This week on Shelling Peas, we’re revisiting a conversation from the early days of the podcast — and it’s one that feels more timely than ever. Chef Ryan Jennings sits down with Matt Yaeger, owner of Pinnacle Wine & Liquor, to talk about the evolving wine landscape and the heart of independent business.

Matt shares candid insights about the challenges facing small wine shops, from shifting consumer habits to competing with big-box chains, and how he's embracing creativity, community connection, and authentic hospitality to thrive. The conversation touches on family entrepreneurship, navigating industry headwinds, and how storytelling and content creation play a growing role in keeping traditions alive.

Whether you’re discovering this episode for the first time or returning for a second listen, it’s a thoughtful reminder of why supporting local matters — and how resilience can take root in unexpected places.

Mentioned in this episode:

Food About Town

Food About Town hosted by Chris Lindstrom, focusing on restaurants, food and drink of all kinds, and whatever topics I want to cover! https://foodabouttown.captivate.fm/

Pauly Guglielmo Show

Pauly Guglielmo is a former radio guy turned food business entrepreneur. While running a manufacturing facility is his day job, he likes to dust off his broadcasting skills once a week on this podcast and talk to entrepreneurs and other influencers.

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

Sweet Pea Plant Based Kitchen

Based in Rochester, NY, Sweet Pea is a plant-powered kitchen creating transformative ways of wellness. Harnessing the power of food as medicine, we help you realize your happiest, healthiest self. Use promo code Lunchador15 for 15% off your order!

As we head into Earth Month, Chef Ryan is joined by Abigail McHugh-Grifa, Executive Director of the Climate Solutions Accelerator, for a timely conversation about what it means to learn how to care for the Earth—and help others do the same.

Abby shares her unexpected path from music education to climate leadership, and how her work now focuses on making climate action more accessible and collaborative. From electrifying homes to shifting mindsets, she breaks down what local solutions can look like and why they matter.

They also discuss the broader mission of the Climate Solutions Accelerator, including policy advocacy and practical support for individuals, businesses, and communities looking to take meaningful action.

Mentioned in this episode:

Food About Town

Food About Town hosted by Chris Lindstrom, focusing on restaurants, food and drink of all kinds, and whatever topics I want to cover! https://foodabouttown.captivate.fm/

Pauly Guglielmo Show

Pauly Guglielmo is a former radio guy turned food business entrepreneur. While running a manufacturing facility is his day job, he likes to dust off his broadcasting skills once a week on this podcast and talk to entrepreneurs and other influencers.

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

This week on Shelling Peas, we’re revisiting one of our most exciting and impactful episodes of 2024. Early on in his podcasting journey, Chef Ryan Jennings had the opportunity to sit down with the legendary Dr. Michael Greger, a leading voice in lifestyle medicine and plant-based nutrition.

Dr. Greger shares the story of how his grandmother's miraculous recovery from end-stage heart disease shaped his mission to educate the world about the life-saving potential of a whole-food, plant-based diet. He unpacks the critical role of nutrition in preventing premature deaths, combating dietary misinformation, and empowering individuals to take charge of their health.

This episode perfectly captures what Sweet Pea Plant-Based Kitchen is all about. Whether you’re returning or tuning in for the first time, this conversation is packed with valuable insights and inspiration.

Mentioned in this episode:

Pauly Guglielmo Show

Pauly Guglielmo is a former radio guy turned food business entrepreneur. While running a manufacturing facility is his day job, he likes to dust off his broadcasting skills once a week on this podcast and talk to entrepreneurs and other influencers.

Food About Town

Food About Town hosted by Chris Lindstrom, focusing on restaurants, food and drink of all kinds, and whatever topics I want to cover! https://foodabouttown.captivate.fm/

Sweet Pea Plant Based Kitchen

Based in Rochester, NY, Sweet Pea is a plant-powered kitchen creating transformative ways of wellness. Harnessing the power of food as medicine, we help you realize your happiest, healthiest self. Use promo code Lunchador15 for 15% off your order!

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com