This week on The Burnt Chef Journal, Kris Hall is joined by Neil Rippington, Director of the College Community Programme at the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, and Stelios Kiosses, Course Director and Tutor in Culinary Psychology at the University of Oxford’s Department for Continuing Education, alongside his work as a psychotherapist, Clinical Lead, and author.

Together, they explore the fascinating field of culinary psychology - the mind-body connection through food. From emotional eating and neurogastronomy to gastrophysics and mindful eating, this conversation unpacks how what we eat shapes our emotional well-being and mental health.

Neil and Stelios also share insights into their new 8-week online course with Oxford University’s Department for Continuing Education, designed to help participants understand the science and psychology behind food choices.

Want to go deeper?

Tune in to discover how food is far more than fuel - it’s a powerful influence on the mind, emotions, and overall health.

In this powerful episode of The Burnt Chef Journal, Kris Hall sits down with Burnt Chef ambassador Joe Bentley for an open and deeply personal conversation ahead of Suicide Prevention Day. Joe shares his journey through mental health struggles, including a life-altering breakdown and the tragic loss of his father to suicide during childhood.

Together, they explore the importance of breaking the silence, the lessons Joe has learned about vulnerability and seeking help, and why changing the narrative around suicide is crucial in the hospitality industry and beyond.

From preparing to climb Kilimanjaro to facing his darkest moments, Joe’s story is one of strength, honesty, and hope. If you or someone you know has been impacted by mental health challenges, this episode is a must-listen.

If you would like to spark a conversation about how you're feeling, reach out via our support services here.

We’re dipping into the archives this week and bringing back a powerful conversation with Simon The Butcher - Former Captain of the GB Butchery Team and owner of Surrey Hills Butcher and Deli.

In this episode, Simon talks openly about the reality of long hours, high stress, and the impact this lifestyle has had on his mental and physical health. He also shares his experience with counselling, and we dive into the damaging effect of phrases like “man up” that still echo through the industry today.

Although this episode was first recorded some time ago, its message is just as important now. And it’s a reminder that The Burnt Chef Project is here to support everyone in hospitality - including butchers - with their wellbeing and mental health.

In this powerful and refreshingly honest episode, we sit down with Dr. Andres Fonseca, psychiatrist, co-founder, and CEO of Thrive Mental Wellbeing, to unpack the future of mental health and the myths of workplace wellbeing. With over 30 years of clinical experience, Andres brings a no-nonsense perspective to what’s working - and what’s not - in the world of mental health.

We explore:

Why “positive workplace culture” often misses the mark

The dangers of overdiagnosis and why pathologising everyday challenges does more harm than good

What the next decade holds for mental health, neuroscience, and personalised care

And why advice to your younger self might be more harmful than helpful

Whether you’re a mental health professional, a business leader, or just someone looking for real talk in a noisy wellness world, this episode will challenge you to think deeper - and more critically - about how we define and support mental health today.

Hospitality is at a breaking point when it comes to mental health - 76% of managers and 85% of shift workers report symptoms of poor mental health or burnout.

In this powerful conclusion to our Fired Up, Not Burnt Out series in partnership with Planday, we dive into the urgent question: how can we spot burnout early and stop it from spiraling?

Join host Kris Hall (CEO & Founder, The Burnt Chef Project) alongside Kathryn Wright (Manager of Customer Experience, Planday) and Emma Sanchez (People Manager, Vagabond Wines) as we explore:

The early warning signs of burnout and when to take action.

The unique risk factors in hospitality and how to manage them.

Practical tools from Planday’s Manager’s Toolkit to build resilience.

Real-life stories of recovery and hope from those who’ve lived it.

This episode blends candid conversations, data-backed solutions, and actionable advice to help leaders and teams create mentally healthier workplaces.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, chef and restaurateur Stevie McCarry peels back the layers of life in hospitality - from competing on Great British Menu to confronting addiction, depression, and type 1 diabetes.

Stevie shares the raw realities of running a family-run business built on values, not just profit. We talk about the extra weight of doing things the right way, the loneliness of leadership, and the myths of perfection that haunt so many in the kitchen. He also shines a light on how collaboration, community, and care are reshaping the future of our industry.

From mental health aftercare and outdoor foraging to morning yoga with the team - this episode is a heartfelt look at what happens behind the pass.

Stevie’s story is honest, inspiring, and essential listening for hospitality professionals everywhere. Because in an industry that rarely stops, this conversation reminds us why slowing down matters.

Thank you Stevie! 

In Part 2 of our Fired Up, Not Burnt Out webinar series in partnership with Planday, we dive deep into the heart of hospitality’s retention and recruitment challenges.

The hospitality industry thrives on energy, passion, and dedication - but burnout is a growing threat that’s quietly fuelling high turnover and staff shortages. In this episode, we explore how to tackle this issue head-on, with practical strategies and real-world insights from leading voices in the field.

Join expert guests including:

Whether you're a manager, team leader, or just passionate about the future of hospitality, this episode is packed with the inspiration and ideas you need to create workplaces that keep people fired up - not burnt out.

🎧 Listen in now and stay tuned for Part 3, where we’ll uncover burnout prevention strategies for healthier, happier teams.

The hospitality industry is thriving on passion and energy, yet the hidden challenge of burnout continues to affect both managers and frontline workers. In collaboration with Planday, we are launching a mini-series of online events to explore the critical topic of wellbeing in the hospitality sector, using research-driven insights and actionable tools to combat burnout.

The series kicks off with 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟭: 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 – 𝗔 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗸𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀. Following our extensive research, we've worked with Planday to create a toolkit designed to support managers and foster a healthier, more engaged workforce. This session will dive into what makes a good manager, how to create effective schedules, and the importance of communicating and supporting your team to keep them engaged and motivated.

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝘀:

Chris Koch doesn’t let limitations or obstacles stand in his way. Despite being born without arms and legs, Koch grew up like any other small-town kid — playing road hockey, causing mischief at school, and helping out on his family farm. Neither he or his family treated his disability like a tragedy, and instead used it to fuel his dreams. Today, Koch is a motivational speaker who inspires his audiences to continually challenge themselves and build the life they dream of.

Born in Lethbridge, Alberta, Koch was raised in the small farming and ranching community of Nanton, Alberta. Early on, he learned that he would not be raised with pity or sympathy. Sure, he had to do things a little differently and some tasks took him a little longer to complete than others, but he was determined to be just like the rest and was always treated just like the rest. After all, he still had a good head on his shoulders and with that, anything is possible.

Koch loves sharing his story and spreading his message of, “If I Can…” An avid traveller, marathoner, and farmer, his presentation reflects his full life. Simply put, Koch says, if I can do what I’ve done so far in my life, what’s stopping others from doing the same?  

Chris Koch - If I Can TedX Talk

Chris Koch - If I Can - Facebook

In this special Mental Health Awareness Week edition of The Burnt Chef Journal, host Kris Hall is joined by four inspiring voices from our global ambassador community - Louise De Beer, Matt Loughrey, Tony Lewis, and Louise Jackson - for a powerful, honest conversation about mental health in the hospitality industry.

Together, they share personal stories of isolation, resilience, and the importance of community in overcoming mental health challenges. From cultural barriers to building support systems, this episode explores how connection and belonging can transform not only individuals, but the industry as a whole.

Whether you're on the front lines of hospitality or supporting from behind the scenes, this conversation is a reminder that you are not alone - and that we are truly stronger together.