CAFE Talks Podcast

John and Mary are 15-year-old high school students entering their junior year. The pressure is already on to decide about college and what they intend to do with the rest of their lives. As in the past, they sit at their desks and listen to teachers lecture about algebra, geometry, proper sentence structure, and American history. Standing at a whiteboard, their teacher outlines the critical points in today's lecture while John and Mary take notes pertaining to what they must memorize and work with throughout this phase of their education. In the back of their mind, they are trying to make sense of how this will impact their future jobs and lifestyle. They don't have a clue about what they want out of life, what they might be good at, what careers are available, or where they could fit. Yet, in two years they will need to dive into something.

WORK is a four-letter word that is an important part of a person's meaning and purpose. It is one key to becoming a contributing member of society and in the case of this podcast, a vehicle for building a person's competence, confidence, and productive future. Throughout history, the skills of the craftsperson and the foundation for the knowledge worker have been closely aligned with tactile work. Education works best when work is part of education. Join CAFÉ Talks Podcast for a conversation with Alexandra Levit, CEO of Inspiration Work – a futurist consulting firm and author of her newest book: Make School Work, and Stephanie Reisner, President and CEO of GPS Education Partners, about work-based learning. You won't want to miss this first interview in a two-part series that can change our approach towards the education of this and future generations.

Today, there is so much information to sift through, so many changes that impact our careers and lives, and so many unknowns on the horizon. Our success as chefs and educators lies in our ability to know where to access information and how to qualify its relevance. Referred to as your network of influence, this portfolio of contacts, resources, and well researched data is your professional differentiated product; this is what, in many cases, will define your career trajectory and your effectiveness within that career. Please join CAFÉ Talks Podcast was Chefs Chris Koetke, Mark Molinaro, and Paul Sorgule, share some of their most treasured resources and influencers.

As challenging as it is to execute a large-scale banquet or orchestrate the line in a busy restaurant, it can't compare to that first time you stand in front of a class filled with students – some of whom who are excited to learn while others are not quite sure. You may know "how" tasks are accomplished in the kitchen, your taste receptors are likely fine-tuned, and your ability to problem-solve is never questioned, but now, it's all about different learning styles, patience, coaxing with encouragement while never faltering from your high standards, critiquing instead of criticizing, and giving the right amount of attention to each member of the class. Transitioning from operations chef to teacher is challenging and rewarding at the same time. Join CAFÉ Talks Podcast for a chat with Chef Kevin McCarthy from Paul Smith's College as he reflects on his experience in doing just that.

Education and training are the great equalizers. They lead to jobs, careers, and a sense of fulfillment and self-worth. Jobs provide purpose and direction, social interaction, and the ability to put for food on our table, clothes on our backs, and a roof over our heads – the essentials of existence. With a growing population of poor, frightening increases in homelessness, food insecurity, and mental health challenges – job creation is an important first step in finding resolution. Nearly one-third of first job employees get their start in some type of restaurant operation – we are an important part of positive change. Join CAFÉ Talks podcast for a chat with Chef Dina Altieri of Catalyst Kitchens whose focus is to eliminate poverty through job creation using the businesses of food as an important vehicle for change.

When all is said and done; after a restaurateur invests a fortune in an operations ambience, perfect location, the right music, detailed training, and a well thought out marketing strategy, success comes down to flavor. This is what pulls guests in and keeps them coming back. Ah, but flavor includes all these factors in addition to the typical understanding of flavor. Smell, texture, sound, taste, and visuals are the building blocks of flavor, but even if all these factors are spot on, we can't forget the importance of context which includes all those efforts surrounding the food. Learn how important the whole package is to a restaurants flavor reputation and how, as educators and trainers, we can teach methods for understanding and building flavor. Join CAFÉ Talks Podcast for a deep dive discussion with Chef Robert Danhi, a culinary professional who has dedicated his career to this essential topic for every cook, chef, baker, and restaurateur.

Imagine not knowing when you will eat next or where that meal will come from? Think about the relationship that sound nutrition has with your ability to learn, understand, focus, grow, and solve everyday problems. When you are hungry, everything else seems to carry less weight. Consider that nearly 25% of young people in America today (including college students) are food insecure. Try to digest how that might be possible in the wealthiest country in the world; a country that produces more food than it needs. Yet, here we are, in the grips of a serious problem that impacts so many. As educators we have an opportunity and a responsibility to help set the stage for student learning. Without sound nutrition, without adequate healthy calories, our students will find it very difficult to assimilate what it is that we offer in the classroom. Join CAFÉ Talks for a presentation on Food Insecurity by Chef Thomas Barnes of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. It might just change your perspective on what it means to be a caring teacher.

It's every chef's dream – to own a restaurant that carries their signature. A culmination of years, if not decades of experiences, skill building, brand creating, networking, and product testing can lead to an operation that is theirs to mold. Ah…but the skill set that got a chef to this point is suddenly significantly different and more complex. All the anxiety and stress of preparing a station in time for the onslaught of orders never goes away even when the chef is now an owner. They may not find themselves sweating out the plethora of orders on a Saturday night, multi-tasking numerous preparations, and finishing plate presentations as the dish slides down the pass, but they still feel that pressure and joy while wrestling with the role of financial manager, marketer, human resource manager, trainer, motivator, and ultimate problem solver. Join CAFE Talks for a candid interview with Chef Eric Warnstedt, owner of Heirloom Hospitality and its cadre of restaurants s we dig into the life of the chef/restaurateur.

One hundred countries, millions of chefs, unique traditions and styles of cooking, sustainability, and a commitment to giving back. This is World Chefs, an organization of culinary organizations commited to the betterment of the food industry, the profession of chef, and the core beliefs of its founder – Auguste Escoffier. At a time when the world seems so fractured and in disarray – chefs unite around the importance and binding nature of food and food preparation. Food is one of the most important communication tools that brings people together and points to what makes us the same and unique rather than what divides us and focuses on points of disagreement. Join CAFÉ Talks podcast for an important interview with Ragnar Fridriksson, General Manager of World Chefs as we relish and celebrate the role of chefs in society.

The best partnerships require a willingness to listen, the flexibility to change and the desire to embrace it, recognition of each other's challenges and needs, and a touch of creativity. In culinary education, this partnership process requires consideration for the community, partner businesses, faculty, maximization of space, and, of course, the student. Tune in to the 100th episode of CAFÉ Talks podcast for an inspiring conversation with Chef Jorge de la Torre from Sun Valley Culinary Institute as we examine their program that breaks from tradition to partner with all stakeholders in their tourist community.

We have all heard the phrase: "There are plenty of fish in the sea", of course used in a different context, but with increased demand at the plate and concerns over the impact of global climate change, the reality is that seafood supply is not guaranteed. Chefs and educators have a role to play in helping consumers stretch their palates and move towards more sustainable fish and sustainable fishing processes used domestically and internationally. Join CAFÉ Talks Podcast for a conversation with Tally Hite, Seafood Watch Outreach Partnership Lead as she offers insight into the work of the organization, the challenges that are facing seafood supply and demand, and what we might do to help maintain a sustainable approach towards seafood consumption.

The menu is centerpiece to the restaurant experience and as such, one of the most critical (and enjoyable) tasks that a chef engages in. Bringing family traditions, work experiences, influence from mentors, and ethnic background to the table, a chef will create his or her menu signature. This signature includes all components of FLAVOR (taste, smell, texture, visual impact, sound, and context) as well as the business dynamics that drive restaurant success. Join CAFÉ Talks for a conversation with Katie Ayoub, one of the country's most experienced experts in the areas of menu development and taste dynamics as she uncovers some of the secrets of building a successful menu concept while keeping an eye on the trends that drive consumer engagement.

The American dairy represents the core of generational family businesses that made our country strong. The work is incredibly hard and unpredictable; the connection to the land is critical; the love of and care for dairy cows is wonderful to experience, and the product is on every kitchen table from coast to coast. Yet, operating a dairy farm focused on fluid milk is so incredibly challenging forcing farmers to seek ways to increase herd size and production to make ends meet. Some, like Point Reyes in California, have embraced a different approach, an exciting way of turning the page toward success through production of signature cheeses. At a time when much attention is paid to reducing carbon footprints and supporting local farming, this model of unique, signature cheese making is the right move at the right time. Join CAFÉ Talks Podcast for our chat with Jill Giacomini Basch of Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company for an inside look at a model family run business producing some of the finest signature cheeses to be found anywhere. Their story is compelling.

Since those early days, in 1905, when Gennaro Lombardi opened the first American pizzeria in New York City, the United States has been in love with this seemingly simple menu item of crust, tomatoes, and cheese. Pizza has become the menu choice of everyday celebrations, a neighborhood attraction that brings people together, a family tradition, and a nourishing, delicious, versatile item for people on the go. It is nearly impossible to find a city, town, village, or hamlet in the United States that lacks at least one, if not many pizzerias to choose from. The pizzeria is an important entry-level business for budding entrepreneurs, and a perfect business for those who love to connect with people and put a smile on their face. Join CAFÉ Talks podcast for a lively interview with national and international pizza aficionado, competition winning pizzaiolo, and co-owner of State of Mind Public House and Pizzeria. His is a shop that stands out among the more than 7,000 pizzerias in California, a place worthy of a trip.

Most students and young cooks share common unanswered questions about the process of becoming a cook and chef, how they will fit in a changing industry, and whether or not they made the right decision to choose to pursue a formal culinary education or go the route of the school of hard knocks. They are questions that deserve answers – questions that seek our mentorship and coaching. Join CAFÉ Talks as Paul Sorgule, our podcast host, considers these questions and offers answers from his experience as a chef and educator.

What can be very exciting about a career is not as much what you are doing in the moment as the realization that you never know what you might be doing, or are even be capable of doing, in the future. Preparation for whatever may come, constantly improving your skill set, keeping an open mind, and having a willingness to dip your toe in the water of opportunity can reveal a career that you never imagined. The fields of hospitality and culinary arts offer nearly limitless opportunities to move in new and exciting directions – if you so choose. Join CAFÉ Talks for a conversation with Wendy Hackett, General Manager of the Winery at Bull Run. She is a lifelong ambassador of hospitality with an understanding of what it takes to build, train, and mentor teams and nurture the commitment to creating hospitable environments so that hospitality can take place.

Resources, resources, resources. What we offer in the classroom is only one source important information that will help our students be successful. The industry of food and beverage chances so quickly that it is nearly impossible for our classroom content to keep up. Knowing what resources are available to help students remain current is a necessary part of the teacher's job. There is a plethora of information available to faculty members and students that will do just that. Making them part of our delivery is essential. Join CAFÉ Talks Podcast as we discuss the role of media, in this case SANTE on-line emagazine, with the media company's owner – Emiliano De Laurentiis.

Engagement is the goal of every faculty member. When a class is engaged then the dynamics around real learning is evident. Getting to engagement is a challenge; a challenge that requires helping everyone overcome their fears. When teachers incorporate stories and improvisational problem-solving that results from helping others immerse in those stories, then engagement is more likely to occur. Join CAFÉ Talks Podcast chat with Professor Joseph Conto from Paul Smith's College as he talks about using improvisation as an effective engagement tool in the classroom and in life.

At a time of uncertainty within higher education, it is refreshing to know that there are knowledge leaders working to define what opportunities stand before us. Artificial Intelligence, education as a service industry, on-line education, enrollment decline, value assessment vs. rising costs, and an audience that doesn't learn the same way that previous generations did, all combine into a stew of challenge; a stew that needs the right amount of seasoning from educational leaders, faculty members, and potential students. Join Robert (Skip) Meyers, PhD as CAFÉ Talks leads a discussion about such topics as co-learners, intellectual humility, meta cognition, and hybrid flexible modeling. What will higher education look like in the next decade.

As chefs we have an opportunity to make people smile, to satisfy a need, to inspire, to bring people together, and to express our art on a plate. There is an altruistic side to cooking that not only complements the pragmatic need to operate financially successful kitchens, but to also make a difference in people's lives. Join CAFÉ Talks as we chat with Chef John Schopp – culinary educator, seasoned chef and pastry chef, caterer, entrepreneur, and lover of all art forms as we delve into that altruistic side of cooking that draws so many into the profession.