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Season 11 continues with a very special guest: RJ Harvey, Culinary Director at Potatoes USA.
RJ is a walking encyclopedia of potato knowledge, but more than that, he is a chef who has lived the grind, from his first hotel kitchen job in Denver to competing on Food Network’s Alex vs. America to now leading innovation at the Spud Lab in Denver.
In this conversation, RJ shares how childhood food memories shaped his love for cooking, what it means to support farmers and growers, and how the humble potato continues to reinvent itself across cultures and cuisines. You will also hear about recipe development, chef challenges, and why passion and humility matter just as much as skill.
Proudly brought to you by our Season 11 sponsor: potatogoodness.com
Potatoes USA represents America’s potato growers and is dedicated to inspiring chefs, home cooks, and food lovers around the world. From nutrition to creativity, they showcase why the humble potato is one of the most versatile and powerful ingredients in every kitchen.
What you will hear in this episode
• RJ’s first kitchen memories and the lessons that shaped his cooking
• Competing on Alex vs. America and representing the US potato industry under pressure
• How Potatoes USA develops recipes, trends, and resources for chefs worldwide
• Why processed potato products are tools for innovation
• Advice for young chefs on keeping ego in check
• Over 500 recipes and counting, the scale of potato creativity
• The Spud Lab and reimagining America’s favorite vegetable for a new generation
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and welcome to Season 11
03:20 Childhood food memories and Sunday family meals
09:40 Discovering culinary school and finding passion for cooking
15:10 First professional kitchen job at the Brown Palace Hotel
22:30 Culinary mentors and the lessons that shaped work ethic
28:50 The journey to Potatoes USA and stepping into a marketing role
36:00 Becoming Culinary Director and building the Spud Lab
43:20 Recipe development, potato creativity and global inspiration
51:10 Competing on Alex vs. America and handling the pressure
58:30 Quick fire questions, culinary heroes and closing message
Follow RJ Harvey
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefrjharvey
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rj-harvey-rd-cec%C2%AE-b096b120/
Proudly sponsored by Potato Goodness GCC
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/potatogoodnessgcc
Website - www.potatogoodnessgcc.com/
Follow Chef JKP
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefjkppodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-knight-paccheco-447b1b17/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesknightpaccheco
If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe and share with someone who loves food. Food is memories! 🥂✨
#chefjkp #season11 #foodispower #hospitality #michelin #potatoesusa #foodpodcast #growthmindset #cheflife #foodismemories

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