DiMattia's Food Fight Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with my new (but longtime familiar) friend Mike Baresse to talk all things Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the Northeast Pennsylvania scene. Mike shares his unique journey that blends martial arts with music—from coaching boxing and training on the mats to organizing concerts, booking bands, and keeping live music alive in the region. We dive into how our paths overlapped for ye...

In this episode, we sit down with Mike, the owner of Buddy Clark’s Tavern in Dunmore, Pennsylvania. We talk about his journey from working as an equipment manager for the local Yankees to diving into the food and bar scene. Mike opens up about the challenges of launching a small business, keeping the lights on through COVID, and what it really takes to run a neighborhood spot. It’s a conversation...

In this premiere episode, we sit down with Matthew Moss, the visionary behind Moss Family Farms and Bistro in Shickshinny, Pennsylvania. Matthew shares his incredible journey through the food world — from his early days in the restaurant industry to earning his culinary degree at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in New York. We dive into his experiences leading kitchens across the cou...

We’re back with Part 3 of our Foods of Pennsylvania series — and this time, we’re recording from our brand-new studio! In this episode, we dive into one of the state’s most legendary debates: Wawa vs. Sheetz. Which one reigns supreme in the hearts (and stomachs) of Pennsylvanians? We also explore why Pennsylvania is known as both the Pretzel Capital and Snack Capital of the World, home to iconic b...

In this episode, we sit down with John Tabone, the passionate force behind Bar PAZZO in Scranton, Pennsylvania. We dive deep into the highs and lows of the restaurant business—from the hustle of pre-COVID operations to the challenges of navigating the post-pandemic industry. John shares his perspective on how the restaurant world has evolved, what’s changed in the kitchen and the dining room, and...

In this episode of Food Fight, I sit down with Austin from Abide Coffee, a beloved neighborhood coffee shop in the heart of historic downtown Wilkes-Barre. We dive into what it means to own and grow a locally rooted business without sacrificing its soul—choosing community over franchising, and keeping the experience personal and real. Austin shares the story of how he and his father ventured into...

I chats with Amie Zurewich to uncover the story behind the iconic coffee cup-shaped building on Spring Street in Wilkes-Barre, and explore why it’s boarded up and has been vacant since 2003. Hear about Amie’s inspiring journey through dreams, setbacks, and new beginnings, all anchored by the unyielding spirit of an entrepreneur determined to make her mark. From the early morning grind to financial...

It’s a special milestone on the Food Fight Podcast – Episode 50! And who better to celebrate it with than our very first guest, Jim Mirabelli from NEPA Pizza Review. A lot has happened since that first conversation: Jim has launched his Virtual Pizza Academy, both of our social media platforms have grown steadily, and our influence in the region’s food scene continues to rise. In this episode, we...

In this episode of the Food Fight Podcast, I sit down with Albert Martino, the founder of northeastsnacks.com, a one-stop shop for regional favorites from Pennsylvania. We dive into how he ships Middleswarth potato chips across the country—including to U.S. soldiers overseas—along with other local treasures like Carmella’s tomato sauce, made right in Dunmore, and sweets from his own Pocono Chocola...

In this episode, I sit down with Frank Sepko—owner of ConversionWorx Media and partner in the Food Fight Podcast—for a no-holds-barred conversation about the state of social media, the rise of the carnivore diet, and the health of our nation. We dig deep into the battles being fought every day at the dinner table, in grocery stores, and online. This one lives up to the name—it’s a true Food Fight.

In this episode of Food Fight comes to you from the ConversionWorx Studio in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. It’s Round Two with Old Forge, Pennsylvania’s Council President and owner of Café Rinaldi, Russell Rinaldi. In our first episode, recorded nearly a year ago, we sat down to talk about the history and joy of growing up in Old Forge—and, of course, the legacy of Old Forge pizza. We had plans to s...

Today, Brian is joined in the Loop Internet studio by Tom McGuire, co-owner of Good Tree MMA. This episode is the intersection of food, martial arts, and the relentless pursuit of personal growth. From shedding pounds and learning self-defense, to coaching techniques and managing stress, we discuss how mixed martial arts has the ability to reshape every aspect of your life. We also get into the ta...

Welcome to Ep.006 of the Food Fight Podcast in the Loop Internet studio hosted by Brian DiMattia! Today, Brian is joined by Andy France, owner of Brasi’s Pizzeria. Pepperoni, pineapple, and the art of pizza-making — it’s not just about what goes on top but the stories underneath. This conversation takes an affectionate look at the slices of life that pizza represents, from the local ‘Valley Style’...

Welcome to Ep.005 of the Food Fight Podcast in the Loop Internet studio hosted by Brian DiMattia! Cosmo Salerno, the mastermind behind Cosmo’s Cheesesteaks, joins me today for a flavor-packed episode into the heart of our local food scene and the personal journeys that shape a restaurateur’s life. We start by slicing into Cosmo’s own story — the unforeseen challenges that nearly toppled his busine...

Welcome to Ep.004 of the Food Fight Podcast in the Loop Internet studio hosted by Brian DiMattia! This week, Brian is joined by Russell Rinaldi, owner of Cafe Rinaldi. In this episode, we talk about the birth and history of Old Forge pizza, speakeasies in the prohibition ear, and culinary tradition. But this episode isn’t just about pizza; we’re talking about the heart and soul of a small town, th...

In this episode, we sit down with Luke of Back Mountain Microgreens to talk about the power of growing your own food and the impact microgreens can have on your health. But that’s just the beginning—we dive into fitness, the journey of getting a second chance at life, and, of course, the experience of eating Imitation Snickers bars. It’s a conversation about resilience, transformation, and the lit...

Get ready for another flavor-packed episode of Foods of Pennsylvania Part Two! In this episode, we kick things off with an epic chip showdown, comparing national favorites like Wise, Utz, and Herr’s to uncover what makes each brand unique. We also dive into some quirky local lore, exploring how Pennsylvania played a pivotal role in inventing Peeps and even had a hand in creating SpaghettiOs. And f...

In this episode, I sit down with Rylee of Teasperience, a unique small business that’s all about exploring the world of tea. We’ll dive into how they’ve created an immersive experience for tea lovers, blending the art of tea-making with a personal touch. Whether you're a seasoned tea connoisseur or new to the world of tea, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how they craft memorable tea experie...

Welcome to Ep.003 of the Food Fight Podcast in the Loop Internet studio hosted by Brian DiMattia! This week, Brian is joined by fellow Good Tree MMA teammate, hypnotist, author, and Judo black belt, Eric Mina. Together, we chew on the challenge of creating viral social media content and the parallels between social media savvy and martial arts mastery. We discuss the differences in belt promotions...

In this episode, we’re diving into the delicious world of Pennsylvania’s most iconic foods! From the sweet legacy of Hershey’s chocolate to the nutty history of Planters peanuts, we’ll explore the flavors that shaped the state. We’ll also uncover the surprising origins of root beer, bite into the story of Martin’s legendary potato rolls, and feast on even more mouthwatering Pennsylvania classics....

In this episode of the Food Fight Podcast, Rosario and I sit down for a deep dive into the challenges and triumphs of opening and operating a pizzeria. We discuss everything from crafting the perfect dough to navigating the highs and lows of running a food business. But beyond the pizza, we touch on a deeper topic—how sometimes we’re just not ready for the things we’re meant to do until the right...

Tune in as we dive into the art of balancing health and fitness—because let’s be real, it’s not just about hitting the gym or rolling out a yoga mat. We also get into the raw, behind-the-scenes challenges of running a restaurant and a yoga studio. From keeping a business afloat to keeping your body in peak condition, this conversation is packed with insights, struggles, and some game-changing take...

Welcome to episode 2 of the Food Fight Podcast hosted by Brian DiMattia! In this episode, Brian is joined by Lauren Gorney, Co-owner of NEPA’rogi. In our discussion, Lauren offers a peek behind the curtain of NEPA’rogi, where passion for authentic Polish cuisine meets the trials and tribulations of running a food business. We swap stories of our culinary beginnings, from family kitchens to restaur...

Third-generation pizza owner of Angelo’s Pizzeria in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania—the one and only! Hear the story of how his family started the pizza craze with their signature sweet sauce in the valley, a trend that’s now making its way around the state!

This week, The Food Fight Podcast welcomes a very special guest: Eric McDermott, the founder and creator of Food of NEPA! Hailing from Dallas, Pennsylvania, Eric has been a major figure in connecting people to the vibrant food scene of Northeastern Pennsylvania. For the first time ever, we’re sitting down face-to-face to chat about the incredible culinary connections we’ve built in the area over t...