Best Better Luck Productions Podcasts (2024)

1
Ep 111: Mastering Decision-Making for Long-Term Career Success with Casey Dai 36:14

9d ago36:14

36:14

Is your education truly preparing you for the complexities of the modern workplace? Join Alan as he explores career development and decision-making with Casey Dai, founder of Expanded Skills. They discuss the limitations of traditional education in equipping professionals for real-world challenges, the importance of developing critical thinking ski…

1
Stephanie Izard (Girl and the Goat & others, Chicago and Los Angeles) on Eclecticism, Career Decisions, and Live-Fire Cooking (part of our Chefs on Fire series) 1:19:52

21d ago1:19:52

1:19:52

For the past two decades, Stephanie Izard has steadily amassed a stellar culinary and hospitality career as a chef and restaurateur. First introduced to a national audience when she won Season 4 of Top Chef, which she immediately followed with her first restaurant, Chicago's Girl and the Goat. The instantaneous and overwhelming success of that rest…

1
Chicago's Mindy Segal (Mindy's Bakery) on Collaboration, Cannabis, and a Life without Recipes 1:10:59

25d ago1:10:59

1:10:59

From high atop the Hoxton Hotel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Chicago's Mindy Segal takes us through her life and career: How she grativitated to the pro kitchen and zeroed in on pastry; her instinct-based approach to creativity and collaboration; and the genesis of her self-titled line of edibles, as well as the story behind her current place, Mindy'…

1
Ep 110: How Immigrants and Visa Holders Can Land A Better Job with Varun Negandhi 35:55

29d ago35:55

35:55

Are you treating your job search like an entrepreneur would? In this eye-opening episode of Steer Your Career, host Alan Stein sits down with Varun Negandhi, founder of Beyond Grad and partner at an automotive consulting company. Varun shares his journey from international student to successful entrepreneur, offering a fresh perspective on job hunt…

1
Gustavo Arellano (LA Times columnist) on the Ethics of Restaurant Criticism, the Joys of Being a Columnist, and Whether Any Subjects Should be Taboo 1:09:42

1M ago1:09:42

1:09:42

Andrew's been a fan of the wit, wisdom, and observational powers of LA Times columnist Gustavo Arellano for years. So, when they both attended The Chef Conference in Philly this spring, we asked Gustavo to sit down for an improvisational conversation. He obliged, and did not disappoint. Enjoy this freestyle conversation that covers a wide range of …

1
Arielle Johnson (food scientist & author, Flavorama) on Why Foods Taste the Way They Do 1:09:51

1M ago1:09:51

1:09:51

Food scientist Arielle Johnson has worked with some of the most acclaimed restaurants in the world, and recently offered up much of her knowledge in a surprisingly fun, accessible, and comprehendible book, Flavorama: A Guide to Unlocking the Art and Science of Flavor. In this interview, Arielle recounts her path to becoming a food scientist (a rela…

1
Ep 109: Product Management Insights: An Interview with Former Google PM Director 33:55

1M ago33:55

33:55

From Google AdWords to YouTube and cutting-edge AI research, Tom Leung's storied career at tech giant Google spans over a decade. In this episode of the Steer Your Career Podcast, host Alan Stein delves into Leung's journey as a top-rated product management director and his unique insights into Google's challenging interview process. Tom shares how…

1
Adair Canacasco (Roister, Chicago) on Nostalgia, his Mexican Roots, and Live-Fire Cooking (part of our Chefs on Fire series) 1:15:21

2M ago1:15:21

1:15:21

Born in Mexico and raised in the Midwest, Adair Canacasco brings his personal background and passion to his role as executive chef of Roister restaurant in Chicago. While in Chicago recently, Andrew sat down with Adair to learn about his familial roots, his maturation as both a cook and a manager/mentor of cooks, and the complex nature of the live-…

1
Ep 108: Seizing Opportunities: Peter Groverman's Guide to Career Diversity 37:58

2M ago37:58

37:58

In this episode, Alan sits down with serial entrepreneur Peter Groverman to discuss the intricacies of managing a portfolio career. From AI consulting to global exports, Peter shares his experiences juggling multiple ventures and offers valuable insights on building relationships, seizing opportunities, and making an impact. Tune in now to learn ho…

1
Sean Brock (Joyland, Audrey & june, Nashville) on Finding His Culinary Voice in Appalachian Food 1:05:52

2M ago1:05:52

1:05:52

During The Chef Conference in Philly this spring, Sean Brock graciously made time to sit down for this deeply personal and open conversation about his path to the pro kitchen, his development as a chef, and his various restaurants, including his current Joyland, Audrey, and june in Nashville. Please check out our fellow meez network podcasts and ne…

1
Ep 107: Expert Interview & Negotiation Tips From Former Amazon Bar Raiser Eric Hudson 42:19

2M ago42:19

42:19

Discover the secrets to landing your next great job and negotiating like a pro with former Amazon bar raiser Eric Hudson. In this episode, Alan Stein and Eric delve into the strategies that set successful job seekers apart in today's competitive market. Discover effective networking techniques, learn how to craft impactful behavioral stories, and g…

1
Announcing ... The meez Network! A New Hospitality Industry Content Hub co-founded by Andrew and meez founder/ceo Josh Sharkey 10:57

2M ago10:57

10:57

Hey, everybody! Please take 8 minutes and listen to this announcement of The meez Network. Andrew co-founded this new content hub with meez founder and ceo Josh Sharkey, and will initially serve the network as program director. The meez Network launches today (7/1/04) with an inaugural roster of podcasts, and one newsletter. Please check it out, ta…

1
Ruth Reichl (author, The Paris Novel) on Pleasure, Travel, and Discovering the Joy of Writing 44:54

3M ago44:54

44:54

After years mostly writing and editing "real life" articles and books set in and around the food and restaurant realm, Ruth Reichl recently published a new work of fiction, The Paris Novel. The book follows young protagonist Stella as she discovers life's pleasures, and gets to know herself, in the most romantic city on Earth. In this Special Conve…

1
Ep 106: The Inside Secrets From A Seasoned Tech Recruiter: An Interview with Hatu Kanu 39:29

3M ago39:29

39:29

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in recruitment? In this episode, Alan Stein dives deep into the recruiting and hiring process with Hatu Kanu, uncovering the intricacies of how recruiters work to find the perfect fit for open roles. They discuss how recruiters compile shortlists, manage stakeholder expectations, and the key metrics that…

1
Lyndsay C. Green (Restaurant & Dining Critic, Detroit Free Press) on Becoming a Critic, Detroit's Food Scene, & the Role of Race in Criticism 54:35

3M ago54:35

54:35

Lyndsay C. Green covers restaurants and dining for The Detroit Free Press. She comes to her area of specialization from a background in beauty reporting. In this conversation--recorded after a chance encounter with Andrew at The Chef Conference in Philly this spring--Lyndsay shares her personal story and how she migrated from beauty to food, the ho…

1
Ep 105: Blazing Her Own Path From The Stripper Pole and Prison: An Interview with Dr. V Boykin 42:12

3M ago42:12

42:12

In this episode, Founder & CEO of Kadima Careers, Alan Stein, asks podcast interview questions he never thought he would ever ask anyone. His guest, Dr. Vrnda ‘V’ Boykin, leans into vulnerability for one of the first times and shares how her former life as a single mom, stripper, and a convict taught her to overcome adversity and succeed on her own…

1
LIVE! FROM HOT LUCK: Paola Velez (Dōekï Dōekï; Bakers Against Racism) Just Wants to Bake the World a Better Place 53:23

4M ago53:23

53:23

LIVE! from Hot Luck (Austin, TX)--Perhaps best known as the force behind Bakers Against Racism, Paola Velez (Dōekï Dōekï) has made a life and career of intertwining baking and altruism. (As her website says, she just wants to "Bake the World a Better Place.") In this interview, recorded on the grounds of Hot Luck last weekend, Paola shares about he…

1
Sal Lamboglia (Cafe Spaghetti, Swoony's) on the Long Road Back to Brooklyn 1:07:20

4M ago1:07:20

1:07:20

Raised in the Bensonhurst neighborhood of Brooklyn, Sal Lamboglia grew up on Italian-American food in a family populated by his chef father, butchers, and other food professionals. Following graduation from culinary school, he spent many years with a Manhattan-based restaurant group before returning to Brooklyn and launching his hit restaurant Cafe…

1
Chad Williams (Friday Saturday Sunday restaurant; Philly, PA) on Finding the Magic & Poetry in Food & Cooking 1:17:43

4M ago1:17:43

1:17:43

When Philly's Friday Saturday Sunday won the James Beard Foundation Award as Outstanding Restaurant in 2023, it was the culmination of chef Chad Williams' slow, patient development, of both his talent and craft, and of the restaurant he co-owns and co-operates with his wife Hanna Williams. In this conversation, recorded at The Chef Conference in Ph…

1
Ep 104: Career Advice From Rutgers Professor and Gen Z Expert: An Interview With Mark Beal 34:36

4M ago34:36

34:36

Ever wondered what really sets you apart in a job interview? In this episode, Alan Stein is joined by career expert Mark Beal to dive into a compelling conversation about the critical role of soft skills. They discuss how these skills not only land you the job but also help you stand out among candidates with similar hard skills. Mark shares his in…

1
Author Robert Simonson on His Book "The Encyclopedia of Cocktails" (an ATTC Special Conversation) 35:16

4M ago35:16

35:16

Robert Simonson is one of our most prolific and witty scribes on the subject of cocktails. Along with cocktails, he also writes about the related topics of spirits, bars, and bartenders for the New York Times and is the creator and author of the Substack newsletterThe Mix with Robert Simonson. In his most recent book, The Encyclopedia of Cocktails,…

1
The Rent is Too Damn High and Other Industry Issues, with Marc Forgione (An Andrew Talks to Chefs Special Conversation) 45:50

4M ago45:50

45:50

On the occasion of the relocation of his eponymous restaurant to its new home in Tribeca, Marc Forgione sat down for one of our special conversations--and, man, did he bring it. In just 30 brisk minutes, he and Andrew discuss NYC restaurant rents, the possibilities of a new space, the crucialness of having a private dining room, and the media's por…

1
Ep 103: Leveraging LinkedIn to Build Relationships: An Interview with Beth Granger 28:15

4M ago28:15

28:15

In this episode, our Founder and CEO Alan Stein and Beth Granger delve deep into the secrets of LinkedIn success. They uncover actionable strategies for leveraging the platform to build meaningful connections, cultivate relationships, and achieve your professional goals.By Alan Stein & Beth Granger

1
Deuki Hong and Matt Rodbard (authors, Koreaworld: A Cookbook) on This Exciting Time in Korean Food 1:00:53

4M ago1:00:53

1:00:53

In their second literary collaboration, Koreaworld: A Cookbook, authors Deuki Hong and Matt Rodbard take readers on an adventure to Korea, and to hubs of Korean food in the United States, to paint a vivid portrait of Korean food worldwide right now. On today's episode, Deuki and Matt share their impressions of modern Korea and its cuisine, and of s…

1
Evan Funke (Felix, Mother Wolf, etc.) on Pasta, Italy, and the Meaning of Life 1:21:27

4M ago1:21:27

1:21:27

After a few lurches and false starts early in his career, Evan Funke connected with the Los Angeles area dining public in a big way with his Felix restaurant in Venice, California, and has followed it up with a series of successes: Mother Wolf, Funke, Tre Dita in Chicago, and others on the horizon. In this conversation, recorded last week in New Yo…

1
Ep 102: Aligning Your Spiritual Intelligence With Your Career Goals with Amy Lynn Durham 25:51

5M ago25:51

25:51

In this episode, our Founder and CEO Alan Stein delves deep into the world of spiritual intelligence and quantum leadership with Kadima Careers coach, Amy Lynn Durham. They explore Amy Lynn's journey from corporate executive to spiritual intelligence coach, uncovering how she transformed her leadership style and cultivated authentic connections in …

1
Nina Compton (Compère Lapin, New Orleans) on How She Put it All Together 58:06

5M ago58:06

58:06

Between speaking on a panel at The Chef Conference in Philly and catching a flight back to New Orleans, chef Nina Compton took time to sit down with Andrew and share the milestones in her life and career to date. From a fondly remembered childhood in Saint Lucia to the Culinary Institute of America to stints working for and with chefs such as Danie…

1
Austin Johnson's Long and Winding Road to One White Street (NYC) 1:30:04

5M ago1:30:04

1:30:04

Austin Johnson has taken a circuitous route to NYC's One White Street and Rigor Hill Market. He's cooked or cheffed at institutions like Canlis, Noma, Eleven Madison Park, Frenchie, and others, as well as on an Alaskan fishing boat. (His blog from his time on the boat is still online, and is well worth your time.) He shares it all here, and takes t…

1
Alain Ducasse on His New Book "Good Taste: A Life of Food and Passion" (An Andrew Talks to Chefs Special Conversation) 34:46

5M ago34:46

34:46

If ever there were a guest who needed little introduction, it's certainly Alain Ducasse. The great chef--one of the most influential, prolific, and successful in the history of Western cuisine--sat down with Andrew this week to discuss his new book "Good Taste: A Life of Food and Passion." The book is a meditation on Chef Ducasse's life and career …

1
Ep 101: We Are More Alike Than Different: What Neurodiversity Can Teach All of Us 50:17

5M ago50:17

50:17

In this episode, I am joined by Lee McKiemann, a staff software engineer at Google. Lee shares his career journey, starting from working at small companies to joining major tech giants like Amazon, Meta (Facebook), and Google. Lee also opens up about being diagnosed with autism and how it has influenced his career and perspective on neurodiversity …

1
Ep 100: How To Make Your Resume or CV Stand Out: An Interview with Robynn Storey 40:22

6M ago40:22

40:22

In this episode of the Steer Your Career podcast, I sat down with Robynn Story to delve into the intricacies of navigating the modern job market. From the evolving dynamics of the recruitment process to the importance of crafting impactful resumes and cover letters, we explored practical strategies for job seekers to stand out in a competitive land…

1
Ep 99: Rising Above Bias: Advice for Taking Control of Your Career 43:37

6M ago43:37

43:37

In this episode, I dive into insightful conversations on career development with Richa Bansal, founder of Pink Careers. We explore powerful strategies to advance your career, from strategic self-promotion to owning your narrative in the workplace. Discover how to: ✅ Strategically Self-Promote: Learn how to effectively advocate for yourself and leve…

1
Bringing the Culinary Past to Life with "The Taste of Things" Director Trần Anh Hùng (An ATTC Special Conversation) 35:14

6M ago35:14

35:14

The Taste of Things is one of the most celebrated films of the past year, a beautifully rendered love story set amid an important chapter in culinary history. On this ATTC Special Conversation, the film's writer-director Trần Anh Hùng joins us from Paris to discuss the genesis of the film, what attracted him to the project, the involvement of chef …

1
Ep 98: Leadership Lessons from Amazon: An Interview with Former Amazon VP Ethan Evans 43:59

7M ago43:59

43:59

In this episode, I am joined by Ethan Evans, a former executive at Amazon who now helps train leaders to become executives. Ethan shares his experience at Amazon and his focus on developing people's careers. Ethan also discusses his insights on managing up and managing down, the importance of building relationships with leaders, and the balance bet…

1
Mary Sue Milliken & Susan Feniger on Making a Difference (An ATTC Special Conversation) 44:01

7M ago44:01

44:01

Friends of the pod Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, of Border Grill and other restaurants, check in from Los Angeles to discuss the evolution of chefs and other industry figures making a difference by devoting time, effort, and resources to a variety of causes. In addition to their own substantial work on behalf of organizations such as The Abu…

1
Ep 97: Navigating Career Transitions: An Interview with Google Product Manager Annie Ma-Weaver 38:29

7M ago38:29

38:29

In this episode, Annie Ma-Weaver, a former colleague of mine, shares her illustrious career path at Google spanning 14 years. She discusses her diverse roles and transitions within the company, from support to partnerships, management, sales ops, business development, and finally product management. Annie emphasizes the importance of being delibera…

1
Remembering David Bouley: In His Own Words and Voice (previously unaired 2014 interview) 1:39:06

7M ago1:39:06

1:39:06

This week, the chef and restaurant community suddenly lost one of its most talented and influential figures. David Bouley, who rose to prominence at Montrachet and Bouley restaurants in the 1980s, died of cardiac arrest at age 70. To remember this towering culinary figure, we are sharing a previously unaired interview recorded at Bouley restaurant …

1
Ep 96: Leveraging Curiosity and Compassion to Accelerate Your Career 44:18

7M ago44:18

44:18

In this episode, Alan Stein sits down with Ex-Googler and executive coach Nicholas Whitaker to explore strategies for navigating toxic work environments and taking charge of your career. Nicholas shares invaluable insights drawn from his experience, offering practical tips and empowering advice to help listeners thrive in challenging professional s…

1
Episode 239: Max Natmessnig and Marco Prins (Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare) on NYC Energy, Collaborative Cheffing, & Making the Final Every Night 1:08:16

7M ago1:08:16

1:08:16

In October 2023, Max Natmessnig and Marco Prins returned to Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare, where they once were cooks, as co-chefs of the celebrated tasting-menu restaurant. Four months into their tenure, they sat down with Andrew to share their individual and joint stories, describe their collaborative creative process, and explain their their att…

1
Ep 95: How To Handle Adversaries at Work: An Interview With Ex-Googler Jay Bowden 44:29

7M ago44:29

44:29

In this episode, I sit down with Jay Bowden, a former Sales Managing Director at Google with a wealth of experience in career growth and leadership development. From confronting tough feedback to embracing a mindset of continuous improvement, Jay shares invaluable lessons learned throughout his career journey. We delve into strategies for managing …

1
Episode 238: Brad Kilgore (MaryGold's Brasserie, Miami, FL) on Molecular/Modernist Cuisine, His New Frozen Pizza Venture, and the Surprising Secrets of a French Onion Burger 1:14:25

7M ago1:14:25

1:14:25

MIami's Brad Kilgore displays an easygoing demeanor beneath which resides a precise and driven chef. When Brad and his colleagues hosted Andrew for a book event last fall at the Arlo Hotel Wynwood (home of Brad's MaryGold's Brasserie), the two of them sat down to record this interview. In it they discuss myriad subjects including Brad's adoption of…

1
Ep 94: Leverage Relationships and Accelerate Your Career with Accenture Alum Kelsey Waldrop 40:26

8M ago40:26

40:26

In this episode, I am joined by Kelsey Waldrop, a career strategist and coach, who shares the secrets to career success. From navigating internal mobility at Accenture to advising clients on strategic networking, Kelsey shares practical tips on setting clear goals, cultivating relationships, and negotiating effectively. We explore the importance of…

1
Ep 93: How To Effectively Pivot Careers: An Interview with Former Google Engineer Zubin Pratap 43:16

8M ago43:16

43:16

In this podcast episode, I sit down with Zubin Pratap, a lawyer turned software engineer, to explore the journey of intentional career progression and the importance of embracing multiple steps along the way. Zubin shares valuable insights on navigating career transitions, emphasizing the significance of direction over speed in achieving success. T…

1
Is "The Stuff" Enough? with Miami's Chef Michael Beltran (an Andrew Talks to Chefs Special Conversation) 55:34

8M ago55:34

55:34

While visiting his hometown of Miami, Florida, during his recent book tour, Andrew finally had the chance to meet and interview with chef Michael Beltran of Ariete, Chug's Diner, and Eva and The Oyster Bar--all in Coconut Grove. Michael is also the host of the excellent Pan Con Podcast, which you should by all means check out. After years of corres…

1
Ep 92: Networking For Introverts: A Conversation With Greg Roche 41:04

8M ago41:04

41:04

In this episode, I had an insightful conversation with Greg Roche, an introverted networker, who teaches other introverts how to network. Drawing from his personal experiences early in his career, Greg shares his tips and tactics for building authentic relationships and networking. Greg emphasizes the importance of building relationships one-on-one…

1
Ep 91: The Power of Purpose: The Key to Unlocking A Fulfilling Career 36:44

8M ago36:44

36:44

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Ken Keis, an esteemed author and President & CEO of Consulting Resource Group International Inc., where he shares his journey from growing up on a dairy farm to becoming an author, speaker, and coach. He emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and offers tips on how to discover it. Dr. Keis also discusses th…

1
Mentorship Panel #4: Nando Chang and Adriano Montano LIVE! from an On The Line Dinner in Miami (presented by S.Pellegrino) 32:14

8M ago32:14

32:14

Our fourth Mentorship panel was staged this past fall in Andrew's hometown of Miami, Florida, at the much-acclaimed Maty's, part of the Itamae family of restaurants. As chef Valerie "Val" Chang and her crew prepared dinner for a full house of line cooks from around the city, her brother and business partner Nando Chang took to the mic along with hi…

1
Ep 90: Getting Paid What You Are Worth: Strategies For Negotiating A Higher Salary 48:28

8M ago48:28

48:28

In this episode, I had the pleasure of having an insightful conversation with Dominick Namis, Head of Business Development at NeoPeople, where we discussed how to maximize your salary potential and helpful advice for negotiating your compensation. Drawing from personal experiences and industry insights, we explore the critical importance of salary …

1
Episode 237: Sam Hart (Counter-, Charlotte, NC) 1:21:47

8M ago1:21:47

1:21:47

**Content warning – this episode (briefly) discusses attempted suicide.** Sam Hart took a circuitous route to the professional kitchen. After a childhood in which cooking and food weren't especially central concerns, Sam was in a career in advertising when culinary inspiration struck, leading to jobs in such kitchens as Alinea, and ultimately to be…

1
Ep 89: Overcoming Mental Hurdles During Your Job Search: An Interview with Jessica Sweet 36:12

9M ago36:12

36:12

In this episode, Alan is joined by career therapist and coach Jessica Sweet. They discuss the role of mindset in career success, common mental obstacles like imposter syndrome, and strategies for overcoming them. Jessica also shares her proven strategies, offering invaluable insights into networking and brand alignment. Prepare to reshape your care…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Better Luck Productions Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide