Charlie DeSando

Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders

Arts EN ↓ 100 episodes

Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders is an interview and cooking show where we talk about our guest’s work in the community, cook something, and then enjoy the meal together. From our elected leaders to those working at the grassroots, we talk with people trying to make Milwaukee a better place.

Author

Charlie DeSando

Category

Arts

Latest episode

Jun 27, 2026

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Episodes

From Puerto Rico to Rockwell: Carlos Mejia on Service, STEM, and Momos 18.09.2025

Nepalese Momo Sauce with Steamed Dumplings and Carlos Mejia Interview. From Puerto Rico to Rockwell: Carlos talks about Service, STEM, and Momos. Host Charlie chats with Carlos Mejia, a Rockwell Automation engineer named among "30 People Shaping Milwaukee's Future," about his Puerto Rican roots, military service, education, and years of mentoring youth in STEM and technical careers. The episode cl...

Catfish Po'Boys & Community Care with Darryl Anderson 02.09.2025

Host Charlie sits down with Darryl Anderson, Executive Director of the ERAS Senior Network, to discuss his journey from Gary, Indiana, his nonprofit work serving older adults across Milwaukee and Waukesha counties, and the services ERAS provides to reduce isolation and support aging in place. Along the way, they cook New Orleans–inspired catfish po'boys and dirty rice, mixing conversation about fa...

From Campfires to Croissants: Mark Shapiro’s Signature Fried Egg Sandwich 21.08.2025

Host Charlie sits down with Mark Shapiro, president and CEO of the Harry and Rose Sampson Family JCC, to talk about his upbringing, career path, and the JCC’s work to build a healthier, more inclusive Milwaukee. Mark then shares his beloved two-egg fried egg sandwich recipe—made on a butter croissant with shredded cheddar (and dairy-free options)—seasoned with Lowry’s and finished with hot sauces...

Culinary Journey from Nepal to Milwaukee: Meet Chef Barkha 13.08.2025

In this episode of Munching Around Milwaukee, Charlie welcomes former chef and current general manager of Mason Street Grill, Barkha Daly. She shares her culinary journey from Nepal to becoming a significant figure in Milwaukee's vibrant food scene. Barkha highlights her experiences managing renowned restaurants like The Cheel, The Daily Taco, and The Baaree, as well as her new role at the iconic...

Cooking Up Resilience: Artie Turner's Inspiring Journey from Childhood to Community Leader 20.06.2025

Join Charlie in this compelling episode of "Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders" as he welcomes Artie Turner, a remarkable behavioral health consultant from Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. Artie shares his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood in Milwaukee to becoming a celebrated community leader. Artie opens up about his early life, the crucial role of his adopted parents, Maddie...

From Mississippi Roots to Milwaukee Dreams: Dr. Tiffany Tardy's Journey 16.06.2025

In this episode of "Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders," host Charlie welcomes Dr. Tiffany Tardy, the inspiring President and CEO of Pearls for Teen Girls. Tiffany, also celebrated on this year's list of 40 Under 40 emerging leaders, shares her journey from her early years in Milwaukee to her pursuit of higher education and passion for empowering young girls. Former President and CEO of Pear...

Innovative Recipes with Tech Visionary Dr. Nadia Johnson 05.06.2025

In this episode of "Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders," host Charlie welcomes Dr. Nadiyah Johnson, CEO of the Milky Way Tech Hub and Jet Constellations. Video link is here -   https://youtu.be/JpQoNoYkqIU   Listen as Nadiyah shares her inspiring journey from a curious child passionate about puzzles to a tech visionary driving Milwaukee’s future as a thriving tech hub for black and brown com...

Amanda Hernandez's Inspiring Journey and Baked Gnocchi 23.05.2025

In this engaging episode of Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders, host Charlie welcomes Amanda Hernandez, the Vice President, Community Accountability Officer for Associated Bank. With 20 years of experience in community service and philanthropy, Amanda shares her inspiring journey from the south side of Milwaukee to her pivotal role in shaping community relationships through funding. Dive int...

From Boxing Champ to Community Leader: Hector Colon's Inspiring Journey 15.05.2025

Join Charlie in this captivating episode of "Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders" as Hector Colon, President CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, shares his inspiring journey from boxing champion to respected community leader. Despite facing racial adversity at a young age, Hector found strength in boxing, eventually becoming a seven-time national champion. Discove...

Sam Maldonado, Milwaukee Community Leader and Peruvian Lomo Saltado 14.05.2025

Our guest on Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders is Samantha “Sam” Maldonado. Sam is a strategy consultant at Spectrum Non-Profit Services. She has received several awards. These include Women of Influence from the MKE Business Journal. She is also on the Milwaukee Business Journal's 40 under 40 list. She is on the list of the Most Influential Latino Leaders 2022. Peruvian Lomo Saltado is a v...

From Milwaukee Mayor to U.S. Ambassador: Tom Barrett’s Journey 10.05.2025

In this episode of "Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders," your host, Charlie, is joined by Tom Barrett, former U.S. Congressman, Milwaukee Mayor, and U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg. Tom shares anecdotes from his formative years in Milwaukee and his remarkable career in politics and diplomacy. They discuss his journey from growing up on Milwaukee’s west side to his various political roles, culm...

Milwaukee's Culinary Pioneer: Omar Shaikh & Carnevor 06.05.2025

Join host Charlie as he dives into a captivating conversation with Omar Shaikh, a prominent restaurateur and visionary leader in Milwaukee. Discover how Omar's journey from establishing the renowned Carnivore Steakhouse to becoming an influential figure in the revitalization of downtown Milwaukee unfolded over the years. In this episode, Omar shares fascinating stories about introducing Wagyu beef...

From Libraries to Kitchens: Antoine Carter's Flavorful Tale 02.05.2025

Join Charlie in this episode of "Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders" as he welcomes Antoine Carter, the Director of Philanthropy for the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation. Discover Antoine's rich journey from his early years in Milwaukee to becoming an influential community leader, recognized in the Milwaukee Business Journal's 40 under 40. Antoine shares his passion for art, community eng...

Maysse Her, CEO, Hmong Chamber of Commerce, WI & Mustard Greens with Chicken Stir Fry 15.04.2025

Our guest on Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders is Maysse Herr. Maysee is the CEO of the Hmong Chamber of Commerce, Wisconsin.   Her awards include Women of Distinction 2024, MKE Magazine, 2022 CEO of the Year by Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, and on the list of Wisconsin’s 48 Most Influential Asian Americans Mustard Greens with Chicken Stir Fry Over Rice is a flavorful dish tha...

Lynda Welsh, CEO SHARP Literacy & Easy Caprese Salad 12.04.2025

Our guest on Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders is Lynda Welsh, President/CEO at SHARP Literacy. Lynda has won many awards, including the Milwaukee Business Journal 40 Under 40 and the Women of Influence. Lynda tells us how she makes her easy Caprese Salad with Grilled Chicken and Balsamic Glaze. A Caprese salad is the essence of simplicity and elegance. It’s an Italian classic that requires...

Stacia Thompson President & CEO, Sherman Phoenix Foundation & Award Winning Chunky Guacamole 04.04.2025

Our guest on Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders is Dr. Stacia Thompson. Stacia is the president & CEO of the Sherman Phoenix Foundation. She is one of the Women of Distinction from the 2024 MKE Magazine. And recently, on the list of 30 People Shaping Milwaukee’s future. Stacia tells us how she makes her award-winning chunky guacamole. She won a competition at the Sherman Phoenix with Tru...

Mark Powless, Indian Community School & Traditional Native American Corn Soup 24.02.2025

Our guest on Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders is Mark Powless, the Ourways Director for the Indian Community School in Franklin, WI. Indian Community School, Inc. (ICS) is a private, faith-based, intertribal school that began in the homes of three courageous Oneida mothers in 1969. From these humble beginnings, ICS has been serving the American Indian community of metro Milwaukee for 55 ye...

Quentin Prince, MKE Youth Sports Alliance & Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake 12.02.2025

Our guest on Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders is Quentin Prince. Quentin is the executive director of the MKE Youth Sports Alliance and director of Youth Leadership & Student Services for Journey House Youth Center. Quentin is a MKE Business Journal 40 Under 40 Honoree, ACRE program Alum,  and Forward48 Alumni. Chicken Broccoli Cheese Bake. This warm, comforting dish combines the heart...

Michael Hostad, CRO, Fork Farms & President Light the Hoan & Stuffed Pepper Soup 03.02.2025

Our guest on Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders is Michael Hostad, Chief Revenue Officer, Fork Farms & President & Co-founder, Light the Hoan, Inc. Stuffed Pepper Soup and Michael Hostad Interview. Stuffed pepper soup is easy to make for a hearty meal in one bowl. Great with warm bread for an easy weeknight dinner. Stuffed Pepper Soup is a hearty and flavorful soup inspired by classi...

Laura Bray, Exec Director MATC Foundation and Italian Eggs and Tomatoes 28.01.2025

Our Guest Cooking With Milwaukee Community Leaders is Laura Bray, Exec Dir, Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) Foundation https://www.matc.edu/foundation/index.html , & VP of College Advancement and External Communications @ MATC. Her awards include: Milwaukee Business Journal 40 Under 40, the Daniel Burnham Visionary Award, the Frank Kirkpatrick Award from the Greater Milwaukee Foundatio...

Ben Holt, Milwaukee Grand Ave Club and Eye in the Middle 17.01.2025

Today’s guest on Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders is Ben Holt, Associate Director of The Grand Avenue Club (https://grandavenueclub.org/), a downtown Milwaukee nonprofit that helps adults experiencing mental illness achieve employment, educational, or enrichment goals. Ben tells us how he makes Eye in the Middle, a simple yet delicious breakfast dish. It involves cooking an egg in the cent...

Blanca Gonzales, Exec Director i.c. stars, and Mexican Chorizo 28.11.2024

Our guest on “Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders” is Blanca Gonzales. Blanca is the executive director of the technology training non-profit i.c.stars. She was featured in Milwaukee Magazines Women of Distinction recently. She is on the list of the most influential Latino leaders in Wisconsin. Blanca tells us how she makes Mexican Chorizo as a Breakfast Dish. It's a key ingredient in many br...

Lynnea Katz-Petted, Retired CEO Revitalize Milwaukee and Teriyaki Cashew Chicken 21.11.2024

Our guest on "Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders" is Lynnea Katz-Petted. Lynnea, recently retired president and CEO of Revitalize Milwaukee. Her awards include Women of Influence from the Milwaukee Business Journal and the Frank Kilpatrick Award from the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. Teriyaki Cashew Chicken is a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a sweet-savory...

Jenna Washuleski, CEO Harmonic Harvest and Elevated Avocado Toast 12.11.2024

Our guest for Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders is Jenna Washuleski, the Founder and CEO of Harmonic Harvest (https://harmonicharvest.org/) in Milwaukee. Elevated avocado toast enhances the classic combo of toast and avocado. It adds gourmet ingredients, unique textures, and flavors, creating a richer, more complex experience. Jenna tells us how she makes her Elevated Avocado Toast. You can...

Brian Gotter, Major Gifts Officer of the MACC Fund and Sausage Gravy and Biscuits 05.11.2024

Our guest for Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders is Brian Gotter, former #TMJ4 Meteorologist, now the Major Gifts Officer of the MACC Fund ( https://maccfund.org/ ). This interview was originally recorded in April 2023. This Sausage Gravy and Biscuits recipe uses buttermilk biscuits and turkey sausage for a hearty, family-favorite breakfast that is ready in just 15 minutes.  Brian tells us h...

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