Unwritten rules and hard-learned lessons—these are the realities of the kitchen that culinary school often doesn't prepare you for. In this episode of the Chef's PSA Podcast, host André Natera pulls back the curtain on the professional kitchen, revealing the unwritten rules that every chef needs to know to truly thrive.

André shares his personal experiences and stories from the trenches—discussing the pace, intensity, and hierarchy of real-world kitchens. If you're a young chef or culinary student wondering what it's really like out there, this episode is packed with practical advice on how to navigate the pressures, communication breakdowns, and sometimes brutal efficiency of the professional kitchen.

Whether it's understanding how the kitchen hierarchy works, learning the importance of speed and repetition, or getting a handle on how to communicate clearly in high-stress moments, Andrea lays it all out so you can avoid common pitfalls and rise to the occasion.

Looking for more insights to boost your culinary journey? Chef André has also published six books packed with lessons and stories that can help guide you to success in the industry.

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From Dishwasher to Michelin-Starred Chef: Chef Rogelio Garcia’s Inspiring Journey

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Welcome to another episode of the Chef's PSA Podcast! In this episode, host André Natera interviews Chef Rogelio Garcia, a Michelin-starred chef and author of the cookbook Convivir. Chef Rogelio shares his incredible journey from immigrating to the United States, starting out as a dishwasher, and climbing his way to the top of the culinary world.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

•Overcoming Challenges: Hear Chef Rogelio’s inspiring journey from immigrating from Mexico City to building a career in fine dining, overcoming language and cultural barriers along the way.

•Michelin-Star Insights: Get a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to work at Michelin-starred restaurants and the significance of the Michelin Guide expanding to Texas.

•Cookbook Creation: Discover the process, inspiration, and dedication behind Chef Rogelio's new cookbook, Convivir.

•Honoring Heritage in Cuisine: Learn about Chef Rogelio’s personal commitment to celebrating his Mexican heritage through his dishes.

•Maintaining Wellness: Find out how Chef Rogelio balances the demands of a high-pressure career with physical and mental wellness, including his passion for martial arts.

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Mastering Culinary Hostile Takeovers: Strategies for New Chefs

In this insightful episode of Chef's PSA Podcast, host Andre Natera delves into the complexities of culinary hostile takeovers. He examines the scenarios where new chefs suddenly take over kitchens or restaurants and face resistance from existing staff loyal to previous regimes. Andre shares personal experiences and provides practical strategies for navigating these challenges, including re-interviewing staff, making swift hiring and firing decisions, and implementing new work cultures. Listeners will gain valuable tips on gathering information cautiously, maintaining professionalism, and avoiding negative talk about previous chefs. This episode is essential for any chef looking to lead a successful kitchen transition and build a team aligned with their vision.

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