Burnout Isn't a Badge—It's a Warning Light

Nio DiPietrantonio stepped into the kitchen at 16 because someone didn't show up—and she's been showing up ever since. In this episode, Nio and Simon get real about burnout, kitchen trauma, and how to build operations that don't rely on heroics.

They talk systems that protect your people, leadership that doesn't need to shout, and why restaurants must stop normalizing chaos. From senior living to drive-throughs, this one's packed with hard-won truth and usable insight.

Topics include: restaurant systems, kitchen leadership, chef culture, operational clarity, independent restaurant

Nio DiPietrantonio is the Founder and President of Serving Up Support: Maine, a nonprofit dedicated to championing mental health and well-being for hospitality workers across New England. She is an Ambassador for The Burnt Chef Project, CHOW, and CORE Gives, several organizations dedicated to helping hospitality folks when things get tough. With a passion for empathy, inclusivity, and authentic leadership, Nio brings years of hands-on experience from the culinary world, senior living, and nonprofit sectors. She's an advocate for challenging stigma, building supportive communities, and empowering industry professionals to thrive.

Connect with Nio DiPietrantonio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nio-dipietrantonio/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/undeadweddedbliss/

https://www.instagram.com/theburntchefproject/

https://www.instagram.com/servingupsupportmaine/

https://www.instagram.com/chow_org/

https://www.instagram.com/coregives/

Connect with Simon Email: [email protected] Book a Call: https://calendly.com/culinarymechanic/discovery Website: https://www.culinarymechanic.com