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Welcome to the regular addition of The Burnt Chef Journal hosted by Kris Hall founder of The Burnt Chef Project. Join us as we explore mental health and wellbeing within the hospitality world and talk openly with our guests about the journey through their careers and experiences with mental health and stress. Listen whilst prepping, on your break, at the gym or at home as we discuss what a mentally healthy hospitality workplace looks like. We hope that you enjoy the content and that you find the open conversations refreshingly honest, relatable and potentially provide some tools to use to benefit you or your team.
Episodes

Tuesday Jul 16, 2024
Tuesday Jul 16, 2024
Joining our hosts Kris Hall and Cara Houchen we have:
⭐ Scot Turner, Founder of Auden Hospitality
In March 2022, Scot created Auden Hospitality with a mission to help hoteliers think differently about their F&B operations to create outlets their guests will love.
All while doing this with a people-centric approach, Scot worked with The Burnt Chef Project as an Ambassador to improve the conditions of the amazing people that work in the industry.
Fast forward to 2024, Auden Hospitality is an award-winning agency building a reputation within the industry.
They will bring real-life knowledge and experience to your operation.
⭐ Sophie Taverner, Head Chef of Lost in the Lanes
Head chef Sophie joined Lost in the Lanes in 2022, and recently launched evenings, elevating Lost from a much loved cafe to an exciting addition to Brighton’s thriving restaurant scene. Despite a lifelong pursuit of good food and cooking, Sophie worked as a human rights lawyer for several years before returning to her first love.
In 2016 she tested the waters with a successful supper club and never looked back.
Sophie's previous experience includes Ibiza Food Studio under former Noma chef Boris Bueno, La Finca and Taller sa Pena. On returning to the UK, Sophie worked at Lyles, The Garden Museum Cafe and branched out in bespoke dining and events, before taking the head chef position at Lost in the Lanes.
Recorded live on 7th June 2024.

Thursday Jul 11, 2024
Christian Sharp & Camille Vidal | Pouring Truth: Hospitality Workers on Alcohol Harm
Thursday Jul 11, 2024
Thursday Jul 11, 2024
In this episode of "Hospitality Highlights" recorded live on LinkedIn for Alcohol Awareness Week, we delve into the often-overlooked realities of alcohol harm experienced by hospitality workers.
From bartenders to servers, these frontline employees share their personal stories and insights on how alcohol impacts their lives and work environments.
Join us as we explore the challenges they face, the coping mechanisms they develop, and the support systems that are crucial for their well-being.
A huge thank you to Chef Christian Sharp and founder of La Maison Wellness, Camille Vidal, for sharing their personal journey with alcohol and the profound impact it has had on their life and career.

Monday Jul 08, 2024
Monday Jul 08, 2024
Tune in to another episode of ✨ Hospitality Highlights ✨, as our hosts Kris Hall and Cara Houchen are joined by:
⭐ Simon Numphud FIH, Managing Director of AA Media
⭐ Rebecca Marshman, Group Head Pastry Chef of BaxterStorey

Thursday Jun 27, 2024
Hospitality Leadership and Innovation: A Conversation with Kate Nicholls OBE
Thursday Jun 27, 2024
Thursday Jun 27, 2024
Join us for an engaging episode as we sit down with Kate Nicholls OBE, the CEO of UKHospitality. Kate shares her insights on leading the hospitality industry through challenging times, the innovative strategies that have shaped her leadership, and her vision for the future of UKHospitality. From navigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to addressing the evolving needs of customers and businesses, Kate's expertise provides valuable perspectives for anyone interested in the hospitality sector.
Don't miss this opportunity to hear from one of the industry's most influential leaders.

Wednesday Jun 26, 2024
Wednesday Jun 26, 2024
Our Hospitality Highlights hosts Kris Hall and Cara Houchen are joined by:
⭐ Laurie A. Watkins, CEO & Founder, The Cook’s Collective
⭐ Pawel Kukulka, Director at People Person Recruitment
Tune in as we discuss how we can empower those who work in hospitality to be the ones to drive change and why it's important to celebrate the progressive and trailblazing workplaces, whose team's wellbeing is at the forefront of what they do. 💭

Monday Jun 17, 2024
Monday Jun 17, 2024
Are consumers wanting new experiences for their money?
Our host, Cara Houchen, is joined by guest speakers:
⭐ Adam Degg, Head Chef & Host of Fifty Two at Rudding Park
⭐ James Knight-Paccheco, Co-Founder of Group JKP
Join in the discussion around the rate of closures within the UK, and whether there is an appetite for new openings. 💭

Thursday Jun 13, 2024
Coping with Trauma: Lauren and Jo's Journey
Thursday Jun 13, 2024
Thursday Jun 13, 2024
In this deeply moving episode, Lauren and Jo open up about their personal experiences with trauma and how it led them to use alcohol as a coping mechanism. Lauren shares her story of facing overwhelming events that left her feeling isolated, driving her to seek solace in alcohol. Jo recounts her own battle with unresolved trauma and the role alcohol played in her life as a way to manage her intense emotions and stress.
Through their heartfelt conversations, Lauren and Jo shed light on the often-hidden struggle of using alcohol to self-medicate in response to trauma. They discuss the challenges they encountered, the turning points in their journeys, and the steps they took towards healing and finding healthier coping strategies. Their experiences aim to burn the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction, offering hope and understanding to listeners who may be facing similar battles.
Join us for an inspiring and honest discussion that emphasizes the importance of seeking professional support and the power of resilience in the face of adversity.
Lauren is the Commercial Director for Loopcycle, and Chairwoman for CIBSE TM65 for Commercial Catering Equipment.
Jo is a presenter and MHFAid Instructor for the mental health charity State of Mind Sport.
This episode is full of raw emotion - if you'd 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)

Monday Jun 10, 2024
Monday Jun 10, 2024
✨ Hospitality Highlights ✨
On 10th May, Kris Hall and Cara Houchen were joined by guest speakers for another live episode of Hospitality Highlights!
Our guest speakers were:
⭐ Kelly Higginson, CEO of Restaurants Canada
⭐ Paulo De Tarso, Restaurateur and TedTalk Speaker
Listen in as we discuss the support the hospitality industry gets in western speaking countries from their government, and what can each country can learn from each other. 💭

Monday Jun 03, 2024
Monday Jun 03, 2024
✨ Hospitality Highlights ✨
On 3rd May, Kris Hall and Cara Houchen were joined by guest speakers for another live episode of Hospitality Highlights!
Our guest speakers were:
⭐ Andy Tait (CMgr FCMI, MBA), Director of Quality of Performance Learning Group
⭐ Marguerite Keogh, Head Chef at Five Fields
Listen in as we talk apprenticeships, levy funding, and the challenges businesses face accessing apprenticeships. 💭

Thursday May 30, 2024
Thursday May 30, 2024
This week's guest on The Burnt Chef Journal is Jeremy Dixon! Jeremy has dedicated the past 15 years of his career to the speciality foodservice industry, and is currently at the helm of Ochil Foods, a business that was originally established by his parents 35 years ago. Together with David Laing, Jeremy strives to continue and expand upon their legacy to serve Scotland’s chef.
In addition to his professional achievements, Jeremy lives with bi-polar affective disorder, an experience that has profoundly shaped his perspective on life and mental health. His journey has included over a year spent in NHS Mental Hospitals, where he encountered some of the most remarkable and talented individuals. These interactions have fuelled his passion for mental health advocacy and inspired him to help others achieve their full potential.
In his spare time, Jeremy has been laying the groundwork for Empath Centres—centres of excellence dedicated to teaching life skills to those entangled in the mental health system. This system often leads individuals to rely on sickness benefits, which can exacerbate their challenges. The Empath Centres aim to break this cycle by offering apprenticeships across various fields such as business, the arts, the armed forces, and education. Their goal is to guide individuals towards meaningful career paths and fulfilling lives.
Through Empath Centres, Jeremy is committed to creating opportunities that empower people to thrive, leveraging their unique talents and abilities. He believes that with the right support and guidance, everyone can lead a productive and rewarding life.
Take a listen to this episode as Jeremy shares his personal experiences and how he aims to support others.
www.ochilfoods.co.uk