In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of On the Fly, I sit down with Chef Cristian Medrano, a culinary leader with a wealth of experience opening restaurants across various service levels and cuisines. But beyond his professional accomplishments, Chef Medrano shares a deeply personal journey: how he took charge of his mental health through the practice of meditation.

We dive into the challenges chefs and industry professionals face when balancing the high-pressure demands of the kitchen with personal well-being. Chef Medrano opens up about how mindfulness has not only transformed his own mental health but also shaped the way he manages his staff, emphasizing the importance of understanding each team member as an individual.

This episode highlights the often-overlooked mental health struggles in the culinary world and offers insightful strategies for creating a more mindful, supportive work environment. It’s a must-listen for anyone in the food industry—or anyone seeking to prioritize mental wellness in high-stress environments.

Executive Chef/F+B Director and fierce competitor, Chef Andres Prüssing and I sat down on a busy day in the middle of his bustling restaurant to get the feel of a busy hotel food and beverage operation. Chef Andres shares his desire to learn through all that he does in this great conversation.

I was fortunate to sit down for an awesome conversation with Chef Chris Coleman of Built On Hospitality. In this episode, I hear about how he started in food and his rise into the ranks as one of Charlotte's best known chefs. We discuss his restaurants, TV Appearances and how he balances family time with his career.

Follow Built on Hospitality on Instagram:

@goodyearhouse

@haymaker_clt

@oldtown_rockhill

@chiefs_noda

@folia.southend

or Chef Chris Coleman @chefccoleman

Become a Piedmont Culinary Guild Member by visiting the website: www.piedmontculinaryguild.com