
Table Talk and Topics Podcast
Where Food, Culture, and Stories Come Together Around the Table
Latest Episode

About Table Talk and Topics
Table Talk & Topics is a culinary podcast where food, culture, history, science, and storytelling converge. Hosted by Chef Maria Festevole, each episode explores the fascinating narratives behind what we eat—from national dishes and culinary traditions to the science of ingredients and the people who have shaped the culinary world. With an educational approach, engaging personality, and a touch of sarcasm, the show makes learning about food entertaining, approachable, and unforgettable.
Beyond just discussing recipes and ingredients, Table Talk & Topics connects food to the larger human story: where it came from, why it matters, how it evolved, and what it reveals about the cultures and people who created it. The podcast creates more than just content—it creates a culinary experience where every dish has a story, every ingredient has a history, and every voice at the table has something worth sharing. From the kitchen to the culture, from the science to the stories, there’s always a seat at our table.
Our Podcast Series

Table Talk & Topics
The flagship podcast series exploring the fascinating stories behind what we eat. Each episode dives into national dishes, culinary traditions, ingredients, food holidays, kitchen science, and the cultural significance of food from around the world.

Chef’s Table
An exclusive podcast series featuring in-depth conversations with chefs and culinary personalities. Discover personal stories, professional experiences, culinary techniques, traditions, challenges, and the inspirations that drive the people behind the food.

Apex Institute
Turn your passion for food into professional culinary knowledge. The Apex Institute offers structured culinary education, practical training, assessments, and professional certificates for aspiring chefs, food professionals, and passionate home cooks.
Contact Us
Explore the World of Food
Discover the stories, traditions, recipes, ingredients, and culinary cultures that connect people around the globe. Explore food through history, science, hospitality, and the people behind the dishes—from the Global Food Calendar to Table Talk & Topics, Chef’s Table, and the Apex Institute.
Global Food Calendar
Discover food holidays, national dishes, ingredients, culinary traditions, and stories from around the world. Explore what’s on the calendar and discover something delicious every day.
Table Talk & Topics
Listen to conversations that explore food, culture, history, science, hospitality, and the stories behind what we eat. Pull up a chair and discover something worth talking about.
Chef’s Table
Step into the kitchen with recipes, culinary techniques, chef conversations, demonstrations, and food science. Discover what happens behind the scenes and learn how professional culinary skills come together at the table.
Stay Connected at the Table
Join the conversation and stay connected with the world of food. Get new episodes, culinary stories, recipes, food discoveries, and updates from Table Talk & Topics, the Global Food Calendar, Chef’s Table, and the Apex Institute.