Shows
The Counter ChroniclesAlissa Timoshkina - writer, activist, cookbook author, and co-founder of Cook for UkraineI am so honored to introduce you to today's guest, Alissa Timoshkina. In her teenage years, she left Russia for England. Now, having moved through a career in academia, she is a London based writer, cookbook author, creator of KinoVino, and activist. Most recently, Alissa and her dear friend, Olia Hercules, founded Cook for Ukraine, an initiative they started within 48 hours of the war on Ukraine by Russia. To date, they have raised approximately 1 million pounds which has been donated to UNICEF. Aliss and Olia who has shown tremendous bravery and leadership in calling out the a...2022-05-1349 min
The Counter ChroniclesPatrick Miller - chef and founder of Faccia Brutto SpiritsToday's episode is with Patrick Miller, chef, formerly of one of my favorite restaurants, Rucola, in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, and founder, distiller, and creator of Faccia Brutto Spirits. They are a Brooklyn based liquor company that uses a variety of botanicals to make Italian spirits, namely before and after dinner drinks (aperitivo and amaros) popularized in Italy. If you're enjoying the show, it means so much to me if you link to it on your social media, share with friends and family, and help support not only the work I'm doing on the podcast but also all th...2022-05-0242 min
The Counter ChroniclesKristen Carbone -- entrepreneur and founder of BrilliantlyToday's guest is Kristen Carbone, founder of Brilliantly, a wearable warming device for survivors of breast cancer and mastectomies. Kristen tragically lost her mother in her early twenties due to metastic breast cancer. The followed a decade of testing, health insurance difficulties, anxiety, and stress about developing breast cancer, until she ultimately decided to undergo a preventative mastectomy and implant reconstruction.Among the many challenges that came after the procedure, one of which, was the loss of sensation and constant feeling of coldness in her chest. In ensuing conversations with other other who had undergone mastectomies and rec...2022-04-0950 min
The Counter ChroniclesKatie Quinn -- author, YouTube host, podcaster, creator, exploring all things travel and foodThis is the last podcast of 2021 and we are going out with a bang with someone I am very excited to introduce you to. Author, YouTube host, and podcaster, Katie Quinn. Katie has a very popular YouTube channel where she creates videos of her travels, cultural experiences, and of course incredible food. Katie is also an author of a new book: Cheese, Wine, and Bread: Discovering the Magic of Fermentation in England, Italy, and France. The book is an in depth dive into the world of the artisans, farmers, cheesemakers, bakers, and winemakers behind the 3 pillars of chee...2021-12-2354 min
The Counter ChroniclesPeter Hoffman -- writer, chef, restauranteur, and trailblazer of farm-to-table cookingToday's guest is Peter Hoffman, a man I've long admired for his greenmarket ingredient driven food, his former restaurants (Savoy, Back Forty, and Back Forty West), his passion and commitment to the land and the food and farmers behind it. Peter is the author of the highly acclaimed book, "What Good?: A Memoir in Fourteen Ingredients." From the moment I cracked the spine and dove in to this book, I knew I was in good hands. Peter's writing is as eloquent and beautiful as his cooking was, weaving together stories of his childhood, restaurant life in NYC, the...2021-12-1353 min
The Counter ChroniclesBrian Keyser -- restauranteur, champion of artisan cheese, and owner of CasellulaMy guest on this week's podcast is Brian Keyser, owner of Casellula, a cheese and wine focused restaurant in Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan. Brian is a veteran of both the restaurant industry and the artisan cheese world, and I hope you enjoy and learn from hearing his story. You can visit Casellula at west 52nd street and 9th avenue. It's a wonderful place to meet a friend, go alone for a glass of wine and a cheese plate, or catch a pre or post theater meal. www.casellula.com This episode is dedi...2021-10-191h 10
The Counter ChroniclesBrewster McCall - food & hospitality industry veteran, director of brand development & leadership at Gourmet Foods InternationalToday's guest is Brewster McCall. Brewster and I met working in the restaurant industry 15 years ago. He was an aspiring actor and model, with a passion for wine, cocktails and hospitality. Brewster's southern upbringing and family connection made him a perfect fit for the food and beverage industry. Brewster and I discuss his career path, including a stint doing burlesque, how he found his way into the family business, his focus on sustainability, brand development and building and maintaining leadership in the company. We also chat about McCall Wines, an incredible winery that Brewster's father started on the North Fork o...2021-09-181h 17
The Counter ChroniclesLisa Marie Falcone -- founder of The Hungry HippieToday's guest is Lisa Marie (LM) Falcone, founder of The Hungry Hippie, a vegan food delivery service. LM is on a mission to get people to eat more plant-based meals. We talk about how she transitioned from a career in fashion to owning and operating a vegan meal delivery service. LM was able to start this business on a shoestring budget, the sacrifices she has made to pursue this dream, how involved her family is in The Hungry Hippie, and so much more. To order meals from The Hungry Hippie or to connect with LM, you can find...2021-08-2244 min
The Counter ChroniclesAmanda Kerpius -- yoga and massage therapist, yoga teacher, and competitive runnerToday's guest is Amanda Kerpius. We discuss how her career in dance and the arts eventually led to a career in yoga and massage therapy. Amanda is a also an avid runner with many marathons under her belt, and incorporates her love of sports and fitness into yoga and massage, coupling power and strength with mental health. Amanda discusses the realities of pursuing this career, how challenging it can be both financially and physically, but also how rewarding this path has and continues to be. You can connect with amanda at https://www.empoweredself.co/ or @empowered.self...2021-07-1142 min
The Counter ChroniclesAmy Larson -- founder and entrepreneur of OverseasonedToday's guest is Amy Larson, founder of the popular business and website, Overseasoned. Amy has created a line of apparel and kitchen accessories that fuses feminism with the culinary world. She has created best selling tag lines, like Smash the Garlic & the Patriarchy and Cabernet & Equal Pay, worn by some of the most renowned chefs and culinary icons across the country. Chef Karen Aukownowitz, Priya Krishna, Gaby Dalkin, to name a few, sport her whimsical but powerful sweatshirts & tshirts. Amy ran the business as a side hustle for 4 years before she quit her marketing job and went full...2021-06-2744 min
The Counter ChroniclesMy Parents - Larisa & Misha Khishchenko - Part 2Welcome back! I hope you enjoyed the first episode with my parents, hearing about their life back in the soviet union and their immigration story. Today they share about how they built a life and a business in a new country, advice for future immigrants, as well as what they wish they would have known or done differently to make their early years a bit easier. So let's get started...and stay tuned for their desert island meals at the end of the pod! * * * * * Connect with me on instragram @counterchronicles Thank yo...2021-06-1444 min
The Counter ChroniclesMy Parents - Larisa & Misha Khishchenko - Part 1Today we have two very special guests on the podcast: my parents, Larisa & Misha Khishchenko. This is a two episode show. In part 1, they discuss their past life in the former Soviet Union, reasons for leaving, anti-semitism, and the immigration experience. Part 2 will be dropping next week and we will cover their chapter in the United States, the ups and downs as new immigrants, and how they built a business and a life for our family. My parents are the embodiment of hard work, hustle, and entrepreneurism. They have instilled all of their knowledge and work ethic into my...2021-06-061h 09
The Counter ChroniclesAnu Menon & Suyog Mody -- founders of Driftaway CoffeeMy guests today are Anu Menon and Suyog Mody, the founders of Driftaway Coffee. Driftaway is a personalized direct to consumer coffee subscription service. Anu and Suyog tapped into their engineering backgrounds in creating and growing this business, supporting their team, the farmers behind the beans, and continue to work and make their company more environmentally sustainable. Their story is so inspiring and Driftaway makes the perfect gift for anyone that loves coffee in your life! If you wish to read "God in a Cup" (a book that was instrumental to starting their business), you can c...2021-05-311h 02
The Counter ChroniclesAlice Jun -- founder, entrepreneur, & brewer of Hana MakgeolliMy guest this week is Alice Jun. Alice is an entrepreneur and founder of Hana Makgeolli, an artisanal korean rice wine, brewed and bottled in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Together with her business partner, John, they are making makgeolli using organic rice, a natural wild fermentation process, and traditional methods, creating a complex and nuanced alcoholic beverage. Alice learned to brew makgeolli from her father and bringing a longtime family tradition to fruition as a business is not only a labor of love, but a means of staying connected to her family in Korea. She and John are building a uniq...2021-05-2354 min
The Counter ChroniclesCami Jetta - Part 1 - new entrepreneur, restauranteur, and founder of Dinner PartyToday's podcast guest is Cami Jetta. Cami is opening a mixed-use restaurant named Dinner Party in Brooklyn, NY. She took over the lease of a former Mexican restaurant on an iconic street in Fort Greene and will be opening first as a takeaway picnic concept, then, as a sit down version this fall. Cami is a new entrepreneur and I thought it would be interesting to chat with her about the idea for the restaurant, why she decided to sign a lease during a pandemic, and how she's doing when she is knee deep in the renovation process. She is hones...2021-05-0941 min
The Counter ChroniclesJasmine Graham - health coach, fitness entrepreneur, and lifelong learnerToday's guest is Jasmine Graham. Jaz is the epitome of a hustling entrepreneur - after getting laid off in 2008 from her job in the fashion industry, she dove headfirst into opening her own fitness and training business, Pace4Success. she rented space from other businesses, trained clients in public parks and outdoor spaces, and in 2012 she opened Fit Factory. She was the first woman of color to own and operate this type of business (a mixed use fitness studio where she trained her own clients but also provided a space for other trainers to build their businesses). Jaz eventually outgre...2021-04-251h 20
The Counter ChroniclesAmy Feezor & Pierre Haberer - the creators of Fed by a FrenchmanToday's guests are Amy Feezor and Pierre Haberer, the duo behind the instagram project Fed by a Frenchman. Amy is an American writer who met her frenchman, Pierre, while living in Paris, and the two have since fallen in love, gotten married, and started this whimsical account and project on social media. They document their love for ugly fruit, beautiful cheeses, market life, and so much more. It is such a unique way to experience life in France through the lens of the food culture. You can follow Amy and Pierre's adventures on instagram @fedbyafrenchman And a f...2021-04-191h 09
The Counter ChroniclesBeth George - entrepreneur, lawyer, international bagel consultant, and founder of BYOB BagelsThis week's guest is Beth George, founder of BYOB bagels. Beth's first career was a lawyer working as a public defender and in corporate law. She eventually started her own private practice. but when her young son developed intolerances to wheat and gluten, Beth went on a mission to help her son and eventually to create a bagel that her son could eat. She has created multiple businesses in the bagel world, became an educator and international bagel consultant. Beth is the founder of BYOB Bagels, a full service teaching and consulting business. Beth's passion for educating and helping other...2021-04-131h 03
The Counter ChroniclesKaren Ruocco - intrepid career changer, sommelier, and founder of Five Flights Wines & SpiritsToday's guest is Karen Ruocco. She has an incredible story, one that has taken many turns along the way until she discovered her passion for wine in her mid forties, left a lucrative career to pursue wine, became a sommelier and ultimately opened her own business, Five Flights Wines and Spirits. We discuss how she got to where she is today, issues in the wine world, including the court of sommeliers, and so much more. If you are in NYC, you can find Karen's wines at Urban Uncorked in Downtown Brooklyn and Duke's Liquor Box in Greenpoint, Bro...2021-04-041h 28
The Counter ChroniclesTory Williams -- photographer and entrepreneurToday's guest is Tory Williams. Tory is a Brooklyn based photographer with an incredibly diverse portfolio from portraits, celebrities, brand work, food photography and more. We discuss her almost two decade career path, what she loves about photography, the fun and the challenging parts, as well as also juggling motherhood with her flourishing career in the midst of a pandemic. Thank you so much to Tory for sharing her story! You can connect with Tory or book her for your next photo shoot at:http://torywilliams.com/ or on instagram @torywilliams You can con...2021-03-2851 min
The Counter ChroniclesMJ Adams -- chef, culinary pioneer, and restauranteurToday's guest if MJ Adams. MJ is a chef who started her career in NYC over 30 years ago. We discuss her pursuit of a culinary career long before sexual harassment and discrimination towards women in kitchens was ever addressed. MJ's career spanned historic restaurants like Gage & Tollner, Home, Allison on Dominick, and more. MJ ultimately moved back to South Dakota to start her restaurant, The Corn Exchange, which she owned and operated for over 15 years. You can connect with MJ on instagram @chefmjadams or on her website at https://www.chefmjadams.com2021-03-2153 min
The Counter ChroniclesJasmine Moy -- business attorney to restaurants, chefs, and hotel ownersToday's inspiring guest is Jasmine Moy. Jasmine is a restaurant lawyer providing legal services to clients in the food, beverage & hospitality industry, from chefs, to restaurants and hotel owners. Jasmine shares her success story of how she was able to leave the corporate job she was unhappy in, and ultimately make a career pivot into being a solo practitioner in the very niche market of restaurants and hospitality. We discuss her career path, the landlord/tenant relationship of commercial leases, and our shared love of food and restaurants. You can connect with Jasmine at https://www.restaurantlawyer.nyc...2021-03-141h 02
The Counter ChroniclesSide Hustle Series -- Lindsey Thalheimer - baker & founder of Tommy JamWelcome to the Side Hustle -- a series of special episodes of The Counter Chronicles podcast. The Side Hustle series explores new entrepreneurs that are dipping their toes into the hustle of starting their own business. It's all about discussing the growth and creation of their company, product, or brand, while working their day job and their side hustle simultaneously. The first guest is Lindsey Thalheimer, baker and founder/chef of Tommy Jam. You can purchase Lindsey's exceptional jam at www.tommyjam.comShe's been kind enough to offer listeners of the podcast 10% off with the...2021-03-0529 min
The Counter ChroniclesAllison Kave -- baker, cookbook author, cocktail guru, and entrepreneurSo thrilled to have Allison Kave on the pod this week! Allison was the co-founder of one of my favorite Brooklyn establishments, Butter & Scotch, a feminist bar and bakery. She talks about her first career in the arts, starting her one woman operation, First Prize Pies, her passion for craft cocktails, and eventually moving into the brick and mortar world with Butter & Scotch. Allison is now pursuing her dream of living in Paris by combining her love of dessert, cocktails, and France in an innovative new delivery concept, Izzy's Paris. Thank you to Allison for sharing her path...2021-02-281h 33
The Counter ChroniclesSpecial Report - NYC Baked Goods with Minna ChoiRound 2 of our Baked Goods Special Report, except this time I trek around town picking up various baked goods in New York City (hint this is a Brooklyn specific edition). Minna Choi, back for a 3rd spot on the pod, tries to guess what I picked and we discuss why these items and bakeries made it into the top 3 choices. Enjoy a little silliness and carb overload with us during these dark winter months. 2021-02-2139 min
The Counter ChroniclesKerry Brodie - founder and executive director of Emma's TorchKerry Brodie is a tireless entrepreneur, founder, and executive director of Emma's Torch, a non-profit that empowers refugees through culinary education. Kerry and I discuss her family's South African background, how that impacted her education and career, and ultimately how the idea for Emma's torch was born. This multi-faceted non-profit provides culinary training, interview preparation and so many others skills to refugees and new immigrants through their programs and cafe located in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. Kerry's work with Emma's Torch is changing lives and is so inspiring. To get involved or donate at https://emmastorch.org/2021-02-1543 min
The Counter ChroniclesSpecial Report - San Francisco Baked Goods with Minna ChoiDuring quarantine, an idea sprouted while talking to my #1 eater friend, Minna Choi, of recording our conversations around food that we loved. But of course, we had to turn into a challenge. Minna was given the task of picking 3 baked goods that were the epitome of perfection, with the requirement that one had to be savory. We then discuss, debate, and eat! This episode is a break from our regular discussions of hustling, business, and entrepreneurship, but I hope our love of food, baked goods, and silliness brings a bit of fun and joy to your day! T...2021-02-1334 min
The Counter ChroniclesRenato Poliafito -- owner of Ciao Gloria and intrepid entrepreneurToday's guest is Renato Poliafito, entrepreneur and owner of Ciao Gloria, an acclaimed bakery and daytime cafe in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn. We talk about Renato's upbringing in an Italian household, his early career as a graphic designer and art director, and how he found his way into the hospitality industry. Renato was previously the co-owner of Baked, an iconic American bakery in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Renato has incredible insight and advice about partnerships and collaboration, how important the relationship is with your landlord, and all the savory and sweet goods coming out of the kitchen at Ciao Gloria. C...2021-02-061h 18
The Counter ChroniclesDavid Yourd and Karrie Kimble -- founders of Philosophy FoodsToday's guests are David Yourd and Karrie Kimble, partners in business and in life. We discuss their first business in Chicago, how they fell in love with artisan and specialty food, and their eventual move to New York City to start what is now Philosophy Foods. Philosophy is a purveyor of fine artisanal and luxury foods. I'm thrilled to share their story, the growth of their business, and what it has taken to survive the pandemic. You can connect with David and Karrie at www.philosophyfoods.com or on instagram @philosophyfoodsTo purchase any of thei...2021-01-301h 05
The Counter ChroniclesJennifer Estevez -- sommelier, CEO and founder of OmvinoJennifer Estevez is the founder of Omvino, a marketing and consulting company, she founded to help wineries, restaurants, startups and others in the hospitality industry. Jennifer is a CMS advanced sommelier and was consulting for restaurants, when she noticed a gap in the marketplace that spurred her to start Omvino. Jennifer also has another project, Palate Club, which is changing the user experience of developing your own personal wine palate. You can find Jennifer at https://www.omvino.com/Check out Palate Club at https://www.palateclub.com/ with discount code JENNIFERAnd if you...2021-01-2452 min
The Counter ChroniclesGaia Diloreto -- entrepreneur, Brooklynite, activist, and President of the NYWCAToday's episode is with long time Brooklyn resident and entrepreneur, Gaia Diloreto. Gaia is the epitome of resilience, entrepreneurship, advocacy and leadership. We discuss her path from corporate America to opening a retail shop that highlighted artisans and makers in the diverse borough of Brooklyn, NY. She's had a wild ride from entrepreneurship to operations, and now also serves as President of the New York Women's Culinary Alliance. Enjoy this episode with Gaia! 2021-01-191h 21
The Counter ChroniclesOlivia Mack McCool -- food stylist and cookbook author.Today's guest is food stylist Olivia Mack McCool. Olivia was kind enough to share her journey from growing up in a restaurant family, to FIT and culinary school. Her artistic and creative eye eventually put her on the path to becoming a food stylist and writing her first cookbook, LUNCH! Olivia shared her years of hustling as an assistant food stylist, the ins and outs of freelance life, and the current hustle of work during a pandemic while also juggling new motherhood. Her work and love for food is inspiring and I recommend you follow her on inst...2021-01-101h 04
The Counter ChroniclesChris Papagni -- educator, entrepreneur, culinary consultant, and expat.Happy New Year! To welcome what will hopefully be a much better year, I am thrilled to share one of my favorite conversations thus far with Chris Papagni. Chris is a lifelong student and educator. We talk about how his career took an unexpected turn when he garnered a position at the French Culinary Institute. Chris spent nearly two decades at the school, merging his love of food with education and student affairs. We discuss Chris' move to Portland, Maine, and ultimately his expat life in Portugal. Thank you so much to Chris for his candor, honesty, and a truly...2021-01-031h 02
The Counter ChroniclesMinna Choi -- Part 2 - musician, creator of Magik Magik orchestra, and entrepreneurToday's show is Part 2 of last week's show with musician Minna Choi. Today we dive deep into how she created Magik Magik orchestra, the realities of running Magik while working multiple other jobs, how the pandemic has affected the music industry, and so much more. You can find Minna @magikminna on instragram or http://magikmagikorchestra.com/The podcast can be found @counterchronicles on Instagram or my personal instagram @brooklynchurnedlink to Minna’s favorite hymn https://m.youtube.com/watch?list=PLI8HsXBVc2aEjBwOZBa5sHilIYp5CQ6PS&v=U0UlZ-Loxsk&feature=youtu.be...2020-12-251h 02
The Counter ChroniclesMinna Choi -- Part 1 - musician, creator of Magik Magik orchestra, and entrepreneurToday's podcast is with the talented Minna Choi. Minna is a musician, entrepreneur, creator of Magik Magik orchestra, and the true embodiment of hustle. Her story was so inspiring that it will be airing in two parts. In today's episode we talk all things that led to the path of pursuing a career in music: her background growing up with immigrant Korean parents, college, the internships, the rejections, and so much more. We laugh a lot and I hope you enjoy today's show as much as I did recording it. You can find Minna at http://magikmagikorchestra.com/2020-12-1956 min
The Counter ChroniclesSue Sturman -- cheese expert, educator, and entrepreneur.Sue is a dynamite force in the artisan cheese industry. Today we delve into her multi-decade career, from starting out in public relations, to running front and back of the house of a catering company, to working at the Ritz Escoffier in Paris...and that's just the first few years of her career! Sue ultimately fell in love with artisan cheese, first in France and later in the United States. She was instrumental in creating the CCP (Certified Cheese Professional) exam...like the bar exam for cheese professionals. Sue went on to start multiple companies focusing on cheese education, teac...2020-12-111h 08
The Counter ChroniclesJordan Zimmerman -- talks all things Texas, cheese, spirits, whiskey, and more.Jordan Zimmerman joins me on the podcast today. Jordan and I met when she was working at the education department of Murray's cheese. She has had an inspiring journey, from Texas, to being the second woman to graduate college in her family (Yale University, no big deal!), to the reality of pursuing her passion. For Jordan, that passion lives in the food and beverage industry. She is honest and real about her love for the industry but also the difficulties she has faced along the way. In recent years, she has dived into a career in spirits, specifically whiskey, and h...2020-12-041h 33
The Counter ChroniclesSarah Feingold -- lawyer for start-ups, jeweler, and co-founder of The Fourth FloorSarah Feingold's story is a fascinating tale of a lawyer who went to law school specifically to help businesses in the creative sphere. She saw an opening in the market when she noticed one of her favorite companies, Etsy, had no legal counsel. Sarah maneuvered her way into a job at Etsy as the 17th employee and their first legal counsel. She helped Etsy go public and after nearly a decade left Etsy for another start-up, Vroom. Sarah is now working on a variety of projects, from Legal Madness (her play that depicts the insane stories she hear...2020-11-1344 min