From battlefields to back kitchens, Chef Lance McWhorter has lived a life forged by fire, rhythm, and relentless reinvention.
An Army and Navy veteran turned award-winning chef, Lance has transformed East Texas dining with Heritage East and The Plaid Rabbit blending global flavor with Southern soul.

In this episode of TMHF, we dive deep into grit, gastronomy, and groove exploring how identity, experience, and rhythm shape the plate.
But this conversation doesn’t shy away from the tough topics: we unpack systemic racism, cultural appropriation, and how this generation must come to terms with the past discretions woven through America’s food history and culture.

It’s raw, reflective, and redemptive a conversation about healing through honesty, heritage, and the shared language of food and music.

🎧 Listen as we talk legacy, flavor, and finding your beat when the world goes silent.

In this episode of TMHF, we sit down with world-renowned saxophonist Mike Phillips, the first musician ever signed to Jordan Brand, and the only artist to have performed with Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Michael Jackson. Together, we explore the intersection of sound, culture, and flavor, diving into how identity and artistry can feed the soul like a perfectly seasoned dish.

From his Mount Vernon roots to founding Keep It Moving Music and mentoring the next generation of jazz innovators, Mike opens up about the mindset, discipline, and humanity behind his music. We chop it up about sneakers, soul food, and sax solos — proving that legacy isn’t just played… it’s cooked, served, and felt.

In this elevated episode of TMHF, we sit down with cultural curator and cannabis pioneer Hawaii Mike Salman- the visionary behind Chef For Higher, Fly Private Social, and the deeply introspective Mask Off Podcast.

From managing hip-hop legends like Mobb Deep to hosting intimate infused supper clubs that blend food, music, and plant medicine, Hawaii Mike breaks down how he turned a lifestyle into a movement. We explore the healing power of community, the sacred rituals of consumption, and why taking your mask off—figuratively and literally—is the highest form of freedom.

Whether you're here for the flavor, the vibes, or the wisdom, this episode is a masterclass in intention, authenticity, and cultural elevation.

In this flavorful episode of TMHF, we sit down with Tom Dokman and Ross Rehschuh — the dynamic duo behind Minnesota’s very own Here’s The Deal Spice Co. — to unpack how a simple wedding favor turned into one of the Midwest’s most talked-about spice brands.

From Tom’s punk rock roots and fine-dining background to Ross’ love for layered flavor and community connection, the two dive deep into how they built a brand that blends heart, heat, and heritage. They talk music in the kitchen, the anatomy of a perfect spice blend, the cultural weight of flavor, and why showing up at the Minnesota State Fair was both a dream and a pressure cooker.

With segments like “One Gotta Go” and a rapid-fire Lightning Round, this convo is as spicy, soulful, and unexpectedly hilarious as their signature 127 Blend.

If you’ve ever wanted to hear what it sounds like when flavor meets friendship — this episode brings the heat.

In this episode of Taste Music Hear Food, we sit with Jacqui Thompson, a visionary force who moves between worlds with ease: from soundboards to stills, boardrooms to agave fields.

As co-founder of Las Melodías de la Luna Mezcal, Jacqui blends ancestral spirit with musical memory. We unpack her evolution from managing icons like Prince and Outkast to championing women distillers in Oaxaca specifically the powerful partnership with mezcalera Rosario Ángeles.

We talk:
The rhythm of storytelling through spirits
That unforgettable blood moon that sparked it all
What it means to distill legacy as a Black woman in mezcal
The soundtrack behind every bottle and every rebirth

“Notes of Smoke, Hints of Soul” is more than a title...it’s a tribute to the slow burn of identity, intention, and cultural stewardship. This one lingers like a sip worth savoring.

In this episode of the TMHF, we sit down with Reggie Wilson Sports Director at KARE 11, proud Mizzou alum, member of Kappa Alpha Psi, and one half of a dynamic media power couple alongside his wife, journalist Alexis Rogers.

From his Southern Illinois roots to his rise in Minneapolis media, Reggie unpacks how his faith, fraternity, and setbacks helped shape his purpose in sports journalism. We get into everything:
the food and culture that shaped him,
the soundtrack behind his storytelling,
the weight of legacy in a fast-paced industry,
and how he and Alexis are building more than careers , they’re building community.

Plus, Reggie faces the fire in our “One Gotta Go” and Lightning Round segments, revealing his love for toasted ravioli, his dream interview pick, and the sports cliché he’d gladly retire.

This episode is all heart, all hustle, and 100% real ... just like Reggie.

nixta oro

In this episode of TMHF, we sit down with Dusty Wahl, the founder of Cosmic Coffee, a beloved café in Northeast Minneapolis that’s become a cornerstone of community and connection. From his roots in Mahtomedi to running a thriving business in one of Minneapolis’ most creative neighborhoods, Dusty’s journey is one of passion, resilience, and the power of people coming together over a good cup of coffee.

Dusty shares the story behind Cosmic Coffee’s inception, his hands-on approach to running the shop, and how music, culture, and community play a huge role in shaping the vibe at his café. Plus, we dive into how his mental health background and entrepreneurial spirit come together to create more than just a coffee shop — it’s a space where relationships are brewed, just like his coffee.

From navigating challenges in business to fostering deep community connections, this episode highlights the magic of small businesses and the personal touch that makes them thrive. If you’re a fan of great stories, great coffee, and even better conversation, this episode is for you.

Join us as we explore the flavor, heart, and hustle behind Cosmic Coffee with Dusty Wahl!