We’re re-releasing this inspiring episode from February 2021 for our growing audience who may not have discovered it yet.

Join us as Michelin-starred chef Nathan Outlaw speaks with Kris from his base in Port Isaac. From early days in contract catering with his father, to working with the legendary Rick Stein, and eventually running his own award-winning restaurants, Nathan shares his honest and humble take on success, leadership, and balance in the high-pressure world of hospitality.

This candid conversation offers valuable insights into both the culinary world and the importance of looking after your wellbeing - something we’re deeply passionate about at The Burnt Chef Project.

Visit www.theburntchefproject.com to learn more about our work in mental health advocacy for hospitality professionals.

In this raw and powerful episode, Kris Hall, Founder of The Burnt Chef Project, sits down with Matt Smith, Director of External Affairs at Betknowmore UK, for a deeply honest conversation about addiction, mental health, and survival in high-pressure careers.

Matt opens up about his personal journey through gambling addiction while holding down a demanding role, covering global football matches and living what many would consider a dream job. Behind the scenes, however, he was battling the collapse of a key professional relationship, rising emotional strain, and an overwhelming sense of isolation.

We explore the workplace dynamics that intensified his struggles, and the turning points that led him toward recovery. Matt discusses why self-awareness, empathy, and compassion in leadership are more crucial than ever.

This episode is a must-listen for leaders, colleagues, and anyone who wants to understand the human side of addiction and the importance of creating safer, more understanding work environments.

Learn more about BetKnowMore UK here.

Betknowmore UK’s mission is to address gambling related harm in UK communities. We are the leading provider of gambling support and training services.

Get Gambling Addiction support here.

Back in December 2024, Founder of The Burnt Chef Project, Kris Hall, joined fellow speakers for an episode of The Grit Makers Podcast talking resilience. We are fortunate to be able to share this episode on The Burnt Chef Journal with thanks to The Grit Makers.

Listen in as Kris Hall joins Mouna Laaragat (Head of Success - The Grit Makers), Tom Cullen (Co-Founder - Zoplo), and Gosia Kalicka (Founder - Petite Giants) for an inspiring conversation about resilience - what it means, how to cultivate it, and why it’s essential in both personal and professional life.

Together, they explore the challenges that test our strength, the mindset shifts that help us push forward, and the practical strategies for building resilience in the face of adversity. Tune in for an insightful discussion filled with real-life experiences, expert perspectives, and actionable takeaways.

In this episode of The Burnt Chef Journal, we sit down with Nio DiPietrantonio to explore the intense realities of life as a chef - from the high-pressure world of hospitality to the deeply emotional experience of cooking in senior living communities.

Nio shares how stress and caffeine overload in restaurant kitchens led to a minor stroke, prompting a shift in career. Now, as a chef in senior living, she navigates a different kind of pressure: the emotional weight of preparing meals for those in the final chapters of their lives. We discuss the challenges, the purpose, and the profound impact food has on quality of life.

Nio is also the Founder of 'Serving Up Support: Maine' a support group to help her fellow industry workers gain access to valuable resources to assist with their mental health and to help fight the stigma associated with the hospitality industry. She is also an Ambassador for The Burnt Chef Project, a non-profit group advocating for better mental health and better conditions for all hospitality workers worldwide.

If you’ve ever worked in hospitality or have been touched by the power of food in caregiving, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Listen now and join the conversation!

CHOW is transforming the food, beverage, and hospitality industry by prioritizing mental health conversations through group meetings, education, and advocacy. By creating protected spaces for open conversations, offering wellness resources, and fostering a strong community, CHOW helps industry workers manage stress, prevent burnout, and improve overall well-being. Through awareness and systemic change, CHOW promotes healthier workplaces, stronger teams, and a more sustainable hospitality industry.

Listen in as Kris Hall talks with Erin Boyle, CEO of CHOW, about their services and peer support. 🎧

Learn more about CHOW here.

View CHOW Community Events here.

This week, Kris Hall is joined by Drew Talbert (Bistro Huddy).

Drew Talbert is the creator and star of Bistro Huddy, a wildly popular comedic series that humorously captures the chaos of restaurant life. In addition to his content creation, Drew is a professional actor and improv coach at the renowned Groundlings Theatre.

Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, Drew now lives in Los Angeles, CA, with his wife, Andrea, and their children.

Tune in as we dive into Drew's 23 years in the hospitality industry and explore how his waiter-themed TikTok channel—ranked in the top 5 percent for followers and likes—has resonated with audiences worldwide.

View Drew's channels here:

TikTok Facebook YouTube

Chef Daniel Garwood has worked in some of the world’s top restaurants, from Australia to Michelin-starred kitchens in Seoul and New York. But beyond perfecting his craft, he’s passionate about reshaping the hospitality industry into a more sustainable and mentally supportive space. Inspired by Australia’s “R U OK Day” and troubled by South Korea’s rising suicide rates, Daniel launched a chef collaboration pop-up in Seoul to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention.

Now, as Chef/Partner at ACRU in NYC, he continues to advocate for well-being in the industry. In this episode, we discuss his journey, the inspiration behind Oralis: A Conversation on Food and Mental Health, and how he’s driving change in kitchens worldwide.

We hope you enjoy this week's episode.

Stress, irregular working hours, drugs and alcohol are not good for your health - people who work in nightlife are much more exposed to these risk factors than others.

According to a 2021 study, for example, almost 66% of DJs and electronic music artists have suffered from burnout at least once during their career - but it's rarely talked about.

It's time to break this taboo!

What is the best way to deal with the risks that come with a night-time profession? What structural changes would be necessary to take better account of the mental well-being of employees and artists? And what successful approaches are known, e.g. from other professional environments?

This episode was recorded live during the Vienna After Dark conference.

Speakers: Moderator: Gersin Livia Paya Carly Heath Erich Joseph Kris Hall Magdalena Fuernkranz

*2021 survey carried out by Pirate Studios