Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders

Turkey Chili & Leadership: Darnell Hamilton Cooks for Milwaukee

Charlie sits down with Darnell Hamilton, Executive Director of Future Urban Leaders, to cook a hearty turkey chili while discussing Darnell's Chicago upbringing, his teaching career in Milwaukee, and the work his organization does to support young people through a long-term leadership pipeline.
The episode mixes cooking tips—turkey, sweet potato, black beans, peppers, jalapeño corn muffins, and a Hazy IPA base—with conversations about community pride, mentorship, and building opportunities for Milwaukee youth.
Darnell tells us how he makes his turkey chili
You can watch the video here - https://youtu.be/DtdplMofOzQ
The recipe is available on our website at -  
This Podcast is an Interview and cooking show with Milwaukee Community Leaders. We have a short interview about their work in the community, then we cook something, and then we eat it. From our elected leaders to those working at the grassroots, we talk with people trying to make Milwaukee a better place.

From Summerfest to the Salad Bowl: Lena DeLaet on Music, Tech & Community

Join Charlie and Lena DeLaet, director of sales for Summerfest and leader of Summerfest Tech, as they discuss Lena's journey from small-town Wisconsin to shaping Milwaukee's biggest events. Lena shares how Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. operates as a nonprofit, the evolution of Summerfest, and the community impact of Summerfest Tech.
In the cooking segment, they prepare a lighter Big Mac salad, demonstrating a tasty, customizable twist on a classic favorite while highlighting the community-focused spirit behind the festival and its events.
You can watch the video here - 
The recipe is available on our website at -  
This Podcast is an Interview and cooking show with Milwaukee Community Leaders. We have a short interview about their work in the community, then we cook something, and then we eat it. From our elected leaders to those working at the grassroots, we talk with people trying to make Milwaukee a better place.

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

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 closes with a lively cooking segment where Carlos prepares Nepalese momo sauce and dumplings, blending cultural flavors while sharing stories about community, career, and giving back.
You can watch the video here - https://youtu.be/eROJf9Du22k 
The recipe is available on our website at - https://cookingsecretsformen.com/2025/09/21/momo-sauce-nepalese-and-steamed-dumplings/ 
This Podcast is an Interview and cooking show with Milwaukee Community Leaders. We have a short interview about their work in the community, then we cook something, and then we eat it. From our elected leaders to those working at the grassroots, we talk with people trying to make Milwaukee a better place.
 

Catfish Po'Boys & Community Care with Darryl Anderson

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 family, community programs, and sustaining nonprofit services with hands-on cooking and neighborhood camaraderie. Fellow Community Leader & friend, Darnell Hamilton, assists Darryl as sous chef while making the Po'boys.
You can watch the video here - https://youtu.be/sSbAF6dn8ww 
This Podcast is an Interview and cooking show with Milwaukee Community Leaders. We have a brief interview about their work in the community, then we prepare something to eat. From our elected leaders to those working at the grassroots level, we speak with people who are trying to make Milwaukee a better place.
 

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

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 like chili crunch and Truff. The episode blends personal stories, community leadership, and a simple, comforting recipe.
You can watch the video here - https://youtu.be/LzqWR23dFmk 
The recipe is available on our website at - https://cookingsecretsformen.com/2025/08/25/fried-egg-sandwich/ 
This Podcast is an Interview and cooking show with Milwaukee Community Leaders. We have a short interview about their work in the community, then we cook something, and then we eat it. From our elected leaders to those working at the grassroots, we talk with people trying to make Milwaukee a better place.

Culinary Journey from Nepal to Milwaukee: Meet Chef Barkha

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 Pfister Hotel.
Despite challenges like COVID-19 and an unexpected fire, Barkha's innovation and resilience shine through as she discusses new culinary creations and her commitment to quality and hospitality.
You can see the YouTube video here - https://youtu.be/uMwyU5bqg8U