Best Simon Zatyrka Podcasts (2025)

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#66 : Calm in the Chaos: Lessons from a Hospitality Natural with Luca Giorgiantonio 41:16

3d ago41:16

41:16

In this episode of CULINARY MECHANIC, Simon Zatyrka welcomes Luca—a seasoned front-of-house professional with roots in Italy and a career forged in the heat of both European and American restaurants. What begins as a story of necessity (a broke college student in Milan needing date money) evolves into a decades-long pursuit of true hospitality mast…

1
The Leadership Bootcamp: Module 4 | Your Energy is Your Leadership 17:55

4d ago17:55

17:55

A very special sneak peak behind the curtains of The Successful Chef™ Leadership Bootcamp, Cohort #1. This what we're here for! Check out when the next cohort begins at Chef Life Coaching. Lesson Topic: Energetic Presence & Real-Time Regulation Lesson Plan: Segment 1 – What Energy Really Means Segment 2 – Stress Isn’t the Enemy (But It’s Running th…

1
#65 : Find Your Culinary Identity: Chef Ron Duprat on Leadership, Legacy, and Top Chef Fame 40:15

11d ago40:15

40:15

Chef Ron Duprat, Top Chef Season 6 contestant and culinary diplomat, brings his unfiltered perspective on today's restaurant industry. Born in Haiti and classically trained at the Culinary Institute of America, Ron has worked in prestigious establishments from The Montauk Club to Ritz Carlton while advocating for Black chefs through the Black Culin…

1
Driving Restaurant Sales: A Guide to Customer Data Analytics & Loyalty with Abhinav Kapur (Ep 246) 31:46

12d ago31:46

31:46

Dive headfirst into the data revolution sweeping the restaurant industry! In this episode, host Jaime Oikle dives deep into the world of restaurant customer data analytics with Abhinav Kapur, co-founder and CEO of Bikky. Abhinav shares his journey from identifying the data gap in the hospitality industry to creating a powerful tool that helps resta…

1
#64 : Beyond the Kitchen Line: Justin Brunson's Journey from Chef to Meat Industry Innovator 34:03

18d ago34:03

34:03

Justin Brunson, founder of Brunson Meat Company, joins Simon Zatyrka to reveal how he developed his revolutionary "noble mold" meat aging process after transitioning from acclaimed chef-owner to meat industry innovator. Discover how Brunson's Iowa farm roots and restaurant experience at Old Major led to creating a unique aging technique that's now …

1
#63 : Dialed in Operations: Creating More Great Days in Restaurants with Matt Wampler 50:29

25d ago50:29

50:29

Matt Wampler, CEO, Co-Founder of Clear Cogs, joins CULINARY MECHANIC to share how his predictive analytics platform is transforming restaurant operations across four countries. With a background in restaurant turnarounds and multi-unit management, Matt brings hard-earned wisdom on scaling operations from two to four locations while maintaining qual…

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How Automated Tip Management Is Transforming Restaurant Operations - With Kirk Grogan (Ep 245) 27:26

25d ago27:26

27:26

Tipping is an important element in running a restaurant. Employees often receive several tips in a single dinner service, and sometimes keeping up with it is quite overwhelming and confusing. Kirk Grogan is here to discuss how automation can ease the burden of this particular task. Joining Jaime Oikle, the Co-Founder & COO at TipHaus shares the man…

1
#62 : Leading from Within: The Journey of Becoming a Respected Sous Chef with Hanalei Souza 42:20

1M ago42:20

42:20

Simon Zatyrka welcomes Hanalei Souza, author of "Nice Work Boys" and creator of LadyLineCook.com, for an in-depth conversation about culinary leadership and professional kitchen dynamics. Hanalei shares her remarkable journey from snowboarding in ski resort towns to deliberately seeking out the busiest restaurant in town to "get her ass kicked" and…

1
234 | Nio DiPietrantonio: From Burnout to Bliss - A Chefs Journey to Purpose and Balance 41:08

1M ago41:08

41:08

In the high-pressure world of culinary arts, finding balance and purpose can be a challenge. As chefs, we often sacrifice our well-being for the sake of our craft. But what if there was a way to maintain our passion while prioritizing our mental and physical health? Subscribe to The Recipe For Your Success Newsletter In this episode, I sit down wit…

1
#61 : Bringing Chefs Back to Their Passion and Into Your Home with Petko Petkov 32:41

1M ago32:41

32:41

Ever wondered what happens when passionate foodies decide the traditional dining model isn't working? In this episode, Simon Zatyrka sits down with Petko Petkov, founder of Chefin, a global platform connecting private chefs with clients for in-home dining experiences. From impromptu dinner parties on Bondi Beach to coordinating chefs in multiple co…

1
233 | How to Find Work Life Harmony by Throwing Out Work Life Balance 15:24

1M ago15:24

15:24

As chefs, we often find ourselves caught in a never-ending tug-of-war between our professional passion and personal life. The elusive concept of "work-life balance" can leave us feeling guilty, inadequate, and constantly juggling. But what if there's a better way? Grab "My Midday Reset" and download your free audio meditation. "Balance is bullshit.…

1
Exploring The 2025 Restaurant Business Report with Bryan Solar (Ep 244) 32:05

1M ago32:05

32:05

The 2025 Restaurant Business Report was recently released, and it is full of curious yet enlightening information for the industry’s future. Jaime Oikle explores its contents with Bryan Solar, Chief Product Officer at SpotOn. Together, they discuss how restaurants should navigate today’s rising economic pressures, which involve increased costs, lab…

1
230 | El Efecto Dominó de las Actitudes del Chef en la Cultura de Cocina 24:04

2M ago24:04

24:04

¿Alguna vez has notado cómo tu estado de ánimo puede cambiar instantáneamente el ambiente en tu cocina? "Tu vibra crea tu tribu." – Adam Lamb Join the Crew & Support The Show Como chef y líder, tu energía tiene un impacto profundo en el rendimiento de tu equipo, la moral del grupo y la cultura general de tu espacio culinario. En este episodio de Ch…

1
#60 : Chef Life Radio: Intention and Purpose, The Secret Ingredients of Successful Chefs with Simon Zatyrka 56:19

2M ago56:19

56:19

HERE IS SOMETHING SPECIAL!! Somewhere in the time construct Adam Lamb and Simon Zatyrka got together for a series of conversations. In this episode Simon joins Adam on Chef Life Radio. What ensues is a stark contrast from the conversation on CULINARY MECHANIC (previous episode). I hope you enjoy it at least half as much as we did recording it. "Jus…

1
#59: The Art of Kitchen Presence: Talking About Culinary Leadership with Chef Adam Lamb 45:57

2M ago45:57

45:57

Ever wondered what makes a great chef different from a good one? In this soul-stirring conversation, host Simon Zatyrka sits down with culinary leader Adam Lamb to uncover the human side of professional kitchens. From dishwashing beginnings to leadership wisdom, they dive into the beautiful chaos of kitchen life, revealing how presence, patience, a…

1
232 | Adam Lamb on The CULINARY MECHANIC podcast with Chef Simon Zatyrka 44:27

2M ago44:27

44:27

Ever wondered what makes a great chef different from a good one? In this soul-stirring conversation, host Simon Zatyrka sits down with culinary leader Adam Lamb to uncover the human side of professional kitchens. From dishwashing beginnings to leadership wisdom, they dive into the beautiful chaos of kitchen life, revealing how presence, patience, a…

1
231 | Chef Simon Zatyrka: Intention and Purpose, The Secret Ingredients of Successful Chefs 54:46

2M ago54:46

54:46

"Just keep going, man. You learn more from failure than you do from success." - Chef Simon Zatyrka In the ever-evolving landscape of culinary leadership, adaptability isn't just a skill—it's a necessity. Join the Crew & Support The Show As chefs and restaurateurs navigate the choppy waters of rising costs, shifting consumer behaviors, and unprecede…

1
Restaurant Accounting: Fixing Your Finances and Boosting Margins with Marta Grumberg (Ep 243) 24:34

2M ago24:34

24:34

Understanding the intricacies of restaurant accounting is paramount for any owner looking to thrive in today's competitive market. In this episode, we dive into the crucial world of restaurant accounting and finances with Marta Grumberg of Grumberg Accounting. Jaime Oikle sits down with Marta to explore the biggest financial challenges restaurant o…

1
#58 : Optimizing Restaurant Labor with Cijoy Olickal 41:47

2M ago41:47

41:47

In this episode of CULINARY MECHANIC, Simon Zatyrka sits down with Cijoy Olickal, COO of GM Pilot, to explore how innovative tech solutions are transforming restaurant management. From his unexpected entry into the hospitality industry to developing game-changing labor optimization tools, Cijoy shares how his background in management consulting led…

1
#57 : Restaurant Business Foundations: Connection, Sustainability and Systems with Jen Quist 44:33

2M ago44:33

44:33

When restaurant dreams crash against business realities, what separates survivors from shuttered doors? In this revealing conversation, Simon Zatyrka talks with Jen Quist of Wishwell about the crucial balance between culinary creativity and business fundamentals. From her career pivot at 30 to developing concepts for hotels across the country, Jen …

1
230 | The Ripple Effect of Chef Attitudes on Kitchen Culture 23:50

2M ago23:50

23:50

Have you ever noticed how your mood can instantly shift the atmosphere in your kitchen? "Your vibe creates your tribe." - Adam Lamb As a chef and leader, your energy has a profound impact on your team's performance, morale, and the overall culture of your culinary workspace. In this episode of Chef Life Radio, we explore the powerful influence of a…

1
Boosting Restaurant Profits Using AI With Carl Turner (Ep 242) 32:49

2M ago32:49

32:49

Running a restaurant is tough – managing orders, executing marketing campaigns, and maintaining high customer engagement can quickly become overwhelming. Thankfully, AI has been changing the game and is now helping owners automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks. In this episode, Jaime Oikle talks with Carl Turner, CEO of SWIPEBY, to discuss ho…

1
#56 : Mentors, Michelin & Making It: Building Culinary Excellence with Ismael Torres 41:29

2M ago41:29

41:29

In this episode of CULINARY MECHANIC, Simon Zatyrka welcomes Chef Ismael Torres, host of Chef Ismael's Kitchen Quest podcast and owner of Rough Chop private chef services. Ismael shares his journey from starting as a 15-year-old dishwasher at "the happiest place on Earth" to becoming a successful private chef with Michelin star aspirations. The con…

1
229 | Melissa Blatt: Empowering Culinary Careers with Flexible Healthcare Options 37:21

2M ago37:21

37:21

Are you feeling trapped in your current job because of health insurance concerns? Check out the Indipop Solution Exclusively for Listeners of Chef Life Radio, by clicking here. You're not alone. Many culinary professionals find themselves stuck in positions they've outgrown, solely due to the fear of losing their employer-provided health coverage. …

1
#55 : How to Break Through Growth Barriers in Your Restaurant with Charlie Wilkinson 47:07

3M ago47:07

47:07

In this episode of CULINARY MECHANIC, Simon Zatyrka sits down with Charlie Wilkinson, founder of Bridge to Opportunities. Charlie shares his journey from selling HVAC systems to becoming a restaurant industry powerhouse, working with iconic brands like Bennigan's, TGI Fridays, Pizza Hut, Boston Market, and Olive Garden. Charlie discusses how he tra…

1
Bonus | Seasoning Success with Empathy: A Recipe for Resilient Kitchen Leadership 17:12

3M ago17:12

17:12

In the fast-paced world of professional kitchens, leadership often boils down to barking orders and meeting metrics. "Leadership isn't about being the loudest voice in the kitchen or demanding respect. It's about earning it through authenticity, guidance, and leading by example." - Adam Lamb But what if there's a more powerful way to lead? One that…

1
Just Getting Started - Life Wisdom & Business Insights with David DeLorenzo (ep 241) 38:39

3M ago38:39

38:39

David DeLorenzo returns to the podcast to join Jaime Oikle once again, this time to talk about his new book, Just Getting Started. He shares life wisdom and business insights on finding balance and fulfillment in life. David explores how to create a productive daily schedule, the essence of embracing positive habits and hobbies, as well as the righ…

1
228 | Creando una Cultura de Cocina Próspera: El Arte del Liderazgo Culinario 18:52

3M ago18:52

18:52

¿Estás atrapado en la rutina diaria de gestionar tu cocina, apagando incendios constantemente y preguntándote si realmente estás marcando la diferencia? Es hora de cambiar de enfoque y abrazar el poder del liderazgo. "Las cocinas funcionan con sistemas, pero prosperan con liderazgo." - Adam Lamb De Gerente a Líder: Transformando la Cultura de tu Co…

1
228 | Crafting a Thriving Kitchen Culture: The Art of Culinary Leadership 18:37

3M ago18:37

18:37

Are you caught in the daily grind of managing your kitchen, constantly putting out fires and wondering if you're truly making an impact? It's time to shift gears and embrace the power of leadership. "Kitchens run on systems, but thrive on leadership." - Adam Lamb From Manager to Leader: Transforming Your Kitchen Culture Create a compelling vision t…

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Preview: 2025 Bar and Restaurant Expo in Las Vegas (Ep 240) 9:15

3M ago9:15

9:15

In this episode, Jaime Oikle of RunningRestaurants.com interviews Ashley Bray about the Bar and Restaurant Expo in Las Vegas this upcoming March 24-26. 2025. They discuss the expo's events, education, exhibit floor, and networking parties. Ashley highlights several trends along the way. The expo promises great industry educational and networking op…

1
#54 : Making Today Better Than Yesterday: A Chef's Guide to Meaningful Leadership with Don Christie 40:19

3M ago40:19

40:19

In this episode of CULINARY MECHANIC, Simon Zatyrka connects with Don Christie, a culinary leader currently managing food operations at Raffe Hotels in Fiji. Don shares his journey from starting as a kitchen hand in Australia to leading culinary operations across prestigious establishments worldwide, including Michelin-starred restaurants in London…

1
227 | Los Peligros de la Comparación en la Industria Culinaria 19:28

3M ago19:28

19:28

Como chefs, a menudo nos encontramos atrapados en un ciclo implacable de comparación. "El único chef con el que deberías competir es con el que eras ayer." - Adam Lamb Ya sea al desplazarnos por las redes sociales, observar los logros de nuestros colegas o sentir la presión de superar a los demás, este hábito puede erosionar silenciosamente nuestra…

1
227 | The Dangers of Comparison in the Culinary Industry 19:12

3M ago19:12

19:12

As chefs, we often find ourselves caught in a relentless cycle of comparison. Whether it's scrolling through social media, eyeing our peers' accolades, or feeling the pressure to outperform, this habit can silently erode our confidence, stifle our creativity, and rob us of joy in our craft. "The only chef you should be competing with is the one you…

1
The Secret Sauce To Restaurant Success: Service, Storytelling, And Disruptive Thinking With Christian J. Fischer (Ep 239) 41:52

3M ago41:52

41:52

In a rapid age of technology where businesses are all about scaling and expansion, the beauty of keeping everything localized is still a strong strategy in the restaurant industry. Christian J. Fischer, the Disruptive Chef, joins Jaime Oikle in discussing the beauty and uniqueness of running hyperlocal restaurants. They share why focusing on certai…

1
226 | Chef Life Radio Trailer 1:31

3M ago1:31

1:31

🔥 Welcome to Chef Life Radio! 🔥 Are you feeling burned out, overwhelmed, or like your kitchen has become more about surviving than thriving? You're not alone—Chef Life Radio is here to change that. Hosted by Chef Adam Lamb, this podcast is your go-to resource for leadership, mindset, and personal growth in the culinary industry. Each week, we dive …

1
Cultivating The Right Ownership Mindset With Alison Anne (Ep 238) 33:58

3M ago33:58

33:58

Building a successful restaurant requires more than just good food. It also demands a strong team driven by the right ownership mindset. In this episode, Jaime Oikle talks with Alison Anne about cultivating and maintaining a thriving restaurant culture. Alison emphasizes the importance of genuine connections with your staff and what it takes to mov…

1
#53 : "The Art of Kitchen Adaptability with Chef Brent Weathers 58:56

3M ago58:56

58:56

In this captivating episode of CULINARY MECHANIC, host Simon Zatyrka sits down with Chef Brent Weathers, whose journey from dishwasher to accomplished chef embodies the essence of kitchen culture at its best. Starting with zero experience in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Weathers shares how beginning in the dish pit and learning fundamentals from the gr…

1
How To Streamline Kitchen Operations With Simon Zatyrka (Ep 237) 40:56

4M ago40:56

40:56

Many restaurants are so focused on offering good food that they fall short of providing a great experience to their own employees. Simon Zatyrka, the Culinary Mechanic, joins Jaime Oikle to discuss how chefs and restaurant owners should streamline their kitchen operations and bring them to the next level. Together, they discuss how to master the nu…

1
#52 : Restaurant Financial Management: Real-Time P&Ls and Operational Excellence with Geordy Murphy 43:29

4M ago43:29

43:29

In this episode of CULINARY MECHANIC, Simon Zatyrka sits down with Geordy Murphy, founder of Fobesoft, to explore the critical intersection of culinary excellence and financial acumen. With over two decades of experience from busboy to restaurant owner, Geordy shares his journey from the high-energy San Francisco restaurant scene to revolutionizing…

1
Recruiting & Team Building in the Restaurant Industry with Roger Beaudoin (Ep 236) 19:35

4M ago19:35

19:35

Running a successful restaurant starts with team building, and Jaime Oikle dives deep into this crucial topic with Roger Beaudoin in this episode. They discuss practical strategies for identifying top talent, empowering employees, and fostering a strong workplace culture that drives results. Roger shares his proven methods for recruiting, training,…

1
#51 : Kitchen Leadership and Team Building: Chef Glenn Cybulski on Restaurant Success 56:33

4M ago56:33

56:33

In this episode of CULINARY MECHANIC, host Simon Zatyrka welcomes Chef Glenn Cybulski, leader of Chefs Feeding Kids, for an engaging discussion about restaurant leadership and kitchen culture. Chef Glenn shares his journey from early restaurant work to international training in Italy, emphasizing how simple connections can lead to life-changing opp…

1
#50 : Leading with Obsessive Execution: Solving for Excellence with Alfredo Miro 39:20

4M ago39:20

39:20

In this episode of CULINARY MECHANIC, host Simon Zatyrka sits down with Alfredo Miro, a fast-food industry veteran and current leader at Baker's Drive-Thru. From his early days at Carl's Jr. to executive positions at Wendy's and consulting roles with major brands, Miro shares his journey through the QSR industry. The conversation reveals the fascin…

1
Building The Right Restaurant Leadership Team With Darren Denington (Ep 235) 30:54

4M ago30:54

30:54

Restaurants require a well-rounded and high-performing leadership team to ensure it operates flawlessly and effectively. With so many moving parts, owners must learn how to hire the right people who can work together in a fast-paced environment. Jaime Oikle explains how this can be done with Darren Dennington, founder of Service With Style. Togethe…

1
#49 : Get Back Your Time - Technology, Leadership and the Future of Hospitality with Michael Beck 30:42

4M ago30:42

30:42

In this episode of CULINARY MECHANIC, host Simon Zatyrka sits down with Michael Beck, CEO of Ink Tank GTM, for an engaging conversation about the intersection of hospitality and technology. Beck shares his journey from growing up in his family's restaurants to serving in the military, attending culinary school, and eventually transitioning into res…

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2025 Restaurant Workforce Management Report Overview with Jordan Boesch (Ep 234) 32:41

4M ago32:41

32:41

2025 Restaurant Workforce Management Report. Sitting down with Jaime Oikle, they explore the collective feedback of more than 900 restaurant managers about employee needs, wages, and retention. Discover how to overcome the biggest hiring challenges, keep up with the continuous growth of QSR dining over full-service dining, and navigate the ever-evo…

1
#48 : The Evolution of Restaurant Operations - The Modern Realities of Restaurant Costs with Angelo Esposito 43:55

5M ago43:55

43:55

In this episode of CULINARY MECHANIC, host Simon Zatyrka sits down with Angelo Esposito, founder of Wisk AI, to explore the evolution of restaurant inventory management. Angelo shares his journey from grocery store roots to developing one of the industry's leading inventory management solutions. The conversation delves into practical approaches to …

1
Mastering Cost Controls for Restaurants with Roger Beaudoin (Ep 233) 29:32

5M ago29:32

29:32

Cost controls are paramount in maximizing restaurant profitability, and Roger Beaudoin of Restaurant Rockstars joins Jaime Oikle in this episode to emphasize their critical importance. Roger breaks down essential systems for managing food, beverage, and labor costs, including accurate inventory tracking and menu cost analysis. He provides valuable …

1
#47 : Building Successful Restaurants Through Care and Detail with Roger Beaudoin 38:17

5M ago38:17

38:17

Join host Simon Zatyrka as he sits down with Roger Beaudoin, whose journey from country club dishwasher to successful multi-restaurant owner embodies the essence of hospitality industry success. In this engaging conversation, Beaudoin shares how his early experience and a chance encounter with Italian pizzerias led him to secure his first restauran…

1
The Pokeworks Success Story: Franchise Growth & Expansion with Peter Yang (Ep 232) 38:03

5M ago38:03

38:03

Peter Yang, co-founder of Pokeworks, shares the inspiring story of building a successful restaurant franchise from the ground up. Discover how Pokeworks went from a single location in New York City to a nationwide sensation with over 70 locations. Jaime Oikle and Peter Yang discuss the unique aspects of the Pokeworks franchising model, including th…

1
#46 : Leadership Lessons for Restaurants: Building Trust in High Pressure Environments with Rachel Burr 56:08

5M ago56:08

56:08

In this episode of CULINARY MECHANIC, host Simon Zatyrka sits down with executive coach Rachel Burr to explore the complexities of leadership in the restaurant industry. Rachel shares her journey from psychology to executive coaching, discussing how she helps leaders develop from being excellent at their craft to becoming effective leaders of peopl…

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Simon Zatyrka Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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