Mikel Anthony shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Mikel, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day always start with visualization—mentally running through what needs to get done and how I want the day to flow. But before anything work-related, it’s life first: letting the chickens out of their roost, feeding the dogs, and if school’s in session, getting my youngest ready and out the door. It grounds me before the chaos starts.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Mikel Anthony—chef, content creator, and founder of Epic Chef, a culinary content studio where food, storytelling, and creativity collide.
I’ve spent over a decade in professional kitchens, but today, I focus on creating bold, cinematic food content that brings brands and flavors to life. Whether I’m searing Wagyu, flipping street tacos, or breaking down a technique for home cooks, I’m all about making food approachable, fun, and visually striking.
I grew up in foster care, which taught me early on how to adapt, hustle, and build community—values that show up in everything I do. I’m also heavily influenced by hip-hop culture: the creativity, the grit, the storytelling—it all translates into how I cook, how I create, and how I connect with people.
I’m a father, a husband, and I believe food has the power to bring people together, spark conversations, and tell stories that matter. Right now, I’m working on expanding Epic Chef into more chef-driven campaigns, branded content, and educational series that inspire people to cook, create, and connect.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Honestly, that’s a tricky question—but I’d have to say my earliest memory of feeling powerful was performing on stage in front of hundreds of people.
That moment when the crowd is locked in, vibing, and you hit them with a call-and-response like, “Say I wanna rock right now!”—and they come back with “I wanna rock right now!”—it’s electric. That energy exchange is powerful.
I’ve felt something similar in the kitchen—standing side by side with some of the best chefs I know, creating a dish, sending it out, and seeing people truly enjoy it.
It’s not just the power of commanding a room or a kitchen—it’s the power of sharing something you love and having people receive it. That’s where the real magic is for me.
And I feel that same spark when I create a beautifully shot video—whether it’s a dish I cooked or I’m capturing another chef’s story. When the edit, the music, and the footage all come together just right, it’s powerful. It’s storytelling, it’s art, and it’s a way to move people without saying a word.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me to appreciate success—every single drop of it.
Growing up, I suffered for reasons beyond my control. As an adult, I’ve faced my own struggles—learning to navigate the messy, unprepared transformation from child to man. I’ve failed at friendships, businesses, and even at times as a father and husband.
But suffering teaches you things success never could: humility, resilience, perspective. You fall, you learn, you grow—and then you move forward with experience and a whole new outlook on life.
Those failures shape you. They add layers, depth, and complexity to who you are. And when you do succeed—whether it’s big or small—it hits different. You feel it. You’re grateful for it. And that gratitude is what makes the success truly meaningful.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely—100% the public version of me is the real me… just with a little less cursing and a bit less volume.
What you see is what you get, but like anyone, there’s a side that’s a little more unfiltered when the cameras are off. The passion, the humor, the love for food and people—that’s all real. Sometimes it’s just a little louder behind the scenes.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
Easy- Parenting is the ultimate long game. You invest time and lessons now, knowing the payoff comes years later—because it matters.
Also, planting fruit trees: you work now so someday you or someone you love can enjoy the harvest.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mikelanthony.net
- Instagram: @mikel_anthony
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/epicchef/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikel.crawford
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Mikel_Anthony
- Other: epicchef2025@gmail.com
Image Credits
These photos were taken by me.
