5-in-20 Podcast by Remarkable Academic Foods

Joshua Miller
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  • FOOD
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Get ready for short stories and information-filled podcast episodes that dive into solutions for school food service! Our guests, who are subject matter experts, will take the spotlight and share valuable insights to enhance student food experiences and boost operational efficiency. Because everyone who contributes to school food service is a Remarkable Academic Food (RAF) Ambassador, and together, we make RAF Nation. Nations stick together. Join us on this journey of academic foodservice innovation and collaboration!

  1. Ep. 32: Weaving Sustainability Into One’s Character

    11/20/2025

    Ep. 32: Weaving Sustainability Into One’s Character

    Summary A chat with Tony Schifano, founder and CEO of Antos Environmental, about the critical importance of sustainability and waste management across various industries, particularly in food service. They discuss the evolution of waste management practices, the significance of data in driving sustainability efforts, and the necessity of employee training and engagement. Tony shares insights on transforming waste into value and the role of technology in enhancing waste management processes. The conversation emphasizes the need for a cultural shift towards sustainability and the importance of educating future generations on environmental responsibility. Takeaways Sustainability is not just a trend; it's an environmental necessity. Cost savings can drive sustainability initiatives. Ongoing data analysis is crucial for effective management. Employee training is vital for successful sustainability practices. Sustainability education should start at a young age. Creating a culture of sustainability requires collaboration across all levels.

    29 min
  2. Ep. 31 - Family, Food, Community, and Stories to Tell

    10/31/2025

    Ep. 31 - Family, Food, Community, and Stories to Tell

    Summary In this episode of the 5 in 20 podcast, host Joshua Miller interviews Chef Steve Baity, a renowned chef and father of four. They discuss Chef Baity's journey from a novice in the culinary world to a celebrated chef known for his fruit and vegetable carvings and his participation in competitive cooking. The conversation goes into the impact of family on Chef Baity's culinary passion, the importance of community involvement, and the story behind his seasoning brand, Pop Secret Seasoning, which honors his late father. Throughout the episode, Chef Baity emphasizes the significance of personal growth, the role of food in building community, and the challenges of the culinary industry today. Takeaways Chef Baity's journey into fruit carving began out of necessity. Becoming a father changed Chef Baity's perspective on work and life. The culinary industry faces challenges with burnout and mental health. Chef Baity's Pop Secret Seasoning honors his father's legacy. Community involvement is a core value for Chef Baity. Food serves as a bridge to connect people from different backgrounds. Selflessness and intentionality are key to serving others.

    25 min
  3. Ep 30 - How Big is Your Tech Stack

    09/04/2025

    Ep 30 - How Big is Your Tech Stack

    Summary In this episode of the 5 in 20 podcast, host Joshua Miller interviews Scott Gallant, a technology expert with extensive experience in AI and data management. They discuss the intersection of technology and the food service industry, focusing on challenges such as tech stack bloat. Scott shares insights on evaluating new tools, the future of AI in food service, and the need for integrated operations management. The conversation emphasizes the importance of collaboration across departments and the potential of technology to enhance efficiency and customer service in the food service sector. Takeaways Tech stack bloat occurs when organizations adopt too many technologies without proper management. Integrated operations management is crucial for seamless technology use. Food service leaders need to advocate for technology in budgeting discussions. Evaluating new tools should focus on organizational needs, not just trends. The future of AI in food service includes predictive analytics and automation. Governance in technology decisions requires collaboration across departments.

    30 min
  4. Ep. 29 - Get Saucy: A Journey of Flavor and Inclusion

    07/07/2025

    Ep. 29 - Get Saucy: A Journey of Flavor and Inclusion

    Summary: In this episode of the 5 in 20 podcast, host Joshua Miller speaks with Suhan Lee, the culinary mind behind Get Saucy, a brand dedicated to creating clean label sauces and seasonings. Suhan shares his journey from growing up in Queens to working in Michelin-starred restaurants and ultimately founding Get Saucy. The conversation delves into the challenges of developing flavors that cater to dietary restrictions, particularly for those on the autoimmune protocol. Suhan emphasizes the importance of balancing authenticity with inclusivity in food, and discusses the brand's future projects and product launches. Takeaways: Suhan Lee's culinary journey began with a passion for cooking for friends and family. Food has the power to bring people together, transcending cultural barriers. Get Saucy was inspired by the need for clean label sauces for those with dietary restrictions. Suhan's approach to flavor development involves understanding historical recipes and ingredients. The challenge of replicating traditional flavors without common allergens is significant. Customer feedback has revealed a broader audience than initially expected, including fitness-minded individuals. Building a food brand involves navigating various challenges, including market positioning and product development. Get Saucy aims to provide inclusive options for diverse dietary needs. Future products include a tomato-less sauce and various seasonings that cater to specific diets. Investing in clean foods is essential for overall health and well-being.

    25 min
  5. Ep. 27 - Teaching Kitchens: Blending Food, Equity & Flavor

    03/05/2025

    Ep. 27 - Teaching Kitchens: Blending Food, Equity & Flavor

    Summary In this episode of the 5 in 20 podcast, host Joshua Miller speaks with Dr. Deb Kennedy about the intersection of food, health, and education. Dr. Deb shares her personal journey with food as medicine, emphasizing the importance of culinary skills in improving health outcomes. They discuss the role of teaching kitchens in communities, the challenges of food equity, and how to make healthy eating accessible and enjoyable. The conversation highlights the need for cultural sensitivity in nutrition education and the power of flavor in food preparation. For more information visit drdebkennedy.com or the second edition of her book: Culinary Medicine From Clinic to Kitchen: A Hands-on Guide to Transforming Nutrition Guidelines into Cooking Skills - Maximizing Flavor Takeaways Food is medicine is regaining traction in modern society. Teaching kitchens can improve community health outcomes. Small changes in diet can lead to sustainable habits. Flavor & personalization should be prioritized in healthy food education. Convenience foods are prevalent but can be balanced with nutrition.

    25 min
  6. Ep. 26 - The Celiac College Guide: Making Way For Change

    02/11/2025

    Ep. 26 - The Celiac College Guide: Making Way For Change

    Summary In this episode of the 5 in 20 podcast, host Joshua Miller interviews Nicole Sherrin Kessler, the Founder of the non-profit organization Celiac College Guide. They explore the unique challenges that students with celiac disease encounter while navigating college life. Nicole shares her journey and discusses the mission of the Celiac College Guide, highlighting the importance of providing resources and support for gluten-free living on campus. The conversation delves into the research behind the guide, the website's features, and the accommodations available for students with dietary restrictions. Nicole emphasizes the necessity of advocacy, community support, and the importance of sharing best practices and uplifting small businesses to foster a more inclusive environment for students with dietary limitations. Takeaways Over 50% of students with celiac disease skip meals in college. The Celiac College Guide simplifies the college search for gluten-free students. A living resource for colleges to keep their practices and accommodations current. It provides info on 600+ schools sourced from public data. Student reviews offer real insights into dining and accommodations.

    29 min
  7. Ep. 25 - Seeds of Change: Cultivating Connections in the Farm to School Movement

    01/07/2025

    Ep. 25 - Seeds of Change: Cultivating Connections in the Farm to School Movement

    Summary Engaging conversation with Michelle Markesteyn and Rick Sherman, experts in the Farm to School movement. Michelle is the Extension Farm to School and School Garden Specialist at Oregon State University and Rick is the Farm to School/School Garden Coordinator at Oregon Department of Education. They discuss the importance of local food sourcing, the challenges faced in implementing Farm to School initiatives, and the significance of school gardens in education. Michelle and Rack share their personal journeys into the movement and highlight the need for collaboration, and innovative approaches like hydroponics. And don’t forget about community involvement and building healthy relationships with food. Takeaways Farm to School connects local food with education. School gardens enhance learning and community engagement. Collaboration is key to overcoming challenges in Farm to School. Hydroponics offers innovative solutions for limited growing seasons. The future of Farm to School is about deliciousness and relationships with food. Advocacy at school board meetings can drive change.

    28 min
  8. Ep. 24 - Harvesting Connections: A Convo on Sustainability in Food Service

    11/14/2024

    Ep. 24 - Harvesting Connections: A Convo on Sustainability in Food Service

    Summary In this episode of the 5-in-20 podcast, I had an enlightening convo with Chef Alexandra Ceribelli, who is currently the operations manager at Harvest, a dining venue located within Rutgers Dining at the New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health (IFNH). And someone I would consider a trailblazer for sustainability. We chatted about her concept of "Happy Kitchens" and the unique dining experience at Harvest. The focus is clearly on building connections with both customers and staff. Chef Alex emphasizes a holistic approach to sustainability that incorporates social and economic factors in addition to environmental concerns. The social aspect is too often overlooked. She also stresses the importance of education in fostering a passion for sustainable practices within the culinary industry. I also love their approach to having a plant-forward menu without being restrictive to plant-based foods. Key Takeaways Creating a values-driven work environment enhances engagement and creativity. Engaging students in menu planning fosters a sense of community and belonging. The concept of 'Happy Kitchens' focuses on creating supportive environments for staff and customers. Education in food systems is crucial for developing future culinary leaders. The culinary industry has a responsibility to address greenhouse gas emissions. Food is a powerful medium for storytelling and cultural exchange

    25 min
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About

Get ready for short stories and information-filled podcast episodes that dive into solutions for school food service! Our guests, who are subject matter experts, will take the spotlight and share valuable insights to enhance student food experiences and boost operational efficiency. Because everyone who contributes to school food service is a Remarkable Academic Food (RAF) Ambassador, and together, we make RAF Nation. Nations stick together. Join us on this journey of academic foodservice innovation and collaboration!

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