Hurricane Helene Relief Effort: Pooch Rivera & Cooking For 1st Responders
What happens when nature’s fury meets human resilience? Our latest episode takes you to the heart of a catastrophe that has shaken Appalachia, especially western North Carolina, where Hurricane Helene's wrath left a trail of devastation. Chef Pooch Rivera joins us from the ground zero of disaster relief, sharing his pivotal role in nourishing the spirits of first responders with fresh meals. As we explore the emotional and physical demands of this crisis, we promise you'll walk away with a newfound appreciation for the unsung heroes battling against the odds.
Our discussion unfolds the immense logistical challenges faced in Asheville, with resources stretched thin and unexpected barriers testing the resolve of relief teams. We witnessed the extraordinary commitment of chefs who traveled from faraway cities to cater to the needs of those on the front lines, ensuring that morale remains high with hot meals over canned goods. This conversation draws powerful parallels to past disasters like Hurricane Katrina, emphasizing the crucial collaboration between community and state agencies, and the profound personal sacrifices made by individuals.
In the face of overwhelming destruction, stories of hope and solidarity shine brightly. We highlight the remarkable efforts of AJ, Brianna, and their team, who rapidly organ
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The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!
Walk-In Talk Podcast
Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling.
Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time.
We’re the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open.
Brand Partners:
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.
📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com
Mentioned in this episode:
Auto Citrus Slicer Streamlines Prep
Boost efficiency and cut waste with SupraCut's automated citrus slicer for streamlined prep.
RAK Porcelain USA -Tableware
We use RAK for all in-studio tableware—clean, durable, and designed for chefs.
Aussie Select - Fully cooked, premium Australian lamb
Fully cooked, premium Australian lamb—ready to serve and packed with clean flavor.
Metro Foodservice Solutions
Kitchen and back-of-house systems for better flow and function.
Citrus America
Citrus America – Commercial-grade juicing systems built for speed and yield.
