Season 5 of Let’s Talk Food brings a powerful and eye-opening conversation as Chef April Fontenot sits down with Ozan Ozaskinli, CEO & Co-Founder of Value Gene, a global food consulting business boutique dedicated to solving some of the most pressing challenges within the food industry. With more than 20 years of experience in corporate America and over a decade in food manufacturing, Ozan offers a unique, data-driven perspective on the evolving food landscape.

In this episode, he and Chef April explore the noticeable decline in fresh food sources and unpack the complex factors contributing to this shift—from supply chain disruptions and changing consumer behaviors to global sourcing challenges. Ozan also highlights how Value Gene is working with food manufacturers across the U.S. and internationally to navigate these challenges, optimize operations, and build more resilient, future-ready food systems.

To further dive into this topic, listeners are encouraged to explore Ozan’s insightful article:

“The Future of the U.S. Fruit Market: Consumption Trends, Supply Shifts and Rising Import Dependence”

🔗 https://valuegeneconsulting.com/future-of-fruit/

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about food, sustainability, and the future of what we eat.

🔗 Connect with Ozan Ozaskinli:

🌐 Website: www.valuegeneconsulting.com

📧 Email: ozan.ozaskinli@valuegeneconsulting.com

📬 Connect with Chef April

💌 Email: april3802@outlook.com

🎧 Follow the Let’s Talk Food Family 🍴

Instagram: @coopiesamericancuisineandseafood

🎥 TikTok: @coopies.american

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“Healthy Plates & Happy Vibes:

Welcome back to Let’s Talk Food Podcast – Season 5, Episode 7!

This special episode celebrates National Nutrition Month with your host, Chef April, bringing you a perfect blend of inspiration, wellness, and excitement! 💚

Chef April shares buzz-worthy insights on upcoming movies that haven’t been released yet, giving listeners something fun to look forward to, while also delivering a heartfelt message filled with love, hope, and encouragement for a safe and brighter future.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Let’s Talk Food without practical goodness—Chef April dishes out simple, effective tips to help you eat healthier during National Nutrition Month and beyond. From adding more colorful fruits and vegetables to your plate to making mindful, balanced choices every day, this episode is your reminder that small steps can lead to big lifestyle changes.

This episode is all about feeling good, staying motivated, and embracing a healthier, happier you—one plate at a time.

📖 Reference Article:

“Celebrating March as National Nutrition Month” — VA News

🔗 https://news.va.gov/137752/celebrating-march-as-national-nutrition-month/

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March Into Wellness!”

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It’s officially rodeo season in Houston, Texas! 🤠🔥

In this exciting kickoff episode, Chef April Fontenot celebrates the start of the iconic Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the electrifying events leading up to weeks of unforgettable fun. From the smoky anticipation of the legendary World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest to the concerts, carnival, livestock shows, and rich Texas traditions, Chef April shares her personal take on what makes rodeo season one of the most flavorful times of the year.

She also catches listeners up on her week, reflects on the cultural impact of the rodeo in the community, and dives into what you can expect for the 2026 season.

For official 2026 exhibitor and contestant information, visit: 👉 https://www.rodeohouston.com/exhibitors-contestants/

And because it wouldn’t be Let’s Talk Food without bold flavors, Chef April brings you 49 smoky and delicious backyard BBQ recipes inspired by the Food Network article:

Article Title: 49 Backyard Barbecue Recipes That Are Smoky and Delicious

🔗 https://www.foodnetwork.com/grilling/grilling-central-barbecue/best-backyard-barbecue-recipes

Get ready to fire up brisket, ribs, chicken, savory sides, and sweet backyard favorites right from your own home. Whether you're hosting a rodeo watch party or planning a weekend cookout, this episode is packed with inspiration to help you bring championship-level flavor to your table. Boots on. Pit lit. Volume up. It’s rodeo time, Houston — and we’re celebrating in delicious style.

📬 Connect with Chef April

Follow the Let’s Talk Food Family 🍴

💌 Email: april3802@outlook.com

Instagram: @coopiesamericancuisineandseafood

🎥 TikTok: @coopies.american

📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@aprilfontenot9354

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Let’s Talk Food isn’t just a podcast — it’s a movement rooted in culture, community, and cuisine. See y’all at the rodeo! 🤠🔥

The Let’s Talk Food Podcast – Season 5, Episode 5

Guest: Mario Gomez-Hall, Co-Founder & CEO of Zest Maps

In this exciting episode of The Let’s Talk Food Podcast, Chef April sits down with visionary entrepreneur Mario Gomez-Hall, Co-Founder and CEO of Zest Maps, to talk about how his culinary roots sparked a tech revolution for food lovers everywhere.

Before stepping into the world of startups, Mario built his foundation in the culinary arts — mastering flavor, creativity, and the culture of hospitality. Now, he’s bringing that same passion to the digital space with Zest Maps, an innovative map app designed to help users discover the best hidden gems in restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, nightlife, and more. Whether you’re traveling to a new city or exploring your own backyard, Zest Maps helps you find the spots that locals love but tourists often miss.

Chef April and Mario dive into:

How culinary training influences tech innovation

• Why storytelling and experience matter in hospitality
• The power of community-driven recommendations

• How Zest Maps is changing the way we explore food culture

If you love discovering off-the-beaten-path eateries and supporting local businesses, this episode is for you!

Connect with Mario Gomez-Hall & Zest Maps

🔗 LinkedIn (Zest Maps): https://www.linkedin.com/company/zest-maps/posts/?feedView=all

🔗 Mario’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariohall/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zestmaps/

Connect with Chef April

💌 Email: april3802@outlook.com

Follow the Let’s Talk Food Family

🍴 Instagram: @coopiesamericancuisineandseafood

🎥 TikTok: @coopies.american

📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@aprilfontenot9354

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Tune in and discover how food, tech, and passion collide in this inspiring conversation on The Let’s Talk Food Podcast!

Chef April Fontenot is back—and this episode is serving culture, current events, and culinary creativity all on one plate!

Before diving into the deliciousness, Chef April catches up on the latest movies, trending happenings, and even shares her thoughts on the Super Bowl halftime buzz featuring Bad Bunny. Because you know on Let’s Talk Food, we talk about what’s happening in culture just as much as what’s happening in the kitchen!

Then, we turn up the heat as love meets legacy—celebrating Black History Month and Valentine’s Day in true foodie fashion. Chef April highlights powerful culinary contributions and shares inspiration from the article “10 Important Food Moments in Black History” from Food Network: 👉 https://www.foodnetwork.com/fn-dish/news/important-food-moments-in-black-history

She also spreads the love with Valentine’s inspiration from “Soul Food Valentine’s Day Recipes Made With Love And Care” from The Soul Food Pot: 👉 https://thesoulfoodpot.com/soul-food-valentines-day-recipes/

From iconic food milestones to romantic, flavor-packed dishes you can recreate at home, this episode blends history, entertainment, and heart in the most delicious way possible.

So whether you’re planning date night, celebrating legacy, or just staying in with good vibes and good food—this episode has something for you.

Press play and let’s talk food! 🍓🎉

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