The Burnt Chef Journal

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.

Vienna After Dark: Mental Health and Nighttime Industry – How to Prevent Burnout

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

 

 

A conversation with Alice Hendy MBE, Founder of Ripple Suicide Prevention Charity

TW: Suicide

On this episode of The Burnt Chef Journal, Kris Hall is joined by Alice Hendy MBE, founder of Ripple Suicide Prevention Charity. 

Alice started R;pple in 2020, after losing her only sibling, Josh, to suicide at 21 years old. R;pple is an online interceptive tool that has been downloaded over a million times and saved countless lives. It displays a message of hope and a selection of mental health resources on a user's device once they have been flagged as searching for harmful content online.

Listen in to this very raw and emotive conversation, as we discuss how crucial R;pple Suicide Prevention is to ensuring more help and support is given to anyone searching for harmful content online. 

Learn more about Ripple Suicide Prevention Charity.

𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴:
📱 Text BURNTCHEF to 85258 (UK) 24/7
📞 Call 0800 085 1376 (UK) 24/7
📞 Call +44 (0)20 7938 0963 (Global) 24/7
📧 Email burntchef@cicwellbeing.com (Global)

Transformation Following Trauma: Angelika's ABC Change for Life Journey

TW: Abuse

This week, Kris Hall is joined by Angelika Breukers, a trauma-informed transformational coach, whose personal journey has led to her signature ABC Change For Life programs which supports amazing people, who are going through a difficult time in life and need encouragement to leave your past behind so that you can move forward positively and be in control of your life.

This episode is a very raw and honest discussion of childhood trauma and journey through transformation.

 

Learn more about Changing Life here.

Visit Angelika's website here.

Leadership, Resilience, and Mental Health in Hospitality with Ian Lay

In this episode of The Burnt Chef Journal, we’re joined by Ian Lay, a passionate advocate for mental health in hospitality and a dedicated supporter of The Burnt Chef Project.

Drawing on his extensive HR expertise, Ian sheds light on mental health challenges within the industry and explores how leadership styles can make a transformative impact.

As an ultra-marathoner, Ian shares how personal resilience and a commitment to well-being have shaped his journey. Learn about his inspiring fundraising efforts and his role in fostering community through run clubs in London and Bournemouth, all in support of The Burnt Chef Project.

Tune in for an engaging conversation about fostering a healthier hospitality industry and finding strength through leadership and community.