Episode 26: Vitamix Product Development with Kelli Jenkins
Air Date: July 7, 2026
Podcast Guests: Kelli Jenkins
In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso talks with Vitamix Senior Product Manager Kelli Jenkins, who shares insights into the development process behind the Vitamix product lineup and how chefs can determine which products best suit their specific back-of-house needs.
Listen Now: Spotify or Apple Podcasts
Episode 25: The Language of Flavor with Dr. Christopher J. Hastings
Air Date: June 16, 2026
Podcast Guests: Dr. Christopher J. Hastings
In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso speaks with Dr. Christopher Hastings as they discuss how language and culture shape the way food is understood and experienced and share examples of how chefs can use language more intentionally in their establishments.
Listen Now: Spotify or Apple Podcasts
Episode 24: Menus of Change with Douglas Best and Matthew Ward
Air Date: June 2, 2026
Podcast Guests: Matthew Ward and Douglas Best, CEC, CCA
In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso sits down with Chefs Douglas Best and Matthew Ward to explore how chefs can make their operations more sustainable. Drawing on research from their work in college dining with Menus of Change, they share practical insights that translate beyond campus kitchens.
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Episode 23: CMC Exam with Geoffrey Lanez and Luis Young
Air Date: May 19, 2026
Podcast Guests: Luis E. Young, CMC, CCA and Geoffrey Sosa Lanez, CMC
In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso speaks with newly Certified Master Chefs Luis Young and Geo Lanez as they reflect on the path that led them to achieving the Certified Master Chefs title and what comes next after earning one of the profession’s highest honors.
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Episode 22: Afternoon Tea and Everything In Between with Cher Harris
Air Date: May 5, 2026
Podcast Guests: Cher Harris, CEPC
In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso sits down with Chef Cher Harris to discuss afternoon tea service and other experience-driven dining she has developed as an Executive Pastry Chef for Hershey Entertainment and Resorts.
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Episode 21: The Branding of Quiet Luxury with Candace MacDonald
Air Date: April 21, 2026
Podcast Guests: Candace MacDonald
In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso speaks with Carbonate Co-Founder and Managing Director Candice MacDonald about the concept of quiet luxury and the small details restaurants can invest in to elevate their brand image.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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