This episode is the final interview of “We Have Lived" with host Hassel Aviles and Nariba Shepherd, bartender and co-host of Terms of Service podcast. They discuss how hospitality professionals need mental health days, going from BOH to FOH, liveable wages, the importance of communication and much more!

Nariba Shepherd is a recovering chef and currently bartends while also co-hosting Terms of Service podcast in Chicago, IL. Born in Trinidad and Tobago, raised between the islands and the East Coast, her life and culinary journey are impacted by many different people and cultures. Becoming an agent of change was never on her bucket list when she started her journey in the service industry, but it seems to be the path destined before her.

She is thrilled that she is finally putting her BS in Education (Human Development and Family Studies) to use, she talks to people from all over the service industry in an attempt to facilitate change not just within the industry; but to also shed light on the realities of the work so many of us do, the harm and trauma that goes into creating “perfect memories” for our guests.

The book referenced in the conversation about boundaries is called "Set Boundaries, Find Peace" by Nedra Glover Tawwab, MSW, LCSW.

This is an episode you do not want to miss!! Please like, share and subscribe.

To learn more about Not 9 to 5 resources including workplace mental health certification called CNECTed, visit https://not9to5.org/cnecting.

"We Have Lived" is an exclusive 14-episode podcast series recorded in sister cities Chicago, USA and Toronto, Canada produced by Not 9 to 5 with direction from Terms of Service Network.

Credits
Production: Not 9 to 5 Organization
Production partner: Terms of Service
Executive Producer & Host: Hassel Aviles
Creative Director: Justin Arnett-Graham
Video: Rick Hernandez
Sound & Music Marcus Drake

In this episode of “We Have Lived", host Hassel Aviles sits down with food critic and writer Michael Nagrant. They discuss the problem and harm of the Michelin system, how the customer is not always right, the dishonesty and lack of accountability that exists between various chefs and writers and much more!

Michael Nagrant, the last and former Chicago Sun-Times food critic and contributor to the James Beard-Winning Alinea cookbook, writes about culture, life, food, cooking, restaurants, and food media.

Many food writers are taking free food and making friends with chefs in exchange for favorable coverage. Even principled critics who review restaurants anonymously don’t pay their own money to dine. The Hunger by Michael Nagrant is one of the only food writing venues where a food critic pays his own way, dines anonymously, and tells the true story about the restaurants they visit.

The goal with The Hunger is to be the pre-eminent spot for Chicago restaurant reviews and food criticism as well as to provide solid cultural criticism about the food community and media.

This is an episode you do not want to miss!! Please like, share and subscribe.

To learn more about Not 9 to 5 resources including workplace mental health certification called CNECTed, visit https://not9to5.org/cnecting.

"We Have Lived" is an exclusive 14-episode podcast series recorded in sister cities Chicago, USA and Toronto, Canada produced by Not 9 to 5 with direction from Terms of Service Network.

Credits
Production: Not 9 to 5 Organization
Production partner: Terms of Service
Executive Producer & Host: Hassel Aviles
Creative Director: Justin Arnett-Graham
Video: Rick Hernandez
Sound & Music Marcus Drake

On this episode of “We Have Lived,” host Hassel Aviles sits down with pastry chef Felicia Mayden in Chicago. They discuss the differences between being a leader vs. manager, single parenthood as a chef, being Black in professional kitchens, and much more!

Pastry Chef Felicia Mayden discovered her love for the pastry arts early on as a child. She followed this passion to Chicago’s Kendall College where she received her Baking and Pastry and Hospitality management degrees. Mayden developed her skills at several kitchens throughout Chicago including The Betty and later becoming the Pastry Chef at Formento’s and The Bristol. She has been featured on Food Network’s Best Baker in America season 4 and also has a Masters degree in Organizational Leadership.

Now as a Chef instructor of Kendall College, Mayden presents a diverse menu of sweet treats including various laminated pastries, breads, cookies, bars, composed cakes and chocolate work and a wealth of industry experience. Chef Felicia’s drive to succeed in a competitive industry is fuelled by her desire to be a role model for her young son and other working moms.

To learn more about Not 9 to 5 resources including workplace mental health certification called CNECTed, visit https://not9to5.org/cnecting.

"We Have Lived" is an exclusive 14-episode podcast series recorded in sister cities Chicago, USA and Toronto, Canada produced by Not 9 to 5 with direction from Terms of Service Network.

Credits
Production: Not 9 to 5 Organization
Production partner: Terms of Service
Executive Producer & Host: Hassel Aviles
Creative Director: Justin Arnett-Graham
Video: Rick Hernandez
Sound & Music Marcus Drake

In this episode host Hassel Aviles interviews hospitality professional and sommelier Jaby Dayle. They discuss how customers need to show service professionals more respect, hospitality as a relationship, being Black in the wine sector and much more!

Jaby is a dynamic and passionate sommelier who leads wine education and tasting events with a commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and breaking down barriers in the world of wine. Jaby previously worked in an assortment of notable wine spots in Toronto including Paris Paris, Grape Witches, and Peter Pantry. Having studied with both the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and the Court of Master Sommeliers, Jaby brings knowledge and fun to every sip!

To learn more about Not 9 to 5 resources including workplace mental health certification called CNECTed, visit https://not9to5.org/cnecting.

"We Have Lived" is an exclusive 14-episode podcast series recorded in sister cities Chicago, USA and Toronto, Canada produced by Not 9 to 5 with direction from Terms of Service Network.

Credits
Production: Not 9 to 5 Organization
Production partner: Terms of Service
Executive Producer & Host: Hassel Aviles
Creative Director: Justin Arnett-Graham
Video: Rick Hernandez
Sound & Music Marcus Drake

In this episode host Hassel Aviles interviews Ren Navarro, of Canadian consulting services called B. Diversity. Ren and Hassel discuss how everyone has a diversity problem, burnout, leadership accountability and much more!

Ren Navarro has over 20 years of corporate customer service and management experience, alongside 12+ years of hands-on knowledge and experience in the beer world. She is certified by some of the world's largest alcohol programs, Prud’homme, WSET, Cicerone and AFicioNAdo (alcohol free certification). She has also appeared on national television talking about historical aspects of alcohol, new trends in alcohol, and the benefits of stronger communities.

In 2018, Ren created Beer. Diversity., a company/advocacy group whose focus was to have open conversations one beer at a time. She has been the go-to diversity, equity and inclusion expert for breweries of all sizes, from small family run to multinational conglomerates. These days the company has moved into non-alcohol spheres as B. Diversity. This amalgamation aims to create safer spaces in which to have open and honest conversations and support to create meaningful change in a multitude of industries.

To learn more about B. Diversity Group, visit https://bdiversitygroup.com

To learn more about Not 9 to 5 resources including workplace mental health certification called CNECTed, visit https://not9to5.org/cnecting.

"We Have Lived" is an exclusive 14-episode podcast series recorded in sister cities Chicago, USA and Toronto, Canada produced by Not 9 to 5 with direction from Terms of Service Network.

Credits
Production: Not 9 to 5 Organization
Production partner: Terms of Service
Executive Producer & Host: Hassel Aviles
Creative Director: Justin Arnett-Graham
Video: Rick Hernandez
Sound & Music Marcus Drake

Welcome to a new episode of "We Have Lived," a podcast series by Not 9 to 5 about the lived experiences of working in restaurants and hospitality.

This week host Hassel Aviles chats with Suresh Doss, a food & drink travel writer based out of Toronto, Canada. In this episode Suresh and Hassel discuss various pain points with food media, how diners lack empathy, and much more!

Suresh has been featured in the New York Times for finding and celebrating less-known establishments in GTA periphery.

For almost two decades, Suresh has been producing content through a variety of web and print channels. Currently he is the Contents Editor for LCBO Food & Drink Magazine and runs a regular column at CBC as the food guide. Previously he’s also contributed to the following publications: Globe and Mail, Toronto Life, Post City Magazines, and was the city editor for Zagat Toronto.

To learn more about Not 9 to 5 resources including workplace mental health certification called CNECTed, visit https://not9to5.org/cnecting.

"We Have Lived" is an exclusive 14-episode podcast series recorded in sister cities Chicago, USA and Toronto, Canada produced by Not 9 to 5 with direction from Terms of Service Network.

Credits
Production: Not 9 to 5 Organization
Production partner: Terms of Service
Executive Producer & Host: Hassel Aviles
Creative Director: Justin Arnett-Graham
Video: Rick Hernandez
Sound & Music Marcus Drake

Welcome to episode 6 of "We Have Lived," a podcast series by Not 9 to 5 about the lived experiences of working in restaurants and hospitality.

This week host Hassel Aviles chats with chef Eva Chin of Soy Luck Club, a neo-Chinese cuisine supper club based out of Toronto. In this emotional discussion Eva reflects on the industry pressure, people-centered leadership, overcoming trauma and much more!

Born into a family of different Asian cultures, Eva grew up immersed in the lush bounty of the Hawaiian islands that Mother Nature has to offer. She learned early on that food is the connection between people and the land. While in Vancouver Eva took over Royal Dinette and won best Pacific Northwest restaurant with her terroir-focused, farm-to-table cuisine. In 2020, Eva made the move to Toronto to helm the kitchen at the renowned Kōjin by Momofuku, finally breaking free from the European fare. She explored the fusion and diversity of Asian cuisines, earning her a spot in the Canada’s top 100 best restaurant list of 2020.

These days Eva oversees her brand, The Soy Luck Club — telling life stories through her food. The Soy Luck Club is Chef Eva’s love letter to Chinese cuisine, weaving through stories that connect our community and culture. Out of profound respect for its diverse flavors and ingredients, and inspired by the nostalgia of our food memories and the thrill of our travels. The Soy Luck Club was chosen as one of the top ten pop-ups in the country by Enroute magazine.

To learn more about Not 9 to 5 resources including workplace mental health certification called CNECTed, visit https://not9to5.org/cnecting.

"We Have Lived" is an exclusive 14-episode podcast series recorded in sister cities Chicago, USA and Toronto, Canada produced by Not 9 to 5 with direction from Terms of Service Network.

Credits
Production: Not 9 to 5 Organization
Production partner: Terms of Service
Executive Producer & Host: Hassel Aviles
Creative Director: Justin Arnett-Graham
Video: Rick Hernandez
Sound & Music Marcus Drake

We're back! Tune into episode 5 of "We Have Lived," a podcast series by Not 9 to 5 about the lived experiences of working in restaurants and hospitality.

This week host Hassel Aviles chats with Jenny Shin, President & CEO of Milestones Public Relations and Talent Management. The discussion overs how to shift the industry culture, how change is misunderstood, surviving medical emergencies, fostering compassion, overcoming shame and much more!

Jenny Shin is a notable figure in public relations, specializing in fine dining, hospitality, and reputation management. With a steadfast commitment to ethics and advocacy, Jenny guides Michelin star chefs and global restaurants toward realizing their aspirations, fostering positive advancements in the hospitality industry. Jenny is not just a CEO but a mentor, strategist, and advocate for authentic representation and ethical practices in public relations and hospitality.

To learn more about Not 9 to 5 resources including workplace mental health certification called CNECTed, visit https://not9to5.org/cnecting.

"We Have Lived" is an exclusive 14-episode podcast series recorded in sister cities Chicago, USA and Toronto, Canada produced by Not 9 to 5 with direction from Terms of Service Network.

Credits
Production: Not 9 to 5 Organization
Production partner: Terms of Service
Executive Producer & Host: Hassel Aviles
Creative Director: Justin Arnett-Graham
Video: Rick Hernandez
Sound & Music Marcus Drake