We Recover Loudly – Personal Recovery and Mental Health Stories

On this week's episode, we are joined by Acme Fire Cult Leader, chef Andrew Clarke. Andrew Clarke shares about his childhood upbringing being around flames to mastering the art of live fire cooking. His journey has been one of transformation, both in the kitchen and in his personal life. As we discuss the timeline of his career, Andrew shares anecdotes from his early days as a musician to the key moments that shaped his path as a culinary expert, all while maintaining his signature beard in the fiery atmosphere of his craft.

This episode delves into the challenges of kitchen life and the importance of mental health in the hospitality industry. Andrew Clarke openly talks about his personal struggles with depression and emphasizes the need for support networks within the profession. His work with Pilot Light offers hope for those facing the intense environment of the culinary world, highlighting the significance of self-care when working with the flames of the kitchen.

 Andrew's resilience and commitment to wellbeing in the hospitality sector showcase the importance of nourishing the spirit alongside perfecting a dish. If you're interested in the balance between humor, wellness, and creating a supportive workplace environment, tune in for a heartfelt discussion that could change your perspective on success in the industry. Each story shared contributes to building a healthier and more fulfilled community of chefs and culinary enthusiasts.

Check out Andrew on instagram @chefandrewclarke and @acmefirecult

For more information on We Recover Loudly and to reach out for speaking engagements or support email [email protected]

@werecoverloudly
www.werecoverloudly.com

This week’s episode is a total riot.  Shell is joined by one of the brains behind the incredible brewery Mash Gang.  Jordan talks about the journey from a hobbyist homebrewer during lockdown to launching a successful non-alcoholic beverage company. He discusses how their initial experimentation with fermentation led to creating some rather unique products before getting to the beers we know and love, collaborating with breweries like Northern Monk and BrewDog, and navigating challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite setbacks, Jordan reflects on their adventurous spirit of the Mash Gang team and how their sheer determination and hard work to turn their hobby into a thriving business has come to fruit in such an extraordinary way.

We also discussed 

• The importance of knowledge sharing and collaboration within the industry, highlighting initiatives like free training sessions for industry professionals.
• The commercialisation of addiction, with a powerful perspective on how things like Dry January can infact cause challenges for people due to a lack of safety.
• Jordan shares his personal experience with addiction, rehab and rehabilitation.
• Societal perceptions of sobriety and the need to respect individual choices without judgment.
• The obsession recovered addicts have with shortbread.

Jordan is a massive character in the NA industry, and his personality is as delightfully refreshing as his beers.  This episode really highlights that the NA beer space is full of energy, creativity and excitement.  Whatever your reason for reaching for an NA beer, Mash Gang have really raised the bar. 

Connect with Jordan:

@ mash_gang linkedin.com/in/mashgangjord

For more information on We Recover Loudly and to reach out for speaking engagements or support:

@werecoverloudly www.werecoverloudly.com

[email protected]

This episode is brought to you by our proud sponsors:

The Burnt Chef Project @theburntchefproject

www.theburntchefproject.com

AND

No Low Drinker Magazine @lownodrinkermagazine

www.lownodrinkermagazine.com

For more information on We Recover Loudly and to reach out for speaking engagements or support email [email protected]

@werecoverloudly
www.werecoverloudly.com

On this week’s episode, we are joined by Raj Markandoo, an openly queer sober legend who currently works as Operations Manager at London based Bubala.  Raj shares his personal journey of overcoming challenges growing up feeling disconnected from his community and how he finally found a sense of belonging when he started working in hospitality in Cumbria.  We connected on how we both previously used drugs and alcohol to escape our thoughts and emotions, and how as the years went past that behaviour became more and more problematic.  Raj describes finding sobriety during the COVID-19 lockdown, and emphasises the importance of breathwork and mindfulness in his recovery. 

We also discussed

• How a personalised approach to recovery can be beneficial, and that finding what works best for the individual, whether it's meditation, support groups, or other forms of therapy is important.
• The value of gratitude and self-reflection in recovery.
• The importance of mindfulness practices and boundary-setting in your personal journeys and professional lives, emphasizing the need for ongoing conversations and resources to support mental health and well-being in the workplace
• The significance of honesty, resourcing oneself, and seeking help when managing team members struggling with addiction or mental health issues and how the best approach is always with compassion when addressing these challenges.

Raj is a great example of what we should be striving for in our managers.  He is open and honest about where he has made mistakes, but he has owned up to them and now he works hard to provide a shining example to not just his team, but the whole industry.  Raj proves that you can be in recovery and work not only at a high level in the industry, but work there with humility and abundance.

And if you live in London, get to Bubala now!

Connect with Raj:

@rajmarkandoo

@bubala_london

For more information on We Recover Loudly and to reach out for speaking engagements or support:

@werecoverloudly www.werecoverloudly.com

[email protected]

This episode is brought to you by our proud sponsors:

The Burnt Chef Project @theburntchefproject

www.theburntchefproject.com

AND

No Low Drinker Magazine @lownodrinkermagazine

www.lownodrinkermagazine.com

For more information on We Recover Loudly and to reach out for speaking engagements or support email [email protected]

@werecoverloudly
www.werecoverloudly.com

On this week’s episode, we have marketing legend and one of the incredible minds behind ‘Hospitality Rising’, Mark McCulloch.  The campaign, which has created more excitement and drive towards getting people to consider a career in hospitality than any previous attempt, is coming up to 18 months old and has industry awards such as Casual Dining Awards ‘Special Award’ and Otolo’s Opra’s award for ‘Grassroots Marketing’, scattered amongst its many achievements.  Previous to this campaign, 1 in 5 would consider a career in hospitality.  This has now increased to 1 in 3.  The tag line ‘Rise Fast, Work Young’ has engaged a whole new demographic of workers, as well as being supported by veteran industry leaders such as Angela Harnett and Tom Kerridge.

We also discussed:

• How broken the way we recruit is, and that a radical change needs to be made to; and Mark’s suggestions of what that may look like
• The impact of hearing Trevor Gulliver speaking, and saying “are you generous enough to teach”; and the impact of those words for leaders.
• Whether hospitality is the ‘architect of its own doom’ and if so, what we need to do to change that future.
• Why hospitality is such a fantastic industry for young people.

Mark is bundle of joy and passion for this industry, and he was a delight to catch up with.  Make sure to follow Hospitality Rising as there are big plans for the future ahead. 

@supersonic_inc 

@hosporisinguk

https://hospitalityrising.org

@werecoverloudly www.werecoverloudly.com

Want us to come into your business and talk to your teams about addiction in the workplace?? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will be in touch!

This episode is sponsored by The Burnt Chef Project.

@theburntchefproject www.theburntchefproject.com

AND

Low No Drinker Magazine

@lownodrinkermagazine www.lownodrinkermagazine.com

For more information on We Recover Loudly and to reach out for speaking engagements or support email [email protected]

@werecoverloudly
www.werecoverloudly.com

On this week’s episode, we are joined by Greg Baker. Greg was a chef and restaurateur for 36 years, with six James Beard Award nominations behind him, before retiring in 2019, citing the physical and mental toll the work took on him as his reasons. In his last years as a chef, he became a vocal advocate for raising awareness of and dealing with systemic mental health issues in the hospitality industry. Since leaving restaurants, Greg has continued his advocacy work, and he now works as a freelance writer for such publications as Food & Wine magazine, Serious Eats, and Tasting Table.

We first became aware of the work Greg is associated with when watching a short video The Wall Street Journal put together in 2018 after the tragic death of Antony Bourdain.  The video called ‘A Reckoning With the Dark Side of the Restaurant Industry’ features industry leaders at the time such as Greg Baker, Cat Cora and Patrick Mulveny.  Talking to Greg all these years later was really moving, especially as he shares how difficult his mental health became over the years and how his shame to share about it nearly cost him his life.  

We discussed - 

• Toxic masculinity and whether it is self imposed at times
• How he gravitated towards the chaos of the kitchen and that high adrenaline lifestyle from a young man
• The failure of the industry to rebuild itself after the pandemic better than it was before
• How if we want to create lasting change, it has to start at the top

This is a raw, no holds barred and very moving conversation with a talented chef who we could have lost, and who is now making positive changes with his story.  Inspiring stuff.

@greg_baker

@werecoverloudly www.werecoverloudly.com

Want us to come into your business and talk to your teams about addiction in the workplace?? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will be in touch!

This episode is sponsored by

The Burnt Chef Project.

@theburntchefproject www.theburntchefproject.com

AND

Low No Drinker Magazine

@lownodrinkermagazine www.lownodrinkermagazine.com

For more information on We Recover Loudly and to reach out for speaking engagements or support email [email protected]

@werecoverloudly
www.werecoverloudly.com

On this week’s episode of We Recover Loudly, we were joined by Denise Hamilton-Mace , who is the owner and Editor in Chief of Low No Drinker magazine, the UK's No 1 magazine for sober curious drinkers.

Denise is a hospitality veteran, having worked her way up to management in fast paced, high volume restaurants and bars from an early age.  Finding herself continually getting burnt out from the stress of working, and fallings into the trappings of after work drinking, she decided to change direction and left the industry to study sport and nutrition. One day in the shower (love a shower moment) the idea for a magazine that celebrates low and no drinks and showcases a mindful drinking lifestyle in all is awesomeness was sparked and before long she was holding the first edition of her very own magazine in her hands. Since then, the magazine has gone from strength to strength and is the number one go to for anyone wanting to know more about low and now drinks, packed with articles from producers as well as interviews with people in the sober community, helpful advice if you are looking to change your relationship with alcohol, the latest events, and festivals and SO much more. Think ‘Good Housekeeping’ magazine but for the Sober Curious!

For this episode we discussed 

• Denise's early career in hospitality, and how much fun it was finding a community of people she had so much in common with.
• The challenges of being a female in the industry, and how she felt she had to 'man up' to be heard.
• How drinking became a go to after work, and before long she found she could not cope without the promise of those after work drinks.
• How changing her direction and educating herself on nutrition has taught her how important it is that we are mindful of what we put in our bodies, including alcohol. 

This is a fantastic episode that really highlights how we need to challenge the reasons behind why we are drinking, as it’s a slippery slope from 'healthy' relationship to a dependant one ... and that there is a big, beautiful sober curious life out there for everyone!

@lownodrinkermagazine

www.lownodrinkermagazine.com

@werecoverloudly www.werecoverloudly.com

Want us to come into your business and talk to your teams about addiction in the workplace?? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will be in touch!

This episode is sponsored by

The Burnt Chef Project.

@theburntchefproject www.theburntchefproject.com

AND

Low No Drinker Magazine

@lownodrinkermagazine www.lownodrinkermagazine.com

For more information on We Recover Loudly and to reach out for speaking engagements or support email [email protected]

@werecoverloudly
www.werecoverloudly.com

On this week’s episode of We Recover Loudly, we were beyond delighted to be joined by former chef and actor, now writer, producer AND film director, Phil Barantini.  Phil is one of the creative minds behind the incredible films, and now BBC tv series, Boiling Point.  Having previously worked as a chef, and personally experienced the stress, poor mental health and addiction that is all to common in the industry, he decided he wanted to create a short film that explores the unique challenges we face in hospitality. That film, staring Stephen Graham was then followed by the incredible single shot feature film and most recently the applauded 4-part BBC series. 

What The Bear lacks in authenticity, Boiling Point has in abundance as it shows real scenarios, real people and the real pressures of our industry, as well as, showing the beauty of connection in the team, and the fun and triumph of a great shift, the joy and the laughter.

For this episode we discussed 

• Phil’s early experience as a chef and how that shaped the focus of Boiling Point
• Phil’s own journey into sobriety after challenging times during his cheffing career
• Why the industry is such a fantastic one for young people to get essential hands on experiences that will serve them for life
• The responsibility he feels to show the realities of his experiences in a balanced and non - sensationalised way.

We are HUGE fans of the film and the tv show – And this chat with Phil was a highlight of the series to record.  Boiling Point is available to watch on multiple streaming platforms, and BBC I Player.

@barantini

@boilingpointofficial

@werecoverloudly www.werecoverloudly.com

Want us to come into your business and talk to your teams about addiction in the workplace?? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will be in touch!

This episode is sponsored by

The Burnt Chef Project.

@theburntchefproject www.theburntchefproject.com

For more information on We Recover Loudly and to reach out for speaking engagements or support email [email protected]

@werecoverloudly
www.werecoverloudly.com

Welcome to this week’s episode of We Recover Loudly, with guest Devan Rajkumar, otherwise known as Chef Dev. Chef Dev has worked in the industry from a young man, climbing the ranks from dish pit to world renowned chef, writer and tv personality on shows such as Fire Masters. Having started in the industry with a desire to eventually be a food critic, it was working with Food Dudes that cemented his love of working on the frontline. As well as becoming addicted to the rush and adrenaline of service, in his personal life, Chef Dev had long struggled with drug and alcohol use.

Over the years his continued use increased until it got to a point where he had to change, or he was going to lose his life. He has always been very open about his sobriety, as well as his relapse, as he believes that the more open, he is with his story, the more people he can help – Something we could not agree more with!  

Now over 30 months sober, Chef Dev is a fantastic role model to other chefs showing that you can come through really dark times, turn it around and become a success.

We discussed :

• His immediate addiction to the adrenaline of service
• That he feels he would have been an addict regardless of working in hospitality, but that the industry accelerated it.
• Coming back from his relapse over the pandemic, and how hard that period of isolation was for him - something alot of us can relate too.
• How important it is for leaders to show vulnerability, as that is actually showing true strength.

This was such a treat to record, and a really inspiring conversation.

Connect with Chef Dev – 

@chefdevan

https://www.chefdev.ca/

@werecoverloudly www.werecoverloudly.com

Want us to come into your business and talk to your teams about addiction in the workplace?? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will be in touch!

This episode is sponsored by

The Burnt Chef Project.

@theburntchefproject www.theburntchefproject.com

For more information on We Recover Loudly and to reach out for speaking engagements or support email [email protected]

@werecoverloudly
www.werecoverloudly.com

Welcome to this week's episode of We Recover Loudly where Shell has the pleasure of chatting to beverage industry titan Alex Jump.  Alex is an award-winning bartender who began her career behind the stick in her hometown of Tennessee after spending time studying aboard in Florence, Italy, including a stint interning at the largest wine shop in the Italian city.  

Her first management role came in her early 20s, at East Bistro and by 23 she was promoted to overseeing the beverage programs at both Easy Bistro and there, more casual, whiskey-focused sister restaurant, Main Street Meats. She dreamt of working at the infamous Death & Co and moved to Denver hopeful for the chance to get to work at the opening of the cocktail bar.  Finally in 2018 she got her wish and was made the new outpost’s bar manager.  

Alex continued to add accolades to her name, including being named a finalist for Bombay Sapphire’s “Most Imaginative Bartender” in 2019 and being included on the 2021 Forbes “30 under 30 Food and Drink” list. In 2020, Alex co-founded Focus on Health with her business partner, Lauren O'Brien, and they use this platform to advocate for the physical and mental wellbeing of people working in the food and beverage industry.   With FOH she has is able to share about her own struggle with mental health over the years and has created some vital training and support resources for the industry.  

We discussed 

• Looking for community when studying religion and the parallels with that and the communities we form in hospitality jobs.
• How there is still work to be done around the stigma of drugs and drug usage in the industry
• How important it is to support team members with compassion and flexibility.
• Ways to bond with team members that does NOT involving getting drunk.
• The work herself and the Focus on Health team are doing bringing more awareness to the industry of the mental health challenges people face and how to support them.

Alex is a wonderful example of bartender – one who still drinks but has changed her relationship for a more positive one, embracing having a mindful approach.  She is also a totally awesome cocktail throwing, motor bike riding bad ass – a privilege to chat too!

Connect with Alex – 

@axljump

@fohealth

@werecoverloudly www.werecoverloudly.com

Want us to come into your business and talk to your teams about addiction in the workplace?? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will be in touch!

This episode is sponsored by

The Burnt Chef Project.

@theburntchefproject www.theburntchefproject.com

For more information on We Recover Loudly and to reach out for speaking engagements or support email [email protected]

@werecoverloudly
www.werecoverloudly.com

Welcome to this week's episode of We Recover Loudly where Shell is joined by the brilliant Neil Rankin.  Neil, a physics graduate, began his career in French fine dining but is best known for his talent in BBQ and fire-based cooking. He has worked with acclaimed US BBQ chef Adam Perry Lang, and has made significant contributions to the BBQ and meat cookery world as a published author, columnist, and TV personality. 

Neil is now focusing on creating natural plant-based meat alternatives under his brand Symplicity Foods, which are supplied to top UK restaurants and Michelin-starred chefs. His latest venture involves collaborating with a well-known burger chain to create a special burger. Neil has also held positions such as Chef Director at temper group of restaurants and Head Chef at highly acclaimed establishments like John Salt and Smokehouse. He is an accomplished chef, having competed in the 9th series of BBC2's Great British Menu. Neil's book, Low and Slow, was a bestseller upon its release in 2016. 

We discussed 

• His early experiences in the kitchen, and what drove him to become a chef
• The incidents of drinking and drug taking that he experienced working in kitchens.
• Seeing colleagues falling away from the profession due to addiction
• His own journey into a more mindful relationship with drinking

Neil is a great example of how you change your relationship with alcohol and have a more positive, non-dependant experience with it.  He is also a shining light that proves to be successful as a chef, you do not have to fall into the archetype of ‘shouting/aggressive/addicted’ brut!

Connect with Neil – 

@frontlinechef

@symplicity_foods

https://symplicityfoods.com/

@werecoverloudly www.werecoverloudly.com

Want us to come into your business and talk to your teams about addiction in the workplace?? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will be in touch!

This episode is sponsored by The Burnt Chef Project.

@theburntchefproject www.theburntchefproject.com

For more information on We Recover Loudly and to reach out for speaking engagements or support email [email protected]

@werecoverloudly
www.werecoverloudly.com