Seared: Stories From The Stove Podcast

11/08/2024

Have you ever dreaded having a difficult conversation?

Whether it's a tough talk with a coworker, a friend, or a family member, these conversations can be stressful and anxiety-inducing.

In this episode, we'll explore practical strategies for navigating these challenging situations with grace and effectiveness. From breaking up with a partner to addressing a sensitive issue with a colleague, we'll discuss how to communicate clearly, empathetically, and assertively.

By learning to have these crucial conversations, you can strengthen your relationships, resolve conflicts, and achieve your goals.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/nvB62iF5YoM

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0NwBJ09kW9nonWm0AdmJ10?si=1xS5XDBORseGBw3AAsAOAA

Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-42-how-to-have-difficult-conversations/id1704833778?i=1000676212542

Podcast Episode · Seared · 11/08/2024 · 29m

10/30/2024

The culinary world, often glamorized, can be a harsh reality. I'll share my experiences with the toxic culture, long hours, and demanding personalities that can wear down even the most passionate chefs. It's easy to get caught up in negativity and cynicism, but I've learned the importance of focusing on the positive. By seeking out inspiring individuals and staying true to our own values, we can break free from the cycle of negativity and create a more fulfilling and meaningful career.

However, this isn't exclusive to the culinary world. Many industries can have similar toxic cultures...or at least we have a distorted view of them! I'll discuss how I've seen this in other fields and how important it is to rise above the negativity. Remember, your worth isn't determined by the industry you're in or the people you work with.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/eYklBQkpWKI

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1AXw1kAuPXea65OIQOh3vz?si=fIJ26jdES--Z_TGSgQGr5w

Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-41-stop-complaining-and-start-being-the-light/id1704833778?i=1000675016869

Podcast Episode · Seared · 10/30/2024 · 18m

10/16/2024

Tired of feeling intimidated by technology? Join me for a candid conversation about the common fears people have about new tech, from feeling inadequate to worrying about job security. I'll share my personal journey as a traditionalist who embraced technology and discovered its incredible benefits.

Discover how technology can be a powerful tool, not a threat, when used mindfully. Learn how to navigate the changing workplace with confidence and stay connected to your values and principles. Together, let's embrace the future and unlock the potential of technology.



Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-39-the-fear-of-change-the/id1704833778?i=1000673331276

Seared: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6rAq8QDcRCzDkygn4zVWv0?si=atimAXZFQhGzX406ikfQlw

YouTube: https://youtu.be/wPYvabmAqPw

Tired of feeling intimidated by technology? Join me for a candid conversation about the common fears people have about new tech, from feeling inadequate to w...

10/09/2024

The latest Seared talks about how resilience and adversity builds CHARACTER.

I share some insights from my teaching years and how my eyes were opened to the struggles that others had and how they comported themselves - nothing but great character from some of my own students.

In many ways, I was the student and they were the teachers.

Learn how YOU can grow your resilience and character in this episode.

https://youtu.be/TWqDawW6DlE?si=xEwgMM28ZuNYIQdM

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-38-the-grits-factor-why-character-counts/id1704833778?i=1000672345949

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/628Kf9fyaP0XPw1HuXLy3x?si=5RrAoFjOSZinr91xIFs2-A

Podcast Episode · Seared · 10/09/2024 · 32m

09/25/2024

In this episode of Seared, we dive into the dangers of perfectionism, using the example of a renowned chef Charlie Trotter, who pursued excellence at all costs.

While striving for excellence can be beneficial, it's essential to balance it with humility, mental health awareness, and self-care. Perfectionism can lead to significant suffering, impacting relationships, health, and overall well-being.

We explore the importance of perspective and how it can help mitigate the negative consequences of perfectionism. By understanding the pitfalls of this mindset, we can strive for excellence while maintaining a healthy and fulfilling life.

There's nothing wrong with wanting to excel in what you do and who you are, but it can literally kill you if you don't keep that sinister voice in your head that's telling you that it's not good enough in check.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/P-IJcUr77NM

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7gQAhz7KX9mbs0rZ27UuyQ?si=xG8Af8-VSW-wiraBiQVLHw

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-36-the-pitfalls-of-chasing-perfection/id1704833778?i=1000670651592

09/19/2024

In this episode of Seared, we delve into the complexities of celebrity perception and personal expectations. Drawing from my encounters with renowned chefs, I share how my initial judgments were clouded by preconceived notions.

We explore the reality behind the public image, acknowledging that even our heroes face personal struggles and disappointments. It's also about understanding how expectation is generally flawed by nature, and that in having expectations of others, we set ourselves up for disappointment.

By fostering empathy and understanding, we can shift our perspective and appreciate the human side of those we admire. We can see the difference between standards and expectations, and in this episode, I share THREE POWERFUL ways to manage your expectations so that you can live a cooler, calmer life.

And hey - don't forget to check out the You Are Gumbo page - my new YouTube channel with much different type of content that will tickle your fancy!

https://www.youtube.com/

For this episode of Seared on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jXpOQmzvz7U?si=8TX7WrCP8Y_-vMDr

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4TW0oHJSAVrxaQPo3pVN4k?si=MHF3OOcaRSGRBH9xVt-d_w

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/episode-35-beyond-the-public-eye-our-heroes/id1704833778?i=1000670053529

09/11/2024

Let me share a story about some owners who played it safe and lost it all.

Look, playing it safe has its uses, but overall, it's a recipe for living a life in quiet desperation.

To live BOLDLY requires another way of thinking and seeing things!

In this episode of Seared, we do just that - we look at why you play it safe, what it stops you from doing, and how to turn things around so that you can live a more fulfilling, joyful life.

You can listen here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/i84aBGDnDFY?si=88HGpWj8p98Wur3v

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0StsSIoc48Z7n1tZWsd6Iu?si=6da7120d9b2a4749

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-34-stop-playing-safe-and-dare-to-be-bold/id1704833778?i=1000669157086

09/03/2024

WE'RE BACK!

Yup - Seared has returned for a second season.

It's been a blast having the time off to chill, recharge, and also look at what's important to yours truly.

And in my heart I knew that Seared wasn't done. It was time to revive it.

The only difference between this season and season 1 is that there will be no video - JUST audio.

Having said that, I will still post on YouTube (along with some goofy pics, just to keep you going along), but you'll find that Spotify and iTunes (or is it Apple Music now?) do the trick admirably.

In this episode, I'm talking about f*cking swearing !&@*!!!

I'll be taking a deep dive into the power of language, specifically swearing. We'll explore how to harness the power of words, including the controversial four-letter ones. While swearing can be a tool for emphasis or connection, it's essential to consider context and company culture.

As leaders, our language sets the tone. It's about more than just swearing though; it's about active listening, body language, and personal integrity. Ultimately, while there's nothing inherently wrong with swearing, mastering your vocabulary is key to effective communication.

Leave a comment here or on YT, and don't forget to leave a review!

YouTube: https://youtu.be/25ugaAmNlIw?si=Iu-1NTrSbIf4rrVv

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2p20L78VjXNlKsmA7Efgfo?si=Z54E7I0nSYOYwo_iFIxJGQ

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-33-swearing-does-spicy-language-help-or-hinder/id1704833778?i=1000668156955

Do you have a spicy vocabulary?Told that you swear too much?Does your speech sound like it comes from a Tarantino or Scorsese script?This first episode of Seaso

08/22/2024

Hey y’all - have great news about the podcast! It’s returning sooner than I expected and there’s a bit of a difference this time. PLUS there is another NEW announcement - please check it out (or I will ugly cry)

05/07/2024

Hey y’all - I’m taking a sabbatical.

For the rest of 2024, I’ll be pulling away from:

💥the business
💥the podcast
💥the email list
💥most projects
💥entrepreneurial work

I’ll still be on social, but it will be more personal in nature.

There are some commitments that I will still tend to with 100% of my being, but overall this dialing-down is what I have needed for some time, hence stepping away from the fray.

Why?

A few reasons…first is related to health and wellness.

I am committed to working on my health during this hiatus. It’s going to be of service to the other areas of my life. (Btw, I’m good - no big health scares, just doc’s advice to reduce stress and lower blood pressure.)

Secondly, I feel that I’m ready to step into something new…what that is, I have NO idea. But I know it’s going to be rad and exciting!

I can’t allow what’s to come in if I’m burning the candle at both ends. Space is needed. And I am creating that space.

Thirdly, I’ve been putting a TON of energy outward for a long time now, and if truth be told, very little has been coming back in return.

Intuitively, I feel it’s because I’m no longer meant to be on that path. The Universe is telling me that there’s a disconnection, energetically.

So this is about healing, realigning, being.

I want to write books.
I want to reconnect more to my spiritual and shamanic work.
I want to be more present with my family, self, and life in general.
I want to explore.

I may or may not return to those things...or they will look a different way (I still love the Creative Alchemist idea).

Who knows.

This is part of “the second mountain” that author David Brooks talks about in his titular book…seeking that release of self even more, connecting more and isolating less, being called to a majestic and meaningful life.

I share this because there may be someone out there who needs to hear this message - take care of yourself, your health, your overall well being.

Everything else is second to your health.

You may not be able to pull back on a lot, but even small things can help you bring yourself back to you.

Take care of you - you’re needed.

Here’s to a healthy and happy lifestyle for us all.

05/04/2024

13 years sober today.

Grateful for the gifts that sobriety has bestowed upon me.

Also thankful for the amazing folks in recovery that I've met along the way, and any other beautiful souls who are wanting to heal, grow, and shift their lives in positive and healthy ways.

You don't have to be in addiction recovery to create and build a new way of living.

Wherever you are in your life, remember that as long as you have breath, there is hope.

It's never too late to make the choices in your life that will turn things around for you!

Here's to a healthier and happier life!

*clinks coffee cups*

05/02/2024

Why do cooks / chefs have a beef with servers?

That's where this episode of Seared starts...then I talk about how CHOICE is such a badass practice.

Y'all - it's simple: YOU are in control of everything you think, believe, and perceive. Then you act on those thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions.

That's the ish.

When you understand that you can make POWERFUL DECISIONS in your life, then you can build the kind of life you've always wanted.

https://youtu.be/s2rNKU6xRlk?si=hstWXm5lQAQ_7a-B

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5bwEJffj41CJWJyzzCndVb?si=UDJC-mOwRBmgFixuy6LJqw

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/epsiode-32-why-cooks-beef-with-servers-and/id1704833778?i=1000654320118

‎Show Seared, Ep Epsiode 32: Why Cooks Beef With Servers And The Power Of Choice - May 2, 2024

04/25/2024

Do you struggle to be heard?

This can be figuratively and literally.

When you aren't heard, it's hard to ask for what you need or to lead others.

You voice is a strong part of who you are and your identity...are you using it to your full capacity, or are you muttering and murmuring your way through life?

In this episode of Seared, I share about what it means when I talk about my kitchen voice, moving through the recent fear of talking in front of a crowd, and of course, ways you can find and use your voice to its maximum potential.

Don't forget to share, like, review, or subscribe!

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1LLrCTB91nTPDTtLTv7GTC?si=2HKCXU1qQEi8wrcgsNYIkw

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/episode-31-how-to-find-and-use-your-voice/id1704833778?i=1000653579697

YouTube: https://youtu.be/5P4uuCQUyfg

"Use your words" is something that parents will tell their children when the wee ones struggle to convey their feelings or needs. This is something we can st...

04/18/2024

"Don't play with your food!" is something you've probably heard.

As a chef, I GOT to play with my food!

Play is an underrated/underused tool that you can use in your workplace to improve morale, innovation, and productivity.

It also makes work a lot more FUN.

In this episode of Seared (THE 30TH!!!) I talk about how you can invite play into your work and life.

Take your (inner) child to work EVERY day, and see how things change for you!

https://youtu.be/THhRVoGISrU

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6ZZ9602C1gHnm1wiQAD3qq?si=RKiy8465QyqlGKdvZTCFmg

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/episode-30-bring-your-inner-child-to-work/id1704833778?i=1000652872691

‎Show Seared, Ep Episode 30: Bring Your Inner Child To Work - Apr 18, 2024

04/15/2024

🎉 Facebook recognized me as a top rising creator this week.

Happy to be doing this and thanks to you all for the encouragement and support!