From Hot Pockets to Master Chef with Michael Varga

Season 3 Premiere
With special guest:  Michael Varga @vargacooks
👉Master Chef Finalist
👉Chopped Canada Winner
👉Firefighter
We do something a little different here for the podcast. Michael and I go for a physical distance walk and not just 6 feet, we are 4,340 KMS apart!
Michael shares his journey from ‘hot pockets’ cuisine to being inspired by family kitchen memories and becoming a Master Chef.
We also talk about:
-What it takes to for teamwork and openness in the firehall.
-The role vulnerability has played in his decisions.
-Battling anxiety 
-and Nana's Falafel Ping Pong!
A great conversation that you won’t want to miss. It's going to feel right!
A little  more about our guest Michael Varga:
His Hungarian father, a self- taught chef, laid the groundwork for Michael’s personal approach to cooking. His father’s motto, “When it tastes good, its ready,” continues to inspire Michael ’s culinary creativity. Michael’s mother, a native of Egypt, introduced him to the spice profiles of the Mediterranean and Middle East, which have become staples in his cuisine.
A seasoned Vancouver firefighter, Michael’s skills have been tested in the firehall kitchen. Fueling hungry firefighters with interesting and delicious meals while sticking to a budget is a challenge Michael enjoys.
Michael competed on the reality television show “Chopped Canada,” taking home the title of Chopped Canada Champion! Then a new opportunity to showcase his cooking skills under intense pressure: Master Chef Canada - season 5. Michael went on to become a finalist and the opportunity to work with a number of talented chefs elevated his skills and pushed his limits in the kitchen. Michael strives to continually evolve his reach as a health enthusiast, chef and a family man