What is it actually like to work beside Gordon Ramsay in the most high-pressure kitchen on television? Chef James Avery (The Blue Team Sous Chef) joins André Natera to pull back the curtain on Hell's Kitchen . They move beyond the drama to discuss the reality of TV cooking vs. professional kitchens: The Ramsay Standard: What it takes to survive as Gordon Ramsay’s right-hand man and the leadership lessons learned from the world's most famous chef. Reality vs. Real Life: How to separate the "TV Ch...
Oct 31, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 176
How do you translate the discipline of a 3-Michelin-star kitchen into a personal brand? Chef Adrienne Cheatham (James Beard Semifinalist & Top Chef Finalist) joins André Natera to discuss her evolution from the elite brigade of Le Bernardin to the world of high-end private dining. They discuss the technical and mental shifts required to succeed outside of the traditional restaurant model: The Le Bernardin Standard: Lessons learned working alongside Eric Ripert and the discipline of 3-star se...
Oct 25, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 175
Ever wonder what it’s like to run a kitchen with your spouse? Join André Natera on Chef’s PSA as he talks with chefs Eduardo and Elizabeth Espiritu, a husband-and-wife duo who know the highs and lows of kitchen life. From insane New Year’s Eve services to leadership lessons, funny disasters, and post-pandemic realities, this episode pulls back the curtain on what really goes down in the culinary world. Follow the guests on Instagram Eduardo Espiritu → James Beard Foundation → jamesbeard.org Brag...
Oct 17, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 174
Chef Thomas Bille: From Garden to James Beard Glory | Chef’s PSA Podcast Chef André Natera sits down with Chef Thomas Bille of Belly of the Beast in Spring, Texas — winner of the James Beard Foundation Best Chef: Texas award and recipient of a Michelin Bib Gourmand . They discuss his rise in the culinary world, the pressure of recognition, growing ingredients by hand, and the lessons of running — and closing — restaurants. Thomas Bille Instagram 👕 Bragard USA: https://bragardus.com (Use code ch...
Oct 11, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 173
What is the difference between "cooking food" and "honoring ingredients"? Chef David Breeden joins André Natera for a philosophical and technical masterclass on what it means to cook at the highest level. They explore the balance between old-school discipline and modern innovation: The Foundation: A deep dive into classical stocks and sauces—why the basics are still the hardest thing to master. Precision Cooking: How to utilize modern tools (sous vide, gelling agents) without losing the soul of ...
Oct 01, 2025•1 hr 50 min•Ep. 172
Episode Description: Texas BBQ just earned Michelin recognition — and at the center of it is Ali Clem of Austin’s La Barbecue . In this episode of Chef’s PSA , host André Natera sits down with Ali to talk about her journey from food trucks to Michelin stars. You’ll hear about the legacy of Central Texas barbecue , the real costs of running a BBQ business, myths around brisket cooking, and how Michelin recognition is reshaping the BBQ landscape. Follow Ali Clem & La Barbecue on Instagram: 👉 ...
Sep 26, 2025•59 min•Ep. 171
In this episode of Chef’s PSA , André Natera talks with Chad Solomon, Director of Innovation at the Cooper Spirits Company. From Milk & Honey to Midnight Rambler, Chad shares lessons from 24 years behind the bar. They explore bartender-chef relationships, bar culture, hospitality, and profitability. Chad also recalls his 9/11 experience and the career shift that led him to bartending. A must-listen for chefs, bartenders, and anyone passionate about hospitality. Chad Solomon Instagram: Learn ...
Sep 20, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 170
Host André Natera sits down with Chef Patrick D. Mitchell —2016 ACF National Chef of the Year and corporate culinary ambassador for Ben E. Keith Foods—for a deep dive into the world of culinary competitions and chef certifications . Chef Mitchell shares personal stories from his career, insights into judging and preparation, and the value of professionalism and mentorship. For chefs pursuing certification, stepping into competition, or looking to grow as professionals, this episode is full of le...
Sep 12, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 169Ep. 169
In this episode of Chef’s PSA , André Natera sits down with Travis Petersen (the Nomad Chef) and Dan Kennedy (Pasta Bar, Austin) to explore cannabis cuisine, chef etiquette, and the chef competition circuit. From cannabis-infused dinners and terpenes to the realities of MasterChef and Top Chef , this episode delivers unfiltered insight into modern kitchens. If you’re curious about how cannabis is changing dining—or just want real stories from chefs on the grind—this one’s for you. Learn more a...
Sep 05, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 168
Join host André Natera in this episode of Chef's PSA as he sits down with Chef Eric LeVine, a Food Network Chopped Champion, award-winning chef, author, and cancer survivor. Chef LeVine shares his tumultuous journey through the culinary world, battling addiction and illness, and the crucial importance of authenticity and storytelling in the food and hospitality industry. From opening his first restaurant to conquering cancer and personal demons, LeVine's story is both inspirational and education...
Sep 01, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 167
Before he spent 13 years leading the kitchen at The French Laundry , David Breeden was just a kid trying to survive. In the most raw and powerful episode in Chef’s PSA history, David sits down with André Natera to share a life story defined by unthinkable loss and impossible resilience. This is not just a conversation about cooking. It is a 2-hour journey through the darkness that eventually led to the pinnacle of American fine dining: The Untold Story: A heartbreaking look at the shattering per...
Aug 29, 2025•1 hr 47 min•Ep. 166
Chef Edgar Rico and Sara Mardanbigi of Nixta Taqueria j oin André Natera to talk about the art of storytelling in the kitchen, the influence of hip hop on their work, and how they’ve built an award winning while uplifting their community. Fresh off major awards from Michelin and James Beard , they share what drives their creativity, how they manage pressure, and why team well-being matters as much as the food. Nixta Instagram Edgar Rico Sara Mardanbigi Sponsored by Foods In Season. Learn...
Aug 13, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 165
What does it really take to build a successful career in today’s culinary industry? In this episode of Chef’s PSA , Chef Andre Natera sits down with Chef Kevin Fink of Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group for an unfiltered conversation on the realities of kitchen life, building and scaling restaurants, and finding balance outside of work. From the early days of opening Emmer & Rye to leading multiple concepts like Pullman Market , Chef Fink shares stories about career progression, partnerships,...
Aug 08, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 164
Join host André Natera on this episode of Chef's PSA as he sits down with Michelin Star Chef Phillip Frankland Lee, the mastermind behind renowned concepts like Sushi by Scratch, Pasta Bar, NADC Burger and the 'Not a Damn Chance' podcast. Together, they dive deep into the challenging journey of earning respect in the kitchen, maintaining a unique creative vision, and the art of building a high-performing team from scratch. Phillip shares his personal experiences and mindset for achieving culinar...
Jul 31, 2025•1 hr 27 min
Mental Health, Mentorship & Running a NONPROFIT Culinary School! Join André Natera on this episode of Chef's PSA as he welcomes back Top Chef Season 18 winner Gabe Erales and Mike Diaz from Oseyo in Austin, Texas. They dive into a range of critical topics, offering unique perspectives from their diverse culinary journeys. Discover insights on legendary figures like Jacques Pepin, Gabriel's intense experience in a French culinary competition, the paramount importance of mental health in the c...
Jul 23, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 162
CHEF ASHISH ALFRED: BAR RESCUE & The SHOCKING Truth About Running Restaurants! Join host André Natera in this engaging Chef's PSA episode as he chats with award-winning chef and restaurateur Ashish Alfred. Known for co-hosting Bar Rescue, Chef Alfred candidly discusses the raw realities of running a restaurant, the authenticity of reality TV, and his formative experiences working in France. This conversation delves into the crucial nuances of balancing culinary excellence with business pragm...
Jul 19, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 161
Join Chef André Natera for a vital conversation on mental health and wellness within the demanding culinary industry. This episode features esteemed guests Chef Harold Villarosa from Oko in Austin, Texas, and Beto Ortiz, the visionary founder of Humans of the Kitchen and the 86 Challenge. This discussion bravely dives into the intense pressures, burnout, and necessary culture changes in kitchens. They highlight the critical importance of structured environments and healthy practices for a sustai...
Jul 10, 2025•56 min•Ep. 160
Top Chef's Jo Chan EXPOSES Kitchen Truths: Mentorship, Competition & More! Dive into an exclusive conversation on the Chef's PSA Podcast with host André Natera and Austin Chef Jo Chan . Known for her captivating run on Top Chef and her formative years in distinguished New York kitchens under culinary legends Jonathan Waxman and Marcus Samuelsson , Chef Jo offers unparalleled insights into the demanding yet rewarding culinary world . In this must-listen episode, Chef Jo Chan shares her unexpe...
Jul 06, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 159
There’s a difference. In this solo episode of Chef’s PSA, André Natera shares raw insights from the James Beard Awards and a powerful reflection on what it really means to thrive in the kitchen. From his visit to Charlie Trotter’s legendary restaurant to the chaotic, beautiful reality of line life, this episode pulls back the curtain on the fantasy vs. the grind. If you’re dreaming of becoming a chef—or already deep in the hustle—this is your wake-up call. New episodes weekly. More tools for che...
Jun 29, 2025•23 min•Ep. 158
Will AI elevate the kitchen or erase the soul of cooking? In this episode of Chef’s PSA , André Natera sits down with Helene Kennan , founder of Kennan Food Strategies, and Coner Seargeant , VP of Restaurants at Headington Companies. Together, they break down the coming wave of artificial intelligence in restaurants —from menu engineering and kitchen efficiency to the cultural impact on chefs, education, and hospitality leadership. They explore: How AI can enhance creativity instead of killing i...
Jun 23, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 157
In this episode of Chef’s PSA , host André Natera talks with Chef Casey Wall of Le Calamar in Austin . From his roots in Melbourne’s vibrant food scene to the challenges of navigating U.S. kitchen culture, Casey brings raw stories, honest advice, and plenty of laughs. They cover labor costs in Australia, what the Hat system really means, the importance of consistency in cooking, and how health and wellness play a major role in long-term chef success. Whether you're a professional cook, culinary ...
Jun 21, 2025•55 min•Ep. 156
Join Chef Andre Natera in an engaging and thought-provoking conversation with Chef Dan Kennedy , the Head Chef of Pasta Bar in Austin . With over 20 years of experience in Michelin-starred restaurants, Chef Dan shares his journey from a young cook to leading one of Austin's top culinary destinations. In this episode, Chef Dan opens up about the challenges and realities of maintaining mental health in the high-pressure world of professional kitchens, and how important it is to create a supportive...
Jun 20, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 131
Chef Kyle Knall joins Chef André Natera on Chef’s PSA to discuss his culinary philosophy, the launch of his new restaurant Cassis , and what it means to bring a new lens to Midwestern cuisine. A three-time James Beard semifinalist , Knall shares his thoughts on leadership, simplicity, sourcing great ingredients, and how storytelling elevates hospitality. He also discusses balancing family life, the essentials of chef station setup, and his biggest lessons from opening Birch in Milwaukee. This ep...
Jun 09, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 155
Chef Aaron Bludorn returns to Chef’s PSA alongside Chef Allie Peña , executive chef of Bludorn Houston, to talk about what it means to grow as a chef—from early-stage mentorship to leading a culinary team. Together with host André Natera , they break down: The importance of mentorship in building chefs Station setup standards and the value of everyday tools How AI and kitchen display systems are reshaping communication Why chef growth is rooted in discipline, culture, and curiosity This episode ...
Jun 02, 2025•1 hr 6 min
Chef Danny Kievit , founder of Leave It to Kievit , joins Chef André Natera to unpack what it takes to succeed as a private chef in today’s luxury culinary space. They explore how to: Build trust with clients through authenticity Turn your culinary identity into a premium brand Use confidence, storytelling, and food presentation to stand out Transition from traditional kitchen work into entrepreneurship Navigate challenges—from burnout to business building Whether you're a caterer, line cook, or...
May 25, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 153
Chef Barclay Dodge (Bosq, Aspen) and Heather Kunzer (Foods in Season) join André Natera to talk foraged ingredients, preserving wild food, and lessons learned from El Bulli. This episode covers everything from mushroom prep to mentorship, and why fermentation isn’t just a trend—it’s technique. You’ll hear insider tips on working with seasonal ingredients, navigating small kitchen setups, and how to think like a Michelin chef without losing touch with the earth. It’s a grounded, high-level episod...
May 19, 2025•1 hr 1 min
Chef Jakub Czyszczon joins André Natera for a masterclass in surviving and thriving as a chef in today’s kitchen culture. From the pressure of culinary job interviews and tastings, to competition experiences at Ment’or Young Chef and Bocuse d’Or , Czyszczon opens up about what it really takes. They cover: Chef tasting prep, plating psychology, and real-world pressure Pasta as a chef’s signature dish Kitchen station setup and flavor layering Navigating mentorship, growth, and concept development ...
May 12, 2025•1 hr 2 min
Michelin-starred Chef Rogelio Garcia joins André Natera to talk guest-chef circuits, his cookbook “Convivir,” and the discipline required to maintain Michelin excellence at Auro in Napa Valley. The chefs dive into leadership tactics, kitchen communication, and the effect of social-media plating on fine dining. Rogelio also opens up about mental health, his love of simple food for friends, and a surprising dream of acting on screen. Insightful, tactical, and heartfelt—perfect for cooks and food l...
May 05, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 150
What does it take to win the world’s most elite culinary competition ? In this episode of Chef’s PSA , André Natera sits down with Mathew D. Peters , the first American to win the Bocuse d’Or , to unpack the strategy, leadership, and mindset behind world-class cooking. They discuss: How to prepare for high-level culinary competitions What separates great kitchen teams from good ones How fine dining is evolving with vegetable-forward menus, Nordic influences, and cost-conscious creativity The rol...
Apr 28, 2025•1 hr
In this episode, André Natera sits down with Chef Anastacia Quiñones-Pittman , a celebrated chef and James Beard Award semifinalist in 2022, 2023, and 2024 , to explore what it really means to build a culinary identity. They discuss: How chefs can stay original in a trend-driven industry The evolution of Mexican cuisine and modern Latin American food Gender dynamics in the kitchen and the long road to equity The business of being a chef—from branding to mentorship If you’re serious about the cr...
Apr 18, 2025•55 min•Ep. 148
