Best Derek Rucker Podcasts (2024)

1
S2 Episode 022 - Chef Brother Luck - From Being Top Chef To Being Brother Luck 51:05

3h ago51:05

51:05

Wow, this episode is truly amazing! It was recorded late last year with the fantastic Chef Brother Luck, and we had a deep conversation about the power of vulnerability and sharing your story authentically to help others through their own struggles with pain, grief, or depression. Chef Brother Luck openly rejects the toxic chef lifestyle and attitu…

1
S2 Episode 021 - James Cummings - From Writers Block To Butchers Block 50:14

4d ago50:14

50:14

In the newest episode of "We Recover Loudly," host Shell chats with special guest, Boiling Point lead writer James Cummings about the fascinating world of the hospitality industry, and how it has been depicted in such a relatable and impactful way by the whole team behind the award winning films and tv series. James shares his personal stories of w…

1
S2 Episode 020 - Derek Brown - From Escaping the Mind to Mindful Drinking 57:44

17d ago57:44

57:44

In this new episode of We Recover Loudly, Shell is joined by the wonderful Derek Brown. Derek is an author and NASM-certified wellness coach, and also the founder of Positive Damage, Inc. As one of the US’s top bartenders, he previously owned the Spirited Awards 2017 “Best American Cocktail Bar” Columbia Room in Washington, D.C. Derek published his…

1
S2 Episode 019 - Jason-Candid Knüsel - From Hospitality Home Comforts to Hospitality Home Truths 54:11

23d ago54:11

54:11

In this new episode, Shell welcomes the delightful Jason-Candid Knusel, who is the director of non profit Healthy Hospo. With 15 years of experience in the food and drinks industry, including working at renowned venues like The Savoy and the NoMad Hotel in London, Jason has seen the importance of investing in a healthier hospitality culture. Alongs…

1
S2 Episode 018 - Joshua Gandee - From "Just Don't Drink" to "I Am Josh, And I Don't Drink" 52:53

1M ago52:53

52:53

In this new episode, we get to know Joshua Gandee, a bartender and creative who has been working in and around the restaurant industry for over a decade. In 2017, Joshua made the decision to quit drinking and has since been promoting a non-alcoholic culture in his city of Ohio and beyond whether with his buddies Focus On Health, with Historic Revel…

1
S2 Episode 017 - Gabriel Rucker - From Flying Into Addiction to Coming Home to Roost 31:23

2M ago31:23

31:23

This week's guest is the iconic, and exceptionally talented, chef Gabriel Rucker. Having started in kitchens at a young age, even though he dropped out of culinary school, Gabriel's incredible talent was there from the start. At 25, Gabriel became the chef at Portland’s iconic Le Pigeon, where he redefined French cuisine with his signature adventur…

1
S2 Episode 016 - ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY EPISODE!!! With Rupert Davison, A Rule of Tum 1:00:21

3M ago1:00:21

1:00:21

ONE YEAR BIRTHDAY PODCAST RELEASE !!! This week's episode marks one year since releasing episode one. To mark this milestone, it was important to invite a guest along who has been instrumental in the genesis of this whole project, and indeed my sobriety. My guest, Rupert Davison is one of the company directors of A Rule of Tum. Rupert is a director…

1
S2 Episode 015 - MICKEY BAKST - From Isolation in Addiction to Kinship in Sobriety 50:27

3M ago50:27

50:27

In this week's episode we speak to the absolute legend Mickey Bakst, co founder of the national organisation Ben's Friends in the US. After losing a friend to addiction, Ben's Friends was born with a simple mission: to help struggling industry professionals break free from addiction. With almost 60 years of combined sobriety, Mickey and his partner…

1
S2 Episode 014 - LAURA LOUISE GREEN - From Running on Empty to a Healthy Pour 1:07:45

3M ago1:07:45

1:07:45

In this week's episode, I sat down with the hilarious and incredibily intellectual Laura Louise Green, the founder of Healthy Pour. Healthy Pour is an organisation based in Chicago who focus on improving the mental health and well being of individuals in the workplace. Laura is a trained psychotherapist, and organizational consultant. It was shortl…

1
S2 Episode 013 - KARL CONSIDINE - From Party Boy Persona to Authentic Sober Self 57:11

3M ago57:11

57:11

In this new episode, recorded late 2023, Shell talks to the wonderful Karl Considine back when he was still at the beginning of his journey with the now wildy successful Love From bar in Manchester. Throughout this heartfelt conversation, Karl peels back the layers of his experiences, discussing the stark realities of his former identity as the 'pa…

1
S2 Episode 012 - BEN GIBBS - From Spiraling into Alcoholism to Sober Boozing with Style 51:40

4M ago51:40

51:40

In this new episode, Ben Gibbs, founder of the Sober Boozers Club, shares his journey with us in his signature candid, and humourous manner. He discusses his struggle with alcoholism and the pivotal moment that led him towards sobriety. Ben's story not only highlights his personal triumph but also sheds light on the growing market for non-alcoholic…

1
S2 Episode 011 - SHANNON MICHELLE - From Serving Spirits to Spirited Sobriety and Inclusivity 1:09:57

4M ago1:09:57

1:09:57

This week on We Recover Loudly, we pull back the curtain with Shannon Michelle, whose journey from pizza counter to cocktail shaker has taken a turn towards sobriety and a quest for inclusivity in the bar industry. Her candid stories serve as a beacon for those navigating the rewarding yet tumultuous waves of hospitality. From the personal cost of …

1
S2 Episode 010 - ANDREW CLARKE - From Fire Gone Out to Mastering the Flame 56:15

5M ago56:15

56:15

On this week's episode, we are joined by Acme Fire Cult Leader, chef Andrew Clarke. Andrew Clarke shares about his childhood upbringing being around flames to mastering the art of live fire cooking. His journey has been one of transformation, both in the kitchen and in his personal life. As we discuss the timeline of his career, Andrew shares anecd…

1
Episode 7 - Lanard Copeland 37:04

5M ago37:04

37:04

The NBL postseason is here and who better to bring in for the Derek Rucker Podcast than league legend Lanard Copeland. The 2 x NBL Champion and 1997 Grand Final MVP talks the big games this week with Derek and they cover the hot topic of the Top 15 players in the competition.By Derek Rucker

1
S2 Episode 009 - JORDAN C MASH GANG - From Lockdown Loses to Fermentation Gains 48:56

5M ago48:56

48:56

This week’s episode is a total riot. Shell is joined by one of the brains behind the incredible brewery Mash Gang. Jordan talks about the journey from a hobbyist homebrewer during lockdown to launching a successful non-alcoholic beverage company. He discusses how their initial experimentation with fermentation led to creating some rather unique pro…

1
S2 Episode 008 - RAJ MARKANDOO - From Emotions Bubbling Over to Breath work and Bubala 48:05

5M ago48:05

48:05

On this week’s episode, we are joined by Raj Markandoo, an openly queer sober legend who currently works as Operations Manager at London based Bubala. Raj shares his personal journey of overcoming challenges growing up feeling disconnected from his community and how he finally found a sense of belonging when he started working in hospitality in Cum…

1
S2 Episode 007 - MARK McCULLOCH - From Hospitality Crisis to Hospitality Rising 1:02:31

5M ago1:02:31

1:02:31

On this week’s episode, we have marketing legend and one of the incredible minds behind ‘Hospitality Rising’, Mark McCulloch. The campaign, which has created more excitement and drive towards getting people to consider a career in hospitality than any previous attempt, is coming up to 18 months old and has industry awards such as Casual Dining Awar…

1
S2 Episode 006- GREG BAKER - From Chef on the Line to Life on the Line 1:08:00

6M ago1:08:00

1:08:00

On this week’s episode, we are joined by Greg Baker. Greg was a chef and restaurateur for 36 years, with six James Beard Award nominations behind him, before retiring in 2019, citing the physical and mental toll the work took on him as his reasons. In his last years as a chef, he became a vocal advocate for raising awareness of and dealing with sys…

1
Episode 6 - Jo Healy 35:56

6M ago35:56

35:56

For our episode this week, Derek is joined by the very impressive Jo Healy who is a presenter with the NBL and an exciting basketball media talent. Jo was a professional Athlete prior to her transition to TV/Media and she shares more of her story and her opinions of the NBL as we close out the 2023-24 season ahead of an exciting finals series.…

1
S2 Episode 005 - DENISE HAMILTON-MACE - From Bar Boss to Editor In Chief! 46:51

6M ago46:51

46:51

On this week’s episode of We Recover Loudly, we were joined by Denise Hamilton-Mace , who is the owner and Editor in Chief of Low No Drinker magazine, the UK's No 1 magazine for sober curious drinkers. Denise is a hospitality veteran, having worked her way up to management in fast paced, high volume restaurants and bars from an early age. Finding h…

1
S2 Episode 004 - PHIL BARANTINI - From 'Service Please' to Lights, Camera's, Action! 46:41

6M ago46:41

46:41

On this week’s episode of We Recover Loudly, we were beyond delighted to be joined by former chef and actor, now writer, producer AND film director, Phil Barantini. Phil is one of the creative minds behind the incredible films, and now BBC tv series, Boiling Point. Having previously worked as a chef, and personally experienced the stress, poor ment…

1
Episode 5 - Olgun Uluc 47:56

6M ago47:56

47:56

For Episode 5 and our first taste of the Derek Rucker Podcast in 2024 the show welcomes Olgun Uluc from ESPN who covers the game with a great eye for detail and passion. Olgun and Derek chat about the full landscape of the NBL to close out the season, they also chat about individual players and the game as a whole.…

1
S2 Episode 003 - DEVAN RAJKUMAR - From Life gone up in flames to Fire Master 51:28

6M ago51:28

51:28

Welcome to this week’s episode of We Recover Loudly, with guest Devan Rajkumar, otherwise known as Chef Dev. Chef Dev has worked in the industry from a young man, climbing the ranks from dish pit to world renowned chef, writer and tv personality on shows such as Fire Masters. Having started in the industry with a desire to eventually be a food crit…

1
S2 Episode 002 - ALEX JUMP - From Death & Co to living life to the fullest! 59:31

7M ago59:31

59:31

Welcome to this week's episode of We Recover Loudly where Shell has the pleasure of chatting to beverage industry titan Alex Jump. Alex is an award-winning bartender who began her career behind the stick in her hometown of Tennessee after spending time studying aboard in Florence, Italy, including a stint interning at the largest wine shop in the I…

1
S2 Episode 001 - NEIL RANKIN - From Tempers flaring to a life lived with Symplicity 47:53

7M ago47:53

47:53

Welcome to this week's episode of We Recover Loudly where Shell is joined by the brilliant Neil Rankin. Neil, a physics graduate, began his career in French fine dining but is best known for his talent in BBQ and fire-based cooking. He has worked with acclaimed US BBQ chef Adam Perry Lang, and has made significant contributions to the BBQ and meat …

1
Episode 4 - Kelsey Browne 53:13

7M ago53:13

53:13

For Episode 4, Derek talks through the insights coaches are using more and more in the NBL on Defensive and Offensive assessments of players / teams. He is also joined afterwards by Kelsey Browne a 2 Time Premiership Super Netball Star who has now made her name among the top Talent in the NBL sideline commentary team. Kelsey shares an interesting i…

1
Episode 3 - Joey Wright 31:35

8M ago31:35

31:35

For Episode 3, Derek is joined by 3 x Coach of the Year and NBL coaching royalty in Joey Wright. Joey shares his unique take on the development of some of the key players who starred underneath him and gives his insights on the NBL so far this Season. He is a wealth of wisdom on the game and his passion comes through on this fascinating conversatio…

1
TRANSGENDER AWARENESS WEEK BONUS EPISODE - With Phoebe and Rachel, The Joy Tuck Club 47:29

8M ago47:29

47:29

This weeks special bonus episode is released especially for Transgender Awareness week. I had the pleasure of being joined by my friends Phoebe and Rachel, hosts of The Joy Tuck Podcast, to discuss the challenges of being transgender, including the social expectations and the importance of the transitioning journey. I met Phoebe in the rooms of rec…

1
ADDICTION AWARENESS WEEK BONUS - With Patrick Lingle, Planta 56:02

9M ago56:02

56:02

This is the second bonus episode, released as part of Addiction Awareness Week 2023. On this episode I chat to fellow Burnt Chef ambassador Patrick Lingle. Patrick's journey began in restaurants during his youth, and he was immediately drawn to the energy and social aspect of the industry. We talked about the high demands and long hours of working …

1
Episode 2 - Liam Santamaria 47:04

9M ago47:04

47:04

For Episode 2, Derek is joined by NBL Next Stars GM and NBL Analyst - Liam Santamaria. Covering everything from last round’s games and a preview of Round 6 to the Next Stars prospects. Liam brings a unique take on how he sees the game and the guys have a great rapport which shines through in a great episode!…

1
ADDICTION AWARENESS WEEK BONUS - With Liz Bennet-Greaves, Hyde's Brewery 45:16

9M ago45:16

45:16

This week's bonus episode, is released as part of Addiction Awareness Week 2023. It is a conversation with the lovely Liz Bennett, who works in a pub for Hyde's Brewery. One of the things we want the podcast to do is offer a platform for people currently working in the industry, while being sober, to share how they do it! Liz approached us wanting …

1
Episode 1 - Brian Goorjian 35:33

9M ago35:33

35:33

Episode 1 of the new season for The Derek Rucker Podcast is here. What a start we have for you with superstar coach and Australian great - Brian Goorjian joining the show. In Basketball, Brian has seen it all and he shares incredible insights on the current Boomers Team, the recent world cup performance, the challenges within the National Team syst…

1
SOBER OCTOBER BONUS EPISODE – With Amanda Thomson CEO and Founder Thomson & Scott 39:37

10M ago39:37

39:37

Enjoy this bonus episode in honour of Sober October, a delightful conversation with myself and award winning NA wine maker Amanda Thomson. An entrepreneurial powerhouse, this is a fascinating story about how she came to be the owner of such a successful brand. We discuss : The growing no & low alcohol market. The methods used to create these specia…

1
From London Punk & Piercings to London’s Pop-Up Darling - With Gizzi Erskine 1:00:35

11M ago1:00:35

1:00:35

This is the final episode of Season One, and it was a pleasure to have Gizzi Erskine, a renowned chef as a guest. Gizzi's passion for food and cooking started at a young age and she credits her mother for instilling this love in her. She began her culinary journey at Leith's School of Food and Wine in her early twenties and had the opportunity to w…

1
From Over Proof Oblivion to Zero Proof Nation – With Laura Silverman 1:12:10

11M ago1:12:10

1:12:10

This week I am joined by my latest NA girl crush Laura Silverman. She is a trailblazer of the whole commercial alcohol-free movement. Sober herself since the age of 24, she recently celebrated 16 years of sobriety. She is the founder of Zero Proof Nation and Booze Free in DC, two platforms focused on highlighting non-alcoholic beverages and the cul…

1
From Cooking at the Top to The Bottom of a Bottle … And Back! – With Dom Robinson 57:12

11M ago57:12

57:12

This week I am joined by classically trained executive chef Dom Robinson. Currently working at Claude Bosi, Dom started his career at a restaurant called Fischers Baslow Hall. He moved to London aged 20 and has worked for the likes of Anthony Demetre, Adam Byatt and Tom Aikens. In 2017 he opened his own restaurant & won a Michelin star. However, a …

1
From Questioning Hospitality Values to Terms of Service – With Justin Arnett Graham & Nariba Shepherd 1:09:41

11M ago1:09:41

1:09:41

This week I am joined by the vibrant, raucous, and hilarious Justin and Nariba, themselves podcast hosts of the brilliant Terms of Service. Nariba is a seasoned professional chef, working in every station from Dish to Chef de Partie which gives her an incredible understanding of the entirety of kitchens. Currently bartending, her passion for social…

1
From Boring AF Drinks to Breaking Sobriety Myths – With Colette Safhill 58:30

12M ago58:30

58:30

In this episode, I chat with Colette Safhill. Colette, the mastermind behind multi award winning Myth Drinks, talks about how she created her non-alcoholic rum alternatives that taste just like the real deal. She wanted to ensure people have choices beyond booze so they can still enjoy social events without compromising their sobriety. Colette ment…

1
From Imbibing Alcohol Vibes to Doing It Dry – With Andres Cabrera 50:14

12M ago50:14

50:14

In this week’s new episode, I am joined by Andres Cabrera. Andres is the Beverage Director of Fat Tiger, NYC's first Dry Speakeasy. I connected with Andres after reading about Fat Tiger in Tasting Table, an online food and beverage newspaper. I was really struck by his mission to elevate the sober experience, by focusing on what Andres describes as…

1
From Michelin Stars to Burnt Chef – With Adam Simmonds 57:36

12M ago57:36

57:36

This week's episode I chat with Chef Adam Simmonds. Adam has worked in some incredible kitchens such as Le Gavroche, The Ritz, The Conservatory at The Lanesborough, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons … to mention just a few! Adam’s first Michelin star came in 2006 in Wales at Ynyshir Hall and then again in 2010 for three consecutive years at Danesfield Hou…

1
From Tragic Loss to Helping Teams Thrive – With Rachel Kerr Lapsey MD of Kelly’s Cause 52:56

1y ago52:56

52:56

This week's episode is a conversation with Rachel Kerr Lapsley, Managing Director of Kelly’s Cause. Kelly’s Cause is a charity, started in honour of Kelly, an exceptionally talented chef who very sadly took her own life at 23 years old. Kelly's Cause is on a mission to improve and support the mental health and well-being of folks who work in the ho…

1
From Glass Bottom to Sober Heights – With Daniel Finchman founder Recoverlution 47:10

1y ago47:10

47:10

This week's episode is a conversation with founder of Recoverlution, Daniel Finchman. Daniel set up Recoverlution, 6 weeks after leaving rehab. Recoverlution is the worlds first recovery platform, dedicated to community and wellness. It is a space where people can connect with others in recovery and find support. It aims to shine a light on the pos…

1
From Hustle Culture Hospitality to Healthy Culture Hospitality – With Hasell Aviles founder Not 9 to 5 55:24

1y ago55:24

55:24

This week's episode is a conversation with founder of Not 9 to 5, Hassel Aviles. Not 9 to 5 is a non-profit global leader in mental health training and advocacy for the foodservice and hospitality sector. They do this by empowering industry professionals with practical education and tools to create meaningful community change. Not 9 to 5 aims to no…

1
BONUS EPISODE – Drinking in secret? 27:22

1y ago27:22

27:22

This weeks bonus episode is the first in a series of solo episodes discussing ‘red flags’. When we talk about red flags, they take on many forms depending on the situation but if we broadly look at behavioural red flags, this refers to a to specific patterns of behaviour or actions that may raise concerns or indicate potential problems. These red f…

1
From Hospitality Sales to Hospitality Wellness – Kris Hall CEO of The Burnt Chef 58:37

1y ago58:37

58:37

This week's episode is a beautiful conversation with Kris Hall, the founder of The Burnt Chef Project, my mentor, and my friend. The Burnt Chef Project is a non-profit business tackling mental health issues in the hospitality industry. After seeking help for challenges with his own mental health, Kris founded the organisation after realising when h…

1
From Slinging Serves to Drinking Solo – With Thomas Mooneyham 46:38

1y ago46:38

46:38

This week's episode is a great conversation with former Chicago's hottest 'startender' and brand ambassador for Bacardi Single Malts Thomas Mooneyham. Thomas started in hospitality slinging scoops at an ice cream shop, then worked in a 'make your own' stir-fry restaurant, and eventually found himself behind the bar where he found his passion. Years…

1
From Social Butterfly to Sober Butterfly – With Hannah Taylor 1:03:49

1y ago1:03:49

1:03:49

This week’s episode is a conversation with Hannah Taylor. Hannah worked in hospitality from a young age, and climbed the management ladder rapidly, becoming a general manager in her early 20s. Quickly the lifestyle of ‘work hard / play hard’ and the constant pressure of management, meant that her drinking went from fun and joyful, to dangerous and …

1
From Toxic Chef to Well Being Warrior – With Jasmin Parks-Papadopoulos 54:17

1y ago54:17

54:17

In this week's episode self-titled formal 'toxic chef' Jasmin discusses her incredible career in hospitality. We discuss how it was growing up in the kitchen from such a young age, and the challenges that she faced when the business always took the priority over family time. We talk about being a woman in a male dominated industry, how as hospitali…

1
Do you have to be an alcoholic to stop drinking? 20:26

1y ago20:26

20:26

This week’s episode tackles the work alcoholic. This is a word that carries so much stigma, shame and to be honest a lot of misunderstanding. I share my own opinion of the word and how my assumptions about the disease kept me from getting help. I discuss my own history with drinking, and how I feel now I am sober about the label of alcoholic. I men…

1
From Drinking to Forget to Drinking with Intent – With Noah villeneuve 53:59

1y ago53:59

53:59

In this week's episode, I talk to the brilliant Noah, Head of Creative at Club Soda, the mindful drinking retail store recently awarded The Drinks Buisness 'Independant retailer of the year.' We talk about his journey from working in bands both on and off the stage, before getting into bars full time and how there are multiple parallels between his…

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