The culinary industry is more than just creating beautiful dishes; it's a world where passion meets vulnerability, where creativity collides with chaos, and where the very people who nourish others often struggle to nourish themselves. What happens when we finally start having the conversations that matter most?

Don't you wish you had a place to go where you can drop your apron and just be you? Well now there is: Join The Chef Life Brigade Private Member Community by clicking here

In this inaugural Chef Life Radio Live event from the Mule in Asheville, North Carolina, we gather as a community to address the elephant in the kitchen: mental health, addiction, and the culture that's been shaping our industry for far too long.

From Rock Bottom to Rising Up

Chef Paul Cressend shares his raw, unfiltered journey through 27 years in the industry—from the dive bars of Nashville to the fine dining establishments of Charlotte, and ultimately to his recovery and rebirth as an entrepreneur in Asheville.

His story illuminates the reality many of us face: the functional addiction that seems acceptable until it becomes the very thing holding us back from greatness.

Paul's path through rehab, farm work, and eventually building his own private chef business, Pauliboy Enterprises, demonstrates that there's life beyond the destructive patterns we've normalized in our kitchens.

The Hurricane That Changed Everything

Hurricane Helene didn't just devastate western North Carolina physically—it stripped away the facade and revealed who we really are as a community. In the aftermath, something beautiful emerged: neighbors feeding neighbors, chefs supporting chefs, and a renewed understanding of what hospitality truly means.

Breaking the Cycle of Silence

Jennifer Hough joins the conversation to offer an outsider's perspective on the intensity that defines our industry. Her observations about the dopamine addiction cycle, the instant gratification nature of kitchen work, and the way we've learned to dismiss genuine appreciation reveal uncomfortable truths about how we operate.

The discussion tackles head-on:

• Why "thank you" becomes meaningless when you hear it constantly
• The connection between kitchen culture and addiction patterns
• How the brigade system, while effective, can perpetuate unhealthy dynamics
• The importance of having conversations before it's too late

Eight Minutes That Could Save a Life

Research shows that eight minutes of genuine conversation with someone who cares can literally change brain chemistry and pull someone back from the brink of despair. It's a simple concept with profound implications for how we show up for each other.

"This is our mess, and I consider myself part of the problem, but that's why I want to be part of the solution."

Building Something Better

This isn't just another podcast episode, it's a call to action. Whether you're a seasoned executive chef, a line cook finding your way, or someone who simply cares about the people who feed our communities, this conversation offers hope and practical steps forward.

The path to change starts with acknowledging where we are, sharing our stories without shame, and committing to being present for one another in ways that actually matter.

Ready to be part of the solution? This conversation might just change how you think about leadership, community, and what it really means to take care of each other in this beautiful, brutal industry we call home.

Episode sponsored by: Include your sponsor's name, a short summary, and a link to their landing page.

Join the Crew & Support The Show @Join the Crew & Support The Show

Stay Tall & Frosty and Remember to Lead from the Heart,

Adam

Links In The Show

• Paulie C on IG
• The Wide Awakening with Jennifer Hough
• The NEXT Chef Life Radio LIVE

Learn More @ Chef Life Coaching

Like, Follow & Subscribe to Chef Life Radio @ Listen to Chef Life Radio: Empowering Culinary Leaders

Realignment Media