Chef's PSA

Dec 12

Barbecue is built on fire, discipline, and pressure. Leonard Botello IV, pitmaster and owner of Truth BBQ, joins Chef’s PSA to break down intuitive cooking with wood fire, managing pits, the science behind great barbecue, and the mental toll of operating at a high level. Leonard shares a near-disastrous fire incident, the realities of running a Texas barbecue operation, and why mental and physical wellness are as critical as technique. This episode gives a clear view of what it takes to maintain excellence in one of the toughest culinary crafts. Leonard Botello IV on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/leo_botello_iv/ Subscribe on Substack → https://chefspsa.substack.com/ Shop Chef’s PSA Merch → https://shop.chefspsa.com/ Visit Chef’s PSA Website → https://chefspsa.com/ Chef Works (Sponsor) → https://www.chefworks.com/ — Use promo code chefspsa20

Dec 5

Knife work is the foundation of cooking, and most chefs never learn it correctly. In this episode of Chef’s PSA, Andre Natera sits down with Don Smolik (Study The Blade) and knife maker Kolter Livengood to break down knife maintenance, sharpening technique, steel selection, blade geometry, stone care, and how to choose the right knife for your work. They cover personal stories from the kitchen, common mistakes, and the real method behind effective knife care. If you’re a chef, line cook, or culinary student, this is essential listening. Links & Resources Subscribe on Substack → https://chefspsa.substack.com/ Shop Chef’s PSA Merch → https://shop.chefspsa.com/ Visit Chef’s PSA → https://chefspsa.com/ Chef Works → https://www.chefworks.com/ — Code chefspsa20 Study The Blade on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/studytheblade/ Kolter Livengood on Instagram→ https://www.instagram.com/livengood_grindhouse/

Nov 29

Chef Benjamin Maides joins Chef’s PSA for a direct look at ingredient-driven cooking, seasonal discipline, and balancing restaurant life with running a farm. From his time cooking in northern Italy to building Au Courant in Omaha, Maides breaks down technique, menu development, cultural lessons, and the realities of operating multiple roles at once. This episode is for chefs who care about real craft and the work required to build a sustainable culinary career. Links & Resources https://www.instagram.com/swissbenny/ Subscribe on Substack → https://chefspsa.substack.com/ Shop Chef’s PSA Merch → https://shop.chefspsa.com/ Visit Chef’s PSA Website → https://chefspsa.com/ Chef Works (Sponsor) → https://www.chefworks.com/ — Use promo code chefspsa20 for 20% off

Nov 21

Chef Amanda Rockman joins Chef’s PSA to break down the real pastry chef life—high pressure, long hours, technical discipline, and the mental toll that comes with it. With 20 years in Chicago’s top kitchens and a new bakery and coffee shop in Austin, she shares the truth about pastry work, insomnia, ingredient quality, modern management, and the realities of building a bakery from nothing. This episode is direct, unfiltered insight for pastry cooks, chefs, and anyone considering pastry as a career. Links & Resources Subscribe on Substack → https://chefspsa.substack.com/ Shop Chef’s PSA Merch → https://shop.chefspsa.com/ Visit Chef’s PSA Website → https://chefspsa.com/ Chef Works (Sponsor) → https://www.chefworks.com/ — Promo code chefspsa20 Follow Amanda Rockman → https://www.instagram.com/arockman/

Nov 15

Guest: Andrew Turner – Valley Wine Merchants (Newberg, Oregon) André Natera sits down with Andrew Turner to discuss what it takes to thrive in the world of haute cuisine. From working with legendary chefs like Alain Ducasse, Laurent Gras, and Joachim Splichal to running his own wine shop, Turner shares his journey through Michelin-level kitchens and beyond. Learn what separates good from great in the kitchen, how to handle career pivots, and why understanding ingredients is the foundation of every lasting culinary career. Topics: – Lessons from Ducasse and Gras – The evolution of fine dining culture – Building and managing a wine program – Transitioning from chef to entrepreneur – How mentorship shapes a chef’s career Andrew Turner on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valley_wine_merchants/ Links & Resources Subscribe on Substack → https://chefspsa.substack.com/ Shop Chef’s PSA Merch → https://shop.chefspsa.com/ Visit Chef’s PSA Website → https://chefspsa.com/ Sponsors Chef Works → https://www.chefworks.com/ — Use promo code CHEFSPSA20 for 20% off your order Bragard USA → https://www.bragardus.com/ — Use promo code CHEFSPSA20 for 20% off your order

Nov 7

Chef Ron McKinlay joins André Natera to talk pop-up dinners, cooking techniques, and mental health in the culinary industry. From mastering meat cookery to navigating post-restaurant life, Ron shares the lessons, struggles, and small victories that come with a life in food. This episode is both raw and inspiring — a reminder that great cooking and self-awareness go hand in hand. Follow Ron on Instagram Ron's Spotify Playlist Chef's PSA Hip Hop Playlist on Spotify Sponsored by Bragard USA — bragardus.com Use code CHEFSPSA20 for 20% off. Subscribe on Substack → https://chefspsa.substack.com/ Shop Chef’s PSA Merch → https://shop.chefspsa.com/ Visit Chef’s PSA Website → https://chefspsa.com/

Oct 31

What’s it like working beside Gordon Ramsay on Hell’s Kitchen ? In this week’s Chef’s PSA , I sit down with Chef James Avery , Ramsay’s sous chef on Hells Kitchen, mentor, chef, mental health and wellness advocate. We get to talk about leadership, wellness, and what it takes to thrive in one of the most high-pressure kitchens in the world. James Avery on Instagram Sponsored By Bragard USA This episode is brought to you by Bragard USA — makers of the world’s best chef coats and uniforms. Receive 20% off your next order with code CHEFSPSA20 → https://bragardus.com Links & Resources Subscribe on Substack → https://chefspsa.substack.com/ Shop Chef’s PSA Merch → https://shop.chefspsa.com/ Visit Chef’s PSA Website → https://chefspsa.com/

Oct 25

Join André Natera on Chef’s PSA as he sits down with Chef Adrienne Cheatham—James Beard Award semifinalist and former Top Chef contender. Together they cover her evolution from the elite kitchens of Le Bernardin to the pressures and freedom of private-chef life. We dig into seasoning, knife work, kitchen presentation, brand building and the meaning of staying true to your voice in a changing culinary world. Links & Resources Subscribe on Substack → https://chefspsa.substack.com/ Shop Chef’s PSA Merch → https://shop.chefspsa.com/ Visit Chef’s PSA Website → https://chefspsa.com/ BragardUSA → https://bragardus.com — Use promo code chefspsa20 for 20% off James Beard Foundation → https://www.jamesbeard.org Chef Adrienne Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/chefadriennecheatham/