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Walk-In Talk PodcastWalk-In Talk Podcast #1 Food Industry Show in America Author: Carl Fiadini
Walk-In Talk Podcast Where the back-of-house stories take center stage. Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, the Walk-In Talk Podcast is the #1 ranked food podcast on Apple Chartsbringing raw, unfiltered conversations from chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, bartenders, and all the hands that feed us. We go beyond the pass, capturing the pulse of the hospitality world with exclusive trade show coverage, compelling mini-documentaries, and intimate interviews with culinary leaders shaping food culture. Whether were behind the line, on the docks, or in the studio, every episode is a salute to the passion and grit driving the industry. Walk-In Talk Podcast is the Official Podcast Partner for: NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open. Proudly partnered with: RAK Porcelain USA Metro Foodservice SupraCut Systems Aussie Select Crab Island Seafood Pass the Honey The Burnt Chef Project Citrus America Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality. Tune in, get inspired, and rememberthis industry runs on more than just food it runs on heart. Want to pitch a guest, collaborate, or become a brand partner? Contact us at: Info@thewalkintalk.com Language: en Genres: Arts, Food, Places & Travel, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Holding the Star: Chef Michael Collantes on Michelin Pressure, Perspective, and What Comes Next
Episode 182
Friday, 23 January, 2026
This week on the Walk-In Talk Podcast, we're on location with Chef Michael Collantes, chef-owner of Soseki, a one-Michelin-star restaurant that has not only earned its star, but held it through consistency, leadership, and discipline. Another restaurant in his group, Sushi Saint, has also been recognized with a Bib Gourmand, highlighting a different but equally demanding standard of excellence. This conversation goes beyond accolades. We unpack what it really takes to sustain a Michelin star behind the scenes, the pressure that follows recognition, the creative balance between starred and Bib-level restaurants, and how leadership evolves once the spotlight is on. As listeners already know, Chef Michael has officially joined the Walk-In Talk Media team. In this episode, we begin setting the framework for what that means. Not as a replacement voice, but as an added perspective that strengthens the platform. As a working chef operating at the highest levels, Michael brings credibility, trust, and access that helps open doors to Michelin-level and James Beard–recognized chefs, while staying firmly aligned with Walk-In Talk Media's mission of honest, chef-first storytelling. This is a candid, grounded conversation about ambition, burnout, consistency, mentorship, and why the work behind the plate matters just as much as what lands on it. 🔑 Episode Takeaways What holding a Michelin star actually demands day to day The unseen pressure chefs face after recognition, not before it The difference between Michelin-star standards and Bib Gourmand excellence How leadership changes once awards enter the picture Why consistency, not creativity, is often the hardest challenge How chefs protect their teams from burnout at the highest level Why chefs trust conversations led by other chefs How Chef Michael's role with Walk-In Talk Media strengthens future storytelling What listeners can expect more of from the platform in 2026 🤝 Walk-In Talk Media Partners & Supporters Support for Walk-In Talk Media is made possible by the following partners: Metro Foodservice Solutions Trusted by professional kitchens for storage, workflow, and durability. https://www.metro.com RAK Porcelain USA Durable, performance-driven tableware and glassware designed for chefs and hospitality professionals. https://www.rakporcelain.com Aussie Select Premium Australian lamb, fully cooked and chef-trusted for consistency and quality. https://www.aussieselect.com Crab Island Seafood Dip Chef-driven seafood dips made with real ingredients and bold flavor. https://www.crabislandseafooddip.com Citrus America Fresh Florida citrus and juice solutions for foodservice nationwide. https://www.citrusamerica.com ❤️ Cause Partner The Burnt Chef Project – North America Providing free, confidential mental health support, education, and resources for hospitality professionals. https://www.theburntchefproject.com
