Episodes

  • Unwritten Rules of the Kitchen: What Culinary School Doesn't Teach You | Chef's PSA Podcast Ep. 123
    Nov 2 2024

    Unwritten rules and hard-learned lessons—these are the realities of the kitchen that culinary school often doesn't prepare you for. In this episode of the Chef's PSA Podcast, host André Natera pulls back the curtain on the professional kitchen, revealing the unwritten rules that every chef needs to know to truly thrive.

    André shares his personal experiences and stories from the trenches—discussing the pace, intensity, and hierarchy of real-world kitchens. If you're a young chef or culinary student wondering what it's really like out there, this episode is packed with practical advice on how to navigate the pressures, communication breakdowns, and sometimes brutal efficiency of the professional kitchen.

    Whether it's understanding how the kitchen hierarchy works, learning the importance of speed and repetition, or getting a handle on how to communicate clearly in high-stress moments, Andrea lays it all out so you can avoid common pitfalls and rise to the occasion.

    Looking for more insights to boost your culinary journey? Chef André has also published six books packed with lessons and stories that can help guide you to success in the industry.


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    24 mins
  • Rogelio Garcia: Cookbooks, Michelin, Mexican Food and MMA | Chef's PSA Podcast Ep. 122
    Oct 26 2024

    From Dishwasher to Michelin-Starred Chef: Chef Rogelio Garcia’s Inspiring Journey

    Rogelio Garcia Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/chefrogeliogarcia/

    Welcome to another episode of the Chef's PSA Podcast! In this episode, host André Natera interviews Chef Rogelio Garcia, a Michelin-starred chef and author of the cookbook Convivir. Chef Rogelio shares his incredible journey from immigrating to the United States, starting out as a dishwasher, and climbing his way to the top of the culinary world.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    •Overcoming Challenges: Hear Chef Rogelio’s inspiring journey from immigrating from Mexico City to building a career in fine dining, overcoming language and cultural barriers along the way.

    Michelin-Star Insights: Get a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to work at Michelin-starred restaurants and the significance of the Michelin Guide expanding to Texas.

    •Cookbook Creation: Discover the process, inspiration, and dedication behind Chef Rogelio's new cookbook, Convivir.

    •Honoring Heritage in Cuisine: Learn about Chef Rogelio’s personal commitment to celebrating his Mexican heritage through his dishes.

    •Maintaining Wellness: Find out how Chef Rogelio balances the demands of a high-pressure career with physical and mental wellness, including his passion for martial arts.


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    57 mins
  • Hostile Chef Kitchen Takeover | Chef's PSA Podcast Ep. 121
    Oct 20 2024

    Mastering Culinary Hostile Takeovers: Strategies for New Chefs

    In this insightful episode of Chef's PSA Podcast, host Andre Natera delves into the complexities of culinary hostile takeovers. He examines the scenarios where new chefs suddenly take over kitchens or restaurants and face resistance from existing staff loyal to previous regimes. Andre shares personal experiences and provides practical strategies for navigating these challenges, including re-interviewing staff, making swift hiring and firing decisions, and implementing new work cultures. Listeners will gain valuable tips on gathering information cautiously, maintaining professionalism, and avoiding negative talk about previous chefs. This episode is essential for any chef looking to lead a successful kitchen transition and build a team aligned with their vision.

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    17 mins
  • Fermin Nunez | The Bear, Running Multiple Restaurants, Origin Stories : PSA Podcast 120
    Oct 13 2024

    Fermin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chiefnunez/

    Navigating the Culinary World: A Candid Conversation with Chef Fermin Nunez

    Welcome to another episode of the Chef's PSA Podcast! In this engaging episode, I, André Natera, sit down with Chef Fermin Nunez, the culinary mastermind behind Austin’s acclaimed restaurants Suerte and Este. Together, we explore the realities of the culinary industry, discussing the challenges and highlights of running esteemed establishments, the impact of the Michelin Guide in Texas, and the vital role of leadership in managing multiple restaurant operations.

    What You'll Learn:

    Michelin Guide Impact: How the Michelin Guide influences Texas restaurants.

    Leadership Strategies: Effective methods for managing multiple kitchens.

    Personal Branding: The importance of building a strong personal brand as a chef.

    Social Media Influence: How social media shapes culinary reputations.

    AI in Kitchens: The role of artificial intelligence in streamlining kitchen operations and recipe development.

    Authenticity in Cuisine: Maintaining authenticity and staying true to culinary roots.


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    Join our vibrant culinary community across all platforms!

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    59 mins
  • A Day in the Life of an Executive Chef: Insights and Stories | Episode 119
    Oct 5 2024

    A Day in the Life of a Chef


    In this episode of the Chef's PSA podcast, hosted by Andre Natera, listeners are taken through a detailed narrative of what a day in the life of a chef looks like. From handling daily operations in a small restaurant to managing a large luxury hotel kitchen, the intricacies of each position are dissected. With personal anecdotes, such as shadowing an executive chef and dealing with kitchen staff, the episode offers a glimpse into the demanding and diverse world of culinary leadership. The podcast also touches on varying responsibilities depending on the type of establishment, and the importance of maintaining high standards and efficient management. Tune in for insightful stories and a closer look at the challenges and triumphs chefs face daily.


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    23 mins
  • Philip Speer: Culinary Evolution, Texas Michelin Guide & Iconic Dishes | Chef's PSA Podcast Ep. 118
    Sep 28 2024

    From Pastry Chef to Savory Chef: Chef Phillip Speer's Culinary Journey


    Philip Instagram

    https://www.instagram.com/philipspeer/

    https://www.instagram.com/comedortx/


    Join Chef Andre Natera on the Chef's PSA Podcast as he engages with Chef Philip Speer, the visionary behind Comedor Restaurant in Austin, Texas. Discover Chef Philip's transformation from a pastry chef to a savory expert, explore his iconic desserts, evolving chef uniforms, and how Michelin Guide might award stars in Texas. Get insights into identifying culinary talent through purpose-driven qualities and body language. They also share favorite hip-hop artists and reminisce about top breakfast cereals.


    01:21 Chef Uniforms: Evolution and Trends

    04:55 The Uchi Legacy: A Culinary Journey

    07:28 Pastry to Savory: Chef Phillip's Transition

    15:25 Brunch: Love and Trauma

    22:23 Art vs. Craft in Pastry

    30:11 Top Three Desserts and Their Significance

    31:23 The Story Behind the Tobacco Vanilla Dessert

    36:10 Michelin Guide's Arrival in Texas

    48:55 Mount Rushmore of Pastry Chefs

    53:04 Greatest Hip Hop Artists and Groups

    57:19 Advice for Young Chefs

    58:45 Identifying Talent in the Kitchen

    59:51 Conclusion and Where to Find Chef Philip Speer

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Avoid Leadership Self-Sabotage in the Kitchen | Chef's PSA Podcast ep. 117
    Sep 21 2024

    Join Chef Andre Natera in this episode of Chef's PSA Podcast as he discusses the pitfalls of leadership self-sabotage within the culinary world. Learn about common mistakes such as poor delegation, lack of communication, and unrealistic expectations, and discover strategies for effective team management and communication. Whether you're a head chef or an aspiring cook, this episode provides valuable insights to improve your leadership skills and kitchen efficiency.


    Support the show and explore Chef's PSA merchandise, books, and more at chefspsa.com. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a 5-star review!


    03:12 Leadership Self-Sabotage: An Introduction

    04:56 The Importance of Communication and Training

    06:19 Real-Life Examples of Self-Sabotage

    12:47 Overcoming Self-Sabotage

    16:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


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    17 mins
  • John Tesar: Working with Anthony Bourdain, Stars, Tweets, Restaurant Empires | Chef's PSA Podcast Ep. 116
    Sep 14 2024

    Join host Andre Natera on this episode of Chef's PSA Podcast as he interviews legendary chef John Tesar. Discover Tesar's incredible journey, from working with Anthony Bourdain to running top restaurants and earning prestigious accolades. Get insider tips for aspiring chefs, understand the challenges of the culinary world, and learn about the business side, including licensing deals with hotel groups. Support Chef's PSA by exploring our books, merchandise, and exclusive content at chefspsa.com. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a 5-star review!

    John Tesar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefjohntesar/


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    1 hr and 3 mins