Best MAJC Podcasts (2025)

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Kevin Boehm on Scaling Big: Key Lessons from Opening 40+ Restaurants 47:09

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2d ago47:09

47:09

Kevin Boehm has spent his career building iconic restaurants. But after co-founding Boka Restaurant Group and opening over 40 establishments, the James Beard Award–winning restaurateur found himself battling burnout, loss, and collapse at the height of the pandemic. Boehm shares how therapy, systems, and human-centered leadership helped him come ba…

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Eli Sussman on Juggling Parody and Professionalism 42:47

11d ago42:47

42:47

Chef Eli Sussman isn’t just the chef and partner of Brooklyn’s Gertrude’s, he’s also the internet’s sarcastic observer of restaurant culture through his viral account, The Sussmans. In this episode, he opens up about balancing family life with kitchen life, how satire creates community, and what happens when you bring authenticity (and humor) to th…

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Yia Vang on Building a Restaurant That Tells His Story 41:51

14d ago41:51

41:51

Chef Yia Vang didn’t just open a restaurant, he built a cultural restoration project. The James Beard–nominated chef and founder of Union Hmong Kitchen joins us to share how food became his medium for storytelling, identity, and healing. Born in a Thai refugee camp and raised in Wisconsin, Vang now leads one of the most compelling restaurants in Am…

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Gavin Kaysen on Balancing Leadership and Wellness 42:05

21d ago42:05

42:05

Chef Gavin Kaysen has built one of the most respected restaurant groups in the country by putting trust at the center of everything. The two-time James Beard Award winner opens up about leadership, mentorship, and the systems that support his growing team across Spoon and Stable, Demi, Bellecour Bakery, and more. From daily writing rituals to open-…

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How to Stay Connected to Your Team as a Seasoned Leader 6:06

27d ago6:06

6:06

As leaders grow, it’s easy to lose touch with day-to-day team life. Taylor Scott reveals how staying curious, humble, and conversational can prevent emotional disconnect from creeping in. Takeaways: Stay curious about your people and how they’re doing Make time for walk-and-talk conversations to stay close to the work Show consistent interest to he…

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Sean Sherman on Reclaiming Indigenous Foods and Their Cultural Legacy 41:17

28d ago41:17

41:17

What would it take to rebuild our food system from the ground up, one rooted in community, sustainability, and ancestral knowledge? That is the work chef Sean Sherman has dedicated his career to. A member of the Oglala Lakota tribe and founder of the nonprofit NATIFS (North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems), Sherman is on a mission to m…

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How to Build Purpose into Your Day with One Simple Habit 3:03

28d ago3:03

3:03

Taylor Scott shares a daily leadership habit that transforms distraction into purpose. Learn how focusing on the important (not just the urgent) helps create clarity and alignment within teams. Takeaways: Set clear goals to focus your team and drive momentum Align daily action with long-term vision through SMART goals Celebrate small wins to keep t…

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How to Lead More Effectively with Emotional Intelligence 2:07

29d ago2:07

2:07

Emotional intelligence is essential to great leadership. Taylor Scott breaks down the four components of EQ and how they impact team dynamics, performance, and leadership presence in hospitality. Takeaways: Strengthen self-awareness to lead with consistency under pressure Read emotional cues to connect with empathy and intent Manage relationships w…

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How to Balance Accountability with Empathy 2:58

1M ago2:58

2:58

Taylor Scott dives into one of the toughest but most important leadership challenges: holding people accountable with empathy. He shares the concept of coaching with grace, grit, and intention, and how values-based feedback can drive real change. Takeaways: Build credibility before delivering tough feedback Coach through the lens of shared values O…

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How to Recognize Your Team in a Way That Actually Matters 2:05

1M ago2:05

2:05

Recognition isn’t just a moment, it’s a rhythm. Taylor Scott walks through how to build recognition into your weekly habits in meaningful ways. Takeaways: Catch people doing things right more often than wrong Reinforce values by celebrating them out loud Tell stories that highlight team strengths and wins Want to connect directly with industry thou…

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How to Create a Workplace Where People Can Bring Their Whole Selves 4:01

1M ago4:01

4:01

Recognition isn’t one-size-fits-all. Taylor Scott explores how leaders can adapt their recognition to the individual, and why that makes all the difference. Takeaways: Tailor recognition to how each person best receives it Use specific praise to reinforce belonging and culture Acknowledge individual value to deepen connection Want to connect direct…

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

1M 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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How to Improve Retention with One Leadership Habit 3:57

1M ago3:57

3:57

Retention doesn’t come from perks, it comes from empathy. Taylor Scott reveals how to use simple, learnable skills to connect and keep your team. Takeaways: Listen to understand, not to respond Build trust by reflecting back emotion and experience Keep top performers by making them feel seen and heard Want to connect directly with industry thought …

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How to Inspire Your Team by Creating the Right Energy 1:31

1M ago1:31

1:31

Energy is contagious, for better or worse. Taylor Scott shares how leaders can shift the energy in the room, creating an atmosphere that motivates, unites, and inspires. Takeaways: Set the tone with steady, positive energy Model calm and confidence when pressure is high Lead with presence to help your team stay aligned Want to connect directly with…

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How to Stay Emotionally Connected During High-Stress Service 2:18

1M ago2:18

2:18

High-stress moments don’t have to break team morale. Taylor Scott shares how trust, preparation, and consistent communication help teams stay grounded and connected under pressure. Takeaways: Invest emotionally before high-pressure moments arrive Build trust through early and frequent communication Create stability with consistent, intentional conv…

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How to Avoid the Biggest Mistakes When Building Culture 1:36

1M ago1:36

1:36

Culture is what you do, not what you say. Taylor Scott explains the damage done when leadership actions don’t match company values, and how to avoid it. Takeaways: Align your actions with your stated values Build credibility through consistency Earn trust by following through with integrity Want to connect directly with industry thought leaders lik…

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How to Drive Performance with Compassion and Encouragement 3:31

1M ago3:31

3:31

Taylor Scott unpacks the self-determination theory and how it fuels performance. Compassionate leadership isn’t soft, it’s strategic. Takeaways: Promote autonomy, competence, and community to boost motivation Understand what drives high-performing hospitality teams Encourage with intention to create lasting impact Want to connect directly with indu…

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

1M 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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How to Make Your Team Feel Seen and Supported 1:46

1M ago1:46

1:46

Taylor Scott explains how small but meaningful recognition can create a sense of belonging and motivate teams to stay engaged. Leaders who speak to their team’s values win trust and loyalty. Takeaways: Recognize when team members live your values Reinforce culture by showing people how they belong Create belonging by acknowledging what makes people…

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How to Connect Emotionally Before You Manage 4:04

2M ago4:04

4:04

Learn why emotional connection is the foundation of effective leadership. Taylor Scott shares the six virtues of leading with hospitality and how they apply in the day-to-day life of operators and managers. Takeaways: Commit to connection before offering direction Practice self-awareness and purpose to build emotional intelligence Coach more effect…

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How to Lead with Hospitality 1:45

2M ago1:45

1:45

Taylor Scott breaks down what it truly means to lead with hospitality through action, emotion, and connection. He shares how great leadership mirrors the best guest experiences, driving loyalty and engagement through intentional service. Takeaways: Mirror the emotional connection of great hospitality in your leadership Lead by being human, emotiona…

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How to Build a Restaurant Culture That Actually Works 4:14

2M ago4:14

4:14

It’s time to stop focusing on what’s broken and start building what’s next. Chef Matt Jennings reframes restaurant culture as a place of growth, creativity, and real opportunity for future leaders. Takeaways: Recognize hospitality as a space for career and personal development Make leadership development part of your systems Create workplaces that …

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How to Align Passion, Purpose, and Process 1:16

2M ago1:16

1:16

Chef Matt Jennings discusses how aligning your passion, purpose, and process is the foundation of sustainable hospitality leadership, and what MAJC is doing to make that a reality for more operators. Takeaways: Reground your business in what matters most to you Create systems that translate passion into repeatable outcomes Build long-term leadershi…

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How to Lead with Empathy in Hospitality (and Still Get Results) 2:22

2M ago2:22

2:22

Hospitality leadership is evolving, and chef Matt Jennings believes the next generation of leaders needs to listen more than they speak. This episode explores what true leadership looks like today. Takeaways: Shift from top-down commands to active listening and support Redesign hospitality systems to attract and retain younger talent Lead with empa…

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

2M 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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How to Spot the Patterns Shaping the Industry 3:03

2M ago3:03

3:03

Chef Matt Jennings shares two major industry trends he’s watching closely: shifting civic policies affecting local restaurants and ongoing challenges around staffing. Takeaways: Watch how local regulations affect restaurant operations and margins Adjust hiring and training for a younger, less experienced workforce Build systems that support your te…

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How MAJC Expert Sessions Connect Operators to the Best in the Business 3:28

2M ago3:28

3:28

In this episode, chef Matt Jennings breaks down what makes MAJC’s Expert Sessions so valuable, and why live access to industry leaders is changing the game for operators. Takeaways: Learn from experts in finance, HR, sustainability, wellness, and more Interact live with top operators and hospitality leaders Use Expert Sessions as a professional dev…

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How MAJC Office Hours Provide Real-Time Support 4:19

2M ago4:19

4:19

Chef Matt Jennings shares what makes Office Hours inside the MAJC community so powerful, and why real-time, judgment-free conversations are helping operators grow faster and feel less alone. Takeaways: Create space for tough, honest business conversations Learn directly from trusted experts in HR, finance, and operations Make weekly problem-solving…

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How to Build a Hospitality Community That Actually Helps 2:40

2M ago2:40

2:40

What does the MAJC community offer? Chef Matt Jennings walks through the tools, relationships, and shared values that make this platform different. Takeaways: Find peer support across operations, finance, HR, and more Learn from others’ wins and mistakes to shorten your path Access exclusive tools and guidance designed for hospitality leaders Want …

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

2M 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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How MAJC Is Redesigning Hospitality Support 3:42

2M ago3:42

3:42

Why did chef Matt Jennings co-found MAJC? In this episode, he shares the personal experiences that inspired him to build a hospitality community, and what operators actually need right now. Takeaways: Support operators facing burnout, uncertainty, and isolation Combine systems, creativity, and technology in one space Build solutions that scale with…

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How to Reclaim Control When Your Business Is Running You 7:15

2M ago7:15

7:15

If it feels like your restaurant is running you, you’re not alone. Chef Matt Jennings offers strategies for stepping back, assessing, and regaining control of your time and energy. Takeaways: Schedule weekly strategy sessions, even if just two hours Use team input to evaluate what’s working and what’s not Evaluate projects that drain energy without…

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How to Keep Your Team Truly Aligned 3:22

2M ago3:22

3:22

Chaos is part of the job, but alignment is a choice. Chef Matt Jennings shares why clear communication and smart systems are the foundation of every resilient team. Takeaways: Standardize team communication tools across shifts and roles Be explicit about your vision instead of assuming team alignment Build architecture before expecting results Want…

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How to Build Systems That Actually Work 2:33

2M ago2:33

2:33

Every operator talks about systems, but how do you build ones that actually work? Chef Matt Jennings shares how his restaurants handled everything from R&D to bar maintenance. Takeaways: Document and iterate on R&D processes with full team input Design systems with ownership in mind, not just compliance Layer small systems to create a culture of ac…

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How to Recognize When It’s Time to Close Your Restaurant 5:21

2M ago5:21

5:21

Chef Matt Jennings opens up about the hardest decision of his career: closing his restaurant. This deeply personal episode explores what led to that moment, and what other operators can learn from it. Takeaways: Monitor cash flow, receivables, and market fit Know when your well-being needs to come first Transparency with yourself is a leadership sk…

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How to Lead Without Micromanaging 3:34

2M ago3:34

3:34

Chef Matt Jennings reflects on a leadership lesson learned the hard way, and how it changed how he supports and empowers his team. If you’ve struggled with micromanagement or middle-manager turnover, this one’s for you. Takeaways: Balance trust and accountability with systems Avoid giving too much freedom without adequate tools Middle managers need…

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

2M 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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How to Prepare for Restaurant Ownership Before You Open 2:15

2M ago2:15

2:15

What do you wish someone told you before opening your first restaurant? Chef Matt Jennings shares his answer, and it’s not what you’d expect. This episode highlights the behind-the-scenes logistics most new operators miss. Takeaways: Build a trusted network of service providers before you open Create real feedback loops with guests to stay adaptabl…

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How to See the Operator Role for What It Really Is 5:26

2M ago5:26

5:26

In this kickoff episode, Carolyn Grillo flips the script and interviews chef Matt Jennings, co-founder of MAJC, about his journey from acclaimed chef to founder. Matt opens up about what he got wrong in business and how that experience shaped his mission today. Takeaways: Prioritize business systems and financial literacy from day one Profitability…

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How to Raise Capital Without Giving Away the Business 5:52

2M ago5:52

5:52

From debt to equity to grants, Lauren Fernandez breaks down the full range of capital options restaurant founders can access and how to match funding to your stage of growth. Takeaways: Align capital choices to your stage, control preferences, and risk tolerance Explore debt, SBA loans, angel investors, and private equity options Don’t overlook gra…

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How to Offer Equity to Employees Without Losing Control 3:54

2M ago3:54

3:54

Equity is a powerful tool. Lauren Fernandez explains how founders can share upside while protecting ownership and preserving future capital flexibility. Takeaways: Grant equity carefully and only when it drives real retention Use employee profit pools or profit shares instead of voting shares Create internal, flexible programs that align with long-…

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How to Structure Partnerships That Actually Work 1:56

2M ago1:56

1:56

Money and management aren’t the same thing. Lauren Fernandez explains how to define operating roles, accountability, and partnership structure from day one. Takeaways: Clarify responsibilities and job titles inside your partnership Distinguish between passive investors and operational partners Document reporting lines, hiring authority, and account…

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

2M 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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How to Take on Investors While Avoiding Legal Pitfalls 3:44

2M ago3:44

3:44

Lauren Fernandez outlines the most common legal mistakes operators make during fundraising and how to protect your business, your future, and your team. Takeaways: Separate investment agreements from promised services or perks Do due diligence on your investors, including background checks Include buy-sell clauses, dispute resolutions, and exit str…

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How to Avoid Common Legal Mistakes 3:06

3M ago3:06

3:06

Lauren Fernandez shares why it’s critical to evaluate people, not just capital, before you take investor money—and how to avoid costly partner mistakes. Takeaways: Prioritize integrity, transparency, and humility in partner selection Assess how a new partner would support your team long-term Set clear personal filters to guide decisions Want to con…

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How to Structure Ownership as Your Restaurant Group Grows 2:27

3M ago2:27

2:27

Lauren Fernandez breaks down how to structure multiple entities inside a growing restaurant group, and why it’s critical for managing risk, minimizing taxes, and planning for expansion. Takeaways: Form parent LLCs with separate operating subsidiaries Separate intellectual property, franchising, and manufacturing entities Use ownership structures to…

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How to Avoid Costly Mistakes While Scaling Your Business 3:25

3M ago3:25

3:25

Lauren Fernandez reveals the most common and most expensive scaling error operators make: choosing the wrong location. Takeaways: Vet real estate decisions with full data and on-the-ground observation Understand customer patterns beyond income levels Use brokers, site analytics, and franchise disclosure documents as resources Want to connect direct…

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

3M 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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How to Build a Franchise Playbook That Actually Works 2:38

3M ago2:38

2:38

Your grand opening plan can make or break a new restaurant launch. Lauren Fernandez shares her blueprint for generating buzz and driving momentum. Takeaways: Build a 90-day marketing ramp-up before opening day Create organic local buzz through grassroots outreach Avoid opening to an empty parking lot by building social proof early Want to connect d…

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How to Protect Your Brand While You Scaling 2:32

3M ago2:32

2:32

As you expand locations and partnerships, brand consistency becomes everything. Lauren Fernandez breaks down how to define, document, and protect your brand DNA. Takeaways: Define your mission, tone, and core brand personality Go beyond basic brand books to capture voice, style, and story Align all vendors, agencies, and teams to one clear brand vi…