In The Weeds with Ben Randall

Today we're talking ongoing service industry staffing issues, Canadian Super Pigs, Mario Batali (also a Super Pig?), listener mail about The Menu and how long can a steak stay on your shoe and still be edible?As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Today we're talking about adding egg whites to sourdough, the rising cost of eggs, health inspections and the bombshell that ServSafe is funding the NRA's lobbying to keep restaurant wages down. For shame, ServSafe!As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Ladies & Gentlemen, we watched The Menu. If you have not watched it, and would like to see it spoiler-free, then don't listen to this first. We're spoiling (in a good way) the heck out of this movie. Also, Noma's closing after finding out that it's "unsustainable" to actually pay their staff. Sadface.As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Tonight we're talking dreams, the state of the world, thunderstorms and selfishness. But, you know, in a nice way.(Originally Released 8/24/21)

Today we're talking Culinary Artistry (the book), we're pitching shows to the Food Network (call us!), we have a pound of ground kangaroo to do *something* with and we ate some amazing sausages. Also, we look back at 2022 and forward to 2023.As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

How do your want your story to be told? Well, first you have to figure out what your story is, then stick to it.(Originally released 2/15/2021)

Today we're talking tomato seeds, 'Mayor Sauce', Arby's Garbage and for heaven's sake, guys, get a sexual harassment policy. Post it. Post it everywhere.As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

There's more than one kind of injury.(Originally released 11/8/2020)

It's worth looking at what the long-term consequences of your addictive behaviors might be. Also, it's ok to check in on folks.(Originally released 8/31/2020)

Today, we talk about the (predictable) closing of Willows Inn at Lummi Island, a Thanksgiving recap, purple tomatoes (that we name incorrectly) and the ongoing short-staffing issues in hospitality. As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

I hate the phrase 'new normal', but here's how I'm handling shelter-in-place. Take care of yourselves; take care of each other. (Originally released 6/10/2020)

Tonight we have a guest! Joining us is Jeff Stevens, founder of WellBeing Brewing (wellbeingbrewing.com). WellBeing makes craft non-alcoholic beers, for the discerning sober beer aficionado. Jeff generously gave up time to talk to us about the story behind his business and who his market is and really, why he does what he does.Also, please be careful out there. Coronavirus has a LOT of us out of work and a LOT of us very isolated. Reach out. Get support if you need it. If you have strength to spare, do some check-ins. It can't hurt.(Originally released 3/20/2020)

Today we're starting a book club. First up, I read "Say Grace" by Steve Palmer. My recommendation: read this book. Read it minimum twice. This book was written for restaurant folk. It was written for us.(If you need a copy, I have extras.)(Originally released 2/20/2020)

Today we're talking Thanksgiving (obviously), GFS outlet stores, Imperfect Foods and child labor! (Not accusing Imperfect Foods of using child labor.)As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

You don't have to do it all at once, and you don't have to do it alone.(Originally released 1/14/2020)

On this very special episode, we have a guest! Today we're talking to Peter Cacace, owner and sole employee of A Crooked Barn Charcuterie out of West Rupert Vermont. We get into his winding path to business ownership, what it takes to make your way in the world of niche sausages, and what work/life balance really means. Find Peter here:https://www.acrookedbarncharcuterie.com/https://www.instagram.com/a_crookedbarn_charcuterie/As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Get ready for the holidays, folks, and remember to take care of yourselves.(Originally released 11/24/2019)

Today we're talking Starbuck's Special K, trick-or-treating Idaho style, the US's Strategic Hotdog Reserve and Buddy Cianci's takeover of the Providence school menus. And there's a meat heist. Because if course there is. As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Today we're talking Amish Cracker Barrel, TikTok restaurant reviews, avian flu & the price of eggs, food trucks and more hiring processes.As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

I used to choose to drink, now I choose NOT to drink. I REALLY wish it was as simple as all that. Also, let me tell you about my job.(Originally released 11/3/2019)

Today we're talking about things that trigger you into feeling good, baseball, and we have an interview!(Originally released 8/13/2019)

Today we're talking Apples & apple picking, coffee, 'Texas' Pete hot sauce, the Great Racist British Baking Show and frivolous lawsuits. (Is that a job?)As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

How did we get here, what can we do for ourselves and how can we help each other? Also, chemistry.(Originally released 7/23/2019)

Know thyself.(Originally released 4/2019)

Today we're talking about folks stealing; stealing from federal funds for feeding children, stealing from the stock market(?) and trying to steal from as-of-yet unhired employees. What a week. Also, there are haircuts. As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Look, I get it. You have a lot of problems. Where do you start? Well, at the beginning.(Originally released 3/9/2019)

We're back with an update on the good ship Disney Wish, how the mighty USA has fallen (in food security) and we dive into what they eat in Norway.Also, Ben was on someone else's show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-6-ben-randall/id1605827840?i=1000580322843As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Steve's back! Today we're talking Steve's Alaskan cruise, ketchup chips, Canadian-American pizza and more on hiring post-COVID.As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

So, how do we take care of ourselves when nobody is watching? Today, we head into the Heart of Darkness. Also known as Pittsburgh.(Originally released 2/24/2019)

We're back! Ok, just Ben! Today we're talking about hiring restaurant employees - from both sides of the desk. Things are changing, folks. Gotta change with them.As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

In which we talk about restaurant upbringing, managing expectations and personal responsibility. Also there's bears.(Originally released 1/20/2019)

This time of year is tough; being sober over the holidays is tough, restaurant work is tough, but goddamn it, we are tough. Reach out if your innate badassery isn't getting you all the way there.https://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/find-local-aa1-800-273-8255 (Suicide Prevention Hotline)https://www.hftd.org/ (Hope For The Day)https://www.bensfriendshope.com/(Originally released 12/25/2018)

Today we’re talking about more hiring woes, unregulated pizza recalls and leaving your job for all the right reasons.As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

In this episode, we talk about the very real pros & cons of sobriety. Restaurants don't make it easy on you.(Originally released 10/14/2018)

Today we sit down with a Seattle chef named Laura who has launched a company aimed at changing the way chefs approach health. We talk yoga, sleep & the importance of taking time for yourself.(Originally released 10/7/2018)

Today we're talking brisket heists, cost increases linked to diesel fuel, hiring & hiring & hiring, Domino's Italy foray coming to an end and more on the Blue Bell criminal case.As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Today we're talking about the cook shortage, chef suicide, treating our people like people and all the times I didn't die.(Originally released 9/16/2018)

Today we're talking Popeye's Customer Service, bulletproof coffee, the Cult of Keto, various approaches to pizza making and the ongoing hiring saga. Also, we have some teenchy technical difficulties. Let's blame it on supply chain.As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

I went to a conference and read a book. Social situations continue to be a bummer and I had to take another long look inside.(Originally released 6/18/2018)

These are not the feels I wanted to have today. In losing Anthony Bourdain, I have lost part of the structure of what makes me...me, at least professionally. Get help if you need help Get rest if you need rest. Smoke 'em if you've got 'em.(Originally released 6/9/2018)

Today we're talking about pickle-brined hotdogs, more Chicago pizzas, influencer culture, cancer Skittles and the birth of a Pizza Robot?As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

I unfairly judged someone; here's where I apologize. Also, where are our real responsibilities?(Originally released 5/21/2018)

Today we're talking fancy coffee (Cafe Feminino), customer service standards (of dentistry?) restaurants suing themselves, COVID closings and pickled hotdogs. Also, would you rather wait at the door, or at a table? Jury's out.As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

It's our first interview episode! Today we chat with Melinda Dorn about restaurant culture in relation to substance abuse, her history in the industry and her ideas for changing things (for the better) in the future.(Originally released 4/11/12)As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Tonight we're talking Sunrise Mill Flours, Duke's Mayo, wacky Oreo & KitKat flavors, Ben's ongoing house-moving saga and the looming Mustard Shortage.As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

So how do we make this work? Practice. We practiced drinking, now we have to practice sobriety.(Originally released 4/1/18)

So what do we really value in the restaurant, and what define's a cook's value TO the restaurant? Also, baseball.(Originally released 3/4/2018)

Ladies & gentlemen, Ben had/has the COVIDs. Also, today we talk summer hiring, business travel, work flexibility and a trip to Connecticut! As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

If I could erase all of my terrible, fuzzy memories of my drinking days, would I? Find out!(Originally released 2/21/2018)

On today's show we're talking about the future of dining rooms, a listener hips us to a new-ish service style, we mock some restaurant names and shorten up our Homebuying Corner even more!As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop