Best Graham Elliot Podcasts (2025)

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Graham Elliot on Building a High-Performing Team Without Losing His Mind 40:07

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17d ago40:07

40:07

From fine dining to Lollapalooza and MasterChef, Graham Elliot’s journey is anything but ordinary. In this vibrant episode, Chef Graham Elliot shares how a punk rock spirit, deep empathy, and a love for teaching have shaped his path across restaurants, television, and fatherhood. He reflects on the value of authenticity, building restaurant teams l…

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Dealing with Feelings w/ Dr. Marc Brackett 55:57

2d ago55:57

55:57

This week, Scott sits down with Dr. Marc Brackett, founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and author of Dealing with Feelings: Use Your Emotions to Create the Life You Want. Together, they explore why so many of us struggle to manage our emotions and what we can do about it. Dr. Brackett explains the importance of co-regula…

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James Galbraith on Engineering a Restaurant That Can Handle 900 Covers a Night 38:59

2d ago38:59

38:59

Chef James Galbraith is building restaurants that scale and a culture that lasts. The Michigan-based chef and restaurateur behind Houndstooth, Animal, and Post Boy walks us through his journey from dish pit to design-led hospitality. In this episode, Galbraith shares what it takes to open three distinct concepts in a small town, the systems that su…

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Sarah Grueneberg on Making a Big Impact in Independent Restaurants 42:01

10d ago42:01

42:01

How do you grow a business without losing your soul or your standards? Chef Sarah Grueneberg has answers. From Top Chef finalist to James Beard Award-winning chef and owner of Monteverde in Chicago, Grueneberg opens up about mentorship, retention, ownership, and accountability. In this episode, she shares her approach to training, internal leadersh…

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Rethinking Time and the Myth of Urgency w/ Chris Guillebeau 43:02

16d ago43:02

43:02

This week Scott speaks with author, entrepreneur, and world traveler Chris Guillebeau, best known for The Art of Non-Conformity and his latest book, Time Anxiety: The Illusion of Urgency and a Better Way to Live. Chris unpacks the concept of time anxiety—the persistent feeling that we’re running out of time—and explains why it’s different from FOMO…

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Andrew Zimmern on The One Soft Skill That Is Key to Thriving in Hospitality 47:19

25d ago47:19

47:19

From addiction to advocacy: Chef Andrew Zimmern’s story is a masterclass in purpose-led leadership. The James Beard and Emmy Award-winning chef, TV personality, and entrepreneur reflects on the power of service, storytelling, and saying “yes.” In this deeply personal episode, Chef Andrew opens up about recovery, responsibility, and what it means to…

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Can You Really Change Your Personality? w/ Olga Khazan 48:29

1M ago48:29

48:29

This week Scott speaks with journalist and Atlantic staff writer Olga Khazan about her latest book, Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change. Olga shares her personal journey experimenting with ways to reshape her own personality—armed with insights from the latest psychological research. Together, she and Scott explore whether…

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Kenny Gilbert on Training a Team That Always Delivers 49:28

1M ago49:28

49:28

Chef Kenny Gilbert has built a career that spans fine dining, franchising, product development, and operations—always with a focus on systems that scale. From Ritz-Carlton kitchens to his own spice line, franchises, and a VP role at Grove Bay Hospitality Group, Chef Kenny shares how decades of experience, mentorship, and relentless process design h…

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Joe Sasto on Why Fake Content Gets Restaurants Nowhere 31:26

1M ago31:26

31:26

Chef Joe Sasto is rewriting the chef playbook by blending pasta, business, content, and creativity into a fully modern culinary career. From Michelin-starred kitchens to Top Chef, from viral pasta content to launching his own snack brand, Tantos, Sasto shares how he’s built a career that bridges both old-school technique and new-school entrepreneur…

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Debunking the Genius Myth w/ Helen Lewis 1:07:11

1M ago1:07:11

1:07:11

This week, Scott sits down with acclaimed journalist and Atlantic staff writer Helen Lewis to explore her latest book, The Genius Myth: A Curious History of a Dangerous Idea. Together, they examine how society defines—and often distorts—the concept of genius. Helen argues that there’s no universal, objective definition of genius, and that the peopl…

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Design for How People Learn with Julie Dirksen 34:14

1M ago34:14

34:14

Unlocking Effective Learning with Julie Dirksen | Inside Learning Podcast In this episode of the Inside Learning Podcast, brought to you by the Learnovate Centre, we dive deep into the principles of effective learning with special guest Julie Dirksen, author of 'Design for How People Learn' and 'Talk to the Elephant.' Julie and host explore topics …

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Joe Flamm on Little Hacks for Building a Stronger Team 45:57

2M ago45:57

45:57

Top Chef winner and Chicago chef Joe Flamm opens up about building restaurant culture, balancing family, and leading his team through thoughtful, intentional growth. From his Croatian-Italian roots at Rose Mary to his new projects across Chicago, Flamm shares the leadership systems, daily rituals, and hiring philosophy that keep his kitchens runnin…

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Gerard Craft on Four Killer Strategies for Growing a Restaurant Empire 26:33

2M ago26:33

26:33

James Beard Award-winning chef Gerard Craft breaks down how he built and runs a multi-concept hospitality group while putting people at the center. From opening his first restaurant at 25 to leading 12+ distinct concepts under Niche Food Group, Craft offers hard-earned lessons on scaling sustainably. He talks candidly about managing growth, strengt…

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Embracing Neurodiversity w/ Robin Ince 57:17

2M ago57:17

57:17

This week, Scott sits down with English comedian, author, and BBC radio host Robin Ince. Known for co-presenting The Infinite Monkey Cage alongside physicist Brian Cox, Robin brings his signature wit and wisdom to a deeply personal and socially relevant conversation. The episode centers around Robin’s new book, Normal Weird and Weirdly Normal: Adve…

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Damaris Phillips on Squeezing More Value from Every Piece of Content 41:59

2M ago41:59

41:59

Celebrity chef Damaris Phillips shares how she’s built a thriving food media career that lasts while staying deeply connected to her culinary roots. From winning Food Network Star to launching a cookbook, a picnic club, and a production company, Phillips opens up about evolving her career on her own terms. She gets candid about building confidence …

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Chris Shepherd on Balancing Mission and Margin 48:33

2M ago48:33

48:33

Chef Chris Shepherd isn’t just feeding people—he’s feeding an entire industry’s future. The James Beard Award-winning chef behind Underbelly and founder of Southern Smoke shares his powerful journey: from building restaurants to building one of hospitality’s most impactful foundations. Chef Chris reflects on closing restaurants, leadership evolutio…

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The Science of Inspiring Leadership w/ Dr. Adam Galinsky 1:00:09

2M ago1:00:09

1:00:09

This week, Scott welcomes Dr. Adam Galinsky, Professor at Columbia Business School and author of Inspire: The Universal Path for Leading Yourself and Others. Together, they explore what makes a truly inspiring leader—and how anyone, regardless of title or position, can develop the qualities to lead with vision, courage, and impact. Dr. Galinsky sha…

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André Natera on Why New Cooks Fail Before They Even Start 48:22

2M ago48:22

48:22

André Natera is helping the next generation of cooks cut through the noise—and he’s not afraid to challenge the industry’s old playbook. After decades of running some of Austin’s best kitchens, André now mentors chefs through his platform Chefs PSA, offering real talk on leadership, career development, and what it actually takes to succeed in today…

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Adam Sobel on The Hard Truths About Growing a Restaurant Group 43:53

3M ago43:53

43:53

After 14 years with Mina Group and dozens of openings, Chef Adam Sobel has launched his own powerhouse: Aether Group. And he’s bringing everything he’s learned to the table. In this candid conversation, Adam reflects on scaling across continents, building systems that support people, and the mindset it takes to grow without burning out. From consul…

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The Brain, Learning, and the Future of Work with Dr. Helena Boschi 22:22

3M ago22:22

22:22

In this episode of 'Inside Learning,' brought to you by the Learnovate Centre, Dr. Helena Boschi, author of 'Why We Do What We Do,' delves into the mysteries of the human brain and its pivotal role in learning and behavior. Host Aidan McCullen explores with Dr. Boschi the brain's function as a 'prediction machine,' its adaptation in the digital age…

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Turning Ideas Into Action w/ Dr. Zorana Ivcevic Pringle 54:50

3M ago54:50

54:50

This week, Scott welcomes Dr. Zorana Ivcevic Pringle, senior research scientist at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and Director of the Creativity and Emotions Lab. They dive into Dr. Pringle’s new book, The Creativity Choice: The Science of Making Decisions to Turn Ideas Into Action, which offers research-backed guidance on transforming …

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Katherine Miller on Smashing the Old Rules Holding Kitchens Back 40:05

3M ago40:05

40:05

Katherine Miller believes chefs have the power to shape public policy—and she’s spent her career helping them do exactly that. In this episode, the author of At the Table: The Chef’s Guide to Advocacy shares how she went from political strategist to hospitality changemaker. Miller unpacks why chefs make natural advocates, what most people get wrong…

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Gabriel Rucker on Why Bigger Isn't Always Better 39:50

3M ago39:50

39:50

Gabriel Rucker on Leadership, Loyalty, and Keeping It Small Gabriel Rucker didn’t plan to build an empire—he just wanted to cook great food and build a place where people belonged. In this episode of Restaurant Ready, the two-time James Beard Award–winning chef and co-owner of Le Pigeon and Canard in Portland shares what it means to lead with inten…

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Designing Your Dream Life w/Sahil Bloom 55:31

3M ago55:31

55:31

This week, Scott sits down with Sahil Bloom—investor, creator, and New York Times bestselling author of The Five Types of Wealth: A Transformative Guide to Design Your Dream Life. Sahil shares his powerful philosophy that the most meaningful transformations in life come not from finding the right answers, but from asking the right questions. Togeth…

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Meghan Blair on How Owners Aren't Paying Close Enough Attention to Their Numbers 40:22

3M ago40:22

40:22

Meghan Blair-Valero wants to change how we think about hospitality operations—from the books to the brain. In this episode, Meghan Blair-Valero brings deep expertise in finance, neurodiversity, and hospitality systems to show how better decisions can drive both sustainability and inclusivity. From understanding contribution margin to designing for …

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Will Gilson on Restaurants’ Symbiotic Relationship With Communities in Times of Crisis 41:53

4M ago41:53

41:53

When a fire destroyed one of his most meaningful spaces, chef and restaurateur Will Gilson had two choices: mourn or move. He chose both. In this deeply personal episode, Will Gilson opens up about the fire that devastated his family’s Herb Lyceum just days before peak wedding season—and how his team rallied to keep going. He talks about grief, res…

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Breaking the Stigma w/Mayim Bialik and Jonathan Cohen 1:12:30

4M ago1:12:30

1:12:30

This week, Scott is joined by the multitalented Mayim Bialik and Jonathan Cohen. You might know Mayim as the star of Blossom and The Big Bang Theory, or as the former host of Jeopardy!, but she’s also a neuroscientist with a PhD from UCLA and the creator of the popular mental health podcast Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown. Jonathan Cohen, her co-host and …

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Michael Fojtasek on Why Restaurant Owners Need to Pay Attention to How They Lead 32:01

4M ago32:01

32:01

Chef Michael Fojtasek is building more than restaurants—he’s rewriting the playbook on what growth, leadership, and well-being can look like in hospitality. From running a beloved fine-dining spot like Olamaie to launching biscuit shops, Fojtasek reflects on the evolution of his leadership style and the systems that help his team thrive. In this ep…

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Contingent Leadership with Victoria Pelletier 20:49

4M ago20:49

20:49

In this episode, we discuss the concept of contingent leadership with Victoria Pelletier, author of 'Influence Unleashed' and 'Unstoppable.' We delve into Apple's history with Steve Jobs to illustrate the evolving nature of leadership and the necessity for businesses to adopt flexible, future-oriented workforce strategies. Victoria shares insights …

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Ben Shewry on Dumping Toxic Culture Forever 48:24

4M ago48:24

48:24

Ben Shewry, chef-owner of Melbourne’s acclaimed Attica, shares the personal journey and leadership philosophy behind one of Australia’s most thoughtful restaurants. In this heartfelt conversation, Ben opens up about the power of empathy, accountability, and sustainability—not just in sourcing, but in how we treat people. He discusses breaking the c…

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Adam Hurrey, Elliot Steel, Gail Emms, Ivo Graham 59:48

4M ago59:48

59:48

Journalist, author and podcaster Adam Hurrey, former GB badminton player Gail Emms, and comedians Elliot Steel and Ivo Graham join Gordon Smart for an hour of sporting punditry, humour and entertainment. Points are awarded for informed comment, wit and passion, but taken away for nonsense and answers lacking in conviction. In the final round, the t…

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Rise Above with Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman (Interviewed by Dr. Jonathan Haidt) 48:22

4M ago48:22

48:22

In a special role-reversal episode of The Psychology Podcast, Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman is interviewed by renowned social psychologist Dr. Jonathan Haidt to discuss Scott’s brand-new book, Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential. This powerful conversation explores how modern culture can reinforce limi…

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Manu Buffara on How Restaurants Become Community Beacons 36:38

4M ago36:38

36:38

Brazilian chef Manu Buffara shares how food, community, and sustainability come together to create real change—inside the kitchen and far beyond. As the force behind the award-winning restaurant Manu, and founder of Instituto Manu Buffara, she’s redefining the role of chefs as leaders, educators, and community connectors. Buffara opens up about tra…

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Tyler Florence on The One Thing Every Restaurant Needs to Succeed 1:01:20

5M ago1:01:20

1:01:20

Celebrity chef and restaurateur Tyler Florence dives deep into the business of hospitality, the realities of leadership, and the mindset behind building a lasting restaurant empire. With nearly 30 years on Food Network, 17 cookbooks, and restaurants spanning airports to Union Square, Tyler opens up about the lessons behind the wins and the losses. …

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Radical Listening with Robert Biswas-Diener and Christian van Nieuwerburgh 54:01

5M ago54:01

54:01

This week Scott is joined by Robert Biswas-Diener and Christian van Nieuwerburgh, pioneers in positive psychology coaching and co-authors of the new book Radical Listening: The Art of True Connection. Together, they share powerful insights on how to deepen our conversations and relationships through the transformative practice of radical listening.…

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Emily Luchetti on How to Coax the Best From a Restaurant's People 40:04

5M ago40:04

40:04

In this engaging conversation, Chef Emily Lucchetti shares her journey through the culinary world, highlighting her experiences in California cuisine, the importance of mentorship, and her passion for writing cookbooks. She discusses the evolution of her career, the significance of community in the culinary arts, and her current projects, including…

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Exploring Learning Innovation with Graham Brown-Martin 35:11

5M ago35:11

35:11

In this episode, we delve into the world of learning innovation with Graham Brown-Martin, author of 'Learning Reimagined'. Graham shares his journey from working on mainframe computers at the Open University to pioneering educational technology in the 1980s. We explore key topics such as the contrast between instructionism and constructionism, the …

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Kevin Gillespie on Why Building a Team Makes or Breaks a Restaurant 30:25

5M ago30:25

30:25

Award-winning chef Kevin Gillespie discusses his background, accomplishments, and approach to running restaurants. He emphasizes the importance of recruiting the right team and creating a supportive and diverse work environment. Gillespie also shares his leadership style, which involves leading by example and fostering self-motivation and accountab…

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Multiple Intelligences w/ Dr. Howard Gardner 1:06:47

5M ago1:06:47

1:06:47

In this special episode, Scott welcomes the legendary Dr. Howard Gardner, a developmental psychologist and professor at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. Best known for his groundbreaking Theory of Multiple Intelligences, Dr. Gardner’s 1983 book Frames of Mind challenged the traditional view of intelligence as a singular ability measured by I…

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Ron McKinlay on Why Restaurants Better Up Their Instagram Game 39:10

5M ago39:10

39:10

Chef Ron McKinlay discusses his culinary journey and the influence of his upbringing in Vancouver on his cooking style. He emphasizes the importance of using local and seasonal ingredients and incorporating nature into his dishes. Chef Ron also talks about his role as a mentor to young cooks and the challenges of leading a large kitchen. He shares …

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Zach Field on Why Focus Is More Important Than Speed 36:24

6M ago36:24

36:24

Zach Field, founding partner of Field Artist Management, discusses his journey in the entertainment and culinary worlds and the challenges and changes in the hospitality industry. He emphasizes the importance of hospitality and service in the industry and the need to balance self-promotion with genuine care for others. Field also reflects on the im…

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Magic, Skepticism, and Success w/ Dr. Richard Wiseman 1:06:16

6M ago1:06:16

1:06:16

This week, Scott is joined by Dr. Richard Wiseman, a psychologist renowned for his work on magic, illusion, deception, luck, and self-development. As the UK's only Professor of the Public Understanding of Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire, Dr. Wiseman has published over 100 academic papers and authored bestselling books such as The Luck…

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Maria Mazon on The Danger of Diners Undervaluing Food 52:22

6M ago52:22

52:22

Maria Mazon is the executive chef and owner of Boca Tacos and Sona Bodega in Tucson, Arizona. Maria talks about her journey into the food world and the challenges she faces as a restaurant owner. She emphasizes the importance of using quality ingredients and educating customers about the true value of Mexican cuisine. Maria also discusses the costs…

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AI, Skills Gaps and The Future of Work with Calum Chace 22:54

6M ago22:54

22:54

In this episode of Inside Learning, host Aidan McCullen speaks with Calum Chace, an expert on artificial intelligence and the author of several bestselling books, including 'Surviving AI' and 'Pandora's Brain'. They discuss the concept of two singularities: the Economic Singularity, where AI renders many jobs obsolete, and the Technological Singula…

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Norman Van Aken on Saying 'No' as a Marketing Tool 34:49

6M ago34:49

34:49

Norman Van Aken is a celebrated chef and restaurateur known for introducing fusion into global cookery. He pioneered New World Cuisine, a fusion of Latin, Caribbean, Asian American, and African flavors. Van Aken's career has been decorated with awards and accolades, including being inducted into the James Beard Foundation list of who's who in Ameri…

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Does Telepathy Exist? w/ Dr. Diane Hennacy Powell 1:02:21

6M ago1:02:21

1:02:21

This week, Scott is joined by Dr. Diane Hennacy Powell—an integrative medical doctor, neuropsychiatrist, and researcher of extraordinary states of consciousness. Dr. Powell's research explores the neuroscience behind psychic phenomena, telepathy, and the incredible abilities of autistic savants. She is the author of "The ESP Enigma: The Scientific …

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Alex Stupak on Why Restaurants Need to Find the Right Location or They're Screwed 41:42

6M ago41:42

41:42

Alex Stupak is a chef and co-owner of the Empellón restaurant group in New York City. He has a unique approach to cooking that challenges traditional views of cuisine. He focuses on allowing all cuisines to explore and evolve, rather than being limited by tradition or authenticity. Alex has opened multiple restaurants under the Empellón brand, with…

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Karen Akunowicz on How Mundane Systems Help Restaurants Thrive 58:19

6M ago58:19

58:19

Chef Karen Akunowicz, a renowned chef and restaurateur, shares her passion for owning her own restaurant and the challenges she faced in making that dream a reality. Karen also talks about the importance of having a clear vision and a good business sense when starting a new venture. She emphasizes the value of having a supportive team and the role …

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A Legacy of Social Psychology w/ Dr. Elliot Aronson & Dr. Joshua Aronson 1:18:12

7M ago1:18:12

1:18:12

In this special episode, Scott is joined by two legendary figures in social psychology: Dr. Elliot Aronson and his son, Dr. Joshua Aronson. At 93, Elliot Aronson remains a towering influence in psychology, known for pioneering the Jigsaw Classroom—a groundbreaking cooperative learning technique that reduces interethnic hostility and enhances learni…

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Duff Goldman on Losing His Damn Ego 45:14

7M ago45:14

45:14

Duff Goldman isn’t just a baker—he’s a creative force, a rule-breaker, and a storyteller, all rolled into one. From the wild success of Ace of Cakes to mentoring the next generation of bakers on Kids Baking Championship, Duff has carved out a career that’s as sweet as it is inspiring. In this conversation, he pulls back the curtain on his journey, …