The Burnt Chef Journal

Kindness, Culture & Long-Term Success: Season Finale with Chris Tripoli

In our final episode before The Burnt Chef Journal takes a well-earned pause until 2026, we’re joined by hospitality veteran and leadership advisor Chris Tripoli for a deep and energising conversation about what truly drives long-term success in our industry: people.

Chris shares why “Happy Staff = Happy Guests” isn’t just a slogan - it’s a strategy. We explore the shift from simply managing people to genuinely leading them, and how today’s workforce is searching for more than a pay cheque. They want belonging, purpose, contribution, and appreciation - and when they get it, stress drops, burnout decreases, and performance naturally rises.

Drawing on decades of lessons learned, Chris unpacks the principles that shaped his career:

• Lead with kindness

• Respect and integrity cost nothing but return everything

• Listen to understand, not just to advise

• People-first environments reduce negativity and unlock productivity

• Winning isn’t about working more - it’s about working better with people

We also look ahead to the next decade of workplace culture in hospitality: improved training, ongoing development, healthier work–life balance, and the continued evolution toward environments where people feel safe, valued, and supported.

Chris leaves us - and his younger self - with timeless advice: slow down, ask questions, and let knowledge help you enjoy the journey.

As this series wraps, we want to thank every listener, guest, and supporter who has joined us on this mission to improve mental health and wellbeing across hospitality. The Burnt Chef Journal will return in 2026, stronger than ever.

Until then - take care of yourselves, and each other.

Chasing the Sun: Why Daylight Is the Missing Ingredient for Our Wellbeing

In this illuminating episode, we explore one of the most overlooked pillars of human health - daylight. Two centuries ago, humans spent 90% of their time outdoors. Today, we spend 90% of our lives inside, and it’s taking a silent toll on our health, performance, and happiness.

Our guest, Tony Macken, a lifelong advocate for outdoor living and workplace wellbeing, shares how modern lifestyles and indoor professions — especially in industries like hospitality — are disrupting our circadian rhythms, the biological clocks that govern our sleep, energy, and mental health.

Quoting Professor Russell Foster of Oxford University, he reminds us: “Circadian rhythm underpins every aspect of our health. We ignore it at our peril.”

From his experience as a Samaritan volunteer to his belief in goal-setting, mindfulness, and outdoor adventure (including plans to go snowboarding for his 70th birthday!), this conversation is a masterclass in reconnecting with nature, and with ourselves.

Join us as we uncover how sunlight, sleep, and self-awareness can transform not just personal wellbeing, but workplace culture for the future.

Beyond Burnout: Clare Kenny on Anxiety, Addiction, and Redefining Success Through Wellbeing

In this powerful and deeply human conversation, we’re joined by Clare Kenny — a leadership, culture, and wellbeing expert whose career has taken her across Europe and Asia, including leading Burberry’s global wellbeing strategy.

Clare opens up about her personal journey through anxiety, addiction, burnout, and an ADHD diagnosis, and how these experiences shaped both her life and her mission to help others thrive. Together, we explore what it really means to take care of ourselves in a world that rewards pushing through at any cost.

From the importance of setting boundaries and embracing vulnerability, to rethinking how we define success, Clare shares practical insights and profound lessons from two decades of personal and professional growth.

Join us for a candid discussion about the power of storytelling, the danger of numbing, and the urgent need to create workplaces where people can truly be human.

Balancing Plates: Motherhood, Mental Health & a Career in Food with Lara Luck

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Lara Luck - a passionate food entrepreneur, mother, and mental health advocate - to explore the powerful intersections of ambition, identity, and self-discovery. From launching a career in the food industry just six weeks after giving birth to navigating the overwhelming challenges of postpartum depression, Lara opens up about the moments that shaped her both personally and professionally.

She shares how learning to accept her mental health journey, rather than fight against it, became a turning point and why giving herself grace is now one of her greatest acts of strength. Together, we unpack the lessons she’s learned about self-worth, the taboos still surrounding mental health, and her vision for a future where workplaces prioritise kindness, balance, and genuine support.

Whether you’re a parent, entrepreneur, or anyone balancing big dreams with personal battles, this conversation is a reminder that vulnerability is not weakness - it’s courage in its purest form.

 

Follow Lara on Instagram here.

Culinary Psychology: Exploring the Mind-Body Connection through Food

This week on The Burnt Chef Journal, Kris Hall is joined by Neil Rippington, Director of the College Community Programme at the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, and Stelios Kiosses, Course Director and Tutor in Culinary Psychology at the University of Oxford’s Department for Continuing Education, alongside his work as a psychotherapist, Clinical Lead, and author.

Together, they explore the fascinating field of culinary psychology - the mind-body connection through food. From emotional eating and neurogastronomy to gastrophysics and mindful eating, this conversation unpacks how what we eat shapes our emotional well-being and mental health.

Neil and Stelios also share insights into their new 8-week online course with Oxford University’s Department for Continuing Education, designed to help participants understand the science and psychology behind food choices.

Want to go deeper?
📘 Pre-order Neil’s upcoming book: Karnac Books
🎓 Explore the course: Culinary Psychology – University of Oxford

Tune in to discover how food is far more than fuel - it’s a powerful influence on the mind, emotions, and overall health.

Changing the Narrative: Joe Bentley on Loss, Resilience, and Speaking Up

Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions around suicide and mental health challenges. Please listen with care. 

In this powerful episode of The Burnt Chef Journal, Kris Hall sits down with Burnt Chef ambassador Joe Bentley for an open and deeply personal conversation ahead of Suicide Prevention Day. Joe shares his journey through mental health struggles, including a life-altering breakdown and the tragic loss of his father to suicide during childhood.

Together, they explore the importance of breaking the silence, the lessons Joe has learned about vulnerability and seeking help, and why changing the narrative around suicide is crucial in the hospitality industry and beyond.

From preparing to climb Kilimanjaro to facing his darkest moments, Joe’s story is one of strength, honesty, and hope. If you or someone you know has been impacted by mental health challenges, this episode is a must-listen.

 

If you would like to spark a conversation about how you're feeling, reach out via our support services here.

Simon The Butcher - Proud of a 36 Hour Shift?

We’re dipping into the archives this week and bringing back a powerful conversation with Simon The Butcher - Former Captain of the GB Butchery Team and owner of Surrey Hills Butcher and Deli.

In this episode, Simon talks openly about the reality of long hours, high stress, and the impact this lifestyle has had on his mental and physical health. He also shares his experience with counselling, and we dive into the damaging effect of phrases like “man up” that still echo through the industry today.

Although this episode was first recorded some time ago, its message is just as important now. And it’s a reminder that The Burnt Chef Project is here to support everyone in hospitality - including butchers - with their wellbeing and mental health.

Dr. Andres Fonseca of Thrive Mental Wellbeing | Rethinking Mental Health & Workplace Wellbeing

In this powerful and refreshingly honest episode, we sit down with Dr. Andres Fonseca, psychiatrist, co-founder, and CEO of Thrive Mental Wellbeing, to unpack the future of mental health and the myths of workplace wellbeing. With over 30 years of clinical experience, Andres brings a no-nonsense perspective to what’s working - and what’s not - in the world of mental health.

We explore:

• Why “positive workplace culture” often misses the mark

• The dangers of overdiagnosis and why pathologising everyday challenges does more harm than good

• What the next decade holds for mental health, neuroscience, and personalised care

• And why advice to your younger self might be more harmful than helpful

Whether you’re a mental health professional, a business leader, or just someone looking for real talk in a noisy wellness world, this episode will challenge you to think deeper - and more critically - about how we define and support mental health today.

Fired Up, Not Burnt Out: Spotting and Stopping Burnout in Hospitality

Hospitality is at a breaking point when it comes to mental health - 76% of managers and 85% of shift workers report symptoms of poor mental health or burnout.

In this powerful conclusion to our Fired Up, Not Burnt Out series in partnership with Planday, we dive into the urgent question: how can we spot burnout early and stop it from spiraling?

Join host Kris Hall (CEO & Founder, The Burnt Chef Project) alongside Kathryn Wright (Manager of Customer Experience, Planday) and Emma Sanchez (People Manager, Vagabond Wines) as we explore:

• The early warning signs of burnout and when to take action.

• The unique risk factors in hospitality and how to manage them.

• Practical tools from Planday’s Manager’s Toolkit to build resilience.

• Real-life stories of recovery and hope from those who’ve lived it.

This episode blends candid conversations, data-backed solutions, and actionable advice to help leaders and teams create mentally healthier workplaces.

More Than the Menu: Stevie McCarry on Mental Health, Morals & the Making of a Modern Chef

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, chef and restaurateur Stevie McCarry peels back the layers of life in hospitality - from competing on Great British Menu to confronting addiction, depression, and type 1 diabetes.

Stevie shares the raw realities of running a family-run business built on values, not just profit. We talk about the extra weight of doing things the right way, the loneliness of leadership, and the myths of perfection that haunt so many in the kitchen. He also shines a light on how collaboration, community, and care are reshaping the future of our industry.

From mental health aftercare and outdoor foraging to morning yoga with the team - this episode is a heartfelt look at what happens behind the pass.

Stevie’s story is honest, inspiring, and essential listening for hospitality professionals everywhere. Because in an industry that rarely stops, this conversation reminds us why slowing down matters.

 

Thank you Stevie!