What does it take to build a culinary career, create something of your own, and make an impact along the way?

On this episode of Hey! Michelle with a Mic, Michelle sits down with Chef Kayla Robison, the creative force behind Commander & Beef, to talk about her journey in the culinary world, her passion for food, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives her forward.

From navigating the challenges of the restaurant industry to building a brand rooted in creativity and connection, Kayla shares her perspective on what it means to pursue your passion, take risks, and carve out your own path.

Tune in for a conversation about food, entrepreneurship, community, and the power of turning what you love into something bigger.

What does it take to turn a family legacy in the restaurant business into some of Cincinnati’s most recognizable dining experiences?

Michelle sits down with brothers Joe and John Lanni, the team behind Thunderdome Restaurant Group, for a conversation about growing up in the industry, taking chances, building brands, and creating restaurants that have become part of the fabric of Cincinnati.

From their family’s Great Steak beginnings to Currito, Bakersfield, The Eagle, Krueger’s Tavern, Maplewood, CityBird, Pepp & Dolores, and The Davidson, Joe and John share the stories, memories, and sometimes unexpected decisions behind the concepts. They talk about betting on Over-the-Rhine before its resurgence, creating restaurants with distinct personalities, navigating growth, and building a company around great food, hospitality, and strong teams.

Plus, they give Michelle a look at what’s next: The Eagle’s new Deerfield location, the upcoming Pepp & Dolores, new menu additions and experiences, and Currito’s major franchise expansion. And, naturally, Michelle gets them to reveal their go-to late-night fast food order.

It’s a conversation about family, food, entrepreneurship, Cincinnati, and what happens when you’re willing to take a risk on an idea you believe in.

What if one of the best things you could do for your mind and body was as simple as… going outside?

On this episode of Michelle with a Mic, Michelle sits down with Dr. Barbara Walker, an integrative health and performance psychologist at UC Health’s Osher Center for Integrative Health and director of its Nature as Medicine program, to talk about the science behind forest bathing, forest therapy, and our connection to the natural world.

And no, forest bathing does not require a bathtub.

Dr. Walker explains how intentionally slowing down and immersing our senses in nature can help reduce stress, restore our attention, and support our mental and physical well-being. They talk about everything from cortisol and anxiety to birdsong, green and blue spaces, putting down our phones, and why even 20 minutes outside can make a difference.

Plus, Dr. Walker takes Michelle inside an actual forest therapy session — where the goal isn't how many miles you walk, but how much you notice along the way.

You don't need to be an outdoorsy person. You don't need a trip to Yosemite. And you don't even necessarily need a forest.

Sometimes, you just need to go outside, slow down, take a deep breath, and listen to the birds.