importance of representation in the professional culinary space and what COURSE is doing to make that possible.
Listen Now: Spotify or Apple Podcasts
Episode 16: Asian Dumplings with Nadia Liu Spellman
Air Date: February 3, 2026
Podcast Guests: Nadia Liu Spellman
In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso sits down with Dumpling Daughter founder and CEO Nadia Liu Spellman to talk about Asian dumplings, the cultural roots behind them and the story of building her restaurants and company.
Listen Now: Spotify or Apple Podcasts
Episode 15: The Chef as a Salesperson with Chef Nick Snyder
Air Date: January 20, 2026
Podcast Guests: Nick Snyder
In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso talks with Chef Nick Snyder, The Executive Chef at Morton’s The Steakhouse, about the role chefs play in the sales process, exploring how culinary professionals can take ownership of that role to strengthen guest connections and enhance the overall dining experience.
Listen Now: Spotify or Apple Podcasts
Episode 14: ACF 2026 Trends Report with Chef Michael Thrash
Air Date: January 6, 2026
Podcast Guests: Michael R. Thrash, CEC, CCA, CCE, AAC
In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso and guest chef, Michael Thrash, CEC, CCA, CCE, AAC, introduce the ACF 2026 Trends Report, sharing all the trending topics ACF will be featuring this upcoming year and discussing their rise to popularity.
Listen Now: Spotify or Apple Podcasts
Episode 13: Holiday Traditions with Chef Shawn Loving
Air Date: December 16, 2025
Podcast Guests: Shawn J. Loving, CMC
In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso chats with Certified Master Chef, Shawn Loving, about holiday traditions and how his career has impacted his outlook on keeping and passing on traditions through cooking.
Listen Now: Spotify or Apple Podcasts
Episode 12: ACF Apprenticeship Opportunities with Chef Chrystal Tatum
Air Date: December 2, 2025
Podcast Guests: Chrystal Tatum, CEC and Kivi Hermans
In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso speaks with the Chair of the ACFEF Apprenticeship Committee, Chef Chrystal Tatum, CEC, as well as ACF’s Program Manger of Continuing Education, Kivi Hermans, about ACF’s newly updated apprenticeship program created in partnership with Rouxbe.
Listen Now: Spotify or Apple Podcasts
Episode 11: Dress for Success with Cintas Expert Jessica Singh
Air Date: November 18, 2025
Podcast Guest: Jessica Singh
In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso talks with Cintas Major Accounts Manager of Hospitality and Gaming, Jessica Singh, as she shares insights into the factors chefs should consider when deciding if a managed apparel program is the best fit for their establishment.
Listen Now: Spotify or Apple Podcasts
Episode 10: Connecting Chefs Globally with Worldchefs
Air Date: November 4, 2025
Podcast Guests: Andy Cuthbert, Harry Linzmayer, Ragnar Fridriksson, and Rene J. Marquis, CEC, CCE, CCA, AAC
In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso leads a conversation with the President of Worldchefs, Andy Cuthbert, as well as several other prominent figures in the organization as they discuss the benefits of getting connected with chefs around the world.
Listen Now: Spotify or Apple Podcasts
Episode 9: “Chefs, I Got Your 6” with the ACF Military Committee
Air Date: October 21, 2025
Podcast Guests: Guy Winks, CEC; Jeffrey Edward Phillips, CC; Alison P. Trinkle; Edward Fuchs, CEC, CCE, CCA; Eric W. Johnson, CEC; and Rene J. Marquis, CEC, CCE, CCA, AAC
In this episode, guest podcast host Guy Winks sits down with Jeffrey Edward Phillips, ACF National President Rene J. Marquis, and additional members of the ACF Military Committee to discuss military chefs and the goals of the committee.
Listen Now: Spotify or Apple Podcasts
Episode 8: Chef & Child with Chef Vanessa Marquis
Air Date: October 7, 2025
Podcast Guest: Vanessa Jaurique-Marquis, CEC, AAC
In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso speaks with Chef Vanessa Marquis as they share a thoughtful discussion on the ongoing Chef & Child Initiative and what chefs can do to get involved in Childhood Nutrition Day and International Chefs Day this October.
Listen Now: Spotify or Apple Podcasts
Episode 7: Spicy Flavors with Chef Chris Wilmoth
Air Date: September 16, 2025
Podcast Guest: Chris Wilmoth
In this episode, podcast host Christopher Tanner sits down with Chef Chris Wilmoth to talk about his work with Daesung and explore how global flavors and spices are growing in popularity in the US.
Listen Now: Spotify or Apple Podcasts
Episode 6: Retail Bakers of America With Chef Marissa Velie
Air Date: September 2, 2025
Podcast Guest: Marissa Velie
In this episode, podcast host Christopher Tanner chats with the Executive Director of Retail Bakers of America and Pastry Chef Marissa Velie as they delve into all things baking and pastry and the resources RBA offers to pastry chefs across the country.
Listen Now: Spotify or Apple Podcasts
Episode 5: Pickles With Chef Joe Parajecki
Air Date: August 19, 2025
Podcast Guest: Joe Parajecki
In this episode, podcast host Christopher Tanner talks all things pickles with ACF Chef Joe Parajecki. As a
third-generation Polish-American, Chef Parajecki has a deep connection with pickling and has a passion for
sharing the art of preservation with as many chefs as possible.
Listen Now: Spotify or Apple Podcasts
Episode 4: Chinese Cuisine With Chef Martin Yan
Air Date: August 5, 2025
Podcast Guest: Martin Yan
In this episode, podcast host Christopher Tanner interviews Chef Martin Yan as they talk about Chef Yan’s life and career along with the rise of Chinese cuisine in the United States and the impact it has had on the culture.
Listen Now: Spotify or Apple Podcasts
Episode 3: Innovation & Trends in Equipment with Waring Chef Julia DeCiantis
Air Date: July 15, 2025
Podcast Guest: Julia DeCiantis
In this episode, podcast host Christopher Tanner talks with Waring Chef Julia DeCiantis on innovations in kitchen equipment, and how they are working hand-and-hand with the trends we are currently seeing in the culinary industry.
Listen Now: Spotify or Apple Podcasts
Bonus Episode: ACF National Convention with ACF National President Rene Marquis
Air Date: July 8, 2025
Podcast Guest: ACF National President Rene J. Marquis, CEC, CCE, CCA, AAC
In this special edition episode, podcast host Christopher Tanner sits down with ACF National President Rene Marquis as they talk about the ACF National Convention taking place in late July and what exciting new changes attendees can look forward to.
Listen Now: Spotify or Apple Podcasts
Episode 2: Culinary Sport Competitions with Chef Collin Hilton
Air Date: July 1, 2025
Podcast Guest: Collin Hilton
In this episode, podcast host Christopher Tanner sits down with 2024/2025 World Food Champion Chef Collin Hilton as they talk all about culinary sport competitions and Chef Hilton’s career and competition experience.
Listen Now: Spotify or Apple Podcasts
Episode 1: ACF 2025 Trends with Chef Tim Recher
Air Date: June 17, 2025
Podcast Guest: Tim Recher, CEC, AAC, MWMCS, CWX
In this episode, podcast host Christopher Tanner kicks things off with an overview of the 2025 ACF Trends Report before being joined by ACF Chef Tim Recher who gives his take on this year’s trends and what he’s seeing at his country club.
Listen Now: Spotify or Apple Podcasts