Chef Massimo Orlando and Jack Ross on Italian Roots, Food Culture, and Resilience

In this episode of the Walk-In Talk Podcast, Carl sits down with Chef Massimo Orlando and Jack Ross for a powerful conversation about Italian heritage, food culture, and the stories that shape who we are. Chef Massimo Orlando shares his journey from growing up in Italy and learning to cook in his grandmother's kitchen to working professionally at a young age in the kitchens around Lake Como. His path took him across the ocean to Miami Beach and eventually to California, where he built a life, a career, and a community. Massimo opens up about mentorship, immigration, the impact of the pandemic, rebuilding after loss, and how mental health and therapy changed his leadership and outlook on life. He also discusses his role with A.P.C.I. North America and the mission to protect and promote real Italian food and culture in the United States and Canada. Joining the episode in the studio is Jack Ross, the creator of YO! Meatball. Jack is a home cook whose Sicilian family recipes are rooted in tradition, comfort, and the Sunday table. While cooking his signature meatballs live, Jack shares how family food traditions became a way to connect with community and preserve heritage outside of the professional kitchen. This episode explores two different paths connected by one common thread. Food as memory, identity, resilience, and connection. Brand & Industry Partners • Metro https://www.metro.com • RAK Porcelain USA https://www.rakporcelain.com/usa • Pass the Honey https://www.passthehoney.com • Aussie Select https://www.aussieselect.com • Ibis Images Studio https://www.ibisimages.com Official Trade Show & Event Partners • New York Restaurant Show https://www.nyrestaurantshow.com • California Restaurant Show https://www.californiarestaurantshow.com • Florida Restaurant Show https://www.floridarestaurantshow.com • Pizza Tomorrow Summit https://www.pizzatomorrowsummit.com • U.S. Culinary Open at NAFEM Show https://www.usculinaryopen.org Cause & Community Partners • The Burnt Chef Project (Mental health advocacy in hospitality) https://www.theburntchefproject.com • Operation BBQ Relief https://operationbbqrelief.org • Hogs for the Cause https://hogsforthecause.org • Sustainable Supperclub https://www.sustainablesupperclub.com