Great Things with Adrian Williams

Adrian Williams

We all know that Great Things Take Time, but whether or not we remember that when we're frustrated with our progress is another thing. Great Things with Adrian Williams pulls back the curtain on what it REALLY takes to achieve one's Great Things. Success is rarely immediate, and these conversations with renowned chefs, artists, doctors, designers, and more, share the stories behind the arduous process that it takes to build a life one can truly consider as being Great.

Episodes

  1. 5d ago

    When the path to motherhood doesn't look how you expected it to | Dr. Yzette Lanier & Dr. Keosha Bond

    What does it mean to have a beautiful life but still grieve the path to motherhood you imagined? This episode of Great Things explores infertility, IVF, redefining what motherhood looks like, and how to support those who need it. A recent newsletter surrounding Adrian's own journey with the idea of fatherhood invited some unexpected but welcome conversations surrounding the path to motherhood. One of those was with Yzette Lanier, PhD, Sexual and Reproductive Health Researcher, NYU Professor, and founder of Fully, who reached out to share her essay on the nuance of having a beautiful life, but still hoping to become a mother one day. Her message sparked this episode of Great Things, where, joined by Dr. Keosha Bond, EdD, MPH, Sexual Health Researcher, CUNY Professor, and director of The Love Project Lab, the two took time to discuss what it means to redefine what motherhood actually looks like. The grief of infertility. The pressure to want children. The weight of societal expectations. The silence around IVF, and what the people who love these women should better understand. Follow Dr. Yzette Lanier:Instagram: instagram.com/yzettelanierSubstack: substack.com/@dryzettelanier/notesWebsite: thisisfully.com Follow Dr. Keosha Bond:Instagram: instagram.com/drkeoshabondWebsite: drkeoshabond.com Follow AdrianInstagram: instagram.com/adrianwilliamsnycYouTube: youtube.com/@AdrianMWilliams Subscribe to the free newsletter for more Great Things: greatthingstaketime.beehiiv.com/subscribe

  2. Jul 15

    He Quit Photography After One Bite of Bread in Iceland | Nick Heavican of Nick + Sons

    Bread so good it caused a career pivot. Meet Nick Heavican, a photographer who walked into an Icelandic bakery and tasted some sourdough at Braud & Co. that was so good, he went back to ask for an apprenticeship to learn the tricks of the trade. Now, he owns Brooklyn's most beloved bakery: Nick + Sons. A location so good there are always lines out the door. In this episode of Great Things with Adrian, Adrian tries his hand at baking Nick + Sons' iconic recipes while Nick breaks down an ultimate career pivot, what it took to build a bakery, accidentally finding a best friend and business partner, and more. Visit Nick + Sons📍 304 Morris Ave, Spring Lake, NJ🍽 Dine: nickandsonsbakery.com📸 Instagram: instagram.com/nickandsonsbakery Follow AdrianInstagram: instagram.com/adrianwilliamsnycYouTube: youtube.com/@AdrianMWilliams 📩 Subscribe to the free newsletter for more GREAT THINGS: greatthingstaketime.beehiiv.com/subscribe

  3. Jul 8

    From Laid Off to Sold Out: Zeeshan Bakhrani's Nishaan

    NYC's most unique chopped cheese comes when you say YES to everything. This Pakistani twist on NYC's classic chopped cheese at Nishaan wouldn't have existed if Zeeshan Bakhrani had not been laid off in 2024 from his project manager role. After 5 months of unemployment, Bakhrani decided to focus on his side hustle of food content creation. What started as a passion went from a 9-week pop-up at the iconic Williamsburg Smorgasburg to winning The Great Food Truck Race to opening his own restaurant in the East Village. Now, Chef Bakhrani blends his Pakistani heritage with the influences that raised him: Mexican culture from the neighborhood in Chicago where he grew up, as well as his American childhood. In this episode of Great Things, Adrian joins Bakhrani in the Nishaan kitchen to talk imposter syndrome, betting on yourself, and what it actually took to go from laid off to owning one of the most buzzed-about spots in the city. Then they head into the kitchen for chopped cheese, Bihari tacos, and elote chaat. Visit Nishaan📍 160 1st Ave, New York, NY 10009🍽 Dine: https://eatnishaan.com/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatnishaan/ Follow Adrianhttps://www.instagram.com/adrianwilliamsnychttps://www.youtube.com/@AdrianMWilliams 📩 Subscribe to the free newsletter for more GREAT THINGShttps://greatthingstaketime.beehiiv.com/subscribe #GreatThings #Nishaan #ZeeshanBakhrani #ChoppedCheese #PakistaniFood #NYC #EastVillage #AdrianWilliams #Peloton Key Moments:0:00 - Intro0:14 - Meet Zeeshan Bahrani0:54 - The Perfect Way To Toast Bread1:08 - How To Make The Iconic Nishaan Chopped Cheese2:16 - From Tech Layoff to Selling Out Smorgasburg Pop-Up3:45 - Bihari Barbacoa Tacos4:27 - Saying Yes To Big Opportunities6:02 - Elote Chaat

  4. Jul 1

    Wayan by Chef Cédric Vongerichten: The First Born of Its Kind

    Wayan means "firstborn" in Indonesian — and it's the perfect name for Chef Cédric Vongerichten's first restaurant. Step through the doors of Wayan and leave the chaos of New York City behind. Inspired by the lush landscapes and vibrant flavors of Bali, Wayan is the first culinary collaboration between Chef Cédric Vongerichten and his wife, Ochi Vongerichten. Drawing from Ochi's Indonesian heritage and Cédric's French training, the restaurant delivers bold Indonesian cuisine elevated with refined French technique. In this episode, Adrian sits down with Chef Cédric to discuss the inspiration behind Wayan, carving out his own path in the culinary world, and why he intentionally worked under his mother's maiden name to build his reputation outside the shadow of his father, legendary chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Then, head behind the scenes into Wayan's kitchen as Chef Cédric demonstrates how two of the restaurant's signature dishes come together: the flavorful Lamb Satay and the Crispy Black Sea Bass, finished with Wayan's signature tableside sauce. Visit Wayan📍 20 Spring Street, New York, NY 10012🍽 https://www.wayan-restaurants.com/new-york📸 Chef Cédric: https://www.instagram.com/cedvongerichten/📸 Wayan: https://www.instagram.com/wayan_restaurants/ Follow Adrian Williams📸 https://www.instagram.com/adrianwilliamsnyc▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@AdrianMWilliams 📩 Subscribe to the free Great Things Take Time newsletter:https://greatthingstaketime.beehiiv.com/subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the show and leave a rating. New episodes explore the people, stories, and journeys behind why Great Things Take Time.

  5. Jun 25

    You’re Not Behind in Life with Angel Edme

    What happens when life doesn't go according to plan? Do you take the risk, or stay where it's safe? In this episode of Great Things, Adrian speaks with lifestyle creator Angel Edme in an honest conversation about expectations, comparison, pressure, failure, and learning to trust your own timeline. Spring Cleaning isn't just about our spaces; it's also about cleaning up what doesn't serve us, and in some cases, that's our planned career path. From leaving a corporate job to becoming a full-time content creator, Angel shares what it took to bet on herself, navigate family expectations as a first-generation Caribbean American, overcome comparison culture, and embrace the reality that growth isn't always visible. This conversation is for anyone who feels behind, overwhelmed, stuck between passion and practicality, or pressured to live the life others expect from them. Connect with Angel: YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@angel_edme Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/angel_edme/ TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@angel_edme Follow Adrian: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/adrianwilliamsnyc YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@AdrianMWilliams Follow Great Things:https://www.instagram.com/greatthingswith_adrian/ Subscribe to the newsletter:https://greatthingstaketime.beehiiv.com/subscribe Follow Great Things for more conversations about personal growth, entrepreneurship, creativity, and the stories behind building a meaningful life.

  6. Jun 25

    Birria-Landia: From Two Food Trucks to 1,500 lbs of Birria

    Chef José never set out to create one of New York City's most recognizable food brands. What started with two food trucks serving authentic birria tacos has grown into Birria-Landia—a viral NYC sensation serving up to 1,500 pounds of birria daily across multiple boroughs. In this episode of Great Things, José takes us behind the scenes of the operation, sharing the realities of building a business on wheels, the challenges of scaling a food truck empire, and the unexpected moments that come with serving some of the longest food lines in New York. Learn more about Birria-Landia:https://birrialandia.com/ Follow Birria-Landia on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/birria_landia/ Follow Adrian:https://www.instagram.com/adrianwilliamsnyc Follow Great Things:https://www.instagram.com/greatthingswith_adrian/ Subscribe to the Great Things newsletter:https://greatthingstaketime.beehiiv.com/subscribe Follow Great Things for more conversations with the people building remarkable businesses, communities, and careers.

  7. Jun 24

    Billy Perry: No Backup Plan, Just BMX

    NYC BMX Athlete Billy Perry on the Power of Never Having a Backup Plan Billy Perry grew up riding BMX with friends on Long Island, but instead of following the traditional competition circuit, he picked up a camera, hit the streets of New York City, and started documenting the culture he loved. That decision turned into one of the biggest BMX channels on YouTube and a globally recognized brand: Follow The Leader (FTL BMX). In this episode of Great Things, Adrian joins Billy for a ride through Brooklyn and Manhattan, from Domino Park to the Lower East Side, while diving into Billy's journey from local rider to professional athlete, entrepreneur, and creator. They discuss betting on yourself, building a career without a backup plan, the evolution of BMX content, and why New York City remains one of the most unique places in the world to ride. Of course, Billy also gets Adrian on a BMX bike for a few tricks. The results are exactly what you'd expect. Follow Billy Perry FTL BMX: https://ftlbmx.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BillyPerryInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/billyperry631/Follow Adrian Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrianwilliamsnycYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AdrianMWilliamsSubscribe to the Great Things Newsletter Get weekly stories, conversations, and insights from people doing extraordinary things: https://greatthingstaketime.beehiiv.com/subscribe

  8. Jun 18

    The Mysterious Man Behind One of NYC's Most Unique Omakase Restaurants: The Office of Mr. Moto

    NYC's Hidden Omakase & The Mystery of Mr. Moto Behind an unmarked speakeasy entrance in New York City sits one of the city's most unique omakase experiences: The Office of Mr. Moto. With just 12 seats, fish flown in daily from Japan, and a concept centered around a mysterious secret agent traveling the world in 1983, the restaurant is unlike anything else in NYC. In this episode of Great Things, Adrian sits down with Chef Tomo—born and raised in Tokyo and a chef for more than half his life—to learn how he helped bring the Mr. Moto story to life. Along the way, he asks the question everyone wants answered: Who is Mr. Moto? Then, head behind the scenes with Chef Daiki to prep mackerel, slice bluefin tuna, learn the art of nigiri, and watch Adrian discover that making sushi is much harder than it looks. Visit The Office of Mr. Moto📍 120A St Marks Place, New York, NY 10009🍽 Dine: https://www.dearmrmoto.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dear.mr.moto Follow Adrian📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrianwilliamsnyc▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AdrianMWilliams 📩 Subscribe to the free Great Things newsletter:https://greatthingstaketime.beehiiv.com/subscribe

  9. Jun 10

    You Know Better. So Why Do You Keep Repeating the Same Patterns? ft. Vienna Pharaon, LMFT

    Why do you keep entering into the same relationship patterns when you know better?We talk a lot about personal growth, but rarely about where our patterns actually come from. In this episode of Great Things, Adrian sits down with Vienna Pharaon, licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, relationship expert, and author of The Origins of You, for an honest conversation about self-awareness, relationships, and what doing the work really looks like day to day. One thing she said that stuck with us: progress doesn't mean you're never going to re-enter a pattern, it means that when you do, you notice it sooner and exit quicker. Just acknowledging the patterns in your relationships isn't enough; you have to be willing to commit to the consequences if you want to see measurable change.The truth of the matter: it might cost you a relationship if you're trying to make meaningful growth. Connect with Vienna: Grab her book Follow her on Instagram Find your Origin Wound Book a counseling session Listen to her podcast Connect with Adrian: 📩 Subscribe to Adrian's Free Newsletter for More Follow Great Things Take Time on Instagram Watch on YouTube 0:00 - Intro 0:10 - Why do so many people struggle to understand their own patterns and where should someone start? 13:30 - How do early experiences shape the way we show up in relationships and repeat certain dynamics? 24:08 - What does true self-awareness actually look like, and how do you build it over time? 29:20 - Why is personal growth so uncomfortable, and what does consistency in emotional work really mean? 34:50 - What are a few simple tools or habits people can start using today to begin changing their patterns? 40:57 - Rapid fire questions

  10. Jun 8

    Burnout, Boundaries & Mental Clutter: Dr. Jen Hartstein's Guide to Feeling Better

    Feeling mentally exhausted, burnt out, or constantly overwhelmed? You're not alone. To get us prepped for summer, Adrian sits down with psychologist Dr. Jen Hartstein to explore why so many people feel mentally overloaded and what they can do to reclaim clarity, balance, and emotional well-being. Essentially, how to Spring Clean Your Mind. Dr. Jen breaks down what's really happening when your brain feels like it's constantly "on," why multitasking may be doing more harm than good, and how unprocessed emotions can quietly contribute to stress, anxiety, and burnout. This conversation offers actionable tools for anyone feeling stretched too thin, emotionally drained, or looking to create more space and intention in their daily life. Connect with Dr. Jen: Website:https://drjen.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drjenonline/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjenhartstein/ Follow Adrian: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/adrianwilliamsnyc YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@AdrianMWilliams Follow Great Things:https://www.instagram.com/greatthingswith_adrian/ Subscribe to the newsletter:https://greatthingstaketime.beehiiv.com/subscribe Follow Great Things for more conversations about personal growth, mental health, entrepreneurship, and building a life with greater purpose and intention.

  11. Jun 3

    Golden HOF's Sam Yoo: From Line Cook to Restaurant Owner

    In this episode of Great Things with Adrian Williams, Adrian visits Golden HOF in New York City to cook Spicy Rice Cake Carbonara with Chef Sam Yoo. A Korean-American chef trained in Italian kitchens, Sam shares how he blends Korean flavors with classical technique, the inspiration behind Golden HOF, and his mission to bring Korean hof culture to NYC. Hofs are casual Korean pubs where great food, drinks, and community come together. Beyond the kitchen, Sam reflects on reconnecting with family in Korea, spending more than 15 years honing his craft, and building beloved New York restaurants Golden Diner and Golden HOF. Visit Golden HOF:https://www.goldenhof.com/https://www.instagram.com/goldenhofny/ Follow Adrian:https://www.instagram.com/adrianwilliamsnychttps://www.youtube.com/@AdrianMWilliams Subscribe for more GREAT THINGS:https://greatthingstaketime.beehiiv.com/subscribe

  12. May 28

    Automation Isn't For Everything | Inside The Pasta Making Process at Queen Anne Ravioli & Macaroni

    Step inside Queen Anne Ravioli and Macaroni in Brooklyn, a legendary Italian pasta shop making handmade ravioli and tortellini the old-school way. In this episode, Adrian tours the pasta factory with owner George Joseph Switzer III, who’s been in the business since 1982. George shares his philosophy on Why he refuses to fully automate pasta productionHow staying traditional and handmade keeps the pasta specialWhat it takes to run a small food business in Brooklyn for decadesHonest advice for anyone wanting to enter the restaurant or food industryGeorge also walks Adrian through What it takes to run a pasta-making business for more than 44 years.A 124-year-old pasta machine and other “museum-quality” pasta equipmentHow round cheese ravioli, tortellini, tortolone, and potato gnocchi are madeWhy he chooses quality ingredientsIf you love Italian food, pasta making, Brooklyn food spots, and family-owned businesses, this tour is for you.

  • 12 Episodes

About

We all know that Great Things Take Time, but whether or not we remember that when we're frustrated with our progress is another thing. Great Things with Adrian Williams pulls back the curtain on what it REALLY takes to achieve one's Great Things. Success is rarely immediate, and these conversations with renowned chefs, artists, doctors, designers, and more, share the stories behind the arduous process that it takes to build a life one can truly consider as being Great.

Information