Shows
The Restaurant InnovatorPurpose Over Pace With Mecha Noodle Bar’s Tony PhamTony Pham, co-founder of Mecha Noodle Bar, joins host Sam Danley to share how a local ramen shop in Connecticut grew into a multi-state, mission-driven restaurant group. Pham walks through his unconventional path into hospitality and why telling your own story matters as concepts scale. He gets into his “Eat Justice” initiative that ties every bowl sold to community impact and explains why he’s shifting his focus inward, prioritizing team development and personal fulfillment over rapid expansion.
2025-12-1754 minThe Restaurant InnovatorResilience and Reinvention With Cloak and Petal’s Cesar VallinCesar Vallin, co-founder of Michelin Guide recognized Cloak and Petal, joins host Sam Danley for a candid conversation on rebuilding a career—and a life—in hospitality. Vallin reflects on his first venture’s collapse and the hard lessons that reshaped how he approaches leadership. He opens up about addiction, recovery, and the shift from chasing status to prioritizing purpose. Plus, he gets into Cloak and Petal’s design-forward philosophy and why he’s embracing AI tools to run a smarter, more resilient business.
2025-12-0352 min
Hypnotic HistoryE93: Dippin’ DotsWe have cows to thank for the ice cream of the future.Sources:“Company History.” Dippin' Dots, https://www.dippindots.com/about/company-history/.Danley, Sam. “Dippin Dots’ technology expanding beyond ice cream | 2020-08-06.” Food Business News, 6 August 2020, https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/16578-dippin-dots-technology-expanding-beyond-ice-cream. “Do you know the accidental origin of Dippin' Dots?” Great Big Story, 21 May 2024, https://greatbigstory.com/dippin-dots-read/. Grossbart, Sarah. “11 Cool Facts About Dippin' Dots.” Mental Floss, 7 April 2016, https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/67650/11-cool-facts-about-dippin-dots.Hardy, James. “The...
2025-07-1325 minThe Restaurant InnovatorBlending Identity and Innovation Behind the Bar‘Best American Bartender’ Kevin Diedrich—owner of San Francisco staples Pacific Cocktail Haven and Kona’s Street Market—joins FSR associate editor Sam Danley for a conversation about identity, heritage, and innovation behind the bar. He shares how reconnecting with his Filipino roots has shaped his approach to bartending, how cultural storytelling is showing up in bar programs today, and why he launched AAPI Cocktail Week.
2025-05-2157 min
Infinite Outdoors PodcastHunting Season is here! Plus an interview with Austin Danley with Colorado Custom Game Calls.Join Sam and Michael as they kick off hunting season! They chat about upcoming dove hunts new Infinite Outdoors member benefit partners and more. Plus we were fortunate enough to chat with Austin Danley from Colorado Custom Game Calls (10:08) about how he is quickly becoming a leading name in the calling business. For more info on booking hunts, getting discounts on gear and more check out infiniteoutdoorsusa.com or download the Infinite Outdoors app. For a new duck or goose call visit coloradocustomgamecalls.com.
2024-09-021h 03The Restaurant InnovatorRevamping a Legendary Restaurant’s Bar Program with Adam FournierWolfgang Puck’s Bar Director Adam Fournier joins associate editor Sam Danley to talk about the world of beverage service, collaborating with chefs, and turning Spago Beverly Hills into a cocktail destination.
2024-08-2146 minThe Restaurant InnovatorBalancing History with Modern Relevance, Ft. Mark Latter of Tujague’sMark Latter joins FSR editors Callie Evergreen and Sam Danley to talk about honoring the history of Tujague’s (one of the oldest restaurants in New Orleans) while innovating to stay relevant; the power of creating dining memories; growing and adding concepts to his Latter Hospitality brand; and more.
2024-06-2631 minThe Restaurant InnovatorTransforming Managers Into Hospitality Leaders, Ft. Jason E. BrooksJason E. Brooks joins FSR editors Callie Evergreen and Sam Danley to talk about the power of influence, transforming restaurant managers into hospitality leaders, KPIs, and more.
2024-05-3038 minThe Restaurant InnovatorThe Art of Personal Branding and Taking Chefs to the Next Level, Ft. Lonny SweetLonny Sweet, CEO and founder of Sweet Management Group, joins FSR editors Callie Evergreen and Sam Danley to talk about how chefs can elongate their careers through great storytelling and brand partnerships, how to leverage social media influencers to get more guests in seats, his unique niche of being a celebrity chef talent agent and manager, and more.
2024-05-0143 minThe Restaurant InnovatorHonoring Mexico's Culinary Hub, ft. Chef Eddy Escriba of Oaxaca ClubChef Eddy Escriba of Oaxaca Club joins FSR editors Callie Evergreen and Sam Danley to talk about connecting food and culture. He shares how the restaurant is expanding the consumer palate through education, ensuring the long-term viability of mezcal production, and more.
2024-03-0642 minThe Restaurant InnovatorBringing Korean Cuisine to the Masses, ft. Dae Gee’s Joe KimJoe Kim, founder of Dae Gee Korean BBQ, joins FSR editors Callie Evergreen and Sam Danley for a behind-the-scenes look at the strategic maneuvers fueling the emerging franchise’s ascent. He shares insights on the rising popularity of Korean culture, scaling the business, navigating international expansion, and more.
2024-02-2145 minThe Restaurant InnovatorMastering Menu Development, ft. Craveworthy’s Becca McIntyreBecca McIntyre of Craveworthy Brands joins FSR editors Callie Evergreen and Sam Danley to dish on culinary innovation at the fast-growing restaurant group. She dives into the intricacies of spearheading menu development for an expanding array of concepts and shares strategies for optimizing offerings across channels, staying ahead of evolving consumer preferences, and balancing the need for quality ingredients with cost-effectiveness in the supply chain.
2024-02-0740 minThe Restaurant InnovatorThe Dish on 2024’s Foodservice Trends, Feat. Stephanie LindElohi Strategic Advisors’ Stephanie Lind joins FSR editors Callie Evergreen and Sam Danley to give listeners a peek into consumers’ decision-making. She breaks down ESA’s proprietary Diet Drivers research and shares her predictions for the year’s top food and beverage trends.
2024-01-0351 minThe Restaurant InnovatorBringing a French Fine-Dining Approach to Fast-Casual Franchising, Ft. Chef Gregoire JacquetChef Gregoire Jacquet joins FSR editors Callie Evergreen and Sam Danley on The Restaurant Innovator to share how his eponymous “fine-fast-casual” restaurant is tackling franchising.
2023-12-2045 minThe Restaurant InnovatorFrom Brewery to Brasserie, Ft. Southerleigh's Jerome SerotJerome Serot, co-founder of Southerleigh Hospitality Group, joins FSR editors Callie Evergreen and Sam Danley on The Restaurant Innovator to share how SHG’s restaurants have anchored San Antonio’s recent explosion of elevated, experimental dining and helped redefine the city from a Tex-Mex mecca to a dynamic, diverse food city.
2023-12-0643 minThe Restaurant InnovatorRedefining the Value Menu, Ft. The Culinary Edge CEO Graham HumphreysGraham Humphreys, CEO of The Culinary Edge, shares how innovation and strategy go beyond the PowerPoint deck with FSR editors Callie Evergreen and Sam Danley. We chat about plant-based menu trends, redefining the value menu, why now is the best time to be in the F&B industry, and more.
2023-09-1334 minThe Restaurant Innovator‘The Restaurant Diva’ on Being the Face of a Growing Culinary EmpireMichele DiMeo, co-founder of MONTE Restaurant Development Group and Squisito Franchise enterprises, shares her journey to success with FSR editors Callie Evergreen and Sam Danley. We chat about the ups and downs of scaling a restaurant empire, turning her “Restaurant Diva" nickname into a bona-fide brand, achieving viral fame on TikTok, and more.
2023-08-3042 minThe Restaurant InnovatorIndigo Road’s Steve Palmer on the Human Touch in HospitalityFounder, managing partner, and chief vision officer of Indigo Road Hospitality Group Steven Palmer joins FSR editors Callie Evergreen and Sam Danley to talk about developing a strong company culture. We chat about vulnerability and transparency in leadership and dive into Ben’s Friends, a support group for hospitality professionals who struggle with addiction. Content warning: This episode mentions suicide and substance abuse.
2023-08-1638 minThe Restaurant InnovatorRevolutionizing Tech in Hospitality with Harri CEO Luke FryerDiscover the future of restaurant management with Luke Fryer, founder and CEO of Harri, a human capital management platform. He joins FSR editors Callie Evergreen and Sam Danley to talk about the industry’s tech struggles and data-driven workforce solutions.
2023-08-0342 minThe Restaurant InnovatorFrom Greek Deli to 30-Concept Hospitality Group: Alex Smith’s Mission to Bolster Baltimore’s Restaurant SceneAlex Smith, CEO of Atlas Restaurant Group, is one of the youngest restaurant group owners in the U.S. He shares how he built his company to now over 30 concepts nationwide with second-generation properties, approaching $200 million in sales, and growing organically, with FSR editors Callie Evergreen and Sam Danley.
2023-07-1833 minThe Restaurant InnovatorJames Beard ‘Outstanding Chef’ Rob Rubba on Rethinking our Food SystemJames Beard "Outstanding Chef" Award winner Rob Rubba joins FSR editors Callie Evergreen and Sam Danley to talk about Oyster Oyster, his Washington, DC-based restaurant championing local produce. We chat about bringing a hyper-seasonal and sustainable approach to the fine dining world, building a restaurant for the future from the ground up, and taking home this year’s James Beard Award.
2023-06-2236 minThe Restaurant InnovatorFrankie Olivieri on Keeping a Family-Run Legacy Brand RelevantFrankie Olivieri, the fourth-generation owner of Pat’s King of Steaks, joins FSR editors Callie Evergreen and Sam Danley to talk about the origins of the Philly cheesesteak, his family history, keeping a legacy brand like Pat's King of Steaks relevant, and his journey to becoming a trained chef and serial entrepreneur.
2023-06-0746 minThe Restaurant InnovatorSparking Social Equity in Restaurant Franchising with Everytable’s Bryce FluellenFood justice veteran Bryce Fluellen joins FSR editors Callie Evergreen and Sam Danley to reveal his journey to becoming the executive consultant of social equity franchise and philanthropy for Everytable, a southern California-based restaurant and freshly-prepared food business. We also chat about Everytable’s unique model for empowering individuals from underserved communities to become franchisees, what it takes to make healthy food more accessible, and more.
2023-05-2444 minThe Restaurant InnovatorInside True Food Kitchen’s Incredible Evolution with Christine FerrisTrue Food Kitchen Director of Marketing Christine Ferris joins FSR editors Callie Evergreen and Sam Danley to discuss the brand’s recent total menu overhaul, the launch of its first quick-service location, and how the wellness-forward concept plans to grow. We’ll also chat about how TFK prioritizes giving back to the local communities its stores are located in, plus more.
2023-05-1045 minThe Restaurant InnovatorTop Chef David Viana on Revolutionizing the Restaurant IndustryHeirloom Kitchen executive chef and Top Chef alum David Viana joins FSR editors Callie Evergreen and Sam Danley to introduce a new revolutionary team structure designed to burn down the boundary between front-of-house and back-of-house employees, plus mitigate the ever-common burnout of restaurant workers. Also, we'll talk about his new NextGen Casual restaurant, Lita—an Iberian restaurant opening on April 26—which is bringing new life to Portuguese cuisine in Newark, New Jersey, and how Viana is updating family recipes with modern techniques.
2023-04-2538 min
The Reverend and the ReprobateRings of Power, Rocket Science, and Mary Kay: The Samuel Jesse InterviewThe Reverend and the Reprobate sit down with podcasting sensation Sam Jesse AKA "Samuel the Hutt", from The Tatooine Sons Podcast to talk all things Lord of the Rings! The Rev and Rep get down to the bottom of the Amazon Rings of Power controversies with Sam as he lends his LORTCU expertise. In Controlled Rowdiness Lucas and Danley find out whether or not Sam is allergic to Mary Kay... More from the Tatooine Sons: https://tatooinesons.com/ Rev and Rep Linktr.ee (all the show links can be found below) https://linktr.ee...
2022-09-131h 01
Danley and Friends95. Hanging with the Mothers - from the Mother of All PodcastsThe MOTHER of all podcasts is hosted by Taylor and Samantha, two best friends surviving parenthood together - Two moms who happen to be best friends on a journey to bring LIGHT, JOY, LAUGHTER, and some REALNESS to the everyday challenges of parenting.Sam - Co-Host of the “Mother of All Podcasts” with best friend, Taylor. Wife & mother to two girls (ages 3 and 2), exercise enthusiast, and Nurse Practitioner. Ever since Taylor asked me to start a podcast with her, I have loved growing our posse of supportive parents, future parents, and those in all walks of their “parent...
2022-05-231h 04
The Reverend and the ReprobateTom Holland, Spider-man, and Marvel Let's Play: The Josh Saleh InterviewThe Reverend and the Reprobate sit down with the illustrious host of Marvel Let's Play, Josh Saleh! Josh talks to the guys about the new Marvel hit show Moon Knight, how Lucas should prioritize playing Danley's Play Station, and what it was like hosting Marvel's Contest of Champions live at ComicCon! The Rev and Rep get into some spoileresque territory with Josh during Controlled Rowdiness, what it was like hanging out with Sam Richardson, and what Benedict Cumberbatch smells like? Josh Saleh: https://www.joshsaleh.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/joshdsaleh Marvel Let's Play: https://bit.ly/3v9C...
2022-04-131h 04Danley and Friends"Your Facts Are Fragile" - with Randy GibsonYour Facts Are FragileSeeker of truth, Randy Gibson talks about how dogma is dividing society, and how we must come to realize that our information is more powerful together. We must consider all perspectives. What are the unintended consequences if we don't? If we make decisions in haste without thinking long term? Why is it that people are so quick to believe the popular "science" when we have seen many examples of corruption in science in the past? Tobacco and Oil Industries Used Same Researchers to Sway PublicAs early as the 1950s...
2021-10-251h 21
Finding FoundersThe Hard Part About Hard Seltzers: Founder Wisdom #050 - Holly Paul & Chris TranFinancial manager Chris Tran always knew he’d create something; however, despite her obvious creativity, data analyst Holly Paul never thought she’d be a founder. Working at a serial founder’s startup ignited Holly’s nascent entrepreneurial spirit and she decided to let one of her many ideas take flight. Business partners Holly and Chris wanted their product to incorporate classic Asian flavors from their childhoods, but struggled to find their ideal niche in the capital heavy food and beverage industry. Tired of hitting dead ends they decided to unwind with some alcoholic sodas, then inspiration struck. After cold cal...
2021-09-1314 min
Beckett’s Babies113. PLAY: BureauCRAZY by Kate DanleyEvery month, we pick a play or two to discuss, and this week's episode is a play called "BureauCRAZY" by Kate Danley. We discuss what we noticed, what we liked, and questions that came up while reading the play. Note: There are some spoiler alerts! We highly recommend you read the play before listening to this episode!
About the Play:
Grace and Amy, two outrageous admins stuck in a soul-sucking job, are just slogging their way through the work week. But when their supervisor chokes, everything goes awry and begins a domino-effect of destruction. 9-to-5 m...
2021-07-2639 min
The Brazilian BeatEpisode 41 Ana Laidley
Ana grew up in the cradle of Samba, Estaçao Primeira de Mangueira, where herfather was a well-respected musician and her mother was one of the first wellknown Passistas to perform nationally and internationally.na has been teaching Samba for some 26 years in the USA. Her classes integratetraditional and contemporary Samba styles. Her teaching methodology integratesher life experiences with Samba and her psychology background, providing aspace for people to develop their knowledge and understanding of the Brazilianculture and reconnect with their body, mind, and soul.S...
2018-05-251h 53