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. 3h ago

    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

    6 min

  2. 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

    49 min

  3. Jun 8

    Spring Clean Your Mind | Emotional Regulation with Dr. Jen Hartstein

    Feeling mentally exhausted, burnt out, or constantly overwhelmed? In this episode, nationally recognized child, adolescent, and family psychologist Dr. Jen Hartstein breaks down exactly how to spring clean your mind and why it matters more than ever.Dr. Jen covers:✔ Why your brain feels constantly "on" and what's really happening✔ The truth about multitasking (it's actually task-switching)✔ How to tell the difference between being productive vs. mentally busy✔ What burnout really looks like and how to catch it early✔ Practical emotion regulation strategies you can use right now✔ Why setting boundaries isn't selfish, it's essential✔ The role unprocessed emotions play in feeling overwhelmed✔ Simple daily habits to declutter your mind the way you would your homeConnect With Dr. Jen:🌐 https://drjen.com/https://www.instagram.com/drjenonline/https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjenhartstein/Connect with Adrian: https://www.instagram.com/adrianwilliamsnyc https://www.youtube.com/@AdrianMWilliams📩 Adrian's Newsletter: https://www.instagram.com/greatthingswith_adrian/ Subscribe: https://greatthingstaketime.beehiiv.com/subscribe

    19 min

  4. Jun 3

    From Line Cook to Restaurant Owner | Golden HOF with Chef Sam Yoo

    In Episode 13 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. This conversation is a reminder that meaningful success rarely happens overnight—it takes patience, persistence, and time. In this episode: • The story behind Golden HOF • Korean hof culture explained • Cooking Spicy Rice Cake Carbonara • Chef Sam Yoo's journey from line cook to restaurateur • Building a restaurant brand • Why great things take time Visit Golden HOF: https://www.goldenhof.com/ https://www.instagram.com/goldenhofny/ Follow Adrian: https://www.instagram.com/adrianwilliamsnyc https://www.youtube.com/@AdrianMWilliams Subscribe for more GREAT THINGS: https://greatthingstaketime.beehiiv.com/subscribe

    7 min

  5. 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.

    8 min
  • 5 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.

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