Shows
The Voice4Chefs PodcastEp97: More Than a Meal: The Story Behind Café Yemen and Its Heartfelt HospitalitySend us Fan MailIn this heartfelt episode, we welcome entrepreneur and restaurateur Tawfik Maudah, founder of Café Yemen in Renton, Washington. Joined by special co-host Carrie Dugan, we explore Tawfik’s journey from a small mountain village in Yemen to building a thriving restaurant rooted in culture, hospitality, and tradition.Tawfik shares vivid memories of growing up surrounded by family, fresh food, and daily rituals that shaped his deep appreciation for authentic cuisine. From milking cows as a child to introducing Seattle to Yemeni flavors, his story is one of res...
2026-04-1233 minThe Voice4Chefs PodcastEP96: The Culinary Compass: Navigating from Kitchens to Podcasts with Chef Steven LeungSend us Fan MailChef Steven Leung on Resilience, Entrepreneurship, and Redefining Success Beyond the KitchenVoice4Chefs welcomes chef Steven Leung, who began cooking in his family kitchen in Hong Kong at 12, trained at Le Cordon Bleu LA, and built his career in top Las Vegas kitchens including Mandarin Oriental and the Michelin-starred Guy Savoy, later serving as executive sous chef at the Cosmopolitan. He and host Michael recount meeting during the pandemic on the Clubhouse “Food Is Religion” community, where Steven gained confidence hosting conversations and drew a record crowd of over 600 with a si...
2026-03-0833 minThe Voice4Chefs PodcastEP95: Chef Check-in Culinary Journeys in the Philippines with Chef Isi LaureanoSend us Fan MailChef Checkin Celebrating Filipino Cuisine with Chef Isi Laureano:Offering insights into Filipino hospitality, culinary heritage, and the value of pursuing one’s passion, this conversational check-in interview features Chef Isi Laureano, reflecting on her journey as a chef and entrepreneur in the Philippines. Isi shares experiences from the pandemic, describing how lockdowns impacted her private chef career and led to a shift toward home-based cooking and food delivery.The conversation highlights the evolution of Isi’s business ventures, including the creation of Chili Asylum, a br...
2026-02-0852 minThe Voice4Chefs PodcastEP94: Chef Eda Martin From Aspiring Doctor To Accidental ChefSend us Fan MailFrom aspiring medical doctor to celebrated chef and food scientist. Chef Eda discusses her early culinary inspirations, including her pivot from nutrition to food science, and her experiences working in the high-profile Los Angeles culinary scene. Chef Eda also explores the challenges of creating allergen-free menus and the innovative techniques she employs in her cooking. Additionally, she provides insights into her role at Microsoft and her current endeavors with Cocina Casera, including their popular dishes and upcoming product launches. With a focus on tradition, creativity, and inclusivity, Chef Eda's story is both inspiring...
2026-01-1131 minThe Voice4Chefs PodcastEP93: Heart of Hospitality: Chef Tracy's Journey at Pike Place MarketSend us Fan MailThis bonus episode of VoiceChefs revisits on of our first episodes and celebrates the indispensable role of volunteers in culinary and community service. Host Michael Dugan welcomes Chef Tracy Calderon, who manages the Atrium Kitchen and Cooking School in Seattle's Pike Place Market. Also running the Nourish Neighborhoods program, Chef Tracy shares how they have fed over 35,000 people during the pandemic with the help of volunteers. She reflects on her childhood, family influences, and career journey from public relations to becoming a chef. The episode highlights her initiatives like community meals and 'pay...
2026-01-0727 minThe Voice4Chefs PodcastEP 92: Transforming Lives with Stories: Greg Gazin's Toastmaster Odyssey.Send us Fan MailJoin us for an insightful interview with Greg Gazin, a distinguished Toastmaster and host of both the Toastcaster and The Official Toastmasters Podcast, recently named a Top 25 Higher Education Podcast by AcademicInfluence.com. In 2009, Greg received the Toastmasters International Presidential Citation for his innovative use of technology to benefit the Toastmasters community. This prerecorded session was live from PodMasters Advanced Toastmasters and is hosted by Michael Dugan, a storyteller, career, and podcast coach. They explore Greg's 23-year journey with Toastmasters, his evolution from a shy introvert to a global podcasting leader, and his...
2025-11-0933 minThe Voice4Chefs PodcastEP91: From Passion to Plate: Chef Kristen Watts Schumacher's Journey at Carnation FarmsSend us Fan MailIn this episode of Voice4Chefs, Hosts Michael Dugan and Chef Steven engage with Chef Kristen Watts Schumacher, also known as Chef Shu, the Culinary Director at Carnation Farms in the Snoqualmie Valley, Seattle. Chef Shu shares her inspirational journey from cooking for friends in her teenage years to running the heirloom cookshop and leading farm to table feasts. The conversation delves into her early influences, challenges, and triumphs, highlighting her love for community, resilience, and food without ego. Chef Shu discusses the deep connection she feels to Carnation Farms, including the regenerative...
2025-10-1241 minThe Voice4Chefs PodcastSpecial Announcement: Live Interview with Greg Gazin Host of The Toastmaster PodcastSend us Fan MailSpecial Invitation Podmasters Open House with Greg Gazin!Join us for an inspiring online Open House featuring Greg Gazin, host of the Official Toastmasters Podcast. In a live interview with Michael Dugan, host of the Voice4Chefs podcast, Greg will share his Toastmasters journey, podcasting insights, and tips for amplifying your voice in today’s digital world.This is a unique opportunity to see how Toastmasters and podcasting work hand-in-hand to build confidence, leadership, and storytelling skills.🗓️ Date: Sunday, September 14th🕖...
2025-09-1301 minThe Voice4Chefs PodcastEP90: Part II Chef Maricel Gentil:Celebrating Filipino Heritage from Food Channel to PBSSend us Fan MailIn Part II of this engaging episode of Voice4Chefs, host Michael welcomes Maricel back for part two of her incredible culinary journey. Maricel shares her fascinating experiences from dazzling appearances on PBS, Hulu, and the Food Channel. She recounts unexpected yet serendipitous connections that led her to star on these platforms, including a humorous story about ignoring a potential PBS opportunity, which turned out to be legitimate. Maricel highlights key moments from cooking competitions and shows, such as 'Recipe Rumble' and a family cooking challenge with Cake Boss Buddy Valastro, and reveals...
2025-08-1126 minThe Voice4Chefs PodcastEP89: Part I Chef Maricel Gentil:Celebrating Filipino Heritage from Food Channel to PBSSend us Fan MailIn this episode of Voice4Chefs, we welcome Chef Maricel Gentile, a celebrated chef educator, and ambassador of Philippine cuisine. With roots in her grandmother's kitchen in Manila, Chef Maricel's career has spanned top restaurants in New York to founding Maricel’s Kitchen in New Jersey. She has been featured on Hulu, PBS, and the Food Network, sharing the bold flavors and stories of the Philippines. Chef Maricel discusses the influence of her grandmother on her cooking, her experiences at markets in Manila, the inspiration behind her career, her classes at Maricel's Kitchen, he...
2025-08-1031 minThe Voice4Chefs PodcastEP88: From Sea to Table The Story of Sena Sea with Sena WheelerSend us Fan MailIn this compelling episode of Voice4Chefs, host Michael is joined by new co-host Chef Steven, a seasoned culinary professional with experience in five-star hotels and Michelin-starred kitchens. Together, they welcome Sena Wheeler, a fifth-generation fisherman and co-founder of Sena Sea, to explore the story behind one of the most trusted names in wild Alaska seafood.🌊 Discover the Journey of Sena SeaSena shares how her family’s deep-rooted fishing heritage and passion for sustainable practices led to the creation of Sena Sea, a direc...
2025-07-2036 minThe Voice4Chefs PodcastEP87: Celebrating 4 Years of The Voice4Chefs Podcast: How Toastmasters Fueled a Global Culinary MovementSend us Fan MailIn this special 4-year anniversary episode of the Voice4Chefs Podcast, host Michael Dugan sits in the guest chair—interviewed by Arthur J Byrnes from Podmasters Advanced Toastmasters Club. Michael shares his deeply personal journey through Toastmasters, revealing how it helped him conquer imposter syndrome, find his voice, and launch a globally recognized platform that amplifies the stories of chefs and culinary professionals worldwide.This inspiring episode features reflections on growth, leadership, and the power of community—highlighting how a Toastmasters foundation helped shap...
2025-06-0951 minThe Voice4Chefs PodcastEP 86: Part II Lessons Beyond The Kitchen: Mental Health at The CIASend us Fan MailAs we conclude the month of May. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Voice4Chefs is proud to rerelease this special episode to spotlight the courageous and inspiring journey of Chef Abbey, whose story sheds light on the challenges—and triumphs—of mental health in the culinary world.As a young lady, chef Abbey Miller thought she wanted to be a crime investigator. Little did she know she would make it all the way to the CIA... but the delicious one: The Culinary Institute of America. She was the first reci...
2025-06-0141 minThe Voice4Chefs PodcastEP 85: Part I Lessons Beyond The Kitchen: Mental Health at The CIASend us Fan MailAs we conclude the month of May. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Voice4Chefs is proud to rerelease and spotlight the courageous and inspiring journey of Chef Abbey, whose story sheds light on the challenges—and triumphs—of mental health in the culinary world.On today’s episode, we meet Chef Abby Miller, the first recipient of the Anthony Bourdain Scholarship through the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). With a minor in Asian cuisine and a deep love for storytelling through food, Abby shares her remarkable culinary journey—from a nomadi...
2025-06-0132 minThe Voice4Chefs PodcastEP84: Part II Chef Ashley Brown: Chopped to Leading at Four by Brother LuckSend us Fan MailPart II of Chef Ashley Brown's Culinary Journey: From Competitions to ChoppedIn the season 4 premiere of Voice4Chefs, we continue diving into Chef Ashley Brown's journey in the culinary world. Ashley shares her experiences from competing in local competitions, working alongside other chefs, to finally participating in the popular TV show Chopped. She details her creative process, the challenges she faced, her emotional moments, and the support she received from her husband and family. The episode also highlights her involvement with the MAP mentorship program, emphasizing the importance of perseverance...
2025-05-1243 minThe Voice4Chefs PodcastEP83: Chef Ashley Brown: Chopped to Leading at Four by Brother LuckSend us Fan MailKicking Off Season Four: Chef Ashley Brown's Culinary JourneySeason Four of Voice4Chefs kicks off with a special Mother's Day episode featuring Chef Ashley Brown from Colorado Springs. A chef and mother she shares her journey from a young culinary enthusiast to a chef de cuisine at Four by Celebrity chef Brother Luck. Ashley discusses her early influences, struggles, and achievements, including her success in culinary competitions and her connection with renowned chef Brother Luck. Stay tuned for part two, where Ashley delves deeper into her experiences on the TV s...
2025-05-1133 minThe Voice4Chefs PodcastEP 82: Joanna James Advocating for Women in Hospitality Mapp 5Yr CelebrationSend us Fan MailVoice4Chefs is celebrating Mapp’s Five Year anniversary at The Women in Hospitality Conference at the Wynn in Las Vegas. We're proud to rerelease this original episode an amazing interview for you. Thanks to JIndia of freespiritpodcast.com for editing and creating a brilliant intro. Welcome to Food is religion. on Clubhouse. Today is an edited recording from the Food Is Religion room called the food talk show hosted by Chef Mimi Lan, who is the creator of Food Is Religion. She interviews the multi award winning filmmaker Joanna James of the doc...
2025-04-0149 minThe Voice4Chefs PodcastEP 81: Chef Check-In with Victoria Feldman: Sourdough, & Growing a Baking SchoolSend us Fan MailWelcome back to another Chef Check-In on the Voice4Chefs podcast! Today, we reconnect with Victoria Feldman, founder of Canterbury Baking School in England, to catch up on her journey since our first conversations in Episode 27 and Episode 28. Victoria shares how her school has evolved, the impact of the pandemic on her teaching, and how she embraced the digital world to grow her business. She also opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, the power of showing up authentically online, and her passion for sourdough and gut health. If you’ve ever wanted to ma...
2025-03-0731 minThe Voice4Chefs PodcastEP 80: Valentines Edition: Exploring the Sweet Art of Chocolate with Rasha YounanSend us Fan MailSpecial release Happy Valentines!**Guest Bio:** Rasha Younan is the owner and chocolatier of Bon Chocolats, where she crafts exquisite chocolate bonbons and confections using all-natural ingredients. An Architect by profession, Rasha's passion for chocolate led her to become a chocolatier, creating delectable treats that bring joy to many. **Key Discussion Points:** 1. **Rasha's Background and Journey:** - Transition from architect to chocolatier. - The inspiration from childhood memories of enjoying imported chocolates in Egypt. 2. **Chocolate Making Process:** - Introduction to chocolate tempering and...
2025-02-1528 minThe Voice4Chefs PodcastEP 79: Culinary Storytelling: A Toastmaster’s Journey on Voice4Chefs with Ray MillerSend us Fan MailIn this special episode join Toastmasters District 7 podcast, host Ray Miller as he engages in a captivating conversation with Michael Dugan, the voice behind The Voice4Chefs Podcast. Michael shares his journey from overcoming stage fright to running a successful podcast featuring chefs from around the world. They discuss the significance of 'mise en place' in both cooking and public speaking, and the transformative power of storytelling in podcasting. Michael also talks about his impactful connections through Clubhouse and the mentors who've guided his path. Tune in for inspiring stories that combine culinary...
2025-02-1049 minThe Voice4Chefs PodcastEP78: A Taste of LA: Chef Johnny Sanchez at Kendall's BrasserieSend us Fan MailToday, we dedicate this episode to the unsung heroes, the chefs, service workers, and firefighters of Los Angeles and the Palisades. To the chefs and service workers: Thank you for nourishing our communities and creating spaces that bring us together. To the firefighters: Your courage and dedication protect our homes and neighborhoods. This is our heartfelt thanks to those who serve behind the scenes and on the front lines to keep our community thriving and safe. We invite you to support those affected by the Los Angeles fires—check the link in our sh...
2025-01-1245 minThe Voice4Chefs PodcastEP77: Island Flavors: A Tahitian Brunch Experience with TiaSend us Fan MailIsland Flavors: A Tahitian Brunch Experience with Tia: A Voice4Chefs SpecialIn this special episode of the Voice4Chefs podcast, we travel to Tahiti for a live interview with Tia, the owner of Hotu Mahana, a traditional Tahitian restaurant. The conversation delves into Tia's background, her family's cooking traditions, and her journey from working in tourism to running two successful restaurants and a catering business. Tia shares insights into Tahitian culture, local dishes, and the true spirit of hospitality. She also discusses the challenges she overcame in establishing her business...
2024-11-1123 minThe Voice4Chefs PodcastEP76: From Escoffier Culinary School to Private Chef: Bri Murray’s Inspiring StorySend us Fan MailIn this episode, Chef Bri opens up about her unique journey—from learning traditional Albanian dishes with her grandmother to becoming a private chef with a repertoire that spans French, Italian, Mediterranean, Latin American, and Southern comfort cuisines. She shares the life experiences that shaped her, including her love for farm-to-table dining and her travels across the U.S. and Europe.Listeners will be captivated by Chef Bri’s honest reflections on the challenges of being a woman in the male-dominated culinary world, her entrepreneurial journey as a private chef, and how...
2024-10-2733 minThe Voice4Chefs PodcastCh ShellSend us a textCh ShellSeason2 To subscribe to Litibu Collective visit:https://www.litibucollective.com/subscription Support the showYour support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast.Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally. https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_USShare your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review.https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/Volunteer contact ChefMichael@voice4chefs.com...
2024-09-2255 minThe Voice4Chefs Podcast75 Part II: Leading the Escoffier Institute: Chef Kirk Bachmann’s Culinary Legacy and VisionSend us Fan MailEpisode Description: Welcome to this inspiring episode of the Voice4Chefs podcast, where we’re joined by Chef Kirk Bachmann, Campus President and Provost at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Boulder, Colorado. With deep roots in the culinary world, Chef Bachmann shares his journey from growing up in a family of master bakers in Germany to becoming a leader in culinary education.In Part II Chef Bachmann explores the importance of finding your "why," a concept that resonates deeply in today's fast-paced world. We also delve in...
2024-09-0938 minThe Voice4Chefs Podcast74 Part I: Leading the Escoffier Institute: Chef Kirk Bachmann’s Culinary Legacy and VisionSend us Fan MailEpisode Description: Welcome to this inspiring episode of the Voice4Chefs podcast, where we’re joined by Chef Kirk Bachmann, Campus President and Provost at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Boulder, Colorado. With deep roots in the culinary world, Chef Bachmann shares his journey from growing up in a family of master bakers in Germany to becoming a leader in culinary education.In this episode, Chef Bachmann discusses his father's legacy as a master pastry chef, the importance of family traditions, and how those early experiences sh...
2024-09-0829 minThe Voice4Chefs PodcastEP73: Tom Douglas: The Road to Becoming Seattle’s Food LegendSend us Fan MailJoin us for a captivating episode as we sit down with Seattle culinary legend Tom Douglas. A James Beard award-winning chef, restaurateur, author, and media personality, Tom takes us through his remarkable journey from his early days in Delaware to becoming a household name in Seattle's food scene. Tom shares how his love for food was shaped by his childhood influences and the diverse immigrant cuisines he encountered along the way. He opens up about his passion for cooking, the inspirations that fueled his culinary creativity, and the challenges he faced as he...
2024-08-1830 minThe Voice4Chefs PodcastEp72: Behind the Mic Producer Becky Guzak on The Hot Stove Society Radio with Tom DouglasSend us Fan MailIn this episode, we welcome Becky Guzak, a podcaster and producer passionate about helping others connect and build confidence through the joy of entertaining. Becky is the creator of the "Host with Confidence" podcast, where she inspires people to gather without stress. She is also the producer of the Hot Stove Society Radio Show, hosted by renowned chef and restaurateur Tom Douglas at his Seattle-based cooking school.Becky shares her journey from her early connections to food, nurtured by family traditions, to her current role in the food industry. She recounts...
2024-08-1134 min