As the restaurant world confronts what it means to be sustainable from a human perspective, some chefs are realizing they need to first answer that question for themselves. For Ashley Christensen, the award-winning chef and proprietor behind AC Restaurants in Raleigh, North Carolina, that meant putting herself on the road to sobriety. In October, Ashley announced her decision via an Instagram post. Not only did many in her community rally around her, but those dealing with similar journeys reached out to share their stories and encouragement.

Ashley joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about her decision and what it’s meant to her personally and professionally. She also shares an update on her hospitality group, which today includes an events company, a commissary kitchen, and five restaurants. Her first spot, Poole’s Diner, just turned 15 in December. Ashley is also an author and co-wrote two books: Poole’s Diner and It’s Always Freezer Season with Kaitlyn Goalen, who is her wife and the executive director of AC Restaurants.

Thank you to Graduate Hotels for supporting this episode. If you’d like to hear from Chef Ashley in person, join Radio Cherry Bombe on Thursday, Feb. 9th at Graduate Chapel Hill for a special networking event. Tickets here. There will be a panel discussion with Ashley and other local food personalities plus snacks & sips. We’ll also be at Graduate Tucson on Feb. 23rd and the new Graduate Palo Alto on March 2nd.

This episode of Radio Cherry Bombe was recorded at CityVox Studios in NYC. Our theme song is by the band Tralala. Subscribe to our newsletter and check out past episodes and transcripts here.

More on Ashley: Instagram, Poole’s Diner, AC Restaurants, Poole’s Cookbook, and It’s Always Freezer Season.