Inside the World Food Championship with Mike McCloud and Anthony Martorina
Join us on a tantalizing journey into the heart of culinary competition at the World Food Championship in Dallas, Texas. This episode is flavored with the lively discussions surrounding the thrilling competition that allows chefs and home cooks to showcase their skills on a level playing field. Our guest, Mike McCloud, the marketing director for the Kansas City Barbecue Society and the brainchild behind Sam's Club Barbecue Tour, shares the meaty details of what it takes to organize an event of this magnitude.
McCloud peels back the layers of his journey, uncovering the strategic deal with IMG that led to the creation of the World Food Championship. We grill him on his innovative plans to expand the championship, including the introduction of military-style competitions and a "Food Week". McCloud also serves up a reminder that every competitor is a "food champ", reinforcing the inclusive spirit that makes this event a melting pot of culinary enthusiasts.
Adding to our recipe for an engaging podcast; Anthony Martorina, a competitive cook and Instagram sensation, joins the conversation. Martorina dishes on his experiences in the competitive culinary world and his Instagram page, which has become a visual feast for food lovers. This episode is a perfect blend of passion, creativity, and love for food, served with a side of enlightening discussions on the importance of cash flow management for successful events. Come, feast on this flavorful discussion that is sure to whet your appetite for all things culinary.
Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.
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:
Citrus America
Citrus America – Commercial-grade juicing systems built for speed and yield.
Metro Foodservice Solutions
Kitchen and back-of-house systems for better flow and function.
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.
