From Cleveland to Ukraine - how one chef decided to help many with food

From Cleveland to Ukraine - how one chef decided to help many with food

Author: Mark McNamee January 29, 2026 Duration: 22:39
It's always nice to meet and speak with like-minded, passionate, empathetic people who dedicate their lives to something bigger than themselves. And that's what this podcast was all about. I had the great pleasure of speaking with a proud Ukraine supporter, who also comes from my hometown of Cleveland!  Brandon Chrostowski has travelled multiple times to Ukraine to help, not because of his heritage (he's not Ukrainian) but just because it's the right thing to do and he has a skill that can contribute to some good. Listen in for some inspiration from a guy who is doing great stuff for the people of Ukraine, those in other conflict zones, as well as those in Cleveland.  About the Guest Brandon Chrostowski, Chef, Restaurateur, and Politician residing in Cleveland, Ohio. He is the founder, president, and CEO of EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute, an NGO that acts as both a French restaurant and culinary institute training former prison inmates. Chrostowski is also a certified sommelier and a fromager, and ran for mayor of Cleveland in 2017. He has visited Ukraine (and other conflict zones) multiple times, bringing food, conducting cooking classes,  and rebuilding a children's hospital, while also providing financial support to those suffering from the war. To learn more, visit: https://ubn.network/ Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/Mark-McNamee/

We are living through events that will define our century, and History in the Making: The War in Ukraine is an attempt to make sense of them as they unfold. Host Mark McNamee brings his deep knowledge of Eastern Europe to the fore, not just to recount headlines, but to untangle the complex historical, cultural, and political threads that led to this moment. This isn't a dry recitation of facts; it's a grounded exploration of how a conflict reshapes a nation's identity and the global order. Each episode moves between the sweeping strategic picture and the intimate, human stories of those living through the war, highlighting a profound resilience. You'll hear analysis that connects past empires to present-day battles, and conversations that reveal the personal cost and extraordinary fortitude within Ukraine. The goal of this podcast is to provide context and clarity, offering a nuanced perspective that goes beyond the news cycle. By focusing on the people, the history, and the on-the-ground reality, Mark creates a vital record of a world changing in real time. Tune in for a thoughtful, comprehensive guide to understanding not just what is happening, but why it matters for all of us.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 79

History in the Making: The War in Ukraine
Podcast Episodes
Trump's been in office for a year. Are we any closer to peace? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:21
With peace talks ongoing for the past year Trump has been in office, it's worth asking: where are we with the peace process and where will things go from here? We've hit another inflection point it seems. Trump's White H…
What has happened to the US? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:04
I admit I departed from my usual more detached analytical style, and spoke a bit more from the heart in this one. Too much has happened and for too long to not do a podcast like this. Most of my adult life I have spent i…
Venezuela - what happens next and how will it impact Ukraine? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:35
So what now in Venezuela? Trump has put himself in dangerous territory by removing a foreign leader and now vowing to "run" the country, precisely what he has promised his MAGA support base the US under him would no long…
Fighting the Information War - a Ukrainian in the USA [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:36
There's an information war going on related to the War in Ukraine, and unfortunately Russia has been very successful in spreading its propaganda into the West and influencing popular perceptions and also policy-makers th…
The critical role of electronic warfare (EW) in saving lives [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:03
What is electronic warfare (EW), and how important is it to protecting Ukraine? How does EW work to detect and jam drones? How has EW evolved during the war, and how will it develop in the future? Serhii Skoryk, Commerci…