Best The Chefs Without Restaurants Network Podcasts (2025)

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Flipping the Script: Kyle Inserra on Disrupting Real Estate with Social Media and Gut Instinct 36:18

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1h ago36:18

36:18

In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer welcomes Kyle Inserra, restaurant veteran turned commercial real estate expert, for a candid conversation on disruption, social media, and trusting your gut. Kyle shares his journey from running restaurants to carving out a new career in real estate, where he challenged …

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Fueling the Pros: Chef Brandon Rogers on Cooking for Athletes and Building a Private Chef Brand 29:39

7h ago29:39

29:39

What does it take to cook for NFL players, wear multiple hats as a culinary entrepreneur and still deliver high-end meals week after week? In this episode, Chris Spear sits down with Chef Brandon Rogers, a Chicago-based private chef with a background in fine dining, luxury hotels and a growing client list that includes professional athletes. What Y…

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From Meal Prep to Prime Time: Brandon Rogers on Next Level Chef 29:09

6h ago29:09

29:09

Want the INSIDE SCOOP on building and growing a food business? Subscribe to our newsletter. This week on Chefs Without Restaurants, host Chris Spear welcomes chef Brandon Rogers, a private chef based in the Chicago area who recently competed on Next Level Chef with Gordon Ramsay. With over 15 years of hospitality experience, from fine dining restau…

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Killing Your First Business: Why Letting Go Creates Growth 13:06

4d ago13:06

13:06

In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer challenges entrepreneurs to face one of the hardest truths in business: sometimes the most powerful move you can make is letting go of your first venture. Drawing from his own experience of closing a restaurant and the lessons he now shares with clients, Christian unpack…

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From the Line to Leadership: Matt Vascellaro on Kitchen Realities, Evolving Beliefs, and the Art of Running a Restaurant 40:02

7d ago40:02

40:02

In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer sits down with chef, pitmaster, and restaurateur Matt Vascellaro, the owner of JJ Cooper’s and founder of Matty Smokes BBQ. From bussing tables at 14 to running restaurants and catering businesses, Matt shares his journey through the highs and chaos of hospitality, highl…

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The Power of Reset: How to Start Over Without Starting From Scratch 10:51

11d ago10:51

10:51

In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer explores the power of hitting reset without starting from scratch. Drawing from personal experiences and client stories, Christian challenges the myth that resetting means failure and shows how it can instead be a strategic choice for growth. He shares a simple four-step…

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Mastering the Inner Game: Alvin Narsey on Clarity, Coaching, and Creating a Life by Design 33:27

14d ago33:27

33:27

In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer sits down with Alvin Narsey, entrepreneur, business strategist, and coach, to explore how defining your “why” can transform both business and life. Alvin shares his journey from pharmacist to retail business owner to international coach, revealing how values like freedom…

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The Art of the Second Act: Reinventing After Burnout or Success 14:10

18d ago14:10

14:10

In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer explores the powerful idea of the “second act” and what it means to reinvent yourself after burnout, success, or major life transitions. Drawing from personal experiences, client stories, and examples like Steve Jobs and J.K. Rowling, Christian reveals why the moments th…

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Serving Beyond the Plate: James Walker on Customer Focus, Employee Happiness, and the Power of Networking 35:56

21d ago35:56

35:56

In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer welcomes James Walker, CEO of Lunchbox and a seasoned leader in the restaurant industry, for an inspiring conversation about food, leadership, and innovation. James shares his journey from pastry chef on Martha’s Vineyard to leading a cutting-edge restaurant technology c…

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Your Inner Boardroom: Making Executive Decisions Without a Team 13:15

25d ago13:15

13:15

In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer unpacks one of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face—making tough decisions without a team to lean on—and introduces the powerful concept of building your own “inner boardroom.” Drawing from personal experience and lessons from mentors, Christian shows how to create …

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The Freelance Writer’s Playbook with Nevin Martell 49:35

27d ago49:35

49:35

Want the INSIDE SCOOP on building and growing a food business? Subscribe to our newsletter. “No one buys a story—editors buy a pitch.” That’s the frame for today’s conversation with D.C.–area journalist, photographer and writing coach Nevin Martell. You’ve seen his byline in places like The Washington Post, Washingtonian and The Boston Globe. He’s …

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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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Redirection, Resilience, and Rising Above Labels – with Bridget Mangwandi 38:14

28d ago38:14

38:14

In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer sits down with Chef Bridget Mangwandi, MasterChef South Africa contestant, entrepreneur, and rising culinary voice. Bridget shares her inspiring journey from cooking childhood meals at home to building her catering brand, studying food science, and competing on one of th…

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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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Build It Backwards: Starting with the End Goal in Mind 12:01

1M ago12:01

12:01

In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer unpacks the concept of “building it backwards” and why true clarity begins with defining the end goal before taking the first step. Drawing from his own experiences of scaling businesses that looked successful from the outside but left him burned out and misaligned, Chri…

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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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Rethinking Sales Leadership: Insights from Aaron Younessi 39:21

1M ago39:21

39:21

In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer talks with Aaron Younessi, founder of Fraction Sales, about his journey from real estate into the world of CPG and building a fractional sales agency that helps startups scale smarter. Aaron shares candid insights on the power of distribution, why cold calling still matt…

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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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The Discipline Dilemma: How High Performers Stay Consistent 18:48

1M ago18:48

18:48

In this solo episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer tackles what he calls the “discipline dilemma”, the tension between craving results and resisting the routines that actually create them. With raw honesty and practical insight, Christian explores why motivation is fleeting, why discipline is built in the dark when …

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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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Crafting Authentic Experiences: Warren Katz on Ingredient Integrity, Passion Projects, and Sustainable Success 12:54

1M ago12:54

12:54

In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer sits down with longtime friend and industry leader Chef Warren Katz for an inspiring conversation on passion, ingredients, and the evolving role of chefs. From his early days washing dishes at 14 to becoming the corporate chef for the world’s largest dairy company, Warre…

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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

1M 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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Reputation vs. Revenue: What’s Actually Worth Protecting? 12:54

2M ago12:54

12:54

In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer takes a candid look at one of the toughest decisions every leader faces; choosing between protecting revenue or safeguarding reputation. Drawing from personal experiences and recent challenges within his own organization, Christian unpacks why reputation is more than a l…

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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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Liquor Licensing Decoded: Jason Kho on Legal Strategy and Profit Margins in Hospitality 40:41

2M ago40:41

40:41

In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer sits down with Jason Kho, a seasoned entrepreneur and brand builder whose journey spans from the kitchens of fine dining to creating innovative hospitality ventures. Jason shares candid insights into the challenges of building a business without a clear blueprint, the im…

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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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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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The $10K Mistakes I’d Make Again 11:48

2M ago11:48

11:48

In this solo episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer shares the story behind a $10,000 mistake that turned out to be one of the most valuable investments of his career. Pulling back the curtain on the lessons learned from costly missteps, Christian reframes failure as tuition for growth, revealing why the most expensi…

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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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Beyond the POS: Rethinking Inventory, Margins, and the Power of Data with Angelo Esposito 41:35

2M ago41:35

41:35

In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer sits down with Angelo Esposito (chef, restaurateur, and co-founder of WISK.ai) for a heartfelt conversation on reinvention, resilience, and redefining success in the food industry. Angelo shares how he transitioned from the chaos of burnout to rebuilding with intention, …

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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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Kill the Comfort: Discomfort as a Business Strategy 10:21

2M ago10:21

10:21

In this bold solo episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer challenges high performers to confront the hidden cost of comfort and reignite the edge that made them great. Speaking directly to the entrepreneur who’s busy but not bold, the leader who’s winning but not growing, Christian explores why discomfort is not just …

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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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Accelerating Change: Kevin Dean on Innovation, Burnout Recovery, and Rethinking Marketing Leadership 33:49

2M ago33:49

33:49

In this episode of The Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur, host Christian J. Fischer sits down with Kevin Dean, founder of ManoByte and a leading voice in AI, digital transformation, and agile leadership. Kevin shares how a pivotal moment in Hawaii reshaped his career and inspired him to leave the Fortune 500 world to build solutions that move at the spe…

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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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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…