Our first ever live recording! Mike is a wealth of knowledge and is dedicated to creating the best bowl of Ramen he and his team can in Akahoshi Ramen. Mike goes by the name “Ramen Lord” on the internet, a somewhat tongue-in-cheek name that since garnered him serious attention. He has been making ramen for 13 years, fascinated with its history, combining traditional approaches with a scientific, meticulous view of its components. From refractometers to measure soup viscosity, to specific noodle hydration percentages, no details are spared.

Prior to the shop, Mike ran a series of popups throughout Chicago to showcase his wares, though he has also conducted events in New York City, Nashville, Cincinnati, and Atlanta. The shop is his opportunity to share his craft with a broader audience in the city of Chicago.

Mike’s background is not traditional for chefs. After over a decade in marketing research, Mike quit his job to pursue opening his dream ramen shop. He has no formal restaurant training, he just loves ramen. Too chatty for his own good, you’ll usually find him in the kitchen, spreading the gospel with guests.

It’s easy to talk about philanthropy and sustainability, but Chef Edward Lee has turned those ideals into reality. A true innovator, he’s not only creating change in the restaurant industry but also leading by example—cutting non-reusable plastics in his latest concept and using his platform to drive sustainable, equitable practices. As the chef/owner of 610 Magnolia in Louisville, KY, and the culinary director for Succotash in National Harbor and DC, Chef Lee is reshaping what it means to give back while delivering extraordinary food experiences.

In 2018, Chef Lee and Lindsey Ofcacek co-founded The LEE Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to building a more diverse, compassionate, and sustainable restaurant industry. Their mission is clear: to tackle complex social issues in hospitality with heart, innovation, and a commitment to community.

Chef Lee's accolades speak for themselves—from his James Beard Foundation Award for Writing to being a six-time finalist for Best Chef: Southeast. His books, Buttermilk Graffiti and Smoke & Pickles, showcase his passion for both the culinary arts and the evolving cultural landscape of America. In 2018, Food & Wine Magazine named 610 Magnolia one of the country’s most important restaurants of the past 40 years, and the Michelin Guide DC awarded Succotash a Bib Gourmand in 2019.

Tune in to hear how Chef Lee’s vision is reshaping the food world, and how his drive for sustainability and equity is transforming the industry from the inside out.

Healthy Pour is dedicated to transforming the workplace. Founded with a mission to enhance the world's relationship with work, Healthy Pour fosters environments that prioritize well-being, productivity, and fulfillment. They believe that a healthy workplace is the cornerstone of a successful and sustainable business.

Laura Louise Green, the driving force behind Healthy Pour, is a well-being strategist, organizational psychologist, and psychotherapist. She specializes in addressing the intersection of mental health and work, with a focus on preventing burnout and toxicity by creating and restoring healthy workplaces. Her expertise empowers organizations to thrive by placing mental health at the center of their operations.

Our podcast conversation with Laura was nothing short of inspiring. Her insights left us reflecting deeply and reaching for our notepads. Laura’s perspective on well-being in the workplace is not only transformative but also a joy to learn from.

Don’t miss the opportunity to engage further! Join us on February 17th for an in-person pop-up event featuring special guest speakers and an exclusive cocktail pop-up "Naniloa" to wrap up the evening. Tickets are available now on our website!