In the Weeds Podcast (Celebrity Chef Spike Mendelsohn)

On episode 3, Mike Curtin, Jr., CEO at DC Central Kitchen, gets In The Weeds with Chef Spike Mendelsohn. DC Central Kitchen is a pioneering nonprofit that transforms lives by providing culinary training, nutritious meals, and employment opportunities to individuals facing hunger and poverty. With years of experience in nonprofit management, Mike is key in overseeing operations and ensuring the organization’s impactful work in the community. We’ll dive into how DC Central Kitchen addresses food insecurity, empowers individuals, and creates long-term change.

@SaltverkSalt‬ produces sustainable, hand-harvested sea salt in Iceland's Westfjords, utilizing 100% geothermal energy for a zero-carbon footprint. Their artisanal salts, including unique flavors like Birch Smoked and Arctic Thyme, capture the pure essence of the Nordic region. Visit https://saltverk.com to learn more and use promo code INTHEWEEDS for 20% off.

@Justicetea_ isn't just any beverage; it's a delightful refreshment that stands out for its unrivaled flavor. Made from organic, fair trade ingredients, and crafted with sustainability in mind, it's a guilt-free indulgence you can enjoy with every sip. Visit https://justicetea.com to find Just Ice Tea at a store near you and discover more about their commitment to positive change.

We, The Pizza is arguably the pinnacle of pizza perfection. Treat your taste buds to a slice of pure bliss and make your mouth happy with their delectable pizza pies. Craving a slice? Visit https://wethepizza.com to place your order and locate a convenient location near you.

DC Central Kitchen (@dccentralkitchen6927) is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. The organization provides hands-on culinary job training for individuals facing high barriers to employment while creating living wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed. To learn more, please visit https://dccentralkitchen.org

On episode 2, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser gets In The Weeds with Chef Spike Mendelsohn. Mayor Bowser is the two-term Mayor of Washington, D.C., and a trailblazing leader committed to equity, economic growth, and community development. As the first woman to be re-elected as Mayor of D.C., she has championed initiatives in affordable housing, education, and statehood. With a focus on creating opportunities for all Washingtonians, Mayor Bowser continues to shape the future of the nation’s capital.

@SaltverkSalt‬ produces sustainable, hand-harvested sea salt in Iceland's Westfjords, utilizing 100% geothermal energy for a zero-carbon footprint. Their artisanal salts, including unique flavors like Birch Smoked and Arctic Thyme, capture the pure essence of the Nordic region. Visit https://saltverk.com to learn more and use promo code INTHEWEEDS for 20% off.

@Justicetea_ isn't just any beverage; it's a delightful refreshment that stands out for its unrivaled flavor. Made from organic, fair trade ingredients, and crafted with sustainability in mind, it's a guilt-free indulgence you can enjoy with every sip. Visit https://justicetea.com to find Just Ice Tea at a store near you and discover more about their commitment to positive change.

We, The Pizza is arguably the pinnacle of pizza perfection. Treat your taste buds to a slice of pure bliss and make your mouth happy with their delectable pizza pies. Craving a slice? Visit https://wethepizza.com to place your order and locate a convenient location near you.

DC Central Kitchen (@dccentralkitchen6927) is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. The organization provides hands-on culinary job training for individuals facing high barriers to employment while creating living wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed. To learn more, please visit https://dccentralkitchen.org

On episode 1, Chef Carla Hall gets In The Weeds with Chef Spike Mendelsohn. Carla is a celebrated chef, television personality, and cookbook author known for her vibrant personality and love of soul food. A former co-host of ABC’s The Chew, Carla gained national recognition as a fan favorite on Top Chef with her innovative dishes and infectious energy. She is passionate about bringing people together through food and preserving the heritage of Southern cuisine.

With Carla, food is more than a meal—it’s a celebration of culture, resilience, and the stories we share. Her incredible journey reminds us that success is not just about where we end up but the growth and experiences we gain along the way. 

@SaltverkSalt‬ produces sustainable, hand-harvested sea salt in Iceland's Westfjords, utilizing 100% geothermal energy for a zero-carbon footprint. Their artisanal salts, including unique flavors like Birch Smoked and Arctic Thyme, capture the pure essence of the Nordic region. Visit https://saltverk.com to learn more and use promo code INTHEWEEDS for 20% off.

@Justicetea_ isn't just any beverage; it's a delightful refreshment that stands out for its unrivaled flavor. Made from organic, fair trade ingredients, and crafted with sustainability in mind, it's a guilt-free indulgence you can enjoy with every sip. Visit https://justicetea.com to find Just Ice Tea at a store near you and discover more about their commitment to positive change.

We, The Pizza is arguably the pinnacle of pizza perfection. Treat your taste buds to a slice of pure bliss and make your mouth happy with their delectable pizza pies. Craving a slice? Visit https://wethepizza.com to place your order and locate a convenient location near you.

DC Central Kitchen (@dccentralkitchen6927) is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. The organization provides hands-on culinary job training for individuals facing high barriers to employment while creating living wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed. To learn more, please visit https://dccentralkitchen.org

Chef Eric Adjepong gets In The Weeds with Chef Spike Mendelsohn on today’s episode! The two Top Chef alumni share their bromance, swapping never-before-publicly-shared behind-the-scenes stories, their passion for cooking, and the highs and lows of life as celebrity chefs.

As a Top Chef Season 16 finalist and Food Network star, Eric has become a celebrated figure in the culinary world. He currently hosts Wild Card Kitchenand Alex vs. America and has launched an exclusive kitchen collection with Crate & Barrel. He is also the author of Sankofa, a children’s book that received a starred review from the BCCB in 2023, and his highly anticipated cookbook, Ghana to the World, is set for publication in March 2025.

This month, Eric is set to open Elmina, his first brick-and-mortar restaurant, in Washington, DC. A contemporary spin on traditional West African food, Elmina reflects Eric’s passion for blending storytelling, culture, and bold flavors.

@SaltverkSalt‬ produces sustainable, hand-harvested sea salt in Iceland's Westfjords, utilizing 100% geothermal energy for a zero-carbon footprint. Their artisanal salts, including unique flavors like Birch Smoked and Arctic Thyme, capture the pure essence of the Nordic region. Visit https://saltverk.com to learn more and use promo code INTHEWEEDS for 20% off.

@Justicetea_ isn't just any beverage; it's a delightful refreshment that stands out for its unrivaled flavor. Made from organic, fair trade ingredients, and crafted with sustainability in mind, it's a guilt-free indulgence you can enjoy with every sip. Visit https://justicetea.com to find Just Ice Tea at a store near you and discover more about their commitment to positive change.

We, The Pizza is arguably the pinnacle of pizza perfection. Treat your taste buds to a slice of pure bliss and make your mouth happy with their delectable pizza pies. Craving a slice? Visit https://wethepizza.com to place your order and locate a convenient location near you.

DC Central Kitchen (@dccentralkitchen6927) is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. The organization provides hands-on culinary job training for individuals facing high barriers to employment while creating living wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed. To learn more, please visit https://dccentralkitchen.org