Chef Life Radio Adam M Lamb

"You can still be a badass pirate and be healthy. They're not mutually exclusive." - Jasmine ParksHave you ever heard these myths about the culinary industry?
Myth #1: The culinary industry is cutthroat and competitive.
Myth #2: Restaurant workers are constantly stressed and overworked.
Myth #3: There is no sense of camaraderie among chefs and restaurant staff.
In this episode, Jasmine Parks and Erin Boyke will debunk these myths and share the truth about the supportive and community-oriented nature of the culinary industry.
In this episode, you will be able to:
Dive into the hidden impact of mental health in the culinary realm and its vital importance.Learn about the challenges of swift expansion in the industry and how to counteract them.Understand the power of mentorship and education in creating a healthier work culture.Witness a shift in how the culinary industry can be seen as a unified community.Be inspired by personal tales of growth and well-being in the demanding food business
My special guests are CHOWCO's Jasmine Parks and Erin Boyle
Please welcome Erin Boyle and Jasmine Parks, catalysts for change in the landscape of the culinary industry.
Erin's experiences working in restaurants while balancing numerous mental health diagnoses fueled her motivation to improve resources for industry folks. She's used her struggles to help others, championing mental wellness in the demanding culinary world.
Alternatively, Jasmine is a testament to resilience and reinvention. As a third-generation chef, she resonates deeply with the industry's challenges and has consciously transitioned to advocating for better mental health support.
With their collective experiences and insights, Erin and Jasmine endeavor to not only elucidate the industry's problems but also propose effective solutions, turning the culinary industry from a battlefield into a supportive community.
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 - Conclusion of a Job Well Done,
00:02:44 - The Need for Alternative Ways,
00:03:57 - Personal Motivations,
00:06:05 - Challenging Work Culture,
00:09:35 - Personal Transformation,

For a deeper dive into this episode, click here.

"We need to create a container where hospitality professionals can check in with each other, listen, and have compassion and grace for one another. It's time to prioritize mental health and wellness in our industry." - Jasmine ParksIn a world where silence often shrouds the struggles of hospitality professionals, two women dared to defy the norm. They manage a sanctuary, a digital haven, where the battles of the mind can find solace. But little did they know that their journey would take an unexpected turn, revealing a truth that would shake the industry to its core.
Brace yourself as we delve into the heart-wrenching tale of Erin Boyle and Jasmin Parks and the startling revelation that awaits them at the crossroads of mental health and hospitality.
In this episode, you will be able to:
Discover strategies for fortifying mental health and wellness within the demanding hospitality sector.Learn the benefits of establishing safe spaces and nurturing communities among industry professionals.Examine the challenges the newest generation faces as they enter the modern workforce.Uncover the essential role of compassion, grace, and collective effort within the hospitality environment.Delve into the profound effects of trauma on mental health and the significance of healing and self-realization.
If you're experiencing a mental health issue, don't wait - dial 988 and get the help you need.My special guests are Erin Boyle and Jasmin Parks of CHOW.org
Jasmin Parks, Erin Boyle, and CHOW fill a significant gap in wellness support in the hospitality industry.
Jazz, a chef by trade, identified the urgent need for a rethink of work ethics in the industry and passionately advocates for establishing self-care as a norm, not an outlier.
Erin, who has bravely shared her own mental health struggles, is a beacon for those seeking understanding, providing resources, connections, and a much-needed safe space for dialogue.
Their dedication makes them a light in the hospitality industry, guiding professionals towards improved mental health and well-being.
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:05 - High Prevalence of Mental Health Issues in the Hospitality Industry,
00:01:04 - Personal Experience and Benefits of Chow,
00:05:04 - Origins and Mission of Chow,
00:09:01 - Creating a Supportive Community,
00:16:28 - Tools for Service Improvement,
00:17:18 - The Value of Check-ins,
00:18:31 - Supporting Well-Being in the Industry,
00:20:24 - Embracing Change and Mentorship,
00:22:31 - Adapting to Industry Changes,
00:30:51 - Trauma and Panic Attacks,
00:32:02 - Taking Responsibility for Success,
00:32:39 - Meeting People Where They're At,
00:34:26 - Resilience and Adaptability,
00:37:40 - Support and Community,
For a deeper dive into the conversation, click this link for the episode page.

Mastering the Recipe for Success: Chris Spear's Journey from Doubt to Culinary EntrepreneurshipAn audacious culinary maverick defies the odds, unleashing their flavorful passion for conquering the kitchen and their self-doubt, igniting a fiery journey towards entrepreneurial success in the cutthroat realm of gastronomy.
"Do what you love and there will always be opportunities. The rise of personal chefs is a testament to people wanting to pursue their passion for food without the drawbacks of traditional restaurant work." - Chris SpearIn this episode, you will be able to:
Unearth the dynamic world of culinary education and its profound impact on the evolving culinary landscape. Discover the significance of personal growth and maturity before venturing into a culinary career. Acquire an understanding of the journey of business startups and the essence of self-belief. Network innovatively by learning from the inspirational journeys of individuals in the culinary industry. Uncover the crucial role of persistent growth and development for lasting success in any domain.
My special guest is Chris Spear, an inspiring figure in the culinary world.
Coming from humble beginnings, he has built a name for himself as an accomplished chef and a successful entrepreneur in the fiercely competitive restaurant industry.
Chris has achieved fame for his exceptional culinary skills and his approach to personal growth. His journey has been a beacon of motivation for aspiring chefs.
From working hard on his personal development to establishing his own business, Chris is a testament to self-belief and resilience in the face of challenges.
The key moments in this episode are:
(00:00:00) - Being Vulnerable and Dealing with Loss,
(00:00:48) - Business and Emotional Resilience during the Pandemic,
(00:02:43) - Celebrating Family and Children's Interests,
(00:05:11) - Passing on Skills and Lessons to the Next Generation,
(00:07:16) - Self-Care and Finding Physical Outlet,
(00:12:31) - The Changing Landscape of Culinary Education,
(00:13:10) - The Benefits of Delayed Gratification,
(00:13:40) - Regrets and Self-Confidence,
(00:14:03) - Appreciation for Interviewing Experience,
(00:14:30) - Joining a Like-Minded Community,

Chris Spear is the chef and owner of Perfect Little Bites, an in-home personal chef business based in Frederick, Maryland. You
might also know him as the host of the Chefs Without Restaurants podcast, and the man behind the culinary networking organization of
the same name. Chris graduated from Johnson & Wales University with a B.S. in culinary arts, and has been working in the foodservice
industry for almost 30 years.

Join the only online free community for chefs who want to enjoy their careers without sacrificing their lives. Click here for more information.
Now accepting applications for our first cohort-based "Culinary Leadership Bootcamp."
Call me at 828-407-3359 for more information.
Support for The Hospitality Industry:
Chowco.org
I Got Your Back
The Burnt Chef Project
Chef Life Coaching

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Mental health is a crucial issue in the restaurant industry, and in my latest episode of Chef Life Radio, "On The Dock," Chef Patrick Mulvaney and I dive deep into this topic.
"More important than being able to share is being able to accept to have that grace, to be able to accept the love and help that people want to offer to you." - Chef Patrick MulvaneyFrom discussing the unique challenges faced by those in leadership positions to sharing effective methods for fostering emotional openness among staff, we cover it all.
Plus, we introduce you to the I Got Your Back Program, revolutionizing mental health support for industry professionals. Tune in now and prioritize the well-being of your team.
IN THE WEEDS? IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN CRISIS, CALL 988, PRESS 1 FOR VETERANS, PRESS 2 FOR SPANISH
Now accepting applications for our first cohort-based "Culinary Leadership Bootcamp."
Call me at 828-407-3359 for more information.
Get more information about this episode by clicking here

Do you want to enhance your culinary career and unlock greater growth opportunities?
Are you searching for a solution that can bring you improved career clarity and advancement in the culinary industry?
Then look no further!
By enlisting the expertise of a specialized career coach in the culinary field, you can achieve exactly that.
They hold the key to guiding you towards a more fulfilling and successful culinary journey, helping you reach your goals and aspirations.
"They just don't teach this stuff in culinary school" ~ Chef Adam LambIn this episode, you will be able to:
Discover how career coaching can drastically enhance your culinary career journey. Delve into the profound impact of experience and knowledge on culinary success. Appreciate the unique advantage a specialized culinary career coach offers. Explore the significance of curiosity and humility in both personal and professional advancement. Understand how fostering a supportive culinary culture can boost the growth of industry professionals.
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:02 - Introduction,
00:00:32 - The Need for Career Coaching,
00:01:58 - Relatability of Career Coaches,
00:04:39 - Adam's Culinary Career Path,
00:10:43 - The Importance of Community and Belonging,
00:14:42 - Coaching and Mentoring in the Culinary Industry,
00:17:36 - Shifting Focus from Mission to People,
00:20:21 - The Difference Between Management and Mentorship,
00:23:58 - Choosing Consciously in the Culinary Industry,
00:25:15 - Changing the Culinary Industry Culture,
00:29:11 - The Coaching Process,
00:30:09 - Long-Term Growth,
00:30:33 - Changing Relationships,
00:35:09 - Identity and Purpose,
00:37:52 - Reconnecting with Guidance,
00:44:37 - Join the Chef Life Brigade,
00:45:00 - Contact Information,
00:45:25 - Immediate Help and Continuous Improvement,
00:45:54 - Pleasure and Key Takeaways,
00:46:37 - Connect and Support,
Click here for more information about this episode.
Turning the Table is the most progressive podcast for today's food and beverage industry featuring staff-centric operating solutions for restaurants in the #newhospitalityculture.
Join Jim Taylor of Benchmark Sixty and Adam Lamb as they "turn the tables" on the prevailing operating assumptions of the restaurant business in favor of innovative solutions to our industry's most persistent challenges.
Check out the videocast on
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Support for The Hospitality Industry:
Chowco.org
I Got Your Back
The Burnt Chef Project
Chef...

One chef dares to leap into the personal chef business in a world of rising costs and changing culinary landscapes. But when faced with fierce competition and the need to adapt, will he be able to find success?
Stay tuned as Chef Chris Spear navigates the challenges and opportunities of his culinary career, leaving us wondering:
Will he rise to the occasion or be left simmering in the heat of the kitchen?
In this episode, you will be able to:
Lay bare novel career possibilities for chefs looking to escape the throes of burnout. Learn the auxiliary benefits of a chef’s role within a retirement community. Recognize the challenges and effective stratagems when leaping from traditional cooking roles to personal chefs. Understand how distinguishing your distinct niche in the personal chef industry can skyrocket your reputation. Absorb the immense significance of adept marketing and customer procurement in fueling a thriving personal chef business.
My special guest is Chris Spear.
Chris Spear, an executive chef turned thriving personal chef. His journey began as the head of a massive retirement community kitchen in Maryland, serving 750 residents in four distinct dining venues before transitioning into his own bespoke catering business.
Chris's ability to adapt his skill set to meet the demands of his bustling career allowed him to transition from a traditional kitchen to a personalized food experience for private clients.
Despite the initial obstacles of dealing with marketing, customer acquisition, and commodity pricing, Chris's innovative approach toward menu planning and customer service has allowed him to establish a highly successful personal chef business.
The key moments in this episode are:
(00:00:00) - Introduction (00:00:38) - Transitioning from Restaurants (00:04:42) - Becoming a Personal Chef (00:07:25) - Challenges of Catering Business (00:08:39) - Market Fit and Perception (00:08:39) - Marketing and Positioning (00:13:33) - Rising Costs and Pricing (00:16:25) - Balancing Multiple Responsibilities (00:18:35) - Analyzing Workflow and Making Concessions (00:20:08) - Building a Community (00:24:44) - Recognizing the Value of Your Audience (00:25:40) - The Thousand Raving Fans Theory (00:26:12) - Being an Early Adopter (00:27:24) - Starting a Pivot (00:29:00) - Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing Self-Care (00:37:07) - Building a Community