Andrew Talks to Chefs Podcast
1) Chris Shepherd (Southern Smoke Foundation) on Finding the Kitchen, Cooking Instinctually, and Answering the Call
Chris Shepherd, Founding Director and Honorary Chairman of the Southern Smoke Foundation, discusses his own evolution as a chef, and the origin story of the organization he started.
2) When It's Time to Say Goodbye to the Industry: A Special Conversation with Chef Andrew Turner, Proprietor of Valley Wine Merchants (Newburg, OR)
In a candid conversation, Chef Andrew Turner shares how he decided to depart the industry, how he did it, and what life on the other side has been like.
3) Adam McFarland & Tom Rogers LIVE! at their Hit Chicago Restaurant John's Food & Wine (Recorded Before an Industry Audience During the 2025 James Beard Foundation Awards Weekend)
Before a live audience, Adam McFarland & Tom Rogers share the backstory of their Chicago hit John's Food & Wine, and their innovative service model and staffing practices.
4) Maria Rodriguez (Head Bartender, Cantina Rosa--Chicago) on Mixologists versus Bartenders, What Makes a Great Drink, & Military-Restaurant Industry Parallels
Maria Rodriguez, head bartender of Chicago's Cantina Rosa, breaks down the full spectrum of factors in creating a great beverage program.
5) Jackie Carnesi (Kellogg's Diner--Brooklyn) on Learning to Love New York, Preserving Landmark Restaurants, and the Push-Pull of Fine Dining
Jackie Carnesi, the chef behind the reinvigoration of Brooklyn's Kellogg's Diner, discusses her Texas upbringing, move to NYC, and evolution as a chef.
6) Yara Herrera (Hellbender restaurant--Queens, NY) on Standing Out, Fitting in, and Honing Your Culinary Voice
Chef Yara Herrera shares the LA fine-dining path that, perhaps surprisingly, led to her breakout success at Hellbender restaurant in Ridgewood, Queens (NYC).
7) Douglas Keane (Chef-Owner, Cyrus; Author, Culinary Leverage) on Kitchen Culture, the Cost of Ego, and the Pace of Change
Chef Douglas Keane (Cyrus, Geyserville, CA) discusses his book Culinary Leverage, which mingles his story with thoughts on how the industry needs to change.
8) Anne McBride (Vice President of Impact, James Beard Foundation) Discusses the Foundation's 2025 Independent Restaurant Industry Report
James Beard Foundation's VP of Impact Anne McBride discusses the findings of the Foundation's 2025 Independent Restaurant Industry Report.
9) John Birdsall (author, What Is Queer Food? How We Served a Revolution) on Community, Culture, and Quiche
Friend of the pod John Birdsall returns to discuss his compelling new book What Is Queer Food? How We Served a Revolution.
10) Nidal Barake (One of Each podcast) on Infiltrating the Chef World, Global Travel, and Adapting to the Moment
Nidal Barake discusses his podcast One of Each, which features chefs & other guests who are passionate about food and restaurants.