86theWorld

The 86 the World Podcast
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86theWorld

​"86 the World" is a podcast that delves into the intricate world of culinary arts through the lens of Stoic philosophy. Hosted by a seasoned chef, each episode explores the profound connections between the heat of the kitchen and the principles of Stoicism, offering listeners a unique perspective on resilience, mindfulness, and personal growth. Join us as we navigate the challenges of the culinary world, sharing stories, meditations, and insights that inspire both aspiring chefs and philosophy enthusiasts alike.

  1. The Crate in the Corner…on why I left fine dining

    19H AGO

    The Crate in the Corner…on why I left fine dining

    In this episode, Richard reflects on a turning point while working in a Michelin-starred kitchen alongside two industry giants. What began as admiration slowly transformed into realization. Through the haze of endless service and the pursuit of recognition, he began to question the cost. The Crate in the Corner is a meditation on burnout, misplaced validation, and the moment we stop chasing what we never needed in the first place.

    4 min
  2. The Overperformer Paradox: Burn Bright, Burn Out

    MAY 15

    The Overperformer Paradox: Burn Bright, Burn Out

    Success has a hidden cost. The better you are, the more is expected. The more you give, the more they take. "Burn Bright, Burn Out" explores the overperformer paradox—the relentless cycle of high achievement, silent struggles, and the inevitable burnout that follows. Why do the best workers become the most overburdened? Why do companies rely on a few to do the work of many? And how do we break free before we burn out completely? If you have ever felt like your own success is working against you, this podcast is for you.

    8 min
  3. Chefs: The Absurdists.

    MAY 8

    Chefs: The Absurdists.

    In this episode, we explore the messy, beautiful paradox at the heart of every culinary journey—the tension between regret and absurdity. From missed flavors to unexpected pairings, the kitchen is both a mirror and a maze. It reflects the paths we take and the ones we avoid, all while inviting us to break rules and chase wonder. This is a meditation on flavor, failure, memory, and meaning. A reminder that every dish is a decision, and every decision is a story.

    5 min
  4. The Hell Within: Build Heaven Instead.

    MAY 1

    The Hell Within: Build Heaven Instead.

    We blame the world for our struggles. We rage at traffic, our jobs, the news, the people who cross us. But the truth is, the real battle is not out there. It is inside us. "Hell is Within" explores the uncomfortable reality that our greatest obstacles are self-imposed. Every frustration, every fear, every limitation we face is a reflection of the internal world we have built. The question is, will we keep living in it, or will we tear it down? This is not about comfort. This is about clarity. This is about taking full responsibility for the way we experience life. Because if we built the prison, we hold the key.

    9 min
  5. The Doctor is In. (A Gentle Reminder That You’re Already Here)

    APR 24

    The Doctor is In. (A Gentle Reminder That You’re Already Here)

    Dr. Isidore Tautologos never taught a course, gave a lecture, or published a bestselling book. He didn’t inspire transformation. He didn’t promise clarity. He simply was. This is not a story of becoming. It is a story of being. In a world chasing growth and meaning, Dr. Tautologos remains inconveniently, immovably present...a reminder that the search may be the very thing that hides what we already are.

    6 min
  6. Unvisited Graves: Chasing Meaning in a Fleeting Life

    APR 17

    Unvisited Graves: Chasing Meaning in a Fleeting Life

    We spend our lives chasing meaning. Status. Success. Love. We convince ourselves that our efforts will leave a lasting mark. But in the end, all we are is a fleeting moment, a name destined to be forgotten. 86 the World explores the paradox of existence. The weight we assign to our pursuits. The illusions we cling to. The liberation that comes from accepting life’s impermanence. If nothing lasts, how do we truly live? Stripped of illusion. Free from expectation. This is where we begin.

    6 min
  7. The Book: A Story of Beginnings

    APR 10

    The Book: A Story of Beginnings

    A single book. A single moment. A legacy passed down through the grease-stained hands of time. In this episode of 86 the World, I reflect on a gift I never truly understood until years later—a worn, tattered Escoffier, handed to me by a cook who had given everything to the kitchen. It wasn’t just a book; it was a contract, a burden, and a torch to be passed. This is a story about the industry that takes everything and the lessons it leaves behind. About the ones who came before us, the ones who burn out, and the ones who carry on. Because one day, it will be my turn to pass it on. Welcome to 86 the World.

    6 min
  8. The First Time: The Memory That Never Leaves a Chef

    APR 3

    The First Time: The Memory That Never Leaves a Chef

    For most chefs, the first time they step foot in a professional kitchen is a defining moment—an initiation into a world of relentless heat, chaos, and precision. It’s an experience that never fades, a memory seared into the mind like the perfect Maillard reaction on a cast-iron pan. In this episode, I step back into my very first encounter with the kitchen—the intoxicating blend of smells, the rhythmic percussion of knives and pans, the relentless hum of the ticket machine, and the unshakable sense of belonging. From the camaraderie of the line to the unrelenting pressure of service, this is more than just a reflection—it’s a tribute to the world we live and breathe. Whether you’re a chef, a line cook, or someone who’s ever been captivated by the raw energy of a kitchen, this episode is for you. Join me in exploring the moment that changed everything—and why, no matter how far we go, we never forget our "First Time."

    7 min
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About

​"86 the World" is a podcast that delves into the intricate world of culinary arts through the lens of Stoic philosophy. Hosted by a seasoned chef, each episode explores the profound connections between the heat of the kitchen and the principles of Stoicism, offering listeners a unique perspective on resilience, mindfulness, and personal growth. Join us as we navigate the challenges of the culinary world, sharing stories, meditations, and insights that inspire both aspiring chefs and philosophy enthusiasts alike.

Information

  • Creator
    The 86 the World Podcast
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Copyright
    © Richard Potts - 86theWorld.com
  • Show Website
    86theWorld

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