Episode 12

full
Published on:

22nd Sep 2025

The Heart of Hospitality: A Mid-Season Reflection with Colleen Silk

In this mid-season recap of Hospitality Bites, host Colleen Silk reflects on the journey so far and the powerful stories shared by her guests. From chefs and entrepreneurs to advocates and storytellers, each conversation highlights courage, resilience, and community within the hospitality industry.

Colleen also opens up about her personal advocacy work—her role as an Ambassador for The Burnt Chef Project, her board seat with CHOW, and her documentary [un]hospitable, which sheds light on the challenges women face in hospitality.

This episode is both a reflection and an invitation: to continue supporting storytelling that breaks down stigmas, fuels empowerment, and builds a stronger, healthier industry.

Key Takeaways

  • Hospitality Bites continues to spotlight diverse voices across the industry.
  • Courage and resilience are the common threads among guest stories.
  • Colleen shares her personal journey and advocacy for mental health.
  • The documentary [un]hospitable addresses the challenges faced by women in the hospitality industry.
  • Storytelling is a powerful tool for advocacy and empowerment.
  • Support is crucial to keep these conversations alive and growing.
  • Hospitality is about more than service—it’s about community, wellness, and connection.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction: The Journey of Hospitality Bites

04:40 – Guest Stories and Common Threads of Courage

06:12 – Colleen’s Personal Journey & Advocacy Work

08:27 – Invitation for Support & Future Endeavors

09:39 – Closing Reflections

 #hospitalitybitesmedia #storytelling #advocacy #mentalhealth #walkintalkmedia #theburntchefproject #chow #womeninmedia #womeninhospitality 

About Hospitality Bites:

Hosted by Colleen Silk, Hospitality Bites is an honest and restorative space for voices within the hospitality industry. More than just a podcast, it serves as a storytelling platform for changemakers, risk-takers, and hospitality professionals who are approaching their work in innovative ways. Each episode features guests ranging from chefs to advocates and media personalities, focusing on mental and physical health, personal experiences, and the realities of thriving in the hospitality industry and beyond.


New episodes of Hospitality Bites drop every Monday, now proudly under the Walk-In Talk Media umbrella.

Watch the full episode on YouTube the following week.

Want to get involved or learn more? Visit HospitalityBites.com

Listen for free

Show artwork for Hospitality Bites

About the Podcast

Hospitality Bites
Hospitality Bites is hosted by Colleen Silk—founder of Hospitality Bites Media (HBM)—a platform built to spotlight the human side of hospitality. From mental well-being and inclusive leadership to building more sustainable workplaces, Colleen brings thoughtful conversations to the forefront of an industry known for its hustle, pressure, and perfectionism.

This podcast dives deep into real stories from across the hospitality spectrum—celebrating everyday wins, challenging outdated norms, and offering fresh perspectives on what it truly means to build a thriving career in hospitality. Whether you’re front of house, back of house, or anywhere in between, these episodes are designed to educate, destigmatize, and inspire.

Hospitality Bites is proudly produced under the Walk-In Talk Media (WITM) network—home of the #1 food podcast in the country and a leading creator of food industry storytelling through film, photography, and podcasting.

🎙️ Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
📧 Contact: info@thewalkintalk.com
📲 Follow @walkintalkshow and @hospitalitybitesmedia on Instagram
🌐 www.thewalkintalk.com for studio info and media opportunities