Breaking the Kitchen's Silent Struggles: Burnt Chef Project with Imrun Texeira

Send us a text Chef Imrun Texeira takes us on a powerful journey through the intense world of professional kitchens, from his humble beginnings as a 14-year-old dishwasher to competing on Top Chef Canada and staging at the world-renowned Noma restaurant. With remarkable candor, he reveals how his multicultural heritage—blending Northern Indian, East African, British, and Canadian influences—shaped his unique culinary perspective and created a distinctive palate that sets his food apart. The conversation takes a profound turn as Imrun shares his personal struggles during the pandemic, a period that stripped away his direction and livelihood but ultimately led him to discover the Burnt Chef Project. Now serving as an ambassador for this vital mental health initiative, he speaks passionately about breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in culinary spaces and creating sustainable work environments where chefs can thrive both professionally and personally. Joined by Walk-In Talk Culinary Contributor, Chef Kevin Raspberry, who brings his own perspective on industry challenges, the discussion explores the delicate balance between maintaining the high standards and work ethic essential to culinary excellence while eliminating toxic behaviors that have historically plagued restaurant kitchens. Their authentic dialogue offers Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials. Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below! Support the show Walk-In Talk Podcast Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling. Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time. We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open . Brand Partners: RAK Porcelain USA Metro Foodservice SupraCut Systems Aussie Select Crab Island Seafood Pass the Honey The Burnt Chef Project Citrus America Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality. 📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com