Mike
Mike has worked behind the microphone since his first job as a roller rink disk jockey at the age of 10. He went on to work for two college radio stations: WUSO (Wittenberg) and WSLN (Ohio Wesleyan), before taking a break from broadcasting to attend medical school.
Then podcasting came along and reignited his interest in the microphone!
Since 2006, he has created educational and (hopefully) entertaining podcasts for parents and pediatricians. Chew on This, Columbus is his first journey in foodie podcasting… and while he isn’t a true foodie (yet), he has surrounded himself with the culinary expertise of the Chew Crew and he can’t wait to share his new adventures with all of you!
Karen
Born and raised in a small town, Karen grew up eating healthy home grown meats and vegetables. Somehow as an adult, she lost her way and found comfort in foods high in sugar and saturated fats. This poor diet (and genetics) caught up with her in early 2021 when she had a serious heart event and died for 13 minutes. Now she’s back and living life to the fullest. She’ll choose salad over queso, fresh fruit over a donut, water over soda.
When not working as a pediatric nurse, you’ll find her cross stitching, walking, hanging with friends, or having an adventure with her favorite person on Earth… Mike.
Karen tries to bring a healthy perspective to the Chew Crew to show you that even nutritious, low fat foods can be tasty and satisfying.
Erica
Erica looks at dinner out as a true social experience. It’s breaking bread with friends and family and getting the whole experience of service (without all the clean up!). Having lived in Columbus for over 25 years, she embraces the dynamic and exciting food scene our Capital City has to offer. It’s always such a difficult choice between a new gastronomic adventure and re-visiting an old favorite! When she isn’t enjoying cocktails at a restaurant with her friends, she can be found touting the praises of Emotional Intelligence, hanging out with her teenage daughter, watching original Iron Chef reruns, playing music, and listening to Radiohead.
Zeal
Shrouded in mystery, Zeal is an enigma. He loves chicken tenders, Bigfoot, and the New Jersey Devils. He can often be found at a live music show or hanging out with his kitties watching early 90’s teen dramas. With a heart of gold and a penchant for laughter, Zeal brings years of hospitality and customer service experience to the Chew Crew and looks at the restaurant experiences through that lens. A true Scorpio, he is set in what he thinks and likes and is not easily convinced to try new things, which makes for great surprises as we venture through the Columbus food scene.
Ben
Ben is a man of many talents. He is equally at ease caring for sick babies, tossing a pigskin on the rugby field and dining with friends at a supper club. He offers a unique perspective on food and drink, often zigging when others zag. In fact, if members of the Chew Crew are lined up with the same opinion, Ben is quick to step out of line, sharing how his thoughts are different and the reasons why… which usually (but not always) brings a thoughtful round of nods from the rest of the Crew. Originally from Martins Ferry, Ben and his husband Jeff (also a member of the Chew Crew), currently live in German Village.
Jeff
Jeff is a true foodie and brings a wealth of culinary knowledge to the Chew Crew. He is a beer aficionado but also enjoys wine and classic cocktails. He is the first to step out of his comfort zone and try something new or different (like sautéed liver cubes!). Jeff has experience in the restaurant kitchen and brings a unique perspective to dining out. When something seems amiss with the kitchen or bar, he often jumps in with practical explanations of why and how the experience is what it is.
Rick
Rick is an honorary member of the Chew Crew and joins the conversation from time to time. He is a former restaurant server (Friday’s and Chi Chi’s) and provides terrific insight into the challenges wait staff face in keeping customers happy. Rick has dined in many five-star restaurants in NYC, and while holding Columbus eateries to a high standard, he also provides helpful hints on how Columbus restaurants can step up their game!
James
James is a hip professor and honorary member of the Chew Crew. He is a lifelong resident of Central Ohio and brings a unique perspective and knowledge of the Columbus restaurant scene that dates back several decades. James distills the dining experience, placing emphasis on dining elements that matter, without getting caught in the weeds. He keeps asking to come back… and we are happy to have him!