Media Test Kitchen

The Media Test Kitchen is where new media lives. We explore the intersection of technology and new media in the restaurant and hospitality sectors, learning how businesses are utilizing these tools to grow their business.

Media Test Kitchen is a business podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 54 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 81.

Unknown Host hosts Media Test Kitchen, a business show with 54 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Episode #58

  Rising Tides Live: Pricing Strategy & Menu Engineering

  Sep 25, 20261h 6m

  Scott Kleckner led this Rising Tides Live conversation on pricing strategy and menu engineering. With restaurant traffic falling and customers feeling the cost of dining out, he challenged operators to look beyond the usual annual price increase. Shawn Walchef and Iano Dovi shared how meal bundles can make ordering easier and give guests more value, while the group discussed menu costs, popular dishes and the experience customers expect for the price. The takeaway: Before raising prices, know which items sell, what they cost to serve and why guests keep coming back. Don’t raise prices on autopilot. Scott urged operators to check traffic, costs and customer behavior before adding the usual 5% or 10% to a menu. Build bundles around value and margin. Shawn and Iano shared meal packages that make ordering easier for guests. Scott stressed that a successful bundle doesn’t require giving away profitable items. Know what each menu item contributes. Look at its cost, margin and popularity, then give your strongest items the right placement on the menu. Episode Links Cali BBQ Media:   https://content.calibbq.media/ Join Our Next Show:   https://betheshow.media/rising-tides/ Shawn Walchef on LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/ Scott Kleckner LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottkleckner/

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #57

  Rising Tides Live - What's Your Fall Shoulder Season Playbook

  Sep 25, 202657 min

  Robert Firpo-Cappiello led this Rising Tides Live conversation about a fall shoulder season that looks different for every restaurant. Operators shared how weather, local events and changing travel patterns affect traffic, along with ways to respond without relying on discounts. Scott Kleckner described speeding up his marketing and website plans during a slowdown, while Iano Dovi explained how a four-course offering helps The Attic bring in more revenue per guest. The group also discussed hotel partnerships, holiday programming and using customer data to plan ahead. The takeaway: Know where your guests come from and give them a reason to visit during the slower weeks. A slow season depends on your market. Travel demand, weather and local events can change when customers show up, so operators need to look at their own traffic and sales before making a fall plan. Give guests more value without discounting. Iano Dovi’s $55 four-course offering gives customers a reason to visit while raising the average spend per person during slower weeks. Plan for the demand around you. Hotel guests, conventions, cruise ships and seasonal events can bring in customers. Operators can use those calendars and local relationships to decide when and how to market. Episode Links Cali BBQ Media:   https://content.calibbq.media/ Join Our Next Show:   https://betheshow.media/rising-tides/ Shawn Walchef on LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/ Robert Firpo-Cappiello: https://robfirpcapp.com/

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #56

  Rising Tides Live - What's Actually Killing Restaurants?

  Sep 18, 202658 min

  Iano Dovi led this Rising Tides Live conversation focused on one question: What is actually killing restaurants? Restaurant operators, entrepreneurs and hospitality leaders discussed rising costs, unrealistic rents, declining traffic, complacency and the challenge of staying visible online. From Shawn Walchef’s call for better financial visibility to Elizabeth Doss’ reminder that even a great restaurant can be invisible online, the group explored what operators can do to stay relevant and profitable. The message was clear: Restaurants need to understand their numbers, listen to their customers and keep experimenting before small problems become reasons to close. Know Your Numbers Before It Is Too Late – Rising costs, unrealistic rent and shrinking margins can quietly weaken a restaurant. Operators need clear financial visibility so they can identify problems early and make informed decisions. Give Customers a Reason to Return – Great food is not always enough. Restaurants need a signature item, memorable experience or unique value that keeps customers talking about the business and coming back. Listen, Experiment and Keep Evolving – Customer reviews, social media comments and sales data can reveal what is working and what needs to change. Operators should test new ideas, learn quickly and move on when something is not working. Episode Links Cali BBQ Media:   https://content.calibbq.media/ Join Our Next Show:   https://betheshow.media/rising-tides/ Shawn Walchef on LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #55

  Rising Tides Live - Why You Should Do LinkedIn Collaborations

  Sep 18, 202635 min

  Shawn Walchef led this Rising Tides Live conversation about LinkedIn’s new collaboration feature and how business leaders can use the platform to build stronger communities. Restaurant operators, entrepreneurs, and hospitality leaders discussed declining reach, AI-generated content, and the value of mixing personal stories with educational posts. From Richard’s warning about “AI slop” to Ward Olgreen’s reminder that heartfelt posts often earn the strongest response, the group explored what makes content worth sharing. The message was clear: LinkedIn is more than a place to find a job. Consistent, authentic content can build relationships and create real business opportunities. LinkedIn Is More Than a Job Board - Business leaders can use the platform to build professional relationships, strengthen communities, share their expertise, and create new opportunities over time. Authenticity Builds Stronger Connections - Personal stories often connect more deeply than polished or overly promotional content. Educational posts may reach fewer people, but they can still make an impact when they reach the right audience. Collaboration Can Expand Your Reach - LinkedIn’s collaboration feature allows creators to share content across multiple audiences. The strongest collaborations bring the right people together around content that is relevant, valuable, and worth sharing. Episode Links Cali BBQ Media:   https://content.calibbq.media/ Join Our Next Show:   https://betheshow.media/rising-tides/ Shawn Walchef on LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #54

  Rising Tides Live - Successful People Ask For Help

  Sep 11, 20261h 2m

  Laura Wilber filled in for Shawn Walchef to lead this Rising Tides Live conversation on why successful people ask for help. Restaurant operators, entrepreneurs, and hospitality leaders shared how mentors, trusted teams, and professional networks helped them grow. From Katie Socks asking an executive to become her mentor to Chef Lindsay giving her team more responsibility, the group showed that asking for help is a sign of strength. The message was clear: Ask before you reach the breaking point, show gratitude, and act on the advice you receive. Asking for Help Is a Strength – Successful leaders recognize when they need support and have the courage to seek it from mentors, colleagues, and trusted advisors. The Right Team Creates Room to Grow – Giving capable people more responsibility allows leaders to step away from daily operations and focus on the future of the business. Advice Only Matters When You Act – Asking for help is only the beginning. Real progress comes from applying what you learn and doing the work. Episode Links Cali BBQ Media:   https://content.calibbq.media/ Join Our Next Show:   https://betheshow.media/rising-tides/ Shawn Walchef on LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on Media Test Kitchen. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.