Best MAJC Podcasts (2025)

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Finding MAJC with Baking, Balance, and the Bigger Picture: with Guest Carolyn Grillo, Mother, Baker, Host and Content Director 51:30

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10d ago51:30

51:30

In this episode of Hospitality Bites, host Colleen Silk sits down with Carolyn Grillo, a seasoned culinary professional whose career spans from the precision of baking to the storytelling world of food media. Carolyn opens up about the science behind baking, the importance of continuous learning, and her personal journey with sobriety in an industr…

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Michel Nischan on Using Sourcing and Storytelling to Build Strong Customer Bonds 47:40

2d ago47:40

47:40

Chef Michel Nischan is a four-time James Beard Award–winning chef, author, and food equity advocate whose work has transformed how America thinks about sustainable food systems. Over a four-decade career, he’s cooked in acclaimed restaurants, co-founded the James Beard Foundation’s Chef Boot Camps for Policy and Change, and launched Wholesome Wave,…

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Leading with Vulnerability: Sobriety, Strength, and Service with Jeff Boland 1:01:43

3d ago1:01:43

1:01:43

In this episode of Hospitality Bites, host Colleen Silk sits down with Jeff Boland, a hospitality leader whose story of addiction, recovery, and reinvention is both powerful and deeply human. Jeff shares how his journey through sobriety has shaped his leadership style, inspired his writing, and strengthened his advocacy within and beyond the indust…

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Juan Perez on Why Chasing Viral Trends Won't Keep a Restaurant Relevant 50:00

9d ago50:00

50:00

Juan Perez has built a global reputation for his mastery of Neapolitan pizza. Originally from Colombia, Perez rose from a teenage line cook to executive chef of Posto in Boston, where his work has earned recognition on the prestigious 50 Top Pizza list and a place among the world’s top 100 pizza chefs. In this episode, Perez shares his journey, why…

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Hugh Acheson on Keeping the Fire for Food Alive Without Letting the Pressure Win 40:37

16d ago40:37

40:37

Chef Hugh Acheson’s career is rooted in restaurants, but his impact is measured in people. The James Beard Award–winning chef, author, and community advocate joins us to reflect on his evolution from fine dining restaurateur to private chef, mentor, and nonprofit founder. In this episode, Acheson opens up about walking away from traditional restaur…

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Beyond the Burnout: Redefining Health and Happiness in Hospitality with Sean Finter, Founder, Hospitality Leadership Coach, Public Speaker 53:45

17d ago53:45

53:45

Disclaimer: This conversation discusses the topic of suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please reach out immediately to the Suicide Crisis and Prevention hotline 988 In this episode of Hospitality Bites, host Colleen Silk sits down with Sean Finter, a hospitality leader whose story challenges the way …

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Brian Baxter on What No One Told Him About Starting a Restaurant 53:03

23d ago53:03

53:03

By Matt Jennings

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From the Line to Legacy: Mentorship, Meaning & the U.S. Culinary Open with Founder, Philanthropist, and Executive Chef Nick Barrington 49:06

24d ago49:06

49:06

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Adventures, Authenticity & the Future of Dining: Real Talk & Lessons from the Road with Brian Duffy, Meat Man, Father, and Chef 1:31:18

29d ago1:31:18

1:31:18

In this Extended Episode of Hospitality Bites, host Colleen Silk welcomes back Chef Brian Duffy — chef, consultant, TV personality, and unapologetic lover of bold flavors and transparent dining. From his passion for educating others about food to his work with Lower Family Foods, YumCrunch, Brian brings his signature energy and honesty to the conve…

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Kevin Boehm on Scaling Big: Key Lessons from Opening 40+ Restaurants 47:09

1M ago47:09

47:09

Kevin Boehm has spent his career building iconic restaurants. But after co-founding Boka Restaurant Group and opening over 40 establishments, the James Beard Award–winning restaurateur found himself battling burnout, loss, and collapse at the height of the pandemic. Boehm shares how therapy, systems, and human-centered leadership helped him come ba…

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Eli Sussman on Juggling Parody and Professionalism 42:47

1M ago42:47

42:47

Chef Eli Sussman isn’t just the chef and partner of Brooklyn’s Gertrude’s, he’s also the internet’s sarcastic observer of restaurant culture through his viral account, The Sussmans. In this episode, he opens up about balancing family life with kitchen life, how satire creates community, and what happens when you bring authenticity (and humor) to th…

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The Heart of Hospitality: A Mid-Season Reflection with Colleen Silk 9:45

1M ago9:45

9:45

In this mid-season recap of Hospitality Bites, host Colleen Silk reflects on the journey so far and the powerful stories shared by her guests. From chefs and entrepreneurs to advocates and storytellers, each conversation highlights courage, resilience, and community within the hospitality industry. Colleen also opens up about her personal advocacy …

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Yia Vang on Building a Restaurant That Tells His Story 41:51

1M ago41:51

41:51

Chef Yia Vang didn’t just open a restaurant, he built a cultural restoration project. The James Beard–nominated chef and founder of Union Hmong Kitchen joins us to share how food became his medium for storytelling, identity, and healing. Born in a Thai refugee camp and raised in Wisconsin, Vang now leads one of the most compelling restaurants in Am…

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From Startup to Spotlight: Discovering the perfect bite in food, life, and success with guest Sarah Perkins, Startup Founder, Creative Consultant, and Podcast Host 51:23

2M ago51:23

51:23

In this episode of Hospitality Bites, host Colleen Silk sits down with Sarah Perkins, Cherry Bombe member, founder of Perkins Creative Consulting, and host of the Perfect Bite Podcast. Sarah shares her journey from working as the “phone girl” at a pizzeria to building a career rooted in storytelling, creativity, and entrepreneurship. From being ahe…

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Gavin Kaysen on Balancing Leadership and Wellness 42:05

2M ago42:05

42:05

Chef Gavin Kaysen has built one of the most respected restaurant groups in the country by putting trust at the center of everything. The two-time James Beard Award winner opens up about leadership, mentorship, and the systems that support his growing team across Spoon and Stable, Demi, Bellecour Bakery, and more. From daily writing rituals to open-…

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Cupcake Queen to Community Champion: Milkin' Munchies, CPG Cheesecakes, and Bootscootin' Through the Last Frontier with Guest Kastle Sorensen, Baker, Mother, Entrepreneur, and Founder of Kastle's Kreations ... 44:56

2M ago44:56

44:56

Episode Summary In this episode of Hospitality Bites, host Colleen Silk interviews Kastle Sorensen—mompreneur, Cupcake Wars Champion, and founder of Kastle’s Kreations. From teacher hopeful to baking sensation, Kastle turned her passion into a career that continues to evolve in unexpected ways. She opens up about balancing single motherhood with bu…

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How to Stay Connected to Your Team as a Seasoned Leader 6:06

2M ago6:06

6:06

As leaders grow, it’s easy to lose touch with day-to-day team life. Taylor Scott reveals how staying curious, humble, and conversational can prevent emotional disconnect from creeping in. Takeaways: Stay curious about your people and how they’re doing Make time for walk-and-talk conversations to stay close to the work Show consistent interest to he…

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How to Build Purpose into Your Day with One Simple Habit 3:03

2M ago3:03

3:03

Taylor Scott shares a daily leadership habit that transforms distraction into purpose. Learn how focusing on the important (not just the urgent) helps create clarity and alignment within teams. Takeaways: Set clear goals to focus your team and drive momentum Align daily action with long-term vision through SMART goals Celebrate small wins to keep t…

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Sean Sherman on Reclaiming Indigenous Foods and Their Cultural Legacy 41:17

2M ago41:17

41:17

What would it take to rebuild our food system from the ground up, one rooted in community, sustainability, and ancestral knowledge? That is the work chef Sean Sherman has dedicated his career to. A member of the Oglala Lakota tribe and founder of the nonprofit NATIFS (North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems), Sherman is on a mission to m…

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How to Lead More Effectively with Emotional Intelligence 2:07

2M ago2:07

2:07

Emotional intelligence is essential to great leadership. Taylor Scott breaks down the four components of EQ and how they impact team dynamics, performance, and leadership presence in hospitality. Takeaways: Strengthen self-awareness to lead with consistency under pressure Read emotional cues to connect with empathy and intent Manage relationships w…

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How to Balance Accountability with Empathy 2:58

2M ago2:58

2:58

Taylor Scott dives into one of the toughest but most important leadership challenges: holding people accountable with empathy. He shares the concept of coaching with grace, grit, and intention, and how values-based feedback can drive real change. Takeaways: Build credibility before delivering tough feedback Coach through the lens of shared values O…

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How to Recognize Your Team in a Way That Actually Matters 2:05

2M ago2:05

2:05

Recognition isn’t just a moment, it’s a rhythm. Taylor Scott walks through how to build recognition into your weekly habits in meaningful ways. Takeaways: Catch people doing things right more often than wrong Reinforce values by celebrating them out loud Tell stories that highlight team strengths and wins Want to connect directly with industry thou…

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How to Create a Workplace Where People Can Bring Their Whole Selves 4:01

2M ago4:01

4:01

Recognition isn’t one-size-fits-all. Taylor Scott explores how leaders can adapt their recognition to the individual, and why that makes all the difference. Takeaways: Tailor recognition to how each person best receives it Use specific praise to reinforce belonging and culture Acknowledge individual value to deepen connection Want to connect direct…

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James Galbraith on Engineering a Restaurant That Can Handle 900 Covers a Night 38:59

2M ago38:59

38:59

Chef James Galbraith is building restaurants that scale and a culture that lasts. The Michigan-based chef and restaurateur behind Houndstooth, Animal, and Post Boy walks us through his journey from dish pit to design-led hospitality. In this episode, Galbraith shares what it takes to open three distinct concepts in a small town, the systems that su…

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How to Improve Retention with One Leadership Habit 3:57

2M ago3:57

3:57

Retention doesn’t come from perks, it comes from empathy. Taylor Scott reveals how to use simple, learnable skills to connect and keep your team. Takeaways: Listen to understand, not to respond Build trust by reflecting back emotion and experience Keep top performers by making them feel seen and heard Want to connect directly with industry thought …

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How to Inspire Your Team by Creating the Right Energy 1:31

2M ago1:31

1:31

Energy is contagious, for better or worse. Taylor Scott shares how leaders can shift the energy in the room, creating an atmosphere that motivates, unites, and inspires. Takeaways: Set the tone with steady, positive energy Model calm and confidence when pressure is high Lead with presence to help your team stay aligned Want to connect directly with…

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The Art of Hospitality: Performance, Pricing, and Guest Experience with Guest Brad Nugent, Beverage Industry Expert and Co-Founder of Innovative Beverage Strategies 53:16

2M ago53:16

53:16

In this episode of Hospitality Bites, host Colleen Silk sits down with Brad Nugent, a hospitality veteran and innovative beverage strategist, to discuss his journey from washing dishes at the age of 15 to becoming a beverage director and the founder of Innovative Beverage Strategies. They explore the art of performance in hospitality, the importanc…

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How to Stay Emotionally Connected During High-Stress Service 2:18

2M ago2:18

2:18

High-stress moments don’t have to break team morale. Taylor Scott shares how trust, preparation, and consistent communication help teams stay grounded and connected under pressure. Takeaways: Invest emotionally before high-pressure moments arrive Build trust through early and frequent communication Create stability with consistent, intentional conv…

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How to Avoid the Biggest Mistakes When Building Culture 1:36

2M ago1:36

1:36

Culture is what you do, not what you say. Taylor Scott explains the damage done when leadership actions don’t match company values, and how to avoid it. Takeaways: Align your actions with your stated values Build credibility through consistency Earn trust by following through with integrity Want to connect directly with industry thought leaders lik…

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How to Drive Performance with Compassion and Encouragement 3:31

2M ago3:31

3:31

Taylor Scott unpacks the self-determination theory and how it fuels performance. Compassionate leadership isn’t soft, it’s strategic. Takeaways: Promote autonomy, competence, and community to boost motivation Understand what drives high-performing hospitality teams Encourage with intention to create lasting impact Want to connect directly with indu…

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Sarah Grueneberg on Making a Big Impact in Independent Restaurants 42:01

2M ago42:01

42:01

How do you grow a business without losing your soul or your standards? Chef Sarah Grueneberg has answers. From Top Chef finalist to James Beard Award-winning chef and owner of Monteverde in Chicago, Grueneberg opens up about mentorship, retention, ownership, and accountability. In this episode, she shares her approach to training, internal leadersh…

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How to Make Your Team Feel Seen and Supported 1:46

2M ago1:46

1:46

Taylor Scott explains how small but meaningful recognition can create a sense of belonging and motivate teams to stay engaged. Leaders who speak to their team’s values win trust and loyalty. Takeaways: Recognize when team members live your values Reinforce culture by showing people how they belong Create belonging by acknowledging what makes people…

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How to Connect Emotionally Before You Manage 4:04

2M ago4:04

4:04

Learn why emotional connection is the foundation of effective leadership. Taylor Scott shares the six virtues of leading with hospitality and how they apply in the day-to-day life of operators and managers. Takeaways: Commit to connection before offering direction Practice self-awareness and purpose to build emotional intelligence Coach more effect…

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Beyond the Bar: Life of a Hospitality Showgirl to Finding Wellness & Calm in the Chaos With Guest Lo Tippets, Co-Founder of Beyond the Bar, Operations Manager, and Wellness Advocate in Hospitality 46:16

2M ago46:16

46:16

In this episode of Hospitality Bites, host Colleen Silk speaks with Lo Tibbets about her journey in the hospitality industry, the importance of prioritizing wellness, and the impact of community support. Lo shares how she is carrying forward her late business partner, Ryan Ennis, mission through Beyond the Bar—a program that helps hospitality profe…

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How to Lead with Hospitality 1:45

3M ago1:45

1:45

Taylor Scott breaks down what it truly means to lead with hospitality through action, emotion, and connection. He shares how great leadership mirrors the best guest experiences, driving loyalty and engagement through intentional service. Takeaways: Mirror the emotional connection of great hospitality in your leadership Lead by being human, emotiona…

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How to Build a Restaurant Culture That Actually Works 4:14

3M ago4:14

4:14

It’s time to stop focusing on what’s broken and start building what’s next. Chef Matt Jennings reframes restaurant culture as a place of growth, creativity, and real opportunity for future leaders. Takeaways: Recognize hospitality as a space for career and personal development Make leadership development part of your systems Create workplaces that …

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How to Align Passion, Purpose, and Process 1:16

3M ago1:16

1:16

Chef Matt Jennings discusses how aligning your passion, purpose, and process is the foundation of sustainable hospitality leadership, and what MAJC is doing to make that a reality for more operators. Takeaways: Reground your business in what matters most to you Create systems that translate passion into repeatable outcomes Build long-term leadershi…

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Graham Elliot on Building a High-Performing Team Without Losing His Mind 40:07

3M ago40:07

40:07

From fine dining to Lollapalooza and MasterChef, Graham Elliot’s journey is anything but ordinary. In this vibrant episode, Chef Graham Elliot shares how a punk rock spirit, deep empathy, and a love for teaching have shaped his path across restaurants, television, and fatherhood. He reflects on the value of authenticity, building restaurant teams l…

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How to Lead with Empathy in Hospitality (and Still Get Results) 2:22

3M ago2:22

2:22

Hospitality leadership is evolving, and chef Matt Jennings believes the next generation of leaders needs to listen more than they speak. This episode explores what true leadership looks like today. Takeaways: Shift from top-down commands to active listening and support Redesign hospitality systems to attract and retain younger talent Lead with empa…

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How to Spot the Patterns Shaping the Industry 3:03

3M ago3:03

3:03

Chef Matt Jennings shares two major industry trends he’s watching closely: shifting civic policies affecting local restaurants and ongoing challenges around staffing. Takeaways: Watch how local regulations affect restaurant operations and margins Adjust hiring and training for a younger, less experienced workforce Build systems that support your te…

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From Kitchen Rags to Culinary Wanderlust: Bold Flavors, Breaking Barriers, and Building a Healthier Hospitality Industry with Chef Imrun Texeira- Founder, Culinary Media Personality, and Chief Canadian ... 49:12

3M ago49:12

49:12

In this episode of Hospitality Bites, host Colleen Silk sits down with Imrun Texeira, a chef whose culinary journey spans from washing dishes to shaping the future of the hospitality industry. With a rich blend of personal stories and industry insights, Imrunn opens up about the influence of family experiences, his cultural diversity, and how these…

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How MAJC Expert Sessions Connect Operators to the Best in the Business 3:28

3M ago3:28

3:28

In this episode, chef Matt Jennings breaks down what makes MAJC’s Expert Sessions so valuable, and why live access to industry leaders is changing the game for operators. Takeaways: Learn from experts in finance, HR, sustainability, wellness, and more Interact live with top operators and hospitality leaders Use Expert Sessions as a professional dev…

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How MAJC Office Hours Provide Real-Time Support 4:19

3M ago4:19

4:19

Chef Matt Jennings shares what makes Office Hours inside the MAJC community so powerful, and why real-time, judgment-free conversations are helping operators grow faster and feel less alone. Takeaways: Create space for tough, honest business conversations Learn directly from trusted experts in HR, finance, and operations Make weekly problem-solving…

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How to Build a Hospitality Community That Actually Helps 2:40

3M ago2:40

2:40

What does the MAJC community offer? Chef Matt Jennings walks through the tools, relationships, and shared values that make this platform different. Takeaways: Find peer support across operations, finance, HR, and more Learn from others’ wins and mistakes to shorten your path Access exclusive tools and guidance designed for hospitality leaders Want …

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How MAJC Is Redesigning Hospitality Support 3:42

3M ago3:42

3:42

Why did chef Matt Jennings co-found MAJC? In this episode, he shares the personal experiences that inspired him to build a hospitality community, and what operators actually need right now. Takeaways: Support operators facing burnout, uncertainty, and isolation Combine systems, creativity, and technology in one space Build solutions that scale with…

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Andrew Zimmern on The One Soft Skill That Is Key to Thriving in Hospitality 47:19

3M ago47:19

47:19

From addiction to advocacy: Chef Andrew Zimmern’s story is a masterclass in purpose-led leadership. The James Beard and Emmy Award-winning chef, TV personality, and entrepreneur reflects on the power of service, storytelling, and saying “yes.” In this deeply personal episode, Chef Andrew opens up about recovery, responsibility, and what it means to…

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How to Reclaim Control When Your Business Is Running You 7:15

3M ago7:15

7:15

If it feels like your restaurant is running you, you’re not alone. Chef Matt Jennings offers strategies for stepping back, assessing, and regaining control of your time and energy. Takeaways: Schedule weekly strategy sessions, even if just two hours Use team input to evaluate what’s working and what’s not Evaluate projects that drain energy without…

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Raising the Bar: Women, Wine, and the Future of Beverage 45:34

3M ago45:34

45:34

With Guest Amy Racine, Beverage Director & Partner at JF Restaurants, Advanced Sommelier, and Philanthropist Episode Summary In this episode of Hospitality Bites, host Colleen Silk talks with Amy Racine, a superstar in the beverage world and one of the youngest women to achieve Advanced Sommelier status. From her early days in hospitality to her cu…

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How to Keep Your Team Truly Aligned 3:22

3M ago3:22

3:22

Chaos is part of the job, but alignment is a choice. Chef Matt Jennings shares why clear communication and smart systems are the foundation of every resilient team. Takeaways: Standardize team communication tools across shifts and roles Be explicit about your vision instead of assuming team alignment Build architecture before expecting results Want…

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How to Build Systems That Actually Work 2:33

3M ago2:33

2:33

Every operator talks about systems, but how do you build ones that actually work? Chef Matt Jennings shares how his restaurants handled everything from R&D to bar maintenance. Takeaways: Document and iterate on R&D processes with full team input Design systems with ownership in mind, not just compliance Layer small systems to create a culture of ac…