50 : CHOW's Love Letter to The Bear

Restaurant Leadership Podcast: Overcome Burnout, Embrace Freedom, and Drive Growth

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Ever wondered how one can navigate from the high-pressure world of a toxic kitchen to becoming a beacon of hope in mental health advocacy?

Join us as Jasmin Parks-Papadopoulos, former executive chef and now Chief Growth Officer at CHOW, shares her transformative journey. Hear about her struggles with mental health in the demanding culinary world and how she found her calling in supporting others through CHOW’s impactful programs. From peer support initiatives to innovative educational opportunities and text services, Jasmine’s story is a powerful testament to the importance of mental health resources in hospitality.
Chapters:
00:00:08 - Supporting Mental Health in Hospitality
00:10:35 - Navigating Mental Health Through Hospitality Experiences
00:25:16 - Unpacking Accountability in Hospitality Culture
00:33:29 - Building Support for Hospitality Mental Health
Transitioning out of the culinary industry can be a complex emotional journey, and our conversation delves into this deeply personal topic. I reflect on my own experiences leaving a deeply ingrained chef identity behind, confronting the dysfunction that plagued my career through therapy and self-reflection. We also touch on the portrayal of the hospitality industry in TV shows like "The Bear," discussing how these depictions can evoke stressful memories and the necessity of setting boundaries to protect one's mental wellness. This part of our discussion underscores the efforts needed to foster a more positive and sustainable work environment in the culinary sector.

Lastly, we explore the nuanced storytelling of "The Bear," particularly its depiction of the intense pressures and traumatic experiences within the industry. We discuss the ethical responsibility of content creators to avoid romanticizing harmful practices and to provide appropriate trigger warnings. Through a heartfelt analysis of a pivotal scene involving verbal abuse, I share the emotional release it provoked and the lasting impact of such trauma. This powerful conversation highlights the importance of trauma-informed storytelling, self-care, and the crucial need for mental health support in the culinary world.

Resources:

CHOW (Culinary Hospitality Outreach Wellness) https://chowco.org/

The Bear https://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/the-bear

Jasmin Parks-Papadopoulos https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasmin-parks-papadopoulos-9595b01b3/

Not 9-5 https://not9to5.org/

The Chad Legacy Project https://www.chadslegacy.org/

Restaurant After Hours https://www.restaurantafterhours.org/
Noma https://noma.dk/

More from Christin:

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Podcast Production: https://www.lconnorvoice.com/

Luvut

1. 50 : CHOW's Love Letter to The Bear (00:00:00)

2. Supporting Mental Health in Hospitality (00:00:08)

3. Navigating Mental Health Through Hospitality Experiences (00:10:35)

4. Unpacking Accountability in Hospitality Culture (00:25:16)

5. Building Support for Hospitality Mental Health (00:33:29)

6. All Staff Retreat Excitement (00:43:34)