This Empty Glass

Today, we're talking about the cook shortage, chef suicide, treating our people like people and all the times I didn't die.

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.

Yeah, 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.

I unfairly judged someone; here's where I apologize.  Also, where are our real responsibilities?    

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 & her ideas for changing things (for the better) into the future.

So how do we make this work?  Practice.  We practiced drinking, now we have to practice sobriety.

So what do we really value in the restaurant, and what defines a cook's value TO the restaurant?  Also, baseball.

If I could erase all of my terrible, fuzzy memories of my drinking days, would I?  Find out!

Did my personality change when I quit drinking?  How would I know?

Tonight we're grilling, thinking about self-care and boxing.  How can you be kind to yourself and mend some bridges?  I have some ideas.   Also, I always give the wrong Twitter handle.  I am @soberchefben on the Twitters.  Sorry.

How do we mourn a loss without alcohol?  Also, bread, stones and Star Wars.

So you've been invited to a restaurant work party.  Everyone's gonna be drinking.  How does that shake out for you?   Find us on iTunes & Blubrry & shit, get ahold of us @soberchefben on Twitter or thisemptyglass@gmail.com with questions, comments or if you want to be a guest!

How do you define sobriety, for you?  Because it's a tricky word.  Spoilers, there IS no one definition.    

Where do you feel comfortable? Who are the people there? Are they really good for you? Do you remember where that giant bruise down the side of your leg came from?

So you quit drinking and everyone around you hasn't. Is anyone else out there going through this too?

So you've decided to quit drinking while maintaining your restaurant lifestyle. How do you do that? Where are your resources? Who else is doing this very same thing?

Man oh man, there are so many reasons to drink in the restaurant industry. And it's so EASY.

A year ago today, we lost one of the greats.  This episode is dedicated to my voluntary brother Tim.  Take that break, Chef.

Why listen to me at all?  What do you know about me?  In this episode, I tell you who I am NOT.  Spoilers, I'm not your mom.

Welcome to This Empty Glass, hosted by Chef Ben.  I am a 24-year veteran of the restaurant energy and a 3 & 1/2 year sober fella.  This podcast will be all about the pitfalls of alcoholism, drug abuse and general lawlessness that typifies restaurant work.  Follow me down.