The Burnt Chef Journal

Fired Up, Not Burnt Out: Episode 1 with Planday

The hospitality industry is thriving on passion and energy, yet the hidden challenge of burnout continues to affect both managers and frontline workers. In collaboration with Planday, we are launching a mini-series of online events to explore the critical topic of wellbeing in the hospitality sector, using research-driven insights and actionable tools to combat burnout.

The series kicks off with 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟭: 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 – 𝗔 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗸𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀. Following our extensive research, we've worked with Planday to create a toolkit designed to support managers and foster a healthier, more engaged workforce. This session will dive into what makes a good manager, how to create effective schedules, and the importance of communicating and supporting your team to keep them engaged and motivated.

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝘀:
Kris Hall – CEO and Founder, The Burnt Chef Project
Louise Jackson – General Manager at Vintage Inns IKC & Burnt Chef Project Ambassador
Sarah Haddon – VP of Growth at Planday
Emily Cox – Head of Account Management, Square UK

Chris Koch - If I Can!

Chris Koch doesn’t let limitations or obstacles stand in his way. Despite being born without arms and legs, Koch grew up like any other small-town kid — playing road hockey, causing mischief at school, and helping out on his family farm. Neither he or his family treated his disability like a tragedy, and instead used it to fuel his dreams. Today, Koch is a motivational speaker who inspires his audiences to continually challenge themselves and build the life they dream of.

Born in Lethbridge, Alberta, Koch was raised in the small farming and ranching community of Nanton, Alberta. Early on, he learned that he would not be raised with pity or sympathy. Sure, he had to do things a little differently and some tasks took him a little longer to complete than others, but he was determined to be just like the rest and was always treated just like the rest. After all, he still had a good head on his shoulders and with that, anything is possible.

Koch loves sharing his story and spreading his message of, “If I Can…” An avid traveller, marathoner, and farmer, his presentation reflects his full life. Simply put, Koch says, if I can do what I’ve done so far in my life, what’s stopping others from doing the same?  

 

Chris Koch - If I Can TedX Talk

Chris Koch - If I Can - Facebook

Mental Health Awareness Week: Stronger Together

In this special Mental Health Awareness Week edition of The Burnt Chef Journal, host Kris Hall is joined by four inspiring voices from our global ambassador community - Louise De Beer, Matt Loughrey, Tony Lewis, and Louise Jackson - for a powerful, honest conversation about mental health in the hospitality industry.

Together, they share personal stories of isolation, resilience, and the importance of community in overcoming mental health challenges. From cultural barriers to building support systems, this episode explores how connection and belonging can transform not only individuals, but the industry as a whole.

Whether you're on the front lines of hospitality or supporting from behind the scenes, this conversation is a reminder that you are not alone - and that we are truly stronger together.

Nathan Outlaw: Beyond Michelin Stars – A Culinary Journey Revisited

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.

Matt Smith of Betknowmore UK: Gambling Addiction, Work Stress & Recovery

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. 

Talking resilience with The Grit Makers Podcast

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.

Nio DiPietrantonio, Founder of Serving Up Support: Maine, discusses Stress, Senior Living, and Impact Through Food

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!

 

 

Serving Those Who Serve Us: A conversation with Erin Boyle, CEO of CHOW

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.

From Waiting Tables to Viral Tales: Drew Talbert’s Bistro Huddy Journey

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: 

Instagram

TikTok
Facebook
YouTube 

From Michelin Stars to Mental Health Advocacy: Chef Daniel Garwood’s Mission to Change Hospitality

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.