Heard Mentality

Ali Kaufman, Blake Malatesta
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  • Food
  • Updated Semiweekly

Heard Mentality got its name because “Heard.” is the request and response call in kitchens worldwide and ‘Mentality’ is what we are changing in kitchens everywhere – in restaurants, schools and homes. Heard Mentality has recorded its first season with some of the area’s top culinary talent sharing stories about kitchen inspiration, mental health breakdowns and breakthroughs we need to create a healthier workforce and family food systems.

  1. Mar 19

    #023 - Michael Mayo

    In this episode of Heard Mentality, we sit down with Mike Mayo, co-founder of the Facebook group “Let’s Eat, South Florida” and host of Mike Mayo’s Lunchbox. Known for highlighting the best of the South Florida food scene, Mike brings a deeper, more personal perspective to the table in this conversation. Drawing from his time as a columnist for the Sun Sentinel, Mike shares his long-standing connection to mental health advocacy, including his work exposing the gaps in resources and disparities in treatment for those facing mental illness and addiction. He also opens up about the personal experiences that shaped his perspective, losing his brother to schizophrenia after years of institutionalization, and witnessing the toll that addiction and mental health struggles have taken on the hospitality industry and the people in it. This episode goes beyond food; It’s about community, awareness, and the often-unspoken realities behind the scenes.

    56 min

  2. Mar 5

    #022 - Michael Salmon

    Michael Salmon's journey as a chef is rooted in a deep respect for simple, seasonal food. After studying at the Culinary Institute of America, he honed his skills at top spots like the 21 Club and Arcadia in New York, where he embraced the farm-to-table philosophy. He’s cooked for icons like Jackie O and Uma Thurman, and was even a guest chef at the James Beard House. He was season 3 finalist on Next Food Network Star and Food Network Restaurant Challenge.

    49 min

  3. Feb 24

    #021 - Joe Durkin

    Joe Durkin is a South Florida–based hospitality and experiential events leader known for creating large-scale lifestyle festivals at the intersection of beverage, culture, and community. With a background in brand partnerships, growth strategy, and guest experience, he specializes in building immersive events that deliver high-energy, thoughtfully curated experiences. He is the co-founder of The Tequila Festival, a signature spirits event blending premium tequila and mezcal, live music, and culinary activations, and co-founder of AltBev Expo, a next-generation trade and consumer show spotlighting functional, alternative, and non-alcoholic beverages. He is also involved with Terp Basel, a culture-forward event during Miami Art Week that fuses art, cannabis, music, and immersive brand activations. Beyond events, Durkin served as Head Distiller and Chief Operations Officer of South Florida Distillers Inc., leading production, product development, and operations for the craft distillery. He was also affiliated with Harpke’s Farms, supporting agricultural initiatives that extend his work into the farm-to-glass space. Across his ventures, Durkin develops experiential platforms that elevate emerging beverage categories while fostering meaningful industry and community connections.

    38 min

  4. Feb 13

    #020 - Adam Baron

    Adam Baron was one of the top junior tennis players in the United States, dedicating his early years to competing at the highest levels of the sport. His passion for tennis led him to continue his career at Florida State University, where he played collegiate tennis while earning his degree. After college, Adam shifted his focus from the court to the classroom, earning his law degree from Nova Southeastern University. He went on to spend 15 years practicing law, building a successful career in the legal profession. But tennis was never far from his roots. Eventually, Adam found his way back to the sport through his family’s legacy. Alongside his brother Ivan and his father, Mark Baron, he now helps run the Delray Beach Open as it enters its 34th year. The Delray Beach Open has become a staple in the professional tennis world, blending world-class competition with an electric South Florida atmosphere. Known for attracting top ATP talent, the tournament offers fans an intimate, up-close experience with the sport’s biggest stars. Beyond the matches, the event delivers a vibrant mix of hospitality, community engagement, and entertainment — making it one of the most unique stops on the tennis calendar. From junior tennis standout to attorney to tournament executive, Adam’s journey has come full circle, returning to the game that first shaped his competitive spirit and now helping elevate one of the premier events in professional tennis.

    34 min

  5. 12/19/2025

    #019 - Max Lennon & Zach Pecoraro

    Zach Pecoraro was born and raised in New York State. Zach grew up with a passion for trying new foods and the outdoors. He has been living in South Florida for the past 4 years. Consistently trying to progress and grow within the hospitality industry. He is the General Manager of Avalon Beach House in Delray Beach, Florida. Born and raised in upstate New York , Max Lennon now calls South Florida home, bringing his passion for restaurants and hospitality to life. Avalon Beach House is your go-to dining destination in the heart of downtown Delray Beach. We draw inspiration from the sun-soaked boardwalks and laid-back beachside bars and SURF SHACKS of America’s East Coast, from Maine to Miami. Their menu bursts with creative share plates and a mouth-watering array of char-grilled meats, fresh local seafood, and vibrant, seasonal vegetables. From the bar, enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, ice-cold beers, and a handpicked selection of wines that perfectly complement your meal.    Whether you're dropping by for a relaxed lunch, a delightful dinner, or a late-night indulgence (with the kitchen open until 2 AM), they’ve got every craving covered.

    42 min

  6. 12/19/2025

    #018 - Eric Lamb

    Eric Lamb is the proud owner of Windy City Pizza, a true taste of Chicago right here in Delray Beach. With 25 years of hands-on experience in the restaurant industry — from line cook to kitchen manager, general manager, and executive chef — He's built his career on passion, hard work, and the belief that great food brings people together. He also brings over 10 years of catering experience, delivering unforgettable meals for weddings, corporate events, and private gatherings. Windy City Pizza is more than just a business — it's a family-run operation, rooted in his Chicago heritage and built with love, pride, and tradition. As a father of four amazing kids, everything he does is for them. He hope to pass on the same values of hard work and community that helped shape who he is today. At Windy City Pizza, you're not just getting amazing food— you're getting a story, a legacy, and a piece of home.

    53 min

  7. 12/19/2025

    #017 - Robert Bellini

    Robert Bellini is a classically trained pastry chef, author, and visual storyteller with over 30 years of experience in five-star hotels, resorts, and country clubs. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, he now leads Dazzelton Publishing Co., where he creates immersive culinary adventures for families through his children’s cookbook series, Chirpy’s Tasty Adventures. Each book blends whimsical storytelling, real food photography, and approachable recipes designed to inspire kids and parents to cook together. Robert writes, photographs, and develops every recipe himself—bringing characters like Chirpy Gourmet and Cody Campfire to life with empowering messages about fresh food, herbs, grilling, and growing your own garden. Raised on the vegetable-rich, seafood-forward traditions of his Puglian heritage, Robert is passionate about cooking and eating well at home, celebrating the vibrant flavors of seasonal produce. Based in West Palm Beach, he’s also a professional event and food photographer, a lifelong fitness enthusiast, and a passionate fly fisherman who finds creative fuel in nature.

    42 min

  8. 12/19/2025

    #016 - Michael Saperstein

    Michael Saperstein is a chef and entrepreneur whose career has been fueled by creativity, craft, and a dedication to elevating the culinary experience. As co-founder of Sunshine Provisions, Michael draws on his chef’s perspective to ensure the company delivers premium proteins that meet the rigorous standards of culinary professionals. From procurement to product development, he brings an unparalleled eye for detail that has helped make Sunshine Provisions a trusted partner for chefs across Florida. Michael’s culinary roots run deep. Trained in some of New York City’s most prestigious kitchens, he became a head chef at just 23, earning four-star reviews, national features on Food Network and The Cooking Channel, and even a James Beard Rising Star nomination. In 2008, he co-founded Charm City Burger Co., which quickly earned a cult following and was named South Florida’s #1 burger spot. Through the E&M Munchies restaurant group, Michael went on to shape acclaimed concepts like El Jefe Luchador and Rebel House, celebrated for their bold flavors and chef-driven creativity. A Magna Cum Laude graduate of Johnson & Wales University with a degree in Culinary Arts, Michael continues to influence the hospitality landscape by marrying innovation with an uncompromising commitment to quality.

    52 min
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About

Heard Mentality got its name because “Heard.” is the request and response call in kitchens worldwide and ‘Mentality’ is what we are changing in kitchens everywhere – in restaurants, schools and homes. Heard Mentality has recorded its first season with some of the area’s top culinary talent sharing stories about kitchen inspiration, mental health breakdowns and breakthroughs we need to create a healthier workforce and family food systems.

Information

  • Creator
    Ali Kaufman, Blake Malatesta
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Ali Kaufman, Blake Malatesta
  • Show Website
    Heard Mentality