Fell Into Food Podcast

In the demanding world of the food industry, many professionals struggle with mental health and self-care. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or burned out, you’re not alone. The food industry is known for its high stress and long hours, often leading to burnout among professionals.

This week I welcome back Mike Messerroff. Mike is a 30-year hospitality industry veteran turned Personal Freedom Coach and mindfulness advocate. After a high-octane career that saw him go from being JetBlue’s first-ever intern to bartending across the globe—from the Caribbean to New Zealand—Mike reached a breaking...

Navigating the bustling world of bars and restaurants often presents unique challenges, especially for bartenders who juggle multiple tasks each night. But what if there was a way to simplify one of the most tedious jobs? In this weeks episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Naoki Sonoda, a former bartender who identified a significant pain point in the industry and turned it into an innovative solution.

Naoki's story begins like many others: with uncertainty about his future. After graduating high school in 1995, he pursued an English literature degree, initially dreaming of a career in music...

It’s been a long time coming, but we finally got one of my favorite people, Chef Alvy Lima, back in the studio. Alvy has been flying all over the world lately, and he’s back to give us the download on everything from his newest business ventures to the shifts he's seeing in global food trends. We jump right into the deep end of the "tech vs. tradition" debate, specifically looking at how AI is shaking up the life of a corporate chef. For full background watch episode 1.

Alvy breaks down how he’s using AI as a t...

My guest today is a high-level designer and tech visionary who has spent his career at the intersection of human behavior and digital innovation. From building a music curation startup to working at tech giants like Square and Lyft, Mario Gomez-Hall has always been obsessed with one thing: Curation. Growing up with a father who consulted for fisheries, he has a deep-rooted respect for the food industry and the people who make it run. Now, he’s applying that expertise to fix one of the most frustrating parts of being a foodie—finding a place to eat that doesn't suck...

Ian Sutherland’s background in logistics began with his wife, who had extensive experience in freight and shipping. Together, they have accumulated over 50 years in the industry, specializing in containerization and managing large-scale events. Ian's expertise led him to work on major projects, including the Sydney Olympics and the Australian Grand Prix, where he learned the importance of meticulous planning and execution. This foundation set the stage for his transformative trip to Dubai, where logistics played a crucial role in delivering a world-class experience.

In 2005, Ian's wife surprised him with a trip to Dubai for his 50th bi...

In the latest episode of the Fell into Food podcast, I chat with Emmanuel Laroche, a flavor explorer and author, to uncover the hidden culinary gems of Madagascar. Known for its rich biodiversity and unique food culture, Madagascar offers much more than just vanilla; it is a treasure trove of flavors waiting to be discovered.

Emmanuel Laroche, with a background in organic chemistry and an MBA in marketing, has spent over three decades in the food industry, driven by a passion for flavors. He describes himself as a "flavor explorer," someone who is always curious about discovering...

This week on the Fell Into Food podcast, I’m doing something I’ve never done before—a solo episode. I realized that while I’ve shared bits and pieces of my background with guests, I’ve never actually told you the full story of how I got here. This episode is just as much for me as it is for my listeners. I was scared, nervous, anxious, and everything in between deciding to hit record. My goal was to step out of my comfort zone and tell the truth of my story. 

I’m taking you...

In a world where culinary creativity often collides with traditional methods, Chef Charles Wong has carved a niche for himself in the bustling food scene of Chicago. Transitioning from a successful finance career to becoming the pit master of Umamicue, he is redefining barbecue by fusing Central Texas techniques with the rich flavors of his Vietnamese and Chinese heritage. Join us as we delve into his journey, innovative concepts, and the passion that drives his culinary creations.

Chef Charles journey to becoming a celebrated pit master is anything but conventional. After spending 12 years in...

In the world of hospitality, genuine passion often stems from unique personal histories. Seth Alexander, co-founder of Barrel Aged Management, exemplifies this truth through his remarkable journey from a deli in South Florida to managing high-profile restaurant ventures across the nation. Join us as we explore the insights and experiences that shaped his career in the food and beverage industry.

Seth Alexander’s love for hospitality began in his youth, deeply influenced by his grandfathers. One ran a deli, while the other was a developer who recognized the importance of integrating dining experiences into hi...

In Part 2 of my conversation with Pedrom Rejai, we pick up right at his pivotal decision to leave a secure corporate career to launch Elevate Growth Partners. We discuss the "midlife crisis" that led him to Mexico City and the corporate habits he had to unlearn to become a founder.

We dive deep into the tech side of food, covering why spreadsheets are liability traps , how AI is revolutionizing supply chains , and why you should be using tools like "Nano Banana" right now. Pedrom also shares his bold predictions for 2026—from protein sweeteners to th...

This week, I sit down with Pedrom Rejai. Pedrom is a supply chain expert and former Unilever executive who managed portfolios worth over $1.4 billion. With a background in chemical engineering, he has led operations for major brands like Hellmann’s and Dove. He now runs Elevate Growth Partners, helping small and medium-sized food businesses automate processes, scale operations, and navigate the chaos of growth.

In Part 1, we dive into his "Fell Into Food" moment at a corn milling plant in Nebraska and his time running the Hellmann’s factory in Chicago, where they pump out...

From circling job ads in Time Out New York to running the kitchen at the massive, high-volume beast that is Buddakan, Chef Ed Harris has always been a study in contrasts. He was born in St. Lucia and raised in Guyana, yet built his reputation mastering French technique and Asian fusion. He is a Chopped champion who can break down a whole lamb, but today he is best known for his "Veganish" philosophy—a sustainable approach to eating that bridges the gap between high-end flavor and plant-based health.

In this episode, we unpack Ed’s jo...

This week, I sit down with Chef Adina Mullen—a culinary artist, TV host, and author of Vegan Flavors of the World.

Adina didn’t just stumble into plant-based cooking; she was pushed there by severe allergies to casein and eggs. But instead of seeing limitations, she saw a blank canvas. We talk about her journey from aspiring wedding cake decorator to traveling the globe, researching cuisines from Brazil to Ethiopia, and translating those memories into accessible plant-based recipes.

We dive into the "food as art" philosophy behind her cook...

This week, I sit down with Stephanie Lind—a sales powerhouse and the founder of Elohi Strategic Advisors. Stephanie is a veteran of the food and beverage industry who has led strategy for giants like PepsiCo and Impossible Foods, but her story starts way before that. We talk about her "fell into food" moment selling Girl Scout cookies at age five, and how a lesson from her mother about getting "nine nos to get to the yes" shaped her entire career.

Stephanie shares her path from driving a Frito-Lay truck to telling Impossible Foods they were "doing it...

This week I had the pleasure of chatting with Melissa & Noelle from Governess. We dove into the fascinating world of consumer product goods (CPG), exploring their journey, the critical role of brand voice, and how design shapes impactful brands. We also tackled the challenges and opportunities within the CPG space, discussed AI's influence on copywriting, and highlighted the power of storytelling in brand building.

Melissa Blaser

Founder, Chief Creative Officer

Melissa spent 17 years at ad agencies TBWA\Chiat\Day, David&Goliath, and Crispin Porter + Bogusky writing campaigns for Old Navy...

This week, I sat down with Aaron Sharpe from Testo. Aaron started his journey wanting to decorate cakes — and ended up helping operators across the country rethink how they handle food safety. We talked about how a passion for pastry turned into a career that now bridges the gap between chefs, data, and smarter kitchen tools.

Aaron breaks down how tech can actually make things simpler, why we’re always five years behind Europe, and what it means to truly invest in food safety instead of just reacting to health inspections. We also get into...

What happens when a bartender-turned-line-cook sees a better way to organize a walk-in cooler? You get Michael Smith — an operator, inventor, and all-around hospitality grinder. In this episode, Mike shares his path from small-town Ohio to the kitchens of Columbus to running concessions for The Ohio State University, and how a simple idea turned into a full-blown product: Rameking.

We talk about finding your purpose, managing stadium events, and the power of creating something useful (and simple) in an industry full of over complication. We also get into his LinkedIn innovation group, the emotional ro...

This week, I sit down with Jeanne Jones — a lifelong culinary pro turned food blogger behind A Jeannie in the Kitchen. We talk about everything from cutting onions in goggles to working 18-hour days in catering, why she left the restaurant industry, and how she found new purpose in writing.

Jeanne’s journey is filled with honesty, grit, and a deep love for food — whether she’s whipping up “first overs” or crafting a whole new recipe from leftovers. We also chat about staying real in a world full of filters, learning to pivot, and why creativity (not perfecti...

This week, I sit down with Chef Franck Desplechin — someone who’s spent decades in Michelin-starred kitchens and luxury hotels but has taken a step back to focus on what really matters. We talk about his new book Relentless Growth, but more importantly, we talk about what growth actually costs. Franck gets into burnout, ego, family, leadership, and what it means to build a life—not just a resume. This one’s for anyone who’s ever hit a wall, looked around, and realized success doesn’t always feel the way you thought it would.

Guest: Che...

Evan Duignan went from rolling silverware in a dish pit to rolling out an industry-shifting machine. In this episode, Evan shares the startup journey behind Roller Express, how automation is reshaping hospitality, and the surprising lessons he learned building AlphaMated from scratch. It’s a real conversation about innovation, grit, and solving problems that actually matter.

AlphaMated Website - https://www.alphamated.com

AlphaMated Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alphamated

Evan Duignan LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-duignan-125975b6

Listen to the fu...

This week I sit down with Emra Nation from Oregon Fruit to talk all things beverage. We dive into the massive shift away from alcohol, the rise of mocktails, dirty sodas, boba, and why Gen Z is driving this movement. Emra’s insights into menu trends, functional ingredients, and her favorite new drinks make this one of the most fun and eye-opening convos I’ve had. If you’re in foodservice and not thinking about your drink menu—this episode’s your wake-up call.

Guest: Emra Nation

Company: Oregon Fruit Products

Email: e...

In Part 2 of our conversation, Dustin dives deep into the hard truths of the restaurant industry — from outdated mentalities and toxic kitchen culture to how chefs can reclaim time, sanity, and sustainability through systems and tech. We unpack the power of efficiency, why automation isn’t the enemy, and how younger generations are reshaping the culinary world with curiosity, transparency, and a demand for purpose.

Dustin also shares his personal evolution — from pushing himself into burnout in his restaurant days to launching Meez Konceptz, a chef-driven agency that’s shaking up how food businesses build br...

In Part 1 of my conversation with Dustin Selvaggio, we dive into the evolution of chef culture, the science behind koji, and how food tech like dry-aging cabinets and fermentation is reshaping kitchens. From navigating ego to pushing flavor boundaries, Dustin breaks down how chefs can stay creative without getting stuck in outdated mindsets.

Guest

Dustin Selvaggio - Dustin is a chef, fermentation specialist, consultant, and unapologetically curious human. With a background rooted in high-end kitchens and a present-day focus on building systems that blend science with soul, he’s redefining what it me...

Guest:

Shane Lee – Founder of Dharma Food Group | Food Systems Innovator | MAP Packaging Expert

From sweeping peanut shells at LongHorn Steakhouse to managing multimillion-dollar senior meal operations, Shane Lee’s journey into food was anything but planned. In this episode, we dive deep into the industrial side of food—how modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) changes shelf life, how Shane builds medically tailored meals at scale, and why the future of food might look a lot more like the past. We talk regenerative agriculture, packaging tech, food equity, and how to feed people better...

From fine dining kitchens to chemical engineering labs to mushroom farms, Jim Fuller’s journey is anything but ordinary. In this episode, we dig into how shiitake stems became a slow-cooked brisket alternative, why most mushroom prep is all wrong (hint: boil them first), and what it takes to scale a mycelium-powered meat alternative across the globe. If you’ve ever wondered what food looks like in the next 10 years, start with mushrooms.

Jim Fuller – Co-founder of Fable Food, Chef, Chemical Engineer, Mushroom Expert

Chapters

00:00 From West Texas...

In this episode, I’m joined by Rob Mattoch—a chef-turned-equipment-expert who’s out to make kitchens more human. We talk about how he fell into food growing up in Hawai’i, what sparked his transition from the line to the factory floor, and how he’s using smart design and cook-chill systems to reduce burnout and increase consistency in kitchens everywhere.

We also dig into his work with Nourish Colorado, where he’s been helping school kitchens level up for over a decade. From improving kitchen flow to cleaning speed racks (seriously), Rob’s mission is a...

In this episode, I’m joined by Luis Alvarado, one of the first cooks I ever worked with—back in our casino kitchen days. We catch up on life, swap some wild kitchen stories, and make his elevated version of corn in a cup (with a twist). From cutting our teeth on the line to where we’ve both landed today, this one’s full of laughs, nostalgia, and solid perspective on how far we’ve come.

We talk about how he fell into food, working the grill at the steakhouse, wild wedding catering stories, t...

In this episode, I sit down with Mike Messeroff, a former bartender who traded the fast-paced hospitality grind for a life of mindfulness and personal freedom. We talk about his journey from working behind the bar to coaching people on how to slow down, reduce stress, and actually enjoy life.

Mike shares practical ways to avoid burnout, prioritize well-being, and rethink what success really means—especially in an industry that’s all about hustle. We also get into meditation, gratitude, and why so many people feel stuck in a cycle they don’t actually want t...

This episode is best watched vs listened to. We were live on sight in the Content Kitchen. You don’t want to miss out.

This episode is all about mushrooms—how to cook them, why they’re blowing up right now, and how they can completely change the way you think about food. I sat down with Tommy “The Mushroom Man” and Johnny from Windy City Mushrooms to talk about everything from pressing and searing mushrooms for the perfect texture to using them as a legit meat alternative. We even got into wild foraging, homemade m...

In this episode of Fell Into Food, I sit down with Lenzy Ruffin, a former IT professional who unexpectedly found his way into the food industry—helping chefs turn their passion into cooking shows. Lenzy shares his journey from building computer networks to producing high-quality video content for chefs, and how a personal project turned into a full-blown business. We dive into why chefs need to stop overcomplicating the process and just start recording, the importance of consistency in content creation, and how video can be a powerful tool for food education and business growth. Lenzy also gets personal, di...

I had a fantastic conversation with Aaron Shapiro, the founder of Grillicious, a company revolutionizing the way we add flavor to our food. 

Aaron's journey began with a simple desire for a better grilling experience, leading him to develop innovative flavor-infused cooking wipes. These wipes not only enhance the taste of food but also offer a healthier and more convenient alternative to traditional oil and seasoning methods. 

We discussed the evolution of Grillicious, the challenges of the CPG market, and the importance of staying true to your vision. Aaron al...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Andreas Duess, a true innovator who’s blending his deep-rooted passion for food with cutting-edge AI technology. From growing up on a farm and working in restaurant kitchens to building Canada’s largest independent food and drink ad agency, Andreas has seen it all.

We dive deep into how AI is revolutionizing the food industry, making it more efficient and data-driven. Andreas shares how tools like ChatGPT can help operators optimize menus, reduce waste, and even predict trends like GLP-1-friendly dishes and alcohol-free beve...

I had the pleasure of speaking with Chris Stein, the Corporate Innovation Chef at Brakebush, who shared his unique journey from biology student to food scientist to chef. We dive into the fascinating intersection of culinary arts and food science, and how this blend has shaped his approach to product development. Chris shares insights about the evolving food industry, the impact of global flavor trends, and the crucial role of food scientists in creating consistent, scalable products. He also offers advice to young professionals about the value of learning both culinary and food science to stay ahead in the...

This week I’m cooking with the amazing Chef Joe Arvin and chatted about his journey from a small-town boy with big dreams to becoming a household name in the culinary world. We dove deep into how new technologies, like electric and ventless kitchen equipment, are transforming kitchens, making life easier for chefs, and ensuring every dish comes out perfect. Joe also opened up about the importance of consistency in cooking, his time on Big Brother, and the lessons he learned along the way. Plus, he shared some fantastic behind-the-scenes stories from his TV appearances and his passion for cr...

Welcome back to another episode of the Fell Into Food podcast! I’m Chef Jeff Fell, and as promised, we’re diving into part two of our visit to Windy City Mushroom. This time, we're taking a deeper look at their operation with John. Today, we're exploring the nitty-gritty of mushroom farming right in the heart of Chicago’s South Side. John walks us through their unique setup, from the concrete-heavy city farm environment to their state-of-the-art production facility. We get a detailed tour of their entire process, from the innovative bagging and sterilization methods to the intricate incubation stages...

In this episode of the Fell Into Food podcast, I had the pleasure of visiting Fisher Farms and chatting with Dave and Joseph Fischer. Broadcasting live from a field, we explored the diverse and sustainable farming practices that make Fischer Farms a standout in the industry. From their multi-crop system that enhances soil health to their meticulous attention to cattle genetics and diet, the Fischers detailed how they maintain top-quality beef production. They emphasized the importance of a stress-free environment for their cattle, from pasture to processing, ensuring both humane treatment and superior meat quality. Our conversation highlighted their...

Welcome to another episode of the Fell Into Food Podcast! Today I'm joined by Don Zajac, Chairman of the ACF Chicago division. We dive into his 43-year culinary journey, from humble beginnings to leading in the ACF Don shares his expertise, while we cook up some delicious dishes. Tune in for a blend of culinary tips, professional insights, and a touch of gourmet magic!

ACFchefs.org

ACFchicagochefs.org

Follow Jeff:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@FellIntoFood

Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/fell-into-food

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In this episode, I sit down with John from Windy City Mushrooms to explore the fascinating world of gourmet mushrooms. We discuss their innovative farming techniques, their mission to produce a million pounds of mushrooms, and their efforts in sustainable agriculture. John shares his journey from a personal trainer to a mushroom farmer, detailing how they grew their operation to supply high-quality mushrooms to local markets and restaurants. We are back in the IDM Content Kitchen cooking up some delicious mushroom-based recipes that highlight the versatility and health benefits of these superfoods. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on...

I'm excited to share the latest episode of The Fell Into Food Podcast. This episode I experimented a little and wanted to actually create while I had a conversation with my guest. So we setup the kitchen to do just that. The episode is best watched however, I sped up the dead air spots to make it as good of a listening experience as possible.

With that being said this week, I'm joined by Jeremy Caimens from Kerry Foods, and we're diving into some of the hottest drink trends. From the chewy delights of...

In this episode of the Fell Into Food podcast, I interview Maisie Ganzler, a strategic advisor for Bon Appetit Management Company and author of "You Can't Market Manure at Lunchtime." We discuss Maisie's journey into sustainability, the significance of integrating sustainable practices in the food industry, and the complexities involved. Maisie shares insights from her book, including challenges such as the misconception that sustainability is costlier and strategies to overcome these obstacles. We delve into specific examples like sustainable seafood and antibiotic-free beef, illustrating how sustainability can be cost-neutral and even drive profitability. Additionally, Maisie highlights the importance of...