Heard!

Dr. Amy Latawiec, owner of Rebel Cycle Studio in Detroit, joins us. The holidays can be a stressful time. How do we navigate the desire to be healthy, tend to obligations, and remain happy during the “most joyful time of the year?” What does being healthy or fit even mean? Amy has been a trainer […]

We talked to Nina and Meghan from Street Beet back in March 2019, just before their adventure to Los Angeles for the Vegan Street Fair. Since then, a lot has happened. Of course, they’re continuing their series of successful pop ups. They were also finalists for Hatch Detroit and they’re currently using IndieGoGo to fund […]

In a mostly symbolic gesture, the House of Representatives voted to increase the minimum wage to $15/hr in Summer 2019. If the minimum wage were to increase, how would that impact hospitality businesses? We are joined by Sandy Levine, owner of The Oakland, Chartreuse, and the upcoming Freya and Dragonfly, and Frank Lanzkron-Tamarazo, owner of […]

Chris Southern, General Manager & Director of Production of Detroit Vineyards, joins us to discuss what it’s like operating Detroit’s first winery in 60 years. Detroit Vineyards is inside the former Stroh’s Ice Cream building on Gratiot & Antietam. Southern has been with Detroit Vineyards for just five weeks, but he has big plans. To […]

Sexual harassment in the restaurant industry is pervasive. According to a recent Harvard Business Review article, 90% of women and 70% of men report being harassed. I am joined this week by Melanie Mack, a bartendress, and my special co-host Sagen Isham of Working Class Outlaws. Our discussion starts with some facts about sexual harassment […]

Last time we spoke with Matt Buskard, owner of Bobcat Bonnie’s, he was reopening the second Bobcat Bonnie’s in Wyandotte. Since Episode 56 in April 2018, Matt has reopened Wyandotte and has opened a new location in Ferndale and is about to open one in Ypsilanti. Opening one successful location is tricky, but what about […]

Christine Anschuetz is the Pastry Chef at The Henry in Dearborn, MI. Christine attended culinary school in her 30s after leaving her job as a teacher. She has brought a lot of what she learned in teaching to her career as a chef. Her love of the culinary world is very evident. She chooses to […]

Executive Chef Ken Miller and Restaurant Manager Jackie Phillips of Toasted Oak Grill & Market in Novi, MI, join us this week to discuss front and back of house operations of their award winning restaurant. Toasted Oak is inside of The Baronette Renaissance Detroit, but is much more than what you might assume a hotel […]

Chef Teren Green (Chef T) joins us to talk about his path from cooking in Royal Oak to cooking for the 2019 FIFA World Cup Champions United States Women’s Soccer Team. Chef T made stops in upstate New York and Auburn Hills too. We discuss clean eating, recovery meals, superstitions, and much more. The importance […]

“The Liquid Chef” Junior Merino is the Executive Chef at M Cantina in Dearborn, MI. Merino’s approach to food and drink is steeped in history, familial connections, and sensory exploration. Calling M Cantina, “a Mexican restaurant,” is only part of the story. Yes, Merino is cooking Mexican food, but his explanation of what that means […]

In partnership with Schoolcraft College and their Culinary Program, Culinary Department Chair and Certified Master Chef Shawn Loving joins us to discuss his journey. From Schoolcraft Culinary School to working for Disney to opening Loving Spoonful in Farmington Hills to bringing his career full circle back at Schoolcraft, Chef Loving has done a lot in […]

Mick Descamps, wine director at Red Wagon Wine Shoppe and advanced sommelier, believes media coverage on beverage programs has not kept with the coverage food gets around metro Detroit. Food & beverage work hand in hand to create a successful restaurant. We try to figure out why beverage doesn’t receive the attention it rightfully deserves. […]

Sagen Isham, marketing and events manager for the Working Class Outlaws, joins us to discuss what it’s like to manage the social media, philanthropic endeavors, events and more for Imperial, Public House, and Antihero. She is the voice of all three brands and is incredibly passionate about her job and everything that goes along with […]

Justin King, owner of Bridge Street Social & the forthcoming Bar Mitena and advanced sommelier, joins us to discuss a whole range of wine related issues. Bridge Street Social has over 130 wines available by the glass and is located in the town of Dewitt, which has just over 4,500 people. It’s an unique concept, […]

Carlos Parisi, owner of Aunt Nee’s/Sandwich Connoisseur/Host of Sandwich Talk Podcast/Pop Up Entrepreneur/Food Enthusiast, joins us to discuss all of his many roles and how he bends time & space to have enough hours in the day. You may know Aunt Nee’s from Eastern Market or your local grocery store. Carlos can be found all […]

Chefs Brendon Edwards and Hailey Enszer from Gold Cash Gold in Detroit join me to discuss the very welcome change in seasons. We talk menu changes, cocktails, donuts, brunch, patios, and more. You can learn more about Gold Cash Gold at http://goldcashgolddetroit.com. Thanks for listening! Please take a moment to subscribe and review Heard! You […]

Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez are the duo behind MLive’s wildly popular “Michigan’s Best” series. Hot off the announcement of their search for Michigan’s Best Waterfront Restaurant, Amy & John join me to discuss Michigan’s Best and how unique a project like this truly is. You can read all about Michigan’s Best at https://www.mlive.com/michigansbest/. Thanks […]

Bob Bennett, head chef of Zingerman’s Roadhouse in Ann Arbor, Michigan, joins us to talk about biscuits, bacon, and so much more. Zingerman’s presents Camp Bacon this week. Camp Bacon focuses on educating attendees on the history of bacon, and best practices on farming and preparing bacon, all while supporting the Southern Foodways Alliance. Zingerman’s […]

Mamba Hamissi, co-owner of Baobab Fare, joins us. Mamba and Nadia, his wife, are opening Detroit’s first East African restaurant. The journey to open Baobab Fare has been intense. Mamba paints a vivid narrative about his life leading up to opening a restaurant including fleeing Burundi as a refugee, learning English as his fifth language, […]

Deni Smiljanovski, owner of Lazybones Smokehouse & partner in Brown Iron Brewhouse, joins us to discuss the longevity of Lazybones and what’s on the horizon for Brown Iron as they open a second Brown Iron location in Royal Oak. Deni is a classically trained chef, but is making the transition from chef to owner. We […]

Yani, bartender and partner at Bad Luck Bar, joins us to discuss rum, his life leading up to opening Bad Luck, blending spirits, alcohol allocation, and much more. You can find out more about Bad Luck at https://www.badluckbar.com/ or on Instagram @badluckbar. Special thanks to Axle Brewing Co., our sponsor for this week’s episode. Axle […]

Chef Allie Lyttle joins us to talk about her upcoming brunch residency at Revolver in Hamtramck and food tours with Detroit History Tours. Allie has worked in multiple kitchens over the years. Running the Revolver kitchen will the next adventure on her culinary path. To learn more about Allie’s brunches, visit https://www.revolverhamtramck.com/. Thanks for listening! […]

Michelle Rodriguez, chef/owner of Amor Comida, joins us all the way from Traverse City. We talk about her stay in Detroit, where she ate, and what she learned. Even at the young age of 31, Michelle has lived an adventurous life, but with adventures come highs and lows. You can follow Michelle on Instagram @amor_comida. […]

Chef Jeremy Kalmus joins us to talk about his journey from culinary school to chef to chef/business owner. Jeremy has worked in restaurants, Ford Field, and now for himself. We focus on work life balance because it is often forgotten about in the restaurant industry. You can learn about Ruckus Taco at ruckustaco.com. Thanks for listening! […]

EPISODE 100! For this sweet occasion, we are joined by the co-owner of Good Cakes and Bakes, April Anderson. Situated on the “Avenue of Fashion,” in Detroit, Good Cakes and Bakes is more than a bakery, it is a community space opened to anyone who wishes to spend time there. As a bakery that uses […]

Meghan Shaw and Nina Paletta, creators/owners of Street Beet, join us to talk about their wildly popular vegan pop up series based off fast food restaurants. By creating vegan versions of accessible fast food dishes, Street Beet is widening awareness of vegan cooking. You can find more about Street Beet, including their event schedule, at […]

Adela Bejo, owner and baker of HipHopBakeShop.com, joins us to discuss her journey from Albania to Detroit to Chicago and back to Detroit. Moving to the United States at 12 years old, Adela learned a lot from hip hop and it impacted her life forever. Her passion is Hip Hop Bake Shop, currently an online […]

With a lot of media coverage focused on new restaurants in Detroit, there is very little focus given to Detroit residents who cannot afford to eat at those restaurants. Kibibi Blount-Dorn is the Education and Engagement Program Manager for the Detroit Food Policy Council. With close to 50% of Detroit households facing food insecurity, the […]

Michael Barrera, executive chef/partner at Latido at Joebar, joins us to discuss his new restaurant concept inside Joebar in Hazel Park. Latido is a Latin American concept rooted in culture, cuisine, and creativity helmed by Barrera and Chef de Cuisine Moses Fishman. We talk about work culture, training, Michael’s previous jobs, and more. Mark Kurlyandchik […]

Cliff Skighwalker, host of Thrillist’s Instachef and the chef behind Cliff’s Pizza, joins us to talk about his wildly popular new series and his blossoming Detroit Style Pizza business. Instachef’s first season recently ended and it included a powerhouse list of celebrities including Big Sean, Machine Gun Kelly, Leslie Grace, and more. Cliff’s Pizza is […]

Anthony Morrow, owner of Pulp Media & producer of Detroit Cocktail Week, joins us to talk about the many facets of event planning. Detroit Cocktail Week is a signature event all around metro Detroit and started as the Detroit Cocktail Classic. We also talk about the passing away of Olga Loizon, the Olga behind Olga’s […]

Grace Keros, third generation of American Coney Island, joins us to talk about her 100+ year old business that has made the Coney Dog famous. The Coney Dog is one of Detroit’s quintessential foods. American Coney Island has three locations – Detroit, the Detroit Zoo, and Las Vegas inside The D Hotel – and they […]

Just like how we started 2018, we begin 2019 with Mallory Brown. We left off last year with Mallory embarking on Walk a Mile, an initiative where she walks a mile with 26 different women from different countries. We focus on her first video that takes place in Tanzania with Elizabeth, a woman who makes […]

Rachel Lutz owns The Peacock Room, Yama, and Frida, 3 retail stores in Detroit. Though these stores are different, there is a very strong focus on hospitality in each. We talk to Rachel about her stores, her thoughts on customer service & hospitality, and much more. This is our last episode of 2018! Thanks for […]

Chef Kieron Hales has an incredibly storied past. From cooking for the Queen of England to cooking for multiple Presidents of the United States to becoming a sous chef at Zingerman’s Roadhouse, Hales’ history is impressive. He joins us to discuss his past, his present position as managing partner at Zingerman’s Cornman Farms, and his […]

Travis Fahley, Michigan Farm Bureau Board Director & full time farmer, joins us to discuss his life as a farmer. Travis is a 3rd generation cash crop farmer from Emmett, MI. Michigan Farm Bureau is the state’s largest general agricultural organization that advocates and lobbies on behalf of its members and the agriculture industry at […]

Ken Schramm, owner of Schramm’s Mead and the author of The Compleat Meadmaker, joins us to talk about mead. Mead is an alcoholic beverage created by fermenting honey with water, sometimes with various fruits, spices, grains, or hops. Schramm’s Mead is widely regarded as some of the best mead in the world. We learn a […]

There’s no talk of birds in this episode. Instead we discuss the fascination world of bees with the founder of Bees in the D, Brian Peterson-Roest. We spend some time differentiating between bees and wasps, then we get to the sweet stuff – honey! Brian is incredibly passionate about bees and their positive impact on […]

Sandy Levine, owner of The Oakland Art Novelty Company and Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails, sits down with Joe to discuss how things have changed since opening The Oakland. From opening one of metro Detroit’s first craft cocktail bars to opening a restaurant in Detroit to planning a Hospitality Workshop, Sandy has a lot of fascinating […]

Zach Berg, owner of Mongers’ Provisions in Ferndale and (soon to be) Detroit, talks the world and history of cheese with us. Cheese is widely consumed, often times as a condiment of sorts. Zach explains how we have arrived at this point and how we can seek out cheese mongers like him to point us […]

MyThy Huynh, also known as @MightyintheMitten on Instagram, joins us to discuss her very popular Instagram account and her upcoming kitchen takeover at Hazel Park’s Mabel Gray. We offer congratulations to Motor City Gas and Black Star Farms for the recent national press they have received and we bid farewell to another Royal Oak restaurant. […]

Will Branch, co-owner of Corridor Sausage, joins us to talk about growing Corridor Sausage from farmer’s markets all the way to Kroger. Based out of Detroit, Corridor Sausage can now be found in over 130 Kroger stores across Michigan. We discuss Will’s insistence on using only the finest ingredients and how that has impacted Corridor […]

Hospitality aficionado and bartender Joe Schubert joins us to discuss etiquette. From being a host to being a guest, we discuss the proper way to act in certain situations. We also talk about reviews and how to handle less than great service in restaurants and bars. You can follow Joe’s bartending escapades on Instagram @Spirits_Counselor. […]

Chef Doran Brooks joins us to talk about White Wolf Japanese Patisserie, a Japanese bakery & coffee bar opening in Clawson some time in early 2019. White Wolf will be one of the only Japanese bakeries in metro Detroit. You can learn more about White Wolf and keep track of its progress at https://www.whitewolfbakery.com/. Thanks […]

Adam Merkel, chef/owner of Adam Merkel Restaurants, joins us to discuss his growing group of restaurants. Merkel started in Milford and is in the process of opening two new places in Royal Oak. Merkel Restaurants are heavily focused on hospitality and quality of life for employees. Thanks for listening! Please take a moment to subscribe […]

Megan Ackroyd, owner of Ackroyd’s Scottish Bakery, joins us to discuss the pros and cons of taking over her family business. Small business ownership brings with it certain types of stress and also gratification. Owning a nearly 70 year old family business brings additional issues. Megan touches on some of those issues. You can learn […]

Chef Brandon Zarb joins us to discuss his recent transition from chef to educator. Brandon recently left an executive chef position to take on a role as an educator at Rising Stars Academy in Centerline, MI. Rising Stars Academy is a school for students ages 18-26 with special needs. They provide a unique curriculum, rooted […]

Hospitality Consultant Genevieve Jona joins us to discuss a range of issues from Lafayette Coney Island now accepting credit cards, operating as a cash only business, bar design and how it impacts employees, and much more. We also offer some marketing advice that should be considered. Thanks for listening! Please take a moment to rate […]

This week we welcome Erick Castro aka @hungrybartender from the @bartenderatlarge team. We discuss his pop-up at Sugar House Detroit, the first iteration of his bartender documentary, his successful beverage podcast and myriad of topics surrounding cocktails and cocktail culture. Listen to the podcast to hear his West Coast celebrity stories too. Thanks for listening! […]

Madeline Puckette, co-founder of Wine Folly, joins us via phone to talk about her new book, Wine Folly: Magnum Edition: The Master Guide. If Wine Folly’s mission can be distilled to two words, it would be “simplify wine.” Through the use of whimsical illustrations, informative maps, and more, Wine Folly tries to demystify wine in […]