NxtGen Network

Podcast Blog

Deep dives, key takeaways, and SEO-optimized episode guides from the Next Up and Indulge podcasts. Every conversation — broken down so you can find exactly what you're looking for.

School Meal Debt Crisis
Next Up

School Meal Debt Crisis: How Grab The Tab Is Paying It Off Nationwide

Samantha Bourque from National Food Group reveals how Zee Zees' Grab The Tab initiative has erased over $150K in school meal debt — and why food insecurity demands corporate action.

Samantha Bourque • Jan 2026
Tampa Cocktail Culture
Indulge

Inside Tampa EDITION's Punch Room: How Tural Hasanov Is Redefining Cocktail Culture

From Azerbaijan to Tampa's most exclusive cocktail lounge — Tural Hasanov shares the craft, culture, and creativity behind the EDITION Hotel's world-class bar program.

Tural Hasanov • Sep 2025
Student Voice in School Nutrition
Next Up

Why Students Demand a Seat at the School Nutrition Table — GENYOUth Speaks Out

Members of the GENYOUth National Youth Council share why student voice matters in school meal programs — from stigma to sushi, 25-minute lunches to cultural inclusion.

GENYOUth Youth Council • Jan 2026
Chef Jon Atanacio Tampa
Indulge

From Doggy Daycare to Executive Chef: Jon Atanacio's Road to Tampa's Epicurean Hotel

Chef Jon Atanacio's unconventional journey through NYC kitchens to leading Tampa's Epicurean Hotel — including being slapped by a French chef and why he hires for attitude.

Chef Jon Atanacio • Jun 2025
Zee Zees K-12 Branding
Next Up

How Zee Zees Uses Branding and Innovation to Transform K-12 School Nutrition

Why K-12 is the "PhD of foodservice" and how Zee Zees' approach to branding, allergen-free design, and bulk innovation is driving 20% participation increases.

Zee Zees Team • Jan 2026
William Dean Chocolates Hunger Games
Indulge

How William Dean Chocolates Landed in The Hunger Games — and Became a Top 10 Chocolatier

Bill Brown's journey from tech to "Chief Chocolate Officer" — and how his artisan chocolates ended up on screen in one of the biggest film franchises of all time.

Bill Brown • May 2025