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DiMattia's Food Fight Podcast
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DiMattia’s Food Fight is more than a food podcast — it’s a fight for life
What started as a celebration of food and local culture has evolved into real conversations about recovery, resilience, identity, and the battles that shape who we become. Each episode dives into the stories behind the people — chefs, entrepreneurs, athletes, creators, and everyday fighters while using food as the common ground and life as the real opponent.
From bold, high-energy food episodes to deeply personal Fight for Life conversations, this podcast explores the wins, the losses, and everything in between. Addiction, mental health, reinvention, success, failure and nothing is off the table.
Based in Northeastern Pennsylvania, but rooted in universal struggle and growth, DiMattia’s Food Fight is about showing up, staying honest, and continuing to build — no matter what you’ve been through.
Because everyone is fighting something.
And some fights are worth sharing.
What started as a celebration of food and local culture has evolved into real conversations about recovery, resilience, identity, and the battles that shape who we become. Each episode dives into the stories behind the people — chefs, entrepreneurs, athletes, creators, and everyday fighters while using food as the common ground and life as the real opponent.
From bold, high-energy food episodes to deeply personal Fight for Life conversations, this podcast explores the wins, the losses, and everything in between. Addiction, mental health, reinvention, success, failure and nothing is off the table.
Based in Northeastern Pennsylvania, but rooted in universal struggle and growth, DiMattia’s Food Fight is about showing up, staying honest, and continuing to build — no matter what you’ve been through.
Because everyone is fighting something.
And some fights are worth sharing.
60 Episodes
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This week on DiMattia’s Food Fight, I sat down with my friends Danielle and Michelle for something deeper than a podcast episode… this was a real conversation.
We talked about recovery. We shared stories. We laughed, we cried, and we reminisced about the roads that brought us here.
No script. No structure. Just three people being real.
Join the fight.
Thank You To My Sponsors!
Key Ford of Exeter - Connecting the community one food fight at a time!
Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947!
Captain's on Harvey's Lake.
Arcaro & Genell
And this week on the DiMattia’s Food Fight Podcast, I sit down with Tyler Connor of DaVinci’s Pizza on the Square in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Tyler took over an established pizzeria with no background in making pizza… and turned himself into “the pizza guy.”
We get into what it’s really like to be a small business owner and taking over a restaurant, learning a craft from scratch, building something of your own, and earning respect in a tight-knit pizza community.
We also talk about giving back, being part of the community, and what it takes to survive and grow in today’s restaurant world.
This is a true up-and-comer story.
Join the fight.
Full episode available anywhere you listen to podcasts, and full video on YouTube - same name as this page.
Thank You To My Sponsors!
Key Ford of Exeter - Connecting the community one food fight at a time!
Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/
Captain's on Harvey's Lake.
This week on the DiMattia’s Food Fight Podcast, I sit down with my friend Mando Sallavanti, and while we’re both from Old Forge, Pennsylvania, our paths couldn’t have been more different or more aligned.
There’s nearly a 20-year age gap between us, which made this conversation even more powerful. We talked openly about financial advising, money struggles, and what it really looks like to be broke, humbled, and slowly climb your way back. I shared my own experience over the last year after hitting rock bottom financially and finally getting back on my feet, while Mando opened up about his journey finding direction and purpose.
We also reflected on success in high school, failures in college, and that uncomfortable but necessary period of life where you’re just trying to figure out who you are and where you’re going. Mando’s story of self-discovery is relatable, honest, and still being written.
We even touched on the Dancing with the Stars of Wilkes-Barre, where Mando performed last year and where I’ll be stepping onto the stage this year—proving that growth often happens when you say yes to things that scare you.
This was an all-around great conversation with wo friends from the same town, different generations, sitting down to discuss the paths that shaped us, the lessons we learned the hard way, and what it means to keep moving forward.
Thank You To My Sponsors!
Key Ford of Exeter - Connecting the community one food fight at a time!
Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/
Captain's on Harvey's Lake.
My guest this week is one of my best friends who I also get to work with everyday, Tyler "The Full" Monney! We talk about Good Tree MMA just celebrating 3 years in business and how our friendship has developed over those years.
Also, with the food pyramid being "flipped" recently , we get into the state of health in this country!
Join us in the Fight!!!
Thank You To My Sponsors!
Key Ford of Exeter - Connecting the community one food fight at a time!
Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/
Captain's on Harvey's Lake.
A Fight for Life conversation that starts with a surprise ring-name intro and turns into a real look at early mornings, career choices, and identity. We talk about waking up at 3 AM for nonstop newscasts, the pull between law and journalism, how anxiety shaped the path (and how it’s managed today), plus food, growing up in NEPA, Penn State roots, and the unexpected reminder that we first met at a kielbasa festival.
Thank You to Our Sponsors:
Key Ford of Exeter
Your hometown Ford dealer, proudly serving NEPA.
Genoa Wholesale Foods
Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947
https://www.genoafoods.com/
Tommy Munley Law
📞 570-346-1300
Ask for Tommy Munley!
Demetri Patitsas sat down with me to talk about what it really means to chase the American dream. Born in Greece, Demetri came to the United States looking for opportunity — not guarantees — and his journey is a perfect example of what happens when hard work meets belief and patience.
We talk about the early days of the grind, starting with ice cream carts, learning how to connect with people, manage long days, and earn every dollar the hard way. That hustle eventually turned into a Greek food cart, then a food truck, and finally into brick-and-mortar businesses built on family, tradition, and authentic Greek food done the right way.
This episode goes beyond food. We get into mindset, risk, mentorship, family involvement, and the uncomfortable decisions that come with growth. Demetri shares the lessons he learned along the way, the mistakes that shaped him, and why staying rooted in your culture while adapting to your environment can be your biggest advantage.
If you’re building something from scratch, thinking about taking the leap, or just love hearing real stories about how businesses are actually made — this episode is for you.
Thank You To My Sponsors!
Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/
Carley’s Fairy Tail Dog Grooming: 8 N Main St, Pittston, PA 18640. Call 541-410-9582
Tommy Munley Law - 570-346-1300. Ask for Tommy Munley!
I sit down with Kyle Popish, a recovery specialist and gambling addiction specialist, for a real and honest conversation about addiction and recovery—how both have shaped our lives in very different ways.
We talk openly about drug addiction, gambling addiction, and the similarities people don’t always see between them. As the host, this episode hit close to home for me. Before the podcast, I worked as a casino dealer for nine years, so the conversation around gambling addiction was especially powerful and personal.
This episode isn’t about judgment or labels—it’s about awareness, understanding, and the realities of addiction in all its forms. Recovery looks different for everyone, but the fight is something many of us share.
This was an important conversation, and one I’m proud to share.
If you or anybody need help, please reach out to someone!
Thank You To My Sponsors!
Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/
Carley’s Fairy Tail Dog Grooming: 8 N Main St, Pittston, PA 18640. Call 541-410-9582
Tommy Munley Law - 570-346-1300. Ask for Tommy Munley!
On this episode, I sit down with Domenico Buonsante of Cibo’s Pizza Food Truck.
We talk about life on the road, New York pizza roots, the grind of running a food truck, and the reality of today’s food industry — rising costs, festivals, and staying consistent while being everywhere in NEPA.
Real pizza. Real hustle. Real talk.
Thank You To My Sponsors!
Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/
Carley’s Fairy Tail Dog Grooming: 8 N Main St, Pittston, PA 18640. Call 541-410-9582
Tommy Munley Law - 570-346-1300. Ask for Tommy Munley!
On Episode 81 of the Food Fight Podcast, I sit down with Vinnie Archer, owner of The V Spot in Scranton, PA.
Vinnie and I talk about the origins of The V Spot, his journey through the restaurant, business, and service industry, and how a late start as a bartender unexpectedly turned into a career and ultimately a successful bar and local staple.
We get into the current state of the food and bar industry, breaking down the reality of rising food costs versus menu prices, and how business owners are forced to make tough decisions just to stay afloat. Vinnie shares real, honest insight into how these challenges affect day-to-day operations and long-term sustainability.
We also talk about being strong in NEPA, the importance of good bar food, building community, and why fair prices matter — not just for customers, but for the people behind the bar and in the kitchen.
This is a grounded, honest conversation about hard work, timing, resilience, and doing things the right way in a tough industry.
Thank You To My Sponsors!
Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/
Carley’s Fairy Tail Dog Grooming: 8 N Main St, Pittston, PA 18640. Call 541-410-9582
Tommy Munley Law - 570-346-1300. Ask for Tommy Munley!
In this episode of the Food Fight Podcast, I sit down with one of the creators of SportzWire, one of Pennsylvania’s most active and trusted sources for high-school sports coverage. With over 7,000 posts and a rapidly growing audience, SportzWire has become the go-to home for D2, D4, and D11 athletes, parents, and fans.
We talk about:
How SportzWire got started
The early days of covering local games
What motivates them to highlight young athletes
The grind behind their nonstop content schedule
Their impact on the community
The future of local sports media
The stories you don’t see behind the scenes
This episode pieces together our conversation about community, sports, storytelling, and passion — all built right here in Pennsylvania.
SportzWire is a perfect example of what happens when you stay consistent, stay local, and stay committed to shining a light on the people around you.
👉 Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more Food Fight Podcast episodes!
FOLLOW SPORTZWIRE:
Instagram: @sportzwire
Facebook: SportzWire
FOLLOW DIMATTIA’S FOOD FIGHT:
FB • IG • TikTok: @dimattiasfoodfight
Podcast available on all platforms 🎙️
#SportzWire #FoodFightPodcast #HighSchoolSports #PennsylvaniaSports #NEPA #LocalMedia #AthleteSpotlight #Episode80
Thank You To My Sponsors!
Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/
Carley’s Fairy Tail Dog Grooming: 8 N Main St, Pittston, PA 18640. Call 541-410-9582
Tommy Munley Law - 570-346-1300. Ask for Tommy Munley!
Get ready for a fast-paced, high-energy episode of DiMattia’s Food Fight Podcast as Brian sits down with none other than Johnny Popko — a true NEPA media legend.
From his wild days at The Weekender, to the heartbeat of NEPA’s club and entertainment scene, Johnny brings stories that are equal parts hilarious, chaotic, and iconic.
We dig into his career in radio, his impact on social media, and how he helped shape the modern NEPA entertainment landscape. And of course… we couldn’t let him leave without talking fast food, including a full breakdown of Burger King that’ll have you craving a Whopper before the episode ends.
If you love NEPA stories, behind-the-scenes media talk, and a little fast-food chaos, this episode is your next must-listen.
Thank You To My Sponsors!
Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/
Carley’s Fairy Tail Dog Grooming: 8 N Main St, Pittston, PA 18640. Call 541-410-9582
Tommy Munley Law - 570-346-1300. Ask for Tommy Munley!
This week on the Food Fight Podcast features one of my closest friend and training partner, Keenan Powers from Scranton, Pennsylvania. This “Fight for Life” episode dives deep into Keenan's recovery journey — the battles he fought, the choices he made, and the strength it took to become the man he is today.
He opens up about the role his fiancée Patty played as a positive force in his life, and how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu helped anchor him on the path forward and how that path was shaped by Good Tree MMA
This was a raw and emotional conversation where both of us shared our own stories of recovery, resilience, and redemption. One of the most powerful episodes we’ve ever recorded.
Thank You To My Sponsors!
Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/
Carley’s Fairy Tail Dog Grooming: 8 N Main St, Pittston, PA 18640. Call 541-410-9582
Tommy Munley Law - 570-346-1300. Ask for Tommy Munley!
In this episode, we sit down with the inspiring mother-and-daughter team behind Salt & Honey by Marin, one of NEPA’s most creative family-run food businesses. What started as a passion for making beautiful grazing boards has grown into a full-scale operation — from private events to festivals across the region.
We talk about how they built their niche in a crowded food scene, what it’s like running a family company, and the process of figuring out which festivals and events are truly the right fit. From balancing creativity with logistics to keeping their brand authentic and local, this conversation dives deep into the business side of food done with heart.
It’s a story of teamwork, risk, and staying sweet through the grind.
Thank You To My Sponsors!
Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/
Carley’s Fairy Tail Dog Grooming: 8 N Main St, Pittston, PA 18640. Call 541-410-9582
Tommy Munley Law - 570-346-1300. Ask for Tommy Munley!
This week on the Food Fight Podcast, Brian sits down with Chris Coyne of Old Forge — owner of Dooley’s Pub & Eatery and promoter of the upcoming Mohegan Fall Brawl this Saturday at Mohegan Pennsylvania.
It’s an episode packed with fight talk, local pride, and a touch of small-town politics — all in good spirits. From growing up in NEPA to running one of the area’s favorite pubs and promoting some of the best boxing action around, Chris brings his trademark energy and passion for the fight game.
Tune in for a fun, fast-paced conversation about boxing, community, and what it means to keep the local scene alive. 🥊
Thank You To My Sponsors!
Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/
Carley’s Fairy Tail Dog Grooming: 8 N Main St, Pittston, PA 18640. Call 541-410-9582
Tommy Munley Law - 570-346-1300. Ask for Tommy Munley!
In this special milestone episode of The Food Fight Podcast, we step inside one of Wilkes-Barre’s most historic landmarks — The Stegmaier Mansion — now home to a new fine dining experience that’s redefining elegance in NEPA.
Joining the show are the Mansion’s General Manager and Head Chef, who share their stories of passion, perseverance, and creativity. We dive into the rich history of the Stegmaier family, the restoration of this incredible property, and how the team has transformed it into a culinary destination blending tradition with modern artistry.
From their early beginnings in the world of food and hospitality to the challenges of launching a new fine dining concept inside a historic space — this conversation celebrates heritage, ambition, and the evolving NEPA food scene.
I’m sitting down with Chef Dylan from Blackfin in Dallas, PA — a chef who’s bringing new energy and creativity to a local favorite. We’ll talk about how he’s been revamping the restaurant, adding pizza to the menu, and at the same time keeping the tradition alive.
His goal? To turn Blackfin into a true Back Mountain destination — a place people travel for, not just stumble upon.
🔥 This one’s got passion, fresh food, and local pride written all over it!
Thank You To My Sponsors!
Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/
Carley’s Fairy Tail Dog Grooming: 8 N Main St, Pittston, PA 18640. Call 541-410-9582
Tommy Munley Law - 570-346-1300. Ask for Tommy Munley!
I am sitting down with Dean Kline, owner of the Mountaintop Pub & Eatery in Mountain Top, Pennsylvania.
From transforming the old Shalimar Motel into one of the area’s most popular local spots, to serving up pub-style favorites and live entertainment, Dean has built something special for the Mountain Top and Back Mountain communities.
Stay tuned for a great conversation about food, hometown pride, and the heart behind one of NEPA’s newest gathering places! 🍔🍺
In this week’s episode of Food Fight, I’m honored to welcome my longtime friend Johnny Jones, manager of Mangia Bistro & Bar. Johnny and I share roots in Old Forge, Pennsylvania — we grew up just a short drive from each other — so this conversation is as much about home and history as it is about food.
We talk about what it’s like growing up in a small town, navigating the food scene “in the street,” and the kinds of meals and flavors that stick with you. Johnny gives us a behind-the-scenes look at Mangia — how the kitchen works, menu decisions, and what it takes to maintain consistency in an ever-demanding industry. We also get candid about our pet peeves (from late tickets to overused garnish clichés), and reflect on what it means to build something meaningful in a region that raised us.
Mangia Bistro & Bar, located in Scranton, is part of the Benny D Hospitality Group. Their menu is a celebration of Italy’s culinary diversity: you’ll find classics like bucatini carbonara, lobster ravioli, paella valenciana, chicken parmigiana, and more. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Patrons praise its warm ambiance, thoughtful service, and creative menu.
Whether you’re curious about the day-to-day of restaurant management, want to hear two hometown friends reminisce, or just love hearing a good food story, this episode is for you. Come for the flavors, stay for the friendship.
In this episode, I sit down with Joe Wascavage, the owner and baker behind Cinnfully Sweet. We first met at the Wing Fling, where I got the chance to taste his gluten-free product line—and it blew me away.
Joe shares the story of how his business started humbly with homemade cinnamon buns sold door-to-door in his neighborhood. What began in a family kitchen has since transformed into a full-scale baking operation. Today, that same kitchen produces for local businesses across the region, with big plans to grow beyond Northeastern PA.
We dive into the journey of turning passion into a business, the challenges and rewards of baking for the community, and what’s next for Cinnfully Sweet.
Thank You To My Sponsors!
Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/
Carley’s Fairy Tail Dog Grooming: 8 N Main St, Pittston, PA 18640. Call 541-410-9582
Tommy Munley Law - 570-346-1300. Ask for Tommy Munley!
On today's episode of DiMattia’s Food Fight, we’re going beyond food and into something even bigger — the fight for life. My guest’s child is living with Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT), a rare genetic condition that can cause arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the body. These are abnormal connections between arteries and veins that can lead to serious complications.
We’ll talk about what HHT is, how it affects families, and most importantly, how awareness can save lives. Early diagnosis and treatment are key — and so is sharing stories like this one.
This is a conversation about strength, resilience, and the power of community. Don’t miss it.
Thank You To My Sponsors!
Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/
Carley’s Fairy Tail Dog Grooming: 8 N Main St, Pittston, PA 18640. Call 541-410-9582
Tommy Munley Law - 570-346-1300. Ask for Tommy Munley!
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