Chef Edgar Rico and Sara Mardanbigi of Nixta Taqueria join 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.

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Edgar Rico

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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, sustainability, and the mindset it takes to keep going—even when the odds are stacked against you.

If you’re looking for hard-earned lessons and practical advice from one of Austin’s most respected chefs, this episode delivers.

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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 culinary mastery, candidly addressing the delicate balance between the pursuit of perfection, immense pressure, and vital personal growth. This in-depth discussion covers what it truly takes to be the best, including real-life challenges, inspirations, the impact of social media on culinary arts, the importance of standards and accountability, learning from culinary mentors, and the fascinating world of culinary leadership. Don't miss their conversation about Phillip's new ventures, including rapidly opening restaurants, navigating legal challenges and his luxury bed and breakfast vision! This episode also delves into the enigma of Fancy Chef and much more!

Tune in for invaluable insights for every chef, restaurateur, and aspiring culinary leader passionate about the culinary arts.

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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 culinary industry, and the transformative benefits of mentorship. This conversation also sheds light on the challenges and immense rewards of running a nonprofit culinary school in Mexico through the Oido organization, which aims to provide life-changing opportunities for underprivileged youth. Tune in for an insightful, engaging conversation among chef friends, packed with lessons on cooking techniques, chef life balance, career advice, and building a sustainable kitchen culture.

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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 pragmatism, the often-overlooked importance of physical fitness in the kitchen, and the evolving nature of the culinary industry. From mastering your social media presence as a chef to essential advice for aspiring restaurateurs, this episode offers a wealth of insider insights for chefs and food enthusiasts alike. Get the real story behind the scenes, from Bar Rescue challenges to building a sustainable restaurant business.

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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 sustainable culinary career. Learn directly about the groundbreaking 86 Challenge, an initiative encouraging chefs to prioritize holistic wellness over 27, 54, or 86 days. Get exclusive insights into how individual chefs and restaurant teams can adopt healthier lifestyles for a more balanced and sustainable future in the kitchen. This is a must-listen for anyone in the culinary world seeking support and solutions for chef well-being.

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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 unexpected entry and experiences on Top Chef, giving future contestants and fans a rare behind-the-scenes look at the competition. Discover her unique perspective on the significance of being a good diner, the vital value of mentorship in a culinary career, and personal stories from her own chef journey. Learn why staying humble is crucial and how to cultivate supportive leadership in the kitchen.

Whether you're an aspiring chef, a Top Chef enthusiast, or simply a culinary enthusiast eager for authentic chef advice, this episode is packed with invaluable lessons and inspiration.

Sponsored by Foods in Season: Your trusted source for premium culinary ingredients.

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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 chefs at ⁠chefspsa.com⁠

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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 it

• Why storytelling still matters in the age of automation

• What young chefs must learn now to stay relevant

• Burnout, balance, and building meaningful kitchen culture

• Flavor Forays, culinary icons, and advice from the front lines

Whether you're a chef, culinary student, or restaurant operator, this episode will reshape how you think about the future of food.

Don’t miss the segment on AI's role in culinary education and how it’s already changing the industry.

AI in restaurants, culinary innovation, Helene Kennan, Coner Seargeant, Chef's PSA Podcast, fine dining technology, kitchen automation, chef burnout, hospitality leadership, Flavor Forays, chef education, restaurant management, Michelin star kitchens, future of cooking, food tech podcast.

New episodes weekly. More tools for chefs at chefspsa.com

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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 student, or someone just fascinated by life in a kitchen, this episode is a must-listen.

⁠Casey Wall Instagram

⁠Foods In Season⁠

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